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R7: SS "Four the Love of Books" (4)
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LaurLa
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Jan 29, 2016 03:43AM
Just waiting on Dragana's review :-)
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LaurLa wrote: "Just waiting on Dragana's review :-)"Sorry I am late. I hope not too late? I finished reading the book but my mother came for an unexpected visit and I didn't have enough time to write the review.
Review will be up soon.
Week 2 / Spot 12
How it fits: #1 in Blood Destiny series
Finished: 28. Jan.
Rating: 5 stars
A friend recommended Blood Wager to me while it was a Kindle freebie, so I downloaded it. Honestly, I didn't have high expectations. Cover and summary sounded like generic same-old urban fantasy novel.
So imagine my surprise when I ended up enjoying Blood Wager a lot. It's not one of those books that hit you with action, emotions or humor. I can't put my finger really on that one thing that I made it a 5-star read, but I am giving it for daring to be different. For having:
+ Mature (40 something year old) heroine (Lissa).
+ Cooking. I love food descriptions!
+ Instead on action, romance or how awesome she is, it's focused on Lissa's emotions and feelings. Becoming vampire is a big shock.
Some minor flaws that irked me a bit:
- When bitten, Lissa is instantly transformed into super-model wonder-woman.
- All males are insanely gorgeous and attracted to her.
For an urban fantasy novel Blood Wager was surprisingly realistic and down-to-earth. There is a lot of action crammed into these pages, but the thing that most impressed me was Lissa and how she handled vampire-transformation.
Recommended,even when it's not free. ;)
Dragana wrote: "LaurLa wrote: "Just waiting on Dragana's review :-)"Sorry I am late. I hope not too late? I finished reading the book but my mother came for an unexpected visit and I didn't have enough time to w..."
No problem! I will go roll now and put up our reviews!
Week 2: Rolled 5 +2 ==> 7Spot 12: standalone, #1, #2 or #12 in series; Alternate Title L
LaurLa
Book: Taken by the Cowboy - Julianne MacLean
Review: post 76
Dragana
Book: Blood Wager - Connie Suttle
Review: post 103
Melanie
Book: Thin Ice - Irene Hannon
Review: post 100
Megan
Book: So Not Happening - Jenny B. Jones
Review: post 99
Delitealex
Book: Sweep in Peace - Ilona Andrews
Review: post 77
Dominique
Book: The Dragon's Path - Daniel Abraham
Review: post 91
Week 3: Rolled 5+1 ==> 6New Spot: 18
1 in series or standalone
8 in series
18 in series
Alternative: Cover: Gray/Silver
Week 3Spot: 18
#1 in series
Broken Promise
Finished: February 1, 2016
Rating: 5 stars
David Harwood comes back home to Promise Falls to get a job at the newpaper to spend more time with his son Ethan. On his first day the paper closes and find himself with time on his hand. Not only does he not have a job but is living with his parents.
One day, his mother asks him to go drop some food at his cousin's Marla's place. Once there, he finds Marla with a baby. Marla lost her baby 10 months ago, so does this child belongs to.
The mother`s child is murdered and Marla ask David to help he prove that she didn`t do it, that an angel dropped the baby at her house for her to take care of.While David is trying to piece the puzzle, strange things are happening in Promise Falls and family secrets are coming out.
A fast-paced page turner, very chapter ends in a cliff-hanger. Suspense and action through out the book.This author never disappoints.
I'm not sure what I'll read -- lots of options. :)
I'm not sure either... need to finish up some January Challenge books, so will probably not make a choice until Monday...
Not sure what I'll be reading yet, but will let you know once I decide. :)
Roll 3: 5 + 1 ==> 6Spot 18: standalone, 1 in series, 8 in series; Alternate: Cover: Gray/Silver
Book: Ceremony In Death - J.D. Robb
How it fits: Gray cover
Pages: 336
I'm 41% done with my book. Should have it finished tonight.
Roll 3: 5 + 1 ==> 6Spot 18: standalone, 1 in series, 8 in series; Alternate: Cover: Gray/Silver
How it fits: 1st in series
Finished 2/3/16
4 stars
Review: Second time reading this and I enjoyed it again this time around. I loved how the ending leaves you with such a cliffhanger that you are eager to start the next book (which I'll be reading soon!) and I also just found the story interesting. I think I liked the book a bit more the first time I read it, but that's probably because everything was new to me then. A good read.
