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R7: SS "Last Page at Midnight" (3)
Roll 1 FridaySpot 12 ( option 1# in the Kanin Chronicles Series )
Frostfire ( by ) Amanda Hocking( r-f-Jan 17-18 )
Pagez ( 321 )
Rated 4 Stars
Review
What i really loved about this book was all the little details that made it so different from other YA'S i've read. I loved the world that was building in this story as well as learing about all the different types of trolls, i was impressed with it. The place where the trolls lived sounds gorgeous. The romance was my favorite kind, forbidden, although for me there was not enough of it and i was disappointed by the ending it seemed a little blunt.
Week #1 (Spot #12)
Read: Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell
Date: Jan 17, 2016
Criteria: #12 in the Scarpetta series
Rating: ★★★
Review: The series about Dr Kay Scarpetta used to be one of my favourites. Of the over 20 books in the series, many are excellent, whereas some are painfully slow. This one, which is #12, started out very slow but the last few hundred pages got a lot better. Once again, Dr Scarpetta investigates murder cases believed to be linked to Chandonne who is currently on death-row for a series of murder (ending with his attack on Scarpetta in the previous book). Chandonne is one of the scariest villains encountered in the Scarpetta series, and although Blow Fly is far from one of the best books in the series, it was a good read.
Week 1, Spot #12 Read:
by Laura KayeDate: January 16, 2016
Criteria: #2 in Hearts in Darkness
Rating: ★★★★
Review: Hearts in Darkness has been one of my favorite novellas since I first read it a few years ago. The characters and story were just fun and hot and made me smile. I just realized that the author had written a continuation of this couple's story, and she did a lovely job. This book is definitely much more serious that the first and for a refreshing change, the hero, Caden, is the one who has some long term issues to work through before he can be fully part of a couple. The book takes a serious and realistic look at clinical depression and PTSD and still gives you a picture of a strong man who is fighting through it and the woman who wants to be his support. I could have done without (view spoiler), which was an unnecessary cliche and my main reason for going with 4 instead of 5 stars. If you enjoyed the first book, the second doesn't disappoint.
Hey guys! We're just about through the (challenge) week as our next roll could be tomorrow night. I just wanted to check in with everyone and see how things are going!Sha, Shan, and Rosina- How are your books coming? Enjoying them? I hope so :D If you won't have your reviews in by tomorrow night, just let me know sometime before then. I won't wait up for the roll unless necessary, we can do it any time on Friday.
But! If we get them all in early, we earn our free pass so that's something to consider as well.
I hope everyone's having a great week!
I have about 60 pages left to read and will be done tonite....really enjoying my book
Excellent! I'm so glad you're enjoying it. It's always the worst to suffer through a book just for the sake of a challenge lol So that's good news.Thank you for updating! :D
I'm done. I just forgot to post last night. Will do so once I get to computer.
Book:Changing Course by Aly MartinezFinished: Jan 19th
How it qualifies: # 1 in the Wrecked and Ruined series
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Dear Brett,
Why did you put yourself through the unnecessary misery of staying tied to a woman who made it clear that she didn't love or want you anymore? Why were you about to screw up the best thing to ever happen to you for the same whack job mention before?
I am so glad you finally saw the light.
Okay readers, I loved Jesse. She was sweet and a little flakey sounding in the beginning, but once I got to know her I realized she was just sweet and a little shy, and trying to find her way in life.
Unfortunately, Jesse has the hots for sexy cop Brett, who happens to have a wife. All of this unbeknownst to my girl Jesse.
The wife/husband relationship is not the typical, as you can tell from my brief letter to Brett above, but a girl should get a chance to know the things before becoming invested in a man.
Don't get me wrong, it isn't that bad, the bad part is concerning the questions above.
Brett, was also a likable character, he had some issues that he hadn't really taken the time to deal with, but regardless he could not resist sweet Jesse.
It was a beautiful thing to see these two fall in love with one another, no matter the things they had to go through to get to their HEA.
I am really looking forward to the next book, especially if it is about Caleb, who I absolutely fell in love with in this book. Also I am hoping beyond hope that Cara gets her own story also.
This was a great start to what looks like a very promising series.
Week 1, Spot #12 
Tempting Danger - Eileen Wilks
#1 in The World of the Lupi series
Completed Jan 21/16
Rating: 5★
Review:
I loved this book!!....I have always been drawn to the werewolf world but this one now solidifies my love. It is such a believable world where werewolves and humans can coexist.
Lily Yu is a San Diego homicide cop and while on a case she meets Rule Turner - a Lupus (werewolf) - prince of the clan Nokolai. Rule is a suspect in her case but she soon realizes that he isn't guilty.
Lily has a gift, she is a sensitive. When she decides to clear Rule, she gets suspended from her job and she ends up helping the FBI's Magical Crimes Division, she continues to search for the killer that makes his victims appear to have been killed by a werewolf.
Lily finds out that she is the Chosen mate of Rule, a fact she has some trouble accepting. I liked the way the world building was presented bit by bit. I don't like a dump of world building in a first in series novel.
