Hello,
January is over and with it is the end of my first month of Romanceopoly! I completed 5 challenges, 1 more than my TBR. I’m on track to be able to fulfil all the Moon challenges.
Like the name suggests, Romanceopoly, is romanced themed Monopoly game which is designed to get you to explore a range of different sub genres. Each neighbourhood has been replaced by a genre and each street has a unique challenge within that genre. Although, some neighbourhoods are a little more diverse and offer a melting pot of different genres to delve into.
The challenge is hosted by the ladies over at PeaceLoveBooksxo and Under the Covers Book Blog. For all the information about the challenge and reccomenedations can be found at the Romanceopoly website.
On to the books and prompts I completed!
Read an erotic romance with a menage or reverse harem
Roadie by C.M. Stunich
★★★1/2
A reverse harem rockstar romance, yes please! Roadie takes place right after the events of the first book and I enjoyed it just as much.
Lilith is touring with Beauty in Lies and is still trying to piece her life together after the death of her father but these five boys are happy to help. No surprise this book is a steamy read but it does get quite heavy at time as Lilith and the boy try to deal with their past and resolve some of the tension in the band.
I love the dynamic and I think we have every popular hero type covered; Pax is the arrogant alpha male, Michael is the protective alpha, Cop is the sweet boy next door, Ran is the broken broody one and Muse is the sweet beta boy. So there is someone for everyone.
I liked the we got to learn more about the characters and they got to learn more about each other so their relationship develops beyond just sex. I’m excited to next book, Moxie, and see how this polyamorous relationship develops.
Free choice
Well Met by Jen DeLuca
★★★★★
This was the perfect rom-com. It was so charming. First it’s set at a Renaissance Faire and we have two characters, Emily and Simon, who flirt while in character but then cannot stand each other in every day life.
Family and community is such a big theme in the book, which I loved. Emily moves to town to help out her sister and niece, Cat, after they were in a car crash. Emily gets roped into the volunteering for the faire because Cat wants to signed up and as she in underage she needs an adult supervisor. The pair bond over all times renaissance as they work on their faire characters. Emily and her sister are distant but even though they aren’t super close I loved that they would do anything for the other, no questions asked. I loved watching their relationship together.
The chemistry between Emily and Simon is there from the start but has taken a bit of a step back after an awkward meeting. It was a joy to watch their relationship bloom. At first they only feel safe to explore these feelings while in character. I found their fears about relationships relatable — Emily is dealing with a bad breakup and is learning who she is and what she want in her life and Simon trying to cope with her brother’s death while also trying to fill his shoes.
For me this was perfect, from the fair setting, to the witter banter and to the small town and unconditional family support. It had me smiling the whole time. I’m so excited for the sequel, Well Played, so I can be back in this world again.
Read a book that has a bangin’ body or gorgeously dressed person on the cover
Challenge by Amy Daws
★★★★★
Another fantastic read! I am so glad I got to this book. This is a sports romance set in London and focuses on Harris brother’s who come from soccer royalty. Camden Harris is about to ink a deal with English Premier League team, Arsenal, however end up in hospital after he injured his knee during a match. It’s at hospital where he meet Dr. Indie Porter.
Indie is a smart woman, she’s skipped grades and is one of the youngest doctors in England. However since she’s thrown herself into study she’s left life, love and boys in the background. Her best friend, Belle, helps her come up with a plan to lose her virginity, the penis list, and Camden seem like the perfect start from this list. Oh my god, the penis list had me laughing out loud. Indie and Belle’s relationship is amazing. I love seeing strong female friendships in books.
Camden has leaped his way into my top 5 book boyfriends. He started off as your typical sexy football start who’s career is about to take off. I was completely charmed by him from the get go. Sure he’s cocky but I adore how he was upfront and honest which Indie and wanted to make sure she had the best experience possible.
Shamelessly naughty, hilarious and very British, Challenge has become a favourite. I adore Amy Daw’s writing and her characters and I’m excited to get to the rest of the book in the Harris Brother’s series.
Read a new adult where the hero or heroine is a jock
The Risk by Elle Kennedy
★★★★1/2
I adore Elle Kennedy’s New Adult Sport romances and The Risk was no exception. I adore Brenna in the first book and loved seeing her story.
Brenna Jensen is the daughter of Briar’s head hockey coach and she should definitely not be hooking up with player from a rival team. A guy like Jake Connelly who’s Harvard’s star forward. However the rules are worth bending if it dating him will help secure a coveted internship. She’s just not expecting Jake’s terms and conditions for these fake dates — for every fake date he wants a real one.
I love a fake dating trope and this was done so well. The pair instantly dislike each other, Jake confronts Brenna and tells her that she needs to back off as she’s distracting one of his team mates. A request which Brenna ignores. The chemistry is right there from the get go. Jake was so sweet, despite his player image, and never judges Brenna. In fact, he tried his hardest to support her whenever she needed. My heart about melted when he asked for a real date in exchange for each fake date.
We also get an insight into the strained relationship between Brenna and her father. It’s a dark and sad backstory but I’m so glad that they were able to move past it. The narrative examines survivor’s guilt and handles it with respect. The bad things that have happened to you in your past, it’s not your fault dispute the guilt that you feel. It’s a hard lesson but one that’s important to learn.
Read a sci fi with a alien or a cyborg main character
Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon
★★1/2
Ice Planet Barbarians is the first is a series which follows the lives of human women who have been abducted and left stranded on an ice planet. The aliens on this planet live in small tribes that’s very smiliar to prehistoric culture.
I know that everyone seems to love this series but it just wasn’t for me. It does include my favourite trope of all time, Fated Mates, but I really couldn’t get behind the whole alien thing.
Ruby Dixon is a talented writer. The world, characters are vivid and feel very real. I love how she depicted the communication barrier between Georgie and Vektal and how frustrating it is. I think she has a shifter series which I will try out. As for this series, I won’t be continuing. Aliens just aren’t for me.
My Romanceopoly Board Progress
I thrilled with my progress so far. At this rate I should be able to complete the reading challenge this year. I don’t think I’ll be able to complete both the Moon and Sun cards but I’ll be able to finish these prompts no problem.
That’s all for me. Comment down below and let me know if you’re taking part in the Romanceopoly and which books you read and challenges you have complete for January.
Until next time, happy reading!
Dearna
Words of the Roses 