R6: Team #10 ~ Twisted Tentacles {Winning Team}

[Heather ~ Marceline]

My husband watches "The Walking Dead" and I actually really enjoy it, didn't think I would, so I think I would enjoy a book too. Thanks for the recommendations!

[Heather ~ Marceline]

Shelf #3 Sept 30th Urban Fantasy  6/6 Complete!
Heather ~ Marceline - Kitty and the Silver Bullet 4★ 10/1 review
StephB - Seeker of Shadows 4★ 10/3 review
LethalLovely - Fury's Kiss 5★ 10/6 review
Amanda A - Magic Strikes 5★ 10/11 review
Regina - Rapture 4★ 10/6 review
Michelle - Midnight's Lover 5★ 9/30 review

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Day 3 without power. Cold showers suck!

For UF I'm reading SEEKER OF SHADOWS.

I have enjoyed all the zombie books I've read. LOVE zombies on big and little screen. I hadn't heard of that one, Lethal. I'll have to check it out.

[Regina]

I am switching my shelf book. I forgot I have a library book I need to finish and return so my urban fantasy shelf read is

[Michelle]

I have finished my book, I'll post my review when I get back home.

[Michelle]

Urban Fantasy Shelf

5 Stars Read 30/9/12

This is the 2nd book in the Dark Warrior series which is a continuation of the Dark Sword series by Donna Grant. If you like books set in the Scottish Highlands with sexy Highlanders, magic, druids and a female villain then I highly recommend these!

I really felt for Ian throughout this book. Dani fit him perfectly, it was nice to see her willing to stand up to everyone and fighting for what she believes in - Ian. Her gift is an intresting one that I think may develop into something they can use in the final confrontation with Deirdre.

[Regina]

Do you have power yet Steph? Cold showers v. going dirty?? I am not sure what I would do! Thanks for the review Michelle, I haven't read or heard of that series before.

So Rapture is good so far, I am only 23 pages in but it feels like a Ward book -- which I love. :)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Regina wrote: "Do you have power yet Steph? Cold showers v. going dirty?? I am not sure what I would do! Thanks for the review Michelle, I haven't read or heard of that series before.

So Rapture is good so ..."

I do, Regina. YAY!! It finally came back on mid-day yesterday (that was day 3). I was leery and didn't trust it'd stay on, so I immediately blew through the house plugging anything and everything that needed a charge into an open outlet. Sadly, we lost everything outta the freezer and a bunch outta the fridge, but we're thrilled it's back. Sad how dependent we've become on electricity. I was feeling kinda (really) ick, so I caved and took a (very) cold shower yesterday. Not too long after the power came back on. If I'd known it'd happen that way, I would'a taken a cold shower much sooner! LOL!

I LOVE that series, Regina. Glad Rapture's good so far. I have it and almost picked it for this shelf, but I decided on SEEKER instead b/c I was in the mood for some shifter love. Looking forward to your review.

LOL Sandra! :D She has a delightfully dark sense of humor when writing Cal. Part of what makes those books so much fun to read.

Thanks, Lethal. Nope not an epic fail, IMHO, but definitely not as good (for me) as the first. Hope you enjoy it.

I really need to do a re-read of Death's Mistress as well in prep for #3. Some things mentioned in the blurb surprised me ... been too long since I first read #2 and I've obviously forgotten some important bits.

My 'favorite author' book review to follow.

[Heather ~ Marceline]

So, I logged onto Amazon today and they have a ton of zombie related reads on sale this month. I was able to pick up Feed for only $1.99. There were quite a few others that looked pretty good too. Some were more horror related than zombie. Just thought it was funny after all the zombie talk yesterday.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Tis the season :) Thanks, Heather.

[Heather ~ Marceline]

I finished on 10/1 and gave it 4 stars. It had been a while since I read a Kitty book. It was great to get back into Kitty's world amd get reacquainted with her and Ben. After finding out her mother was possibly diagnosed with cancer, Kitty and Ben returned to Denver for her to be near her family. Kitty and Ben were forced to explore if their relationship was only based on their lycanthropy, or if they truly cared about each other. While in Denver, vampire polictics come to a head and Kitty must choose sides rather than avoid the conflict completely.

