R8: Team #7 ~ Seven Deadly Speed Demons

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

I'm switching my free space read to How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper. It's on group bookshelves on "read" and "2011-rls" shelves both.

Fictfact said my free space, Here Comes the Vampire, was releasing this weekend -- but ti's not, and amazon now says releasing November 13. Should be a quick short read so if no BINGO by then I may get o read for another shelf (4 shelves called plus free space could equal a BINGO by then or I would have kept it as a free space).

[Paris]

Kick-Ass Heroines

by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Rating: 5 stars
Finished: 11/3/13
Review:
I hesitated to start this series because of what other people had told me about it. Now that I’m at the end, I’m both mad and glad that I waited to read it; mad because I loved this series and I shouldn’t have let others influence me, glad because I would have hated waiting longer than I had to for the final book in the series. These books were extremely intense and awesome and I loved every minute of them.

I really had no idea how Jennifer Armentrout was going to be able to fix what she had done. The odds seemed extremely stacked against Alex and her family and friends. I worried that Alex wouldn’t get the ending she deserved. I worried that we would lose many of the characters that we loved. This book was an emotional roller coaster and I’m not ashamed to say that I actually shed some tears while reading it. I’m so sad that this journey is over, but I love that I got to go on it. I will definitely reread this series and I hope that maybe someday we’ll revisit it…maybe see how things look in the future.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Kick Ass Heroine
Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells
Series: Sabrina Kane, #1
Finished: November 6, 2013
Rating: ★★½✩✩
Number of pages: 325 paperback
[ebook format I read had 250 pages (fixed page format) but after 239 was sneak peeks and extras]

Review: This one was seriously schizophrenic; could not make up its mind if humorous chicklit, blood and gore vampire thriller, cult squickiness, urban fantasy, rape culture (no one actually raped), mystery, gang violence or damsel in distress (about the only genre not really attempted, just hinted at, was romance or possibly even BDSM erotica). An intriguing world-building with an underlying plot-line of Lilith mythology and mysterious connection to heroine that in the end (view spoiler)[was in no way revealed, resolved or went anywhere other than a few breadcrumbs presumably picked up by next books in series (hide spoiler)].

"Heroine" was definitely kickass. I did not like her. Too casually but unevenly violent; not sure why kickass heroines riding motorcycles always have to ride while wearing stillettos. I did not like the unevenness of the book. Body count illustrates unevenness — one scene will be tongue in cheek one liners with goofy characters, another casually glossing over, then a scene with serial killer friendly super detailed; quick, efficient murders or fight scenes in with super drawn out detailed ones. Loner halfbreed outcast main character one minute then suddenly bff roomie. Several fae recently met die on her behalf in fight scene, one gets tearjerker mourning scene with everyone insisting be taken home to the fae family for proper rites with the MC completely bigoted against other races due to upbringing and feeding on them as prey by being half vampire suddenly moaning and mourning and being the one to escort.—WTF about the other two fae who equally sacrificed; I mean, sheesh, their bodies apparently left behind for site cleanup squads or trash pickup or something.

I had so much trouble getting into and persevered because of this challenge and string friend recommendations who swear MC and series gets better. Doubt I'll pursue series any time soon; the Lilith plot-line and meeting the other race/family that's part of M.C.'s family tree intrigues me still but not enough to wade through another any time soon only to find out more books need to be published in series to forward that story arc.

The writing style (other than unevenness of the plot) was fine, no distracting copyediting issues. Author just needs to find a better balance for all the elements she tries to juggle into what is an interesting take on UF/worldbuilding. I know other reviewers have enjoyed the very oddball mix of things that made story difficult for me.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Debbie, changed the ebook page number to 239. We don't include those extras in the page count :)

[Brittany Lynn]

Kick-Ass Heroine

by Cassandra Clare
Rating: 5 Star
Read: 11/4/13
Review:
City of Bones is the first book in The Mortal Instruments trilogy for teens. It's an edgy urban fantasy with a roller-coaster plot, intricate and original world-building, and complex characters. The authors combination of sarcastic humor and deep honesty makes for pitch-perfect dialogue and compelling character development and this is just book one!

