Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

Week 8: We're Going on a Bear Hunt is a well known children's book.
Selection Post

The Chosen by J.R. Ward, 544 p. per GR
Option 2: #15 in series, #14 in series on KathyD's read shelf, read 12.13.16, rated 4 stars

Not the theme I wanted this week! Option 2 works though, and probably better to get the long book out of the way before we get to the end of the challenge! =)

Week 8 - Selection Post
Option 1


Call: Read a book featuring kids/children from one of the following lists
Book: To Sir Phillip, With Love - Julia Quinn
How it fits: #42 on
Children In Romance list
Pages: 384

Selection Post – Option 2

Week 8
, Lauren Blakely
Page Numbers ➔ 272
How the Book Qualifies ➔ Read by MountainKat on 12/23/16 – ✮✮✮✮✰

Hope you enjoy Kathy! I liked this one a lot, but it appears many people didn't like it as much as her other books.

And we are swapping bookshelves this week. =) (From almost the exact same time too!)

Completion Post – Week 8

, Lauren Blakely – 5/2/17 – ✮✮✮✮✮
Review — Oh my...this was a wild ride from beginning to end! I wasn’t 100% sure I was in love with Wyatt and Natalie, but it didn’t take too long to convince me. I was sad that it took them so long to be truly honest with each other...but I loved how supportive they are with one another. There was a great balance of funny, sexy, and serious….*sigh* on to the next hottie!

Yay, I'm glad you liked it! =)

Selection Post
Week 8, Option 2


Fair Chance
Pages: 336
How it fits: Read by Tamika on 3/9/17 and given 4 stars

MountainKat wrote: "Hope you enjoy Kathy! I liked this one a lot, but it appears many people didn't like it as much as her other books.

And we are swapping bookshelves this week. =) (From almost the exact same time t..."

too funny!! =)

Completion Post
Week 8, Option 2


Fair Chance by Josh Lanyon
Read: 5/4/17
Rating and Review: 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook!! Tucker and Elliott have definitely become one of my favorite couples. This book was fast-paced and had great flow. I enjoyed the mystery and the romance, though I really would have loved for Tucker to have more page time than he did. The dog was a great character in her own right and was so adorable. While others have said that the mystery was too easy to solve, I didn't think so, but then I didn't really actively try to figure it out. I just listened and went wherever the book took me.
This didn't feel like the end of the series, with so much left hanging. I am crossing my fingers that we get more Tucker and Elliott at some point in the future.

Completion Post
Week 8, Option 1

by J.H. Knight
Date Read:
Rating:5 stars

Review: This is a creamy crack comfort reread for me. Even before I found out about the show Shameless I was in love with this book. It hits all the feels for me in emotions. Love the friends to lovers trope, with realism, children. Tommy is the oldest of 7 children and is the breadwinner and guardian. Left taking care of his siblings is the only important thing in his life. The neighborhood knows all about the O'Shea family. Mess with one mess with all of them. They do what they got to do to survive and stay together. He's doing all this at the age of 22. This would be a burden on a lot of folks but this family knows how to persevere and stick together. In walks Bobby McAllister and Tom's hero even though he doesn't want to admit it.

I really liked the dynamic between the two, even though Tom couldn't let anyone do anything nice for him. Due to an accident, Tom realizes things he didn't know he could feel. He has the support he just doesn't know how to go about getting it.

This author did an amazing job with the realistic feeling to this story. I really loved how she was able to create different personalities and feelings to each character. It's been a couple of years and I'm waiting for the next installment on this series. I need more of this. It seems like the O'Shea family has much more to talk about.

Week 8: completion post

305 pages
Rating: 5 stars
Review: This book was amazing. The writing was great, the character development great, the romance HOT. I will definitely read more in this series.

Selection Post
Week 9, Option 2


Imago by N.R. Walker
Pages: 162
How it fits: Read by Tamika on 2/17/17, gave 5 stars

Somebody recommend me a book!!!

Great choice Amy!!

Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥ wrote: "Great choice Amy!!"

It's what I'm reading for Bingo this week so it works out perfectly.

Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥ wrote: "Somebody recommend me a book!!!"

Are we just recommending to whoever or do you think LaurLa will have something specific in mind for how to handle the recs? If not I'm game to send you one.

❀~Amy~❀ wrote: "Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥ wrote: "Great choice Amy!!"

It's what I'm reading for Bingo this week so it works out perfectly."

It's my only challenge left!

Guess we'll see what Laurla says. I don't think she would mind though.

Ok Tamika, here's a recommendation from me. If LaurLa want to do something else we can scrap this.

I'm going with Skim Blood and Savage Verse from your tbr. I just read this one and it is fantastic. Best of the series so far, IMO.

I'm bored in a hotel room so I picked 2 books for everyone from your to read lists.
Laurla:



Tamika



Kathy



Mountain kat

I think what we did last time this sort of theme came up was similar to what Nicole did. We were allowed to make a special shelf to pick from. Personally, I'm running behind this month so something from my short list is preferred - either unread on my M&G Round 21 shelf or to-read-asap. I do like getting the push for books not as high on my radar, but no guarantees it will get read right away! =)

I'll make picks for everyone after I get dinner together!

So sorry I missed the call today. I went straight from work to travelling to a rugby tournament with my son. We just got in. Oi!!!

I'm unclear if we all have to make at least one rec to one other person or we each have to rec one to each member. Kat do you know? (I've asked in Q&A) I think last time it was each person make a rec to one other person. If that's the case, then we should just go in the order we are listed on the first page. Pick for the person below you and the last picks for the first.

What do you think? Here's the order.

Captain: LaurLa
❀~Amy~❀
Nicole
☘KathyD☘
Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥
MountainKat

I'll post my completion post for last week in a bit, I finished it last night - had to wait until the first to start it. =)

But first picks...

MountainKat wrote: "I'll post my completion post for last week in a bit, I finished it last night - had to wait until the first to start it. =)

But first picks..."

I'm behind myself... I'll finish sometime this weekend.

So Jane says we each need to make and receive at least one pick. So since it looks like you guys have already been making picks for everyone let's just continue with that?

here is a pick for each of you...

...LaurLa

...❀~Amy~❀

...Nicole

...Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥

...MountainKat

Laurla - I picked form your M&G shelf, if you want another different picks just let me know!
Twisted by Rebecca Zanetti - Short and apparently a series you want to work on since there are two on your shelf.
Doe and the Wolf by Eve Langlais - Always fun with this author/series.
Brighter Than the Sun by Maya Banks - I love this series and am looking forward to this one.

Amy - You've already picked your book, but I looked to see if I had any I really wanted to recommend.
Into Deep Waters by Kaje Harper - LOVED this and the audio was AMAZING!
American Love Songs by Ashlyn Kane - So good, I really enjoyed the audio!
A Reason To Believe by Diana Copland - A new one for you, I loved this and again - another good audio!

Nicole - Maybe one of these will appeal to you.
Unbreak My Heart by Lorelei James - Loved this!
The Beast by J.R. Ward - Or any book in this series if you've missed some!
Wicked Lust by Sawyer Bennet - I haven't read this series, but I like this author's work.

KathyD - I used the same shelf you had for the PIFM, let me know if you want books from somewhere else!
Revenant by Larissa Ione - Love this series and enjoyed this one a lot!
Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy - So, so good!!
How to Wish Upon a Star by Eli Easton - A lighter book if that is your mood!
PS - All of the these are good in audio!

