Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion

Team Members

Flower Power Rosebud
🌹 Gustaf

Sprouts
🌱Michaele
🌱Courtney
🌱Sally
🌱Kira
🌱Krissy

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 :)

Weekly Themes

Selection/Completion Posts Week 1-4

Week 1 - Amnesia
Gustaf: Selection Post Completion Post
Michaele: Selection Post Completion Post
Courtney: Selection Post Completion Post
Sally: Selection Post Completion Post
Kira: Selection Post Completion Post
Krissy: Selection Post Completion Post

Week 2 - Stem
Gustaf: Selection Post Completion Post
Michaele: Selection Post Completion Post
Courtney: Selection Post Completion Post
Sally: Selection Post Completion Post
Kira: Selection Post Completion Post
Krissy: Selection Post Completion Post

Week 3 - Set in Europe, Asia or Africa
Gustaf: Selection Post Completion Post
Michaele: Selection Post Completion Post
Courtney: Selection Post Completion Post
Sally: Selection Post Completion Post
Kira: Selection Post Completion Post
Krissy: Selection Post Completion Post

Week 4 - Want to read shelf
Gustaf: Selection Post Completion Post
Michaele: Selection Post Completion Post
Courtney: Selection Post Completion Post
Sally: Selection Post Completion Post
Kira: Pass
Krissy: Selection Post Completion Post

Selection/Completion Posts Week 5-8

Week 5 - Pregnant MC
Gustaf: Selection Post Completion Post
Michaele: Selection Post Completion Post
Courtney: Selection Post Completion Post Completion Post
Sally: Selection Post Completion Post
Kira: Selection Post Completion Post
Krissy: Selection Post Completion Post

Week 6 - Set in New York, Pennsylvania, Texas or Washington
Gustaf: Selection Post Completion Post
Michaele: Selection Post Completion Post
Courtney: Selection Post Completion Post
Sally: Selection Post Completion Post
Kira: Selection Post Completion Post
Krissy: Selection Post Completion Post

Week 7 - Set next to or on an island
Gustaf: Selection Post Completion Post
Michaele: Selection Post Completion Post
Courtney: Selection Post Completion Post
Sally: Selection Post Completion Post
Kira: Selection Post Completion Post
Krissy: Selection Post Completion Post

Week 8 - Unusual Genitalia
Gustaf: Selection Post Completion Post
Michaele: Selection Post Completion Post
Courtney: Selection Post Completion Post
Sally: Selection Post Completion Post
Kira: Selection Post Completion Post
Krissy: Selection Post Completion Post

Selection/Completion Posts Week 9-11

Week 9 - Flowers
Gustaf: Selection Post Completion Post
Michaele: Selection Post Completion Post
Courtney: Selection Post Completion Post
Sally: Selection Post Completion Post
Kira: Selection Post Completion Post
Krissy: Selection Post Completion Post

Week 10 - Fields and stuff
Gustaf: Selection Post Completion Post
Michaele: Selection Post Completion Post
Courtney: Selection Post Completion Post
Sally: Selection Post Completion Post
Kira: Selection Post Completion Post
Krissy: Selection Post Post

Week 11
Gustaf: Selection Post Completion Post
Michaele: Selection Post Completion Post
Courtney:
Sally: Selection Post Completion Post
Kira: Selection Post
Krissy:

Team Name Ideas
Last Bud Not Least
Too Lit Tulips
Busy Bees
Pollen Power
Love bugs and crazy daisies
Spring has sprung our books are brung

Might Need Later

Might Need Later

Hello team!

My name is Gustaf. I'm 26 years of age and I live with my husband and our whippet Toby in Stockholm, Sweden. My time zone is CET. I am however really bad at sleeping so you'll probably find me online in the middle of what would be my night more often than not.

When I'm not reading, I spend a lot of time training and hopefully soon competing with my dog again or you'll find me talking about the Eurovision song contest on youtube.

I read 95.5% M/M so that's most likely what I'll stick with for this challenge. However, I might just read something else.

This is my first time doing this challenge and I can't wait to get started. Please have some patience with me though. I might just be a little confused in the beginning.

Coming up with team names is a favorite of mine, so I'm going to go ahead and put some suggestions on the name ideas thread.

Hi all

I’m Sally and I live in Queensland in Australia (East coast) where spring is in full swing.

I am 65 and hubby and I are retired. I thought retirement meant more time to read - but so busy now that is not working out as I thought 😂😂😂

I am an eclectic reader but happiest when reading paranormal romances. I have books picked for every theme already - the hard part is not reading them yet 😂😂😂

Looking forwards to playing this round of PtP - you are all new to me team mates. I have played this challenge a few times so know the ropes 😀

Team name suggestions:
Love bugs and crazy daisies
Spring has sprung our books are brung

Sally906 wrote: "Hi all

I’m Sally and I live in Queensland in Australia (East coast) where spring is in full swing.

I am 65 and hubby and I are retired. I thought retirement meant more time to read - but so busy..."

