R4: Team ~ Page Sizzling Sisters ~ Denver

[Stacey]

Hello all- do we know the words yet?

[Jenne]

It's quit and pie this week.

[Regina]

Off to look.

[Stacey]

Jenne wrote: "It's quit and pie this week."

Thanks! May hit the library today so want to get looking too:)

[Steph Ann]

It looks like I can do U or T. I would prefer T, but if that letter works better for someone else, I can take the U. :)

[Regina]

I've only found I so far. I can do U but it only has one word.

[Regina]

I can do I.

[Stacey]

I was able to find books for all, with U being my least desired letter. I'm really liking I and T but am willing to do Q as well... Whatever works for you all.

[Steph Ann]

I can go ahead and do U, since it has both words. Then Regina could take I, and Stacey, you can have your pick between Q and T. Does that sound good? I know Paris said she had books for every combination that could be called, so I'm guessing this would work for her as well.

[Regina]

Can "the" count?

[Steph Ann]

I'm pretty sure "the" doesn't count when it comes to book or series title.

[Stacey]

Steph Ann wrote: "I'm pretty sure "the" doesn't count when it comes to book or series title."

Right- that is how I understand it too.

I can take T- I found a few that will work. Just have to track them down.

[Steph Ann]

How's your Baby book going, Regina?

[Regina]

My book is fine. :) Haven't not finished one yet! Just got home from work, I will have it up before midnight.

[Regina]

Week: 5
Words: Baby and Motel/Hotel
Letter: B
Book:A Bad Day for Romance by Sophie Littlefield

Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I am not sure what to write. I really like this series. It is funny, interesting and so different than anything out there. The first four in audio are absolutely fantastic and just darn funny. I love the author and really enjoy most of her books. This installment of Stella Hardesty was funny and sexy (the others weren't very sexy ...) but something was missing. The mystery and the problem to be solved was just not as interesting and seemed sort of silly. The resolution of the romance, just wasn't inline with the Stella I have grown to love over the past 4 books. But still, I did enjoy it and will read the next one when it is released. I also still highly recommend this series. It is something out of the ordinary. But if you love funny books that center on unusual characters, this series is for you. I typically describe it as similar to Stephanie Plum -- except Stella Hardesty is good at her job and has character development in each book and throughout the series. :)

Words:

Baby: location 546 "to complain about a patch of scalp shaved smooth as a newborn baby so they could stitch a gash behind her ear."

Motel: location 2580 "His part was crooked, as if he'd walked out of the motel without combing his hair."

Hotel: location 402 " 'Well she could rest in a tent as good as in a hotel room, couldn't she?' "

[Paris]

Hello ladies, I'm back. I see that I have Q for this week, which is perfect. I'll get on that in the next day or so as well as requesting our points for the last two weeks. Hope you are all doing well!

[Regina]

Does Q work for you?

Welcome back!

[Paris]

Q works for me. I'm still recovering so I haven't gotten to the points yet. Sorry. I promise sometime in the next two days.

[Paris]

Week 8: Quit 4/4
Bonus Item: Pie

Q: Paris - Kiss This by Hadley Quinn - WotW Bonus: Y - Bonus Word: Y - Post 348
U: Steph Ann - Urban Shaman by C.E. Murphy - WotW Bonus: Y - Bonus Word: Y - Post 333
I: Regina - Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews - WotW Bonus: Y - Bonus Word: Y -Post 349
T: Stacey - An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor - WotW Bonus: Y - Bonus Word: Y - Post 330

[Paris]

Okay...

1. I posted for points for the last two weeks.

2. Is everyone okay with their letters? If you don't have a book that has both bonuses or need any recommendations let me know.

3. Next week is the last week. We have two possible WoW words. I'm going to go ahead and post the possibilities and we can all post what letters we would prefer given the combinations if that works for you guys. There are a bunch of teams tied for 1st in points, so the winner will be the team that finishes and posts their reviews the quickest on Friday. As soon as the word is called Friday morning, I'm going to make a post like I did last week that has the book info and is just waiting for the review.

The fact that this is the last week also means that it would be best for the team to have all reviews posted by Thursday night at the latest for Quit/Pie. If any of you don't think you can make that, please let me know and I can try to read multiple books this week.

[Paris]

Friday's Possible Last Calls

Week 9: Wide 0/4
Bonus Item: Fan

W: Regina
I: Stacey
D: Steph Ann
E: Paris

Week 9: Wide 0/4
Bonus Item: Attorney/Lawyer

W: Regina
I: Stacey
D: Steph Ann
E: Paris

Week 9: Home 0/4
Bonus Item: Fan

H: Regina
O: Steph Ann
M: Paris
E: Stacey

Week 9: Home 0/4
Bonus Item: Attorney/Lawyer

H: Regina
O: Steph Ann
M: Stacey
E: Paris

[Regina]

I am loving my book. A lot.

