Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

Team Members

Flower Power Rosebud
🌹 AnnMarie

Sprouts
🌱 Eugenia
🌱 Sexyladi
🌱 Laks
🌱 Cynthia
🌱 Lorene
🌱 Tink MISBAR

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

2. Team Captain - 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 Spring, come up with a fun name. Given 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 10 September.

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. (It will also help with one of the categories in this round!)

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 links 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 in 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, etc.

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/Announcement 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 Option 2 has altered and I will be allocating each team another team from which their book selection must be chosen :)

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


For the initial selection post Option 1 I need:
Week #
Bookcover/link
Page numbers
How the book qualifies - please insert a link to the qualifying bookshelf/list.
If the theme is based off the bookcover or a letter in the title etc, please just repeat the theme.

For the initial selection post Option 2 I need:
Week #
Bookcover/link
Page numbers
Name of the team-member, their star rating, the date they read the book.


For the completion post I need:
Week #
Bookcover/link
Rating (1-5)
Review


Please DO NOT CHAT in these selction/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 be tracking each team's progress separately, using the Captain's summary in each team's thread to check for accuracy.

A summary chart will be posted in the last week to let teams know their progress against other teams :)

Rules/Guidelines

• Themes will be announced between 3pm and 6pm US EST each Friday.
• Minimum page count 100 (any edition on GR)
• Books must be started after the theme call.
• You can only change your nominated theme book in the week that the theme is announced. You CANNOT change your book once a new theme is announced.
• Completion post please ensure rating and review is posted

Please make sure you are using the below for your Selection & Completion Posts:

For the initial  selection post Option 1  you must have:
Week #
Bookcover/link
Page numbers
How the book qualifies - please note which qualifying bookshelf/list you are using or the tags that justifies that it works.
If the theme is based off the bookcover, post the cover. If there is a letter count in the title, publication date etc, please note these details.

For the initial  selection post Option 2  you must have:
Week #
Bookcover/link
Page numbers
Name of the team-member, their star rating, the date they read the book.

For the  completion post  you must have:
Week #
Bookcover/link
Rating (1-5)
Review

Please DO NOT CHAT in these selction/completion posts.

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

IF YOU NEED TO CORRECT A POST FOR MISSING INFORMATION or because the didn't qualify etc, please REPOST this information in a NEW post. 

Themes:

1. Spring is the season of birth

* Read a book with a baby or pregnancy as a focus from one of the following lists or the noted sub-genre.
Accidentally Pregnant
Paranormal Pregnancy
Impregnation Stories are Domination at their Finest
Pregnant Heroines in Historical Romance
Any MM romance with MPG Mpreg
Qualification: your selected book MUST be on one of these lists, or have MPREG on the main book page.

2. New beginnings

* Read a book where the MC starts a 'new life', moves to a new town (or returns) or turns over a new leaf. Qualification must be evident in the precis.

Some of the following lists may help*** but are not mandatory:
Adjusting to a New Job or Retirement
Fresh Start Romances

3. Flowers are everywhere (well, hopefully)

* Read a book with a flower on the cover or with at least three of these colors - white, yellow, pink, red, blue and green.
For the three colors, it is not a percentage requirement - the colors simply have to be on the cover.

4. Animals of all shapes and sizes time mating to give birth when food is more plentiful ~ spring

* Read a book with pastures/fields/wilderness on the cover.

5. The southern hemisphere's spring season starts in September

* Read a book published in September, October or November.

6. Spring - a mechanical device that stores energy

* Read a book with 'steampunk' as a sub-genre (precis, shelf or list) OR read a book with something mechanical on the cover.
Examples of items that work for mechanical: machine (car, bike, wagon, boat), parts of a machine (eg cogs, bolts), device (eg computer/phone), anything that may have a spring in it (eg pen) ~ not a pencil/crayon.

Lists for Steampunk (simply to help, not mandatory)***:
Gay Steampunk
Steampunk Romance


7. Spring - a natural source of water

* Read a book with water on the cover.

