SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Expired Challenges
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Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read 2012
SOS: Love or Hate @ First Read1st July '11 to 30th June '12
Read 1 book per month that is #1 in a series
5/12
July -
August -
September -
October -
November -
December -
January -
February -
March -
April -
May -
June -
Possible Reads
Read
SOS Love or Hate @ FIRST Monthly Update: July 2011
1/12 Read Updated 07.24.11
Title/Author: Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank
Series: Nightwalkers
Read: 07.24.11
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: This book gave an interesting new take on Demons that grabbed you right in and didn't let go until the end, and you still wanted more. The hero of the story was scorching HOT; the heroine was sometimes a bit irritating but you could quickly overlook that. Am definitely looking forward to continuing on with this series.
Also Read:
Update for July 2011 
Title/Author: Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood
Read: July 19 2011
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:
I've heard so much about the Black Dagger Brotherhood series so I thought I'd give it a chance. I had the series sitting on my shelf gathering dust now I have gotten started I am not sure why I ever hesitated.
This book was gripping and mind blowing. Danger and sexy scenes with a lot of hold your breath moments. Vampires coming to terms with their inner struggles, fighting an age old war, falling in love and bonding to their mates... Love it!
Wrath is the strong vampire hero character with a huge self damaging past. He's sexy, strong, and has some very twisted inner feelings. He is a kickass and ask questions later! kind of dude. Wraith falls in love with the 1/2 human daughter of his friend,Darius, who he swears to protect.
Beth is a classy and smart reporter for a local paper. Knowing nothing of Wrath's world or the world of her father, she finds out about it through Wrath and his brothers. The desire and passion between these two is compelling and so hot that the page sizzles.
J. R. Ward took the time to put her own spin on the world of vampires, and it's awesome! I love that vampires aren't truly immortal, that they don't drink from and kill humans, and that the "slayers" are creepy as all get out!
Guess I need to slow down a bit if I'm gonna have enough 1st in a series to last for a year! I read 9 1st (in the middle of #10), 2 2nd in a series, and only 1 stand alone.....
July Update (Please don't hate me y'all!)
Title/Author: A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix
Series: The Maker's Song
Read: 07/27/2011
Rating: ★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? No way
Review: It was way too long. Could have lost about 100 pages and been much better. Too many characters. Too many viewpoints. Dante is a bit too insane (view spoiler) to appeal to me at all (and frankly, too goth, which is a lifestyle I really don't get or find attractive.) I get that the characters were all from New Orleans or Cajun or whatever, but I could have done with less French. I did like Heather, which is the only thing saving this book from 1 star. I have zero desire to read the next in the series.
Apparently everyone else loves this book so clearly I'm a weirdo. *ducks to avoid all the rotten tomatoes being thrown at me*
Welcome to Club Weirdo, because I didn't like it, either. Dante was way too creepy for me--he was like a goth hippie with his gross free lovin'. And I'll do you one better--I didn't like Heather, either. I thought she did really stupid things, again & again. Oh, that prepubescent looking man-whore is sooooo dreamy...I think I'll just conveniently forget everything I learned in FBI training so I can hopefully get in line to sleep with him. Barf.
LOL! Nah, no worries, not everyone likes the same stuff. LMAO LLL! I like Dante. >;) But, I like the bizarre history of the vamps/angels and such more.
And here I thought I was all alone in disliking "A Rush of Wings". I have to admit I didn't even make it to the end, I gave up half way through.
Kerstin, I wish I did. ;)Steph, I tried to like Dante, I really did. It's crucial to me to be digging on the book dude, but he was just a teensy bit too psychopathic for me. I'm a fan of wounded heroes, but Dante crosses the line from emotionally wounded to psychologically wounded, and who needs that baggage? I just couldn't get behind it.
But I did like his big angel protector dude. I always prefer the stoic, rude guy to the flirty man-whore. ;)
But I did like his big angel protector dude. I always prefer the stoic, rude guy to the flirty man-whore. Me too. And another thing I didn't like about Dante, that I forgot to mention, is his "goth-hippie with the gross free-lovin'" thing. (LOL, love that phrase Laura Lulu).