Thanks for posting for points!

Please yes post the possibilities -- that is very kind of you to do that.

I think it makes sense for Friday, if we all mock up a post and use it to hold the spot -- so all we have to do is type in the information. I think that is a great idea Paris. I do work during the day, so I can't read all day on Friday. I will try my best and likely pick an audio book and listen to it on 3X speed.

[Paris]

So I again have a book for each WoW Word/Bonus Word possible combination so I really can cover anything. With that said, I'd prefer:

O in Home if Fan is the bonus word and E in Home if the bonus word is Attorney/Lawyer.

For Wide, I'd really love W is the bonus word is Fan and either W or E if the bonus word is Attorney/Lawyer.

[Paris]

I totally understand Regina. I work on Friday too, so hopefully I can get my book read before work starts, but I'm guessing that time will not be on our time unfortunately...although with any luck everyone will have to work on Friday. ;-)

[Regina]

Very true. :)

I am on central time, so it will be called right as I am heading off. But if I have a 7 hour audio book and listen to it on 3X speed, I will be done quickly! Off to check what audible has to offer for those letters.

[Regina]

So far I can do:

H if it is Home/Fan (audio)
H if it is Home/Attorney/Lawyer (non audio but quick read)
W if it is Wide/Fan (audio)
W if it is Wide/Attorney/Lawyer (audio)

I will keep updating this post.

[Stacey]

Oh wow so you mean reading and finishing the last book this coming Friday? I don't think I can just sit and read straight thru in one day- I read pretty quick but not that quick.. That being said, I have figured out my books as well and have one that works for all possibilities. I will look further and see which one i think is the fastest read for me;)
I will be posting my review of this week's book later today.

[Regina]

Personally I think we can all just do the best that we can do. And I am fine with that.

[Steph Ann]

I finished my U book last night and will post the review today. :)

It looks like I have books for all the possible combinations that could be called on Friday. If possible, I would prefer the I or D in Wide, or the O in Home, but I can make any letter work if need be.

[Stacey]

Quit/Pie Week:
I read-

My letter: T
Rating: 4.5 stars
Finished 9/9/13

Review-
I jumped genres this week and loved it. For me, any book that takes place in Ireland or is filled with Irish culture feels a bit like 'coming home' and this book did not disappoint. This is not a new book- and the fact that it was written about Northern Ireland in the 1960's- made it even more appealing.

Barry Laverty has just finished medical school and decides to take a job in rural Northern Ireland as an apprentice to the very small town of Ballybucklebo. Coming fresh form the books, structure, and routines of hospital medicine, Barry is a little shocked by the unconventional ways of the local, country doctor, who is quite a character himself. Barry quickly realizes that in order to succeed in this environment he must be willing to compromise and listen to his patients and understand all their needs, not just their physical ailmants. He must also be willing to compromise some of the rules of medical regiments he had just learned.

During his indoctrination to his new life, Barry meets many characters of the town and learns the nuances of the area in order to fit in. It doesn't take long for him to fall in love with the location and its inhabitants. He even finds himself meeting a lovely lass on the train.

The young Dr. Laverty does struggle with the differences in the medical ways between fast-paced urban medicine that relies on the newest medical research, technology, and the availability of fellow physicians versus life as a sole practitioner, relying on your own instincts and being responsible for total patient care. He must decide if this is the life he would like to make for himself. He also realizes that, although he is an accomplished doctor, he still has a lot to learn.
I really enjoyed this book: Irish culture and charm combined with medical language and situations made this a great read for me. Looking forward the the next of the "Irish Country Doctor' series.

Bonus words-
Quit: "I quit last year. Remember?" pg 97
Pie: ...could you manage a steak-and-mushroom pie? pg 98

[Stacey]

For next week- looks like I have options for most but not all for all combinations. Here's what I would prefer so far:
Wide- I or D for either bonus word
Home- M for either bonus word
E for fan
I do have other options- these are just my top choices.

[Regina]

Am I reading this right -- that it seems like we all want slightly different things? That would be great! :D

If it is Home for either I would love H
If it is Wide for either I could take W -- but I will keep looking on that one b/c I think Paris wants that one.

[Steph Ann]

Quit & Pie Week



Read: 9/8/13
Rating: 4 stars

Review

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book because I had seen a lot of negative reviews. I ended up being pleasantly surprised because I really enjoyed it.

I liked Joanne as a main character and also really liked Gary the taxi driver. There was humor in the book as well, which is always a nice way to balance out the more serious stuff that's going on. One negative thing is I did occasionally have trouble following what was going on when Joanne would be using her shamanic powers. For the most part though, the story was easy to follow. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.

