FL1: Team #8 ~ Epic Eights

[Steph, Serious series addict]

That works, Carrie! :D

[Carrie]

Yay, I thought it would but to some they might think it's more pinkish.

I've been meaning to get back to this series, if you haven't read the first book, you should.

[Lauren]

I have it on my TBR but haven't gotten around to it. Looking forward to your review Carrie.

[Kerstin]

I'll be reading

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Oh Man...., I want that book Kerstin. Since I don't have it I'll settle for

[Kerstin]

Valerie, I've read the first couple of chapters of 'Undead to the World' today and it's not at all what I expected. I had quite a few 'what the hell' moments already.
I haven't started on the Shadow Reader series yet, would you recommend it?

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

I loved the first book but the review of the second are mixed.

[Kerstin]

Undead to the World by D.D. Barant
Space: #5 Purple
Date read: 28/1/13
Rating: 3.5★

Granted, most books in 'The Bloodhound Files' series had me slightly confused at some point during their convoluted plot-lines, but in the beginning of this story I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Luckily I worked it out alongside Jace and could start to enjoy this fresh take on the characters and their world(s).
We get to see some old favourites re-emerge, meet new and old adversaries, have some loose ends tied up (though not necessarily in a satisfying way (view spoiler)[ e.g. the Tair/Dr Pete issue (hide spoiler)]), and of course we have Jace's sarcastic voice guide us through her adventures.
The ending is something I'm not entirely sure what to think of. It seems a massive cliffhanger, but as I've heard that this may be the last book in the series I wonder if it isn't a fitting ending for Jace's story? I guess everyone will have to decide that for themselves.
All up I enjoyed this instalment more than the last one, but I still don't think it was as good as the earlier books in the series. That said, should there actually be another book, I'd definitely pick it up.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Week #1, Card: 5 of Spades, Space #: 5, Color: Purple

The Shattered Dark by Sandy Williams
Number of pages: 304 pages
Date read: 28/01/2013
Rating: ★★★

When I read the Shadow Reader last year I loved the world of the fae that Sandy Williams created. The story picks up right after the events of Shadow Reader. We find McKenzie i the middle of the war for succession and now playing defense instead of offence. Ruling is harder than bringing down a King it would seem. The Nobles are not happy while McKenzie, Aren and Kyol are just trying to survive every assassination attempt.

As in any fae storyline, rules for succession and purity of Bloodline are necessary plot devices and this story is no exception. There is intrigue and sabotage enough too. My main problem is how the love triangle was handled in the book. This series is mainly UF so why do we have so much drama about McKenzie's feelings? It came to a point that it overshadowed the rest of the story and became detrimental to by own enjoyment of the plot.

[Lauren]

Week #1: 5 of Spades
Space: Purple
Book: The Immortal Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
Finished: January 29th
Rating: 4★

One of the highlights is the connection to Moning's Fever series. While I am not a rabid fan of the books, primarily due to Mac's vacuousness and the excessively drawn out writing style, the detailed world building, engrossing Fae invasion plot and Barrons (*swoon*) make them worthwhile.

The insight in The Immortal Highlander into the backstory of a Sidhe-seer family and the history behind Darroc's relationship with Adam are particularly intriguing and add to my appreciation of both Adam and Gabby's story and Mac's struggles in the spin-off.

Another excellent aspect of the book is the return of Gwen and Drustan, and Chloe and Daegus from the previous two installments - it was great catching up with their romances.

Now to Adam and Gabby. To be honest, I was expecting more from Adam's redemption. Yes, he is gorgeous, sensual and sexy but he doesn't seem to learn humility or what it really means to be human until the last few pages. There should have been a more gradual development and recognition of his humanity. Gabrielle, on the other hand, is my type of heroine, full of spice and sass. She definitely gives Adam a run for his money and their interactions are wonderful.

Overall, this is a fun read but it doesn't quite succeed in knocking Daegus off his pedestal.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Funny I read the Fever series before even starting her Immortal Highlander one. I only read the first two books...I guess they improve as the series continues but somehow I lack the incentive to continue. I always put one in my monthly reading challenges and end up changing my mind. Go figure.

[Lauren]

It is really interesting to see the different opinions about these two series. Many of my reading buddies rave about one or the other but not both.