LMAO! Flirty man-whore. Yeah, he's got some seriously psychological baggage. I was always dying to know more about what was done to him and a bit more is revealed in each book. Love Lucian. No worries, I know it's not for everyone. Least ya gave it a go.
OK now I'm intrigued - I know that's on my Kindle, so I guess I'll be adding it to this challenge...... I love a bit of psychopathic flirty man-whore.
Title/Author: Riding the Storm by Sidney Croft
Series: ACRO
Read: 7/25/11
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? yes
To-Be-Continued? definitely
Review: (Just a sentence or so of what you thought about it!) I picked this book based on a friend's recommendation, and I loved it. I really decided to read it due to the x-men type characters, but was surprised by all the hot scenes that were in it as well. I will definitely be reading on in the series. The action and romance combined made for a great read.
Also Read:
★★★★✩
Oh Heather....wish I could read those for the first time all over again.
Charlotte (Buried in Books) wrote: "I love a bit of psychopathic flirty man-whore."Lol! Dante's got ya covered. ;)
Title/Author: White Cat by Holly Black
Series: The Curseworkers
Read: 30th July
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Unlikely
Review: So slow, very few likeable characters, but it was an interesting world that she's constructed, just needed more action. Although I didn't get it in the YA section of the bookstore it really read like YA (I guess having a central character that's still in school will do that).
Crystal S wrote: "July Update (Please don't hate me y'all!)Title/Author: A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix
Series: The Maker's Song..."
I gave it the same rating. Definitely wasn't for me. That's code for "I hated it" -LOL! My review reads like a 1-star, god knows why I clicked on 2.
Monthly Update
Title/Author: Grave Witch by Kalayna Price
Series: Alex Craft
Read: Jul 9
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
First time author? Yes.
To-Be-Continued? NO!
Review: full GR review
The Short Version
The Postives
+ Engrossed in and entertained by Alex and Falin's flirty relationship
+ The quirky yet distinctive opener, followed by some intriguing action (Death saved a life -why, and is that allowed?)
The Negatives
- It steals from other series -Anita Blake & Rachel Morgan in particular
- A very dim and unlikeable heroine. She's a doormat.
- Drawn out magic descriptions -confusing
- Slow, boring stuff after the opener
- Needed more time with Death and Falin
- Death's romantic revelation and the kiss (OMG, no!)
- The love triange (I hate them -they should be outlawed!)
- Alex's treatment of Falin post-action
- Alex's family were interesting but we get very little info on their history
- Thin characters
- The yucky, yucky dog. Not cute, people, not cute.
- The ending is misleading -Alex was dying and she was never "cured". Very big loose end there.
Also Read:
Charlotte (Buried in Books) wrote: "Title/Author: White Cat by Holly Black
Series: The Curseworkers
Read: 30th July
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Un..."
Charlotte, I thought it was a YA?
1/12 DoneJuly 2011:
August 2011: Blood Law
September 2011:
October 2011:
November 2011:
December 2011:
January 2012:
February 2012:
March 2012:
April 2012:
May 2012:
June 2012:
Also read these first's this month...
Sandra wrote: "Charlotte (Buried in Books) wrote: "Title/Author: White Cat by Holly Black
Series: The Curseworkers
Read: 30th July
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
First ..."
You're right Sandra, I checked her website and it is YA. I hate it when bookstores mix everything up. I like to know what I'm buying up front! I read lots of YA so I've got nothing against it.
Having said that though it reads like very young YA, it pales in comparison to books like The Hunger Games and Twilight.
I wouldn't pay money for the next one in the series, but if someone gave it to me I'd probably read it.
Fair enough Charlotte :)I'm not super keen on YA, myself, but I do have a few to read :D
Monthly updated
Title/Author: Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank
Series: Nightwalkers
Read: July 7, 2011
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes, have already read Gideon and Elijah this month too.
Review: Suprisingly, I really liked this book and plan to continue with this series, they've been on my TBR shelf for over a year. Had strong characters and a good plot. She has a different twist on those poor hunky demons without mates. Not usually a fan of romance or Demon books, but this had a good mix of a little darker PNR (with bloody battles) and interesting storyline that managed to keep my attention.
