R1: SS ■ The One's to Beat! ■ *Winning Team!!!*

[Book Concierge]

I've finished my book and updated Message # 96.

[Sheila]

Great BC. I plan on finishing my book tonight.

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

The book I planned to read for this I can't start until Tuesday if I want to use it for another challenge. That will be fine since I can definitely finish it by Thursday, but I started another book right now that I might finish first so I might be changing my book.

[Monica]

Great job BC. I was hoping to finish my book tonight but since I have to work tomorrow I won't be staying up late to read. I am about half way done the book. I am really enjoying it!!

[Sheila]

I just posted my review in Post 90. Wow, what a book. While I am tickled pink to actually be caught up with a series I am sad to see this one end. One of my favorite series.

[Book Concierge]

Sheila wrote: "I just posted my review in Post 90. Wow, what a book. While I am tickled pink to actually be caught up with a series I am sad to see this one end. One of my favorite series."

Sheila .. where in the US are you? Every year (late Oct or early Nov) the Muskego (WIsconsin) Public Library hosts an event titled "Murder and Mayhem in Muskego" ... Chelsea Cain has appeared several times.

[Sheila]

I'm in snowing - AGAIN northwestern Illinois BC. I love the chelsea cain series. That would be an interesting series to watch.

[Lauren]

Just finished the book for a different challenge so I will be starting a Whiskey Beach now.

[Book Concierge]

Hey ... did we earn our "one free pass"?
According to the rules each team can earn ONE free pass to be used anytime later in the game. TO earn it ALL reviews have to be posted ONE day early. (Q: does this mean by Wednesday? or by Thursday?)

I'm pretty sure all our reviews were posted by Thursday.

[Jenne]

Yes y'all did. I've added it to the first post under y'all's names. I've been sneaking in ninja like and putting them there lol.

[Book Concierge]

Sheila wrote: "I'm in snowing - AGAIN northwestern Illinois BC. ..."

Here in Southeast Wisconsin it took me an hour and a half to get home ... and five tries to make it up the driveway and into the garage even in first gear! (The plow hadn't come yet.)

I asked Hubby why he doesn't call the guy and tell him to come give a quick pass so I can get up the drive. His response, "I'd have to pay for two plowings." My answer ... "so you'd rather pay $$$$$$$ when you have a heart attack than $30 for a second plowing?!" (Hubby is in his 70s!)

[Sheila]

My daughter has been here visiting this weekend and now can't get out to go home to Virginia. Her flight to Chicago was delayed 4 times and now it is cancelled. I hope we don't have to drive her to O'Hare.

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

Updated post 94 with my review.

[Sheila]

I can't roll yet because we are still missing two reviews. I'm not sure what time the cutoff is though.

Lauren and Monica when you do post your reviews in the reserve spot please post a new message as well letting me know that you have posted so I can roll the dice.

[Lauren]

I'm finished my book but am having internet problems. Will post as soon as I can because I can't do it from my phone :0(

[Sheila]

OK Lauren, thanks

[Lauren]

I've updated post #95 with my review.
Thank goodness the Internet returned - I was getting GR withdrawal :0)

[Jenne]

As long as she posts at some point in time today you're good. If she doesn't y'all do have your free pass to roll you can use.

[Book Concierge]

Has anybody heard anything from Monica since she posted on Sunday?

I will finish two books today (1 audio and 1 text) ... I'd hate to have to wait until tomorrow to start another.

[Sheila]

I just sent a pm to Monica about posting her review. I really hate doing that because the last thing I want to be is the book police.

[Sheila]

As far as the free pass I am really hoping we can save that until the very end in case we are in a time race to finish first. How do the rest of you feel about it?

[Lauren]

I agree with trying to save the free pass unless Monica doesn't post at all. Let's give her a chance though. Its early still.

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

I agree with Lauren

[Monica]

I'm at work and typing on my phone. Hoping to post review after meeting is finished.

[Sheila]

Thanks Monica

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

Hoping for at least a 4 today since I have a #2 that really needs to be read next.

[Monica]

I posted my review!!!! Finally. sorry so late. Life has just gotten in the way. Go ahead and roll the dice Sheila!!!

[Sheila]

On February 21 ■ The One's to Beat! ■ rolled a 12 which moves us to spot 28

Alternate book option for 28 is 2004

[Sheila]

Links for Spot 28 rolled on Feb. 21


■ Sheila - - Post 130

Lauren - - Post 133

Book Concierge - - Post 131

Turtlecollector - - Post 134

Monica Happy Reading All! - - Post 132

[Sheila]

For spot 28 I read

Edge of Black by J.T. Ellison
which is # 2 in the Dr. Samantha Owens series
Finished 2/23
Rating ★★★★

This book had a little bit of everything. Romance between Samantha and Xander. It starts with Sam moving from Nashville to Washington D.C. just in time to get caught up in an act of bioterrorism. The investigation soon leads to a group of survivalists. This book kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

[Book Concierge]

Week 3 / Dice roll 12 / Spot 28
Book # 28, Book # 2, Book # 8 or alternate 2004

I'll be reading book # 2
✔ - 23Feb14
Let There be Suspects (Ministry is Murder Mystery #2) by Emilie Richards
3***

This is book two in a series featuring minister’s wife Aggie Sloan-Wilcox, who cannot help but snoop whenever she feels her family is threatened. I like Aggie and Lucy (her best friend and sleuthing sidekick). In fact I like all the recurring characters and wouldn’t mind knowing more about them. However Richards took a very long time to set up the central plot; the murder doesn’t happen until page 90. Still, it’s a fast read, with plenty of suspects and clues, including some red herrings to lead the reader astray.

