R6: Team #9 ~ Cloud Nine Assassins

[Barbara ★]

I should be finished with Hard Bitten tonight as well. I'm about halfway done but for some reason I just can't get into it.

[Barbara ★]

Shelf: Vampire
Read: October 8, 2012
Rating: ★★★

Review:
I'm definitely in the minority but this book dragged and dragged for me. I don't know why I have such a hard time with this series. I like Merit (most of the time) and I like Ethan (again, most of the time) and the supporting characters are great so why do I have such a problem reading these books? The books (usually) end great and redeem them but the build up is like climbing Mt. Everest...torture. This one is a tad different because of the ending which is definitely had me saying WTF?

[Steph Ann]

Good Omens is one of my favorites, Barbara! I had to read it for my Prose class in college, and I've since re-read it multiple times. It's just fun!

I remember when I read Hard Bitten, I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room when I got to the ending (thankfully, I resisted the urge, and my Kindle is still alive today). :) I'm glad I stuck with the series though, although I am one of those people who really love the series, and the books don't drag for me, so I'm interested to find out if you like the next two when/if you read them.

I finished my vampire book last night, and should have the review up later today!

[[deleted user]]

Barbara ★ wrote: " It's sacrilegious, irreverent and totally hilarious. "

And just like that, you jettisoned that one to my number one next read :D
Loved the review

[Steph Ann]

Shelf: Vampires
Date Read: 10/8/12
Rating: 4 stars

Review:

I wasn't sure what to expect from a book that I had gotten for free from Amazon for my Kindle, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was a very entertaining read.

This book probably isn't for people who don't like their romance to be drawn out in books. While there is a bit of a romantic subplot, it's not the main focus of the book. I'm assuming there will eventually be an HEA for the two main characters, but it's not happening yet.

One thing I liked is the book's new take on vampires (or at least new to me if it's been done before). All vampires have an affinity for a particular element (earth, air, fire, water), with fire vamps being particularly rare. This makes fight scenes a little more interesting, as you see elements come into play.

What makes this less than a five star read for me is I found myself initially liking the secondary characters more than the 2 main characters. I found it especially hard to warm up to Gio for some reason. Also, there were some typos, which really isn't that big of a deal, but it took me out of the immersion I had into the story, and it would take a bit for me to get back into it. Proofreading is a big part of my job, and I just can't turn that part of my brain off when I'm reading for fun.

I'm interested to read the next in the series and find out where the characters will go from here.

[★Meghan★]

Hi all! Just checking in to see where everyone is at. I will probably do an update after we finish this huge audit at work. I had gotten off at 6a on Sunday morning and had to be back at work at 6a on Monday morning (Sunday being my only technical day off of the week). Monday I worked 15 ½ hours and today another 13. I finally gave up and said I was going home for the night. I have to be at work early so I am going to read a little before I turn in for the night. Just figured I would drop by to say hi and see how everyone is doing :)

[[deleted user]]

Wow, busy!

I'm so behind on my reading. But this afternoon my dear, beloved brother took his train, so as soon as I can get things on track I'll be gorging myself for some hours, and the apartment can hold itself for another day as it is... Ahhhh, procrastination, that beautiful temptress.

[Steph Ann]

I hope things start slowing down for you at work, Meghan! It's always nice to be busy, but not that busy!

I'm just trying to keep myself occupied til the next shelf is called. Reading right now and really enjoying it. After that, I'll probably start . I've been holding onto it in hopes that it would fit a shelf, but it's due back at the library soon, so I better read it!

[Mandy]

Shelf: Vampires
Date Read: 10/10/12
Rating: 4 stars

Celia Graves is a very unique bodyguard, she uses enchanted weapons instead of your typical guns. In the first book she's guarding a Eastern European Prince who is visiting some really trashy strip clubs. When they are attacked, her attacker bites her and transforms her into a abomination, not a vampire and not human anymore. There aren't many of who she is in the world because they don't handle who they are well. With a doctors diet she will try her best to stay sane and find her sire before he finds here.

While Celia is waking up from finding her life changed forever she also learns that her best friend Vicki died the night before when she was being attacked. Celia sets out to find out if her death was a planned murder or just a accident. She needs to learn to deal with being a abomination, find out the truth about Vicki, deal with the vampires, and keep the police from staking her.

