Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Pass The Parcel (Team Challenge)
>
PtP R25 - Two To Tango Too (2)
message 51:
by
Amanda
(new)
Nov 07, 2025 03:37AM
Oops! Adding the broken link now, sorry!
reply
|
flag
Completion Post
Week #: 1, Option #1
Book:
To Beguile a Banished Lord by Fearne Hill
Date Read 11/7
Rating: 4
Review
With this book, Hill has definitely cemented themselves as one of my favorite historical authors. Every book in this series just hits so well and I'm so in love with these characters. I really didn't think Fitz was going to be redeemed, but all he needed was Rollo to see him for who he truly was. I liked that he still was prickly and it wasn't a complete 180 of who he was, but instead we got to see that he was always caring and supportive and loving. He just needed someone who wore his heart 100% on his sleeve like Rollo. Rollo is the spitting image of his father in the best way. He's fun and flirty and just so full of life. He reawakened Fitz and made him feel human again. We got to see all our old favorites, plus meet more characters that I'm definitely hoping I see stories for in the future!!
[*book:To Beguile a Banished Lord|242831064]
LaurLa wrote: "Ah, thank-you ladies for the broken links!!!Still trying to decide mine... waiting to see the next word roll in Wheels..."
Our word should be on the sheet already...lemme check
ETA: Indonesia!
I just saw your rec Amanda! Thank you! Do you have to read the first book before Summer Breakdown or can I just jump directly into that one?
Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) wrote: "I just saw your rec Amanda! Thank you! Do you have to read the first book before Summer Breakdown or can I just jump directly into that one?"I jumped directly to book 2, have not read book 1 yet! The couple from book 1 is in the overall friend group, but it's not like it's a surprise they've ended up together lol
Selection Post ❱❱ Week 1 ❱❱ Option 1Call ❱❱ 18. New | Knew
Task ❱❱ Read a book first published in 2025
Book ❱❱ You'll Find It All Still Here
Pages ❱❱ 237 (linked ebook edition)
How it fits ❱❱ published September 1st 2025
[*book:You'll Find It All Still Here|222438964]
Completion PostWeek # 1 - Option 1
Bookcover/link: Not Good Enough
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: This one surprised me. It starts like a standard post-breakup spiral—awkward hookups, self-loathing, and emotional flailing—but it slowly morphs into something more grounded. The writing is sharp, the queer London setting adds texture, and the internal chaos feels earned rather than performative.
[*book:Not Good Enough|236902210]
Completion Post: Week 1
Playing The Part by Carol Wyatt
Finished: 11/8/25
Rating: ★★★★★
Review: An age gap, fake dating romance that leads to a coming out later in life for one of our leads. Yeah, I adored this. It has some of my most favorite tropes. Quinn needs a date for her ex husband's wedding and gets set up with Casey who is not only younger than her but is a woman. Quinn starts to question everything about herself as she gets closer to Casey and it was wonderful. I love that once she realized that she was a lesbian it wasn’t a big deal and instead she felt relieved and I thought that was a wonderful way to handle it.
The romance between the two of them was so good. They have fantastic chemistry and I thought the way that their relationship developed was felt natural. I also appreciate that the age gap was never a big deal and also there was no third act break up! Wyatt loves to rip my heart out with her third act break ups so the fact that she avoided doing one here was a nice twist and was greatly appreciated. This was a beautiful and sexy story and now I’m back having to wait for Wyatt’s next release with bated breath.
[*book:Playing The Part|239706837]
Week 1: SelectionOption 1
Plus Size Player
Pages: 368/GR
How it fits: first published on June 10, 2025
[*book:Plus Size Player|217388021]
Completion Post Week 1 - Option 1:Task 18: New | Knew - Read a book first published in 2025.
Book: Not Catching Love by Saxon James
Finished: 11/11
Rated: 3*
Review:
Though it was a really nice end to the whole series of the "Bertha-boys" Zander's character had to grow on me. Of course I knew he had his issues, that was already very clear from the earlier books. It really surprised me that Derek adapted his life so much and didn't take a stance earlier. With all Zander's abandonnement issues I would have expected him to try more actively to do something instead of wallowing in self pity over the self-imposed notion of being unlovable. So good thing Derek made this clear to Zander's best friend Seven and Molly had enough backbone to make Seven see that enabling Zander would get them nowhere...
In the end it all came nice together.
