Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP R23 - Dough Go Breaking My Heart (8)
Chiara wrote: "Shelby wrote: "Currently reading my women's book club BOM 
. Then I'm in sort of a weird holding pattern as NBRC's about to start their new Wheelathon and I always quest..."I ended up postponing starting it, but I'll let you know when I finish. Will tackle it in the next couple of days.
Chiara wrote: "Hey Ladies sorry for the late reply but for the last 3 days I've been trying non stop to catch a stray kitten who I brought home unknowingly (he was hidden in the front of my car). Thanks so much..."
Did you catch the kitten? I had a similar situation over the summer and we were never able to catch the poor thing. Went and got a trap from the local animal shelter, but I think it ultimately ended up taking a ride out of the area on another car. :(
Completion PostWeek #1, Option #1
Book: Big Lies in a Small Town
Author: Diane Chamberlin
Date read: 5 Oct
Rating: 5 stars
Review: Diane Chamberlin can tell one helluva story. I think this one will stick with me for a while. I figured out part of the mystery/twist early on, but still really enjoyed the ending. But I do caution readers - there are several aspects that may be triggering for some.
Week 1: Completion Post - Option 1Unexpected Mate by Toni Griffin
Date Read: Oct-6
Rating: 4 stars
This was an easy and sweet fated mates story with a little gay-awakening. Even with three gay brothers, Marcus is a little resistant to the idea of a male mate, but he comes around quickly, making for a wonderful read.
I’ve updated tracking in msg #5Plenty time but waiting on a selection post from Shelby.
Sorry. I'm living in the land of indecisiveness. Wheel's about to start in NRBC and nothing jumped out to me on my first look through the lists that didn't have hard to find letter. 🤪 I was contemplating maybe saving my read till Saturday. But ultimately I did find a book that I was able to grab on audio that doesn't feel like a betrayal of potential. ;)Will post here in just a moment.
Week 1: Selection Post: Book: Galaxies and Oceans - 318pgs/GR
How Fits: #40 on MM Romance Based in Australia
[*bookcover:Galaxies and Oceans|40627465]
There was no rush you had time but I’m glad you found something. I have a list of all the books I’m going to read for each task - I try and make my MnG books fit so I can tick them off the list.
Hazel wrote: "There was no rush you had time but I’m glad you found something. I have a list of all the books I’m going to read for each task - I try and make my MnG books fit so I can tick them off the list."
That's usually my plan too, but I hadn't really gotten around to it before the first call. Otherwise I should have gone and added books to lists. :D
Shelby wrote: "Week 1: Selection Post: Book: Galaxies and Oceans - 318pgs/GR
How Fits: #40 on MM Romance Based in Australia
[*bookcover:Galaxies and Oc..."
I love this book!
🥨Week 1🥨Completion post: Option 1
Book:
Pages: 322 kindle edition
How it Qualifies: #151 on the list
Prodigal Returns
Read: 10 October
Rating: 4⭐️
Review: I’m really enjoying the Catherine Cowles books that I read. I like the characters that she writes about and I like how each book in a series interconnects. This is book one in a series and follows Everly who made a brave decision (as a child) to go against her family to save the life of another child. Returning to her home town as an adult it covers all the obstacles she has to overcome including facing the brother of the girl she helped save.
I like a bit of spice in my books and a downside was that there wasn’t very much in this one but the story and characters were good enough that it didn’t bother me too much. I’ll definitely be continuing this series as I’m invested in the whole family.
Week #1 - Completion postBook: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Pages: 379
How the book qualifies: #51 on the Best Return Home Books
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: I've heard so much about this book and it has been on my TBR for quite some time but somehow I always postponed reading it. I'm not gonna lie..it's a heavy book and it wasn't an easy read so it took me some time to finish it and I had to listen to the audiobook to help me get through it. This is the story of Kya, a very unfortunate yet strong and determined girl, who struggled so much in her life since she was a young girl. There is a dual timeline so the chapters alternate between past and present: the past chapters tell Kya's story from when she was 7 years old and her mother abandoned her and the present chapters narrate the mystery of the death of a young and well known man for which Kya is accused.