I am solidly in the Highlanders camp perhaps because I read the first 5 books before starting Fever, and while I enjoyed the world building and Barrons, I couldn't stand Mac and she sort of ruined a series that had such potential otherwise.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

I'm in total agreement with you on hating Mac but the rest of the world building was so well done that I kept with it anyway. I want to read Iced but I dislike cursing in huge amount. One GR friend counted the number of times Dani cursed and it was something like over 300 times. Even for a 500 pages book...it amounts to a lot for me. I don't know when or if I'll read it.

(On a side note...if the cursing adds to the story I'm not against it...like The Steel Remains which feature a gay hero past his prime in a medieval setting fighting technologically advanced aliens invasion. There was a shitload of weird stuff and creative cursing. Granted the previous series from the author was sci-fi too which I did not read. It helped too that I had the audiobook and the narrator had a sorta British accent.)

As for the Highlanders series I'll continue for sure at some point in time. It's just that I'm not much for historical settings.

[Lauren]

Yes, the Fever world is fantastic and that is what kept me going. The fact that I am a plot rather than a character driven reader helped me get past my dislike of Mac because I really needed to find out what happened in the story.

I also haven't read Iced yet, mainly because Dani is 14 and juvenile, which isn't my cup of tea. I think I will wait for all her books to be out and see what the reviews say before deciding one way or the other.

[Barbara ★]

Lauren wrote: "It is really interesting to see the different opinions about these two series. Many of my reading buddies rave about one or the other but not both.

I am solidly in the Highlanders camp perhaps because I read the first 5 books before starting Fever, and while I enjoyed the world building and Barrons, I couldn't stand Mac and she sort of ruined a series that had such potential otherwise. "

I totally agree! I hated Mac and discontinued the series. The world itself just couldn't hold my interest when the main character annoyed me so much. I loved her Highlanders though. And keep hoping for another one. Unfortunately, Iced has zero appeal so I will be skipping that series.

[Kerstin]

I have discontinued the Fever series as well, because I just couldn't stand Mac. I haven't picked up the Highlander series as I was worried I wouldn't enjoy it either, but I might just give it a try now, because you all seem to be loving it.

[Barbara ★]

Kerstin, the Highlander series is completely different. If you like Highlanders, you'll absolutely love it.

[Carrie]

Week #1 Card: 5 of Spades
Space #: 5
Color: Purple

Book: by Nancy Gideon
Finished: Jan 31st
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:Book one was fantastic and book two did not disappoint at all. I couldn't put it down, any chance I got read I took it. We pick up were we left off in CeeCee and Max's relationship. Which is still a rather odd pairing, shifter mob boss and a human cop. I can't wait to see more of their tale unfold.

We get more of Max's story in this one, which is rather interesting, and I am soooo looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Not bad for our first week. I wonder what will happen with team Femforce Five.

[Lauren]

Yeah, we have done great this week. One more review and we are ready to draw the next card, woot woot!

Do you mean that they are on space 101? I saw in their thread that Steph mentioned something about going straight into R2 if this one ends quickly. Hope so. This is fun.

[Barbara ★]

I was planning on reading my book today but when I got to work realized I hadn't put it on my Nook. I will start reading tonight and finish tomorrow for sure. I understand that as long as we all read by Sunday we can draw on time.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Don't know where you are Barbara but for me in relation to Japan time....it amounts to Saturday evening.

[Carrie]

Lauren wrote: "Yeah, we have done great this week. One more review and we are ready to draw the next card, woot woot!

Do you mean that they are on space 101? I saw in their thread that Steph mentioned something ..."

I hope so, I love team challenges.

[Barbara ★]

Week #1 Card: 5 of Spades
Space #: 5
Color: Purple

Book:
Finished: February 1st (10:30 pm EST)
Rating: ★★★

Review:
I had no idea this was a novella when I started reading but it became apparently clear when I only had 10 pages to go and the story wasn't even close to an ending yet it ended anyway. At a mere 211 pages, Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor is a fast read, but something is definitely missing. I liked Mark, Sam, Holly and Maggie but there just wasn't enough background to really get to know any of them. I'm hoping that future installments (and I understand there is quite a few of them) will delve deeper into this family.

