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Red "Robin" the Points
Lol runaway and go to Vegas :)I never did the real wedding thing and I regret it some and in some ways I'm glad we didn't.
I was so close to eloping back in June/July! Invitations went out Friday though so it's a little late now, lol.
How exciting and best of luck! I just remember that time being one huge blur - in a good way. Oh, and my mom being a nervous wreck - so I guess I 'll have that to look forward to,lol. Way way way in the future....
Thanks, Melissa! :)The last few months have definitely flown by! With work being crazy and then coming home to work on wedding stuff, things have just been insane! I'm ready for a vacation, lol.
Im almost done with my book as well! About to finish it now. Would've been done last night but my pillow needed company haha.Good job, Jenne!
Congrats on the wedding, Steph Ann!
I hope you are planning a *relaxing* stress free honeymoon. We didn't - hubby thought it would be fun to see different sites in Europe. That is one thing I would change if I could go back. Doing 4 days in England, 2 days in Greece, 4 day Greek Isle cruise and 2 more days in Greece was not the way to go!!>>> Give me a beach, sun, swimsuit etc
Thanks, Zakiya! :)I'm really starting to wish we were going on a honeymoon right away, but with the holidays and everything, we're going to wait until March/April of next year. So, we'll be relaxing at home for a long weekend after the wedding, and then it'll be back to work for a couple weeks til Christmas.
Week six: Gold & Witch/Mage/WizardBook: Kisses from Hell by Kristin Cast, etc.
Finished on 8/10/2013
Rating: 4.5
Reviews: - As this is an anthology, each story has a review below.
-Sunshine by Richelle Mead.
--Since Mead's Vampire Academy series is one of my favorites, I was really excited when I realized that she kept Sunshine in the same world she had set up already. Ashamedly, I must admit that I didn't realized that Eric and Rhea, the main characters, were Lissa's parents until I read another person's review. I suppose I should go back and reread the series haha.
But as for the story itself, I really enjoyed it! Also because it's still in the VA world, it pulled me right into the plot. Not even ten pages into the book (view spoiler) and it was impossible for me to put the book down. Makes me kind of with that Mead would do a prequel series with Lissa's and Rose's parents.
-Bring Me to Life by Alyson Noel.
--Prior to this story, I have been entranced by Noel's Evermore and Riley Bloom series, so I was hoping that this short story didn't let me down. And it definitely didn't.
From the moment the story started, Noel has you trying to solve some mystery. Dani was suspiciously the only "winner" of a contest to go to an "exclusive art school." If I ever really got into the mystery genre, I believe they should all be written like this one. Bram and Lucian, although the latter was introduced to the story quite close to the end of the tale, were very intriguing characters. Bram especially made me all the more interested in the outcome of Noel's writing. I would've liked the story to be a little longer because I felt like Lucian's role and Bram's explanation of everything at the end was super rushed. IT was too much information at once for both me and Dani to handle. But overall, I enjoyed reading this story, keeping my feelings about Noel's writing the same.
-Above by Kristin Cast.
--Oh. My. Gosh. Can we spell best story ever? I think we can: B E S T S T O R Y E V E RRRRRRRRR.... Now that we've accomplished that, let me say that this really was my favorite story out of the entire anthology. I was already a fan of the House of Night series, but Above goes far beyond anything I've ever read before.
I think the main thing that pulled me in with this story was how it was written. It really has a literary feel to it, and the vocabulary and phrasing tells the things that take place sometimes in quite the subtle way. For example, the part where Rheena finds out that Sol is a vampire, I honestly almost missed the new information because it wasn't straight out telling you everything.
Also, the characters and concept in general: absolutely breath-taking. The characters especially were intriguing, once again because of the format of writing. The concept of the Below and the Above, though, were entirely new to me, and I really enjoyed reading this short story. (view spoiler) But this was a really good tale that Kristin Cast wrote. If there was ever a story I'd like to see as a full-on novel, this one is it.
-Hunting Kat by Kelley Armstrong.
--This is the first piece of Armstrong's work that I've ever read, and while it wasn't terrible, it wasn't absolutely wonderful either. Katiana's involvement with the Edison Group and her being an experiment reminded me of Maximum Ride in a way. Neil and Chad were really good characters, though. (view spoiler) Overall, though, this was a good story. I wouldn't have minded this one being a full novel. Matter of fact, I probably would have liked it even more if it had been one.
-Lilith by Francesca Lia Block.
--I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this story. If I had to rate it, I think it would get a three. It's not bad, but it didn't really appeal to me all that much. Honestly, I think this had something to do --but not everything-- with the main character, Paul Michael. I know that there are people out there like him--don't bathe or groom or anything--but that didn't really make me excited to read about him. Also, I felt like I had read the story before: geek gets picked onn, weird girl joins school and takes a liking to him, they fall in love, for lack of a better phrase. I'm not sure exactly what it was about this story, but it didn't hit the spot for me.
Overall: Get the book; it's worth it.