I love the characters. Clary, the main character and viewpoint of the authors third-person narration, is a strong and funny female lead. Her best friend, Simon, is witty and nerdy in the most adorable way. Jace, a Shadowhunter and Clary's main love interest of the book, is one of the most entertaining characters I have ever encountered. In fact, practically every character is funny. City of Bones is a very quotable book. Most of the best lines are between Clary and Jace, who have great banter.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Sandra wrote: "Debbie, changed the ebook page number to 239. We don't include those extras in the page count :)"

Thanks, not an issue for this particular challenge because either way was over 200 pages. I only mentioned in case book qualifications got challenged because someone had hold of another eReader or ebook edition with still yet different page numbers.

[Josie]

Great to see that some have already finished! I've been reading my dragon book but finding it a bit dull :(

[Brittany Lynn]

I hate when that happens :(

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

My dragon book is sounding awfully familiar. I downloaded last year when it went on sale--but didn't think had read. Maybe I had read just a free sample? I guess it's a moot point since re-reads are allowed.

[Paris]

Josie, I totally feel your pain. My dragon book is well written, but kind of slow moving and boring. I think the only reason I'm still reading is because of the writing.

[Josie]

Oh no! Not very lucky with our dragon books are we! IMO I think it's quite hard to find a really good dragon book. I'm trying to power through but it's really hard to find the willpower to keep picking it back up! I might switch to my free-space book tonight.

[Josie]

I've finished my book for the 'dragon' shelf.



Title/Author: Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison
Date finished: 8th Nov
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
My rating is probably quite generous, but it's really for two reasons -
1) It may have been my mood so I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt
2) With all of the Elder Races books (apart from the first), I have moments of boredom and moments of interest. It is never a constant thing, but I have to admit Lord's Fall did pick up in the second half. The first half was incredibly slow. I got to the point where I wondered if I'd ever see the end of the book.

Apart from my issue regarding the pace, my main annoyance though was Eva and the "pyschos". Even the name of the group irritated me. I was a little confused since I thought they were described as ancient beings but they seemed pretty pathetic and immature. Why were they talking "street"? All of their actions and speech didn't fit with what or who they were supposed to be.

For example, when Pia first met them and it's hinted that (view spoiler)[Johnny is either gay or a cross-dresser or... to be honest, I forget, or maybe I just find it hard to care, but the others were sensitive to people's prejudice towards him. But if they were ancient, why would it matter? It seemed like something a teenager would be self-conscious about. I don't think I explained it very well, but all of that interaction seemed weird. (hide spoiler)]

Okay, I'm not sure how much of that review made sense.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Makes sense to me. I get irritated when beings who had supposedly lived centuries act like angsty teenagers. Spoiled, selfish, prejudiced, entitled are things I can handle but not coming across teenager-y.

[Josie]

Thanks, Debbie! I completely agree, and it's not just this book that does it either. I've noticed a good number of other paranormal books do it as well.

I'm moving onto my free-space book which is Before I Wake.

[Paris]

Dragons Shelf

by Shana Abe
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Finished: 11/7/13
Review:
There was something about this book that would not let me put it down. Occasionally the story would drag a little and usually I would have put the book away and possibly DNF’d it. But I just couldn’t bring myself to stop reading. The writing was excellent in this book. Even the slow moments were beautifully written which I found really intriguing. There were some moments that really confused me and I wonder if that had anything to do with the fact that this series is a spin-off of Shana Abe’s Drakon series.

I found the characters extremely interesting. The beginning was really dynamic as we met Eleanore/Lora and learned about her past. I really liked her at first and really for most of the book. She was sassy and strong and really smart. I really liked her when she was facing off against the girls at school or Armand. It was the time she spent with Jesse that bothered me. She seemed a weaker version of herself and I didn’t like that. I wanted her to remain the strong, independent girl that she was throughout the rest of the book.

The funny thing is that in the beginning I liked Jesse way better than Armand. He seemed more genuine and interesting. He also really cared about Lora…although in the end I wondered how real the feelings were and how much of the feelings were because of what Lora was. Armand was just a rich brat in the beginning, but I feel like he grew as a character too. Although I have to question his interest in Eleanore as well; was it her or the what she was that drew him to her?

The ending of this book was quite shocking. I am not sure when I’ll be able to get to it, but I definitely think I will have to read the next book in the series. I want to see how things work out after the way this one ended. I also am really intrigued by the story. I just wish it hadn’t dragged so much in parts so I could have given it a higher rating.

[Paris]

Josie, your review totally made sense. Sorry the book wasn't better.