I purchased this book over a year ago excited by the idea of a kick ass body guard which is unique to a cop or bounty hunter, but it was quickly lost in my shelf of TBR for a werewolf series. As fate would have it I needed a vampire series for bingo this week so I pulled it off the shelf. I really liked Celia, she's tough, but she's also has a soft spot, like her friends and grandmother. She's has flaws she's by no means perfect but I think that's why I like her. I loved the reading about her learning to deal with her new fangs and diet. It adds a little humor to the action packed story line. My heart went out to her when she lost Vicki, it's hard to loose someone but she handles it well. Blood Song, is packed full of action, supernatural creatures, handsome men, and a kick ass heroine. I was a little nervous at first because I'm not in the mood for vampire books, but this one sucked me in right from the start and I had to finish it before bed. I look forward to reading what happens next.

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

I have had one of those weeks that tests how much stress a single person can deal with, so not much reading. And actually I was trying to listen to my book on audio, I may switch to something else so I can read faster than I listen.

[★Meghan★]

Week 5 Update:

Free Space 5/6
Received:
StephAnn Chasing Magic (group bookshelf) Sept 19, ★★★★★, Review
Mandy Naked Dragon (group bookshelf) Sept 21, ★★★★, Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) Dragon Bound (Sept 2011 BOM)
★Meghan★ Unholy Ghosts (group bookshelf) Sept 21, ★★★★½, Review
Barbara Firelight (group bookshelf) Sept 24, ★★★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) Outlander (group bookshelf) Sept 22, ★★★, Review


9/30/2012 Week 3: B3 Urban-Fantasy 4/6
Steph Ann City of Bones Oct 2, ★★★½, Review
Mandy Hemlock Oct 3, ★★★★★, Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) A Great and Terrible Beauty Oct 5, ★, Review
★Meghan★ Dead Witch Walking Oct 14, ★★★ ½, Review
Barbara Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch Oct 8, ★★★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) The Golden Compass Oct 14, ★★★★★, Review


10/6/2012 Week 4: G1 Vampires
Steph Ann A Hidden Fire Oct 8, ★★★★, Review
Mandy Blood Song Oct 10, ★★★★, Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) Breaking Dawn
★Meghan★ Club Dead
Barbara Hard Bitten Oct 8, ★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) The Vampire Lestat


10/14/2012 Week 5: G3 Personal Shelf *Series Catch Up* 0/6
Steph Ann Living with the Dead Oct 17, ★★★, Review
Mandy Accidentally Demonic
Dawn (Kat N Hat) Once Upon Stilettos Oct 18, ★★★★, Review
★Meghan★ Savor the Moment Oct 16, ★★★★★, Review
Barbara Highland Scoundrel Oct 15, ★★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) Ceremony in Death Oct 16, ★★★★, Review

[★Meghan★]

Dawn (Kat N Hat) wrote: "I have had one of those weeks that tests how much stress a single person can deal with, so not much reading. And actually I was trying to listen to my book on audio, I may switch to something else ..."

I am sorry you have had a tough week Dawn! I hope everything goes okay for you. We all know exactly how you feel when reading can't get done and stress level is at the max.

[★Meghan★]

The shelf is up and it is Series Catch-Up. It is a personal shelf so any book over 200 pages that you need to read in order to finish a series.

I will be reading

[[deleted user]]

Ohhhh, so many options...
I think I'm deferring this one 'till I finish The Golden Compass. Though I'd wrap it up today, but I'm getting sleepy and unfocused :D

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

I am going to read for Series Catch up.

I am going to find a new book for Vampires, Discovery of witches is due back to the library on Monday and I don't think I am going to finish it before then.

Can some one point me towards the requirements for free space? I actually did get a book read this week that I thought would work but it is not on the group shelf and I don't remember where else it could have come from.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Dawn, any of the new release threads or book of the month, as well at the bookshelf.

What was the book you thought might qualify?

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

I read Beyond the Highland Mist, I really thought it was on the bookshelf but it is not. Just trying to kill two birds with one stone.


I started Dragon Bound last week so I will use that as my free space it was the September 2011 book of the month.

