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Roll 8 - Spot 34Quick Reads Link Page 4
by Scott WesterfeldFinished 11/01/13
3 stars
Review: It's been a while since I read Uglies but I still think I liked it better than Pretties. I don't like Tally as a pretty at all nor the overly done lingo of the Pretties. I can't believe anybody talks like that or if they do I would be annoyed quick around them.
Thank you Lauren for rolling for us hon! :)
Roll 8:Author/Title: Quick, Amanda Wicked Widow
HOW: Third in Series
Rated: 4
Finished 11-2-13
REVIEW:
Someone else read this and I commented that I had started it but didnt' finish, Now that I have read the first 2 books, I didnt' have a choice. A Vanza novel set in Regency England. Artemis HUnt an owner of the Dream Pavions and untitled aristocrat. His lover was kidnapped and raped by 3 men who he wishes to average. He wants to ruin them financially before he kills them. He is diverted by a demand from Madeline Deveridge, the Wicked Widow, that he rescue her maid Nellie, who was kidnapped just outside the gate of the Dream Pavilions.
Lindy wrote: "Roll 8:Author/Title: Quick, Amanda Wicked Widow
HOW: Third in Series
Rated: 4
Finished 11-2-13
REVIEW:
Someone else read this and I commented that I had started it..."
sounds good Lindy!
Roll 9We Rolled a 5 putting us on spot 39
Sunday 11/3/13
We can read 3rd, 9th, or 39th in series or do the
Alternate Read a book from Popular 5 Star Books
Morning Ladies...I will be reading for Roll 9 - Popular 5 star books
by Kendare Blake - page 5 on list
Spot 39 - On 5 Star list
Book: Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison
Finished: Nov 4th
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Provides a quick update to Dragos and Pia’s romance as they learn to cope with being a mated pair (with very little angst, thankfully) and reintroduces several older characters as well as some newer ones who will probably be getting their own books in the future. The animosity between Aryal and Quentin is particularly intriguing and there is obviously some backstory to be had here.
The plot revolving around Pia’s diplomatic mission to the Elves has a definite Lord of the Rings vibe and the action scenes are exciting. Nevertheless, other elements, such as the prophecy, the Deus Machinae and the Sentinel Games, are all under-developed and the details provided have a slap-dash feel to them.
Overall, Lord’s Fall leaves a novella-like impression but does serve its purpose as a solid linking book.
Roll 9 - Popular 5 star books
by Kendare Blake 11/04/13 ***This was a very original story....The main character as is a ghost killer, he is one a few people who can do this. He is determined to track the ghost that killed his father.
It was a fun story with good characters. But I don't think it should be a YA book, it had a lot of gore and heavy romance, but that is just my opinion, thus giving it 3 stars.
Progress Post HereRoll 9
We Rolled a 5 putting us on spot 39
Thursday 10/10/13
- Review Link - JenniferJ 
- Review Link -Lindy
- Review Link - NayNay
- Review Link - Lauren
Roll 9 - Spot 39Popular 5 star books Link Page 3
by Alice SeboldFinished 11/06/13
3 stars
Review: I had such high hopes for this one but just found it to be an okay read. It was sad and upsetting but what made me dislike it so much was it just dragged so bad and became quite dull and boring. I think it could have been shortened by a good bit and I would have liked it better.
Need one more review. I'm not sure how long I will be up tonite so once Lindy has her review posted one of you feel free to go ahead and roll after midnight for us and I will handle the review part when I get up.
Roll 8:Author/Title: Quick, amanda Wicked Widow
HOw: Third in Series
Rated: 4
Finished 11-2-13
REVIEW:
Madeline Deveridge is a widow who is suspected of killing her husband, although of course nothing can be proven. When one of her maids is kidnapped outside of a pleasure garden called the Dream Pavilions, she contacts Artemis Hunt, the owner of the gardens, and demands his help. Artemis is part of the ton, so he is not particularly eager to have everyone know that he is the owner of the gardens - and engaged in trade. He helps Madeline find her maid, then asks her how she knows so much about him. It turns out that Madeline's father and Artemis both belong to an organization called the Vanza. Vanza revolves around the study of an ancient civilization called Vanzagaria, and it encompasses everything from philosophy to fighting techniques to herbalism. Madeline's father kept detailed records of the men who were involved in the Vanza, and the record about Artemis contains other information which he would prefer to keep secret.