Tomorrow, I may not be online when the shelves are called, but I will definitely try to be.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

I'll finish my dragon book tonight ... er ... it's just after midnight here so make that this morning and have a review up. My heroine book dragged down my reading speed but this has been good even if a little on the Men In Black side of things.

I have a few books I'm putting off reading until shelves are called just in case they fit. I'm sure my free space will be silly but fun and quick because that's how Molly Harper books are.

[[deleted user]]

Shelf 1: Kick-Ass Heroine



Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews
Finished: Nov 7th.
Rating: ★★★★✩

REVIEW

I have decided not to read reviews of Ilona Andrews' books, before reading the books. Reading people’s reviews for this book spoiled it for me, and I had been putting-off reading this, as I was almost scared to do so.

The book opens with Kate and Julie sparring(which I loved by the way), which is cut short when they Maggie and her sister are on the verge of going loup, and all the pack’s efforts to replicate the panacea, the almost-cure for loup have failed. So, when Curran, Kate , and gang are offered ten gallons of panacea as a payment for mediating and guarding the birth of Desandra’s first child, who is a part of the European pack, they jump into the opportunity, even knowing that they are walking into a trap. But, everything starts going wrong when they arrive at Lord Megobari's domain. Everybody and everything are suspects.

I hated the angst and emotional drama bought into this book. One of the things I loved about Kate Daniels’ books was the relationship between Kate and Curran-not only the intimacy between them, but also the respect and trust between each other. This book sure destroyed all of those. Curran’s actions were inexcusable in my point of view. And I just cannot accept the reasons stated for the same. Really? The reasons seemed so weak! Please don’t read the spoiler if you haven’t read the book before. (view spoiler)[ Curran not only betrays her, but also publicly shames her, humiliates her, stops watching her back. And the reason for that? Kate does not know how to lie properly? PLEASE!!! (hide spoiler)]

At least Derek, Andrea, and her friends were supporting her throughout! You know things are crazy when even Mahon, who did not like Kate at all, supports her.

I do not like the direction this book is going. All that said, there were some good points too- the humor present in the previous books, is here too. And the monsters! Ilona Andrews do create interesting creatures and monsters. And I even began to like Aunt B. And, we can see that Andrea and Raphael are happy with each other.

I have mixed feelings about this book. Hope the next one becomes better, with a little less YA type angst- this is a Kate Daniels book after all!

[[deleted user]]

Shelf 2: Dragons



Midnight Blue-Light Special by Seanan McGuire
Finished: Nov 9th
Rating: ★★★★★

REVIEW

Another wonderful book by Seanan McGuirre.

The representatives of Covenant St. George have decided to come to New York to verify Dominic’s reports and to do a purge. This of course, means all hell breaks loose. Verity Price, whose boss is now Kitty the bogeyman, has to now be on her guard if she is to save both herself and all those of the cryptid community. Dominic is forced to choose sides- whether he would betray the Covenant or Verity. What was interesting was the fact that the romance although played a part in influencing Dominic’s decisions in this book , it was not by far the major plot. And Verity has to soon choose between her passion-Dancing, or her family job- Cryptozoology.

The cryptid world created is great- the cryptid creatures are both interesting and imaginative. And of course, the thing I love most about these books- THE AESLIN MICE! Talking mice? Yes, please.

There is a sudden shifting of perspectives in the latter half of the book, which is told from Sarah’s perspective. And then there are the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Two of those I loved are,

“If you get yourself turned to stone, you are grounded for a week. No TV, No dessert, and no trips to the range. Do I make myself clear?”

“Family, faith and knives. Those are the things that last in this world. Everything else is essentially extra.”

I really loved this book. This book felt awesome, especially after reading the angsty Magic Rises.

[Paris]

Great job Preethi. I've been putting off reading . Good to know that it's a good one.

[[deleted user]]

Shelf: FREE SPACE



Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones
Finished: Nov 4th.
Rating: ★★★★✩

REVIEW

Charley books never fail to make my day. Darynda Jones combines humour with action in such a spectacular fashion that it is hard not to love her books.

For those who love Charley books, this book is another treat. There are many Charley-Reyes moments. And Charley also has her hands full- she has a breakthrough about the arson case and her home has suddenly become flooded with the blond,deceased women, ranging from years seven to thirty five. One of the deceased woman seems to know her resident ghost, Mr. Wong. And Charley is shocked when the she sees the woman, whose ghost had talked to her at her home, alive. Oh, and add to the mix, Cookie almost shooting her accidentaly in a covert operation, and most worrisome of all, Reyes Alexander Farrow has moved to the apartment next door, and somehow has obtained the chef job at her father's bar.