Week 3 spot 18
by Meg CabotHow it fits: #1 in series
Finished: 2/3
Rating: 4 stars (3.5)
Review
I liked Jess and seeing how see got herself out of trouble. I enjoyed the humor and shenanigans with the government. I can't wait to continue on with the series to find out how Jess continues to handle her power. I didn't like this as much as I do the Mediator series.
Week 3 / Spot 18
How it fits: #1 in Master of Crows series
Finished: 01. Feb.
Rating: 3 stars
Recently I have read Radiance by Grace Draven and absolutely loved it. So Master of Crows had pretty big shoes to fill. Maybe it was not a bad book, but I could not help and compare it to Radiance while reading and it fell short every time.
Why Master of Crows was worse than Radiance?
- Main male character, Silhara, was a jerk.
- I didn't feel the romance.
- It was more gross and darker in mood.
- Some facts were repeated too many times (for example: Cael's smell).
- All the descriptions about Silhara's flowing hair didn't do nothing for me.
- Main female character just kinda blended into a background and didn't leave any lasting impression on me.
- Second half of the book was too erotic and didn't match first pure-fantasy part of the book.
Master of Crows was (maybe) not a bad book. If I have read it before, maybe I would have loved it more. But it's a big maybe...
Week 3Spot: 18
Book: Play With Me by Anna Katmore
How it fits: #1 in the Grover Beach Team series
Pages: 237
Finished: 2/2
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review:
This book was a very fast read, but I thought it was an enjoyable story. Liza was, for the most part, a very likable character, though there were moments when I thought she was too clingy. Both guys in the story were nice, I felt she couldn't go wrong with either of them. All in all a cute ya romance, but would only recommend it for adults and older teens.
I'm going to have to change my book ;-( RL killed me this week so didn't get the book I originally chose finished. Luckily one I read earlier in the week still fits! Will post review shortly.
Roll 3: 5 + 1 ==> 6Spot 18: standalone, 1 in series, 8 in series; Alternate: Cover: Gray/Silver
Book: Getting Rid Of Bradley - Jennifer Crusie
How it fits: standalone
Pages: 256
Read: 02.02
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
This was an old reread for me and Jennifer Crusie is pretty dang close to the top of my favorite author list, if not at the top, but that doesn't mean the 5 stars was a gimme. But reading it again, it held up for me. The heroine was just flighty enough to be cute and feisty enough to not be a pushover. I loved the interactions with the hero - who was also just the right mix of alpha and protector. The suspense story line was a little hard to follow at times but then I think that's because it was meant to be as confusing to us as the detectives (one of whom is our hero). As always with Jennifer Crusie, this book left me feeling like I just wanted to hug it!
Week 3: Rolled 5 +1 ==> 6Spot 18: standalone, #1, #8 or #18 in series; Alternate Cover: Gray/Silver
LaurLa
Book: Getting Rid Of Bradley - Jennifer Crusie
Review: post 120
Dragana
Book: Master of Crows - Grace Draven
Review: post 117
Melanie
Book: Storm Siren - Mary Weber
Review: post 115
Megan
Book: Play With Me - Anna Katmore
Review: post 118
Delitealex
Book: When Lightning Strikes - Meg Cabot
Review: post 116
Dominique
Book: Broken Promise - Linwood Barclay
Review: post 107
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't "standalone" only an option if we are on a spot with a 1 or 0? ;)
Melanie wrote: "Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't "standalone" only an option if we are on a spot with a 1 or 0? ;)"sorry, forgot to delete that. thanks for catching.
Roll 4: 5 + 5 ==> 10Spot 28: 2 in series, 8 in series; Alternate: Amazing shelf list
Book: Wicked Cravings
How it fits: 2 in The Phoenix Pack
Pages: 389
Week 4: Rolled 5+5 ==> 10New Spot: 28
Alternative: Amazing
Finished: February 10, 2016
Rating: 5 stars
This is a romance story but more than that, it's a zombie romance. This one is particular because it's 'R' the zombie who is telling the story. He doesn't remember how he became a zombie but he knows he's different than the others. He talks and listens to music and when he eats the brains of his victims he remembers a part of their lives.
During a hunt he meets Julie, he doesn't want to eat her but he wants to save her. He starts to bound with her and something inside of his zombie body changes.
Not only this is a romance book but also a post-apocalyptic tale and the questionning what would happen to humanity if we lost it all.