Also Read: July
3★
3 1/2★
5★
3★
Wow, 6 series started in July. I think I need an intervention. LOLMonthly Reviews
July 2011
The Body Finder, Kimberly Derting, 7-2-11, 4 starsI really enjoyed this book. Violet's changing feelings for Jay and her reluctance to ruin a long-standing friendship made for a sweet romance. I liked the fact that Violet's parents knew about her gift and gaver her their full support. Given that she had it as a young child, I'm wondering how realistic it is that Jay is the only childhood friend that has any inkling of its existence. The suspense aspect was a little mild for me, I had absolutely no doubt everything would turn out okay for Violet and the final confrontation with the bad guy was over rather quickly. But it doesn't matter, I had fun just reading the book. I'll definitely be reading the next one in the series.
The Reckoners, Doranna Durgin, 7-5-11, 2 starsIt absolutely kills me to only give this 2 stars, but there were parts of the book that I had to force myself to read through. I love Durgin's Feral Darkness and was expecting so much more out of this book. I didn't feel the connection between the main characters. In fact I would say that they each had a better relationship with not-cat Sklayne than they did with each other. And the writing. How should I put this? Clunky, it was. Warning: reading this book may cause you to flashback to a wise green alien. I felt like Yoda was being channeled quite a bit in the writing of this book. I don't think I'll be picking up the next book anytime soon.
A Brush of Darkness, Allison Pang, 7-11-11, 4 starsI really enjoyed this book. Other reviewers were critical of the world building, but it didn't bother me. A lot is based on basic Fae concepts and the rest is easy to figure out from context. Will definitely be reading more.
Ghost Shadow, Heather Graham, 7-15-11, 3 starsNice solid romance. Graham did a wonderful job of bringing Key West to life and I really enjoyed the history of the island that preceded the story. Bartholomew the ghost was probably my favorite character. I'm planning on finishing the trilogy at some point.
How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf, Molly Harper, 7-17-11, 4 StarsHighly entertaining read. I've already placed the second book on order. I also have to check out her Jane Jameson series. Soon. One of the things I loved about this book was the fact Mo and Cooper weren't immediately jumping into a relationship or bed. Even after the first meeting, the focus remained on Mo's move and fitting into the town. This made for much more realistic interaction (well - aside from the werewolf factor) between them.
Ravenous, Sharon Ashwood, 7-28-11, 4 stars.I enjoyed this introduction into Ashwood's world. There were some very intriguing concepts and I can see lots of possibilities for future books. Holly's difficulty and pain in using big-M magic becomes a major liability when she has to deal with a quasi-sentient house that has gone bad. This was one of the better "haunted" houses I've read about and I kind of wish we'd seen a little more of it. Alessandro wasn't really unique as vampires go, but his personality and conflicted feelings about Holly made him interesting. I'm definitely going to continue reading, I can't wait to find out more about the Castle and Mac.
Charlotte (Buried in Books) wrote: "Title/Author: White Cat by Holly Black
Series: The Curseworkers
Read: 30th July
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Un..."
Thank goodness! Oh, what I mean to say is, I tried so very hard to listen to this one (narrator was ok - actor Jesse Eisenberg) and stopped b/c it felt like torture. LOL! Sorry it was a bomb for you too, Charlotte.
Amy or "Ames" wrote: "Monthly UpdateTitle/Author: Grave Witch by Kalayna Price
Series: Alex Craft
Read: Jul 9
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
First time author? Yes.
To-Be-Continued? NO!
Review: full ..."
Hehe I love your review, Ames.
It's not too late to join, is it? If it isn't, I'm in. if it is, then I'll be cheering you guys on from the sidelines.
Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read
Duration: 1 July 2011 - 30 June 2012
Read: 12/12 DONE!!
August:
August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
I don't think so, Lady Jaye, but I'll let Miss Judithe answer your question. We love cheerleaders too though. :)
Lady Jaye, when we did this last year, Judithe allowed late joiners, with the stipulation that you had to catch up the first month you joined. For example, if you joined in October, you would have to read four 1st-in-series books in your first month to be on track with everyone else.So I'm guessing this one will be the same, which means you would just have to read two 1st-in-series books this month to catch up with us, but don't quote me on that. :)
Laura Lulu - thanks for the info. I'm in then!! (yes!!)