[★Meghan★]

I am probably going to read Savor the Moment before I read Club Dead because in the other bingo game I am in it will put my team at 4-in-a-row.

[Steph Ann]

I'm going to read Living with the Dead by Kelley Armstrong for series catch up. I tried reading it once before and couldn't get into it. I figure this is a good opportunity to try again. :)

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

I'm amazed that none of the highland warriors are on the bookshelf, only the Fever series. Well unfortunately Dawn, you can't use Beyond but at least Dragon Bound is a great book.

[★Meghan★]

I just finished Dead Witch Walking at about 3:30a. Now I have already started Savor the Moment

[★Meghan★]

Meghan's Urban Fantasy Review
Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

Book Completed: 10/14/2012
Rating: ★★★ ½
Continue Series?: Yes

This book isn't a bad opening to the series. It still got a 3 ½ star rating for me though.

I am not sure what I didn't like about this book. There was a lot of action which I love in my books. I think I just don't like books where there are multiple plot lines going on with one person. (view spoiler)[I think that with the I.S. after her and then on top of that having Trent after her for her knowledge over him and then finding out there was someone else out there after her, it seemed like too much going on. (hide spoiler)]

As for the characters, I really liked Rachel. She was strong, yet vulnerable which made her very likable for me. Ivy, I am not sure how I feel about her yet. I think I need to see her in action more and with more plotline in the book. I did love Jenks though. This pesky little pixy that is always at Rachel's side and cares for her like he would care for someone of his own family. Nick is someone that I think is endearing and just what a strong heroine needs. He is sweet and likable, but still can get under her skin every once in awhile.

[Barbara ★]

I'm going to read Highland Scoundrel for the series catch-up shelf. This is the conclusion and I read the first two books all the way back in 2009 (April and December).

[Mandy]

I have a advanced copy and I can't wait to read more about my favorite hoarding werewolf. Since it's not out yet is it still ok?

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

As long as it is 200 pages & at least book 2 of a series, it doesn't matter if it isn't out yet.

[[deleted user]]

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Shelf: Urban Fantasy
Book Completed: 10/14/2012
Rating: ★★★★★
Continue Series?: Yes!

I HATE cliffhangers.

That out of the way, amazing, wonderful, mesmerizing, glorious and a lot of superlatives are crowding my mind and spilling into what is bound to be practically incoherent gushing.

Rich world, epic story, spunky protagonist. Intense feeling-provoking cast all around. Descriptions that take your breath away and fill your mind with pictures and your soul with emotions. Good pace, harrowing situations. Am I missing any ingredient?.

Were there thing that bothered? Well, yeah. The damned cliffhanger for one. The vagueness crossed the ominous barrier into annoying at points. But really? I couldn't care less. I knew this was rating high from go, was sure it'd hit 5 3/4 in, and I'm waving the ubiquitous cliffhanger (yeah, I can't get over it) by (sigh) reading the next volume (because it'll be such a chore *hands itching from impatience*)

I did say incoherent.

[[deleted user]]

Hey, Meghan? I'm choosing Ceremony in Death for the Series Catch Up Shelf.

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

Zanahoria (Taly) wrote: "
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Shelf: Urban Fantasy
Book Completed: 10/14/2012
Rating: ★★★★★
Continue Series?: Yes!

I HATE cliffhangers.

That out of th..."

You are more generous than I. I hate cliff hangers too. It is like tha author just gave up finishing the story. It usually makes the book loose at least a whole star for me.

[Mandy]

Ugh I hate to pick books because I have so many that I want to read....I was going to read Kept but I have a big tour for it coming up so let's do Accidentally Demonic I'd like to catch up on this series.

[★Meghan★]

FOR URBAN FANTASY SHELF STAMP:
9/30/2012 Week 3: B3 Urban-Fantasy 4/6
Steph Ann City of Bones Oct 2, ★★★½, Review
Mandy Hemlock Oct 3, ★★★★★, Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) A Great and Terrible Beauty Oct 5, ★, Review
★Meghan★ Dead Witch Walking Oct 14, ★★★ ½, Review
Barbara Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch Oct 8, ★★★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) The Golden Compass Oct 14, ★★★★★, Review

[[deleted user]]

Dawn (Kat N Hat) wrote: "Zanahoria (Taly) wrote: "
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Shelf: Urban Fantasy
Book Completed: 10/14/2012
Rating: ★★★★★
Continue Series?: Yes!

