Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

Team members

Weather Bureau Chief
★ Michaele

Reporters
✔AliciaJ
✔Jo *Smut-Dickted*
✔Leisha
✔Carmen
✔Marythios (Susanne)
✔Shelby

1. Introduce yourself to your team. Let your team members know where you are from. This is a great to know when themes are announced and when team-mates can expect other members to post their book choices.

2. Chief - reserve a couple of posts in this thread tracking your team's book selection and completion. (Alternatively they could convert a chat comment to the tracking post/s.)

3. Name your team. Using this round's theme of the Weather, come up with a team name. We are an open/public group with no age limit, so please make sure any chosen name is smart, not smutty ;)

Please PM your name to Jane(PS) by early Thursday 27 February.

4. If you have a private profile, please 'friend' your team-mates. This is really important, because without this, your team-mates can't see your shelves to select a books under option 2.

5. Please post your book selections/completions in the format provided below. (This format is also posted in both the Q&A and Sign-Up threads.) We need to know the week that each book corresponds to, the page numbers, and how the book qualifies including names to lists/shelves (where applicable), etc. I can't stress this enough. When in doubt - link it*!

* don't link to your review in your completion post - reviews in your completion posts should be included in full within that post.

You don't want to start reading a book and then find it doesn't meet the requirements because some information (eg page count or theme link) was missing from your original post.

I will be monitoring this and your book will not be considered complete until I am satisfied that your selection and completion posts comply with the format rules of the challenge.

Remember - you can ONLY change your book selection in the week that the theme is called.

6. You MUST check in with your team each week, ideally once the theme is announced. Please let your team know if you expect to have spotty communication or are on holidays or having an operation.

7. When you post the completion of your book, you must post a review; enough for us to know you have actually read the book. Please don't link to a review. You must post the review in this thread.

8. Re-reads are allowed but you can't read the same book twice within this challenge.

9. There is no prize for the winning team - bragging rights only :)

10. Each week, the theme will be announced in the Q&A Annoucement thread. The full list of themes announced during this round will be maintained in msg 1 of that thread.


The Rule on the Pass Option
* Each team can only have ONE member using their pass each week.
* Each member can only use that pass once each 5 weeks.
* This means that one or two team members (dependent upon the size of your team) will miss using a pass in each 5 week block.
* No-one can use the pass option in the last week of the challenge.
* In the final week if Option 2 is used, members must select their book from another team. This will be advised in the week 11 announcement.

Key selection and completion post information. You must have ALL elements in your book posts.


The format for selection posts Option 1:
Week #
Bookcover/link
Page numbers
How the book qualifies - please link or name the qualifying bookshelf/list where applicable (link if possible).
If the theme is based off the bookcover or a letter in the title etc, please just repeat the theme.

The format for selection posts Option 2:
Week #
Bookcover/link
Page numbers
Name of the team-member, their star rating, the date they read the book.


Format for completion posts:
Week #
Bookcover/link
Rating (1-5)
Review


Please DO NOT CHAT in these selection/completion posts. It needs to be super clear.

If you 'waffle' about your decided book - please REPOST your selection once you decide. DO NOT go back and edit your waffling post.

I'll track each team's progress separately, using the Captain's summary in each team's thread to check for accuracy.

Tracking Post - Week 1

AliciaJ - Selection Completion
Jo *Smut-Dickted*- Selection Completion
Leisha - Selection Completion
Carmen - Selection Completion
Marythios (Susanne) - Selection Completion
Michaele - Selection Completion
Shelby - Selection Completion

Tracking Post - Week 2

AliciaJ - Selection Completion
Jo *Smut-Dickted*- Selection Completion
Leisha - Selection Completion
Carmen - Selection Completion
Marythios (Susanne) - Selection Completion
Michaele - Selection Completion
Shelby - Selection Completion

Tracking Post - Week 3

AliciaJ - Selection Completion
Jo *Smut-Dickted*- Selection Completion
Leisha - Selection Completion
Carmen - Selection Completion
Marythios (Susanne) - Selection Completion
Michaele - Selection Completion
Shelby - Selection Completion

Tracking Post - Week 4

AliciaJ - Selection Completion
Jo *Smut-Dickted*- Selection Completion
Leisha - Selection Completion
Carmen - Selection Completion
Marythios (Susanne) - Selection
Michaele - Selection Completion
Shelby - Selection Completion