Well written, funny and sweet at the same time.
I'm reading
#2 in local foods mystery series
I'm going to read
. #2 in 'Elder Races' series.
I'm going to read Siren's Fury (The Storm Siren Trilogy #2) or Mr. Monk and the Dirty Cop (Mr. Monk #8), depending on which I finish first :)
Roll 4: 5 + 5 ==> 10Spot 28: 2 in series, 8 in series; Alternate: Amazing shelf list
Book: Wicked Cravings
How it fits: 2 in The Phoenix Pack
Pages: 389
Read: 02.07
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
This was a nice second act for the series, not really the couple I thought would be focused on from the first though. This one was about the Beta of the pack and a new member who joined as a result of the challenge from the first book. What I am finding interesting about these books is that the stories are about how these shifters handle/overcome problems with their wolves. They have to deal with the regular human baggage we all bring to relationships but also have to deal with issues regarding their wolves and how that affects their place in shifter culture. I like that they aren't perfect specimans - as humans or as wolves! Looking forward to the next...
Roll 4: 5 + 5 ==> 10Spot 28: 2 in series, 8 in series; Alternate: Amazing shelf list
How it works: 2nd in series
Read: 2/6/16
4 stars
Siren's Fury was a good follow-up to Storm Siren. It did take a little bit for me to get into this story, even though it started really well and continued right where book one ended (which was great). I just found myself confused as to what was all happening for a while. ;)
I'm glad that Siren's Fury didn't have that big of a cliffhanger ending. While it did make me want to read the final book, I'm not left anxious like I was with the first one.
Overall, a good read. If you enjoy fantasy novels, I think you'll like this book. You definitely need to read the first book before this one as everything is connected.
*I received a complimentary e-book copy for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Roll 4Spot 28
by Edith MaxwellHow it fits: #2 in the Local foods Mystery Series
Finished: 2/8
Rating: 4 stars
Review
A great addition to the Local foods Mystery series. Still loving Cam and all her geekiness. I also enjoyed Sim and really hope to see her more in the series. Lucinda is another of my favorite characters she's so fierce and funny. The mystery had me guessing and rethinking over and over. The romance is definitely not going in the direction I first thought it was giong. I liked the ending and can't wait to get to the next book.
Almost done, will leave review on thursday.
Week 24 / Spot 28
How it fits: #2 in Elder Races series
Finished: 8. Feb.
Rating: 3 stars
Protective, silent, dangerous hero who is old as Earth herself. ✓
Cute, fragile heroine who is tough as nails on the inside. ✓
Insta-love of the mates variety. ✓
Complex world of Elder races. ✓
Kidnappings, assassinations attempt and tricky politics. ✓
Storm's Heart is proof that following the same formula might not always give you same results. It was not bad, but I didn't like main couple as much as I did in Dragon Bound. I guess dragons are my weak spot. ;)
Week 4Spot: 28
Book: Mr. Monk and the Dirty Cop by Lee Goldberg
How it fits: #8 in the Mr. Monk series
Pages: 288
Finished: 2/11
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This read like a typical Monk episode. There were some hilarious scenes, the Chinatown one in particular, that made the story fun to read. My criteria for these type of books is that the main characters should seem like the on-screen ones, and this book did that. If you like the show, you should enjoy this novel.
Week 4: Rolled 5 + 5 ==> 10Spot 28: #2, #8 or #28 in series; Alternate: Amazing list
LaurLa
Book: Wicked Cravings - Suzanne Wright
Review: post 130
Dragana
Book: Storm's Heart - Thea Harrison
Review: post 134
Melanie
Book: Siren's Fury - Mary Weber
Review: post 131
Megan
Book: Mr. Monk and the Dirty Cop - Lee Goldberg
Review: post 135
Delitealex
Book: 'Til Dirt Do Us Part - Edith Maxwell
Review: post 132
Dominique
Book: Warm Bodies - Isaac Marion
Review: post 126
Week 5: Rolled 5+4 ==> 9New Spot: 37
3 in series
7 in series
37 in series (anyone?)
Alternate - Title B
Week 5: Rolled 5+4 ==> 9New Spot: 37
Alternate - Title B"
Finished 02/16/16
3 stars
The premise of the story was good but it lacked the suspense and the chill I was expecting. Really monotone dialogue, no real action and the ending didn't explain anything as to what happened, left me dissatisfied .