Tamika - I just tried to pick some that looked good off your TBR. =)
Leap of Faith by Jackie Keswick
Surrender the Dark by Tibby Armstrong
Save the Date by Annabeth Albert

Let me know if anyone wants something different! =)

Week 8: We're Going on a Bear Hunt is a well known children's book.
Completion Post

The Chosen by J.R. Ward, 544 p. per GR
Option 2: #15 in series, #14 in series on KathyD's read shelf, read 12.13.16, rated 4 stars

Completed 5.4.17 *4 Stars*

This is very hard for me to review. There were parts I liked, parts I didn't like, parts I didn't understand, and parts that needed more time to develop believably. But that is a BDB book for you! I've never been thrilled with Layla and Xcor together, but this did advance the story and overall it worked. So that was good. I didn't like the conflict between Quinn and Blay, I understood stand it made sense, but I still didn't like it. I didn't understand (view spoiler)[the issues with V and his relationship with Jane. It didn't make sense to me and I hated the whole idea of him thinking about what he was thinking about. Even with a spoiler tag, I'm not going into that! (hide spoiler)] The end was what needed more time, I really liked how everything worked out, but it needed to be developed more to make it believable for me. There was one surprise that I think could be very interesting as things develop, it will be fun for sure. I'm very curious about where things are headed, but I hate waiting!

I listened to the audio with Jim Frangione narrating. He isn't a favorite, but he is very listenable. I just wish he added more emotions and differentiated characters more.

Week 9: Option 1

368 pages
How it fits: recommended by Laurla

Sorry it took me so long to get back to make the rest of my recommendations. Here they are:

LaurLa -

Nicole - ( I know you already picked your book, but an extra pick never hurts)

☘KathyD☘ -

Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥ -

MountainKat -

Here we go girls,

My Recommendations

LaurLa - , ummm its Kate Daniels. Enough Said.

Amy - , love the author's writing style. A really good comfort read.

Nicole - , the only thing worthy to me.

☘KathyD☘ - , One of the best books of 2016 to me. I think you will love it.

MountainKat - , super emotional but excellent writing.

Selection Post
Week 9, Option 2


Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
Pages: 316
How it fits: #1 in Series, #17 Read by Laurla on 4/30/17, gave 4 stars

Hey all - sorry I'm late to the party. Yesterday's tournament kicked my butt!! Making picks before heading out again today! I know a couple of you have already made your selections - maybe I'll change your mind or maybe I won't. But it's fun to look through everyone's shelves anyway!!! Happy Reading!


❀~Amy~❀
Sexy Lies and Rock & Roll - Sawyer Bennett ~ because I love everything by this author!


Nicole
Unbreak My Heart - Lorelei James ~ because it's SIERRA and BOONE!!!


☘KathyD☘
First Grave on the Right - Darynda Jones ~ I just started this series and am really liking it.


Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥
Sting - Sandra Brown ~ she's kind of a forgotten author but I always enjoyed reading her


MountainKat
Royally Screwed - Emma Chase ~ this series looks fun and, um, hot!

Week 9: Completion Post

Date Read:5.7.17
Rating:5 stars

Review: This is be second reread. I've been missing these guys. This was worth it. Eve is still the strong yet broken women. She tries so hard and I love her for it. Man Oh Man, I loved Eve she was amazing. In the year 2058 I hope I am as cool as her, one can only dream people. LOL. Roarke everybody hated him but no one appreciated him. I did Roarke you can be mine all day.

Selection Post – Option 1

Week 9
, Darynda Jones
Page Numbers ➔ 321
How the Book Qualifies ➔ recommended by LaurLa

thanks for all the great recommendations!

I have my book picked, I will post it tomorrow. I should start reading it tomorrow too. Thanks for the suggestions!

Week 8 - Completion Post (finally!)
Option 1


Call: Read a book featuring kids/children from one of the following lists
Book: To Sir Phillip, With Love - Julia Quinn
How it fits: #42 on
Children In Romance list
Pages: 384
Date Read: 05.08
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
Another slam dunk for this series. I knew Eloise was a spitfire but it was good to see her meet her match. And even though Phillip was clueless on how to handle her, he didn't let her roll over him either, so it was fun to watch them. Can't wait to get to the next one!

Week 9: Treasure. Recommend a book to another member in your team that they haven't read but that you think they should.
Selection Post

Royally Screwed by Emma Chase, 276 p. per GR
Recommended by Amy and LaurLa.

