Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

KathyD, I'm sorry for your loss. I remember the feelings when my father died -- it wasn't unexpected, and he had been suffering, but it hurt. My condolences.

If a series book is on a list, can I read a book further on in the series? I'm looking at the Scientist books for Task 5 and was wondering if I could read a new Jennifer Ashley as I enjoyed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie.

A Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift looks nice and short.

Beth wrote: "If a series book is on a list, can I read a book further on in the series? I'm looking at the Scientist books for Task 5 and was wondering if I could read a new Jennifer Ashley as I enjoyed [book:T..."

The rules say:
If the book is in a series but does not match where you are up to, you may read another book from that same series.

So you can :)

Thoughts and prayers to you KathyD

Completion Post
Week #9: Entertainment
Book link: Runaway Groom by Lauren Layne
Rating: ★★★★★ (10/05)

Totally loved this! It was one of those feel good reads. A typical romance storyline but so entertaining. LL does a twist on the TV show the Bachelor with a different reality show called Jilted, whereby runaway grooms are looking for their one true loves. Gage is a Hollywood heartthrob and a playboy but is looking to settle down and change his reputation. Ellie was signed up by her best friend, not anticipating making it past the auditions. She's different from the other contestants in that she's not their to marry or find love but rather to use the opportunity to get free publicity for her company.

The antics (or more like craziness) of the other contestants made for some interesting times. All in all, this was a winner from one of my favorite authors.

Beth wrote: "If a series book is on a list, can I read a book further on in the series? I'm looking at the Scientist books for Task 5 and was wondering if I could read a new Jennifer Ashley as I enjoyed [book:T..."

Beth I’m sorry I missed this question...I’m oot all week this week. It’s best to ask Jane to be sure...I believe if the book meets the same criteria as ‘the list’ it’s ok. I know if you are doing option 2 any book in the series applies though. I need to get to work on my options as well....8 days til the final call!

Week 9 - Completion Post

Option 1


Sweet Cheeks by K. Bromberg
Pages: 347
How it fits: #106 on Hollywood Romance Novels
Completed: 5/10/18
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I had high hopes for this book - I loved the Driven series and this book has great reviews - but it missed the mark for me. Saylor Rodgers is trying to keep her struggling bakery going. Her brother thinks part of the problem is her ex-fiance's family's influence in bad mouthing her, after she broke up with him eight months ago. When she gets an invitation to his new wedding, her brother thinks she should go and he secretly gets his BFF and Saylor's childhood boyfriend, and now mega-movie-star Hayes Whitley to go with her. Ten years ago Hayes walked out of Saylor's life and she hasn't talked to him since, but she quickly realizes her feelings for him are still there. The premise of the story sounded good but I just couldn't get into it. Saylor's character wasn't believable to me - she didn't act like a baker or a business woman. Also, there was entirely too much internal dialogue and not enough action and actual dialogue. I did enjoy the end of the book, though.

Jane (PS) wrote: "Tammie wrote: "So...if we really want to try...apart from bribing Jane...which absolutely does not work...we'll have to resort to strategy..."

ROFLMAO!!!"

I don’t understand Jane...we aren’t doing anything wrong...honest!

Completion Post-Week 9:

Zack, Sawyer Bennett
4-1/2 Stars
Read: 5/7
Review: My favorite book so far in this series. I love how these characters each work through a personal real life situation.
In this book Zack has lost his long time girl friend in a car accident in which he was driving. He’s having serious guilt issues because he’s survived. He’s left to care for their son solo and he hires a nanny Kate to live with them because of his travel.
Kate’s not his usual type...she’s actually unusual, goofy and shy due to her own personal issues.
Of course they live HEA...
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys sports romance.

Week 10

Option 1
11. Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages.

Option 2
Key date: 10 November 2017

Please ensure you follow the format shown in msg 3 of your team threads. when you post your selection and completion posts.

Option 1
Week #10: Short Length Books
Booklink: One Night of Sin by Elle Kennedy
Page numbers: 158 (Kindle Edition)
Qualifies: Has 158 pages (between 100-200 pages)

Hey Tammie,

So these are the options left?