I was happy to see how this book wrapped up after all the politics that went on during it. This book resolved a lot of past issues for Kitty. It also propelled her and Ben forward a bit. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading Kitty and I'm anxious to read the next book. Lately, my husband has let me start recommending books for him, I've gotten him to read Harry Dresden and even Kate Daniels. It was fun to read this book with a new perspective and tell him of yet another series I think he might enjoy. (though right now he is busy reading Feed)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

That was one of my favorites in the series, Heather. Great review.

I finished my UF book: Seeker of Shadows. Off to uni, but I'll post my review for it and Archangel's Storm later tonight or tomorrow AM.

Randomness ... I realized that I'd read two books with "storm" in the title while riding out a typhoon. Thea's Storm's Heart a few BSB rounds ago and now Archangel's Storm.

[Desperado]

Favorite Author Read:
Date Finished: October 3rd
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:

To my surprise, my reread of DM was better than the first time! The first time I reread it, I was on the edge of my seat wondering "Who's gonna die? Is DORY gonna die? Is LC gonna die? Who's the bad guy?" et cetera. This time I knew the answers to all of those questions, so it gave me a chance to pick up on bits of info I didn't notice/understand during my first DM read. This is a great thing. KC writes extremely face-paced series & I love them FOREVA & A DAY but sometimes it's difficult to keep up.

I ADORED Dorina. She & Cassie are two of my favorite heroines EVA what with Cassie & her badass Pythia powers & Dorina & her badass Dhampire powers. I enjoyed getting reacquainted with Headless Ray (I hear he's in Fury's Kiss, YAY!). Tears welled up in my eyes at seeing this new side of Mircea (I am team Mircea ALL THE WAY. TO HELL WITH PRITDICK!). Claire, Stinky, Aiden & the trolls were giant balls of awesomesauces. And LC. Yeah. I remember why I wasn't too crazy about him. I forgot how much of a dumbass he was about the "Christine" situation. He's not my ideal love interest for Dory-but he's loads better than that psychotic fairy, Æsubrand.

I cannot wait to start Fury's Kiss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Regina]

Great review Lethal. I have been meaning to read that series. I lost steam on Cassie, not sure why.

I am LOVING which is my favorite author read, I should be done in about an hour or so. I am also liking (my urban fantasy read) I just hate carrying around this big ass library book with me. I wish the ebook was n't $14.99. If it was $9.99, I would have bought it.

I would love to start when the next shelf is called, hopefully it fits something!

[Michelle]

Great review Lethal. I like Dorina better than Cassie, to be honest. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Regina]

Interseting!

[Regina]

I finished my favorite author shelf book.

Shelf Favorite Author
Date 10/3/12
Rating 5 stars
Book Dust and Decay
Review


This book was amazing!! What a flipping ride. I loved it. Loved it. I can't believe I picked up the first in this series on a whim and by a recommendation only. I feel like this series should have been on my radar long before.

The narration of both Rot & Ruin and Dust & Decay is very well done; so good that I had a hard time pausing the audio to live my life (get work done, be a parent, talk to my boss, etc. etc.)

Dust & Decay starts off slowly and at some points, Tom Immura's philosophizing and constant instruction is irritating -- let me emphasize -- only at some points. But then, the story abruptyly takes off and it is non-stop until the end of the epilogue. Dust & Decay comes close to the fabulousness of Rot & Ruin but it will also break readers' hearts. My 13 year old is reading Rot & Ruin right now and I can imagine that Dust & Decay will bring her to tears.

I love how Maberry brings a new twist to the zombie tale -- the tale of humanity, morality and human beings. If you haven't started this story, I highly recommend it. If you like audio books then I recommend trying the audio as the narration is done really well. Unfortunately, #3 (Flesh & Bone) is not available in audio right now and I am trying to decide if the audio is worth waiting for or if I should dive right back in to the world of Benny Immura.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Great reviews! I've got Benny 0.5-3 TBR and am thrilled that I have found #1-2 in audio since you liked it so much. I'm also hoping to be able to use Taking on the Dead in BSB, if not I'm readin' it soon. :)

LL, your review reminds me to pick up DM next! Must (re)read it soon b/c FK arrived on my eReader app the other day and it's beggin' to be read! :D

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh

Series: Guild Hunter, Book 5
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shelf: Favorite Author
Read: 30 Sept 2012
Review:
Archangel's Storm picks up soon after Archangel's Blade. Nalini continues Dmitri and Honor's story a bit more, which I was happy about because there are many changes occurring for them. While watching the two of them together, Jason, Raphael's spymaster, reflects on his capacity for feeling ... anything.

