Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

The Amazing Race Team Challenge
April 11, 2020 through June 6, 2020
8 Week Dash For the Win!

Team 14:

✓ Geri
✓ Laura
★ Linda
✓ Alissa

The Amazing Race Team Challenge
April 11, 2020 through June 9, 2020
8 Week Dash For the Win!

Tracking:
Task 1 - 1. Each player reads a book by the same author, teams decide author - no pass for this task. Assigned 4.12.2020 / Completed 4.17.2020
Task 2 - 69. Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession. Assigned 4.18.2020 / Completed 4.21.2020
Task 3 - 17. Read 4 books that are stand alones. Assigned 4.21.2020 / Completed 4.23.2020
Task 4 - 63. Read over 1000 pages in books that start with the same letter (no articles), teams decide letter. Assigned 4.23.2020 / Completed 4.26.2020
Task 5 - 38. Read 6 books with 3 word titles. Assigned 4.26.2020 / Completed 4.28.2020
Task 6 - 66. As a team, pick a list with over 100 romance books on it, each member reads a book from that list. No pass for this task. Assigned 4.28.2020 / Completed 4.30.2020
Task 7 - 54. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books of the same sub-genre, but by different authors. Assigned 4.30.2020 / Completed 5.2.2020
Task 8 - 70. Each teammate reads a book that the teammate after them alphabetically has rated 5 stars. No pass for this task. Assigned 5.2.2020 / Completed 5.5.2020
Task 9 - 28. Read 6 books with over 10,000 ratings. Assigned 5.5.2020 / Completed 5.8.2020
Task 10 - 71. Read 6 books with alliteration in the title or author's name. Assigned 5.8.2020 / Completed 5.10.2020
Task 11 - 59. Read 4 books published in the decade of a teammate's birth, team decides which teammate. Assigned 5.10.2020 / Completed 5.13.2020
Task 12 - 49. Read 6 books featuring cowboys. Assigned 5.13.2020 / Completed 5.16.2020
Task 13 - 37. Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name. Assigned 5.16.2020 / Completed 5.20.2020
Task 14 - 11. Read 4 books first published within the last year. Assigned 5.20.2020 / Completed 5.22.2020
Task 15 - 21. Read a book recommended to you by a teammate - no pass for this task. Assigned 5.22.2020 / Completed 5.25.2020
Task 16 - 75. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope. Assigned 5.25.2020 / Completed 5.27.2020
Task 17 - 6. Each player reads a book by a new to you author - no pass for this task. Assigned 5.27.2020 / Completed 5.29.2020
Task 18 - 45. Read 4 books by one of the 2020 FACs. Assigned 5.29.2020 / Completed 6.1.2020
Task 19 - 55. Pick another team and each member reads one book that was read by a member for this challenge. No pass for this task. Assigned 6.1.2020 / Completed 6.4.2020
Task 20 - 33. Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task. Assigned 6.4.2020 / Completed 6.7.2020
Task 21 - 100. Read a book with an average rating of 4.2 or higher. No pass for this task. You can read as many books as you wish, each book completed earns a point. Assigned 6.7.2020

The Amazing Race Team Challenge
April 11, 2020 through June 9, 2020
8 Week Dash For the Win!

Challenge Dates:
Signups open until April 11, 2020 at 9 PM US EDT.
Remaining Teams Assigned after signups close on April 11, 2020.
First Task Assigned April 14, 2020 at 6 PM US EDT.
Challenge Ends on June 9, 2020 at Midnight US EDT, tasks will not be accepted after this time.

Each team will work together to complete tasks. Once complete, you will be given another task to complete. After the first task, teams will be on different paths with tasks randomly assigned. The same tasks may be assigned to different teams at different times, but no task will be used more than once by the same team. Each team works at their own pace and the team that completes the most tasks at the end of 8 weeks will be the winner!

After the first task is given to everyone, when a team finishes their task they will need to report their completion in the Tracking/Q&A thread. I will confirm the completion and assign their next task. New tasks will not be assigned more frequently than every other day. I will attempt to respond quickly to confirm completion and assign new tasks, but please allow up to 24 hours. If I am unavailable, another mod will assign the task.