This story was heartbreaking..I could feel Kya's despair and loneliness and the prejudice she had to endure was so unfair. But yet she finds strength and overcomes her struggles. And she finds beauty in everything that surrounds her. This is a story of survival, of thriving despite difficulties and tragedies. It's definitely a very emotional book, but it's on the heavy side so I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Liza wrote: "Chiara wrote: "Hey Ladies sorry for the late reply but for the last 3 days I've been trying non stop to catch a stray kitten who I brought home unknowingly (he was hidden in the front of my car). ..."
These are all great ideas!!!
Shelby wrote: "Chiara wrote: "Hey Ladies sorry for the late reply but for the last 3 days I've been trying non stop to catch a stray kitten who I brought home unknowingly (he was hidden in the front of my car). ..."
No..it drove me crazy for 3 days and I couldn't catch it. Then one morning I woke up and he was gone. I went to feed his mother and brother (and other stray cats I feed) and there he was..so I guess he screamed so loud that his mother heard him and took him back during the night. It has been 5 days since he went back and he's always snuggling with his mom..I hope he learned the lesson!
Hazel wrote: "There was no rush you had time but I’m glad you found something. I have a list of all the books I’m going to read for each task - I try and make my MnG books fit so I can tick them off the list."
I do the same..Since I'm a mood reader I made a list with 4-5 books (that were already on my tbr!) for each prompt so I don't have to decide last minute!
Jane (PS) wrote: "Shelby wrote: "Week 1: Selection Post: Book: Galaxies and Oceans - 318pgs/GR
How Fits: #40 on MM Romance Based in Australia
[*bookcover:..."
I adored it too! So good. I should just know by now when I need a pick me up feel good read N.R. Walker will always deliver.
Week 1 - Completion PostGalaxies and Oceans by N.R. Walker
Read: (10/9)
Rating: ★★★★�
Oh man I just adored this book. This was just plain lovely. Aubrey was just so damaged, but when he needed to most he found the strength and the will to stay just ahead of a literal fire as he ran for his life from his abusive partner. Nothing was easy for him and escape still meant fear as he was on the run with no real way to establish himself in the future as he left his entire identity behind. But the Southern Cross and the stars lead him to the end of the world almost and a lighthouse that beams hope not just for those at sea, but maybe just for Aubrey as well.
Patrick is just the ideal sort of tenderhearted bear of a man that is perfect for a damaged soul like Aubrey. On top of the Patrick has his own past pain that he's not sure he'll ever move on from, even as Aubrey starts to wake up a part of his heart he never expected to hear from again. The healing these two do together was just lovely. I loved how conscientious Patrick was to not push Aubrey and respected the boundaries he set up about his past, despite his own curiosity. And yay, I absolutely adore a book where the MC's actually talk to each other and because of that are able to take things slow and let both men come to terms with their issues in their own time. Sure there were things that Aubrey couldn't tell Patrick, but what they were thinking and feeling were never hidden from each other. They let each other see the fears and when miscommunications happened it never devolved into an epic blow up because they could use their words.
I loved this story and watching both of these men heal in the love they found with each other. Aubrey's past was always going to catch up with him, but how it all happened ended up being better than I was thinking. A certain sheriff I was sure I was going to hate ended up being so much more than I thought he would be. And well Patrick's steadfast loyalty was exactly what Aubrey needed. Such a sweet and tender story despite the dark past.
🥨Week 2🥨Option 1
1. Sourdough originated in Egypt and spread through Europe
* Read a book set in Africa or Europe.
Books set in the UK, Ireland, Greenland and other similar islands work. Egypt has a foot in both Africa and Asia therefore books set in Egypt will also qualify.
If you aren't sure how to insert links in your posts, please read these instructions in the Q&A thread:
/topic/show/...
Option 2
Key date: 12 April 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
Week 2: Selection Post - Option 2This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
Pages: 209 pgs
How it Qualifies: Read by Shelby on Aug 9, 2024 and rated 5 stars
Liza wrote: "Week 2: Selection Post - Option 2This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
Pages: 209 pgs
How it Q..."
Such a different book, but I really enjoyed it.