I'm going to use the alternate and read The Body in the Woods by April Henry. :)
Roll 5: 5 + 4 ==> 9Spot 37: 3 in series, 7 in series; Alternate: Title B
Book: This is Who I Am
How it fits: 7 in Masters of the Shadowlands series
Pages: 428
I can't wait to get started on this one!! I've been dying for us a to get a roll it would work on - woohoo!!
Roll 5: 5 + 4 ==> 9Spot 37: 3 in series, 7 in series; Alternate: Title B
How it works: title starts with "B"
Finished 2/14/16
3.5 stars
Review: A fun mystery! I really liked the main characters -- they were a great group of friends.
The murder mystery was interesting and definitely creepy at times. I liked the ending and plan on continuing the series. :)
*I received a complimentary eBook copy for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Roll 5Spot 37
by Phaedra WeldonHow it fits: #3 in series
Read: 2/15
Rating: 4 stars
Review
Definitely loving this series. Samantha is still trying to get the clerics to undo the warlocking she got during her last case. Werewolves are added to the mix seemingly to much surprise from Samantha. I enjoy the bond between Grey and Samantha also with Kyle and Ivan. I can't wait to find out what Detective Crwys is. Still loving the world with the addition of Ceremonial Magicians and what they are all about.
Week 5 / Spot 37
How it fits: #3 in Parasitology series
Finished: 16. Feb.
Rating: 3 stars
Parasitology series is less scary and thought-provoking with every book.
Chimers is the last piece of the story and although something is always happening and Sal manages to pull of required number of miraculous escapes, it all felt same-old same-old.
Like nothing really new and significant happened.
The only refreshing thing in the story was Fishy and his conviction that real life is actually a video game.
I expected the story to end with bigger bang or impact or deeper message. :(
Roll 5: 5 + 4 ==> 9Spot 37: 3 in series, 7 in series; Alternate: Title B
Book: This is Who I Am
How it fits: 7 in Masters of the Shadowlands series
Pages: 428
Read: 02.17
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
I love this series. The heroine, Linda, was trying to not only heal from being kidnapped into the sex slave trade but also accept that she had a need for masochism. This was a lot to work through and I thought the author handled this really well. In the end, this is a book of fiction for entertainment, so was it totally realistic in how a victim like Linda would react? I don't know but I do know that it didn't feel like she was pushing Linda's character in ways she wouldn't actually go.
Sam, the hero, had some of his own baggage and I thought that his need to help and be there for Linda helped him work through some of his own issues.
As always. the smexy was off the charts but emotional too - that's probably what I love most about this series. It's BDSM/erotic but still a romance!
Week 5: Rolled 5 + 4 ==> 9Spot 37: #3, #7 or #37 in series; Alternate: Title B
LaurLa
Book: This is Who I Am - Cherise Sinclair
Review: post 146
Dragana
Book: Chimera - Mira Grant
Review: post 145
Melanie
Book: The Body in the Woods - April Henry
Review: post 143
Megan
Book: A Reason to Stay - Kellie Coates Gilbert
Review: post 148
Delitealex
Book: Elemental Moon - Phaedra Weldon
Review: post 144
Dominique
Book: Bird Box - Josh Malerman
Review: post 139
Week 5Spot: 37
Book: A Reason to Stay by Kellie Coates Gilbert
How it fits: #3 in the Texas Gold series
Pages: 336
Finished: 2/19
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
I loved this book! I was actually very surprised by how quickly I got invested in the story. The story is told in both current time and flashback scenes, which could've been annoying or strange but worked great and I thought made the story even more interesting...considering the circumstances. Faith was a good character. I loved watching her grow. Also learning more about her, why she was the way she was, was very interesting. Geary was a good character too. I loved his devotion to his wife, though he did have a couple moments where he could've behaved better I thought those times made the story realistic. Other wonderful characters were Geary's family, they were just a lot of fun. It was interesting, but not surprising, to learn the story was based off a real life event (since I thought of that particular event while reading). All in all, I think this is a story anyone who enjoys contemporary Christian fiction would enjoy.
Week 6: Rolled 4+2 ==> 6New Spot: 43
4 in series
3 in series
Alternate - Text Item Computer
Week 6: Rolled 4+2 ==> 6New Spot: 43
4 in series
3 in series
Alternate - Text Item Computer
Book:
"...Ping-Pong tables, computers..." Page 62
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