Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

Week 2

Option 1
5. The ceremony follows well established rituals
Read a book with the MPG 'Magic'.

This must be on the main page and not after you extend the genres to a full page list.


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: 25 October 2024
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.

Week 2 Selection Post: Option 1 Read a book with the MPG 'Magic

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
Pages: 394
How it fits: MPG Magic

Selection Post
Week #2 Option 1:
PTP 5. The ceremony follows well established rituals
Read a book with the MPG 'Magic'.
This must be on the main page and not after you extend the genres to a full-page list.

Not The Witch You Wed
(Supernatural Singles 1)
Number of pages: 341 per GR
How the book qualifies. MPG Magic
From précis on GR:
A fake relationship between a magic-less witch and a wolf shifter turns to more in the start of a bewitching new paranormal rom-com series.

🍒

Week 2 - Selection Post
Option 1: Read a book with the MPG 'Magic'.

Three Mages and a Margarita by Annette Marie
Pages: 312
How the book qualifies: MPG Magic

Week 2 - Selection Post
Option 1

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg
Page count: 347
How the book qualifies: MPG Magic

~KarenH~ wrote: "Week 2

Option 1
5. The ceremony follows well established rituals
Read a book with the MPG 'Magic'.

This must be on the main page and not after you extend the genres to a full page list.




Completion post:
Week #2
PTP 5. The ceremony follows well established rituals
Read a book with the MPG 'Magic'.
This must be on the main page and not after you extend the genres to a full-page list.
Not The Witch You Wed (Supernatural Singles 1)
Not the Witch You Wed
Star Rating: 4
Review: On the surface, Not The Witch You Wed by April Asher is a fake-date, paranormal story about Violet and Lincoln, when it is so much more. Yes, they both get caught up in the fake dating scheme, but everything falls apart when their lie is discovered. Now Violet and Lincoln must come clean and find a way to fit into their world on their own terms. Violet and Owen must have confidence in themselves, set aside their preconceived agendas, and realize what is truly important.

🦆

Week 2 - Completion Post

Three Mages and a Margarita by Annette Marie
Rating: 2 stars

Review
This book was fun and fast paced. I wanted to see more of the mythics, but this felt like an introduction into the world so I'm hoping there's going to be more interactions in the next books. I liked Tori and even though it's hinted at that she might date Aaron, there wasn't really a romance.

Selection Post
Week 2
Option 1: Read a book with the MPG 'Magic

SOS Hotel: Friendly Sanctuary for the Fiendishly Fabulous by Adam Vex
172 pp
How it fits: MPG Magic

COMPLETION POST
Week 2
Option 1: Read a book with the MPG 'Magic

SOS Hotel: Friendly Sanctuary for the Fiendishly Fabulous by Adam Vex
172 pp
How it fits: MPG Magic
Read 1 May
3 Stars
I don’t think this series is for me. It tries too hard to be funny. The narration by Michael Leslie really saves this from being a DNF for me.

Week 2 - Completion Post
Option 1

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg
Rating: 4 stars

Review: This was a reread to refresh my memory before reading the newest book in the series. I think I actually enjoyed it more this time than I did the first time through. Knowing a bit about why the house was behaving the way it did before the actual reveal in the story worked much better for me. I'm really looking forward to revisiting the rest of the series and diving into the newest installment.

I'm going to be a few hours late with my completion but will have it posted by the end of the day.

Jessica wrote: "I'm going to be a few hours late with my completion but will have it posted by the end of the day."

No worries! It's always nice to have everyone done within the week so we all stay current, but it's not required...only the Selection post absolutely NEEDS to be done before the next task is announced.

Week 2 Completion Post: Option 1 Read a book with the MPG 'Magic

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
Pages: 394
How it fits: MPG Magic
Date read: 2-May
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: I'm a little disappointed with this. I loved all the children, but Linus and Arthur felt too much like Wallace and Hugo from Under the Whispering Door. They also spoke in a similar way. There weren't enough scenes between the two to make this feel like a romance. They became fond of each other but most of the focus was on the children. In short, I like this as a story about an orphanage but don't like it as a romance. I will read the second book in hopes I like it more, and may change my review later on.