4. Read a book with a 'brother/s' from one of the following lists:
5. Read a book with academics/scientists from one of the following lists:
8. Read a book with a jealous character from one of the following lists:
9. Read a book with an MC who earns their living from the land using one of the following lists:
12. Read a book with a blue collar MC from one of the following lists:
14. Read a book where the MC is in disguise from the following lists:

Week 9:
Completion Post


Bookcover/link: Someone Else's Fairytale
Rating: 2 stars
Completed: 12/5/18

Review:

I didn't like the characters, like at all and it felt like I was reading two different books at the same time. I had no clue which guy I was suppose to root for. Did we want the hot actor? Was I suppose to root for the best friend? I thought I were suppose to like Matthew (the best friend) - then all of a sudden he acts like a complete jerk!!!! So she and the actor get together and she doesn't talk to him for like a month, and then she all of a sudden realizes she is in love with him. Really? Nothing about this story is believable.

I'm a sad little marshmallow right now. :(

Katherine wrote: "Week 9:
Completion Post


Bookcover/link: Someone Else's Fairytale
Rating: 2 stars
Completed: 12/5/18

Review:

I didn't like the char..."

Awwww :( Hate when that happens! I'm easily annoyed (especially by female MC) so when both of them are crap it makes it even worse.

I know, its so frustrating and I thought this book would be light, easy and less annoying than it turned out. Of course I was wrong. :/

At least I'm really enjoying reading Winter, it maybe WAY longer but it sooooo good. :D

Completion Post
Week #10: Short Length Book
Booklink: One Night of Sin by Elle Kennedy
Rating: ★★★ (12/05)

A quick and easy read about a good girl who has decided to go out of her comfort zone by having a one-night stand with an former MMA fighter who is a co-owner of a nightclub. Gage was the quintessential tough guy but with Skyler's spunk, confidence and straightforwardness, he couldn't resist. They agree to a 'sex only' arrangement but it turns into something more. There was a background story of Gage fighting illegally to help his younger brother out, and this created some issues but nothing that dominated the budding relationship between Gage and Skyler. And bonus - it was so quick, I finished it in one sitting.

Nicole wrote: "Hey Tammie,

So these are the options left?

4. Read a book with a 'brother/s' from one of the following lists:
5. Read a book with academics/scientists from one of the following lists:
8. Read a b..."

YES...thank you for posting the list. I've got a few of these figured out...will post mine in a bit just in case anyone needs ideas...if you happen to find the perfect shorter book, please feel free to share.

Thanks Nicole!

Katherine wrote: "Week 9:
Completion Post


Bookcover/link: Someone Else's Fairytale
Rating: 2 stars
Completed: 12/5/18

Review:

I didn't like the char..."

...well let me make sure this one isn't on my tbr list...I hate those kind of books as well...*she goes to check her list*

Week 10:
Selection Post - Option 1

Book: Trials of Death

Page numbers: 176 pages
How the book qualifies: Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages.

Week 10:
Selection Post - Option 1

Book: Beneath the Sugar Sky
Page numbers: 174 pages
How the book qualifies: Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages.

Anyone had recommendations for the jealousy lists (#8)? I have possibilities for the others, but nothing short for that one.

Beth wrote: "Anyone had recommendations for the jealousy lists (#8)? I have possibilities for the others, but nothing short for that one."

I have a kindle freebie I'm going to read if that one comes up...
Fixed on You is #121 on the list...it is erotica so not for everyone...I think it's still free

Tammie wrote: "I have a kindle freebie I'm going to read if that one com..."

Thank you! I grabbed it.

Just over 200 pages -- I can handle it! I'm poking around on the other teams' lists so I might get lucky and have a choice of something even shorter (and that I want to read) but I like to be prepared.

Beth wrote: "Tammie wrote: "I have a kindle freebie I'm going to read if that one com..."

Thank you! I grabbed it.

Just over 200 pages -- I can handle it! I'm poking around on the other teams' lists so I mig..."

If I have time, I'll go that route too...just way more work.

Thinking of you Kathy, and hope you and the rest of your famiily are all doing better.

Beth wrote: "If a series book is on a list, can I read a book further on in the series? I'm looking at the Scientist books for Task 5 and was wondering if I could read a new Jennifer Ashley as I enjoyed [book:T..."