Charley seems to have one special quirk for each book- last book it was naming her sofa. This book it is the voice activated GPS app. Those were hilarious!

And the ending. It can be called a mild cliffhanger, but in a good way. It certainly makes us eagerly await the next book.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Bingo template


Dragons Shelf
Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
Finished: November 9, 2013
Series: InCryptid #1
Rating: ★★★½☆
Number of pages: 368

Review: This one was fun. A romp that was sort of young-girl-in-the-city chicklit meets a Men In Black comicbook. Potential romance took a backseat to the action to firmly put it in the urban fantasy genre despite the humor—which I enjoyed; but, the humor was deftly woven into the storyline versus shoe-horning one liners awkwardly into. Some of the supporting cast and creatures threatened to steal the show. The cryptid supernaturals all were unique to the worldbuilding, from the dragons that qualified it for this shelf right down to the family mice religious sect branch living in her closet.

If you are familiar with this author's other more serious and even grimmer series (October Dayes and, writing as Mira Grant, Newsflesh), you won't expect this one except to say that heroine Verity Price is quintessential "Irwin." Which was both a good thing and a tiny little problem with the book—reader did get it hammered in that Verity was gung-ho, was a dancer, and was very good at standing on one leg to do all kinds of things (an excellent drinking game if you are of that mindset is to take a shot anytime she was not on both feet). I seriously expected, after all the stand on a leg and fell the villain with a toe kick, that she would break or at the very least stub a toe. Author acknowledgments said she researched ballroom dancing but maybe she should have observed a few martial arts classes or at least taken a kickboxing class. But, given the tone of the book it's equally possible was done deliberately to be silly.

Eventually, I'll no doubt pick up book 2 (particularly after a teammate's review for this shelf). The next few months have a lot of new releases tying up my book budget. The third book I'm undecided because switches main characters; but, I'm sure I'll at least sample to see if I like Alex as much as Verity.

[Paris]

Here are the new shelves ladies They are both personal shelves.

* Romance Genre (Personal Shelf ~ ie: paranormal, contemporary, historical, sci-fi romance, etc)

* New2You Series (Personal Shelf ~ ie: first-in-series book)

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

For new2you series shelf, I'll be reading Ill Wind by Rachel Caine.

For romance, tentatively, I'll be reading Waking Up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly. I say tentatively because it's a random freebie that's been rattling around in my kindle and if first pages suck I'll switch.

[note to self: shelf was announced 5pm my time]

[Paris]

The new shelves will give us three in a row on the bottom row. YAY! When I get home later, I will update the master list and pick my books. Let me know if you have any questions about the new shelves.

Also, just an update we are one away from being able to request a stamp for both kick ass heroines and dragons. Well done team!

[Brittany Lynn]

Free Space

by Rachel Hawkins
Rating 5 Stars
Read 11/7/13
Review
This book takes readers on an adventure with Sophie to London. Due to some happenings during Hex Hall, Sophie has decided to have her powers removed. Sophie is thrown for a loop when she gets a glimpse at the Council and the secrets they could be hiding. It's really a learning experience and it allows Sophie to see the life that may be waiting for her.Demonglass allows us explore more of the mystery surrounding the demons, the Eye, and Prodigium life. Sophie really grows in this story and she turns into a character with such an amazing, fighting spirit. I really like when I can see a character grow and change over a series and there is no denying that with Sophie.

[Brittany Lynn]

Dragon Shelf

by Sophie Jordan

Rating 5 Stars
Read 11/9/13
Review
The is so much romance and intensity this is the perfect read. The world Jordan has created is phenomenal, filled with detail and such intense thought has clearly gone into everything about it. From the descriptions of Jacinda's drake side to the way she reacts in different environments to the emotions she feels, Jordan includes everything seamlessly. Jacinda is a character completely unlike any other, based in what she physically is. A dragon at her core, Jacinda and her kind have the ability to morph into humans to blend. As a dragon, she is still coherent and the same girl but there is a stark contrast between Jacinda's mind as part of her pride and Jacinda thrust out into the human world. Jordan handles this switch perfectly, infusing a high amount of angst and discomfort. Jacinda battles between a maturity that lets her understand why she has to be in a human school with her wants, desires and even needs. Her struggles are intense and breathtaking, and the constant tug and pull of her body in response to different people and situations comes across fantastically.