Each teammate will need to participate in each task, but may take a pass for one task during the course of the challenge. For some tasks, no passes will be allowed. Completions posts will need to be made when finishing each book for a task, similar to the PtP and Bachelor Challenges. A player will be removed if they make no comment for 5 days after a new task is assigned or 3 days after the rest of the team completes the task (whichever is later), despite attempts to make contact.

Information required when posting your completion/s:

Task
Book/cover link
Page numbers with source
How book qualified, with links or cover as necessary.
Date Completed.

There is a 150 page minimum for books, rereads and audios ok. Books may only be used once per player during the challenge. Players may read the same book for a task unless otherwise specified. Books do not have to be romance, but must be fiction.

**For this challenge, use the GR Kindle first edition page count if available. Ebook page count will be acceptable if no Kindle page count available. The acceptability of other page counts will be made on an individual basis**

I think most of you know each other, at least a little, but feel free to introduce yourself again. Please give any relevant information, especially time zone as that helps know when it is best to communicate. 😊

Please select a team leader to help keep track of where your team is in any given task. And as necessary guide discussions for task decisions. Any teammate can report your completions though.

PS - If you want to be known as anything other than Team 14, you are free to come up with a team name. 😉

✅✅✅ TRACKING POST PT.1 ✅✅✅
Part 2: Msg 8

TASK 10
[71. Read 6 books with alliteration in the title or author's name.]

✓✓Laura: Lucky in Love | Completion post
Nine Lives | Completion Post
✓✓Geri: A Dance With Darkness | Completion Post
Heiress of Light: Magic Reborn | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Defiant Queen | Completion Post
✓Linda: Im Bann des Zyklopen | Completion Post

TASK 9
[28. Read 6 books with over 10,000 ratings.]

✓✓Laura: When We Believed in Mermaids | Completion Post
The Bungalow | Completion Post
✓Geri: Ice Planet Barbarians | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Ruthless King | Completion Post
✓✓Linda: All Grown Up | Completion Post
An Enchantment of Ravens | Completion Post

TASK 8
[70. Each teammate reads a book that the teammate after them alphabetically has rated 5 stars. No pass for this task.]
Order: Alissa, Geri, Laura, Linda

✓Alissa: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill | Completion Post
✓Geri: Wherever She Goes | Completion Post
✓Laura: The Wicked King | Completion Post
✓Linda: My Sister, the Serial Killer | Completion Post

TASK 7
[Task 7 - 54. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books of the same sub-genre, but by different authors.]
Sub-Genre chosen: Contemporary Romance

✓Laura: Only Love (330 p.) | Completion Post
✓Geri: Dane's Storm (370p.) | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Deal with the Devil (268 p.) | Completion Post
✓Linda: Punk 57 (343 p.) | Completion Post
330+370+268+343=1311 pages

TASK 6
[66. As a team, pick a list with over 100 romance books on it, each member reads a book from that list. No pass for this task.]
List chosen: All Time Favorite Romance Novels!

✓Laura: Seducing Cinderella (#1024) | Completion Post
✓Geri: Wallbanger (#69) | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Bully (#516) | Completion Post
✓Linda: The Summer I Turned Pretty (#56) | Completion Post

TASK 5
[38. Read 6 books with 3 word titles.]

✓✓Laura: The Color Purple | Completion Post
Wild at Heart | Completion Post
✓✓Geri: All Systems Red | Completion Post
Wild at Heart | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Boy Meets Boy | Completion Post
✓Linda: Eight Perfect Murders | Completion Post

TASK 4
[63. Read over 1000 pages in books that start with the same letter (no articles), teams decide letter.]
Letter: L

✓Laura: Love Her or Lose Her (347p.) | Completion Post
✓Geri: The Lies We Told (336p.) | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Legendary (432 p.) | Completion Post
✓Linda: Law Enforcement: New York (190p.)| Completion Post
Total Pages: 1305

TASK 3
[17. Read 4 books that are stand alones.]

