TBR Challenge 2023 – Freebie

By |2023-05-16T16:17:48-04:00May 17th, 2023|Categories: Romance reading, TBR Challenge|Tags: |

When I saw the prompt “Freebie” for TBR Challenge, I have to admit that my first thought was of the big book conferences of my earlier blogging days, where freebies abounded. In the post-COVID landscape, many of these have vanished or changed considerably (and then there’s the history of RWA – but that could be many blog posts in itself.) However, ARCs, ebook freebies and gifts from friends are still very much around, and we had no trouble finding prospects this month. Lynn found a winner in her old conference stash, and Caz has an ebook to share that she originally picked up as a freebie.

The Short and Fascinating Tale of Angelina Whitcombe by Sabrina Darby

While I have a huge TBR, it’s been a little while since I picked up much by way of freebies. For […]

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TBR Challenge April 2023 – Unusual Historical

By |2023-05-19T16:55:18-04:00April 19th, 2023|Categories: Romance reading|Tags: , , , , , , |

It’s undeniable that the historical market has for years been flooded with plenty of choices for those who love Regency or Victorian England settings. And we’ve both certainly read (and enjoyed) plenty. However, there’s a LOT of history to be explored outside of 19th century England and having “unusual historicals” for a TBR prompt gave us the chance to explore. Thankfully, both of our picks were mostly successful. Caz went for a m/m alternate world based on Ancient Greece, and Lynn decided to pick up a Viking novel after going several years without one. What are some of your favorite historical settings?

Sword Dance by A.J. Demas

A.J. Demas’ Sword Dance is the first book in a trilogy set in an imaginary/alternate ancient world that reads rather like Ancient Greece, so I thought it would be a […]

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TBR Challenge March 2023 – Baggage

By |2023-04-16T15:18:51-04:00March 15th, 2023|Categories: Caz AAR, Lynn Spencer, Romance reading, TBR Challenge|Tags: , , |

When the month’s TBR prompt is “baggage”, you know that you’ll be dealing with emotional stories. While Lynn’s pick is much lighter than Caz’s, both feature characters that need to deal with their pasts in order to have a future together. So, when you think of “baggage,” do you need a real tearjerker of a story or do you think it’s something inherent in most romance conflicts?

Sweet as Pie by Alicia Hunter Pace

Ever have one of those months where the TBR prompt doesn’t match your mood?  Normally  a prompt like “baggage” would have me hauling out quite the angst fest. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Deeply emotional stories, often with leads who have to really work for that HEA. Maybe it’s the winter blahs or maybe it’s my dumpster fire of a […]

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TBR Challenge February 2023 – Getaway

By |2023-03-06T09:37:55-05:00February 15th, 2023|Categories: Romance reading|Tags: , |

In my neck of the woods, it’s been cold enough to bring miserable rain, but no snow. The February blahs are setting in, and a getaway sounds like just the ticket. Since the TBR Challenge promised a getaway in book form, we found some contenders. Caz went for a big trip to Australia, and I picked up a modern-day Scottish Highlands destination wedding romance. Not sure Scotland in February would fix the winter doldrums, but since the book is set during the summer, one can pretend. So, where do you want to get away to?

Honeymoon For One by Keira Andrews

This month’s prompt – getaway – gave me the chance to read a book that’s been recommended to me a few times by an author whose work I generally enjoy, so I cracked open Keira Andrews’ […]

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TBR Challenge January 2023 – Starting Over

By |2023-01-17T10:57:47-05:00January 18th, 2023|Categories: Caz AAR, Lynn Spencer, Romance reading, TBR Challenge|Tags: , , |

It’s 2023, and time for a fresh start to the TBR Challenge year! This month’s prompt is “starting over”, and we both found great ways to explore that theme. Lynn read a contemporary category romance featuring a heroine in need of a fresh start, both personally and professionally, while Caz picked up a historical m/m novella featuring leads getting a second chance at their relationship. Whatever you’re in the mood for, fresh starts and second chances abound in romance, so dig in and start reading!

Her Hometown Detective by Elizabeth Mowers

“Starting over” is a popular theme in small town category romances, so that’s where I immediately started looking when I saw this month’s TBR Challenge theme. Her Hometown Detective by Elizabeth Mowers is an […]

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