I felt the connection between Mark and Maggie but for once Lisa Kleypas didn't deliver on the promise of romance. Mark was so patient with Maggie in the beginning but the ending was so rushed and forced that it didn't really do it for me.

This book just didn't have the Lisa Kleypas feel to it. Almost as if someone else wrote it (or parts of it). A rather disappointing start to the series but I'll give the next book a try because I like Sam and want to see him get a HEA.

[Lauren]

Great review Barbara. You hit the nail on the head. I was also expecting so much more from a Kleypas book.
Rainshadow Road is better though.

[Lauren]

Here are our reviews for this week, ladies! Well done!

Epic Eights - Ratings & Reviews

Week #1: Purple

✔ Barbara ★: Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas (Feb 1, 3 Stars) - Review
✔ Lauren: The Immortal Highlander by Karen Marie Moning (Jan 28, 4 Stars)- Review
✔ Carrie: Chased by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon (Jan 31, 5 Stars) - Review
✔ Valerie ~ Val Hall ~: The Shattered Dark by Sandy Williams (Jan 28, 3 Stars)- Review
✔ Kerstin: Undead to the World by D.D. Barant (Jan 28, 3.5 Stars) - Review

[Barbara ★]

whew looks like I made it. I totally forgot the Japan time difference thing but I just couldn't fit another book into my January schedule. Had I known this book was so short, I would have read it sooner but it's an ebook and the page count is never correct. I'll do better this week.

[Lauren]

Here is this week's card:

Week #2
Card: Ace of Hearts
Space #: 7
Color: Red

Look's like we are going to be slow and steady wins the race ;0)

[Lauren]

Off to bed now. Will decide what to read tomorrow.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Oh well.
Week 2, Color Red, reading:

[Kerstin]

I'll be reading for the red space.

[Carrie]

I'm going to read

[Barbara ★]

I will read

[Lauren]

I will read

[Lauren]

Week #2: Red

Barbara ★: The Brass Bed by Jennifer Stevenson
Lauren: Fair Game by Jasmine Haynes
Carrie: Immortal Prophecy by Samantha Adams
Valerie ~ Val Hall ~: Ever After by Kim Harrison
Kerstin: Fair Game by Patricia Briggs

[Carrie]

Lol when you look at them all next to each other, mine doesn't look very red now does it.

[Lauren]

The background is red. I think it is enough but you can ask in the questions thread if you are unsure.

[Carrie]

I think I will, just in case.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Definitely red enough Carrie ;)

[Barbara ★]

Space: #7 Red
Date read: Feb 3, 2013
Rating: ★★★

Review:
I liked the concept of this book - a bad lover cursed to spend time trapped in a bed until he satisfied 100 women. But the execution was a bit scatterbrained. Honestly I kept looking to see if this was book two in a series. It was very hard to follow and there were just too many unexplained things - like the pink fog, the smoking pigeons and the nix on saying "magic". I liked Jewel though her nymphomania was kind of out of control. Hell she's a fraud investigator for the police and she's done every guy on the force. And Lord Randall was very annoying. Either he was arrogant as hell or too clingy. The character that I really liked was Clay. It ought to be very interesting now that he's working with Jewel.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Week #2, Card: Ace of Hearts, Space #: 7, Color: Red

Ever After by Kim Harrison
Number of pages: 435 pages
Date read: 05/02/2013
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5 stars)

(Don't know if you know this series so I tried to keep it relatively spoiler free but it's impossible)

I was weary about this book because the previous one (A Perfect Blood) was quite slow and I was resentful about that. This installment reconciled me with the Hollow series. There was rarely a dull moment while Rachel got saddled with the fixing her botched leyline while Ku'Sox (and crap for brains) tried his best to oppose her.

I always liked the demon back story, glad to see Al, Newt and Dali taking a more prominent place in it to 'help' Rachel for a change. I always had a soft spot for Al's extravagant ways.

Trent chose this time to work with Rachel as a team for a change. His choices, none easy to make, have many consequences that he has to accept while owning his magic as a real ally to Rachel and the demons.

While very good delivery it was not without some issues, with all the events going on with the demons...the vampires are a bit left out. There was some pages thrown in which are a bit at odd with the short story published before Ever After.