Tracking Post - Week 5

AliciaJ - Selection Completion
Jo *Smut-Dickted*- Selection Completion
Leisha - Selection Completion
Carmen - Selection Completion
Marythios (Susanne) -
Michaele - Selection Completion
Shelby - Selection Completion

Tracking Post - Week 6

AliciaJ - Selection Completion
Jo *Smut-Dickted*- Selection Completion
Leisha - Selection Completion
Carmen - Selection Completion
Marythios (Susanne) -
Michaele - Selection Completion
Shelby - Selection Completion

Tracking Post - Week 7

AliciaJ - Selection Completion
Jo *Smut-Dickted*- Selection Completion
Leisha - Selection Completion
Carmen - Selection Completion
Michaele - Selection Completion
Shelby - Selection Completion

Tracking Post - Week 8

AliciaJ - Selection Completion
Jo *Smut-Dickted*- Selection Completion
Leisha - Selection Completion
Carmen - Selection Completion
Michaele - Selection Completion
Shelby - Selection Completion

Tracking Post - Week 9

AliciaJ - Selection Completion
Jo *Smut-Dickted*- Selection Completion
Leisha - Selection Completion
Carmen - Selection Completion
Michaele - Selection Completion
Shelby - Selection Completion

Tracking Post - Week 10

AliciaJ - Selection Completion
Jo *Smut-Dickted*- Selection Completion
Leisha - Selection Completion
Carmen - Selection
Michaele - Selection Completion
Shelby - Selection Completion

Tracking Post - Week 11

AliciaJ - Selection
Jo *Smut-Dickted*- Selection Completion
Leisha - Selection Completion
Carmen - Selection
Michaele - Selection Completion
Shelby - Selection Completion

Hello team! I'm so sorry I've been at a conference this week and couldn't get online. Hopefully we can catch up quickly :)

I'm Michaele (pronounced like Michael). I live in Utah with my awesome dog Rusty!

I mostly read m/m lately and prefer audiobooks, but I'm open to read m/f and I try to keep an open mind and try new genres.

Please introduce yourselves and share any team name suggestions.

Hi all!

I'm Jo. I live in the Bay area with my two demanding cats (Samson and Titan). I travel quite a bit for work usually - not sure at this moment what the rest of the spring looks like. I read almost exclusively MM so I'll stick to those. I read a lot so if anyone is looking at my shelves there should be a good amount to pick from. I also love audiobooks!

Names - UGH. I'm so used to finding MM names..I gotta' think about something that is gender neutral.....

Hello Everyone!!

I am Sue but on here I go by Marythios to many Susanne's on here. I have a siberian husky named Amitola. I am a retired veteran. I read everything not a fan of MM but I do read some for challenges. I read to much I also listen to audio books. I also diamond paint to keep me out of trouble. I am close to 200 books for the year already so that tells you a lot about my reading habits.

Marythios (AkaSusanne ) wrote: "Hello Everyone!!

I am Sue but on here I go by Marythios to many Susanne's on here. I have a siberian husky named Amitola. I am a retired veteran. I read everything not a fan of MM but I do read so..."

Diamond paint?

Hey ladies!

I'm Shelby. I've been on challenges with a lot of you I think, but for those I don't know...I'm out in Los Angeles. I'm actor/producer and my schedule tends to be all over the map. Not a lot of consistency, but a lot for time for reading. :) I'll read pretty much anything. I like variety in my books.

I have a team name suggestion - Fujiwara Effect! It is when "two hurricanes spinning in the same direction pass close enough to each other, they begin to dance around their common center..."

What do you guys think?

Hi everyone! I'm Alicia, I'm up in the Pacific Northwest, at the tippy top of California on the coast. No pets, but I do have a shaggy boyfriend who is pretty tame after 15 years together LOL.

I know a few of you, but I'll make sure to friend everyone that isn't already on my friend list since my profile is private.
I read just about everything except I'm not a big horror fan. MM is a particular favorite though.

I love the name Michaele! Very unique.

Hello to all and I'm good with the name! Looks like several of us on the West Coast :)

Michaele wrote: "Marythios (AkaSusanne ) wrote: "Hello Everyone!!

I am Sue but on here I go by Marythios to many Susanne's on here. I have a siberian husky named Amitola. I am a retired veteran. I read everything ..."

yes youtube it

If no one objects to that name, I'll pass it on to Jane.

I think we are just waiting for 2 people to check in.

