Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

I am about 75% through my book, but have a date out tonight and a big wedding to attend tomorrow. Can't see me getting a second book read for this one. Hope someone else can?!

I don't know what to put for proof of canada.

It's on a list Best Canadian Literature #1493
But idk if that necissarly indicates set in Canada.

And the quotes are wierd. Like

Memphis clucked his tongue. “One of these days, that man is going to corner you when you’re alone, and it won’t be pretty. This is how you end up dead in a ditch and featured in one of those files you love so dearly in the crypt-like storage room at your work… and he ends up on Canada’s Most Wanted,” Memphis added under his breath with every intention I should hear.

I'll use that quote I guess.

I'll finish my 2nd one soon. Heading to my moms, so I might have a little time to read during the drive. If I do I'll try to fit one more in.

Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ wrote: "I don't know what to put for proof of canada.

It's on a list Best Canadian Literature #1493
But idk if that necissarly indicates set in Canada.

And the quotes are wierd. Like

Memphis clucked his..."

Both books are tagged Setting Canada /Set in Canada on first page of tags

Completion Post Task 14 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. CANADA


Power of the Mind by Nicky James
Pages: 443
Completed 05/23/25
How it fits: tagged
setting-canada x 1 page 1 column 3
set-in-canada x 1 page 1 column 3
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: Diem has become one of my favourite book characters ever. Nicky James knows exactly how to pull at our heartstrings, and the mix of this massive gruff guy being so damn sweet and so emotionally damaged has me rooting for him so hard. Tallus is such a fun ball of energy. I like how he pushes Diem but not too hard. He's been so patient with him and I love the relationship growth through the series so far.

I liked the mystery storyline this time too which made it a solid 5 stars. Still don't know why they are spending time investigating things there not being paid for, but it's like they're secret super heroes and I love it.

Completion Post Task 14 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. CANADA


Reading Between the Lines by Nicky James
Pages 354 k1st
Completed: 24 May
How it fits: tagged
setting-canada x 1 page 1 column 2
set-in-canada x 1 page 1 column 2
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review The mysteries are getting better and better. This time we have a child on life support, brain dead according to his doctors after a fall into a river, but the mum doesn't believe this was a simple accident. The criminals are getting more sinister and I love it.

Diem makes so much progress in this book which makes me so happy. I'm in love with this series and this couple and counting the days until book 4 is released.

Completion Post

Task 14 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. CANADA


Book: Shades of Darkness
Author: Nicky James
Pages: 285 Kindle ed GR
Finished: May 23
How it fits: Location on MPG listed as Dewhurst Point, Ontario (Canada)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review: Wow, these Trials of Fear books are really intense. This is the second one I've read. They each focus on a phobia that is debilitating, in this case a phobia of the sun. Rory had been impacted for years by his phobia, living in darkness. When his only friend Krew (I really hope he gets a book at some point) talks him into finding counselling at a service that will come to his place, he meets Adrian, a graduated student with his first counselling job. They both have issues, and together, they are so much more powerful. Beautiful story. I love that there are no fast solutions and no completely getting over the phobias, but learning how to live and accommodate them.

Completion Post Task 14 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. CANADA

Reading Between the Lines
Nicky James 354pg

Completed: 5/23/25
How it fits: tagged
setting-canada x 1 page 1 column 2
set-in-canada x 1 page 1 column 2
Rating: 5 stars
Review
I liked the mystery in this one.
I love how much their relationship has built up over the three books.
Diem has come a long way in concuring his fears, but he's not magically cured.
I thought using the word boyfriend was a big step...
I was sold on Diem from the get go. Tallus grew on me very quickly.
Diem needed someone who could push, but also be patient.

Love the grandmother. I missed Diem helpin her with her knitting. And not just because it's points for a challenge. I've crocheted for most of my life. I always like seeing mention of knitting or crochet.


If this is just a trilogy, then I'm glad it ended the way it did.
But I felt like the end wrapped it up a touch to quickly.
Partly because I don't want to leave this couples journey.
Partly because I think there is so much more to tell.
It was to clean an end.

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe the series will continue. I really hope it does.
Or maybe there will be a new series that ties to Valor and Doyle, and we'll get to see Diem and Tallus again.
I'm defenitanly on board for another series by Nicky James.


copied Jessica's format....looks much better than mine

Posted our completion

Jessica wrote: "Completion Post Task 14 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. CANADA


Reading Between the Lines by..."

Please add the first edition Kindle page count (354). Thanks.

I want to add a little clarification regarding qualifying your books. You can't use something from within the book to qualify, that isn't something I can check. So qualification needs to be something on GR - tags, lists, main page details including precis. On occasion, it may be necessary to link to the author's website for info not on GR or Amazon for page count if there isn't one on GR.