Week 3

Option 1
8. Marriage is a legal contract
Read a book with a main character who is a lawyer.

This can be shown via the precis, lists or tags. Please note if the qualification is in the precis or link to the list or shelf/tag.

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: 1 November 2024
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.

Week 3 - Selection Post
Option 1: Read a book with a main character who is a lawyer.

Slow Burn by Autumn Jones Lake
Pages: 242
How the book qualifies: Hope is a lawyer

~KarenH~ wrote: "Week 3

Option 1
8. Marriage is a legal contract
Read a book with a main character who is a lawyer.

This can be shown via the precis, lists or tags. Please note if the qualification is in the prec..."





Selection Post
Week #3 Option 1:
PTP 8. Marriage is a legal contract
Read a book with a main character who is a lawyer.
Book: The Baby Inheritance by Maureen Child

Number of pages: 224 per GR
How the book qualifies.
From precis on GR:
Divorce attorney to the stars Reed Hudson knows there’s no such thing as happily-ever-after. But the red-headed stunner who walks into his office with an infant in her arms will put him to the test. …

Eugenia wrote: "Selection Post
Week 2
Option 1: Read a book with the MPG 'Magic

[book:SOS Hotel: Friendly Sanctuary for the Fiendish..."

I was underwhelmed by the first book and really not sure if I wanted to continue it - so very unlikely now that I've read your review ;)

🐦‍⬛

Jane (PS) wrote: "Eugenia wrote: "Selection Post
Week 2
Option 1: Read a book with the MPG 'Magic

[book:SOS Hotel: Friendly Sanctuary ..."

Ya…it’s a shame. I mean I like the premise of the book, but the world building isn’t strong since all the author seemed to focus on is snark and banter.

Eugenia wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "Eugenia wrote: "Selection Post
Week 2
Option 1: Read a book with the MPG 'Magic

[book:SOS Hotel: F..."

Yes - the story is pretty weak...

Week 3 - Selection Post Option 2: Team mate read on or after 1 November and rated at least 3 stars


Boyfriend Goals by Riley Hart
Pages: 368
How it fits: Read by Eugenia on 6th Feb 2025 and rated 5 stars

Week 3 - Selection Post
Option 2

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
Page count: 338
How the book qualifies: Read by Eugenia on Feb 14, 2025 and rated 4 stars. https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

Selection Book
Week 3
Option 1: Read a book with a main character who is a lawyer.

Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly
407 pp
How it fits: series “The Lincoln Lawyer”

COMPLETION POST
Week 3
Option 1: Read a book with a main character who is a lawyer.

Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly
407 pp
How it fits: series “The Lincoln Lawyer”
Read 4/4
5 Stars
This series is magnificent and completely addicting. If you like mysteries and legal dramas, this is it!! I love Mickey Haller—I’m now debating whether or not to see the series on Netflix. The movie I saw years ago was great. Also, amazing narrator with serious skills

Completion post: Week #3
PTP 8. Marriage is a legal contract
Read a book with a main character who is a lawyer.
Book: The Baby Inheritance by Maureen Child
The Baby Inheritance
Star Rating: 4
Review: I enjoyed reading The Baby Inheritance, by Maureen Child. This book is part of Harlequin’s Pregnant by the Boss series, but Lilah was technically not Reed’s employee and those two were more like enemies to lovers. Lilah was nobody’s pushover or fool so Reed could not intimidate her. She truly cared about people and stood up for those she loved. I enjoy reading books where the female lead character has a backbone and is not afraid to stand toe-to-toe with the male lead character. It was not surprising that Reed fell in love with Lilah. The only question was when he’d realize that fact, how he would relay that information to Lilah, and how much groveling Reed would have to do to convince her.

Week 3 - Completion Post

Slow Burn by Autumn Jones Lake
Rating: 2 stars

Review
While this book had some moments that I didn’t particularly care for, it was entertaining enough for me to finish it. However, I probably won't be continuing the series.