Hi team! Sorry I guess my click didn't post, darn app. 😕

I'm ok with whatever name since I'm always lost with that. LOL

I live in Long Island, NY with my family and our dog. I read all genres, MM is the least but I've read a few good ones and I some joy PtP.

bomb cyclone is another weather related term

I love that there are so many audiobook readers (listeners?) in our group - I'm always looking for good audiobooks.

I'm happy with whatever name appeals to everyone else. :)

We're getting close to first call!!! Yay!

Shelby wrote: "We're getting close to first call!!! Yay!"

Hey Shelby! Yup its nearly here ☺

Week 1

Option 1:
2. Fires - read a book with a red or black cover.
The cover. must have more than 50% of the color 'black' or 'red' on it. If you aren't sure, post the cover on the Q&A thread for approval.

Option 2:
Key date - 6 September 2019
A book on your team mates 'read' list AND rated at least 3 stars and read on or after the key date.

Option 3:
Pass
This can only be used once each 5 weeks. Only one team mate can use this option each week.

And we are off!

Selection Post

Option 1:
Week #1


Book: The Naked Duke
Page: 320
How the book qualifies - red cover

so is this one book each or as many red and black cover books

Selection Post

Week 1 - Option #2

From Michaele's list I choose:

by Avon Gale

304 pages/GR

How the book qualifies: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... (shows read Nov 6, 2019 and rated 4 stars)

Marythios (AkaSusanne ) wrote: "so is this one book each or as many red and black cover books"

We each only need to read one a week - unlike the Bachelor Challenge reading more doesn't help. Also unlike the Bachelor challenge we are supposed to post a small review with our completion post.

It's no where near as competitive as the Bachelor challenge, it's a much easier, slower pace. I think there is technically a winner at the end, but it's just whatever team finishes their last week's books first.

Michaele wrote: "Marythios (AkaSusanne ) wrote: "so is this one book each or as many red and black cover books"

We each only need to read one a week - unlike the Bachelor Challenge reading more doesn't help. Also ..."

thank you was wanting some clarification.

Selection Post

Week 1
Option 1
Book: Rialto

Page numbers: 259/GR
How it Fits: black cover

Selection Post
Week 1 Option 1
Book: Alone In the Dark

Page Number: 732
How It Fits: black cover

Selection Post

Option 1: Red or Black Cover
Week # 1
Spencer Cohen, Book One, N.R. Walker
Page numbers 170
How the book qualifies - mostly red cover -

Completion Posts:
Week #: 1
Bookcover/link:
Rating (1-5) 5 stars
Reviewhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Leisha wrote: "Michaele wrote: "Selection Post

Option 1: Red or Black Cover
Week # 1
Spencer Cohen, Book One, N.R. Walker
Page numbers 170
How the book qualifies - mostly red cov..."

I can't wait to see what you think!

Completion Post

Week 1
Option 1
Book: Rialto

Rating: 3 stars
Date Read: 3/8/20

Review:
While I've enjoyed nearly all of the books in this series, I have to say Ian and Hollis have never been one of my favorites. They don't have the intense chemistry that exists between couples like Rowe and Noah or Lucas and Andrei (two of my favorites!). Unfortunately, this story didn't change my mind at all. Rialto is Ian's restaurant, something he's worked very hard for and is really proud of. But someone is trying to ruin it for him, so he and Hollis and the gang set out to find the culprit and make it stop. I was really hoping that the story would grab me and pull me in, but I just found it to be mildly interesting. The best part was when the security gang took down the drug pusher, that was the only bit of excitement in the whole book, and is what earned it three stars. Otherwise, it was just a lot of Hollis and Ian having sex, talking a lot about how busy they are, and some scenes in the restaurant. But I wasn't too disappointed since I knew going in that I probably wouldn't like it as much as I did earlier books. I still love this author though, and will definitely be reading anything else she puts out.

Completion Post

Week 1 - Option #2

From Michaele's list I choose:

by Avon Gale

304 pages/GR

3 stars

Review:

I love hockey - love it. I grew up in MN and I have spent a ton of time at hockey games. I had season tickets to the Washington Capitals and was very fortunate to be there for the Stanley Cup win. So yeah - passion for the sport.

I felt like this was just kind of meh. It just felt too stereotypical - esp. with the cold Asian parents who want perfection and the African American father who was a former pro that wanted his son to follow in his footsteps. IDK - it just felt kind of off.