[*book:Not Catching Love|220173867]
Completion Post ❱❱ Week 1 ❱❱ Option 1Call ❱❱ 18. New | Knew
Task ❱❱ Read a book first published in 2025
Book ❱❱ You'll Find It All Still Here
Pages ❱❱ 237 (linked ebook edition)
How it fits ❱❱ published September 1st 2025
Date Read ❱❱ 11.11 ★★★
Review
Didn't love this book even though I did love the premise/idea of an adult sleepaway camp. The main characters were all supposed to be in their late 20s but just seemed very immature. I get the fact they were returning to a place/time in their lives that probably brought out every insecurity they ever had (those teenage years - gah - never go back!) but I still felt their reactions and thought processes felt too young. After finishing the book I realized this is the author's first book in the adult world - she has been writing young adult/middle age books to this point. That made sense why her characters still fell very young for late 20s.
Hi team - really sorry I've been absent this week so far. It's end of round for TWs (some you know what that means for a TW captain) and real life also got crazy busy this week (always seems to coincide like that!). I've kind of neglected ya'll but I'll do better!I do want to thank all of you for being so very prompt and on top of it with your posts!! I think we're mostly on track this week but still looking for a Selection post from Danielle - unless I've missed it which is entirely possible!
Happy Hump Day!
Selection Post - Week 1 option 2
Pages: 152 per GR
Read by LaurLa on Oct 04, 2025 - rated 4 stars
[*book:Sanctuary|211202747]
Completion Post - Week 1 option 2
Pages: 152 per GR
Read by LaurLa on Oct 04, 2025 - rated 4 stars
Date Read: Nov 12
Review: 4 Stars
I really loved this, but my only hangup is the number of tiny creatures that lived with Roman. They each had their own names and personalities, which took away from the actual story, only because it was so short and packed a lot in so few pages. Fingers crossed we get another book!
[*book:Sanctuary|211202747]
LaurLa wrote: "Hi team - really sorry I've been absent this week so far. It's end of round for TWs (some you know what that means for a TW captain) and real life also got crazy busy this week (always seems to coi..."Sorry, I have a habit of just starting to read and forgetting to post until after I'm done.
No worries!!! I've done it many times myself. Thanks for posting! And I agree with you about the book.... MORE ROMAN please!
oooh Ilona Andrews, it has been a long time since I've read something of her. Need to check it out...@Laura: to be nosy what does TW stand for?
Jooke wrote: "oooh Ilona Andrews, it has been a long time since I've read something of her. Need to check it out...@Laura: to be nosy what does TW stand for?"
Not nosy!! It's Turf Wars challenge in Game Night challenge group which is the sister group to AMMP (A Million More Pages).
Another question because I didn't really find in the discussion board where to address it best. Where can I ask for recommendation for a certain genre/trope? I don't want to start a personal discussion thread if not needed...
For this reading group specifically, you might take a look in the threads in this folder:https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...
Of course you can always ask us here too
And if you want to see what Goodreads can recommend, you can go to the top of the screen to Browse, then click on one of the listed favorite genres or All Genres and enter the genre/trope you're looking for. That should yield different types lists and shelves related to the genre/trope/shelf tag
Another Goodreads option is to click on Browse/Recommendations and Goodreads will show results based on your different reading shelves. It can be a weird algorithm though so just beware it may not actually pull things you're interested in.
I hope this helps!
The general way to find books (or lists) I know, but then I still need to read a lot of summaries to know if it fit's what I'm looking for. And personal recommendations always seem more fun to me.There is this app Galatea books&audio and they advertise a lot with this smutty shifter story. So I thought I'd look for a good recommendation in this genre that is not MM for a change.
Do you belong to this group: SOS: Serious Overload of Series? Not that I want to send you away from this group, but SOS focuses on the paranormal, so there might be rec threads there and I know they have their top PNR and UF series lists that might help you.Personally, I love Shelly Laurenston, she has some great shifter series - they aren't really smutty, though and lean toward comedic. But I love her. She also writes as G.A. Aiken which might be a little bit more smutty. For more down and dirty, there is the Bayou Heat series which is older but are short and easy reads and pretty much all insta-lust. Katee Roberts series A Deal With a Demon is more monster smut but still good. Pretty much anything by Eve Langlais will be smutty shifters as well. Paige Tyler is another, along with Kim Fox, Yvette Hines, Suzanne Wright.
Maybe these get you started?