Week 2: Selection Post: Book: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency - 235pgs/GR
How Fits: Location - Botswana
Week 2Selection post: Option 1
Book: Inferno, Rachel Grant
Pages: 177
How it Qualifies: MPG Setting: Djibouti
🥨Week 2🥨Selection post: Option 1
Book:
Pages: 912 kindle edition
How it qualifies: MPG Setting: Russia
I’ll update tracking tomorrow but all posts look ok to me so far
Hazel wrote: "🥨Week 2🥨Selection post: Option 1
Book:
Pages: 912 kindle edition
How it qualifies: MPG Setting: Russia"
This has been on my TBR for so long!!
Week #2 - Option 1Book: Devil of Dublin by B.B. Easton
Pages: 365
How the book qualifies: MPG: Ireland
Just popping in so you all know that I'm still alive and reading! I'm about halfway through my book for Week #1. I think I have my Week #2 book but kind of looking around to see if anything else might catch my interest. Cheers~
Chiara wrote: "Hazel wrote: "🥨Week 2🥨Selection post: Option 1
Book:
Pages: 912 kindle edition
How it qualifies: MPG Setting: Russia"
This has been on my TBR for so lo..."
Chiara it is one of my most favourite books I’ve read it so many times but haven’t read it in a couple of years. I first read it when I was about 15/16. I had another book looked out for this task but then found myself talking about this book last week so thought I’m going to read it again. I’m as engrossed in it as I have been every time and didn’t want to put it down last night and annoyed I’m working today! Definitely would recommend it and the next 2 that follow (although I didn’t read them until a few years after)
jewelee wrote: "Just popping in so you all know that I'm still alive and reading! I'm about halfway through my book for Week #1. I think I have my Week #2 book but kind of looking around to see if anything else mi..."Thanks for checking in. Hope you find something that catches your attention. As long as you have posted a selection post before the next call on Friday you are good.
Completion PostWeek #2, Option #1
Book: Inferno
Author: Rachel Grant
Date read: 13 Oct
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review: Now this is how you do a romantic suspense novella! Smooth world building, nice characterization, strong chemistry between the MCs, and a thrilling climax. And the cover is lovely.
Week #2 - Option 1- Completion PostBook: Devil of Dublin by B.B. Easton
Pages: 365
How the book qualifies: MPG: Ireland
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review:I really enjoyed this romance because it has a lot of different aspects: suspence, angst, steam but it's also very emotional. It's not your traditional mafia romance because it's more focused on the main characters' trauma. They met when they were children when she visits her grandfather in Ireland but then they lost contact for 8 years and meet again when she's 20 and he's 22. He's a mafia hitman and she's in an abusive relationship. I really like their bond, they're the definition of soulmates and they help each other overcome their fears and traumas. There are a lot of trigger warnings so it's definitely not a lighthearted book. But it's a good one nonetheless.
Hazel wrote: "Chiara wrote: "Hazel wrote: "🥨Week 2🥨Selection post: Option 1
Book:
Pages: 912 kindle edition
How it qualifies: MPG Setting: Russia"
This has been on m..."
I love it when you can re-read a book over the years and still love it and be captivated by it every time!! I really hope to read it too before the end of the year!
Week 2 - Completion PostThe No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Read: (10/15)
Rating: ★★★★
This was such a pleasant surprise. This was a random pickup for me and wasn't a series I had ever heard about before. I'm so glad I listened to the audio. This story was just charming in a way I wasn't expecting. This is more a book about the people and world of Africa than it is a mystery. Precious Ramotswe is a wonderful character and brought you into her world showing a lot of everyday life in Botswana.
The first part of the book spends a lot of time giving you the backstory of Precious' life and what got her to the point of opening her own detective agency. You learn about her father and the sort of man he was, and the challenges Precious has faced. I loved that the cases Precious tackles are not these big convoluted mysteries, but everyday challenges that the people around her deal with. She's smart and intuitive. She creatively tackles the problems to figure out what is really going on and get answers for her clients. And I love her relationship with Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, I was rooting for him.
This is definitely a series I'll pick up another book in on a day where I want a charming pleasant read with an interesting unique voice.
Week 2: Completion Post - Option 2This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
Pages: 209 pgs
Read: Oct-16
Rating: 5 stars
This book is unlike anything I have ever read before, and I loved every second of it. Epistolary romance is probably my favorite tropes of all time, and this was done so poetically that it surpassed my general distaste for sci-fi. I was completely hooked on how Red and Blue could be together as they fought this war throughout time and each shop had my heart beating faster. This was just so original and amazing.