Items

Quit - "Have you ever quit anything in your whole life?" p. 115

Pie - ...the tart of apple pie. p. 104

[Regina]

I was so mixed on that book. I loved the mythology but not the story. I heard each book in the series does get better.

[Stacey]

Regina wrote: "Am I reading this right -- that it seems like we all want slightly different things? That would be great! :D

If it is Home for either I would love H
If it is Wide for either I could take W -- but..."

I looked earlier and saw what you all preferred and was able to find something that will fit in with the books I researched on these books- looks like it will work too!:)

[Paris]

Okay ladies, check the list in message 321 and let me know if that is correct. Looks like we are pretty well figured out then for Friday. Great job getting your books done Steph Ann and Stacey.

[Regina]

I am going to focus on looking for a book for E if it is Wide/Fan -- so you can take the W since I know you prefer it. I haven't found any yet. Did you want to message me the book you found for that and I can see if I can get it by Thursday night?

[Paris]

That's nice of you Regina. You really don't have to, but I'll message you anyway. You might decide the book sounds good. But please, do not feel like you have to get it if it doesn't sound like something you'd be interested in. I have to read it eventually anyway and I'll get to the W book eventually too, so it's not that big of a deal. Thanks though.

[Steph Ann]

Regina wrote: "I was so mixed on that book. I loved the mythology but not the story. I heard each book in the series does get better."

I've heard each book gets better too! I think it may have helped that I went into the first book with lowered expectations due to the negative reviews I read, lol.

[Steph Ann]

Stacey, do you have a preference between the I or D in Wide? The book I'm thinking of using will work for either one, so you can have your pick of which you prefer. :)

[Regina]

Oh that does help. I went in expecting to be blown away! Not a good approach. :)

[Steph Ann]

Regina wrote: "Oh that does help. I went in expecting to be blown away! Not a good approach. :)"

I've had that happen before too with some books, and it's never fun!

[Regina]

Have you read her other series set in NYC - the gargoyle series? I read just one and enjoyed it.

[Steph Ann]

I know I started the first one but didn't end up finishing it for some reason. I'm planning on trying it again though to see if maybe I just wasn't in the right mood at the time.

[Regina]

That is how I felt about urban shaman. Maybe I should try that series again.

She writes solid stories that are well developed. The stories don't book me for some reason.

[Stacey]

Steph Ann wrote: "Stacey, do you have a preference between the I or D in Wide? The book I'm thinking of using will work for either one, so you can have your pick of which you prefer. :)"

Regina wrote: "Oh that does help. I went in expecting to be blown away! Not a good approach. :)"
Thanks Steph Ann- ill take I bc it works for both that way I can have it downloaded and ready to go!

[Paris]

Alright ladies, looks like we are all set for Friday's word call. Plus I finished my book last night for Quit/Pie so I'll be posting that review hopefully sometime today.

[Paris]

Quit and Pie Week
Letter Q

by Hadley Quinn
Rating: 4 Stars
Finished: 9/9/13

I really enjoyed this book. This could have been a five star read, but there were some moments that frustrated me and some that pulled me out of the book. I really liked Camryn, she was sassy and strong. Teague was super hot, loyal and amazing. I would love one of him for myself. I will definitely read more from this author and it looks like I'll get a chance as there is going to be a book for one of the secondary characters in this book coming soon.

WotW Bonus: Quit: "'I'll quit if you do,' she winked." Location 659

Bonus Word: Pie: "'Camryn, you a little shy, honey pie?' one of them chided." Location 4930

[Regina]

Week 8
Words: Quit and Pie
Letter: I
Rating: 4 stars
Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews

Review:
I forgot how good it was to slip back into the world of Kate Daniels. This book was so rewarding, fun and made up for my disappointment over Andrea's book Gunmetal Magic. I usually read these books, this was the first time I listened to it before reading. I still enjoyed it just as much. Curran pissed me off a few times in this book, scenes with Julie broke my heart - but the entire adventure aspect was great. I highly recommend this series and this book.

Quit: Page 94 "…trunk where I’d kept it stashed for months, ever since I quit my …"

Pie: Page 247 "…to conduct her business over a platter of cupcakes or a slice of pie."

[Regina]

Week 9
Words: Wide or Attorney/Lawyer
Letter: W
Rating: 3.5 stars
The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman

Review:
This book had a lot of what I love in literature - story that takes place in academia, trying to uncover an ancient truth -- I love that stuff. But the book did change around half way through and I am not sure I liked the shift. I didn't like how the main character felt somehow entitled to better assignments -- yes, you are in high school and not in college. That means you won't be getting the better research assignments. The angst and young adult tension was done well, sometimes annoyingly well. The audio was really well done.

Wide: Page 5 …"hands flat on the table. Behind his glasses, his eyes were wide"

Lawyer: Page 41 …"strong. 'Wouln't be very rational to ditch the wealthy lawyer'"