[Brittany Lynn]

D.A. - barely here ☺ - wrote: "For new2you series shelf, I'll be reading Ill Wind by Rachel Caine.

For romance, tentatively, I'll be reading and thought it was a quick read but it was a good book. I hope you like it.

[Brittany Lynn]

I will be reading...

New2You Series


Romance

[[deleted user]]

I'll be reading

for the New2You series shelf and for the Romance shelf.

[[deleted user]]

I'll be starting for my vacation in a few hours. I'll try to post the reviews somehow before the next shelf is called, since I have no idea when I'l get internet connection again in the wilderness.

[Paris]

No worries Preethi. Have fun on your vacation and just post your reviews when you can.

Romance Genre 5/5
Stamp Received: 11/25/13

Brittany: Last-Minute Bridesmaid by Nina Harrington - 5 Stars - 11/14/13 - Review
Preethi: The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper - 3 Stars - 11/17/13 - Review
Paris: Code Red by Amy Noelle - 5 Stars - 11/11/13 - Review
Debbie ~barely here~: Waking Up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly - 3 Stars - 11/13/13 - Review
Josie: Dusty Britches by Marcia Lynn McClure - 2.5 Stars - 11/10/13 - Review

[Paris]

New2You Series 5/5
Stamp Received: 12/1/13

Brittany: The Edge of Never By J.A. Redmerski - 5 Stars - 11/12/13 - Review
Preethi: Dead Iron by Devon Monk - 4 Stars - 11/24/13 - Review
Paris: Fixed on You by Laurelin Paige - 4 Stars - 11/11/13 - Review
Debbie ~barely here~: Ill Wind by Rachel Caine - 4 Stars - 11/14/13 - Review
Josie: Sins & Needles by Karina Halle - 5 Stars - 11/12/13 - Review

[Paris]

Dragons 5/5
Stamp Received: 11/12/13

Brittany: Firelight by Sophie Jordan - 5 Stars - 11/9/13 - Review
Preethi: Midnight Blue-Light Special by Seanan McGuire - 5 Stars - 11/9/13 - Review
Paris: The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe - 3.5 Stars - 11/7/13 - Review
Debbie ~barely here~: Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire - 3.5 Stars - 11/9/13 - Review
Josie: Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison - 3 Stars - 11/8/13 - Review

[Josie]

Woo! Our first stamp!

I've been reading my free-space book but since the two new shelves give us 3-in-a-row, I thought I'd concentrate on those ones first. So here is my Romance Genre book:

Title/Author: Dusty Britches by Marcia Lynn McClure
Date finished: 10th Nov
Rating: 2.5 stars
Review:

I often wonder why I read these books. I don't really like Westerns, I don't like the way they talk and I don't like that every woman in this book cries every other page. But I just get an urge one day to pick up another sugary sweet book. I guess I got it free and they're kind of like palate cleansers for me. To be fair, I have enjoyed three of the author's books but this one wasn't a favourite for me.

What I do like, which is going to make me sound weird, is that Dusty Britches is a clean romance. I think I'm going to be alone here, but *deep breath* I don't like sex in books. Okay, maybe I should clarify because I actually do like le sex and enjoy the scenes under certain conditions:
1) I care and know the characters - no first book sex unless under exceptional circumstances.
2) The scene is unique or interesting - am I the only one who feels like every sex scene is one I've read before in another book? And thus forgettable?

It's not because I'm a prude but just that if I see that it's going to be a whole chapter of sex, I get incredibly bored. Same vocab, same positions, same routine. I've found this especially true in HR and PNR (which is probably why I prefer UF - the H/h build up the tension over books). This tends to be how it goes:
Hero kisses heroine, covers her with his body, sucks her nipples, then strokes her on her "petals" or "down there" or something equally ridiculous, then he usually performs oral on her, lots of gushing, lots of "please" from the girl, then she orgasms, then he decides she's "ready" and thrusts all the way in her, pumps for a bit, both orgasm together.

...