I’m a late joiner as well (hope that’s ok)! I will plan to read two 1st-in-series books for the month of August to catch-up with everyone else.Love or Hate @ FIRST
Duration: July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012
August: Tempting Danger by Eileen Wilks - 8/13/11
August: Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler - 8/22/11
September: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead - 9/23/11
October: Isle of Night by Veronica Wolff - 10/4/11
November: Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent - 11/17/11
December: Storm Born by Richelle Mead - 12/21/11
January: Angelfall by Susan Ee - 1/14/12
February: Everneath by Brandi Ashton - 2/6/12
March:
April:
May:
June:
Also Read:
Should be fine Jane, Judithe is just a little busy with RL at the moment or she would of popped in to clarify :)
I was thinking the same on the 'catch-up reads', sure it'll be fine. Welcome, Ladies!
August Monthly Update
Title/Author: Ruthless by Anne Stuart
Series: House of Rohan
Read: 7.4.11
Rating:★★★★★
First time author? Yes ... sort of, she also writes as Kristina Douglas who I have read
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I did write a review for this but I have to share. :) I loved it! I didn't want to put it down and when I did all I thought about was: what's going to happen next? I really loved Elinor as a character, she was brave, independent, loyal, and honest. I found Viscount Rohan to be intimidating, domineering, and sexy. I have no idea what I would do if I ever encountered him in real life, possibly run the other way, or close my eyes and hope for the best! I have to admit that Rohan's sexual ... appetite was what intimidated me the most. Also the whole Heavenly Host entourage. I recommend it to anyone who likes historical romance or romance in general. I wasn't really sure how I would feel because I like The Fallen series which is written under Kristina Douglas but the writing between the two is so different. I would almost think they were two completely opposite people. BTW anyone who reads this, the carriage scene is my favorite :D
I'll be reading
this month.
Title/Author: The Iron Duke, by Meljean Brook
Series: The Iron Seas
Read: 8 Aug, 2011
Rating: ★★★✩✩ 3.5 stars
First time author? Sorta kinda
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: The world of the Iron Seas is fascinating, and the characters in the Iron Duke were engaging. However, many times I found myself lost in the story, unable to fully understand what was going on. It was a really fun book though, so I'm on to the next book (will prolly read it for the second sight challenge :O)
Also read
★★½
Title/Author: Wages of Sin by Jenna Maclaine
Series: Cin Craven
Read: 8/8/11
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: This was a fun little historical PNR/UF with a capable and fun heroine, a dashing hero and great secondary characters. The lovestory was bit quick to develop for my tastes, but I still enjoyed every minute of it.
I hope I can join too. I'll read two for August and carry on from there. Love or Hate @ FIRST
Duration: July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012
Complete: 0/12
August: Key of Light by Nora Roberts - Finished (Aug 12)
August: Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher - Finished (Aug 14)
September:
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
Should be fine Lauren :)
MONTHLY UPDATE:August 2011 (2/12 Done)
Title/Author: Hounded by Kevin Hearne
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles
Read: 8/8/11
Rating: ***
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I loved the premise with a Druid as a main character and gods from all pantheons able to drop in. Learning more about the Irish/Celtic gods was also a big plus, as was Atticus's dog, Oberon. But the book was slow here and there and I'm never going to be a fan of casual sex.
For some reason, it always strikes me as weird when the author is a guy and there's sex scenes in the book :O
I know what you mean Lady Jaye. The women usually seem to "do it" better! However, I do have 1 guy friend on PBS who is a smokin' HAWT author....his sex scenes singe your eyeballs!!!!
Chicagoland Vampires
Finished: 8/7/2011
First time author? no
To-Be-Continued? Yes
I gave this book ★★★✩✩
I felt that is took too long to get to the good stuff. I really didn't like Merit or Ethan at first but they did grow on me. I will go on with the series.