There is some nasty dark magic at work and a cult leader that Lily is looking for but she is having trouble locating him. I like the introduction of Chinese and Native American gods/mythology. I can see further story lines with those aspects involved.
The side characters are good as well. Lily's Grandmother is a bad ass tiger shifter. Cullen is a werewolf sorcerer mix. Lily's cat Dirty Harry - cats don't get along with werewolves.
Enjoyed it loved it!
Hi ladies!Just to keep you updated. The only review we are missing is Sha's. If I hear from her sometime before 10 pm I'll stay up and do the roll/make the post. If not, I will check back in first thing in the morning. If it's up, I'll do the post then. If not I will keep an eye on the thread all day and get it done as soon as we're able.
Hope everyone had a great week and has some good book options for the coming one!
Week 1 Spot 12Date Finished: 1/21/2016
Rating: ★★★★
The Racketeer by John Grisham- Stand AloneReview: I had every intention of starting Harry Potter (finally) but I picked up this book as an extra read and couldn't put it down! It's a bit different than Grisham's typical court-room drama and I simply love how he continues to reinvent the wheel. This lawyer is in jail for a crime he didn't commit. He knows how to get out of jail but is waiting for the right opportunity. His freedom, however, comes with a price. The twists and turns keep you guessing and I was impressed that Grisham was able to create such a unique scenario.
Week #2What We Rolled: 5
We Are On Spot: 17
What You Can Read:
- a stand alone novel
- #1 in a series
- #7 in a series
- #17 in a series
- a book set in Ohio
Cait- Crazy as Chocolate by Elisabeth Hyde :: Stand Alone :: Review
Joeera- Unearthly by Cynthia Hand :: #1 :: Review
Sha- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling :: #1 Review
Stacey- Masked by Moonlight by Nancy Gideon :: #1 :: Review
Maria Helena- The Missing by Chris Mooney :: #1 :: Review
Shan- Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare :: #1 :: Review
Rosina- Notorious by Iris Johansen :: #17 :: Review
Sorry the roll was a couple hours late, girls! I laid down for a nap and slept right through my alarm lolBook choice to come in the morning!
Alright, good morning proper this time! Not as big of a roll as last week but not bad either. I'll take it!This week I'm going to read The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken for the #1 option.
Wow, I'm impressed! I didn't think anyone would take that option lol That is a long series!
Cait wrote: "Wow, I'm impressed! I didn't think anyone would take that option lol That is a long series!"I was at the library last night and needed a fast read for a goal on NBRC TT game for tropical island.....I thought give it a try....its Iris Johansen early work....The series is based on the place not the characters....It does look like an interesting series.....it has contemporary romance, historical romance, mysteries in the series...
Ok- I'm really going to read
this time. :) 1st book in the Harry Potter series.
Mod
Yay!! Great job, everyone! So pleased we got that free pass right off.
I'm going to read Masked by Moonlight which is #1 in the Moonlight series by Nancy Gideon. Cait, I finished the Darkest Minds series earlier this year. I'll be interested to see what you think.
I will be reading 
( the 1# in the series)
Week #2 (Spot #17)
Read: The Missing by Chris Mooney
Date: Jan 23, 2016
Criteria: #1 in the Darby McCormick series
Rating: ★★★★
Review: This was so, so good! I could not put it down. It had everything you could wish for: great characters, a mystery full with twists and turns, and a villain that makes your skin crawl. I read a lot of crime novels, and for most of them, the main character is the detective investigating the case. In this series, the main character is a crime scene investigator. It's a pleasure to read such a well-written mystery with a strong, female lead. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Wow, you flew through that one! Great job :D I'm going to change my book choice for the week. The book I'm reading now is fairly long so I'm not sure I'd be able to squeeze in another almost 500 pager before the next roll. So swapping to Crazy as Chocolate for the stand alone option.
Week #2 (Spot #17)
Notorious - Iris Johansen
Finished Jan 23/16
How it fits: #17 Sedikhan series
Rating: 3★
Revew: This was a contemporary romantic suspense novel. This was written in 1990. The female MC Mallory - an actress was accused of killing her husband Ben. She was acquitted and decided to take a movie role far away from New York City and the tabloids. The owner of the movie company is Ben's half brother Sabin. He whisks her away to a foreign land under the pretense of having her rest before she starts the movie. He is in love with her. There is lots of back story plots. Reminded me of a soap opera. Iris is a pretty good romantic suspense writer today and I can see that this story could have been made into a mega novel with more suspense & drama as she writes today.
Week 2 Spot 17Date Finished: 1/23/2016
Rating: ★★★★★
1st Book Harry Potter's seriesReview: So, I do realize I am the last person on the planet to read this book and to review it is probably of no value. However, I will say that I gave this book 5 stars because Rowling is a bit of a genius. She really put together a very creative storyline. Harry Potter is a young boy, unaware of who he is and what he can do. She slowly peels back the onion just enough to reveal the basics while intriguing us enough to wonder what will happen in year 2. I enjoyed all of Potter's friends and the role each of them play. The relationship with his aunt and uncle is so sad but it's necessary for the sweet redemption bound to please later in the series. Overall, though a story for kids, it's easily an adult favorite and I look forward to the next one.