8. Spring - a geometric surface in the shape of a helically coiled tube

* Read a book with an MC who is working or studying in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).
Qualification to be found in the precis, shelves or lists.

Here are some helpful*** (hopefully) lists:
STEM Heroines
2020 Women in STEM 1
Geeky STEM Romance
Gay Bookish, Nerdy, Geeky Characters

9. Spring - often used to name periods of political liberalization

* Read a book with a MPG 'historical'.

10. Spring tide - in oceanography, the maximum tide, occurring twice a month during the full and new moon

* Read a book set next to the ocean or on an island.
Qualification - any city located on the coast of a continent (not inland on a lake) or any island however identified. Show how it qualifies through the precis, shelf or list.

11. There are 4 locations/places called 'Spring' in the US (according to Wikipedia)

* Read a book set in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Texas or Washington.
Qualification must show location link to the MPG setting, shelf tag or list

12. There are also locations/places called 'Spring' in Germany, Romania, the Philippines, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (according to Wikipedia)

* Read a book set in Europe, Asia or Africa.
Qualification must show location link to the MPG setting, shelf tag or list.

13. Spring into action

* On your 'want to read' shelf (the full one that GR sets), sort your shelf by date added and with 100 books per page, and then select a book to read on the oldest page (the 100 books that have been on there the longest!)

14. The Earth has been slumbering but is now waking up!

* Read a book from one of the following lists:
Amnesia Themed Romance
Amnesia based Historical Romance
Gay MC with Amnesia
Amnesia in Harlequins
Qualification: your selected book MUST be on one of these lists.

15. Sprouting procreation or the unusual

* Read a book from one of these lists:
Vamps and Alien Males with Endowed & Unique Penises
Unusual Genitalia (Gay)
Well Hung - When Size Matters
Pierced Peckers
Tentaclesex Yay! (Gay)
Monster Cocks - Erotica (Gay)
Weird Inheritance Romance
Monogamy is Genetic & Impossible to Avoid
Dandy, Metrosexual, Clotheswhore
Gay SuperQueeros & SuperVillains
Superlove Romance
Qualification: your selected book MUST be on one of these lists.

***Note - the 'helpful' lists provided in a few of the categories do not automatically qualify the books, unless the title of the list clearly provides the required information. Eg #8 - MC works/studies in STEM. The gay list does not automatically qualify the books on that list as it does NOT mention STEM in the list title.

Themes Called Each Week:
Week 1 - #14 - Amnesia
Week 2 - #8 - STEM
Week 3 - #12 - Europe, Asia or Africa
Week 4 - #13 - TBR shelf
Week 5 - #1 - Pregnancy
Week 6 - #11 - NY, PA, TX, WA
Week 7 - #10 - Ocean or Island
Week 8 - #15 - Tentacles or Unusual
Week 9 - #3 - Flower or with at least three of these colors - white, yellow, pink, red, blue and green
Week 10 - #4 - pastures/fields/wilderness
Week 11 -

IMPORTANT:
In the last week of the challenge, Option 2 will be altered. Book selections under option 2 will have to be taken from a different team's members' bookshelves. I will allocate the teams out on posting the final theme (week 11).

For example (and this allocation will be randomly done on the day of the last theme call)
Option 2 for Team 1 must come from the bookshelves of Team 4.

Week 1 - #14 - Amnesia

AnnMarie Selection Post / Completion Post
Eugenia Selection Post / Completion Post
Sexyladi Selection Post / Completion Post
Laks Selection Post / Completion Post
Cynthia Selection Post / Completion Post
Lorene Selection Post / Completion Post
Tink MISBAR Selection Post / Completion Post

Week 2 - #8 - STEM

AnnMarie Selection Post / Completion Post
Eugenia Selection Post / Completion Post
Sexyladi Selection Post / Completion Post
Laks Selection Post / Completion Post
Cynthia Selection Post / Completion Post
Lorene Selection Post / Completion Post
Tink MISBAR Selection Post / Completion Post

