R2: Serial Killers (5)

[jingles]

I finally found my book. I will read Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear.

[Jody]

Me too! I actually started Cutting for Stone (2009) for about the 20th time and still could not do it. So, I am going with a quick romance novel as I am on a plane to Glasgow on Thursday so it will be the perfect time to finish it even with my late start....

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. (2009)

[Teresa]

Have a safe trip!!!

[~Leslie~]

Oh, Jody - I did love that book, but it's not for everyone. But the one you've chosen is one of my all time favorite HR's!! Can't wait to hear what you think of it.
Enjoy your trip!

I started my book today. Should be a pretty quick read.

And by the way - I had a wonderful time with family and friends! I miss my home so much!

[❀Tea❀]

Have a nice trip Jody.

That was great book.


Mine is going slowly. I'm just not in the mood for it. *sigh*
Shame, I really liked that series and was looking forward to this one.

[jingles]

I'm sorry team, but I am really struggling this week, so I thought I'd better give a heads up.

I had originally planned to read E is for Evidence by Sue Grafton, which is #5 in a series. For some reason I missed the updates and didn't realize about the re-roll until yesterday. Then I decided on Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear, which is #4 in a series, but I discovered I couldn't get it from the library after all.

So, I'm back to square one with no book to read that is not close to the 400 page mark. With work and real life, I'm not sure I can get that many pages read and a review posted by the deadline we like to meet on Thursday. It will probably be more like late Friday.

I just wanted to give a heads up so you would know :(

[Teresa]

I am so sorry for the re-roll messing everybody up this week. It is entirely my fault for jumping the gun.

Jingles, don't feel bad. We can us our free pass and skip needing our reviews this week if you need. Just let me know.

[jingles]

Teresa, it's not you at all :) I promise. It's all me. I just missed the update, which had I been checking the thread every day (like I should have), I wouldn't have missed it.

I'll keep the free pass in mind, but I will also try to avoid it :)

Thanks for being so helpful and understanding, and please don't think I was fussing. I just wanted you all to know I might not make that Thursday deadline :)

[Teresa]

You're not fussing at all Jingles! And you have until midnight on Friday to read. I'm sure none of us mind waiting a little longer to get our roll if it means you get to finish your book :) thank you for the heads up!

[❀Tea❀]

Spot 46



Title: Sugar and Iced
Author: Jenn McKinlay
Series: Cupcake Bakery Mystery #6
Read date: 29.05.14
Rating: ★★★ (barley)
Review:
First I'd like to say that I really wasn't in the mood to read this book. (Or I hope so. Because if not, I'm really disappointed.) So that can judge my opinion of this book.
I really liked this series. OK, I started reading it when I was in cozy-foody-mystery mood, but I continued it even after.
For mystery book, I had a feeling mystery is in the background. Yeah, somebody did get killed, and our amateur sleuth did found killer (by accident not because she was looking of her/him). They were more involved in business part and relationship part than what mystery book was supposed to be. Even cozy.

Going through my notes about previous books and after this one, I'm sad to say I'm done with this series.

[~Leslie~]

Week 6: #6 in a series

5/29/14 3.5★
Review:
Enjoyable entry into this light, historical paranormal series. The characters from New Orleans were actually the most unbelievable part of the story. But it was a fun, easy read though sometimes a little confusing with all the many different characters from the previous books visiting. Felt a little rushed at times.

[Teresa]

I am off to bed as I will not be rolling tonight :) Jody and Jingles, whenever you get done tomorrow is fine as long as you give me notice if I'm to use our free pass! Happy reading and goodnight...

[jingles]

NO CHANCE, WEEK 6
BOOK = SERIES BOOK #4

No Chance|Christy Reece


Read from 05/28/14 - 05/30/14
Rating: ★★★

Brief Review
Gabe and Skylar met at a private resort 8 years ago, fell in love immediately, and soon married. Now, just as Gabe decides it's finally time for them both to be permanently free of each other (via divorce), Skylar is kidnapped and held for ransom. Being a Last Chance Rescue operative having performed such rescue tasks in the past, he is the only one who can get Skylar out alive.

