SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R12: Team #5 ~ Ravishing Tarts

I am almost finished my book, review should be up on Friday at the latest. Ended up at Emergency Doctor's with the wee one. She has a viral infection, tonsillitis, scarlatina & possibly strep throat. It's her 5th birthday tomorrow too, so we've been concentrating on getting her better. I may not get a chance to pop in tomorrow depending on the visitor situation. Have fun choosing your books and happy reading!!

Series Catch-up
Read a book: in a series you've already started ~ book #2+
of course it is... because I'm currently reading 2-3 in a series concurrently. lol
Maybe I'll pick up

I'm behind on Kate Daniels or I'd read the new release waiting at home. Other ones I need to read but I'm not likely to just yet are





✔ Christina -
✔ Karen F -
✔ Michelle -
✔ Thenia -
Done: 4/4 ~ stamp received (8/20/2015)







Christina I'm at the exact same point in both series and don't really feel like continuing either...



Ch..."
I am one book behind you both, had them since release day and not read them...


I have several series that I preorder automatically and I often wait to read them until I'm in the mood. I haven't read the last Sookie book yet because I just don't want it to end. Especially if it doesn't end the way I want it to.
There are only a few that I read as soon as I get them in my possession. The League series, Incryptid, White Trash Zombie, Pet Boutique Mysteries, Call of the Wilde and Pawsitively Organic.


Read: 6/8/15
Rated: 5 Stars
My Review: I was so excited when Jennifer announced she was releasing this book, it feels like forever since we last had a Wing Slayer Hunter book.
I highly recommend that you do read all the books in order as there is an ongoing story arc that plays a huge part in this book and a lot of the secondary characters are characters we have got to know during the previous tales and it was great to catch up with them.
Linc and Risa I truly felt for. They both have difficult pasts and many obstacles and personal fears to get over before they can be together. I was rooting for them to let each other in and confide in each other as I was desperate to find out their secrets.
By the end of this story I was in tears, a part of it struck a chord in me. I am super happy that there will be at least two more books in the series as both Eli & Ram's tales are ones I can't wait to read!


I do the same thing, Christina. I used to always read them right away but not so much now. Especially if they are by an author who writes cliffhanger endings. I haven't been reading as much lately either, hoping I have more time now that all 3 of my babies will be at school.

Darkness Rises (Immortal Guardians #4)

Date Read: 08/06/2015
****
Review: Yeah, its junk food lit but I don’t even care. Once again our
Of course, all of the previous characters are here. I’d be sad without Bastion, Roland and Marcus especially. Fine... their wives/girlfriends can come too. Honestly, they’re just as much fun as their mates.
So, battles ensue, tiny kittens are fed, everyone owns a Tesla or Prius, there’s a helicopter explosion, blood lost and drank, sexy times, and about a dozen bladder control losses from the human dirtbags. Its all good and I’m hoping for many more of this series to come. I’m still looking forward to finding out exactly what Seth and Zach are. I’ve got ideas though... Oh and I’m sailing on the Zach/Lisette ship hard. I’ve got my life jacket on and I’m in for the long haul.


Me too Karen! I almost finished it yesterday but (curse you RL!) I had to stop if I wanted to come to work today. My eyes are red and I've got a headache, but I regret nothing! I can't wait to go home and finish it...
How are you liking it so far?
Michelle wrote: "I am still deciding on my book. I will let you know as soon as I decide."
Take your time Michelle. :)
Cristina (a book away from an episode of hoarders) wrote: "I have several series that I preorder automatically and I often wait to read them until I'm in the mood. ... There are only a few that I read as soon as I get them in my possession."
Christina, I'm a mood-reader myself, so I might not be in the mood for a book when it comes out, but like you said, there are a few that I usually read straight away - like Kate Daniels (and anything Ilona Andrews really).
I read way too many series to be able to keep up with them all even if I wanted to!

Darkness Rises (Immortal Guardians #4)

Date Read: 08/06/2015
****
Review: Yeah, its junk food lit but I don’t even care..."
Lol, Christina! I need to check that series out - you make it sound like fun!


Me too Karen! I almost finished it yesterday but (curse you RL!) I had to stop if I wanted to come to work today. My eyes are re..."
I'm pretty much in the same boat. I'm loving it so far and stayed up too late reading. Then I had to watch the final Jon Stewart Daily Show, but I kept going back during the commercials. I can't wait to get back to it to finish up tonight!

You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'happy birthday'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D


Review:

Full of action, the authors' trademark humor, amazing characters and a well-researched, engaging plot.
I don't think I can write a review that can do it justice (or without fangirling), so I'll just say that I'm really looking forward to the next book, especially after the (view spoiler) .
I love their writing and always hate finishing one of their books, knowing that I'll have to wait before the next one.

In consolation, the wait is always worth it...["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>


Review:
Full of action, the authors' trademar..."
Totally agree, my review coming up in a moment.


Book: Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews
Shelf: Series Catch Up
Date Finished: 8/7/15
Rating: 5 stars
I'm not sure I can write an articulate review and not just fangirl squee over this book but I need a review for BSB so what do I love about it?
I love Kate & Curren's relationship. They always have each others backs and I love that they've agreed to let each other just be themselves. Of course, them being themselves now that they are settling into suburbia rather than The Keep makes for some awesome scenes. And not being involved in constant shapeshifter politics actually freed this book up a bit to take the story in new directions. Loved that too.
I love the tone of this book and the series, the humor blended with the more serious situations. I was crying in the middle of the book and laughing so many other times. Speaking of humor, I loved the interactions with Luther. And the "family dinner" was strained and fun as only a family dinner can be.
One of the things I love most about this series is how Kate becomes more human as she grows and starts to understand her power. Typically, protagonists start to lose their humanity (or at least struggle with losing it, al la Dresden) in some ways as they gain in power. But the Kate in this book is far warmer, empathetic and involved in lives than the Kate that started out in book 1. I think this arc has been fascinating throughout the series.
OK, so I don't know what else to say. This book hit all my buttons. There are very few authors that I buy in hardcover the day the book comes out. Ilona Andrews continues to be worth it.