Week 3 - Completion Post
Option 2

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
Rating: 4 stars

Review: This is a reread from a LONG time ago (over 13 years), and while I thoroughly enjoyed it, I gave it 5 stars the first time through and this time it didn't quite measure up to that standard. I still loved Pia and Dragos though, and can't wait to continue my reread of the series! I listened to the audio version, and the narration by Sophie Eastlake (aka Julia Whelan) was wonderful, as always!

~KarenH~ wrote: "Week 3 - Completion Post
Option 2

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
Rating: 4 stars

Review: This is a reread from a LONG time ago (over 13 years), an..."

33 years! I’m happy that you enjoyed it again 🥳

Eugenia wrote: "~KarenH~ wrote: "Week 3 - Completion Post
Option 2

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
Rating: 4 stars

Review: This is a reread from a LONG time ago (o..."

LOL, only 13 years, not 33, but still a long time!

Week 3 - Selection Post Option 2: Team mate read on or after 1 November and rated at least 3 stars


Boyfriend Goals by Riley Hart
Pages: 368
How it fits: Read by Eugenia on 6th Feb 2025 and rated 5 stars
Date read: May 7th
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review: I love a neurodivergent MC and Riley did such a great job of showing how Milo's brain works. Yes Milo is a little different, but he's no less capable than anyone else, and he proves that time and again.

I enjoyed Milo's story. After finding out he has a grandma by inheriting her book store after her passing, he jumps into running the shop with so much passion and love, while trying to find out as much as possible about the family member he never got the chance to know.

Gideon in contrast fell a little flat for me. He felt like an accessory to Milo instead of an independant character with his own story, likes and dreams. Yes there was the problems with his father, but I wish there had been more to him than his job.

~KarenH~ wrote: "Eugenia wrote: "~KarenH~ wrote: "Week 3 - Completion Post
Option 2

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
Rating: 4 stars

Review: This is a reread from a ..."

🤣🤣

Week 4

Option 1
3. There is a public declaration by an official (Minister, celebrant etc.)
Read a book with punctuation in the title and/or series name.
These are: full stop (aka period), question mark, exclamation mark, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, brackets, braces, parentheses, apostrophe, quotation mark and ellipsis.
A combined 'title: series' name will work. The proof can be on the main page of GR or on the bookcover. Please link to the page or include the bookcover.
It must be limited to the actual title and/or actual series name. Tangential sentences to the title or series will 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: 8 November 2024
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.

Week 4 - Selection Post
Option 2


Temporary Partner by Nicky James
Page count: 378
How it qualifies: Read by Eugenia on 2nd March 2025 and rated 4 stars

Jessica wrote: "Week 4

Option 1
3. There is a public declaration by an official (Minister, celebrant etc.)
Read a book with punctuation in the title and/or series name.
These are: full stop (aka period), question..."

Thanks for posting this, Jessica! When I last checked I knew I was a bit early, but then I got involved in other stuff and completely forgot about it!

Week 4 - Selection Post
Option 1: Read a book with punctuation in the title and/or series name.

Don't Cry by Beverly Barton
Pages: 468
How the book qualifies: Apostrophe - Don't

Selection Post
Week 4
Option 1: Read a book with punctuation in the title and/or series name.

To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
519 pp
How it fits: Apostrophe in title

Selection Post
Week #4 Option 1:
PTP 3. There is a public declaration by an official (Minister, celebrant etc.)
Read a book with punctuation in the title and/or series name.
These are: full stop (aka period), question mark, exclamation mark, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, brackets, braces, parentheses, apostrophe, quotation mark and ellipsis.
Grumpily Ever After: Pumpkin spice 3:am Kisses by Addison Moore
Grumpily Ever After: Pumpkin Spice 3:AM Kisses
Number of pages: 222 per GR
How the book qualifies: Colon in series title

Week 4 - Selection Post
Option 1

Don't Tell by Karen Rose
Page count: 418
How the book qualifies: Apostrophe in title - Don't Tell

Completion post: Week #4
PTP 3. There is a public declaration by an official (Minister, celebrant etc.)
Read a book with punctuation in the title and/or series name.
These are: full stop (aka period), question mark, exclamation mark, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, brackets, braces, parentheses, apostrophe, quotation mark and ellipsis.
3:am Kisses by Addison Moore
3:AM Kisses
Goodreads updated this book after I already started reading the story to include an abbreviated title, book cover and additional pages. The new GR page count is 312.

