R6: Team #16 ~ License to Read

[Mandy]

After all these great comments, I think I will have to see if I can get my hands on one of Juliet Marillier's books - I had never even heard of her before, but you all make her books look fantastic!

[Samantha]

You should, Mandy. And start with Sevenwaters if you can. :) I always try to pimp her out to my Goodreads buddies.

Oh, and I forgot to tell you thanks for the suggestion, Leslie. Highlanders can be a picky category for me and it's hard for me to find new really great writers.

[~Leslie~]

That's the best thing about Team challenges - getting lots of new ideas for authors!! I'm also going to be checking out Juliet Marillier. She sounds really interesting.
And I have such a thing for Highlanders!! Have to admit it. I just posted a picture of Gerard Butler in full Highland gear on my daughter's facebook page ( I like to give her little presents!!). It was awesome.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Whilst Juliet was born in NZ, she's lived in Aussie for a very long time, so she's now an honourary Aussie :DDD

[Gea]

Leslie wrote: "I have to say that I think the best Julie Garwood Highlander book is though comes a close second!! I love her historical fiction and her c..."

I've added The Chief and will read it soon, it looks like a great book!
I haven't read any contemporary book from Julie Garwood, I intend to read her historical books first. I just noticed there's a whole HR series I haven't even touched. For the Roses is the first book and that also sounds interesting, specially because I don't read that many HR books that take place in America.

[~Leslie~]

Gea, I liked The Rose series - it's not my favorite by her but it was good. I know some other fans aren't crazy about it. But like you - I don't read a lot of historicals set in America.

[Kimberly]

Favorite Author How to Drive a Dragon Crazy
Finished 28 September
5 Stars

The best parts about the books in this series is when the family gets together. The fact that they're dysfunctional makes them all that more endearing.
As the overall story is switching to the kids and what their possible problems are and will be, makes me miss the older characters. Annwyl seems to be "softer" as the books go along. I mean, she isn't out killing everyone and everything just for the heck of it. It's like she's thinking before she's doing.
I don't have a lot to say about Eibhear and Izzy. Maybe he did have to go away for so long to finally figure out how he felt about her. When they did finally get together, especially in front of the other side of the family, it felt like Greg and Marcia were hooking up. LOL!!
What happens next in this series will be interesting to read.

[Josie]

It is the danger with Bingo, you're TBR pile goes through the roof! We're only on week 2 and I've resolved to read more Juliet Marillier, J.D. Robb and Julie Garwood.

Lol, Sandra! I didn't know she was born in NZ or that she lives in Australia, I assumed because of her books that she lived in Ireland or something. On her author page it says she has "Celtic-Gaelic roots" so she has some connection ;)

Yay, Kimberly! Waaahhh, it's just me now (and my postman) being a slow coach but good news! Fury's Kiss has arrived!!! So I'm going to start it tonight and will probably get it done before the next shelf is called :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Oh no!!!!!! Josie, wait for another 30 odd hours!!! LOL. You can always do it as a re-read for the shelf if it fits.

I'm jealous, mine hasn't got here yet and Monday is a pub hol so its Tues at the earliest!!

[Josie]

It's okay, I haven't read for the 'Favourite Author' shelf yet so I can use it for that! Though I have to admit that even if I had, it'd be very hard to wait :P
Plus, I'm going back to uni this weekend and so my sister has informed me that I need to finish it before then so I don't take it away and she can read it lol.

Tuesday is so long to wait! Do you not get post on a Saturday? Is there no chance that it could come then (or is it Sat now and it didn't arrive)? :'(

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Our post only works Mon - Fri, so no chance on Sat deliveries unless its Christmas & we get a couple of extra deliveries then.

Sister peer pressure definitely rules. Hooray Favourite Author shelf. Better read fast. ROFL

[Josie]

That blows. But just to tease you, I'm loving FK. It's like some really tasty treat, you're trying to savour it but you can't stop stuffing your face ;)

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Oh noooooooo!!! That's just EVIL Josie!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gea]

will be my book for this week's shelf

[Josie]

Shelf this week is Urban Fantasy

[Mandy]

I'm going to read

[~Leslie~]

Hi everyone! I'll be reading this week.

Mandy, I have that book on my nook. Looking forward to hearing what you think.

[Kimberly]

I'm going to read

[Samantha]

Bwahaha...now I can read . :D

I'm about halfway through for my Free Space read.

[Josie]

Title/Author: Fury's Kiss by Karen Chance
Date finished: 1st October
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
There are basically no words to say how much I loved this book. And anything that I do say would be spoilers because so much happens. Or maybe, more accurately, we find out so much more about the characters. After 8 books plus short stories in Chance's detailed world, you would think that you'd be able to guess where the series is heading but some of the scenes in the book! You would never have even imagined some of the situations that Dory finds herself in! I often found myself gasping out loud (when Dory is dressed in a sheet, you'll know why when you read it...) or laughing out loud (buying condoms with Ray). I cannot wait for the next Dory and Cassie book!