COAT- "yanked my coat off" page 75
GOLD- flecked with green and gold" page 20
PROFESSIONAL SPORT- "football player build" page 191
LEAF- "hidden beneath dead leaves" page 150
WITCH- "Sheltered him from the witch hunts?" page 182
Week 6 - Gold & Witch/Mage/Wizard
Read: 10/8/13
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review
I was a little torn on how to rate this one, as I liked it, but was by no means blown away by it. I finally decided on 3.5 because I do feel that it was a little better than a 3-star book.
DJ is a Green Congress wizard from New Orleans. After Katrina hits, DJ discovers her mentor has disappeared and she's been named Sentinel of New Orleans in his absence. DJ & her new partner Alex must work together to find out what happened to her mentor and also have to deal with a string of murders in the city.
It honestly didn't feel like much happened in this book. It started off quickly, with DJ facing off with Jean Lafitte, but after that, it slowed down considerably. There would be times when the pace picked up, but for the most part, it was a slow read for me. That's not too unusual for first books in a series though.
On the good side of things, Suzanne Johnson knows how to elicit emotion from the reader. I've pretty much always lived in tornado country, never having to worry about hurricanes. Reading Johnson's descriptions of what post-Katrina New Orleans was like really made me think about just how awful it must have been.
I really liked the characters as well. DJ wasn't necessarily tough, but I could definitely see hints of how she may become one tough heroine as the series goes on. I loved every moment Jean Lafitte was in the book, and I certainly hope he shows up in future ones. I'm honestly torn between the two potential love interests, which is a nice change because usually I strongly prefer one over the other.
While this book had some "1st book syndrome" issues, there were enough good things about it that have me interested in book 2. I'm curious to see where things go from here!
Items
Gold - On the porch outside the triangle lay a gold doubloon. Pg. 18
Bonus Item: Witch/mage/wizard - "You must be a very poor wizard." pg. 17
Fireplace - ...against the wall next to the fireplace. pg. 79
Beer - ...sudden urge to go hunting or drink beer. pg. 131
Swimsuit - "The black bikinis are sexy." pg. 170
Thanks, Jenne! I wish Friday morning were here already. I'm ready to start reading for more words.
Gold & Witch
by Suzanne McLeodCompleted 10/9/13
Rating: 3♥
Review: This is a first book for me by this author. I have very mixed feelings about this book. It was an interesting concept but way too many characters and different storylines going on in this one to keep track off. It made my head hurt. I'm still not entirely sure how Genevieve ended up being both sidhe fae and vampire?!? All very confusing with lots of odd moment flashbacks. Some interesting characters in this one. I might try the next in the series to see if it gets better....but I must say it probably won't be soon,lol.
GoldPinpricks of gold sparked in Alan's pupils..... KL 751
witch It's a witch company. Witch Council rules.... KL 208
Costume a moody look on his face like Heathcliff, only he'd gotten the costume all wrong.... KL 1805
Hat ...at present, I'm wearing my girl friday hat.... KL 2900
Fireworks Behind him the ferris-wheel silhouette of the London Eye, backlit by exploding fireworks.... KL 100
Great job team! Melissa that book needed a character glossary lol.Here's a summary we have 26 points and here's items we've partially claimed:
Fireplace: Z
Firework: J, SA
Swimsuit: Z
Sport: M, SA, J
Camp: Z, M
Leaf: M, SA, J
Pie: Z
good job Melissa!I hope Mr. Randomizer is nice to me tomorrow. I have a book that will knock out most of the words I need to cover.
Melissa that book needed a character glossary lol.Yes, yes it did!!!
Zakiya wrote: "good job Melissa!I hope Mr. Randomizer is nice to me tomorrow. I have a book that will knock out most of the words I need to cover."
Thanks Zakiya
Mr R - hoping your feeling kind this week!!
Mr. R has been good to us so far hopefully it lasts :)
He has. I'm hoping he doesn't start being mean any time soon haha *bangs on wood*
He finally got us :(autumn- Native American
Bonus- Boots
well darn. now I can't go after pie this week. will have to do a little searching.
Think I found one if Dawn approves my use of Indian. If so I can claimIce, coat
Mom, flower,
sport (again if she ok's my use), dad
Indian
Boots
found one that I'd alreadt searched. going off of what you can claim from that book, I can do Ice, Mom, Dad, N. Ame., and Boots.
Of all the ones to get hit with Native American is tougher than most :(
Melissa the book I originally claimed Native American was pretty good.
The book I'm thinking of reading has Ice, Mom, sport, Native American, and boots.
Jenne wrote: "Melissa the book I originally claimed Native American was pretty good."Thx - I'll peek at it
Ok one of the books on my to re list for the month will work.I can claim Native American, boots, Mom, Dad and ice
sorry no prof sport in mine
Glad you were able to find a book, Melissa :)Just started mine early this morning. Will finish by Wednesday I hope.
I started mine this morning 20% in. It's a biggie though so should be done Tuesday I'm hoping if not Wednesday at the latest.
I'm about halfway done with mine. I should be done by Tuesday I think.