Completion Post
Week 9, Option 2


Imago by N.R. Walker
Read: 5/10/17
Rating and Review: 5 stars
I love, love, loved this!! Such a sweet romantic story. I loved Lawson with his bow ties and absolutely no filter. That trait usually bugs the mess out of me (in real life and in fiction), but for some reason Lawson totally charmed me. Jack was great to. He was so caring and loved planning the wonderful dates that he and Lawson enjoyed. There was no angst or over the top drama, just a lovely story about two men meeting and falling in love over the search for a butterfly.
Can't wait to jump right into the sequel!!

Week 9 Tracking


LaurLa
Book: Bound by Seduction - Trish McCallan
Review: Completion

❀~Amy~❀
Book: Imago - N.R. Walker
Review: Completion

Nicole
Book: Wicked Lust - Sawyer Bennett
Review: Completion

☘KathyD☘
Book: First Grave on the Right - Darynda Jones
Review: Completion

Tamika♥RBF MOOD♥
Book: Naked in Death - J.D. Robb
Review: Completion

MountainKat
Book: Royally Screwed - Emma Chase
Review: Completion

Week 9 - Selection Post
Option 1


Call: Recommend a book to another member in your team that they haven't read but that you think they should.
Book: Bound by Seduction - Trish McCallan
How it fits: recommended by ❀~Amy~❀
Pages: 115

LaurLa wrote: "Week 9 - Completion Post
Option 1


Call: Recommend a book to another member in your team that they haven't read but that you think they should.
Book: [book:B..."

Hi LaurLa - I can't see your selection post for this? Suspect you were too busy sorting through all the posts ;)

Week 9: Completion post

368 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This book was slow at the beginning, but picked up around the middle. The plot was good and the sex was hot. I enjoyed this book. I have already downloaded the next one.

Week 9: Treasure. Recommend a book to another member in your team that they haven't read but that you think they should.
Completion Post

Royally Screwed by Emma Chase, 276 p. per GR
Recommended by Amy and LaurLa.

Completed 5.11.17 *4 Stars*

I enjoyed this story a lot. I became invested in the characters quickly and loved how they were together! I wanted a different solution for them, but how it all worked out was wonderful! I am very much looking forward to more in this series, I want Henry's story!

I listened to the audio and thought it was very good! Andi Arndt has become a favorite of mine, so I loved her. Shane East was new to me, but I enjoyed him very much. Overall, I would recommend the audio and the book!

Week 9 - Completion Post
Option 1


Call: Recommend a book to another member in your team that they haven't read but that you think they should.
Book: Bound by Seduction - Trish McCallan
How it fits: recommended by ❀~Amy~❀
Pages: 115
Date Read: 05.10
Rating: ★★★1/2
Review:
This was a sweet little novella about a couple of secondary characters we met in the last book. It was a good story, part second chance lovers, part friends to lovers. The chemistry between the 2 was awesome and their banter was fun too. A whole book could have been done on these two, though. I felt like the story development was really good, it was not rushed to get the story told in novella length but we ended on a bit of a question. They were firmly in the happy for now - their relationship issues didn't really get resolved. So I hope there is more to come for these two!!

Jane (PS) wrote: "LaurLa wrote: "Week 9 - Completion Post
Option 1


Call: Recommend a book to another member in your team that they haven't read but that you think they should..."

Changed out my completion post. I remember doing it. I suspect I forgot to actually hit post...

LaurLa wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "LaurLa wrote: "Week 9 - Completion Post
Option 1


Call: Recommend a book to another member in your team that they haven't read but that you..."

Hahaha - I get that :D

Selection Post
Week 10, Option 2


Imagines by N.R. Walker
Pages: 147
How it fits: Read by Tamika on 4/10/17, given 4 stars

Week 10 - link to original post


Option 1
7. Cozy sleuths. Read a book from one of the following lists:
Kiss Ass Female Sleuths
Victorian/Regency Female Sleuths/Mysteries
Cozies with Romantic Subplots
Dysfunctional Sleuths
Best Gay Cozy or Amateur Sleuth Mystery

These are compulsory lists. Your selected book MUST come from one of these lists. You must link to the list and note which page/which number it is on that list.


Option 2
Key date: 9 November 2016