MONTHLY UPDATEAugust (2/12)
Title/Author: Heartbreak Creek, by Kaki Warner
Series: A Runaway Brides Novel, #1
Read: 8/11/11
Rating: ★★★★½
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes!
Review: What a wonderful read! I just love a good western and this one is great. Kaki Warner is a new-to-me-author and I have to say, she delivered. By the end of this book I felt I really knew these characters. I found plenty of pain, grief and drama here; but, there was also unexpected humor, joy, love and growth in the depths of these amazing characters. My full goodreads review of Heartbreak Creek .
Also Read:
3★
4★
4★Getting ready to read:
Monthly Update 02/12
Title/Author: The Gathering, by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Darkness Rising, #1
Read: 8/12/11
Rating: ****
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I enjoyed this book but it left me with way more questions than answers. Not quite a cliffhanger ending but I'm still anxious to find out what happens next. I appreciated the ties to her other YA series and I like the way the storyline is heading. If I had any complaint, its that its just not moving fast enough for me. Its not slow, I'm just greedy.
Also Read:
**** I enjoyed this dystopian YA quite a bit. Not exactly groundbreaking or great literature but it was a good story told well. I'll be continuing this series too.
**** A letter game turned into a book. The book's format was a bit different than I am used to but I had no trouble getting into the story. I liked it and found it quite amusing. Set in Victorian times. I probably will read the other two books in the series but I'm in no rush.
MONTHLY UPDATE:August 2011 (2/12)
Title/Author: Kiss of Midnight/Lara
Series: Midnight Breed
Read: 8/11/11
Rating: ★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: What can I say. I love LOTU and Night Huntress. This book is a combination of the two. So, yeah, I love this series too. - A lot of people compared it to BDB series. Well, I have not read them yet but I take there words for it.:) And I'm really looking forward to reading the next Breed Warrior, Dante's story.
Monthly UpdateAugust 2011 (2/12 Done)
Title/Author: Hex Hall/Rachel Hawkins
Series: Hex Hall #1
Read: 8-12
Rating: ****
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: In Sophie's world, witches come into their powers at age 13. Until then, she thought she was just a normal girl. But, her powers go all "explody" when she tries to use them.
Cute book. Nothing earth shattering or deep, but the characters are fun and the story moves along nicely. I will be continuing with the series.
Also Read:
Title/Author: Soulless, Gail Carriger
Series: Parasol Protectorate
Read: 15 Aug, 2011
Rating: ★★★★1/2 stars
First time author? Sorta kinda
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: The book tongue-in-cheek and tons of fun to read. The characters are likable, and the writing is good.
Love or Hate @ FIRST Duration: July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012
Complete: 0/12
August: Key of Light by Nora Roberts - Finished (Aug 12)
August: Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher - Finished (Aug 14)
September: A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
Title/Author: Key of Light by Nora Roberts
Series: The Key Trilogy
Read: August 12, 2011
Rating: ★★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: An interesting mythology and likeable characters. Flynn and Malory are sweet but their relationship lacks sizzle. The quest aspect is intriguing but it lacks that "treasure hunt" feel and the villain is not diabolical enough.
Title/Author: Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher
Series: The Sentinal Wars
Read: August 14, 2011
Rating: ★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Imaginative and well-detailed world building and while almost everything is explained there are some tantalizing hints at revelations to come.
The connection between Drake and Helen is intense and drew me right into the story. The secondary characters are excellent and evoke significant emotion whether sadness, annoyance or outright dislike.
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Ashfall (other topics)Fury of Fire (other topics)
Once Burned (other topics)
Darkness Falls (other topics)
Demon's Caress (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
H.L. Reasby (other topics)Delilah S. Dawson (other topics)
Susan Ee (other topics)
Susan Ee (other topics)
Susan Ee (other topics)
More...
July 2011 (1/12 Done)
Title/Author: Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Series: Hush Hush
Read: 7/02/11
Rating: ***
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: This was an OK read for me. I just wasn't sure why Nora was attracted to Patch; he was mean to her for most of the book, his motives were very questionable, he was jerky and creepy. I would hope my daughter wouldn't be attracted to someone like that. I may continue with the series to see if he gains a respectable personality and how they turn out as a couple.
Also read:
July