Star Rating: 4
Review:
3:am Kisses, by Addison Moore is a YA romance story with an edge. The main characters, Baya and Bryson, are college students discovering true love and coming into their own. Their insecurities, naivete, and youthful zest for life were apparent throughout the story and made it more believable. The over-the-top jealousy and obsessed stalker-ish behavior displayed by Aubree was disturbing but realistic. I enjoyed reading this book.

🦆

Week 4 - Completion Post

Don't Cry by Beverly Barton
Rating: 3 stars

Review
I really liked how developed everything in this book was. The pace of the investigation was great, while still allowing enough time to see all the characters (not just JD and Audrey) and what’s happening in their lives.

Week 4 - Completion Post


Temporary Partner by Nicky James
Page count: 378
How it qualifies: Read by Eugenia on 2nd March 2025 and rated 4 stars
Date read: 16-May
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: I already know anything by Nicky James is going to be great and so of course I loved arguably her most popular book. This was a fast paced, fun mystery ride with great narration as always by Nick J Russo. I love how the invite to share pizza at the end felt like a marriage proposal considering the complexity of Valor and Doyle's relationship. Will definitely pick up the next in the series and hope to get more into Valor's past with addiction and maybe closure on the missing sister.

Week 4 - Completion Post
Option 1

Don't Tell by Karen Rose
Rating: 4 stars

Review: This is the first book in Karen Rose's Romantic Suspense world, and while this was a reread, it sucked me in just as much this time as previous reads. Caroline is a great, strong character, and her husband, from whom she and her son escaped after years of horrific abuse, is truly vile. This is not a series I would recommend to everyone (at least not without a disclaimer) as the crimes are very graphic and the bad guys are over the top psychotic. If you can get past that though, the stories and characters are well thought out and presented.

Week 5

Option 1
7. A wedding takes extensive planning
Read a book:
* with a character who is a wedding planner OR
* from a series of more than 5 books.

Qualification:
* For the wedding planner option, please state HOW it qualifies through the precis/blurb, or with an appropriately named shelf or list. Please advise the shelf/list and provide a link to that page.
* For the series option, please link to the series page.
Half books etc will count toward the 6 or more books in the series, but they must show on the series page that is linked to in the selection post. Eg. Aster Valley

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: 15 November 2024
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.

Week 5 - Selection Post
Option 1

Protecting Alabama by Susan Stoker
Page count: 258
How the book qualifies: Book 2 in the SEAL of Protection Series

Selection Post
Week 5
Option 1: 7. A wedding takes extensive planning
Read a book:
* with a character who is a wedding planner OR
* from a series of more than 5 books.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells
156 pp
How it fits: 7 full novels in series Murderbot Diaries https://www.goodreads.com/series/1919...

COMPLETION POST
Week 5
Option 1: 7. A wedding takes extensive planning
Read a book:
* with a character who is a wedding planner OR
* from a series of more than 5 books.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells
156 pp
How it fits: 7 full novels in series Murderbot Diaries https://www.goodreads.com/series/1919...
Read 16 May
4 Stars

I simply adore this series! This is my third go-around if I don’t stop after this one. The amazing thing about this series is seeing how much Murderbot changes as he makes relationships. The audiobooks are fantastic and I’m very tempted to watch the series.

Week 5 - Completion Post
Option 1

Protecting Alabama by Susan Stoker
Rating: 4 stars

Review: I haven't read a lot of Susan Stoker's books, but what I have read I've found enjoyable but not necessarily compelling. I enjoy them while I'm reading/listening, but don't have a burning desire to jump right into the next book in the series. This book centers around a Navy SEAL and the incredibly damaged survivor of an abusive childhood he falls hard for. It's got a large dose of inst-love, which is not my favorite but I can forgive in shorter books like this one. There's also some great groveling at the end by the hero after he says/does something almost unforgivable. This book is labeled Romantic Suspense and I guess technically that is correct, but it's EXTREMELY light on the suspense.