The Challenge Factory discussion
♦SSS Archives♦
>
R7: SSS "First Class Readers" (1)
Mod
Spot: 5
Book: Heartstone by C.J. Sansom
Qualification: Matthew Shardlake #5
Finished: 19 Jan 2016
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
It's the summer of 1545, and England is at war. An invasion by the French is imminent when Queen Catherine Parr summons Matthew to her, asking him to look into a case for an old servant of hers. Despite the danger, Matthew agrees to travel to Portsmouth, where the French are expected to land any day, to find whether there's any truth to allegations made about some unspecified evil being done to a boy by the family who took him in as a ward years ago. In addition, the journey also affords Matthew the opportunity to investigate what really happened to Ellen Fettiplace, the woman in Bedlam he has been visiting for some time and who refuses to speak about the events that put her there.
While the rich historical atmosphere is compelling as ever and the two mysteries the plot revolves around are quite intriguing as such, this is the first Shardlake novel that doesn't get a full five stars from me. The story just seemed to drag somewhat in places and the pace was a little too slow for my liking before it finally picked up in the last quarter of the book. Nevertheless a very good read.
Mod
Mod
Jamie, remember to have your review in tonight if possible so we can roll right away tomorrow! Hope you're enjoying your book. :)
Mod
"
thanks...for adding to my mountain, LOL.
I've been seeing Cat Johnson on a lot of people's feeds lately
Week 1, Roll 2Dice Roll: 2, Spot: 5
by John Goode
200 pgs/GR
How fits: #5 in series
Finished: 1/20/16
Rating: 5 stars
John Goode's books get to me every time. This is the 5th in a series that started with two gay teens in a small town in Texas. This story concerns 30 year olds who grew up in a different time in the same town. The emotions are very real, the characters are sympathetic and while not an easy read it is a pleasure.
Denise wrote: "We always aim to add to your TBR, Ezi! ;)Jamie, remember to have your review in tonight if possible so we can roll right away tomorrow! Hope you're enjoying your book. :)"
Sorry Denise, I was in NH for the weekend, home for a day and now I am in Mexico! My life isn't usually this hectic just a big birthday for my sister. Next week will return to normal.
Jamie wrote: "Denise wrote: "We always aim to add to your TBR, Ezi! ;)Jamie, remember to have your review in tonight if possible so we can roll right away tomorrow! Hope you're enjoying your book. :)"
Sorry D..."
Cool Jamie...I leave for Mexico on Monday for 7 days, then I come home for 7 days and leave for Spain, Morocco, and Portugal for 17 days.
Mod
NayNay: Oooh, I'm jealous. Can I join you somewhere warm? Freezing my ass (and assorted other bodyparts) off here in Finland at -23°C...
Mod
Rolled: 4
New Spot: 9
Reading Options: #9 in series, Alternate: California
ThatEzi wrote: "Denise wrote: "We always aim to add to your TBR, Ezi! ;)"
thanks...for adding to my mountain, LOL.
I've been seeing Cat Johnson on a lot of people's feeds lately"
I've decided I don't really like her style. I have this series I will finish and one other of hers I will read as they meet challenges but I'm not buying new from her anymore.
Week 2, Roll 1: 4Spot 9: 9 in series; California
Book: Fall Out - Zoe york
How it fits: Set in California
Pages: 155
Week 2 Roll 1Rolled: 4
New Spot: 9
Alternate: California
by Cate Beauman Series Bodyguards of L.A. County #9
Week 2, Roll 1Rolled: 4
Spot:9
Alternate: California
By Kate Sherwood
330 pgs/GR
From the precis:
It hasn't been easy, but horse trainer Dan Wheeler is beginning to build a new life for himself, finding his place in California...
Week 2 Roll 1Rolled: 4
New Spot: 9
Alternate: California
by Cate Beauman Series Bodyguards of L.A. County #9Synopsis
Julie Keller relishes the simple things: hot chocolate on winter nights, good friends she calls her family, and her laid-back career as a massage therapist and yoga instructor. Julie is content with her life until Chase Rider returns to Bakersfield.
Bodyguard Chase Rider isn’t thrilled to be back in the town where he spent his childhood summers. His beloved grandmother passed away, leaving him a house in need of major repairs. With a three-week timetable and a lot to do, he doesn’t have time for distractions. Then he bumps into Julie, the one woman he hoped never to see again. Chase tries to pretend Julie doesn’t exist, but ten years hasn’t diminished his attraction to the hazel-eyed stunner.
