Steph’s Comments (group member since May 22, 2010)

Steph’s comments from the SOS: Serious Overload of Series group.

That works, KathyD.

For all… “recent” release should be within the last 3 months

Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "I think I've caught everything up before today's shelf call. Let me know if anything needs correcting."

Thanks for taking care of us :)

Hey guys, new shelf 😊
Shelf #8 ~ 26 June: Q - "Quicken" or queen
Requirement: Choose a book using one of the following options ...

* For "Quicken", read a recently released book you've been waiting for impatiently or a quick, light read (a book with 200-299 pages)

* For queen, read a book found on one of these shelves: GR fantasy royalty, GR paranormal royalty or SOS fairytale

I'm gonna read (impatiently waiting -- released this month)

Shelf #8 ~ 26 June: Q - "Quicken" or queen
Requirement: Choose a book using one of the following options ...

* For "Quicken", read a recently released book you've been waiting for impatiently or a quick, light read (a book with 200-299 pages)

* For queen, read a book found on one of these shelves: GR fantasy royalty, GR paranormal royalty or SOS fairytale

Dark Matter is airing on Apple TV+.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19231492

Okay, Dark Matter readers ... feeling a need to chat about this show, anyone watching and wanna share your thoughts on the book's small screen version and comparison?

:) Thx!

CONGRATULATIONS, Shelf Surfing!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'F'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

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CONGRATULATIONS, Novel Narratives!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'G' and 'S'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

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CONGRATULATIONS, Shelf Indulgence!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'F'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

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One Last Secret: A Secret McQueen Novel by Sierra Dean
Series: Secret McQueen #12
Qualifier: white cover
Shelf #7: J - "Jasmine" or jacket
Read: 21 June
Rating: ★★★★★

My Review:

I had been born a monster, with two halves of my soul each taught that violence and death were our only means of survival.

Twelve years ago, I read a very short prequel about a ½ werewolf, ½ vampire hybrid who kills rogue vampires for the vampire Council. When I read the warning in the book's blurb, I couldn't resist checking it out and I'm so glad I didn't try.

Warning: This book contains a sword-wielding assassin whose barbs are sharper than her blade, a vampire with serious brooding issues but a skilled tongue, and an A-lister with a bad habit of eating his fans. This novella takes place approximately one year prior to the events of "Something Secret This Way Comes".

I loved Secret's story, what little we learned in this brief start, and fell for Holden.

Over the next two years, I quickly read through books #1-8. Then, for whatever reason (likely new and shinies), I lost track of Secret even though I always bought the new books when they came out. Slowly, but surely, I reunited with Secret and her merry gang, each time remembering why I enjoyed this series so much.

“... you have always lived a life in between. Your entire existence has been a tightrope walk between worlds. [...] Are you a monster, or a monster hunter? A vampire or a werewolf. A leader or a follower. A lover or a wife.”

One Last Secret is different because it's the finale. One final trip and Sierra Dean sent us (and Secret) on a wild one. The way in which she did so was part Dark Matter and part 'It's a Wonderful Life'. Through this creatively constructed predicament Secret finds herself in, Sierra offers the readers and her main character a wonderful way of revisiting the impactful events, loved ones throughout Secret's life and the series. She's grown and changed (in more ways than one) over the course of the series. She's learned when some of her choices were selfish instead of self-caring and vise versa. She's taken the guidance from those in her life who have her best interests at heart and she's fought fiercely to protect them.

“Tick-tock. Tick-tock.”

Now, she must decide if the choices she's made, those that ended with her being where, who, what she is and who she's with right now. Were they the right ones, the ones that make her the happiest, is she living her best life? As with everything in Secret's life, there's risk to asking and finding the answers to these questions.

From the start, I knew this would be a series I'd stick with till the end. This is that end and I hope fans enjoy the finale as much as I did. I highly recommend this series to all who haven't started it

Favorite quotes and moments:

“Jesus Christ, McQueen. Can’t one thing be normal with you?”

“Normal? Well, my demon partner just rolled up to give me a ride, and the victim said she was murdered by death, so I think you can probably toss normal out the window on this one.”

I love Harry! I'm so glad he remained a big part of Secret's life. His calling the Devil “Basement Daddy” had me snort laughing.

I was so glad we (and Secret) were able to reconnect with characters who had either a small(er) or no part in the later installments. Thanks, Ms. Dean!

Holden & Secret: (view spoiler)[

“I love you,”

I whispered, as if the words hurt my throat. “It’s not the same kind of love we had before, but I hope you can accept it. I hope you’ll forgive me for being such a shitty friend to you when you didn’t deserve it.”

“Secret, I killed you once because you asked me to. You don’t do that to someone unless you love them unbearably. I will take having you in my life in whatever version of that you’ll allow. From now until the end of time.” (hide spoiler)]

Sorry ‘bout the cover color issues, Debbie.

I've finished my book and will write up & post my review before our next shelf announcement.

Steph wrote: "Sierra Dean ⇔ Gretchen Rue

Per newsletter, Steeped to Death (Witches' Brew 1 as Gretchen Rue) - 9/6/22 // https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/163..."

Also saw, at the end of One Last Secret: A Secret McQueen Novel, Sierra Dean ⇔ Kate Wiley writes dark police thrillers

I need to return to that one.

CONGRATULATIONS, Busy Book Bees!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'M' and 'S'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

CONGRATULATIONS, Pink Panthers!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'S' and 'F'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

CONGRATULATIONS, We11-Read Be11es!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'G'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

CONGRATULATIONS, Double Booked!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'F'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

Shelf’s up! 😊

Shelf #7 ~ 19 June: J - "Jasmine" or jacket
Requirement: Choose a book using one of the following options ...

* For "Jasmine", read a book with a white cover; author or character named Jasmine; or jasmine in the title or series name

* For jacket, read a book found on one of these shelves: GR cover love or SOS cover-leather-lace

I’ll be reading // white cover