Week 3 - #12 - Europe, Asia or Africa

AnnMarie Selection Post / Completion Post
Eugenia Selection Post /
Sexyladi Selection Post / Completion Post
Laks Selection Post / Completion Post
Cynthia Selection Post / Completion Post
Lorene Selection Post / Completion Post
Tink MISBAR Selection Post / Completion Post

Week 4 - #13 - TBR shelf

AnnMarie Selection Post / Completion Post
Eugenia Selection Post / Completion Post
Sexyladi Selection Post / Completion Post
Laks Selection Post / Completion Post
Cynthia Selection Post / Completion Post
Lorene Selection Post / Completion Post
Tink MISBAR Selection Post / Completion Post

Week 5 - Pregnancy

AnnMarie ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Eugenia ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Sexyladi ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Laks ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Cynthia ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Lorene ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Tink MISBAR ~ Selection Post / Completion Post

Week 6 - NY, PA, TX or WA

AnnMarie ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Eugenia ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Sexyladi ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Laks ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Cynthia ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Lorene ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Tink MISBAR ~ PASS

Week 7 - Ocean or Island

AnnMarie ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Eugenia ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Sexyladi ~ PASS
Laks ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Cynthia ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Lorene ~ Selection Post /
Tink MISBAR ~ Selection Post / Completion Post

Week 8 - Tentacles or Unusual

AnnMarie ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Eugenia ~ PASS
Sexyladi ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Laks ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Cynthia ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Lorene ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Tink MISBAR ~ Selection Post / Completion Post

Week 9 - Flower or with at least three of these colors - white, yellow, pink, red, blue and green

AnnMarie ~ Selection Post /
Eugenia ~ Selection Post /
Sexyladi ~ Selection Post /
Laks ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Cynthia ~ Selection Post /
Lorene ~ /
Tink MISBAR ~ Selection Post / Completion Post

Week 10 - #4 - pastures/fields/wilderness

AnnMarie ~ Selection Post /
Eugenia ~ withdrawn
Sexyladi ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Laks ~ Selection Post / Completion Post
Cynthia ~ PASS
Lorene ~ /
Tink MISBAR ~ Selection Post / Completion Post

Week 11 -
AnnMarie
Eugenia
Sexyladi
Laks
Cynthia
Lorene
Tink MISBAR

IMPORTANT:
In the last week of the challenge, Option 2 will be altered. Book selections under option 2 will have to be taken from a different team's members' bookshelves. I will allocate the teams out on posting the final theme (week 11).

For example (and this allocation will be randomly done on the day of the last theme call)
Option 2 for Team 1 must come from the bookshelves of Team 4.

Team Name Suggestions:

Too Lit Tulips

The Spring Readers

Last Bud Not Least

.

Hi, I have a crazy day at work, trying to get done early for the holiday weekend! I'll post the administrative stuff and such later tonight, just wanted to say Hi!

Hi I am AnnMarie, I live in South Jersey so I am in EST. Work is a bit crazy for me these days, I am transitioning into a new role but I have am still doing part of my old job so it is super fun. I read primarily M/M books but I downloaded a few books in a free giveaway this week so who knows what I'll read :) I love reading, taking Zumba classes, cooking & watching nerdy shows (currently working to finish Battlestar Galactica). I played this game once before and had fun, glad to be playing with each of you this round!

I am terrible with team names so any suggestions are welcome :)

Hi all!
I’m Eugenia and I live in Alaska. I primarily read MM, like Anne Marie. I’m a teacher & right now I’m ok with it—lol. Let’s wait a few weeks and I’m sure that will change.

I’ll think of some team names…

Hi everyone! I'm Sexyladi, I live in the Windy city, I read paranormal, reverse harems, contemporary, thrillers, Fantasy, YA, and multicultural romance. Not very good on names but I enjoy these challenges!

Hi everyone,
I'm Tink, I live in England so we're getting closer to the winter months here. I read FM and MM and lean towards paranormal/fantasy more recently.

I'll think about names but I'm pretty useless at them.

Too Lit Tulips

The Spring Readers

Last Bud Not Least

Too lit Tulips sounds good.

Hi Team! Just checking in because I have to leave but I will post my introduction later :)

I love Too Lit Tulips!