I HATE clif..."

Yeah, in the end I decided to take it as someone else around there leaving a review did: The book ended with the bear fight, and the last 40 pages were the set up for the next volume.

And YAY! STAMP!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Could Nine Assassins!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'urban-fantasy'. 

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

Good Job!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Assassins!

[Barbara ★]

Shelf: series catch-up
Read: 10/15/12
Rating: ★★★★

I don't think the first chapter should have been first. It took all the suspense and romance out of the story. IMHO the story would have been better had this chapter fallen in sequence. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Though I liked both Duncan and Jeannie, I thought the story dragged and took longer than it should have for these obviously in love people to figure out the treachery that caused Duncan's exile. For two people who supposedly loved each other to distraction, neither trusted the other when it counted which caused this tragedy. I didn't like this book as much as the other two in the series.

[★Meghan★]

I finished Savor the Moment. It was super cute!!!! Much better than the 2nd in the series. I will put my review up in the morning as it is time for me to get ready for work.

[[deleted user]]

Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb
Shelf: Series Catch Up
Book Completed: 10/16/2012
Rating: ★★★★
Continue Series?: Still on it :D

This saga is like candy. You have one, and another, and another, just that fast and unutritious, but oh so yummy.

As far as guilty pleasures go, this one takes the cake. The mysteries always have me saying "duh!", but the fast pace, Dallas and Peabody's cheeky dialogue, and Roarke and Eve's chemistry, and her all around tough and stubborn act never fail to entertain me and get a couple of laughs in the go.

This volume things take a turn for the maybe-magic-maybe-not, with a case that involves wiccans. Not much Mavis, or Dr Mira in it, but we had Jamie introduced, and I think he might came around again. Though Robb needs to age his speech 5 years to make it convincing.

All in all, great mindless fun.

[★Meghan★]

Meghan's Series Catch-Up Review
Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts
Book Completed: 10/16/2012
Rating:★★★★★
Continue Series?: Of course!

Review:
I was a little indecisive on whether to give this book a 4 ½ or a 5 star rating, but in the end I couldn't find anything about this book that I didn't like.

Laurel is a pastry chef for Vows. She has always been in love with her best friend Parker's brother, Del, since she was young. While in the middle of a spat, she surprised herself and him by kissing him. From this point forward they don't know where they will go as a couple, friend, or psuedo-family. In the end they decide to give it a shot which involves one of my favorite parts of the story. ((view spoiler)[Laurel and Del go into a sex moratorium for 30 days in order to see how the relationship will pan out before rushing it. However it turns into a bet on when they will give in within the month. (hide spoiler)]) Through this they see the insecurities with one another and although Laurel has always loved Del, she is unsure of whether he loves her.

This book was absolutely amazing. It was very cute and sweet. It gave you that happy feeling inside and every once in a while it would make me laugh out loud (with weird looks from the boyfriend).

Laurel is sweet, fun, sassy, independent, and strong. Everything I love in heroines. Del is endearing, loving, giving, passionate, fun, creative, and well rich. He is just the kind of guy I would love to swoon over.

This book was soooooo much better than the second book in the series!

[Steph Ann]

Shelf: Series Catch-up
Date Read: 10/17/12
Rating: 3 stars

Review:

I'm glad I was able to make it through this book this time around, but it was a bit of a struggle. I wasn't a huge fan of Hope in Personal Demon, and she's the only main character from the series who shows up in this book as a narrator, and I still just had a hard time connecting with her for some reason. There was a constant switching of narrators that grew frustrating mainly due to all the misunderstandings that were occurring. It seemed like everyone was incorrectly assuming something about everyone else in order to keep the plot going, and the reader was the only one who really knew what was going on. I found myself yelling at the characters a lot, and that's never a good thing.

If you overlook the misunderstandings, the main plot actually was good. I just would have preferred it if the book stuck with one narrator. I'm interested to see where the series goes from here.

