R7: SS "High Fivers" (5)

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

The teams are large, so it's okay if you are only 6 players.
Thanks and sorry for any inconvenience the withdrawal caused you guys :(

[Allison Ann]

Your book sounds good Denise, glad you enjoyed it.

Sorry to see you go PepperPot, hope to see you in another challenge some time.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Hi all,

I have read Shiver and The Darkest Hour and enjoyed them both. Never read Retribution but it sounds like another to add on to my never ending TBR list :)

Nearly finished with my read, will probably post my review later today.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

I also liked Shiver a lot when I read it, haven't read any of the other books on the team list yet. I always like seeing what everybody else is reading, each round of SS/SSS tends to expand my TBR. :D
Hope you'll be able to find something more to your liking for the next roll, Allison!

Tea, have you picked your book yet?

[Allison Ann]

Don't feel too bad for me team, 3 stars is a pretty good rating for me. I'm just not much of a romance reader and I think the pages and pages of descriptions of Grace and Sam touching hands and breathing could have been used to further the very interesting story of werewolves. ;) Also sarcasm is my native language, it will probably be in every review.

Side note, I'm probably one of the only people to read this book with actual wolves howling in the background. Our lake is finally frozen and the wolves have come back. I love wolves, they are my second favourite auditory animal after loons. :D

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

~ Allison Ann

Wow!!! that must be unreal I would love to hear them howling for real instead of on the TV.

[❀Tea❀]

Looks like I'm going to be black sheep this round :P

Spot: 7
Book: Seven Up by Janet Evanovich
How it fits: #7 in Stephanie Plum series
Date: 18.01.16
Rating: ★★★
Review:
I'm not sure what to say about this except that audio book is little annoying. I didn't really like narrator but stuck with it to finish this book while surfing GR. Also I skipped couple books in series so I'm little lost about things. They could be read as standalones, but there are some things (like relationships) that are continuing from books before.
To be honest, only reason I still read this series is grandma Mazur. She's hilarious :)

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

I loved Shiver and the whole Wolves of Mercy Falls series. I didn't like Cole's book because well, it was a debbie downer

[Sarah]

I think I'm the only one still reading! Don't worry I'll have it done by Thursday!

[Sarah]

ThatEzi wrote: "I loved Shiver and the whole Wolves of Mercy Falls series. I didn't like Cole's book because well, it was a debbie downer"


I loved the series also! One of my favorites. I haven't gotten to Cole's book yet, but I'm mentally preparing myself LOL

[Allison Ann]

❀Tea❀ wrote: "Looks like I'm going to be black sheep this round :P

Spot: 7
Book: Seven Up by Janet Evanovich
How it fits: #7 in Stephanie Plum series
Date: 18.01.16
Rating: ★★★
Review:
I'm not su..."

Whenever I read a Stephanie Plum book I'm secretly rooting for Mr. Plum to snap and kill every single whackadoo, crackpot, annoying member of his family. That poor poor man. :D

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Week 1 - Spot 7
Series or Alternate: Alternate - Author M
Witches of the East End by Melissa De La Cruz
Read: 18/01/26
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Review
This book has been on my TBR lists forever! Having seen a preview of the TV show loosely based on the book I have been meaning to read it, as you know the book is usually better that the TV version. I have also read other series by the author and really enjoyed them.

Joanna Beauchamp and her daughters two daughters Freya and Ingrid reside in North Hampton, living a somewhat peaceful life until strange things keep happening in their town. All three are powerful witches and have been banished from using the craft. Until one day the ladies take their wands out of the attic (literally) and start using their magic again to help out people in the town with illnesses and love potions. But as always with magic comes scaremongering and the more strange things happen, the more fingers are pointed at the Beauchamp women and an age old mystery in unravelled.

The book finished on a real cliff hanger and I am dying to get my hands on the next book in the series to see what happens. I really enjoyed it!

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Sarah wrote: "ThatEzi wrote: "I loved Shiver and the whole Wolves of Mercy Falls series. I didn't like Cole's book because well, it was a debbie downer"


I loved the series also! One of my favorites. I haven't ..."

Isabelle and Cole made me turn to drink :(

[Sarah]

ThatEzi wrote: "Sarah wrote: "ThatEzi wrote: "I loved Shiver and the whole Wolves of Mercy Falls series. I didn't like Cole's book because well, it was a debbie downer"


I loved the series also! One of my favorit..."

I'll be sure to have something on hand when I tackle that one.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Logan & Sarah, please try to have your reviews in by tonight if possible so we can roll right away tomorrow.