Okay, I've gone slightly off-topic so I'll leave it at that but it's just been bothering me for a while.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

I'm not as picky about the sex in a book -- but, it does need to be because the characters want to have sex (not some fated-mate, full-moon, whatever bull like the supernatural 20+ pages of scenes in Anita Blake books usually signaled by admiring some dude's eyes for several pages).

Even then, some authors should just not ever write on-stage sex scenes. Ever. Others, on the other hand, know how to heat it up. Either way, don't do the euphemisms like "petal" or try to come up with super-cute terms (who says "nubbin"?).

A favorite quote from Diana Gabaldon on writing sex scenes at http://www.dianagabaldon.com/2012/07/... :

"Lust is not an emotion; it’s a one-dimensional hormonal response. Ergo, while you can mention lust in a sex-scene, describing it at any great length is like going on about the pattern of the wall-paper in the bedroom. Worth a quick glance, maybe, but essentially boring."

[Paris]

Josie, I don't mind sex scenes in books, but I do absolutely get what you're saying and you're right. The scenes do all essentially flow the same. And I hate when they use cutesy things like petals and such. I prefer down and dirty sex scenes, but those don't usually happen.

D.A that quote by Gabaldon is spot on too. Sometimes, as I'm reading I find myself saying can we just get to it please.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Free Space
How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper
Finished: November 10, 2013
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Number of pages: 384
Qualifies for free space as on group bookshelves "read" and "2011-rls".

Review: Not completely sure how to rate so settling for ★★★☆☆. Not the continuous humor I was expecting after author's Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs series of books, possibly because in this one the main character is very much the focus and remains human.

It was a good read, did get some of Ms. Harper's usual funny zingers (hilarious chapter headings), did generally like the main character. But, plot and 95% of the story seriously felt like I was just reading an old Harlequin Romance by Janet Dailey (probably because Ms. Dailey's books were deliberately set in different states and this book brought up heroine's former state of Mississippi and new state of Alaska both too much and too little). The 5% it differed, well, the love interest was a werewolf and there were on stage sex scenes (with a lot of jokes about bulk pack of condoms from the warehouse store). Don't let the rest of this review detract from the fact that I did mostly like the book and it had its funny moments; but, don't read it if you completely loathe or are not in the mood for basically straight up formula contemporary romance (replace "billionaire/millionaire" "greek tycoon" "playboy" in the Harlequins with "werewolf" and stick to the small town settings lines instead of exotic locales and you get the idea).

Plot of adult heroine still pressured by parents, in a dissatisfying job, and a dissatisfying romance ending in broken engagement. Decides to use grandparents' bequest to move as far away from smothering parents yet still stay in country so chooses Alaska (why not Hawaii or east or west coast is never made clear) to a tiny, small town in Alaska. I liked that she wasn't a doormat but this was one chick that took everything with unblinking aplomb—from small town members looking at her with suspicion or as potential breeding stock, to having a wolf maul an elk on her doorstep, to having a strange trucker almost rape her (early enough in book to not be big spoiler), to dealing happily with sunlightless nearly housebound Alaskan winter after delta steamy heat, to finding out werewolves exist, to meeting and even being attacked by more werewolves, to love interest being suspected of serial killings (even by himself thanks to bad memory when in wolf form), to finding out (view spoiler)[is pregnant with a werewolf pup that will breastfeed with a full mouth of teeth at same time the dad walks out on them (hide spoiler)]—nothing phases this woman.

Then, in the proverbial Harlequin ending, after every nasty treatment, abandonments and foul tempered conversation with surly love interest (whom I never understood why other than being buff and " alpha" she was interested in; plus as a werewolf was opposed to himself or her showering when separated as removed the "scent" markings — yes, this chick took that in stride, too, and accommodated like all adults so easily change bathing habits) ... yes, all is forgiven, sappy happy ending, everyone still alive all luv each other and she is accepted completely by in-laws and insular townfolk.

This is a series. As much as I like Molly Harper's writing, not continuing this particular series. I almost changed this from "free space" shelf to "romance" shelf but my "romance" pick works for five other challenges.

[Josie]

Glad I'm not alone regarding sex scenes, I thought it was going to be just another review that has ended up in a rant LOL! I do like sex scenes - I just like interesting, different, sexy sex scenes!

Great review, Debbie! I really liked it :)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Seven Deadly Speed Demons!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'dragons'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Josie]

I've finished my book for New2You Series :)



Title/Author: Sins & Needles by Karina Halle
Date finished: 12th Nov
Rating: 5 stars
Review: LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS!