When a stranger grabs Julie’s arm at the grocery store—a woman who insists Julie’s life isn’t what it seems, Chase can’t help but get involved. Julie and Chase dig into a twenty-five-year-old mystery, unearthing more questions than answers. But the past is closer than they realize, and the consequences of the truth have the potential to be deadly.
I love this series, every book has been great. I enjoy the characters, the twist and turns are like a roller coaster ride. Cate Beauman has done a great job with this series and I now have book 10 on my kindle just waiting for me.
I finished my book. Still in Mexico and on iPhone at moment but will post review tomorrow
Week 2, Roll 1Rolled: 4
Spot:9
Alternate: California
By Kate Sherwood
330 pgs/GR
From the precis:
It hasn't been easy, but horse trainer Dan Wheeler is beginning to build a new life for himself, finding his place in California...
Finished: 1/22/16
Rating: 3.5 stars
I liked this book but I didn't like it. There wasn't enough action and I am not sure I totally believed in the characters at all times. Every time I thought they would move forward another repetitive conflict would come up again. So I liked it but didn't love it
Mod
Spot: 9
Book: Downfall by Rob Thurman
Qualification: Cal Leandros #9
Finished: 22 Jan 2016
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Monsterhunting brothers Cal and Niko have been through a lot - and trouble just won't leave them alone. Now Cal's got Delilah and her Wolves, the organisation of humans calling itself the Vigil and, most importantly, Grimm, the only other half-Auphe remaining in the world, gunning for him. In addition, Cal's Auphe heritage is taking over more and more and the day when he turns full Auphe can't be far off - if he and Niko even survive that long.
Robin Goodfellow, trickster, self-proclaimed sex god and puck extraordinaire, has stood at Cal and Niko's side for over a thousand lifetimes - and watched them die, far too soon, every single time. He's not about to do it again, even if those two seem bound to get themselves killed in short order yet again. Enough is enough... but it's going to take one helluva con to keep those two alive.
For the first time, we get Robin's POV switching off with Cal's, which I absolutely loved since I adore Robin in all his trickster glory. While he spends a lot of time reminiscing about all of their former lives which slows down the pace somewhat at times, I didn't feel bored by those sections as some other readers seemed to. All in all, another great read with a finale that was absolutely spectacular. Looking forward to seeing where the series is headed from here!
Week 2, Roll 1: 4Spot 9: 9 in series; California
Book: Fall Out - Zoe york
How it fits: Set in California
Pages: 155
Read: 01.23
Rating: ★★★
Review:
Another meh for me this week. The chemistry between the MCs was not very good. It was (dead) best friend's little sister trope and while the author did good establishing that emotional connection between them, the build up of their physical connection wasn't very good. There was more explaining in this than action and the smexy scenes only so so. I did like the plot but it's conclusion was rushed. I know this was a novella, originally part of an anthology, but it felt like the author tried to squeeze the storytelling into novella length. Or maybe that's how she writes - it's my first time reading so I don't know for sure on that. All in all, I wished it was a longer book because I felt like the MCs had a lot more in them and I would have liked more time to see them develop. Maybe the rest of the series will be better?
Looks like we're all accounted for! Yay! NayNay gets a prize (or something) because her book fit both the series and alternate requirement!!
LaurLa wrote: "Looks like we're all accounted for! Yay! NayNay gets a prize (or something) because her book fit both the series and alternate requirement!!"YIPEEE...never even realized that it fit both.
Mod
Upon your timely completion of week 1, you have earned your Free Pass. See post 1
Mod
Roll: 4
Current Spot: 9, Alternate: California
✔ Denise: Downfall by Rob Thurman (Cal Leandros #9) Review
✔ Jamie: Out of the Darkness by Kate Sherwood (Alternate: California) Review
✔ LaurLa: Fall Out by Zoe York (Alternate: California) Review
✔ NayNay: Answers For Julie by Cate Beauman (The Bodyguards of L.A. County #9) Review
Mod
Week 2: Roll 2
Rolled: 3
New Spot: 12
Reading Options:
- Standalone
- #1 in series
- #2 in series
- #12 in series
- Alternate: Title L
Guess I need to get up earlier next time :-(
Mod
Mod
Denise wrote: "Nah, I can hold off next time. Just thought you might be busy since you didn't have the tracking post up yet and a bunch of the other teams had already rolled. Wanna do the Thursday roll this week ..."I put the tracking post together in a draft thread I have in my own private group where I track all my challenges. It's just easier for me to start it there and update it as reviews come in.