What I liked: I liked the idea of the story line, and I liked Gabe. I liked Skylar from time to time.

What I didn't like: Christy Reece has proven to be hit or miss with me. I know she is a good writer who appeals to many. Much of my problem often comes in with the development of the characters, and this time is no different. There were times when I absolutely didn't like Skylar at all. My other issue was the overwhelmingly controlling father. That is where the story seemed to focus, rather than on the romance.

Overall it was a 3 star read for me, and I'm too far into the series to stop now--otherwise, I might just entertain that thought.

[Teresa]

jingles wrote: "
NO CHANCE, WEEK 6

BOOK = SERIES BOOK #4

No Chance|Christy Reece


Read from 05/28/14 - 05/30/14
Rating: ★★★


Brief Review

Gabe ..."

Yay, you made it!! Now just waiting on Jody :)

[jingles]

Yeah, I got more reading time in yesterday and last night than I thought I would :)

[~Leslie~]

Way to go, Jingles!

[Jody]

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie
Week 6
4*

I am sorry this has to be short. I am traveling with limited internet.

Entertaining read. The storyline was both annoyingly silly and unique (quite a feet in this genre). But, as is the case with most romance novels, suspension of belief is often required so, what the heck... Unusual twist for the hero plus steamy sex scenes - count me in. Lol

I did listen to the audio version of this book and found the narrator annoying. I did not count that against the book itself but I would advise avoiding the audiobook.

Jody

[Teresa]

yay Jody!!!

[Teresa]

Week 7
Rolled: 2+6=8 Space:46=6=54 Requirements: 5,4, Title: R

Reviews: Finished Friday 06/06/14
✓ Teresa - A Matter of Time, Vol. 2 (4th) Review 03/06/14
✓ Tea - The Raider (R title) - Review 03/06/14
✓ ~Leslie~ - Shadowdance (4th) - Review 03/06/14
✓ Jingles - Catch Your Breath (4th)- Review 02/06/14
✓ Jody - The Rosie Project (r title) Review 06/06/14

[Teresa]

Week 7: Book: A Matter of Time, Vol. 2 by Mary Calmes, (4th) 298 pgs

[~Leslie~]

Nice review, Jody!! Good to know about the audio version.

Way to go on another great roll, Teresa!

I'm still putting together my June books so I'm not sure what I'm reading.

[jingles]

I will be reading Catch Your Breath, which I just won from Netgalley. Just in time :)

[Teresa]

jingles wrote: "I will be reading Catch Your Breath, which I just won from Netgalley. Just in time :)
"

Free is always good!! Congrats on your win!

[Jody]

Here is my book this week: (R) The Rosie Project

[❀Tea❀]

I'll read (The Raider) by Monica McCarty. Title with R

Sorry, I'm using app on tablet so I can't (and don't know how to) link.

[~Leslie~]

Oh, that's such a sweet book - Jody!

[jingles]

CATCH YOUR BREATH, WEEK #7
BOOK = 4TH IN SERIES

Catch Your Breath|Shannyn Schroeder


Read: 06/01/14
Rating: ★★★

Brief Review
This is a cute story about Moira O'Leary and Jimmy O'Malley. They've known each other since they were kids, and Moira has had a secret crush on Jimmy for along time. Jimmy has been avoiding Moira for years because she is his best friend's little sister.

Now they find themselves caught up in an undercover operation involving Chicago's high society...she as the reporter, he as the detective. As things heat up on the task force, Jimmy is forced to push Moira away.

What I liked: It's just the right amount of angst and steam.

What I didn't like: Sometimes there was no clear dialogue separation, making it difficult to follow who was speaking. Also, transition from one character to another was not always smooth.

Overall it was a cute story.

[Teresa]

Week 7: Book: A Matter of Time, Vol. 2 by Mary Calmes, (4th) 298 pgs

Review

1 star

Looking at all of the other reviews, I am in the minority with my rating on this book. Honestly, if it wasn't for a challenge, I wouldn't have finished this half way through book 3 (I hate not finishing books). I couldn't stand Sam's caveman alpha male "I want you so I will have you" despite Jory's protests. Plus I found Jory to be annoying and weak. The whole 3 year separation thing was handled strangely and it felt disjointed.