Also, please remember links are required for anything not included on the main book page.

Thanks!

Here is your next task!

Task 15 - 108. As a team, select a season and read a minimum of 1500 pages of books set in that season.

As a team select a season and everyone reads books totally at least 1500 pages of books set during that season. Make sure you let me know how you know your books qualifies, be it title, precis, tags or lists. I need to know where to look to confirm your books! Please include any links of other necessary information in your completion posts along with the team selected season. Remember to use the first edition Kindle page count.

MountainKat wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Completion Post Task 14 - 50. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location. CANADA


[book:Reading Between the Lin..."

Sorry! Corrected.

MountainKat wrote: "Here is your next task!

Task 15 - 108. As a team, select a season and read a minimum of 1500 pages of books set in that season.

As a team select a season and everyone reads books totally at least..."

Ooh I missed this one. Let's all check our challenge books and do a vote

MountainKat wrote: "I want to add a little clarification regarding qualifying your books. You can't use something from within the book to qualify, that isn't something I can check. So qualification needs to be somethi..."

fixed. Copied Jessica, since we read the same book

Having a tag is a little tougher than just finiding a quote.
But I found one with a winter tage.
I'll keep looking.

Winter: 320 pages tagged winter x 2 (needed for SH)

Winter: 382 pages, tagged winter x 20 (needed for SH)

Best MM Winter Books https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4...

Winter sounds good. Off at wedding so I won't be able to fine one till tomorrow likely.

Oooh Found one that works for bingo.
Cat's Chance in Hell

workds for SH also, but don't think it would be very good on points.
Tagged
theme-season-winter 1 time
column 1 page 2

If you guys want to read shorter books to try and catch up on other challenges, I can also read Icebreaker 304 pages

Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ wrote: "Oooh Found one that works for bingo.
Cat's Chance in Hell

workds for SH also, but don't think it would be very good on points.
Tagged
theme-season-winter 1 time
column 1 page 2"

Wow, I didn't look at the page count before. That should at least give average points if it's that long.

I did a quick scan for 35, but it was just a quick scan, I probably missed somethig.

Winter works good… I can find a quick winter holiday book to read

I am reading one of NR Walker's Hartbridge stories that is 266 pages to start.

Task 15 - 108. As a team, select a season and read a minimum of 1500 pages of books set in that season.

Cat's Chance in Hell 440pg
completed 5/25

how it qualifies
Tagged
theme-season-winter 1 time
column 1 page 2
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
4 stars
review
Very enjoyable series. It was great to see Tommy and Poe again.
I don't normally like when the MC's switch book to book, but I think it really works well in this series.
I hope there are more books to come.

Completion Post:


Book: Merry Christmas Cupid
Author: NR Walker
Pages: 266 Kindle Ed GR
Finished: May 25
How it fits: takes place over Christmas, tagged winter by 3 people on first page of tags, 3rd column
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was a very solid sweet romance, very low angst and did I mention sweet? Very fitting for this series.

Total pages so far:

440 + 266 = 706

Task 15 - 108. As a team, select a season and read a minimum of 1500 pages of books set in that season (WINTER)


When London Snow Falls by Hayden Stone
Pages: 320 pages
Date read: 25-May
how it qualifies:
Tagged winter x 2 Page 1 column 3 https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Rating: 2 stars
Review: There was a decent hurt/comfort story here but the writing let it down. The dialogue style was too simple leaving the characters feeling a little flat. It also wasn't very exciting until we got to the end of the book. Seeing Ben stand up to Charlie's parents who are borderline emotionally abusive the whole book, then seeing him meet Charlie's daughter, I definitely ended the book with a smile on my face.

I know this sentence might seem backwards but I keep doing work and forgetting I should be reading.

Completion Post
Task 15 - 108. As a team, select a season and read a minimum of 1500 pages of books set in that season - WINTER


Book Ice, Snow, & Mistletoe
Author Jocelynn Drake
Pages: 156 GR kindle first edition
How it fits: MPG tagged Christmas and title includes Ice and Snow
Finished May 24
Rate ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
I enjoyed this reunion love story. I usually don’t care for romance story involving kids, but this one won me over, sweet and lovable.

Completion Post
Task 15 - 108. As a team, select a season and read a minimum of 1500 pages of books set in that season - WINTER

Book A Merry Christmas for Art... and His Tentacles
SuthorAmy Bellows
Pages: 162 GR kindle first edition
How it fits: MPG tagged Christmas, and précis author note states
“ Each book in the series brings festive fun related to a variety of winter holidays…”
Finished: May 25
Rate ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
Sweet, funny, adorkable! And some very hot tentacle smex!