[Sarah]

Roll 1, Spot 7: Alternate Author M
Winter by Marissa Meyer
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: 1.21.16
Pages: 824
Review:

This is the last book in the series, so there was a lot of expectations going into this. It was jam packed full of everything I wanted for the end of the series. It was a long one, but I think it needed to be that way to wrap everything up. Not everything went according to plan for Cinder & Co. but it was very exciting and suspenseful. Scarlet and Wolf are still my favorite but Winter and Jacin are close in the running. I don't want to say too much in case anyone else is/going to read the series. Totally worth all the time.

[Allison Ann]

It's nice to see a 5 star rating Sarah. I'm finishing up Cress right now and planning to start Winter tomorrow. Looking forward to it.

[Logan]

I'm plugging away at my book. Hope to finish soon!

[Sarah]

Allison Ann wrote: "It's nice to see a 5 star rating Sarah. I'm finishing up Cress right now and planning to start Winter tomorrow. Looking forward to it."

Yay! Maybe it will count towards a roll too!

[Logan]

Roll 1, Spot 7
Alternate - Author M


Author: Maya Banks
Read: 1/21/16
Rating: 3 stars
Review:

Between 3 and 4 stars, really. I loved Rachel's strength and that she never needed her man to save her. The women in this book were all tough as nails and I loved them all. The men were typical military lovable types. The action really sold the series for me - more so than the romance which was only so-so. Looking forward to more KGI adventures.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Great job, everyone!

I've rolled another 7, so we're on spot 14 this week.

Reading options:
- Standalone
- #1 in series
- #4 in series
- #14 in series
- Alternate: Cover Item Weapon

Let me know when you've picked your books! :)

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Week 2

Roll: 7
Current Spot: 14

✔ Allison Ann: The Last Cheerleader by Meg O'Brien (Standalone) Review
✔ Denise: Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan (The Powder Mage #1) Review
✔ Jade aka MrsTosh: Overruled by Emma Chase (The Legal Briefs #1) Review
✔ Logan: On Basilisk Station by David Weber (Honor Harrington #1) Review
✔ Sarah: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead (Bloodlines #1) Review
✔ ❀Tea❀: Restless Spirits by Jordan L. Hawk (Spirits #1) Review

[Sarah]

I'm going with Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas. It's the first in a series.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Will have a look through my Kindle :)

[Logan]

I'll read Tempting Danger, #1 in the world of Lupi series.

[Allison Ann]

I'm probably going to read a standalone that is due back at the library -

[❀Tea❀]

And like last round I was already reading book that fits perfectly. *sigh*
I'll check what I'll be in the mood to read :)

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Congratulations Team 5, upon timely completion and submission of your reviews for week 1, you have earned the FREE PASS. See post 1

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

I'm also still considering my options - there are entirely too many! I have far too many standalone books and #1s to read... let's see what I'm in the mood for after I've finished the book I'm currently reading for SSS.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Turns out I'm in the mood for epic fantasy, so I'll be reading a #1 in a series:

[Allison Ann]

Epic fantasy is a good mood to be in. :D

I finished my book but I am absolutely exhausted so I will cobble together a review tomorrow. Night team!

[❀Tea❀]

Spot: 14
Book: Restless Spirits by Jordan L. Hawk
How it fits: #1 in Spirits series
Date: 23.01.16
Rating: ★★★
Review:
I'm not sure what to write. It was ok book. At times I was happy to be reading it during daytime. Not that it was scary, just ghost going around house making trouble and killing. But I don't think I'd have quite same opinion if I've read it during night :P Some things were quite easy to figure out ((view spoiler)[like who's trying to get them out of the house and why (hide spoiler)]) and there were couple of eye-roll moments ((view spoiler)[for example when they finally decide to run away from the house, there is huge blizzard outside and they can't leave (hide spoiler)])

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Allison Ann wrote: I finished my book but I am absolutely exhausted so I will cobble together a review tomorrow. Night team!"

I know the feeling! :D Hope you enjoyed your choice this week a little more last week's. :)

[Allison Ann]

ROLL #2, SPOT #14
Series or Alternate: Standalone

by Meg O'Brien

Book: The Last Cheerleader
Series or Alternate: Standalone
Date finished: 1/23/16
Rating: 2 stars
Review: This was my first novel by this author who writes mild thrillers with a tiny bit of sex and no romance. :) I quite enjoyed the first 2/3rds of this book but then it all fell apart into ridiculousness. The connections were forced. The fake bad guy was a joke and dispatched so quickly as to be laughable. The actual bad guy stopped in the middle of a murder to answer the door, as you do. The 6 year old was more competent at fleeing the murderers than the adult heroine. And apparently auto-immune disease can be cured by sunshine. It had potential but the author really didn't have a handle on how to end this book. It was okay but I'm not running out to buy more Meg O'Briens.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

You're not having a lot of luck with your books for this round so far, Allison... maybe third time's the charm?