[Mandy]

I should have my review up today. Sorry for slacking hubby's home after being gone for weeks so my house is filled with crazyness. With all the great reviews you guys keep writing my huge TBR shelf just keeps growing =D

[[deleted user]]

Enjoy your husband Mandy. It's game and fun, and I still haven't started my Vampire book :D

[★Meghan★]

Mandy wrote: "I should have my review up today. Sorry for slacking hubby's home after being gone for weeks so my house is filled with crazyness. With all the great reviews you guys keep writing my huge TBR shelf..."

You are definitely NOT slacking! You always have your review up early in the week. And like Zanahoria, I also have not started my Vampire book. I will start it soon probably I am currently trying to finish a book I started in August and just haven't had time to finish (Water for Elephants). It isn't that the book is not good. It is just that I have been reading books for my challenges. I also just joined another that is more of a pick-my-next-book challenge. It is Divergent so I am going to try and fit it into this coming weeks shelf. If not that is fine with me, more books to try to keep up with.

Enjoy your husband being home! That is always an exciting time. I was an army brat and understand in that manner.

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

Finished Series Catch up: Once Upon Stilettos by Shanna Swendson.
Read: 10/18/12
Rating: 4 stars


Another cute short read. It still maintained that "the world is such a happy place" that you don't get in a lot of urban fantasy. Very light and fluffy fun.

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

I also started to re-listen to Breaking Dawn for my vampire book. I am going out of town this weekend so I probably won't get much listening done. But I should have it cought up by the next weekend.

[Dawn (Kat N Hat)]

Shelf is up it is demons.


Of course none of the books I brought wih me out of town fit demons. I have at least 5 sitting at home that would work. grrrrrr. I will see if there is something on my kindle I can start now, if not I will start a book on Tuesday when I am home.

Since it gives us 4 in a row I will make sure I am done by next draw no matter what.

[Steph Ann]

Yay for 4 in a row! :)

I'm going to read for the demons shelf.

[★Meghan★]

WEEK 6 UPDATE:

Free Space:
StephAnn Chasing Magic (group bookshelf) Sept 19, ★★★★★, Review
Mandy Naked Dragon (group bookshelf) Sept 21, ★★★★, Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) Dragon Bound (Sept 2011 BOM)
★Meghan★ Unholy Ghosts (group bookshelf) Sept 21, ★★★★½, Review
Barbara Firelight (group bookshelf) Sept 24, ★★★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) Outlander (group bookshelf) Sept 22, ★★★, Review


10/6/2012 Week 4: G1 Vampires
Steph Ann A Hidden Fire Oct 8, ★★★★, Review
Mandy Blood Song Oct 10, ★★★★, Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) Breaking Dawn
★Meghan★ Club Dead
Barbara Hard Bitten Oct 8, ★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) Biting Cold


10/14/2012 Week 5: G3 Personal Shelf *Series Catch Up*
Steph Ann Living with the Dead Oct 17, ★★★, Review
Mandy Accidentally Demonic Oct 21, ★★★,Review
Dawn (Kat N Hat) Once Upon Stilettos Oct 18, ★★★★, Review
★Meghan★ Savor the Moment Oct 16, ★★★★★, Review
Barbara Highland Scoundrel Oct 15, ★★★★, Review
Zanahoria (Taly) Ceremony in Death Oct 16, ★★★★, Review


10/21/2012 Week 6: B5 Demons
Steph Ann The Demon in Me
Mandy The Accidental Demon Slayer
Dawn (Kat N Hat)
★Meghan★ The Darkest Night
Barbara The Demon King
Zanahoria (Taly) Storm Front Oct 21, ★★★½, Review

[★Meghan★]

I will be reading for my demons shelf and will jump right on it especially since it will give us 4-in-a-row.

[[deleted user]]

I'm taking Storm Front for the Demons shelf, and Meghan, may I change my Vampire book to Biting Cold? Can't seem to get in the mood for a long Rice one.

[★Meghan★]

No problem...I still haven't even started Club Dead. So you are just fine. I am still trying to catch up on some old books that I set aside a long time ago.

[Barbara ★]

For demons I'm going to read The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima. This is a new author for me but I do own a few of her books (the first in a couple of series).