Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

Week 3 Selection Post
Trees on Cover


Rules to Follow by Susan Hawke
Pages: 284
Read: 9/25/19
Rating: ★★★★

This book was super cute. We started out with in infamous Davey but he's not who the book is about. He has a ridiculous list of Daddy rules and they played out throughout the book. Travis is the Daddy and Adam is Davey's friend who finally got out of an extremely abusive relationship and started over with Davey's help. Travis and Adam are a match made in Daddy heaven. They were so sweet and seemed to meet each other's need. A bit of kink, nothing over the top. Will definitely read the next books in the series.

Week #3: Tree On Cover
Arctic Heat
368 pages
How the book qualifies - Trees on cover

Week 3
Option 1
Book: How to Run with the Wolves
Page numbers: 231
How Fits: Cover: Tree



[*bookcover:How to Run with the Wolves|46155038]

I'm a little behind on my reading - absolutely crazy week. But I should be caught up by next week. :)

Week 4

Option 1
13. Archibald Prize
The Archibald Prize is awarded annually to the best portrait, 'preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics', painted by any artist resident in Australasia.
* Read a book set in Australasia or written by an author from Australia or New Zealand.
Australasia comprises Australia, New Zealand, and some neighbouring islands.

Please post 'proof' of the author or book's setting - a link to the main GR page, author's page, shelving, wikipedia or something similar.


Option 2
Book chosen from a team member's shelf that was read on the date below or more recently and rated at least 3 stars.
Key Date: March 29, 2019


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

Thanks Shannon...I was thinking it's Thursday for some reason...i don't know.

oop Shannon...you posted your pick in the Q&A thread

Of course I f'ing did!!

Week 4 Selection Post
Option 1: Australasia


Made for You by Anyta Sunday
Pages: 258
Qualification: Precis Set in New Zealand, Made For You (Love & Family #2) is an MM gay romance featuring two guys at very different places in their lives – but both finding out they are looking for the same thing.
Can be read as a standalone.

Week 4 Completion Post
Option 1: Australasia


Made for You by Anyta Sunday
Pages: 258
Read: 9/28/19
Rating: ★★★★

If you're looking for a hot, sexy read this is not the book for you. However, if you're looking for a slow burn, loving, funny story than this hits all the notes. It's sweet and heartbreaking and just a wonderful story of two boys who lost their parents and are trying to cope and their knight in shining armor coming to the rescue to remodel their house. I loved this great story, everything about it.

sorry guys - I've been out of town
I'm back now, and I'll pick something from option 1 later today :)

haha, right Shannon? Anyta Sunday = Queen of the Slow Burn!

So I'm going to go outside of MM for week 4 since I'm reading Nalini Singh's Archangel series right now and she's from New Zealand.

Selection Post: Week 4: Australasia
Option 1



Book: Archangel's Enigma
Author: Nalini Singh
Pages: 357/GR
How it Fits: From Nalini's Author Page: I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips.

Week 3 completion

Finished 29/9
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved this book it was such a good slowburn Romance and I love men in langerie so. All in all a sweet Romance that i really enjoyed

Week 4 selection Option 1

[*book:The Shearing Gun|23004152]
214 pages
At twenty-five, Hank owns a small parcel of land in Australia’s rural southwest where he supplements his income from the property with seasonal shearing. Hank is a “shearing gun”—an ace shearer able to shear large numbers of sheep in a single day. His own father kicked him out when his sexuality was revealed, and since no one would ever hire a gay shearer, Hank has remained firmly closeted ever since.

aaargh - I'm trying to decide between and . My issue is that I have to do it by audiobook due to a time crunch this week and *aherm* the narrator for RDH3 is one of my least favorites...

though I might just suck it up, forgo sleep and read haha.

Either way, I promise I'll post something asap.

Week 4: Archibald Prize
Where Death Meets the Devil
355 pages
Qualifies: "Jack Reardon, former SAS soldier and current Australian Meta-State asset"..."A year later, Jack is home and finally getting his life on track. "

Week 2
My Cowboy Freedom by Z.A. Maxfield


Read: (9/29)

Rating: ★★★★

Oh I really did like Rock. He's such a sweet soul and is only fighting for the things in life that every person deserves to have. He and Skylar were a great couple, Skylar clearly cares about Rock and supports him in having his independence. In some ways there's a really great conclusion in this story with some of the storylines from the previous book. This wrapped up nicely and showed change as things move forward. I liked how Sky and Rock's relationship had those around them forced to face things about themselves.

AliciaJ wrote: "Selection Post: Week 4: Australasia
Option 1



Book: Archangel's Enigma
Author: Nalini Singh
Pages: 357/GR
How it Fits: From ..."

Ok you're my favorite person right now Alicia! I had no clue what I was going to read for this category, but I also had no clue Nalini Singh was from New Zealand! I already read one of her books this week for another challenge and I'm so stoked I can now use it here!