Book four was a little more enjoyable with the mystery at the beginning but went down hill with idiotic super sleuth Jory. I also had the culprit figured out near the start, and I am not that good at mysteries. Utter ridiculousness ensued. I could say more but I know it is a favourite of some and I don't want to tear it to pieces. I feel mean right now, it would not be pretty. Gah!

[❀Tea❀]

Spot 54



Title: The Raider
Author: Monica McCarty
Series: Highland Guard #8 - alternative
Read date: 03.06.14
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
I missed this guys. Sadly, with every book in series there is less interaction between Guard (well, they are married now :P)
OK. What is the worst thing that could happen to Highlander in war with England? Fall in love with Englishwoman. ☺ Could it be worse? Yes it could. Lady in question is sister of his biggest nemesis. :P
Meet Rosalin 'the Fair'. As sixteen-year-old she fell in love with her brother's prisoner and helped him (and his friends) escape. Later she found out who he is and still living in 'fairytale' she believes that her love can change him and make him stop doing what he's doing (raiding, stealing, burning villages,...)
Robbie is hardened warrior, strongest man in Scotland (proved that in many Highland Games), started in battles under William Wallace (Freeeedoooom! *sorry couldn't resist* :P) and later continuing under Bruce. He's part of Bruce's phantom guard (few selected men with certain skills wracking havoc with English) and hates everything English including his guard-partner. And now certain Lady is causing him troubles, because she's English and he certainly can't be attracted to anything English.
It was good book. Can't wait for next one (two more months). ☺

[~Leslie~]

Sorry, I missed the post where this week's roll was listed. I am reading and it is #4 in the series.

Tea, just recently finished The Raider and loved it. I love that whole series.

[~Leslie~]

Week 7: Spot 54 #4 in a series

6/3/14 4.5 ★
Review:I absolutely loved this book. My only complaint is that the tension between Jack Trent and Mary Chase went on just a tad too long. But other than that, I was totally engrossed in this big, dark (very dark), intense book. Mary and Jack have had an intense love-hate relationship and in this one they are forced to work together to catch a killer. Jack is the ultimate tortured hero and Mary is quite the tortured heroine as well. But when these two finally come together (finally!!) it is amazing and lovely and heart pounding sexy. The storyline is intense and gripping and the world that Callihan has created is amazing. Can't wait for the next one to come out!

[❀Tea❀]

~Leslie~ wrote: "Tea, just recently finished The Raider and loved it. I love that whole series. "

It's great series. And covers are pretty to look at *grins*
I'd read it sooner, but I was waiting for #8 to roll. That number keeps escaping me :P

Have you read other series by her?

[~Leslie~]

Yes, I've read everything she's written. I really love the way she combines romance with solid historical story. And you are so right, her covers are great! She is a very down to earth person as well. Really interesting to talk with.

[Teresa]

❀Tea❀ wrote: "~Leslie~ wrote: "Tea, just recently finished The Raider and loved it. I love that whole series. "

It's great series. And covers are pretty to look at *grins*
I'd read it sooner, but I was waiting ..."

Good thing R title came up!!

[Jody]

Review The Rosie Project

5 stars

First a confession, I have not quite finished the book. I get on a transatlantic flight in a few hours and it doesn't land until after midnight pacific time so I am doing the review now. I will finish the book on the flight.

Review: I loved this book. It is so quirky and light-hearted and fun. It was just a complete delight. The main character has Aspergers and has decided to find a mate. He is also a scientist. Think Sheldon Cooper of Big Bang Theory but a bit more worldly. His observations and quirkiness are fun without being exhausting. I giggled, out loud, on several occasions and read with a smile on my face most of the rest of the time. A great book for a light, delightful read. I am looking forward to wrapping it up on my flight.

[Teresa]

Thanks Jody!!