I don't need to take this Thursday's roll unless you want me to. But I can take care of the one on Feb 11 when you are out of town.
Mod
Ah, ok. Didn't mean to step on your toes. :)
I'll take Thursday as usual this week then and try to contain myself on Sunday. XD (It's already afternoon for me, so I get a little antsy if I can't get started on finding my next book. *lol*)
Mod
Roll: 3
Current Spot: 12, Alternate: Title L
✔ Denise: First Year by Rachel E. Carter (The Black Mage #1) Review
✔ Jamie: Goldenboy by Michael Nava (Henry Rios Mystery #2) Review
✔ LaurLa: After Midnight by Kathy Clark (Denver After Dark #1) Review
✔ NayNay: Lady in Waiting by Rosemary Sutcliff (Alternate: Title L) Review
Mod
Ladies I want you to know I am leaving for Mexico tomorrow, the resort has Internet, but just in case I want the team to be aware. I started my book already, less then 300 pgs so I will be done and posted later today. Week three both rolls I will be away. Im sure it will be fine, if you don't hear from me on Sunday's roll it is our last day we travel home Monday I will post then or latest Tuesday morning.
Mod
Also: Oh, that book of yours looks good... like my TBR wasn't insanely huge already. XD
Denise wrote: "Thanks for letting us know, NayNay. Hope you have a great time! (Send over some sunshine for me if you have extra, would you?)Also: Oh, that book of yours looks good... like my TBR wasn't insanel..."
I know, I have a love/hate relationship with challenges....I love looking for books to fit them, I love seeing what everyone else is reading...but I hate how my TBR grows and there's just too many books and not enough time. Plus my hubby says he needs a second job to keep my addiction going, lol.
NayNay wrote: "Ladies I want you to know I am leaving for Mexico tomorrow, the resort has Internet, but just in case I want the team to be aware. I started my book already, less then 300 pgs so I will be done and..."Have fun. It is beautiful here. Unfortunately i have to head back to snowy New York today!
I'm going with
, #2 in series215 pages
Jamie wrote: "NayNay wrote: "Ladies I want you to know I am leaving for Mexico tomorrow, the resort has Internet, but just in case I want the team to be aware. I started my book already, less then 300 pgs so I w..."We have no snow, actually it is very sunny and not too cold. But it still nice to get away. It' s just me and hubby going. When we get back were home for seven days and then off to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco with our two sons and daughter-in-law.
Week 2 Roll 2Rolled 3
Spot 12
Alternate Letter L
Read 01/24/16
Rating 4 stars
by Rosemary SutcliffThis was my first book by Rosemary Sutcliff and I really enjoyed it. It had wonderful history of Sir Walter Raleigh. I thought the story was told very well, there was alot that went on for Sir Walter and Bess. They eloped without Queen Elizabeth's permission (big no no in those days when you were a member of the royal court) most of their marriage Sir Walter was at sea looking for treasure in the New World, or him and Bess were under house arrest most of the time. As long as Elizabeth I was queen they were safe, but when James took the throne he had Sir Walter beheaded for varies crimes. The two were really in love, this is a rarity in those days, because most couples had arranged marriages. It was a nice quick read, full of history, I enjoyed Sir Walter Raleigh and Bess. This would have been a 5 star read for me, but it was a little misleading. The book cover indicates (and the title) that the book was more about Bess, but the main focus was on Sir Walter. A little disappointing, I would have like to know more about Bess.
Denise wrote: "LaurLa, GR has your book listed as a #1 in series rather than a standalone, so that's how I've put it in the tracking post. Just in case you're wondering, since it fits either way. :)"Yes, it is. My eye must have jumped when I was looking at it on my TBR list... that's what I get for trying to do anything so early in the AM!!