✓Laura: Girl at Heart | Completion Post
✓Geri: Behind Every Lie | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Twice in a Blue Moon | Completion Post
✓Linda: The Astonishing Color of After | Completion Post

TASK 2
[69. Read over 750 pages in books about the same profession, teams decide which profession.]
Profession: Law Enforcement Officer

✓Laura: If You Hear Her (400p) | Completion Post
✓Geri: The Last Widow (465 p.) | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Cold Hearted Love: A Small Town Sheriff Romance (215 p.)| Completion Post
✓Linda: Law Enforcement: Los Angeles (189 p.)| Completion Post

TASK 1
[1. Each player reads a book by the same author, teams decide author - no pass for this task.]
Author: Penelope Douglas

✓ Laura: Punk 57 | Completion Post
✓Geri: Hideaway | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Corrupt | Completion Post
✓Linda: Birthday Girl | Completion Post

INFO POST

Decade
L- 70's
A-80's
Linda-90's
G-70's

color covers:
Decision: Blue

Home town?
Linda: Vienna
Alissa: Florida
G: Chicago

Birth month
L-December
A- December
G-June
Linda-April

Specific item on cover
Decision: white shirt

profession-
decision: law enforcement officer

Joined RRRC
L-2020
A-2016
Linda-2020
G-2019

9. Same sub-genre
Decision: contemporary romance

51. Each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide. No pass for this task.
Maybe a Buddy Read?


52. Read 6 books set in the same location, teams decide the location.
Decision: New York

53. Each teammate reads a different book by the same author, no pass for this task

Decision: Penny Reid

54. Read a minimum of 1200 pages in books of the same sub-genre, but by different authors.

Decision: Contemporary Romance


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

58. Read a minimum of 750 pages in books published in any one year prior to 2018, team picks the year.
Decision: 2017

60. Read 6 books set on a beach or in the mountains, teams decide which.
Decision: Beach

61. Read a minimum of 1500 pages in books by the same author, teams decide author.

Lauren Blakely or Helena Hunting

65. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country.
Decision: U.K.

66. As a team, pick a list with over 100 romance books on it, each member reads a book from that list. No pass for this task.
Decision: All Time Favourite Romance Novels!

67. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item.
Decision: White Shirt

✅✅✅ TRACKING POST PT.2 ✅✅✅

TASK 20
[33. Each teammate reads a book another teammate read and rated 4 Stars or higher in the last 3 months. No pass for this task.]

✓Laura: Truth or Beard | Completion Post
✓Geri: The Unhoneymooners | Completion Post
Alissa: Hideaway |
✓Linda: The Overdue Life of Amy Byler | Completion Post

TASK 19
[55. Pick another team and each member reads one book that was read by a member for this challenge. No pass for this task.]
Team chosen: #2 Stranded Readers

✓Laura: Repeat |Completion Post
✓Geri: Brooklynaire| Completion Post
✓Alissa: Lick |Completion Post
✓Linda: Last Chance Christmas | Completion Post

TASK 18
[45. Read 4 books by one of the 2020 FACs.]

✓Laura: The Obsession | Completion Post
✓Geri: Fix Her Up | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Fix Her Up | Completion Post
✓Linda: Vision in White | Completion Post

TASK 17
[6. Each player reads a book by a new to you author - no pass for this task.]

✓Laura: Wildland | Completion Post
✓Geri: The Henna Artist | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Truth or Beard | Completion Post
✓Linda: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 | Completion Post

TASK 16
[75. Read 6 books that have the same romance trope, teams decide which trope.]
Trope chosen: Enemies to Lovers

✓Laura: The Deal | Completion Post
✓✓Geri: Beach Read | Completion Post
The Marriage Bargain | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Rival | Completion Post
✓Linda: The Unhoneymooners | Completion Post

TASK 15
[21. Read a book recommended to you by a teammate - no pass for this task.]

✓Laura: Delicious | Completion Post
✓Geri: Before She Was Found | Completion Post
✓Alissa: American Dirt | Completion Post
✓Linda: Out of My Mind | Completion Post

TASK 14
[11. Read 4 books first published within the last year.]