Oh and I really hated Mircea after HtM but he redeemed himself in this one.

[Josie]

Finally Samantha! :D

Two Nalini Singh books this week!
I'll be waiting to see your 'Archangel's Storm' review, Gea! Not sure whether to buy it now or wait a while.
And Kimberly, if your pick isn't a re-read then I'm very jealous that you have loads of Psy-Changeling books ahead of you, hope you enjoy them. I prefer her PC books to her GH :)

@Leslie: Last in series! I was sad finishing the Weather Wardens but I'm always kind of glad when a series isn't strung out. Have you read the Outcast ones?

@Mandy: I think I remember liking RHS but I haven't read anymore of the series yet, I hope your review encourages me to get on with it!

So stamp time!
Week ❷ (23rd September)
Favourite Author → 6/6 completed
✔ Gea: Shadow Music by Julie Garwood » 25th Sept ǁ ★★★★
✔ Kimberly: How to Drive a Dragon Crazy by G.A. Aiken » 28th Sept ǁ ★★★★★
✔ Josie: Fury's Kiss by Karen Chance » 1st Oct ǁ ★★★★★
✔ Mandy: Dead of Night by J.D. Robb » 24th Sept ǁ ★★★★
✔ Samantha: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier » 26th Sept ǁ ★★★★1/2
✔ Leslie: Dark Magic by Christine Feehan » 24th Sept ǁ ★★★★

[Josie]

Okay this week... I'm probably going to read

[~Leslie~]

Such great books this week!! And happy dance going on in my head for our stamp - Yippee!!

Josie - I am kind of sad about the ending of the Weather Wardens. I have really enjoyed this series - though Joanne always annoys me. As to the Outcast series, I've read 1 of them and am looking forward to reading more. I really like Rachel Caine's writing.

And I agree completely about Nalini Singh's book. I love her Psy-changeling series! I think I'm up to #9.

Speaking of which, I want to change my book to
I still plan on reading Total Eclipse this month, I just want to save it for another week.

[Kimberly]

Josie, it isn't a re-read, but I feel like I should have done a re-read of the first book because I'm kind of lost with this one.
I don't remember Vaughn from the first book, but he's so aggressive that I'm kind of put off from it.
Meh. I really want to find out who the killer is and I have a guess at who it might be.

[Kimberly]

Hi Team!
Josie, can I change my Free Space book to Gunmetal Magic?
Something's telling me not to read The Darkest Seduction right now. Probably the Lords want me to wait.
Fine by me, right? If the Lords want me to do something, I'll do it! :P

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, License to Read!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'Favorite Author'. 

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

Good Job!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp LtR!

[Mandy]

Finished 10/1
Shelf: urban fantasy
Rating: 3.5*



It took me a little while to get invested in this story, but it became worth it. Sabina Kane is a half-vampire, half-mage that has spent her life under the thumb of her domineering grandmother. Forced ro become an assassin because of her mixed blood, her life takes a turn for the worse when she is sent to assassinate a friend and then to infiltrate a cult. Eventually truths start to come out, but war is close at hand. The world building is well done, but i didnt completely connect with Sabina, so I wont be rushing to buy the next book. I am sure I will read it eventually, though.

[Josie]

@Leslie: I like her writing too! I think it takes a while to get used to it because her ideas/themes are on such a big scale.
Oh #9 and #10 are probably in my faves for PC series! I haven't read #11 yet - I think because the main characters are a bit like, who? I'm sure it'll be fine though.

You can do it, Kimberly! I quite liked VoH but I think a lot of people were a bit meh about the book. You need to read the next one though!
Lol and of course you can change your pick :)

Thanks Steph and Sandra!

I thought the exact same thing, Mandy. However, I still haven't picked up the next one :P

[Josie]

Ok, after FK I am in a bit of a book funk. Especially with UF because for me nothing is going to compare. What I would usually do is switch genres... so I need to find a book that's labelled as UF but is actually not... ;)

[Josie]

I think I might change mine to :)

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

That's a good choice Josie :)

[Josie]

Thank you Sandra ;)

[~Leslie~]

10/2/12 ****1/2 stars

This is a spinoff series to the Kate Daniel's series and features Andrea Nash, who is Beastkin and a Bouda (hyena shapeshifter). She has tried to reject the bouda side of herself but that hasn't worked. She is mated to Raphael, who is the male Alpha of the Bouda clan and when the story starts they are separated from each other due to a misunderstanding. This is a long, complex novel and it feels like the beginning to a series, as the world they live in has to explained. This slows the story down somewhat and is the only problem with it. There are many battles with nasty creatures, wonderful scenes with Raphael as they work out their difficulties, funny and poignant scenes as Andrea comes to terms with her abusive childhood and accepts who she is and her future and a really involved storyline that encompasses Egyptian mythology and the evolution of gods. Andrea is a strong enough character, along with Raphael to have her own book and hopefully this is the start to more books with other stand alone characters that make up this fascinating world. Loved it!