Hi Beth - you can only use the series rule for Option 2. For Option 1 it needs to be on the list. If the book fits task 5, you can add it to the list yourself ~ you can add books through to when I call a theme.

Nicole wrote: "Beth wrote: "If a series book is on a list, can I read a book further on in the series? I'm looking at the Scientist books for Task 5 and was wondering if I could read a new Jennifer Ashley as I en..."

Hi Nicole - sorry to burst your bubble, but that comment sits directly under Option 2. It doesn't apply to Option 1 ~ for option 1, the book still needs to come from the list or fit the task if lists are not provided :)

Jane (PS) wrote: "Nicole wrote: "Beth wrote: "If a series book is on a list, can I read a book further on in the series? I'm looking at the Scientist books for Task 5 and was wondering if I could read a new Jennifer..."

Ah. My mistake. Apologies.

Jane (PS) wrote: "Hi Beth - you can only use the series rule for Option 2. For Option 1 it needs to be on the list. If the book fits task 5, you can add it to the list yourself ~ you can add books through to when I call a theme.
"

This is a catch 22, because although the description makes it look like Ian (the genius dude from book one) is possibly the main character I won't know until I read it, but then it's too soon to reread it for the challenge :-)

Luckily I found another possibility on a different list, so I'm still OK. And since I just checked the short one out of the library maybe I'll read it and add it in case someone else can benefit.

Thanks for responding so quickly.

Week 9:
Completion Post


Bookcover/link: Once More With Feeling
Rating: 2 stars
Completed: May 13, 2018
Option 2.

Review:

This didn't work for me; the old fashioned alpha male stuff doesn't feel romantic anymore (this is a reprint from 1983). He keeps manipulating her, physically and emotionally, and it's all in her best interests. She keeps saying no but meaning yes, pleased when he forces himself on her.

I was just letting it ride when the final confrontation broke me. She has to rush to her mother's dying bedside, and he's off having a tantrum about her not trusting him unconditionally in the face of all his manipulation so she can't tell him where she's going. Of course reading notes is beneath him, so she has to apologize to him for making him feel sad when he shows up and throws another public tantrum a few weeks later. Uh, dude, not romantic. At all. I like a romance where I'm HOPING there is a HEA, not one where I feel the two people are terrible together.

Selection Post - Week 10 - Option 1

Unblocked - Episode Two, Marni Mann
Pages: 148
How Qualifies: Short book

Completion Post-Week 10:
Unblocked - Episode Two, Marni Mann
3 Stars
Read: 5/15
Review: This is one of those 'free' books...I found the set at a library book fair and have been using it to fit challenge needs.
The overall plot is pretty good...but the erotica is pretty intense...the POV goes back and forth between Frankie and Derek.
(view spoiler)[In this episode Frankie and Derek get together for the first time in a closet during a Real Estate event. They are caught by Frankie's EX and oh boy...you can only imagine. (hide spoiler)]
I do like the characters as I'm drawn to the protective male ego in my romance novels. Frankie is also very successful in her Real Estate profession but has cause for being wary now and again in this story.
I only give it 3 stars because I think the story could be put together just a bit better...the back and forth between Derek and Frankie I think gets a bit in the way of the flow at times...we'll see how this one continues...there is 5 in all.

Week 10 - Selection Post

Option 1
11. Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages.


Tied to Trouble by Megan Erickson
Pages: 175
How it fits: between 100-200 pages

Week 10
Selection Post – Option 1

, Kendall Ryan
Page Numbers ➔ 152
How the Book Qualifies ➔ between 100–200 pages

Completion Post – Week 10

, Kendall Ryan – 5/15/18 – ✮✮✮✰✰
Review — Ugg...I really, really had high hopes for Olivia...but she is just two flat and wishy washy. She’s supposed to be this ice princess, but she’s a brat who’s had a rough go of the relationship thing, but overall has been very blessed. Now, Noah is not blameless and isn’t a stellar character all the time either, but he seems to be trying...not putting on an act then back peddling. I’ll finish this series out because there is only one book left, but I’m disappointed and not really looking forward to it.

Week 10 - Completion Post

Option 1
11. Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages.