✓Laura: Fallen | Completion Post
✓Geri: The Familiar Dark | Completion Post
✓Alissa: Well Met | Completion Post
✓Linda: In Five Years | Completion Post

TASK 13
[37. Read 6 books by authors who use initials in their name.]

✓✓Laura: Be the Girl | Completion Post
Girls on the Line | Completion Post
✓✓Geri: Introductions | Completion Post
Owned | Completion Post
✓Alissa: For All Our Sins | Completion Post
✓Linda: Girls on the Line | Completion Post

TASK 12
[49. Read 6 books featuring cowboys.]

✓✓Laura: Cowboy Heat | Completion Post
Snowed in With the Rancher | Completion Post
✓✓Geri: Wyoming Tough | Completion Post
The Rancher | Completion Post
Alissa:
✓Linda: The Cowboy’s Contract Marriage | Completion Post

TASK 11
[59. Read 4 books published in the decade of a teammate's birth, team decides which teammate.]
Decade chosen: 90's (Linda's Decade)

✓Laura: The Awakening | Completion Post
✓Geri: Petals on the River | Completion Post
✓Alissa: It Had to Be You | Completion Post
✓Linda: The Awakening | Completion Post

Yay Linda!!

I was just going to say I couldn’t do it with Clue starting.

Any ideas for team names?

Linda wrote: "Yeah I figure you guys might be swamped with all the other challenges! In that case I will gladly do it!!!"

Thank you!!

Laura wrote: "Any ideas for team names?"

I was afraid you were going to ask that! LOL

May as well get it started.

I cheated... googled Amazing Race Team names and I got "Pumped Up Kicks".. which I love that song!

Globetrotters( drop the Harlem)
I'm horrible at team names.

Sole Sisters
The Fast and the Curious
Twisted Blisters
Heart & Sole

What about Pumped Up Sisters

Alissa, I like it!

I like it too!

I saw Jane posted a few questions on the q & a thread. I’ll be interested in the answers. I’ll post them later so we can refer to them later.

Oh, I like that name!!! :D

Since we all like the team name suggestion you can ask for our name change in the Q & A thread, Linda when you have a free moment.

OK. I just posted our new name on the q&a thread. And let MK know Linda is captain.

Should we discuss any of the possible tasks? I think the ones where we need to read the same author, sub genre or series will be the trickiest. And we may want to think about it in case we get those tasks. The others will probably be best to tackle if we get them.

ahhhh Thank you! Wasn't quick enough hehe

I also wanted to discuss! I think most of them sound super fun but I agree that the author will be tricky. Do most of us have KU or scribd?? I don't have either but I like my scribd free trial. It will run out in a few days but I think I will subscribe to it for the duration of quarantine. I am not picky when it comes down to it... but id be happy if we leave horror/intense thrillers out of it... I am a scaredy cat hahaha

I just signed up for scribd yesterday. And I use Overdrive, hoopla and audible escape. All to lower the cost of my huge book habit. LOL

Maybe we can list our favorite genres and see if we can come up with an author, series or sub genre we all like.

I like mystery/thriller/suspense, fantasy/sci-fi adult or YA, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance m/f romance

I use Overdrive, have KU and have a few books of my own on my shelves. I also have a few library books that I borrowed before my local library closed. My Overdrive is much smaller than Geri's and I do have to wait for most new releases.

I will read most anything. I like historical fiction, fantasy, YA, memoirs, chick lit, romance (not m/m) mystery, thriller, suspense. Non- fiction would be my least favorite, and I 'm not a fan of alien stuff.

I think communication will be key so I'm all up for giving suggestions and taking suggestions ( that way I 'll know if I can easily get a book- and you guys as well) Take a look and see if you might be interested and no worries if you can't access her books or aren't interested. Here's a new author that I 've recently found Camille Pagán that I 've enjoyed. Her books seem accessible.

I recently read &

I still want to read :

comes out April 28th- I really want to read this one. It will be free on KU.

I like historical fiction, fantasy (YA mostly), memoirs and all kinds romance. but besides not liking horror i am really not picky as I still roam around different genres to figure out my favourites...