Jason is "reminded once again of the capacity others had for endless nuances of emotion. Jason had watched mortals and immortals alike for centuries, was able to glean even the most subtle changes in their emotional equilibrium, for no man could be a spymaster without that capability. Yet, through all that time, he had never been able to feel as they did. It was as if life skimmed across the surface of him, leaving his heart and his soul untouched."

Jason receives a report from one of his operatives that the Archangel of India, Neha, has become unstable following the brutal murder of her consort, Eris. The odd changes in Archangels' abilities is worrisome and Raphael wishes to send Jason to investigate. However, to do so Neha requires Jason take an oath to her. Raphael denies the request, of course. But, when she offers instead that he make a blood vow to Mahiya, the last member of her family, he agrees. The vow will ensure he doesn't betray her to Raphael while in her court.

Jason has only ever paid Mahiya the slightest bit of attention in the past, however now that he's required to work so closely with her he is realizing there's more to her than first meets the eye. {She} "... might not be an opponent strong enough to concern him, but she was no pampered princess he could ignore."

Mahiya is fascinated by Jason and hopeful that he will be able to help her. She's been held captive by an archangel (Neha) that hates her. Yet, somehow she has managed to survive the past three centuries without letting it taint her heart or kill her spirit. She's determined to find a way to finally start living her life instead of merely surviving it.

I think my heart skipped a beat when Jason said, "Touch me, Mahiya." The slow-building romance between these two was a joy to read. They are both masters at keeping secrets, so it took some time to open up to each other. And, once they did, the sky was the limit. "I can't wait to tangle wings with you, Jason."

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Seeker of Shadows by Nancy Gideon

Series: Midnight/Shadows, Book #6/2
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shelf: Urban-Fantasy
Read: 3 Oct 2012
Review:
Seeker of Shadows tells the story of Jacques LaRoche, the New Orleans Shifter club owner. He's liked by everyone and has a stern yet quiet demeanor.

Susanna Duchamp, a geneticist and Chosen, comes to New Orleans to repay a favor. We first met her in Hunter of Shadows when her kidnapped daughter was rescued by Nica. Susanna's appearance in town has Jacques in knots. He wants her to leave because her kind is not to be trusted, but more than that ... something about her hurried his heartbeats until his chest ached to contain them."

Seven years ago he woke up in New Orleans with no memory of his past. Since then he has worked hard to rebuild his life. But, he knows without a doubt that "... his mated female yet lived. Somewhere. He just didn't know how to find her." It's left him feeling as though he cannot move on and may never be happy.

Susanna is using this time away from her oppressed life among the Chosen in Chicago to feel again. The Chosen believe emotion is a weakness and they live in a somewhat sensory-deprived state believing themselves superior to Shifters. They do not give in to their baser instincts and certainly never those of their other half. She, however, does not feel that way. She mated a Shifter seven years ago, only to sacrifice their love for the safety of her daughter.

I really liked the continuity between Hunter of Shadows and SEEKER OF SHADOWS. I wasn't quite sure how I would like Nancy's Midnight spin-off, which strays from the once main characters, Charlotte and Max to focus more on the colorful side characters. But, I have thoroughly enjoyed the two so far and look forward to the next.

[Heather ~ Marceline]

SHELF UPDATE:

Free Space   5/6
Heather ~ Marceline - Moon Sworn 4.5★ 9/19 review
StephB - Girl of Nightmares 3.5★ 9/25 review
LethalLovely -A Blood Seduction2★ 9/22 review
Amanda A - Blameless
Regina - Disappearing Nightly 3.5★ 9/28 review
Michelle - Consumed 5★ 9/18 review

Shelf #2 Sept 23rd: Favorite Author 5/6
Heather ~ Marceline - The Lady is a Vamp 4★ 9/24 review
StephB - Archangel's Storm 5★ 9/30 review
LethalLovely - Death's Mistress 5★ 10/3 review
Amanda A - The Darkest Passion
Regina - Dust & Decay 5★ 10/3 review
Michelle - Nexus 5★ 9/25 review

Shelf #3 above in post #152

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Thanks, Cap.