I'll let you know when I make my final decision.


Demons is a good shelf, I am undecided though.


Dead Ever After
Rating ****
Date Read: 08/13/2015

Review: as spoiler free as possible for those of you who haven’t read the finale yet
I’m underwhelmed. I enjoyed the book and read it from start to finish in nearly one sitting but I don’t feel satisfied. Its like if you’re craving a piece of chocolate cake and instead eat a rice cake. Yeah, I’m not hungry anymore but I’m not exactly happy about it.
I gave it four stars for a couple of reasons. I read it in nearly one sitting. I was never bored. Almost all the characters you loved and hated made an appearance in this last installment. Mostly though, after 12 books, I care about Sookie and her friends and family, and I was glad to see that everyone (mostly) got their Happily-for-nows. And yay! for Pam. Good for you.
I couldn’t give it that last star though. The main big bad teaming up with ****** and ******, the glossed over sex scene, what happened with Eric, that weird out of nowhere thing with a devil. Of course, its been a minute since I’ve read the previous 12 so its maybe its not quite as surreal as it seemed to me.
Its over but I don’t feel like it’s the teary farewell of a good friend. It feels more like a ‘see ya later’ of a friend who you don’t quite realize you may never see again.

✔ Christina -
✔ Karen F -
✔ Michelle -
✔ Thenia -
Done: 4/4 ~ stamp received (8/26/2014)






Book: Sins of the Demon by Diana Rowland
Shelf: Demons
Date Finished: 8/15/15
Rating: 4 stars
I enjoy this series with its mix of urban fantasy & police procedural. Kara is a competent cop and when people she has reason to hate from her past start dropping like flies she knows she's going to be a suspect. Add to that the fact that she seems to be having impulse control issues and it's an entertaining, quick read.
As with many UF heroines, Kara starts out a bit of a loner but by book 4 she's got friends and family by her side. Things are a bit awkward with Ryan after the events of the previous books but I still enjoyed all their interactions.
This book ends with, not really a cliffhanger, but a definite change for Kara and the series. One of the things I've liked about this series is the different types and levels of demons, some creepier than others. I'm looking forward to exploring more of that in coming books.





Review:
The Breed warriors have a new threat to deal with, this time in the form of a drug that turns youth Breed into Rogues.
Dante's first encounters with this new kind of Rogues injures him gravely and in his effort to escape, he ends up in Tess's veterinary practice, where he unknowingly initiates a blood bond with her.
Tess has a secret that keeps her guarded at all times, Dante never wanted a Breedmate, (view spoiler) , but the attraction and blood bond prove too hard to fight and they end up together.
Tess's refusal to listen to reason and Dante's reluctance to tell her the truth are both irritating and lead to near death experiences, which finally open their eyes and guide them to their happy-ever-after.
A couple of new characters are introduced, (view spoiler) Elise Chase and (view spoiler) Sterling Chase among them, with Elise and Tegan's story coming next in Midnight Awakening, while Sterling's story is still a long way away - not until book 10. I'm not sure I'll ever get to it, but maybe the series, which is just okay so far, will grow on me...["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>



We are still early on so I’m not rushing anyone, I just wanted to see where we were.
Free Space:
Michelle - Shield of Winter
Thenia- no book chosen yet
Demons:

Read a book: featuring 'DARK' or 'STORM' (or any variation of either ~ IE: stormy, darkness, etc) in title, series or author name or a black or grey cover

My current front runners are:





Read: 20/8/15
Rated: 5 Stars
My Review: Magic Shifts just reaffirmed that this is one of my all time favourite series. Easily top 3 and considering the contenders out there, that really says something.
If I ever find myself in a slow building post apocalyptic world were magic is prevalent and the creatures from myth are real, then I want a Kate on my side. Battered, bruised on the edge of death, she just doesn't give up. Her arm candy isn't bad either. I wasn't sure what to think when they separated from the pack, but the freedom they have and the decisions made in this book make me eagerly anticipating the next one. I loved the addition of the new supes, it helps keep things fresh while developing the ongoing story arc. A fantastic book.

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Book: The Unleashing by Shelley Laurenston
Shelf: Happy Birthday - Released March 2015
Date Finished: 8/2/15
Rating: 4 Stars
Another fun, wacky romantic series from Shelly Laurenston. I'm a big fan and I enjoy both her shifter series and the dragon series that she writes as GA Aiken. They all definitely share similarities so I think if you like one of her books you'll probably like them all.
This series is a little bit different in that it's based mostly on Norse myths. There's a big cast of characters introduced as you get to know both the Crows and the Ravens. There are the usual close friendships (sisterhood really) between the women. That doesn't preclude the usual trash talk and insult trading but they always have each others backs when it counts. I think that Kera may be one of Laurenston's least violent heroines, she's no stranger to violence but definitely is not the one to punch first. Vig is also a pretty laid back hero. I think it's funny that everyone is intimidated by him and his thousand yard stare, when really he's very sweet.
I loved them together and the introduction of this world. I think my favorite part may have been Kera's dog, Brodie Hawaii, who represents not only all dogs but all pit bulls. She's adorable and I loved her whole story. The end is a bit abrupt and while the romance is a full arc there's a lot of story leftover for the next one. I was kind of sad when I heard the Pack series was ending but as long as Laurenston is writing I'll be reading it so I'm happy we have a new world to get to kow.