I just thought of an author: What about Mhairi McFarlane? I dont know if any of you ever read her before. I just saw that she has a few of contemporary romance books and apparently they are cute and funny? (I dont know if they are anywhere besides audible though. I cant check scribd as mine is german only.)

I love some of these tasks--- there are too many to list but here are a few of my favorites:

70. Each teammate reads a book that the teammate after them alphabetically has rated 5 stars. No pass for this task.
Alissa, Geri, Laura, Linda ( Linda I will be scrounging your shelves!!)

63. Read over 1000 pages in books that start with the same letter (no articles), teams decide letter. This will be an easy one- just requires a little planning:-)

59. Read 4 books published in the decade of a teammate's birth, team decides which teammate. So many neat tasks!!

Okay wait Laura I typed and didn't see your message so I will check your books asap!!! And I agree - communication is key! I will read mostly anything so I'm open to any ideas. I just don't have KU but I'm sure we can work around that. I still have some audible coupons (or whatever they are called in english)

Linda wrote: "I like historical fiction, fantasy (YA mostly), memoirs and all kinds romance. but besides not liking horror i am really not picky as I still roam around different genres to figure out my favourite..."

I just sent back a book by Mhairi McFarlane.- Don't You Forget About Me It wasn't as good as all the other contemporary romance I 've recently read but I 'm willing to try something else by her if I can get a copy!

Okay I am totally fine with Camille Pagán!!

and i absolutely LOVE the 5 star task!! thats going to be exciting!!
also love this one:
65. Read 6 books set in the same country outside the US, teams decide country.


I might need some help with:
42. Read 4 books #5 or higher in a series.
I am not that far in any series but you guys might know some where you dont have to have read the earlier ones maybe?

51. Each teammate reads a book published in the same month and year, teams decide. No pass for this task.
67. Read 6 books with a specific item on the cover, team selects item.

These will be hard to coordinate aswell!!!
But I am excited!!

I'm excited too Linda! These are great tasks. We can definitely help with you that task: 42. Read 4 books #5 or higher in a series. ( if we have to read for it)

I have a few series that would work and it would be helpful but not essential to read the earlier books.

Thanks for the recommendations Linda and Laura! I am able to get Linda’s recommendations from Overdrive. Laura’s books are only on audible. But don’t cost much. I’d be able to get them without using a credit! Let’s see what Alissa can get.

My recommendation if you like it HOT is

I wasn’t sure I would like this. It’s a dark, hate to love, erotic romance. But I am now hooked! It’s different. But this may not be everybody’s cup of tea. So just say so. I know it is on hoopla, scribd and audible escape.

Geri wrote: "Thanks for the recommendations Linda and Laura! I am able to get Linda’s recommendations from Overdrive. Laura’s books are only on audible. But don’t cost much. I’d be able to get them without usin..."

I can get if for 1.36$ so that's a yes for me and I can get other books by this author for free:-) Not sure if this is Linda's cup of tea though!

HMMMM I must admit I wouldnt reach for it by myself .. the 'dark' side of it kind of scares me LOL but I wouldnt mind reading her other books. I saw some that seem to be less dark!! So I am fine with that too!!

Linda wrote: "HMMMM I must admit I wouldnt reach for it by myself .. the 'dark' side of it kind of scares me LOL but I wouldnt mind reading her other books. I saw some that seem to be less dark!! So I am fine wi..."

OK. This could be one option for reading the same author then. Or maybe sub genre it is listed under new adult.

Linda, I 'm going to go back and delete my comments at the start of the thread so you will have the top posts - you can use those for tracking.

You can go back and edit your comments and put any letter or character to "reserve" the post as a tracking space.

FYI- MountainKat is asking teams to check in on the Q & A thread. ( You can follow the examples there as how to check in) She's hoping to give out tasks early! I can't wait to see our first task.

Geri wrote: "Linda wrote: "HMMMM I must admit I wouldnt reach for it by myself .. the 'dark' side of it kind of scares me LOL but I wouldnt mind reading her other books. I saw some that seem to be less dark!! S..."


If Alissa likes it:-) and has access.