[Michelle]

Thanks for the update! :)

[Regina]

Thank you captain. :)

I am rushing to finish my UF shelf book so I am reading for tomorrow's shelf call! I just started a new audio book, so I need to be able to read tomorrow's shelf book. I can't wait to see what gets called. :D

[Regina]

Lethal how are you liking This is Not A Test? I could not put that book down, I found it to be more about emotional YA than zoms though. :)

[Desperado]

Regina wrote: "Lethal how are you liking This is Not A Test? I could not put that book down, I found it to be more about emotional YA than zoms though. :)"

I am sorry to say that I haven't even started TiNaT yet. I immediately started "Fury's Kiss" after I finished rereading "Death's Mistress" & I've been superglued to it since.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

How's it so far, Lethal? I'm rereading DM now and can't wait to read FK. :)

[Regina]

I finished my UF book and will be back to post a review.

[Regina]

Shelf Urban Fantasy
Date 10/6/12 (my son's 9th birthday!!)
Book Rapture
Rating 4 stars
Review


I really enjoyed this book. The Fallen Angel series has been up and down for me. I have major problems with the world constructed and with the way Ward writes this series. I don't like how she injects tension into her relationships (it is the same way in almost all of these books). And I get really frustrated with the Angels' sexual relationships with women (they are angels, yet they prey on desperate and sad women who they identify as desperate and sad??) However ..... despite all of that, I, lol, really enjoyed this book.

I think Ward's writing in this book was tighter than her other Angel books and the story more developed. It is funny, face paced and deliciously meaty like her other books -- with a spotting here and there of the BDB world. :) Aidrian was allowed some character growth, definitely due and I am excited to see where Ward goes with him. And some interesting back and forth between Devina and Jim. I love seeing Devina's faults and getting to know more what she looks like. The ending was a great twist, perfect. Actually, I want the next book now.

(view spoiler)[I was so irritated that once again how Ward separated the couple was to have the woman doubt the hero. This story line again??? And done (again) in a completely unbelievable way. (hide spoiler)]

I did have trouble liking the hero. He had such a despicable past. It is hard to forgive him.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Regina, I want to read that spoiler so badly! I've got that one waiting patiently for me. Figure I've waited a bit to get it in my hands, so it'll have to wait a bit to be read. LOL! I'm dying to know what happened between Devina and Jim in this one. Some of their past "episodes" have been so twisted.

TBH, each of Ward's series tend to frustrate me in some way. There seems to be something about the series (either this one or BDB) that I don't care for, but damn if I don't end up falling in love before the final page is turned and rating them 4-5 stars. It just frustrates me even more. LMAO! Wicked Warden and her booky voodoo.

Shelf is up! Mr. R's pick: vampires

I will most likely read , which I imagine I'll be anxious to jump into as soon as I'm finished my reread of Death's Mistress. If I change my mind, I'll let ya know.

Sadly, Mr. R has chosen a shelf that gives T15 an early jump on the game. Once all bks are read, they'll have 4-in-a-row. Hoping the game lasts a bit longer than 5 wks and Mr. R doesn't gift them another in that row next week. Either way ... HAPPY READING, Twisted, Tentacled Teamies!

[Regina]

Steph you are so right. Ward has crazy talent to so irritate me and make me not be able to put her book down. :D So freaky that a team already has 4 in a row (or will)!!

[Desperado]

Since I completely forsook all other reads for Fury's Kiss, I'm going to switch it to my UF read. For Vampires, I'm going to start ASAP.

All of these books I'm reading involving Vamps makes me wonder if the universe is preparing me for the season premiere of TVD next week!!!! *swoons*

[Desperado]

Urban Fantasy Read:
Date Finished: October 6th
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:

That was just......ERMAHGERD! ERMAHGERD! ERMAHGERD! ERMAHGERD! I wish I could scream at the top of my lungs how freaking amazing FK was, but I can't. Because then people would think I was crazy(er). Chance-beautiful, wonderful Goddess that she is-pulled out all the stops for FK. At first, I was all WRITE FASTER! But now I'm not because I realize she had to do alot of thinking to churn out such GREATNESS. And it's CHUNKY! She didn't make us wait ALMOST FOUR YEARS for a little old 300 pg book. It's OVER 500 PAGES! *Lethal faints*