[~Leslie~]

Josie wrote: "I think I might change mine to :)"

That book will definitely lift you out of a book funk! I loved it!!

[Gea]

Urban fantasy
Book: Archangel's Storm

Rating: ★★★★★
Finished: 02-Oct-12
Review: I absolutely loved this book! Jason became my favorite member of the seven when I didn't think about him at all before this book.
I liked the description of Neha's court and the development in the world author created. I guess I got addicted to angels' fights and the one in this book didn't dissappoint me.
It's a shame next book will be again about Raphael and Elena when there are so many other characters that deserve their own story.

[Kimberly]

Finished 2 October
3.5 Stars

This would have been given a higher rating, but Vaughn was so aggressive that it was turn off. I didn't care when he was in the book. I was only interested in his interaction with Faith because I liked her character.
It's been a while since I read the first book, so I forgot some of the whys of what was happening. I don't think I really understood what was happening towards the end. I thought I knew who the killer was, but I don't really know who or what he is.
From what I can guess from the end of the book, things are going to pick up from there in the next book.

[Josie]

Thanks, Leslie. It did! Review to come :)

Great reviews guys!

[Josie]

Title/Author: Glory in Death by J.D. Robb
Date finished: 2nd October
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Review:
I really enjoyed this even more than the first. It was just what I needed! The mystery was very good and the pace was fast which I'm pretty sure is necessary for me. I don't usually like police books or murder mysteries but this series I can make an exception for.

It has romance in it and although I loved Roarke, I didn't miss him too much when he wasn't there, which surprised me tbh (you know in certain books when you have to skip ahead to their next scene).

I wasn't sure what to make of Eve in 'Naked in Death'. I liked her but I didn't love her, but I feel like she's grown in this one, showing her vulnerable side. I can't wait to read the next one but I left it at home :'(

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

That's one thing I like about the In Deaths, all the characters grow throughout the series. You'll love #3 Josie.

[Josie]

Sandra, you tease! I want to read it RIGHT now! :P

[Josie]

Plus, I have realised that if characters don't grow or learn by their mistakes (I don't mind them making them!) then I never like the series much. And I actually really noticed the progression of Eve's character and how much further she could progress with it. She's already opening up to Mira in this one which she wasn't doing before (oh and I love Mira's role in the books).

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Yep, and that continues, and shock horror, she makes new friends as well. That is really hard for her but it happens without her thinking about it. Don't wanna say too much. ROFL

[~Leslie~]

Josie, I'm about to read #12 and the best thing about this series is how all the characters grow in each book. I'm actually obsessed with Roarke and I don't usually do that about fictional characters.
I'm part of a great little buddy read and we've been reading 1 a month. It's been awesome! I get so excited each month when I know it's time to visit these characters again.

[Josie]

Lol, Sandra! I feel Peabody is going to be her friend :)

That sounds great, Leslie! I might make myself a challenge and try to read say 2 a month.

[Mandy]

Josie wrote: "Lol, Sandra! I feel Peabody is going to be her friend :)

That sounds great, Leslie! I might make myself a challenge and try to read say 2 a month."

They are definitely worth reading - I had to make myself read other things in between when I was reading them because I loved the series so much and was trying to make it last! I may have to do a re-read :) I love Eve!

[~Leslie~]

We are continuing the challenge in 2013 so y'all are welcome to join us! It's a great group.
And yes, Peabody is awesome!!

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Just got from the library last night. Woo Hoo!!!

[Josie]

Woo! Lots of 'In Death' love going on here! :D

[Samantha]

Free Space Read
Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane

Date Finished: October 6
Rating: ★★★
Review: I've loved the first three in this series, like in a totally-annoying-fangirl-love way. And yet….this book didn't manage to rekindle all the old feelings and aspects that I loved from the first one. Yes Chess has some serious self-esteem issues and yes Terrible is a man of few words, but the issues between them here were like two steps forward, fifty steps back, not to mention it took me forever to want to continue on with the main plot because it didn't really capture my attention. The story did pick up at the end and Kane definitely has skills at the fuzzy, heart-warming moments, especially the last chapter. Of course it goes without saying that I'll be reading the next, it's just that this one didn't happen to be a favorite for me in the series overall.