Finished my book this morning - couldn't sleep last night ☺ I'll post my review later tonight or tomorrow
Edited with words/pages Native American
Bonus- Boots
Chaos series #1
by: Kristen Ashley
Completed 10/14/13
Rating: 5♥
Review: Not sure why I waited so long to start this book. Tabby is 19, daughter of the president of the motorcycle club and the brothers frequently get calls out in the middle of the night to pick her up and get her home safely. Shy decides one time to teach her a lesson as he feels she is heading down the wrong path. Yeah - his idea of a lesson totally sucked. However, Tabby gets her life in order and spends her time where it belongs on her studies. Shy just never thought that he would *never* see her again after that. Umm, duh?!?! (view spoiler)
Tabby and Shy both have much growing up to do before they can get to their happy ever after. Much grief, sorrow and angst in this book. I enjoyed watching Tabby grow up and into her own. Couple times I thought she was a bit of a pushover but whatever. Shy once he made up his mind he wanted Tabby - he never left her guessing what he wanted or where he was at. As always Kristen Ashley weaves an awesome tale and this one did not disappoint. Was great to see all the biker gang back, sneak peek at the Mystery Men, Tex and a Hot Bunch fix all rolled into one fine package.
Book 2 spoiler for those who've read Motorcycle Man (view spoiler)
Native American p211 "I admitted it to that Native American dude who found me."
Boots p51 Shy was out there, his head tipped down looking at his boots, face mostly obscured, he still looked hot.
Dad ~ Mom p26 "Ty-Ty, Dad, Rush were there for me. I screwed up, things with Mom were bad, she was always all over me even when I didn't do anything wrong."
Ice p 224 ...and I wanted the deluxe model that crushed ice.
Native American and boots weekRead
by Mira GrantFinished: 10/15/13
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review:
4.25
Compelling, dark, and intense describes this book the best. This is a really heavy read and the story really gets under your skin. For anyone who has tried this and stopped during the first half, give it another chance. It's so worth it. I would of given it 5 stars if it had been a tad shorter. This book was like the West Wing meets The Walking Dead. The writing sucks you in and you can't help but love George and her brother.
items
Coating me with icy spray KL 543
Missing the message that zombies just ate your mom KL580
I'll be back for the midnight football game KL1676
Native American style throw rugs KL 1035
Knee protectors and calf high riding boots KL 125
Week 7 - Native American & Boots
Read: 10/15/13
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review
While I enjoyed this book, I didn't like it quite as much as the previous entries in the series. I think this may be because the majority of the book was building up to going to Asgard, which slowed the pace of the book down for me.
This picks up where Hexed left off, with Atticus planning on keeping his promise to Leif to help him kill Thor. Despite warnings from both Jesus and the Morrigan, Atticus continues to plan Thor's demise, the consequences of which could change Atticus' life forever.
This book didn't seem as fast paced as the previous two. It started off strong, with Atticus meeting a very large squirrel, but after he returns from that journey, the pace slowed down considerably. A couple of my favorite characters were absent for most of the book as well, notably Oberon and the widow MacDonagh.
That's not to say this book isn't entertaining. There are certainly moments that had me laughing out loud, such as Atticus explaining what the word "squee" means or speaking in LOLcats language. I also really enjoyed getting to learn more about Gunnar and Leif. It's not all fun and games though, as the book does take some sad turns. The ending especially made me sad, and I'm hoping that we find out more in the next book regarding what's going on.
Items
Native American - ...represent the Navajo tribe... pg. 103
Bonus Item: Boots - ...blue jeans, boots and a white sleeveless undershirt. pg. 103
Ice - ...the elemental realm of ice... pg. 10
mom - "Mom is busy raising her new family." pg. 57
Professional Sport - ...his first baseball game ever. pg. 85
I love the Newsflesh Trilogy, Jenne! I'm glad you liked the first one!
A lot of people didn't like Hammered as much as the first two. Hammered is one of my favorites I Lmbo so many times reading that one. Where does the second Newflesh book pick up at?
Good job, ladies! I'm planning to read read read in mine today and hopefully finish, but IDK because I have PSAT in the morning, and I have to study.
Well you have tomorrow and Thursday Z :)I'm proud of myself for reading that chunkster as fast as I did lol.
Jenne wrote: "A lot of people didn't like Hammered as much as the first two. Hammered is one of my favorites I Lmbo so many times reading that one. Where does the second Newflesh book pick up at?"
I want to say Deadline picks up about a year after Feed ends. It's been awhile since I read it though, so I might not be remembering correctly. I've been meaning to do a reread of the series but haven't gotten around to it yet.
Nice job Jenne and Steph Ann. I have Hammered as my next book in that series. Bummer it's not as good as the first 2.
@Jenne- lol yeah you should be!PSAT went good today. just hope I'm a finalist. need scholarships.
Crossing my fingers for you Z! How's your book coming along?
The Lost Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
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Dance with the Devil (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Kristen Ashley (other topics)
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I'm at the point in planning where my answer to most questions people ask me is "I don't care." I'm just so ready to be married and not have to deal with all the planning anymore!