Total pages so far:

440 + 266 + 156 + 320 + 162 = 1344

Only need 156 more. Jessica, have you started another one or does someone else need to?

I’m wrapping up on SH. So Thsts it for me, sorry

Diane wrote: "Only need 156 more. Jessica, have you started another one or does someone else need to?"

I've got 2 hours left of my audiobook. Kept having to pause to answer emails but moving tasks now so shouldn't be interrupted. Going to get my completion post ready

Task 15 - 108. As a team, select a season and read a minimum of 1500 pages of books set in that season (WINTER)


Time to Shine by Rachel Reid
Pages: 382 pages
how it qualifies:
Tagged winter x 20 Page 1 column 2 https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was a hard one to rate because Rachel is an amazing writer, but Landon annoyed me the whole damn book.

Landon and Casey are complete opposites and did feel perfect for each other, but Landons inability to put in any effort drove me insane. He was so monotone it reminded me of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. I hoped he'd open up eventually but he never changed. Then near the end when (view spoiler)[He had to return home he said he thinks it's best they end things of friends. That was messed up and I thought Casey could do better.
I do like it when authors explore the sexuality spectrum and in this book we have Casey who is Bi, and Landon is gay but seems demi-sexual and does not like the idea of anal or being touched in certain places. (hide spoiler)]

I can't give this book anything less than 4 stars because it doesn't deserve it but I did not like Landon and that soured the whole book for me. I did adore Casey though.

checked us in

Here is your next task!

Task 16 - 71. Pick another team and each member reads one book that was read by a member for this challenge. No pass for this task.

As a team, select another team in this challenge. Then each teammate reads a book read by a member of the selected team for this challenge. (Series rule applies.) Please include a link to the selected team member’s completion post for the chosen book. Also include the selected team in your completion posts. No pass for this task.

We picked Chase the Rainbow
I'm gonna do SOS Hotel: For a Supernaturally Safe Stay!
Chase the rainbow
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Frost the rainbow
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I am going with a short one from Caipi -- Wallaby My Love

I responded to Jessica's message in our team thread but wanted to let you guys know that my other team Frosting & FIction is MM and will have more choices if you want to switch. Skye's book was read there as well I think, but not sure about Diane's.

@Everyone

Please choose from Frosting & Fiction, there are a lot more options

@Skye SOS Hotel completion there too https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Diane wrote: "I am going with a short one from Caipi -- Wallaby My Love"

Sorry Diane, I hadn't refreshed the page. If you want to stick with Chase the Rainbow let me know. I can pick something from there too.

I’m still OK with Chase the Rainbow team.

I’m going to copy Skye’s lead for SOS Hotel: For a Supernaturally Safe Stay!
Amanda’s book read on team Chase the Rainbow
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Okie Dokie, up to you then Diane :)

I don't think either team has anything that helps me with other challenges :(

Either works for me.
More choices is always good.

I'll edit after we decide.

Task 16 - 71. Pick another team and each member reads one book that was read by a member for this challenge. No pass for this task.

SOS Hotel: For a Supernaturally Safe Stay! 174pg
Completed 05/26/25
How it qualifes
Chase the rainbow
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

This was a great start for the series. I think I'm going to love the whole thing, if it keeps up like this one did.
The hotel has wards, so that no harm can come to anyone within. At least, the wards will stop you if you try to harm someone.
I love the air of mystery around Adam. Trying to guess what exactly he is.
Zodiac is such a fun character. I like Reynard also. I think the 3 of them will make a great thruple. At least that's what I think is going to come of it.
It didn't happen yet. But I look forward to finding out how that turns out.

Tom Collins cracks me up. I love his parts, and he's not even one of the MC's.

If this was a stand alone, I might not have rated it quite 5 stars. But you can't lay out all the goods in one book, for a series. Gotta save some good stuff to build upon.
I like when relationships are built up over multiple books, and not instant. Keeps me coming back for more. As long as there is progress in the relationship, I'm all aboard.

It's okay, Diane's probably started reading anyway so we'll stick with Chase the Rainbow and I'll read Ugly by Roe Horvat

Edit: I'm so lucky. Just found out Zee read my pick for SH Computers task and Janeylou has read The Revenge Game which is perfect to replace it with. Crisis avoided.

Sorry, guys, I was out last night and didn't see the other messages. I am about 40% through Wallaby. Is that OK to stick with it?

Really sorry I didn't see the other messages sooner.

Diane wrote: "Sorry, guys, I was out last night and didn't see the other messages. I am about 40% through Wallaby. Is that OK to stick with it?

Really sorry I didn't see the other messages sooner."

No worries Diane, I'm reading Revenge Game now which was from Chase the Rainbow