Okay, I have Hoopla too- which I don't use very often as I forgot that I even had it. Alissa and Linda it might be worth checking to see if you can get it too. If I recall it's free.

Geri, here's a potential option- you and I both like Penny Reid. It might be worth checking to see if it's an author Alissa and Linda might like and if they can access her books as she has lots. I haven't read all her books and Hoopla has some of the Winston series which I 've always wanted to try.

Laura wrote: "Okay, I have Hoopla too- which I don't use very often as I forgot that I even had it. Alissa and Linda it might be worth checking to see if you can get it too. If I recall it's free.

Geri, here's..."

Yes, hoopla is free. No waiting either. I find a lot to borrow every month.

And yes, I love Penny Reid! I’m up for reading her books if Alissa and Linda are interested.

I’m looking over the list of tasks there are a few I have questions about but most seem like they will be fun.

I’m checking my sources now to see what I have access to so far not much luck at libraries.


I do have kindle unlimited and now I’m going to try the scribid and the hoopla which I might have just haven’t really used.


I never mind a hot book 💁🏾‍♀️ so I’m definitely looking into that one.

I like the task where we can possibly read the same book so it’s also a mini book club.

I was able to get Corrupt I’m hoping we have a chance to read this one!!

I have access to Penny Reid and others by Penelope Douglas still couldn’t find Camille Pagan

Ok I checked us in! And I reserved the first 3 posts. I don't think I need as many but lets see!!

Sorry guys please don't forget that my timezone is GMT+1.. I usually wake up around now and check goodreads in the morning but the 8h before that I will be knocked out :D since you guys more or less share an equal timezone I just wanted to remind you again of this so you're not wondering about me no answering.

Hoopla sounds cool but I cannot sign up for it as this is US only. it seems I have to put in a library card of a US library in so I can't sign up unfortunately :(

I found penny Reid von scribd! This is also an option for me.

I think we will definitely find an author/sub genre once the task rolls around! :D

Alissa wrote: "I have access to Penny Reid and others by Penelope Douglas still couldn’t find Camille Pagan"

No worries at least we have two options if we have to read a task by the same author. - Penny Reid & Penelope Ward. Then we just pick one or the other.

Thanks for checking us in Linda!

Geri wrote: "Linda wrote: "HMMMM I must admit I wouldnt reach for it by myself .. the 'dark' side of it kind of scares me LOL but I wouldnt mind reading her other books. I saw some that seem to be less dark!! S..."

Just a heads up that for the book Corrupt New Adult is not the sub genre- it’s only the second tagged genre. The sub genre is the tag after an arrow. In this case romance is one of the genres and contemporary romance is the sub genre.

Neanderthal Seeks Human - there are 3 sub genres.
Contemporary romance
Chick lit
Comedy

Laura wrote: "Geri wrote: "Linda wrote: "HMMMM I must admit I wouldnt reach for it by myself .. the 'dark' side of it kind of scares me LOL but I wouldnt mind reading her other books. I saw some that seem to be ..."

Good to know! Contemporary romance is an easy sub genre to do.

Linda wrote: "Ok I checked us in! And I reserved the first 3 posts. I don't think I need as many but lets see!!

Sorry guys please don't forget that my timezone is GMT+1.. I usually wake up around now and check..."

Yes, Linda, I remember that our time zone is different. I think you are about 7 hours ahead of me.

Yes, hoopla is part of the library system in U.S and Canada, I think.

I am going to try the authors that were recommended, whether I read them for the challenge or not.

Alissa wrote: "I never mind a hot book 💁🏾‍♀️ so I’m definitely looking into that one."

LOL Alissa! I finished it and it was definitely hot. At first you might get a little mad. But trust me, stick with it.

Anyone else always getting Pumped Up Kicks stuck in their Head when they open the Thread?? I am constantly singing hahah

Ha, sorry!

Linda wrote: "Anyone else always getting Pumped Up Kicks stuck in their Head when they open the Thread?? I am constantly singing hahah"

It is a catchy song! Not a bad one to have stuck in your head.

True !! It gets my mood up every time!!