As it happens, Madeline is in need of further assistance from a Vanza master, and Artemis is uniquely qualified to help her, so they strike a bargain - he will help her discover the truth about the mysterious appearances of her husband's ghost, and in return she will give him her father's records. The book follows a somewhat predictable path from this point, with Madeline and Artemis working together to solve the mystery of the ghost, and falling in love in the process.
I agree with you about the
, Jennifer. After all the hype, I was expecting a nail biting mystery but it was dull and tedious with far too much meandering.
As per Jennifer's request, I rolled a 5 and we are now on spot 44 - we can read either the fourth or fourty-fourth book in a series or the alternative, which is: Authors first, middle or last name starts with a G.
Roll #10 - Alternate Author 'G'
by Gioconda Belli - 4 stars 11/08/13I have always considered history to be the greatest mystery. You can study it, learn names and dates, places of importance, but it is still impossible to understand it. And this book, or should I say this Queen and her husband were two of the biggest mysteries. Great book, full of mystery, that kept you guessing and reading on, it really had a creepy quality to the whole relationship. Like accounts claim she was insane or mad, (she was known as Joan the Mad) but I did not think it was madness, I think it was the weird love and relationship she had for her husband, like history says - that she took her husband's corpse with her to Tordesillas to keep it close to her or she would open his tomb often to touch him and kiss him. Well now that I have typed that....maybe it was madness!!
Spot 44 - 4th in series
Book: Redeemed in Darkness by Alexis Morgan
Finished: Nov 9th
Rating: ★★
Review:
Expected more from this installment as it takes place in the world of the Others. Unfortunately, there is virtually no character development and no progress in the overall story arc concerning the search for a cure to the Paladin’s descent into madness or the conspiracy of the blue stones.
The romance is as bland as the Kalithia landscape. Cullen and Lusahn fall in love almost immediately and all obstacles to their romance, such as the conflict between their races and the decision of which world to live in, are resolved far too easily.
In terms of the specific plot. there is no real mystery to solve and the villains are quickly revealed and just as quickly dispatched.
In one word: Boring!
Roll 10 - Spot 44G Author
by Julie Anne GrassoFinished 11/09/13
3 stars
Review: A cute fantasy involving a very likable elf, Caramel. It was far more interesting and adventerous than I thought it would be. I was surprised when I found I didn't want to put it down but it's one of those where the story grabs you from the first few pages!
Progress Post HereWe Rolled a 5 putting us on spot 44
- Review Link - JenniferJ bookcover - Review Link -Lindy
- Review Link - NayNay
- Review Link - Lauren
Once Lindy has posted her review one of you feel free to roll. I doubt I will make it back online today as I haven't been feeling well this weekend. :(
Sorry, I wqas sick all night.Author/Title: Cooney, Carotine B. The Voice on the Radio
WOW: 3
Rated: 4
Finished 11-9-13
this is the third book in th e Janie Johnson series. In preveious she was kidnapped by the duaghter of the family she grew up with and hated living with the Spring Family. Now the families are getting along. She is now a senior in high school. Her boyfriend Reese had gone to college in Boston and gotton a job at the radio station on Campus. As a disc jockey he needs something to talk about and starts in the the Janie Johnson story, hoping she wont' find out. And of course you know what happen.s
Rolled a 3 and we are now on spot 47 - we can read either the fourth or seventh or fourty-seventh book in a series or the alternative, which is a book with a red cover
Ladies I have enjoyed playing with you all very much but as luck would have it "real life" stuff is messing with my reading time and I find I am not able to keep up like I had hoped so I am giving my notice now before I cause the team to get behind. I wish you luck and hope after the holidays to get to play again with you all.
Completely understand, Jennifer. That pesky real life often gets in the way of good reading. I'll take over as captain if no one else wants to. Take care.