Tied to Trouble by Megan Erickson
Pages: 175
How it fits: between 100-200 pages
Completed: 5/15/18
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Chad Lake is Marley's brother, and the free-spirit in their family. He doesn't hold a job for long and doesn't do relationships. And he only shows up at Marley's parties for the food! At her latest BBQ, he meets Chad Owen, nerdy, bow-tie-wearing copy editor and Marley's right hand at Gamer's magazine. He's nothing like Chad's type, but something about him intrigues Chad. The two have a brief tryst in the bathroom and go their own ways. When Austin tasks Chad and Owen into helping him set up a proposal for Marley, the two are constantly thrown together. At first I didn't like Chad at all. But as the story went on and his vulnerabilities and insecurities were slowly revealed, he really grew on me. And Owen was great! Loved this story!

I've got books lined up for our last category!

SandyL wrote: "I've got books lined up for our last category!"...awesome! 2 more days to go...everyone ready?
Let's be quick!

Week 10 - Completion Post

Option 1
11. Read a shorter book with 100-200 pages.


Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire
Pages: 174
How it fits: between 100-200 pages
Completed: 5/16/18
Rating: 4 stars

Review:
Kids torn from their homes go on a quest to save a stranger's home. It's a short story, so we see glimpses of the kids -- Cora's athleticism and expectation of fat-shaming, Christopher's alienation and loneliness, Kade's acceptance of being the unwanted one but never go deep into how and why. I liked the immersion into the candy world as well as the glimpse into Nancy's Land of the Dead.

SandyL wrote: "I've got books lined up for our last category!"

I'm finalizing my lists today :)

@All...let's all plan to check in tomorrow by 6PM CST if that's possible...that's midnight for you Katherine...not sure that's ideal for you...

Just as soon as you are finished...please post your review...hopefully we'll all finish Saturday...if you can let me know when you think you'll finish approximately, that would be helpful to me...good luck to us!

3am for me 😣🙈 I'll set like a gazillion alarms.

Nicole wrote: "3am for me 😣🙈 I'll set like a gazillion alarms."
Nah...don't worry about that...just get up early. There's no reason for you and Katherine to suffer...I'll just be aware that you'll be checking in later...no big deal!

I'm usually up at 5. But I'm going to try my best for 3.

I'm stuck in a meeting at 3pm central, but I hope it doesn't run late so I'll check as soon as I get out. I've blocked out Friday evening until late!

Final Call...link to lists ->
...https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Option 1
9. Read a book with an MC who earns their living from the land using one of the following lists:
Grizzly Adams: Romance Heroes Who Are Mountain Men
Farmers in Romance
MM bookshelf 'Profession - Farming'
Best Gay Cowboys
Love on the Range: Romance Novels Set on Ranches


If you use Option 1 your book MUST be chosen from one of the above lists.


Option 2
Key date: 17 November 2017

This week if you choose option 2, you will choose your book from the bookshelves of the team I have randomly allocated below (NOT your own team). Please select your book from the team's shelves below your team:

Our Option 2 is for Team 11 - Story Hunters...
Here's their team thread link -> https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Team 11
Team 9
Team 2
Team 3
Team 7
Team 1
Team 6
Team 4
Team 8
Team 5
Team 10

So team 11 will select their book from team 9, team 9 from team 2 etc. Team 10 will select from team 11.

Week 11 - Selection Post

Option 1


Clarissa and the Cowboy by Alix Nichols
Pages: 170
How it fits: #58 on Love on the Range: Romance Novels Set on Ranches

Selection Post - Week 11--FINAL WEEK - Option 1

Heartbreaker, Linda Howard
Pages: 256 (I will be reading this via audio)
How Qualifies: #150 on List--Love on the Range: Romance Novels Set on Ranches

Week 11
Selection Post – Option 1

, Gena Showalter
Page Numbers ➔ 109
How the Book Qualifies ➔ Love on the Range: Romance Novels Set on Ranches

☘KathyD☘ wrote: "Week 11
Selection Post – Option 1

, Gena Showalter
Page Numbers ➔ 109
How the Book Qualifies ➔ Love on the Range: Romance Novels Set on Ranches"

Jane, Kathy's book is #187 on the list noted

Option 1
Week #11: Working the Land
Book link: Summer's Desire by Kathleen Ball
Page numbers: 178 (Kindle Edition)
Qualifies: #101 Love on the Range: Romance Novels Set on Ranches