Week 4
Option 1
Book: Silver Silence
Page numbers: 434
How Fits: Author: Born in New Zealand - From Nalini's Author Page: I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand.



[*bookcover:Silver Silence|32573185]

Week 4
Silver Silence by Nalini Singh


Read: (9/30)

Rating: ★★★★★

Ok I'm officially obsessed. I think my favorite shifters are now and forever bears! Between this book and Shelly Laurenston's Pride series I have decided I need more bear shifters in my life. Their characters are just so much fun and I love the way that particular shifter type is depicted. So wonderful! Definitely need more bear shifter suggestions!

So with that out of the way...this may be one of my favorite books in the series. It was amusing and sweet and then broke my heart at times. I love Silver's strength and her commitment to go through things no matter how hard. She has a spine of steel. I adored the fact that Valentin called her "Silver Fucking Mercant." It was just so apropos. Valentin was everything you'd want in a shifter alpha. I loved his interactions with the cubs and his patience with his psy mate. His thought patterns just plain made me giggle...sure you're sneaky like a cat. ;) I loved this story so very very much!

Can't wait to read the next book in this series, only thing I'm dreading is that I'm coming to the end of what is currently written.

Week 4 - Option 1 - Australia
selection post
length: 250 pages

by Ariel Tachna

How it Qualifies: Takes place in New South Wales, Australia
tagged Australia by 2 people on the first page of tags: https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...

[*book:Chase the Stars|16001569]

Shelby wrote: "AliciaJ wrote: "Selection Post: Week 4: Australasia
Option 1



Book: Archangel's Enigma
Author: Nalini Singh
Pages: 357/GR
Ho..."

LOL I love being the favorite! ;)

Calila wrote: "Week 3: Archibald Prize
Where Death Meets the Devil
355 pages
Qualifies: "Jack Reardon, former SAS soldier and current Australian Meta-State asset"..."A year later, Jack is home and..."

Hi Calila - can you please update this to week 4? Thanks :)

oh my gosh, best gay athletes!?! there are too many wonderful books on that list to choose...

or

Jane (PS) wrote: "Calila wrote: "Week 3: Archibald Prize
Where Death Meets the Devil
355 pages
Qualifies: "Jack Reardon, former SAS soldier and current Australian Meta-State asset"..."A year later, J..."

Yep, sorry Jane LOL

Week 5

Option 1 - 8. Olympics
The modern Olympic Games are leading international sporting events featuring summer and winter sports competitions in which thousands of athletes from around the world participate in a variety of competitions.
* Read a book with an MC who plays sport from one of the following lists:
Sports Romance
Romance with hero/heroine are athletes
Best Gay Athletes

If you use this option, your book selection MUST come from one of these lists. Please note which list and preferably the book's number on that list.


Option 2 - Key Date: April 5, 2019
Book chosen from a team member's shelf that was read on the date below or more recently and rated at least 3 stars.

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

Week 5: Olympics
Goalie Interference
304 pages
Qualifies: T-383 on Best Gay Athletes

Calila wrote: "Week 5: Olympics
Goalie Interference
304 pages
Qualifies: T-383 on Best Gay Athletes "

oh Calila, if this is the first time you're reading this one I know you're gonna enjoy it!

Week 5 Selection Post
Olympics


Winging It by Ashlyn Kane & Morgan James
Pages: 300
Qualification: #25 on Best Gay Athletes

[*book:Winging It|24656282]

Shelby wrote: "Week 4
Silver Silence by Nalini Singh


Read: (9/30)

Rating: ★★★★★

Ok I'm officially obsessed. I think my favorite shifters are n..."

Shelby, I have to say that after reading your review of this book, I might have to revise my initial reaction to it. I didn't really connect with the characters the first time I read it, but now I can give it another try with a fresh outlook. Great review!

Week 5 - Olympics
selection post

by Winter Ball
200 pages / GR

How it Qualifies: #248 on Best Gay Athletes list

[*book:Winter Ball|27991851]

Completion Post: Week 4: Australasia
Option 1



Book: Archangel's Enigma
Author: Nalini Singh
Pages: 357/GR
Date Read: 10/1
Rating: 5 stars

Review: Oh my god, Naasir just slays me every time I read this book. He brings a much needed sense of humor to Nalini's war-torn world, even as he goes about destroying his enemies. And I love how he woos his mate once he finds her. His honest and open approach with her is so refreshing as well as funny as hell. He's definitely the star of the show for me. The rest of the story was excellent as well. This was kind of a lull after the big battle with Lijuan where she was defeated (for the moment). I agree with Naasir, she just needs to die already. LOL.

Selection Post: Week 5: Olympics
Option 1



Book: Desperately Seeking Santa
Author: Eli Easton
Pages: 160/GR
How it Fits: #261 on the list Best Gay Athletes

[*book:Desperately Seeking Santa|36582719]

Trio wrote: "Calila wrote: "Week 5: Olympics
Goalie Interference
304 pages
Qualifies: T-383 on Best Gay Athletes "

oh Calila, if this is the first time you're reading this one I know you're gon..."

it is!! I've been waiting.