Thank you very much, I will check it out.
Week 2Option 1
13. Cell | Sell - read a book tagged 'crime', 'prison', 'lawman' 'law enforcement', 'LEO', 'police', 'cops', 'detective', 'federal agent'.
These words are the ONLY tags that will work. They may appear in combination with another word but it must complement that word, not contradict the meaning or combine with another profession.
eg 'agent police' does work; 'police military' does not work.
If you aren't sure how to insert links in your posts, please read these instructions in the Q&A thread:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Option 2
Key date: 9 May 2025
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 #: 2, Option #1
Book:
Joey: The Complete Unabridged Story by Angelique Jurd
Pages: 550
How it fits: Tagged crime x 1 on p. 3 - https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Week 2 - Selection Post
Breathe by Cari Hunter
Page #: 278
Qualification: MPG Crime and tagged Crime 13x https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
[*bookcover:Breathe|50044150]
Selection Post Week 2 - Option 1:Task 13: Cell | Sell - read a book tagged 'crime', 'prison', 'lawman' 'law enforcement', 'LEO', 'police', 'cops', 'detective', 'federal agent'.
Book: Crescendo by Cole McCade
GR-pages: 189
How it qualifies: Crime tag on MPG, tagged "Crime" by 32 people
[*book:Crescendo|44802042]
Selection Post ❱❱ Week 2 ❱❱ Option 1Call ❱❱ 13. Cell | Sell
Task ❱❱ tagged 'crime'
Book ❱❱ State of Shock
Pages ❱❱ 414 (linked edition)
How it fits ❱❱ tagged crime 6 times; link to shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
[*book:State of Shock|61378572]
Week 1: CompletionOption 1
Plus Size Player
Pages: 368/GR
How it fits: first published on June 10, 2025
Date completed: 11/14/25
Rating: *4 STARS*
I thought this was adorable. Nina was hilarious. The reason for her roster seemed like sound logic to me, LOL. But it was pretty obvious from the beginning who she seemed to favor over all others.
However, I knew the trouble that was on the horizon. I don't know how Nina and Russ didn't see what was up, but they didn't and it was a bit of mess there for a while.
Ultimately though, they work it all out. These two have chemistry off the charts and their sexy times were spicy as hell. I could see why these two were willing to risk it all for their relationship!
This was the second installment of Curve Series by Danielle Allen and it seemed to coincide with the first book in the series, Curvy Girl Summer which I really enjoyed as well. You don't need to read the first book to enjoy this one but it certainly gives you a fuller experience if you have read that one first.
I do wish we got a little more of an epilogue with this one because it ended with with big changes in Nina and Russ's lives but I'm hoping that we will see more of them in the next book.
Week 2: SelectionOption 1
Heaven, My Home
Pages: 305/GR
How it fits: MPG Crime
[*book:Heaven, My Home|59125780]
Week 2: CompletionOption 1
Heaven, My Home
Pages: 305/GR
How it fits: MPG Crime
Date completed: 11/15/25
Rating: *4 STARS*
This was a great follow up to the first story. You don't have to read the first book to get into this one but the story will be a lot richer if you read them in order.
Texas Ranger, Darren Matthews is at it again with another mystery that involves the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas but also a missing boy. There are a lot of moving parts though. And so much history about Native Americans and freed blacks who owned land for a lot longer that many people know.
But some characters from the first book make their appearances. And a situation with a previous case and Darren's mom comes to a head. I have no idea how that will ultimately turn out.
I look forward to continuing this series. It's something I likely wouldn't have found if not for the Pass the Parcel challenge, it's been a very exciting find!
Very Nice, Sassafrass!We're done with week 1 - great job everyone!
Changing my selection...and will remember the broken link
Selection Post
Week #: 2, Option #1
Book:
The Wicker King by K. Ancrum
Pages: 305
How it fits: Tagged crime x 4 on p. 5 - https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
[*book:The Wicker King|33158541]
I adore The Wicker King! Hope you enjoy it Amanda.