After reading 'Experiment in Terror' and loving that, I'm glad I had the faith in KH to try reading this series.

Character growth. Man, I love character growth. I also love flaws and layers and shades of grey. This book had tons of that, as well as an interesting plot and sexy scenes. Karina Halle did the same as she did with Dex and Perry in EIT - slowly letting the reader into Ellie and Camden's lives and revealing more of their secrets. It was brilliantly done.

Also, I don't know why but the book reminded me a little of the Disillusionists Trilogy. I mean they don't share similar plots so maybe it's the writing or the characters. Either way, I'm definitely continuing with this series and will probably use Shooting Scars for a shelf.

[Paris]

Thanks Steph for the stamp!!

Oooh Josie, that's one on my list that I keep putting off. I really need to stop doing that since everyone seems to love it.

I've finished all of my pending books (free shelf, New2You series, romance genre), I just need to write the reviews. If I could get rid of this brain splitting headache, I might be able to get those done.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Deadlies!

Hope your headache is better Paris :)

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Well, I'm glad I changed my free space pick, Here Comes the Vampire. It was due out on November 5, then shows as due Nov. 13, and now when I checked it's due out on the 25th. By that time someone may have gotten BINGO!

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Romance Genre Shelf
Waking Up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly
Finished: November 13, 2013
Rating: ★★★✩✩
Number of pages: 251

Review:
What am I doing reading a Harlequin romance? Well, cute cover freebie with blurb saying possibly funny downloaded before realizing was launch of Harlequin KISS line (so logo was unfamiliar), months later a Speed BINGO call for a romance shelf and Cleanout eReader freebies challenge … so I read and I did enjoy parts.

What do I have against Harlequins that makes me sound like I sneer at them? Just an overload of having nothing but those types of books to read sometimes as a kid and a certain predictability that stops being enjoyable if too many read back to back. And not just for Harlequins but in most romance genre books there's a formula of (1) insta-luv, (2) a dance (often drags on too long) of are/aren't together and maybe does/doesn't love me (with Harlequins the most guilty of some wispy die-away innocent main character up against some rich and/or powerful dude and how graphic the sex can be determined by which of their imprints published), (3) some often really stupid misunderstanding or something hurtful to create some drama (with Harlequins often the guy's bitchy or slutty ex) , then (4) instant happy ending as misunderstanding got resolved (often just by talking) or hurt misconstrued or forgiven.

And, ironically I get to say "BINGO" on all four fronts even if more contemporary— except that this one was a lot of fun with some funny moments, mostly at the start. Recently broken up from other people pair meet up in Las Vegas, get drunk, get hitched, she was so drunk woke up married without even remembering it.

Did he boink an almost unconscious woman? (view spoiler)[Of course not, it's a Harlequin. (hide spoiler)] They like each other; she wants baby (was planning on hitting sperm bank after returning from the Vegas trip where she was bridesmaid for a cousin) and he was ready to settle down (and wanted the corporate wife — that set my Harlequin tolerance meter cringing) so they agree to a trial marriage period. Lots more lustful moments than I'd expect but still rather clean (like how much he wants to kiss that mouth, he/she smells good, or falling into eyes sorts of things).

I enjoyed more than expected because I did like the characters and some fun situations. I would have enjoyed more if I hadn't kept anticipating a stupid fallout. Neither were wispy innocent girl or completely overbearing man so part of the dance they were just getting to know each other. Mostly enjoyable, a few ickily sweet, considerate/protective moments (as if Harlequin trying to erase it's past of abusive, asshole heroes). More than midway thru the book they did the deed. Three-quarters thru they had a misunderstanding caused by his ex (right in line with the third part of the formula). Miserable time apart as the one not already admitting to being in love comes to that conclusion. Last 8% spent on the ending (actually not as instant or rushed as I expected). All in all, more contemporary and less melodramatic/angst-y than I dreaded.

I wavered between 2½ and 3 stars and went with three because I did enjoy the characters and a good portion of the book (and it was a quick read). A new to me author (but most of the USA Today bestselling authors seem to be for some strange reason).

I haven't read romance genre in a while; and this opening made me chance this book if anyone is not familiar with the KISS imprint:



And that opening does accurately describe the book.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Paris wrote: "Thanks Steph for the stamp!!"