I also wanted to be more involved in the hockey --- there was a bunch in but it just wasn't enough for me. I felt distanced. The sex was hot but felt one sided to me - unless I missed it Army didn't top. That felt kind of weird when I think about the initial thoughts about sex he had. There is a lot of headspace thought in here. I would reiterate they were hot when they got together.

I also felt like they took too many chances with discovery- for a couple of closeted hockey players.

So overall the sex was hot. The hockey was good. The chemistry was hot. That was tempered by what felt like too much stereotyping, kind of a weak enemies to lovers except for the first little bit, and odd missing parts towards the end with the hockey. The narrator helped a ton - but this was not his best performance. He did the phenomal Nox from Adrienne Wilder and so I know he can do better.

Completion Post

Week 1: Option 1

Read: 03/11/20
Rated: 3 stars
Review: Even though there was some humor in the story it was just ok for me. It went from one moment to the next. Sarah went to London because it was what her father asked of her but when she got there she wasn't prepared and ended up in bed with someone who happened to be a duke and everything went crazy but I guess not a too bad since you get a sexy duke.

Completion Post

Option 1: Red or Black Cover
Week # 1
Spencer Cohen, Book One, N.R. Walker
Page numbers: 170
Finished: 3/10/20
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was a re-read for me. I'm a big fan of N R Walker and have read (and mostly liked) a lot of her books. I liked this book, though it's not my favorite. I almost always prefer alternating POV, and I would have really liked Andrew's perspective. Though I can see why the author chose single POV here, it keeps you guessing. I also like the fake boyfriend trope when it's done well, and I think Walker does a good job with it. I like how the relationship develops and I am relieved it didn't end on a big cliffhanger, though the relationship is going through a significant shift when the book ends.
And I really liked the narration - Joel Leslie is a favorite too!

How the book qualifies - mostly red cover -

Hi all- I've updated the tracking thread here

Feel free to double check it and let me know if I made any mistakes!

I think only one person hasn't posted their selection post, which needs to be done before the next week's task is called. We have a bit more leeway with completion posts, as long as the selection posts are all in.

All good ☺

Week 1
Option 1
Book: Freeing Zane
Page numbers: 248
How Fits: Cover: Black

Week 1 - Cover: Black
Freeing Zane by Sloane Kennedy


Read: (3/8)

Rating: ★★★★★

Really liked Zane and Conner. Conner's the first person to be able to truly break through Zane's tough outer shell. He's put up walls for so long he doesn't know the first thing about taking them down. Conner's been through so much, his injuries really make things difficult at times, but he's a good guy still wishing for more. I enjoyed his openness and his patience with what Zane is capable of giving him.

Of course there's the little bit of a thriller thrown into this one with Conner's past relationship just not willing to go away. It isn't a big part of the story, but it's just enough to keep a little tension.

Looks like we are all done for the first week - go team!

Week 2

Option 1:
5. Cyclone/Hurricane - read a book from the following list:
Gay Romance with Crazy Jealous Partner/s
MM romance with Crazy Person
Crazy Love
Villains Need Love Too
Craziest Harlequins
Heroines Who Dye Their Hair Crazy Colors
The book MUST come from one of these lists. Please provide the list in your selection post (link preferred) and the number that the book shows as on that list.

Option 2:
Key date - 13 September 2019
A book on your team mates 'read' list AND rated at least 3 stars and read on or after the key date.

Option 3:
Pass
This can only be used once each 5 weeks. Only one team mate can use this option each week.

Sorry - the links aren't available in my post look at Jane's original post for links.

Selection Post

Week 2

Option 2: Fellow Teammate read the book after 9/13/2019

The Power of Zero by Jackie Keswick

Pages: 150 pages/Goodreads

How Qualifies: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list... on November 30, 2019 Shelby's list read - 5 Stars Given

Completion Post

Week 2

Option 2: Fellow Teammate read the book after 9/13/2019 and rated it 5 stars from Shelby

The Power of Zero by Jackie Keswick



Pages: 150 pages/Goodreads

How Qualifies: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list... on November 30, 2019 Shelby's list read

Review: I cannot believe I put off reading this for nearly two years from purchase. What was I thinking? Outstanding - just enough mystery to keep me invested, appropriate time hops that lent to the story without making me feel like I was missing a ton. Hurt/Comfort galore. Not sure why this is classed as MM Romance as it is not a romance but a prelude to Jack's books which are a romance. It can stand on its own I'm sure but now I want to finish the second book and move on to the series.