Week 2 ~ Spot 17Book:Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare
Finished: Jan 24th
How it qualifies: # 1 in the I-team series
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I absolutely loved this book. The smoking hot sex, the political intrigue, the mystery and suspense, it all added up to form one hell of a ride.
Kara is a kickass heroine and I love that we get to see her be tough, but sweet. Reece is all man, and being all man means he is not afraid to take a stand with or for his woman and he is also not afraid to show vulnerability with said woman.
The way the "meet", outside of a work setting is such a meet cute, but not in a I am so tired of seeing this happen sort of way, but it is f@@ing hilarious and totally hot.
The only reason this is not getting 5 whole stars is because I guessed some of the mystery and other things before they took place.
I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
Sha wrote: "Week 2 Spot 17Date Finished: 1/23/2016
Rating: ★★★★★
1st Book Harry Potter's seriesReview: So, I do realize I am the last person on the planet..."
It's such a great series! I'm happy you're finally reading it, and a bit jealous that you get to experience it for the first time.
If you like audiobooks, these are great. The American audiobook version is narrated by Jim Dale and he is absolutely amazing!
Ok! I may do some on audio. I definitely want to complete the series. :-)
Cait's Week 2 Review 
by Elisabeth HydeDate Finished: 1/24/2016
Rating: ★★★
This was my second book by Elisabeth Hyde, and while it cemented the fact that I definitely enjoy her as an author, it wasn't even close to as incredible as the first. Which I suppose I should have known, seeing as how that book was immediately added to my all time favorites shelf.
For such a sad story with such heart breaking details, I found I couldn't really connect with any of the characters. None of them struck a chord of sympathy with me at all. Honestly, I found the whole lot of them mostly unbearable, especially the main character's husband. Everyone came across very self centered and whiney. Just not that enjoyable. Thankfully the book was short enough that it didn't grate on my nerves too much.
I will definitely continue reading the author's novels but this one goes in the "mostly forgettable" pile for me.
Roll 2 Friday. ( 1# the Unearthly Series )Spot 17
Unearthly ( by )Cynthia HandRated 5
( r-f-Jan 23-24 )
Review
This book is a sweet, fun, effortless read. It is very well written with witty dialogue, set in a beautiful enviornment with likeable characters. There is a terrific courtship that's blessedly normal and very appealing
Off to work will post my review when i get back
Great job this week, everyone! We got those reviews in quick. Our next roll is tomorrow night and right now we are only missing Stacey, so that's excellent. Here's hoping for another big number week!
I should be finished tonight and will have my post by tomorrow morning at the latest. I'm feeling a bit like a slacker. ;)
Not at all! You're doing fantastic :) I had a short book this week so that's the only reason I was done quick lol
Week 2, Spot 17
by Nancy Gideon.Date Finished: 1/27
Rating: ★★
Criteria: #1 in the By Moonlight Series
I feel like I should have liked this one a lot more than I did. The heroine is a cop--and I enjoyed her character and her story. The hero is a mob enforcer turned mob boss and I liked him and his story. Somehow though, I really didn't like the two of them together. Their relationship was painful with on/off/on/off and with serious obstacles that I'm still not sure how the author is planning to work around. And to be honest, I still am not sure why these two "love" each other--other than he thinks she's hot, and he makes her feel safe. Maybe its my fault for expecting a PNR when it looks like its going to be more of a long running series centered around these 2 characters--which I guess puts it more in the Urban Fantasy genre. For whatever reason, I'm going to have to think hard before continuing the series.
Yay, we're all done for this turn!
Great job everyone! Hope we have a good roll this week.
Week #3What We Rolled: 4
We Are On Spot: 21
What You Can Read:
- a stand alone novel
- #1 in a series
- #2 in a series
- #21 in a series
- a title beginning with W
Cait- The End Games by T. Michael Martin :: Stand Alone :: Review
Joeera- Hallowed by Cynthia Hand :: #2 :: Review
Sha- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr :: Stand Alone :: Review
Stacey- Blood Kiss by J.R. Ward :: #1 :: Review
Maria Helena- The Last Minute by Jeff Abbott :: #2 :: Review
Shan- The Will by Kristen Ashley :: #1 :: Review
Rosina- Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran :: Stand Alone :: Review
Well definitely not the big roll we were hoping for :/ Sorry girls! On the upside: lots of options for books! Choice to come in the morning for me.
I am going to read a stand alone.
The Challenge Factory
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Date Finished: 1/16/2016
Rating: ★★★
Review:
That was really very good. I can see where all the hype comes from. The writing is simple but incredibly moving, very jarring and heartfelt. The voices blend together seamlessly despite the sudden transitions. I really can't complain at all about how the book was written.
But that being said, it's almost unbearably sad. Even now after the end and knowing everything that happened and why and what happens later... I'm just bummed out. I found the book to be overwhelmingly depressing and had I known that, I'm not sure I would have read it.