Hi Sally!
It's nice to meet you. I've been drawn to paranormal lately as well, a year ago I could've sworn they wasn't my thing.
I really like Spring has sprung our books are brung.

Gustaf wrote: "Hi Sally!
It's nice to meet you. I've been drawn to paranormal lately as well, a year ago I could've sworn they wasn't my thing.
I really like Spring has sprung our books are brung..."

I’ve discovered a lot of books that weren’t my thing since I’ve started to join challenges

I struggled to find a book for theme 15 - Sprouting procreation or the unusual - I searched the lists and after an hour or so found one that was a freebie on Amazon - was very happy. My husband gave me funny looks for the rest of the day when I triumphantly announced I found a book with a large blue male MC who has horns.

😂😂😂

Hi everyone!

My name is Courtney, and I'm an US expat who lives in Taiwan. I live with my hubby and dog and two kids...with one more on the way! So when I'm not reading, I'm trying to organize chaos 🤣.

I think this my fourth time doing this challenge 🤔. It's hard to keep track! But I always love it because I end up adding a bunch of good stuff to my TBR. I pretty much only read historical romances for the longest time, but I've been introduced to a lot of good stuff through these challenges, so I've branched out quite a bit 🤣.

I've been on a big sci-fi kick lately, but I have found some paranormal stuff I've liked over the past year or so. Mostly shifter books...I've tried a few magic/witch ones, but so far haven't found any I really like, and I'm still on the fence with vampires. But I'll pretty much try anything at least once to see how it goes!

Courtney wrote: "Hi everyone!

My name is Courtney, and I'm an US expat who lives in Taiwan. I live with my hubby and dog and two kids...with one more on the way! So when I'm not reading, I'm trying to organize cha..."

Hi Courtney, nice to meet you :) What do you think about team names?

Hello- I'm Michaele (pronounced Michael), I live in Utah - so U.S. Mountain Standard Time.

I live with my dog Rusty, who is aging gracefully (he's losing his eyesight, it's sad, but he adapts well). I'm also working 3 jobs so crazy busy, but I often listen to books while at 2 of my jobs.

I mostly read contemporary M/M, but I'm willing to try new things.

I am also traveling the next two days - helping my aunt get to her son's house in Colorado - so I might not be able to check in tonight or tomorrow, but I am usually on goodreads often. I like the Spring has Sprung name too - I am easy to please.

Michaele wrote: "Hello- I'm Michaele (pronounced Michael), I live in Utah - so U.S. Mountain Standard Time.

I live with my dog Rusty, who is aging gracefully (he's losing his eyesight, it's sad, but he adapts well..."

Hi Michaele! Nice to have a somewhat familiar face on the team. Have fun with your trip!

I'm so terrible with names 🤣. So really anything you all like is fine with me! I'm cool with Spring has Sprung.

Hi team! My name is Krissy. I'm 39 years old. This will be my 9th or 10th time playing. I can't remember for sure.

I have been with my husband for almost 23 years. He's recently retired from serving 21 years in the military. We have 3 kids and 2 dogs. A Pug named Tadpole and a Husky named Athena.

I read just about every genre. But my go-to genre will always be MM.

I suck at names so don't expect any suggestions from me. Lol.

Oh! I forgot to add that I currently reside in the horrible state of Missouri.

Krissy wrote: "Hi team! My name is Krissy. I'm 39 years old. This will be my 9th or 10th time playing. I can't remember for sure.

I have been with my husband for almost 23 years. He's recently retired from serv..."

Nice meeting you Krissy! Happy to have other MM readers on my team.

Seems like we all so far agree on Spring has sprung our books are brung. Going to wait a little more for Kira before I send it to Jane

Hi Team!

I'm Kira. I'm 28 and live in Alberta, Canada with my 2 dogs. I have a St. Bernard (Ravi) and a Great Dane (Charles). They both turned 3 in August. This is my first Pass The Parcel Challenge and I'm excited to see what you all are reading!

I mostly read contemporary romance, but the transition to fall here has me craving some PNR and Fantasy too.

"Too lit Tulips" and "Last bud not least" are my favourites Gustaf. I really love a good pun 😂. But I am also good with "Spring has sprung our books are brung".

A full team!! YAY!

Kira wrote: "Hi Team!

I'm Kira. I'm 28 and live in Alberta, Canada with my 2 dogs. I have a St. Bernard (Ravi) and a Great Dane (Charles). They both turned 3 in August. This is my first Pass The Parcel Challen..."

Nice to meet you Kira!

Your team has an even mix of MM and MF readers. I try to mix you all together otherwise you end up playing with the same team mates on each round 🤗

Since everyone said they are ok with Spring are sprung I'm going to submit that. This is your last chance to tell us if you absolutely hate it.

Are you guys planning ahead at all? Or going to choose as the mood strikes? I like to have a couple options, but am definitely a mood reader.

Any topics that you're particularly excited for? Or topics where you'd rather just go with Option 2?