[Allison Ann]

Fingers crossed. :)

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

I'm going with #1 in a series Overrulled by Emma Chase

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Week 2
Spot: 14

Book: Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan
Qualification: The Powder Mage #1
Finished: 24 Jan 2016
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
Some stories end with the overthrow of a king. This one begins with it. Field Marshal Tamas and a small group of co-conspirators have achieved their aim: In a single, bloody night they've taken control of the kingdom of Adro, sending its king and nobility to the guillotine in order to turn the country into a republic that will do better for its people. But the revolution is only the beginning of the events that are about to unfold: The coup sparks a war with the neigbouring kingdom of Kez, while a traitor within Tamas's inner circle is hatching plots of his own. And in the midst of all this chaos, ancient gods may walk the earth again...

The story and characters took me a while to get into, but once I was hooked, I was in for a great, action-packed ride. Intrigue, epic battles, multifaceted characters and above all, a truly unique and fascinating magic system make this book a highly promising opener for McClellan's first series.

[Sarah]

I'm changing my book to Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, it's the first book in the series.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Week 2 ~ Spot 14
First in a Series
Book: Overruled by Emma Chase
Read: 25/01/16
Rating: ♥♥

Well after reading the great reviews before I started this, I think I must have just read a different book!

It was infuriating, the leading man Stanton Shaw was a complete tool. He and his childhood sweetheart end up getting pregnant young, but wanting a career in law he sets off for the big city whilst she stays at home and raises their Daughter. He is a total man whore when away then goes back to see his Daughter and sleeps with her Mother all over again. Finally she wises up decides to get married which he doesn't like! And tries to win here back.

I definitely won't be carrying on with the series, even the other characters that features didn't peak my interest. I just did not feel the chemistry at all.

[Allison Ann]

I just realized I have a book #14 I could have read. So disappointing!!! :)

Sorry your book sucked Jade.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Allison Ann wrote: "I just realized I have a book #14 I could have read. So disappointing!!! :)

Sorry your book sucked Jade."

Let's hope my next one doesn't!

[Logan]

I changed my book and am reading On Basilisk Station, #1 in the Honor Harrington series.

[Sarah]

Roll 2, Spot 14: 1st in a series
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Rating: ★★★★
Read: 1.27.16
Pages: 421
Review:

I had high hopes for this one because I loved the whole Vampire Academy series! While this really didn't live up to my probably too high expectations it was still enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I knew this would have Adrian in it and I really thought there would be more of a romance between him and Sydney. You can see the spark of it but it doesn't come until way into the novel. I would have liked to see it a little bit sooner. I really liked all of the characters. I liked that Sydney stood up for herself regardless of the consequences. I thought I knew how this was going to end and while I did predict some of it, the big bad was a surprise.

[Jade aka MrsTosh]

Sarah wrote: "

Roll 2, Spot 14: 1st in a series
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
..."

I have had this book on my TBR list for ages and keep thinking I need to read this as I loved Vampire Academy also. But just don't want to be left feeling disappointed.

[Sarah]

Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Sarah wrote: "

Roll 2, Spot 14: 1st in a series
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
..."

I have had this book on my TBR list for ages and keep thinking I need..."

I say give it a try! It's worth it to try to read because VA was such a great series. I scanned a few of the later books reviews and they do pretty well. First books in a spin-off to me just try to establish themselves as separate from the original, then the series gets a chance to be better on its own.

[Logan]

I'm going to be down to the wire again tonight, ladies. If it's helpful, I can roll for us when I finish (likely to be right around midnight CST).

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Don't forget to enjoy your book while you're speed-reading! :) I've read the first two in the Honor Harrington series and found them quite entertaining, it's one of the many series I keep meaning to continue.

You don't need to bother rolling unless you really want to, I'll be up about an hour after midnight CST and usually do it first thing in the morning. :)

[Allison Ann]

I might not be around to choose my book until Sunday morning. I have super long work hours the next two days so there won't be much reading or internet time. But I'll try and pop in tomorrow night, just don't think I've dropped out if I don't make it. :D Have a great weekend team.

[Logan]

Roll 2, Spot 14


Honor Harrington #1

Finished: 1/29/16
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I love space operas and this was a good but not great book for me. While the action was fantastic and Honor a great heroine, the writing was jarring at times and didn't always flow well. The POV jumps took some getting used to and the digressions into the physics of his world were not always the most interesting or necessary. But I loved Honor and will keep going with the series.