Completion Post ❱❱ Week 2 ❱❱ Option 1Call ❱❱ 13. Cell | Sell
Task ❱❱ tagged 'crime'
Book ❱❱ State of Shock
Pages ❱❱ 414 (linked edition)
How it fits ❱❱ tagged crime 6 times; link to shelf: https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Date Read ❱❱ 11.16 ★★★★
Review
There are just some authors that you always know what you're getting going in and when you know it's going to be an easy, feel good read, it's a comfort when you need it. Marie Force is like that for me. Don't get me wrong - Her Fatal series and this First Family series has grit when necessary but it's just enough to create edge in the book but never so much that you're filled with angst for a prolonged period. At least for me. Others may disagree. In this story of Sam and Nick's grand presidential adventure, the focus was on the sudden death of Sam's brother-in-law. It was both poignant and straight-shooting when needed. It covers the horrific opioid addiction crisis in our current culture and how there are just no easy answers. If I had one complaint about this book was that the end was just a little too easy... but as I said, this author's goal isn't to create and prolong angst for the sake of it, so I think she handled it well-enough for what she intended. I continue to enjoy reading about Sam and Nick and their beautifully loving family.
Completion Post: Week 2
Breathe by Cari Hunter
Finished: 11/17/25
Rating: ★★★★★
Review: My second favorite Cari Hunter book and it felt wonderful to revisit it especially via audio. Nicola Victoria Vincent did an amazing job at bringing the story to life and I ended up loving this book even more because of her narration. The plot is still fantastic (and stressful as hell) as Rosie and Jem’s romance still makes me swoon. I adore both of their characters and I think the way their relationship develops is so well done. Hunter really knows how to balance a love story with the action and suspense going on.
Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) wrote: "I adore The Wicker King! Hope you enjoy it Amanda."I've loved everything I've read from K. Such a unique voice!
Completion Post Week 2 - Option 1:Task 13: Cell | Sell - read a book tagged 'crime', 'prison', 'lawman' 'law enforcement', 'LEO', 'police', 'cops', 'detective', 'federal agent'.
Book: Crescendo by Cole McCade
GR-pages: 189
How it qualifies: Crime tag on MPG, tagged "Crime" by 32 people
Finished: 11/17
Rated: 3*
Review:
I have a love hate relationship with this series. The type of murders that need to be solved by Malcolm and Seong-Jae are always very interesting and in a way the dynamic between the 2 detectives works. When they went to talk with the wannabe actress I really thought: "yes case closed, what a nutter". Definitely didn't expect the director.
But the secrecy and the drawn out intentions of Seeleh start to work on my nerves. In book 4 or 5 I thought yes finally some progress in the relation between the 2 MC's but then 1 or 2 books ago, we get interesting snippets only for Seong-Jae to become more closed off again, making me want to quit the series, but then the end makes me want to know more. I'm so frustrated right now...
[*book:Crescendo|44802042]
Selection PostWeek # 2 - Option 1
Task: 13. Cell | Sell - read a book tagged 'crime', 'prison', 'lawman' 'law enforcement', 'LEO', 'police', 'cops', 'detective', 'federal agent'
Bookcover/link: Paint It All Red
Page numbers: 177
How the book qualifies: Tagged Crime by 242 people
[*book:Paint It All Red|33361549]
Week 2 looking good - just need a selection post from Danielle :-)
Completion PostWeek # 2 - Option 1
Bookcover/link: Paint It All Red
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(yes that good 🤣🤣🤣)
Date Read: 11/17/25
Review: I absolutely love S.T. Abby. This intense conclusion to the series, was a masterful wrap-up of the intricate plotlines, while delivering a thrilling and satisfying end. Sometimes the "bad guys" do need to finish first.
[*book:Paint It All Red|33361549]
I started A Cold Dark Place, but I'm 5 chapters in and honestly not feeling it, so gotta look for something else. I'll get a selection post in later today!
Selection Post - Week 2 option 1
Pages: 275 per GR
How it quaifies: Tagged Crime by 13 people
[*book:Scorched Heart|56951153]
Completion Post - Week 2 option 1
Pages: 275 per GR
Date read: Nov 20
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I think the series has kinda run its course for me. The cases are interesting, but not overly exciting, and the romance we've been waiting on for 3 books is really taking a back seat. I was expecting something a little more romance forward when I first picked up the series.
Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) wrote: "I adore The Wicker King! Hope you enjoy it Amanda."So weird and good!
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Love on a Spring Morning (other topics)Deadly Ever After (other topics)
Under Currents (other topics)
Scorched Heart (other topics)
Love on a Spring Morning (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Nora Roberts (other topics)Brittany Johnson (other topics)
Nora Roberts (other topics)
K. Ancrum (other topics)
Cole McCade (other topics)
More...