Welcome :D

[Paris]

Romance Genre

Code Red by Amy Noelle
Rating: 5 Stars
Finished: 11/11/13
Review:
This book has instantly jumped onto my list of favorites, must re-read and must recommend books. I absolutely loved this from beginning to end. This book is so real and engaging; I felt an instant connection to Nicole and her friends. They actually remind me a lot of myself and my closest girlfriends. The “Code Red” idea is genius and kind of reminds me of something I have worked out with one of my friends, but our plan isn’t nearly as awesome as the “Code Red”.

I absolutely loved Josh. Of course it didn’t take him long at all to get added to my book boyfriend list. The man is absolutely too perfect for words. Good looking, patient, sweet, attentive, I mean I could go on and on and on. In fact, I could go on and on and on about how much I loved this book and how real the characters were. Nicole was down to earth, yet slightly neurotic, which is absolutely awesome to see. I also loved how much she was obsessed with Supernatural and that she is a Dean girl (me too!).

This book has stuck with me since I finished it and I have a feeling that it will continue to do so. I highly recommend it and will tell everyone I know that they should read it and more than once. I actually wish I could re-read it right now. I kind of feel like I need a Josh fix. And a dinner date with my new favorite set of girlfriends.

[Paris]

Free Space

Poison Princess by Kresley Cole
Rating: 4 Stars
Finished: 11/10/13
Review:
The prologue to this book is definitely extremely engaging. I couldn’t wait to continue reading. The beginning of the book, which is pre-flash, I wasn’t so sure if I could really connect with Evie or Jackson, the two main characters. Evie is troubled on the inside, but vapid and annoying on the outside. There’s a lot of text speak and elitism that happens between Evie and her friend Mel and the other boys and girls that are from their side of the bridge. Jackson is more often than not, a total jerk, but it really is a reflection of where he and his friends come from and how they are treated. When people treat you like a delinquent, you might as well be one.

After the flash, I still wasn’t sure I really liked Evie. She was overly naïve and sometimes I thought she was almost too stupid to live. When you’ve been sheltered your entire life and then for the first 200+ days of this new apocalyptic world, why on earth would you think that you knew more than the bad boy who has spent most of his life taking care of himself and spent that same first 200+ days out in this new apocalyptic world? Evie treated Jack like crap, even though he was only there to help her and take care of her. It was obvious he cared about her, yet she was mean to him until he was mean back and then her feelings were hurt. This went on so long I was going to have to mark the book down.

Thankfully the ending really nailed what I was hoping to see. I was a tad bit skeptical that Evie hadn’t learned anything by the time we reached the end of the book, but I was thankfully wrong. Hopefully, this new found strength and awareness is carried on into the next book. I look forward to checking it out. I have a feeling that there might be some kind of love triangle coming and I hope there isn’t. I’m team Jackson all the way, as long as Evie starts treating him better.

[Paris]

New2You Series

by Laurelin Paige
Rating: 4 Stars
Finished: 11/11/13
Review:
I bought this book right after it came out and then sat on it like I tend to do. I finally read it and of course, I’m mad at myself for not reading it sooner. I knew I was going to like Alayna (Laynie) and Hudson after reading the brief sample from Amazon, but I ended up liking them more than I thought I would. Laynie has a mouth on her and I absolutely loved the way she stuck up for herself and for Hudson. She wasn’t a push over like most of the women we see in these types of books. She also didn’t really listen to others more than she listened to Hudson. There was some angst and miscommunication, but it wasn’t drawn out for a long time and it really seemed like Hudson and Laynie communicated well with each other.

They both have emotional issues, one loves too much, the other thinks they are incapable of love. It’s a very interesting dynamic to see how they work around these roadblocks. What Hudson wants from Laynie isn’t something she’s sure she can give and what she wants from him, he’s absolutely sure he can’t give. The way this book ends is perfect and I look forward to seeing what happens next for them although I have a feeling not all of it will be good. I don’t trust most of the people in their lives, especially those in Hudson’s life, who claim to love him.

This book really had all of the elements I look for in a great romance. The hot times were super hot, the angst was palpable. There was humor and honesty and well rounded characters. Laurelin Paige did a great job with this book and I look forward to reading more from her.

[Paris]

Sandra wrote: "Congrats on the stamp Deadlies!

Hope your headache is better Paris :)"

Thanks Sandra. It comes and goes, but Excedrin Migraine is my friend.