[Teresa]

Week 8
Rolled: 1+4=5 Space: 54+5=59 Requirements: 5, 9 Paperback

Reviews:Finished Thursday 12/06/14
✓ Teresa - Duty & Devotion (paperback) Review 07/06/14
✓ Tea - One Grave Less (9th) - Review 12/06/14
✓ ~Leslie~ - Bitten (paperback) - Review 11/06/14
✓ Jingles - It Happened One Wedding - Review (5th) 10/06/14
✓ Jody - In a Sunburned Country (paperback) Review 10/06/14

[~Leslie~]

I'll be reading 434 pages kindle version
It was shelved 30 times as paperback

[Teresa]

I am having a hard time finding a book this week!!

[Teresa]

I think I will go with , 234 pgs, shelved paperback once

[Jenne]

I posted this in the discussion thread but thought I'd post it on each team's thread too.

All teams in post 4 of their thread have the winning alternates under the spoiler tag. They've been randomly selected and I'll post the list here too. So for any newbies to win you have to roll past 75, you can read the # you'd be on i.e. land on 89 you can read and 8th or a 9th or the new alternate.
76.Color: Pink
77. Location: Texas
78. Title: K
79. Location: France
80. 2007
81. Location: Italy
82. Color: Red
83. Title: C
84. Title: D
85. Title: P
86. Location: New Mexico
87. Lol

Here's an update on each team after the last roll:

1: 64
2: 71
3: 58
4: 51
5: 59
6: 67
7: 61
8: 70
9: 71
10: 58
11: 69
12: 64
13: 62

Teams 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 11, & 12 have the potential to go out next week.

[Teresa]

Well team, it would take a miracle for us to win but it's been fun! I'm still going to try for twelve next week and secretly hope the other teams roll snake eyes :P

[❀Tea❀]

Teresa wrote: "I'm still going to try for twelve next week and secretly hope the other teams roll snake eyes :P"

That's the spirit. :P
Maybe we could load their dice?

[❀Tea❀]

I'm gonna finish the series.
Reading (One Grave Less) by Beverly Connor - 9th in series

[~Leslie~]

I'll be reading my book regardless of whether we win. It's been fun, though!!

[Jody]

My book this week is a re-read, but a simple delight and good for my extensive travel this week.


In a Sunburned Country (paperback)

[Teresa]

Week 8 , 234 pgs,

3.5 Stars - Overall, I liked this much better than the first book, though I felt parts of it were just a rehash of the original; The major conflict was still Evan with himself. I found the second chapter from Jim's pov odd and out of place. The threat of the grandparents unnecessary drama, although I could see how it pushed Evan into looking at his feelings. I loved how Matt stepped up and enjoyed the romantic parts of the story.

I should mention, I never read book two, which is why the stuff about Griffin and Jim didn't matter to me in the least.

[~Leslie~]

I'll be finished with my book sometime today and post tonight.
It's been fun playing with y'all!! I'll be traveling today and will be checking in sporadically during the week. Enjoy your week!

[Jody]

Review In a Sunburned Country (paperback)

5 stars

I love this book and I love Bill Bryson. As travel-writers go, he is the best of the best. His humor, sarcasm, and perspective on the world around him is priceless. There is little from him that I don't find to be a complete delight but this book in particular is probably my favorite. I see another Bryson re-read in my near future!

Jody

[jingles]

IT HAPPENED ONE WEDDING, WEEK #8
BOOK = 5TH IN SERIES

It Happened One Wedding|Julie James - 06/10/14


Read from 06/09/14 - 06/10/14
Rating: ★★★

Brief Review
Sidney has just moved back to her hometown of Chicago to take over the management of a private investment firm, and survived and engagement break up three years earlier, she's steering clear of those over-confident men. FBI Agent, Vaughn Roberts is just the type she doesn't need to be around. Unfortunately, he is also the brother to her sister's future husband, so avoiding him is out of the question.

Sparks fly, Sidney falls for Vaughn, and Vaughn nabs the bad guys. All nice and tidy.

What I liked: After getting a little ways into the story, I started liking Sidney. It took me a bit longer to warm up to Vaughn.

What I didn't like: While I understood Sidney's plight, after a while it got old, the constant reminders of the broken engagement and humiliation. It felt like she wasn't moving on, but more like stagnating in a pity party. Vaughn as too over-confident for me.

Over all, I like this book better than I did book #4--though I know I'm in the minority here.