I am good with Too Lit Tulips :)

Hi Team! I am Cynthia from Spain. I love reading romance and fantasy but I enjoy other genres too. This is my second time playing and I am excited to start!

I really like Too Lit Tulips, great team name!

Cynthia! I’m originally from Argentina!

When do we start?

Hello everyone... I am Laks from India. So, my timing (IST) will be different from most of you.This is my second time playing this game. I read MM romances almost exclusively, but do try on others too as needed for the games. I love murder mysteries, historicals and fantasy the best.

Looking forward to starting the game!🙂 Too Lit Tulips is the best out of that three.

Welcome everyone! Too Lit Tulips is looking like the front runner 🙂

First call is 9/10 between 3pm and 6pm US EST, looking forward to getting started! Has everyone picked books for each theme? Any themes that you are not looking forward to or expect to have an issue selecting a book?

I often call the first theme early if we have full teams and you are all 'named' 🤗

Sorry for being late! I think I disabled notifications for this group at some point.

I'm Lorene from North Carolina, so EST. I also primarily read MM books and like every genre so long as there is a HEA.

Too Lit Tulips is great name in my opinion. I look forward to working with y'all in this challenge!

Full team! You are ready for kick off 🤩 (once your name is finalised)

Lorene wrote: "Sorry for being late! I think I disabled notifications for this group at some point.

I'm Lorene from North Carolina, so EST. I also primarily read MM books and like every genre so long as there i..."

Welcome :)

AnnMarie wrote: "Welcome everyone! Too Lit Tulips is looking like the front runner 🙂

First call is 9/10 between 3pm and 6pm US EST, looking forward to getting started! Has everyone picked books for each theme? An..."

I haven't picked anything as I always try to fit one book for multiple challenges. I think they are not very difficult themes, maybe the ones with compulsory lists but a great way to find new reads :)

I've played quite a few times and I never pre plan what I'll read as it depends what mood I'm in at the time. I do however, spend way too long looking through the lists and options.

I'm going to send a friend request to you all as my profile is private incase anyone uses option 2.

I never plan ahead & rarely read the cats before we start—long term planning has never been my strong suit! If I plan ahead, I’ll likely not feel like reading what I selected.

I am the complete opposite, I try to pick out 2-3 books for each category to allow for my mood once the category is called. That last theme caused me pause until I saw the superhero list and I was like winner lol

AnnMarie wrote: "I am the complete opposite, I try to pick out 2-3 books for each category to allow for my mood once the category is called. That last theme caused me pause until I saw the superhero list and I was ..."

LOL - yes, I knew we needed a broader option in that field since I wasn't drawn to the other lists either 😆

Tink Magoo is bad at reviews wrote: "I've played quite a few times and I never pre plan what I'll read as it depends what mood I'm in at the time. I do however, spend way too long looking through the lists and options.

I'm going to ..."

Yep. I am also the same. Searching the lists is time consuming, but thats half the fun. 😄

AnnMarie wrote: "I am the complete opposite, I try to pick out 2-3 books for each category to allow for my mood once the category is called. That last theme caused me pause until I saw the superhero list and I was ..."

That call wouldn't be a problem for me, funnily enough , I even have shelves for that stuff LOL

Laks wrote: "Tink Magoo is bad at reviews wrote: "I've played quite a few times and I never pre plan what I'll read as it depends what mood I'm in at the time. I do however, spend way too long looking through t..."

Exactly 😄

I have two Superhéroe books ready to go!’

This is my first time with ptp but I've done a couple of bingo rounds in the mm group. I don't have a set list prepared but I have a couple titles in mind for each category and then I pick the one that most suits my mood when the category is called.

I'm hoping to stick with standalones or sequels to books I've already read for this challenge. I'm in the middle of so many series right now that I'm going to start forgetting relevant info if I keep adding more XD

Eugenia wrote: "I have two Superhéroe books ready to go!’"

lol worst case I figure I can re-listen to one of the Extraordinaries books :)

We have our first call - 14. Amnesia



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