Liza wrote: "Week 2: Completion Post - Option 2This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
Pages: 209 pgs
Read: O..."
Totally agree. This was just such a fascinating read. I loved every minute of it as well.
Shelby wrote: "Liza wrote: "Week 2: Completion Post - Option 2This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
Pages: 20..."
I need to read this!!!
Week 2🥨SELECTION POST Option 1🥨
[*book:Storm of Desire|58143414]
Page count: 369 Kindle edition
How the book qualifies:
🥨 ~ MPG Setting: Iceland
🥨COMPLETION POST🥨Week 1
[*book:Unlawful Contact|2771105]
Date finished: 10/17
How it qualifies: #39 on Coming Home to Roost
Page count: 375 Mass Market Paperback edition
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: This book worked hard to earn four stars from me. Definitely struggled in the beginning with Sophie and her high-handed ignorance of the heartbreaking realities of the very people she was writing about (inmates), but she got better once the plot really kicked in and she finally stopped saying hurtful things to Marc. (I'm totally biased towards Marc.) The romance got really sweet, and I needed tissues towards the end. But my, oh my, we need to talk about Marc Hunter!!! I'm swooning just writing his name. He was so badass and had the biggest heart and underneath all that he was the sweetest man who definitely deserved a big hug for all the shit he had to endure in life.
🥨Week 2🥨Completion post: Option 1
Book:
Pages: 912 kindle edition
How it qualifies: MPG Setting: Russia
Read: 15 October
Rating: 5⭐️
Review: I got sucked in and ended up reading the whole trilogy. This book remains one of my favourites of all times. It has first love, love at first sight, betrayal, family drama, doomed love, war, hope, faith.
Set in Leningrad at the breaking of the German attack on Russia it follows Tatiana a naive 16 year old who doesn’t fully understand the impact of what is about to come her way. Luckily for her Alexander a soldier in the Red Army meets her and helps her on that first day to get food for her family and is there for her everyday after. Nothing is simple as they have a love that seems doomed and would cause major turbulence in her family so they have to hide their feelings for each other. Alexander also has a huge secret that will hover over every choice and decision they make.
As Alexander is sent further away to fight, Tatiana and her family are starving through the siege of Leningrad and both of them are trying to hold onto everything that they have to make it out alive.
🥨Week 3🥨Option 1
9. After mixing, let it rise
* Read a book from a popular new author. Their first published book must be from the year 2020 or later.
Please note their first published book , along with its date of publication, in your qualification. You do not need to note how/why they are popular.
Option 2
Key date: 19 April 2024
Team mate read on or after this date and rated at least 3 stars
Option 3
Pass
Week 3: Selection Post - Option 1Bad Wrong Things by C.P. Harris
Pages: 361 pgs
How it Qualifies: CP Harris debut novel Surviving the Merge published 5/26/2020
🥨SELECTION POST Option 1🥨
[*book:Foul Lady Fortune|57190453]
Page count: 528 Kindle edition
How the book qualifies:
🥨 ~ Chloe Gong's debut novel These Violent Delights published November 2020
Week 3: Selection Post: Book: Stuck with You - 127pgs/GR
How Fits: Ali Hazelwood's debut novel The Love Hypothesis published September 2021
Ok kinda of excited for this week's theme. I didn't know what I was going to read for this one. I didn't realize that Ali Hazelwood's first book was so recent! I've got this one planned for my reads this month and so glad to fit it in now.
Selection post: Option 1
Book: Hello, Transcriber, Hannah Morrissey
Pages: 304
How it Qualifies: This is Hannah Morrissey's debut novel, published on November 30th 2021.
Week #3 - Option 1Book: Catch the Sun by Jennifer Hartmann
Pages: 448 (Paperback)
How the book qualifies: Jennifer Hartmann's debut novel Aria was published on April 11th 2020
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Thanks so much..."
I'm making matching hoodies and cups for the older kids. And a blanket/cup set for my youngest niece. All decorated for their interests, so a couple of Taylor Swift sets, a Minecraft set, Spiderman for my youngest niece, and anime for my daughter's older step-sister. I love making homemade stuff. It's fun and let's me be creative too.