Roll 11 - Spot 47 Alternative- Red Cover
by Joanna Denny - 11/12/13 2 starsI am a big historical fiction fan, and the Tudor's are my favorite Royal Family to read. I have read a lot on Anne Boleyn and her marriage to King Henry VIII, and I found that this book had far too many historical errors. Also the author's writing style was a bit scattered. I certain would not waste my time recommended this book to anyone, there are so many far better books on Anne Boleyn.
Sorry RL is getting in the way Jennifer! We'll sure miss you :)
I have been in the hospital all day and jsut got home.uthor/Title: Kinkade, Thomas On Christmas Eve
WOW: Red cover
Rated: 4
Finished: 11/12/13
In the eleventh book in the Cape Light Series, On Christmas Eve our homes are filled with color, light and song. On Christmas Eve, we gather with those we love. On Christmas Even, we count our blessings and face our challenges with hope and faith. Lucy and Chalrie Bates are housing a teenaged runaway, who has problems of her own. Practical Betty Bowman has fallen in love iwth Santa Claus, or a writer who works as one at Christmas. The people of Cape Light never forget those less fortunate. What bettter way to celebrate the gift of our Lords birth then with faith, love and charity.
Sorry to hear you've been in hospital, Lindy. I hope everything is alright!
Spot 47 - Red Cover
Book: Notorious Pleasures by Elizabeth Hoyt
Finished: Nov 13th
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
On the whole, Notorious Pleasures is an enjoyable book with interesting if not always likable main characters.
The hero, Griffin Reading, is a rake of the first order but, as is usually the case in historical romance, there is more to him than meets the eye. Despite his questionable behavior in the opening scene (and his choice of occupation), Griffin a caring, responsible and yes, even honorable, character and it is difficult not to like him.
The heroine, Hero (what an unfortunate name! It kept me thinking of Kate Beckinsale in Much Ado About Nothing), is initially depicted a prim and proper lady but still waters run deep and she ultimately allows her passions to get the better of her. One of the main criticisms of her character, is that she betrays her fiancé with his brother. However, this situation is somewhat mitigated by the type of person Thomas is and by the circumstances surrounding the engagement.
Griffin and Hero are well-matched and their love/hate relationship leads to some particularly entertaining banter not to mention some sizzling scenes.
The gin still plot takes a back seat to the romance and the secondary characters are not as developed as they could have been but the writing flows smoothly and the build up to Silence and Mickey’s book has me eager to continue with the series.
Rolled a 3 and we are now on spot 50 - we can read either the fifth book in a series or a stand aloneor the alternative, which is a book published in 2010
Roll 12 - Spot 50 Alternative - published 2010
John Manning - published May 1, 201011/15/13 - 4 stars
This story kept me on the edge of my seat, great suspense. Some twist and turns that I did not see coming. I was a little disappointed with the ending of the story, but overall I would recommend this book to all suspense/mystery fans.
So this means 50, 5 or nto in a series or published 2010?
now i see you answered before you did roll 23
Spot 50 - Published in 2010
Book: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
Finished: Nov 16th
Rating: ★★★★1/2
Review:
This book has all the familiar tropes of historical romance: A plump and plain heroine, a gorgeous yet tortured hero, the inevitable misunderstanding and declarations of undying love. Nevertheless, MacLean manages to bring it all together in this delightful read with its original premise, witty dialogue, sizzling scenes, and engaging characters.
Callie Hartwell is tired of being considered a passive wallflower and decides to defy convention by breaking the nine rules necessary for maintaining a pristine reputation starting with propositioning the most notorious rake in London, Gabriel St. John, Marquess of Ralston.
Callie and Gabriel have amazing chemistry and their interactions more than make up for the predictable plot line. Callie is a feisty heroine determined to live life to the fullest in a time when women were little more than accessories and Gabriel is an earthy rogue convinced that love is for the weak. When these two come together, sparks fly and laughter abounds.
Highly recommended as a light, sexy, funny and relatively angst free read.