Mod
Spot: 12
Book: First Year by Rachel E. Carter
Qualification: The Black Mage #1
Finished: 25 Jan 2016
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Ever since her twin brother Alex discovered that he had magic, 15-year-old Ryiah has been hoping that hers would soon follow. Now she and her brother set out to enroll at the Academy, the most prestigious school training mages in their home country of Jerar. For one year, they will be competing with over a hundred fellow students from all over the country, highborn and low, for one of only fifteen apprenticeships that would allow them to continue their training in their chosen magical discipline. Before they can make it to the trials that will decide their future, however, their training will take each of them to their limits and beyond, for only the most gifted and tenacious students have a chance at gaining one of the sought after spots as apprentice mages. Making things even harder for Ryiah is Prince Darren, the Academy's shining star among the first years and constant irritating thorn in her side who might just push her to her breaking point all by himself.
Both the beginning and the end were very abrupt IMO, and I'm not much of a fan of books that throw you so directly into the action that if you haven't just read the blurb before starting the book, you'll have absolutely no clue what's going on. That aside, I found this YA fantasy a thoroughly enjoyable read and will certainly be back to see what's next for Ryiah and friends!
Mod
Week 2, Roll 2: 3Spot 12: standalone, 1 in series, 2 in series; Alternate Title L
Book: After Midnight - Kathy Clark
How it fits: 1 in Denver Heroes
Pages: 320
Read: 1.25
Rating: ★★★1/2
Review:
I really liked this one. It wasn't quite a four star because I thought the ending could have been handled better/differently. It felt too convenient and trite. Even though in any suspense book we know the bad guy is going to be caught, the way the bad guy went down in this one just didn't ring true for me. But other than that, this was a good suspense story if maybe a bit predictable. If the author was trying to trick us, she didn't do a good job. If she wasn't trying to trick us but show just enough so WE'D know but not the characters, then she did a great job. I haven't decided which since I haven't read enough of this author to know her style. But regardless, I liked the suspense story and felt it was believable. And the romance was exactly the kind I like - the MCs were hesitant with their feelings but didn't unduly fight them and cause all kinds of MISUNDERSTANDINGS because of it. I love to read about MCs who immediately connect (insta-lust, mmmm) but then are strong and brave enough to let those feelings grow into more. The romance here was this kind of romance and I thoroughly enjoyed watching/reading about Sam and Kate getting closer and falling in love. The smexy times were good but not off the charts. What was good was that they felt appropriate to the story (no naked time while being shot at, you know). Lots to like here and I'm looking forward to more from this author.
Finished my book, I will post a review tomorrow
Week 2.5, Roll: 3Spot 12
Goldenboy by Michael Nava
How it fits: #2 in Henry Rios Mysteries
Pages: 215 pgs / GR
Finished: 1/25
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Nava is a really good writer. The sentences are terrific and they set the scene so well. The book is set in CA in the late 80s. It's a mystery and a romance and it's also an interesting look at the sentiment of the time. AIDS is at the forefront and there is no cure yet. There were out gay people but many were not and there certainly was no gay marriage yet. The book does a great job juggling most of this, although it falls apart on the romance front because it's just not believable. The mystery is a stretch but on further reflection I loved how the story built. The main mystery involves a celebrity set and in retrospect the character descriptions flowed well into what actually happens. It's a gripping story, well told. Some moments of unbelievability are why it loses a star.
Mod
Mod
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
The Girl Next Door (other topics)A Shiver of Light (other topics)
Holding Out for a Fairy Tale (other topics)
Deadly Sins (other topics)
Holding Out for a Fairy Tale (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Cynthia Eden (other topics)Laurell K. Hamilton (other topics)
A.J. Thomas (other topics)
Lora Leigh (other topics)
Moira J. Moore (other topics)
More...
Spot 5: 5 in series
Book: Protected by a SEAL - Cat Johnson
How it fits: 5 in Hot SEALs
Pages: 198
Read: 01.19
Rating: ★★★
Review:
Definitely a meh book. I didn't really like the h, Sierra but the H wasn't much to write home about either. I actually was more interested in the slight suspense plot (famous actress stalker) rather than the actual romance. I did enjoy the snarky by-play between the two but even as I found it slightly humorous, I still thought of Sierra as whiny. The H, Rick, wasn't whiny but he did come off as smug and I didn't really like how he treated/thought about his sister. The happy ending was good although sudden but then this was a shorter book and I was expecting it.
Nothing to hate but nothing to get excited about here either.... except maybe the cover!