But I digress. So we're back hanging with Dory, the kickass dhampir daughter of Mircea *swoons*. She so badass. Like...even more badass than Kate Daniels, and that's a lot of badass. She's got humor. Courage. Strength. Ingenuity. A nice rack. ALL OF THE AWESOME. And in this book, she's fighting VAMPIRE ZOMBIES and SENATE MEMBERS and that creepy ass fae guy, Æsubrand (there's a big surprise involving him that made me fall of the bed) and MEGA WEREWOLVES and creepy EXPERIMENT THINGIES and she's also fighting HERSELF. Herself. I'm not gonna even elaborate on that one. You'll just have to find out for yourself. ;-) And you've got HEADLESS-NO-MORE RAY, who just a barrel of hilariousity. And MERCIA (aka the man I'm gonna have book-babies with) & he's being all....well, lets just say I actually cried a little. Awwww. And Louis-Cesare. This is the first book that I thought "You know what, LC? You actually are kickass enough to be Dory's man. At first I was all, WTF is up with the mile-long, silky red hair & tight ass pants, pansy boy? But now I know....you are worthy. I APPROVE!" And there's Radu. And Anthony. And Claire & Stinky & Aiden and pretty much EVERYONE made an appearance.

So yeah...I'm satisfied. I am fat & happy from gorging on the epic awesomeness that is Karen Chance & Dorina Basarab. I'm even willing to forgive ALMOST FOUR YEARS of waiting but Chance? Don't do that again, please. Please don't make your rabid fans wait that long for a book in either of your wonderful series. MY HEART COULD NOT TAKE IT. >_<

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Love this review Lethal, even though I shouldn't have read it, cause I'm doing FK for Vamps!!!!!!!

[Regina]

I am reading for the vampires shelf

[Heather ~ Marceline]

I am going to read for the vampires shelf.

[Michelle]

I will be reading for vampires, need to finish up my current book first.

[Amanda A]

Shelf: Free Space
Finished 10/7
4★

Alexia is on the outs with her husband after she informs him of her inconvenient condition at the end of Changeless. Add to that, her dismissal from the Shadow Council by Queen Victoria and the vampires and mechanical ladybugs that have it out for her and she just can't catch a break. She seeks the help of her friend, Madame Lefoux, and they decide to consult the Knights Templars in Italy for an explanation of her condition.

I enjoyed seeing Professor Lyall play a more prominent role as he tried to keep the pack together while Lord Maccon was inebriated most of the time. Alexia and Conall were separated most of the book and I missed their witty interactions. I really hope Conall redeems himself in the next book. Overall, Blameless still had the witty dialogue, wonderful supernatural action and fun steampunk elements that I love about Carriger's books. I look forward to seeing what lies in store next for Alexia and Conall in Heartless.

[Amanda A]

I am changing Tangled Threads to the favorite author shelf.

Shelf: favorite author
Finished 10/7
4★

Gin Blanco is a retired assassin known as the Spider. She has declared war on Mab Monroe and now Mab has hired an assassin, Elektra LaFleur, to kill Gin. Gin is also trying to protect her baby sister, Bria, from Mab's wrath. As Gin's relationship with Owen Grayson heats up, she definitely has a full plate.

The author's repetition of events from previous books continued in this book, but I didn't mind it so much because it has been a year since I read Venom. I love Owen Grayson, he's a keeper and I really hope things work out between him and Gin long-term. I enjoyed seeing Gin come to terms with the relationship she is developing with Bria and hopefully they will continue to grow closer. I would like to see Gin kill Mab sooner rather than later, but I still look forward to finding out what happens next for Gin in Spider’s Revenge.

[Amanda A]

I have changed my Urban Fantasy book to .

For vampires, I plan to read .

[Heather ~ Marceline]

Free Space and Favorite Author stamps have been requested!

[Regina]

Great job team!!

[Michelle]

Great work, Team!

[Regina]

Amanda A wrote: "I have changed my Urban Fantasy book to .

For vampires, I plan to read ."

Magic Strikes is fantastic, Amanda I think you will love it.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Twisted Tentacles!
We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'Favorite Author' and 'free space'. 

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

Good Job!! :D

[Regina]

Woooooooo!!

[Heather ~ Marceline]

Yeah!!!!!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Go, Team, Go! :D

I hope to be starting my vampire-shelf book soon. Hope everyone's enjoying their reads.

Lethal, I skipped your review after I read all of the ERMAHGERDs, but I'm sure it was a great review. Well done reviews, ladies. Love reading them!

Enjoy Kate & Curran, Amanda. :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on both stamps Twisteds!

[Desperado]

Thanks Sandra & Steph! And thanks for the compliments on my review! It was more fan-girling than anything. I'm surprised you can even read it, it was was so incoherent.