[Monica]

Week 3 - Rolled 12 - Spot 28
Book #28, #2, #8 or Alternate 2004


Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
#2 in the Harry Potter Series
Finished: 2/23/14
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I still love this series. No matter how many times I read the books it still has the same effect on me each time. I listened to this book in 2 days.

Jim Dale does an awesome job on narrating this book. In the Chamber of Secrets we finally meet Lord Voldemort and learn more about him. We also meet a house elf, Dobby. So much happens in this book.

Harry, Ron and Hermione go to a death day party, try to figure out how is the Heir of Slytherin. Some Hogwarts students think the Harry is the Heir because he can speak to snakes. While Ron, Harry and Hermione think Draco is the Heir.

We also me the wonderful, charming Gilderoy Lockhart. All the witches are bewitched with him. He was the most annoying character in this book, yet entertaining none the less. We also learn a lot in this book that give you information towards the other books in the series.

[Lauren]

Week #3 - Dice roll: 12 - Game Spot #28 (2nd in series)

by Lisa Kleypas

Finished: Feb 22nd
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:

The first 2/3 is simply spectacular. Ross is an incredible hero - intelligent, kind hearted, honorable and a born leader. He starts out quite stoic but softens as Sophia gets past all of his defenses and he realizes that she is everything he never knew he always wanted. Sophia is an engaging heroine and her chemistry with Ross is off the charts sensual. Their growing emotional and physical attachment makes for entertaining reading.

Unfortunately, the plot takes a slight turn for the worse toward the end when Sophia undergoes an a disappointing character reversal - keeping secrets, telling lies and being all round weak and insipid. Where did the strong willed, independent and caring heroine of most of the book disappear to?

Despite this shortcoming and the fact that the twist in the tale is rather obvious, Lady Sophia’s Lover is a well-written and enjoyable read. Looking forward to the last book in the trilogy.

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

Space 28

by Kady Cross
Steampunk Chronicles #2
read 2/24/14 - 4 stars

As the second installment in the series, the characters are off to America to try to help their friend clear his name of murder. They are dragged back into the gang that set him up in the first place in order to get enough evidence to send the kingpin to prison. This is a pretty fun, easy to read hisotrical series. I like the juxtaposition of all the technology set in such an old-fashioned time. Steampunk has become an interesting genre for me to read. I did figure out the slight twist in the story early.

[Lauren]

Finished my book and updated post #133

[Sheila]

Thanks Lauren. I have heard of Lisa Kleypas but don't think I have ever read anything by her. Does she write mainly romances?

[Sheila]

I hope to finish my book today during the Olympics.

[Lauren]

Sheila wrote: "Thanks Lauren. I have heard of Lisa Kleypas but don't think I have ever read anything by her. Does she write mainly romances?"

Yes, she writes contemporary romance and historical romance. I've read both but her historical romances are better IMO.

The first book in this series is - it also has a pretty good suspense plot interwoven in the historical romance.

[Monica]

I have one of Lisa Kleypas books. , I haven't read it yet. One of the many books I need to read.

I am half way done my book. I should be able to finish it today.

[Monica]

Updated post #132!

[Sheila]

When I saw you were reading HP I almost suggested you listen to the audiobook. Jim Dale is a fantastic narrator. I've listened to the whole series.

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

I should be starting my book today. I was waiting to see if I could use it for my other team challenge if we roll the right number.

[Monica]

I have 3 books in Audio. I have the 3rd book which I will be doing next but will wait to see if we get to read a #3. I also have the 7th book in audio. I love listening to Jim Dale narrate these books. I am doing a re-read of the whole series this year.

[Sheila]

How is that working for you TC? I had thought about doing both but chickened out. You are probably doing fine since you are a speed reader.

Monica I think the odds are a 3 book will work. Isn't that the only choice from spot 28? The odds of rolling 12 two times in a row are pretty astronomical.

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

Sheila wrote: "How is that working for you TC? I had thought about doing both but chickened out. You are probably doing fine since you are a speed reader.

Monica I think the odds are a 3 book will work. Isn't ..."

It's working out better than I thought when I first signed up. I was a little worried about having to make sure I had enough numbers for both sets, but so far I can match up books about every other week if I time it right. With the two rolls per week in the other group, both sets are around the same place over the weekend. (it also helps that my weekend is Sun/Mon when I get a lot of my reading done)

It does help that I am a fast reader and if I really need to I can wait until the last day to read a book so that they will match up.

This may change later in the game depending on the randomness of the dice rolls.

[Monica]

Sheila I figure we have a good chance of getting a number in the 30's. I am hoping you don't roll a 12 again.

[Lauren]

Great review of HP, Monica. I love this series. Learn/see something new every time I re-read :0)

[Book Concierge]

UPDATED Message # 131 - book finished, rated & reviewed.

[Turtlecollector Dennis]

I should be finished with my book tonight.

[Sheila]

Wow everyone has read really fast this week.