After 11 books, I must admit that the series is still very strong. It is a difficult feat to keep interest of readers and can't wait for the last two books in the series.

[Kerstin]

I really have to get on with The Hollows series. I only read #1 so far and though it wasn't an instant favourite of mine, I quite enjoyed it. I'll have to check my library if they've purchased #2 yet, as that's the only one they don't have :(

I'll hopefully finish my red space book tonight!

[Lauren]

I read last month and it was alright. The first half dragged but the second was better and I liked the characters, especially Jenks.

I understand that it gets better with each installment and I look forward to continuing.

[Lauren]

Changed my book and read .

Week #2: Ace of Hearts
Space: Red
Book: Fair Game by Jasmine Haynes
Finished: February 5th
Rating: 3★
Review: Disappointing despite its potential.

Josie was very likable in the first two books, so I was surprised by how much she irked me in her own story. She comes across as cold and unemotional, refusing to admit both to Kyle and herself that she has feelings for him. Her constant need to be in control and to be victorious in their battle of wills is irritating.

Kyle, on the other hand, is sexy and sweet. His patience and willingness to sacrifice his own personal desires for Josie is incomprehensible as she doesn't seem to care one way or the other.

While I'm no stranger to erotica, BDSM does not really appeal to me. Josie and Kyle's sexual encounters are steamy and kinky without crossing the line into dominance and submission.

To sum up, the Fortune Hunter series is entertaining although the second and third installments do not measure up to the first.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Kerstin and Lauren, I hate to make comparisons but I had the same reactions with the Hollow series and the Dresden Files....the first was barely ok for me. The series really picks up after that and the characters are far from one dimensionnal. Soldier on, you won't be dissappointed.

[Kerstin]

That sounds promising, Valerie. I felt the same about the Dresden Files. The first couple were very much a take it or leave it for me, but from #4 onwards I was hooked and it's now one of my favourite series.

[Kerstin]

Fair Game by Patricia Briggs
Week: 2
Space: #7 Red
Date read: 6/2/13
Rating: ★★★★★
Fair Game picks up a few years after the last book. Anna and Charles have developed some problems in their relationship, which are mainly due to Charles' work as the pack enforcer. His duties wear down his spirit and he closes himself off from Anna. In order to give Charles some breathing space, Bran sends him and Anna to Boston to help the FBI investigate a serial killer, whose victims also include a number of werewolves.

This was my favourite instalment in this series so far. We get to meet a bunch of new characters, which were all as wonderfully developed as is usual for a Briggs story. The mystery was interesting and kept me glued to the pages, and of course there was a nice amount of very sweet scenes between Charles and Anna.
The ending was fantastic and will change the world our characters live in. I'm looking forward to finding out what repercussions there will be.

[Carrie]

I'll have my review up sometime today/night.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

I`ll be on the road today so I may choose this week`s book tomorrow.

[Carrie]

Week #1 Card: Ace of Hearts
Space #: 7
Color: Red


Book: by Samantha Adams
Finished: Feb 9th
Rating 3.5 Stars
Review: *Given a copy for an honest review*
3.5 Stars

Ally is the so called "prophecy girl", half immortal half human (which at first she doesn't know). The story opens 5 years in the past, Ally and her best friend Kat are going to see a fortune teller. She is told that she will have two men in her life, one James an immortal, her soul mate and protector and the other Vincent who is determent to kill her. Because she is suppose to be the one to stop him. She is also told she will know when it is all to start when two people in her life die. The next day, it has begun.

Immortals are beings that are here to protect humans from evil, the evil being vampires. Ally is meant rise up and lead them and defeat Vincent.

I enjoyed the story, there is much potential for this series. Original ideas mixed with some things I've seen in other books, soul mate bond, eye change in lust etc. But it's pnr/uf so it's to be expected. There are some weakness though, nothing major just little things in the writing that got to me. For example the line "traditional manly way of showing affection", "bedded". It seems like the author was slipping in between the writing style of a historical romance novel and the modern day pnr. To others they might not notice or even have it phase them but to me it stood out. It's nothing to big just something I noted.

There was a moment in the story that I was very surprised at the turn of events, a good surprise. What it is I'm noting to going to say, can't spoil you. If you want to know read the book. :)

Over all I liked it and interested enough to find out what happens next.