AliciaJ wrote: "Shelby wrote: "Week 4
Silver Silence by Nalini Singh


Read: (9/30)

Rating: ★★★★★

Ok I'm officially obsessed. I think my favorite..."

Thanks. I really love how playful the bear shifters are. I've loved this whole series, but yeah I was really entertained by this one.

Week 3
How to Run with the Wolves by Eli Easton


Read: (10/4)

Rating: ★★★★½

Another cute, sweet installment in this series. This one introduces a whole knew group of quickened to the Mad Creek group. The Quimmiq are an Alaskan group of quickened who've been hiding from the world for a very long time. They descended from the huskies that used to pull sleds for the Innuit. Now they're more wild than human in their nature. But when an earthquake in Alaska has the Mad Creek search and rescue team sent up to help find trapped survivors the two packs come into contact with each other. Timo spends more time around the one-skinned than most of his pack, but he's very distrustful of them. When he sees Zeus for the first time its a shock.

This was a fun clash of cultures. I liked seeing Timo try to figure out his whole new world that he found himself in. He is thrown for a loop by everything around him. He's so drawn to Zeus, but two guys isn't something in his world. Their pack is dwindling so much that they need to breed and provide pups. So the idea of his being drawn to Zeus just plain doesn't occur to him. But as he starts to spend more time with with Zeus he can't deny what he wants.

Enjoyable story that opens up to a great potential new spinoff. Looking forward to more. :)

Week 5
Option 1
Book: Tigers on the Run
Page numbers: 260
How Fits: #92 on Best Gay Athletes



[*bookcover:Tigers on the Run|25719764]

Week 4 - Option 1 - Australia
completion post
length: 250 pages

by Ariel Tachna

Read: 7 October
4 Stars
Really nice sequel to Inherit the Sky. We still get tons of scenes with Caine and Macklin, plus an interesting story about two brothers they rescue from a gay bashing. Interesting new characters, and I like the way the plot continues.

Week 5 Completion Post
Olympics


Winging It by Ashlyn Kane & Morgan James
Pages: 300
Read: 10/7/19
Rating: ★★★

This was way too much of actual hockey book for me personally. I prefer my romances with a side of sports not the other way around. Also, I kept thinking new characters were being added when in reality it was just a real name vs. nickname thing. My bad! Not too much heat in the sexy department here, woe is me, but the story, while lagging in some areas, was pretty good. Loved all the characters we got to meet and their dynamics with Gabe and Dante but like I said....too much hockey. Not bad, just not for me.

Completion Post: Week 5: Olympics
Option 1



Book: Desperately Seeking Santa
Author: Eli Easton
Pages: 160/GR
How it Fits: #261 on the list Best Gay Athletes
Date Read: 10/6
Rating: 3 stars

Review: I really enjoyed this sweet story set during the Christmas season. I was a little worried when one of the MCs was on the cusp of making a bad decision, but of course he goes the right way and everything turns out. I loved the ending, with the glimpse into their future as a couple, living together and making things work. Cute story.

Week 5 - Olympics
completion post

by Winter Ball
200 pages / GR

Completed 10/10
4 Stars

Cute and very funny, a little bit of angst and great chemistry between the MCs. A pretty even split between plot development and hot & heavy sex. Amy Lane writing her best erotica of 2015 (if you know what I mean...).

Calila - you need to finish a book before the next call in under 24 hours!!!

And Emeli - you need to post a book for week 5 before the next call in less than 24 hours!

Jane (PS) wrote: "Calila - you need to finish a book before the next call in under 24 hours!!!

And Emeli - you need to post a book for week 5 before the next call in less than 24 hours!"

I'm on it!! I'll be on time!

And I messaged Emeli, hopefully she sees it in time!

Week 5 selection Option 1

214 pages
[*book:Another Dumb Jock|13419076]
Number 202 on the best gay athletes list

Week 4 completion

Finished 8/10
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really like this author and I though this was a sweet and fluffy Romance that made me smile

Week 5 completion

Finished 10/10
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had Read the first book in this series and I really enjoyed this book too i thought it was a sweet teenage Romance that made me feel nostalgic

Writing my review now, don't kick me JANE! =P

Week 5: Olympics Goalie Interference

Rating: ★★★★

Review:
Received an ARC via Netgalley

I really liked the friendly antagonism between Ryu and Emmett. It was fun banter. I liked the switch of them playing the same position on their team, instead of run of the mill rivals. It made it interesting. My favorite thing is mature they both were. When it comes time for some hard decisions, there's no fight, there's no misunderstanding. They talk about it like adults and agree on a path. It's very refreshing. The Hockey stuff in itself...eh. It's hockey. There's no drama outside of them to interfere. It was a good read.

Week 6 selection
Option one

230 pages
[*book:Calculated Magic|41085969]
Has u in the title