Author/Title: Nicholl, Katie Kate: The Future Queen WOW; Stand alone
Rated 4.5
Finished 11-18-13
I don't usually read books about celebrities, but I heard the authors interview on Katie, and it sounded interresting. Her early life was particualarily interesting. The author provides a surprisingly comprehensive account of Kate’s early years. Nicholls interviewed seemingly everyone willing to talk, either on or off the record. Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, both had the drive to lift the family into multi-millionaire status by starting a party-planning mail-order firm. That she met William as a teen ager and they ended up at the same college, St. Andrews Univesity and in the same program Art Hitory. They were both very athletic into hockey, swimming, and tennis Kate was very quiet and didnt' exploit her time with him, It took a long time for him to ask her to marry him, but when he did, they got right to it. She will make a great Queen.
Rolled a 2 and we are now on spot 52 - we can read either the fifth or second book in a series or the alternative, which is a book set in Canada
Roll 13 - Spot 52Alternative - Canada
by Lisa Moore 11/20/13 4 starsThis was a very fascinating read. A solid storyline and believable characters. Splendid Author and I look forward to reading much more by her.
I like the way you say it NayNay, easy to understand
Spot 52 - 2nd in series
Book: To Seduce a Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt
Finished: Nov 18th
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
A definite improvement on the first book as the hero and heroine are far more likable and engaging.
Melisande has loved Jasper from a far for years and seizes her opportunity to have him when he is left at the alter. Jasper is in need of a wife and Melisande is better than nothing so he agrees to the marriage. As it turns out, Melisande and Jasper are a perfect match and their romance sizzles on both the physical and emotional levels.
Melisande is an amalgamation of opposites with her seemingly prim and proper facade concealing a passionate nature with a soft spot for irritating dogs, scorned mistresses and tortured heroes. The manner in which she accepts and comforts Jasper only adds to her appeal. For his part, Jasper is an endearing hero and one cannot help but feel for him when the extent of his PTSD is revealed.
In terms of the secondary story lines, the investigation into the Spinner’s Fall Massacre continues although their are few developments and the villain is a tad too obvious. Moreover, the subplot revolving around Sally and Mr. Pynch is sweet and the set up for Alistair and Helen’s book is smooth. However, the true highlight of the book, aside from the romance, is Mouse, Melisande’s precocious terrier, who definitely steals the show.
Looking forward to read the next book as nothing beats a damaged heroine and a scarred hero.
Lauren wrote: "Spot 52 - 2nd in seriesBook: To Seduce a Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt
Finished: Nov 18th
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
A definite improvement on the fir..."
Lauren is Elizabeth Holt a good author? I have heard good and bad about her books. I love the looks of her books, but have never picked one up to read.
I've enjoyed the few books of hers that I've read. They are not your usual historical fare - a bit more erotic than most but nothing too raunchy and I like the original story lines.Most people I know really like The Raven Prince but I haven't read that one yet.
Thanks, it sounds good. I think I will have to pick it up....I just love Historical Fiction
Me too. I'm a huge historical romance and historical mystery fan :0)
I posted this in the discussion thread but figured I ought to post it with each team too.Here's the Thanksgiving schedule:
We'll roll this Thursday and reviews will be due on Sunday like we've been doing.
We'll roll Sunday and then have until the following Sunday the 1st till those are due. And then it'll be back to normal. Based on the board positions I don't think we'll go much more than a couple or a few rolls after Thanksgiving at the most.
If anyone is going out of town this weekend, anyone that won't have time to read and review next week please say so on your team's thread. I'll be on the lookout for anyone's post. If you don't think you'll be able to read just let your team know and you'll be exempt/given a pass etc. without slowing down the team.
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Merry and Bright (other topics)Ellis Island (other topics)
Lost in Your Arms (other topics)
Water Street (other topics)
Lost in Your Arms (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jill Shalvis (other topics)Kate Kerrigan (other topics)
Jami Alden (other topics)
Lisa Moore (other topics)
John Manning (other topics)
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Roll 8
We Rolled a 4 putting us on spot 34
Thursday 10/31/13