I was a little worried about the options that MUST come from a specific list. But it looks like there are lots to choose from. I might finally jump on the "Ice Planet Barbarians" bandwagon for week 15 😂. But for pregnancy and amnesia, I feel like knowing from the start might ruin the surprise in some cases?

I'm pretty excited for the STEM week. I usually find the nerdy professionals very relatable. I always avoid Historical, so week 9 might be Option 2 for me. Or maybe this will be the push I need to finally try it!

Kira wrote: "Are you guys planning ahead at all? Or going to choose as the mood strikes? I like to have a couple options, but am definitely a mood reader.

Any topics that you're particularly excited for? Or to..."

Hi Kira - I randomly select the theme each week, so week 1 could be any of the themes on that list. The game goes for 11 weeks, so 4 of the themes won't ever be selected :) Hope that makes sense!

I never plan ahead. I just wing it.

Kira wrote: "Are you guys planning ahead at all? Or going to choose as the mood strikes? I like to have a couple options, but am definitely a mood reader.

Any topics that you're particularly excited for? ..."

I love anything paranormal related - and the occasional “space smut’ romance, particularly if it has a blue horned alien 😂😂

I plot and plan as soon as the themes are released and have a book assigned for every one. For me the planning is part of the whole experience. I panic if I have to make last minute decisions.

I record all of my picks on a word document so I don’t pick them for any other challenges.

I love the Ice Planet Barbarian series - I’ve read a lot of them and still have a few to read.
For amnesia I have picked Enticed by His Forgotten Lover by Maya Banks

For pregnant I picked Sacrificed to the Dragon by Jessie Donovan

I usually wing it too. There are definitely some I'd go for option 2 for - I don't like Historical either!

I always think I will prepare but I always end up not doing it x)

Gustaf wrote: "I always think I will prepare but I always end up not doing it x)"

THIS is me!! or I prepare and then abandon the list completely and pick anew 😆

The one thing i try to do is add books to the lists that I want to read IF i know they will fit. Some are really obvious and clearly qualify...

If the list is more along the lines of having to have read the book I go through my recent books and add them for others to enjoy 🤪

I try to add to the lists when I can. Just trying to help others.

I love the Ice Planet Barbarian series, too! It was my first venture into Sci-fi, and it was really good. Has some nice funny moments mixed in, too.

If you're interested in a bit lighter sci-fi like IPB, Sign Here for Horns is a really good series. The first book has a few heavier moments, but 2 and 3 are really fun. I've been meaning to get to book 4 for a while. I'd say it's my second favorite sci-fi series after IPB.

For amnesia, I read Hot Mess last year, and it was so good, but it about killed me! Just so many feels. I think I'll need to do something a little less emotional for this one. I was thinking maybe Repeat because I like the author's other series.

I usually don't pick until the day of the call though. I'm terrible about planning ahead. I just keep second guessing myself and changing...so it's easier to just wait 🤣

I also try to add to lists whenever I can. But planning for myself is a whole other issue.

We got our first call!

Option 1
14. The Earth has been slumbering but is now waking up!

* Read a book from one of the following lists:
Amnesia Themed Romance - https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...
Amnesia based Historical Romance - https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Gay MC with Amnesia - https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/6...
Amnesia in Harlequins - https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/8...
Qualification: your selected book MUST be on one of these lists

Option 2
Key date: 5 March 2021
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
Refer msg 3 for formatting of options 1 & 2. This format is also in msg 3 of your team threads.

Thank you, Sally! I was already in bed, so couldn’t copy and paste and add links.

Week 1 (Option 1) - selection post

14. The Earth has been slumbering but is now waking up!
Task: Read a book from one of the following list - Amnesia Themed Romance
Book: Enticed by His Forgotten Lover by Maya Banks
Pages: 192 pages
How it qualifies: Appears at #10 on the list - https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...

Gustaf wrote: "Thank you, Sally! I was already in bed, so couldn’t copy and paste and add links."

Not a problem - chomping on breakfast and thought I’d be useful 😀

One of my least favorite tropes. At least I can get it out of the way!

SELECTION POST
Week #1 - Option #1


Forget Me Not by Brooke Blaine
Pages: 165/GR
How it Qualifies: #49 on Gay Romance Featuring a Main Character (MC) with Amnesia

Going through the lists now...Trying to figure out why Gone with the Wind is on the Harlequin one 🤣. Not a Harlequin, and no one has amnesia in it.

Selection Post - Week #1

Task #14


King's Captive

Pages: 252
How the book qualifies: Number 66 on Amnesia Themed Romance

Nothing really jumped out at me this time. There were some that sounded good, but then the first few reviews were 2 stars or 3 stars, which always makes me nervous. At least this one has a bunch of 4 and 5 stars at the top, so hopefully it'll be good!

Selection Post Week #1 - Option 1

Chrysalis by S.E. Harmon

Pages: 274
How the book qualifies: Number 49 on the MM Amnesia List