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R7: SSS "Two Hot to Handle" (2) **WINNING TEAM**
Guys in really close. I have my little guy's birthday party today, but I'm so so close. Like two chapters!!!
Shelby wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Debbie (Doc) wrote: "Now you have me curious on some of the books that you have mentioned. I'm going to see what fits for my mounds of challenges that I signed up for!"Nice! We'll..."
Ugh, I'm so bad at subterfuge!
Kim wrote: "Guys in really close. I have my little guy's birthday party today, but I'm so so close. Like two chapters!!!"Time to have an upset tummy and hide in the bathroom. :)
Ack! I hate being last!!!!Completion Post - Week 5/Thursday (Space 35)
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
Pages: 320
Qualifies: Alternate - Law Enforcement
Date Read: 2/13/16
Rating: 4 Stars
I enjoyed finally getting this one read. I feel like everyone has started this series but me. I love Nora Roberts, so was interested to see what she was working with as JD Robb. I loved the futuristic aspect of this book. I had a hard time getting into it until Roarke and Eve got hot and heavy. It was a good mystery. I find that I get annoyed when I have everything figured out really early in the book, but the author was able to keep me guessing throughout most of it. Glad to continue on with the series, but daunted by the fact that there are 40 some odd books to work on!
Kim wrote: "Ack! I hate being last!!!!Completion Post - Week 5/Thursday (Space 35)
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
Pages: 320
Qualifies: Alternate..."
If you like audio's, you should try this series. The narrator is awesome!
I listened to this one on audio. I loved her Irish accent for Roarke. I kept like kind of swooning and then having to remind myself that it was a chick talking. Ha ha.
O.O, she must've been reeeeeally good. :)
Week 5 - Sunday RollRolled: 4
Old Space: 35
New Space: 39
3rd in Series
9th in Series
39th in Series
Alt Option: Fairytale Retelling
Shannon: Finding Peace, Review Post 274
Shelby: The Raven Prince, Review Post 281
Debbie: How to Rope a Real Man, Review Post 278
Kim: Alice in Zombieland, Review Post 279
I can tell you after last year's challenge that I will NOT be reading a freaking fairytale!!
Shannon wrote: "I can tell you after last year's challenge that I will NOT be reading a freaking fairytale!!"We must have been on the same challenge - and I definitely won't be reading a fairy tale!
Week 5 - SundaySpace - 39
How to Rope a Real Man by Melissa Cutler
Pages: 362
Qualifies: Catcher Creek Series #3
YEAH - This will get me current with the series!
Week #: 5 - SundaySpace #: 39
Book Title:
Qualification: Alternate - Fairytale Retelling
**I guess I'm the odd man out this round! I have to read a zombie book for something else, so I guess we'll kill two birds with one stone. Wish me luck!
I'm already changing my book. Cannot get into that stupid thing.@Kim, yeah, Zombies...good luck!! lol
@Debbie. I bet we were in the same challenge. I'm still traumatized. :)
Week 5 - SundaySpace: 39
Finding Peace by Sloane Kennedy
Pages: 163
Qualifies: Book 3 in "Finding" series.
Shannon wrote: "I'm already changing my book. Cannot get into that stupid thing.@Kim, yeah, Zombies...good luck!! lol
@Debbie. I bet we were in the same challenge. I'm still traumatized. :)"
I am also and not sure if I would sign up for it again!!
Kim wrote: "Week #: 5 - SundaySpace #: 39
Book Title:
Qualification: Alternate - Fairytale Retelling
**I guess I'm the odd man out this round! I have to read a zombi..."
One of the few plots that I refuse to read is zombies. I just can't do it!!
Mod
ThatEzi wrote: "Debbie, I recommend you try Enclave. I'm not a big zombie person either but i really liked enclave. I hated Warm bodies!!!"I'll have to consider it!
Mod
I'll have to consider it!"
It's a YA
.
I've read a couple that didn't suck but you have to force my ass to read that stuff!
Debbie (Doc) wrote: "I am also and not sure if I would sign up for it again!! "I couldn't! I don't have enough fairy tales left in my library. :)
I have plenty for some kind of paranormal challenge. Weird shifters...there's a challenge. :)
Week 5 - SundaySpace: 39
Finding Peace by Sloane Kennedy
Pages: 163
Qualifies: Book 3 in "Finding" series.
Read: 2/15/16
Rating: ★★★★★
I just love this series. Wish I would've read book 1 first...I still need to read that one! This is more of a 4.5 stars but it had everything I love in my books so I rounded up. We had Luke, an Army Ranger on the run from the people framing him for murder and Grey, the writer who we met in the last book. These two are going through the roughest times but find each other and are friends before anything else. So sweet the way they look out for each other. Luke is a man-sex virgin and I love me some of those so extra yays for that! Some of the characters from the previous books make an appearance and I love revisiting with old friends. I cried, I giggled, there's an awesome dog and amazing sex. Perfect!
This is going to be a push for me to finish on time since I'm listening to it on audio on my drive to work. But I should be close. And I'm off on Wednesday, the problem will be forcing myself to focus and listen when I'm not in the car.Week 5.5
Space: 39
Book Title: The Raven Prince
Page Count: 392pgs
Qualification: Fairytale Retelling
Kind of quiet around here, everyone doing okay?
Week 5 - SundaySpace - 39
How to Rope a Real Man by Melissa Cutler
Completed - 2/17
Qualified: Catcher Creek Series #3
4.5 Stars rounded to 5
How to Rope a Real Man is the third and final book in the Catcher Creek series. This book held me from start to finish. I have been anxiously waiting for Jenna’s story, and Melissa Cutler did not disappoint. We got a glimpse into Jenna’s past in book 1, but not much was told. As a teenager, Jenna had a wild past and ended up pregnant. Jenna refuses to tell anyone, even her sisters, who her son’s father is. All that she wants to do is protect her son, and the only way that she knows how is to leave their small town. Jenna has been going to college at night, and as soon as she completes her degree plans on leaving.
Jenna and her sisters have managed to save their family farm by hiring Matt. Matt is everything that Jenna would want in a man, but she has vowed to push men aside in order to protect her son. Matt has vowed to stay away from any woman with a child, and he has been burned too many times with women. Matt also has a past that he is trying to keep secret. The author takes the reader on a bumpy ride until both Matt and Jenna’s secrets are uncovered. When Jenna’s son’s dad rides into town, Jenna may need to make her getaway plans sooner. I don’t want to give away any spoilers of who Jenna had her fling with or dive into Matt’s hidden past.
Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I do suggest that you read the books in order to gain a better understanding of the potential farm foreclosure, meeting the two sisters, and then Jenna’s wild ride. This book was a perfect ending, to the Sorentino sisters struggles in keeping their rundown New Mexico ranch and for finding love in the most unusual circumstances.
Completion Post - Week 5/Sunday (Space 39)
Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter
Pages: 404
Qualifies: Alternate - Fairytale Retelling
Date Read: 2/17/16
Rating: 3 Stars
So, I had to read this one for another challenge and was a bit iffy about it. I mean Alice in Wonderland... and Zombies. Really? I was prepared for it to be a train wreck. But it really wasn't that bad. It kept my attention all the way through. I don't feel like it was anything too special, but it wasn't terrible. Even though it's listed as a retelling, I don't think it really had a whole lot to do with Alice in Wonderland, though. A lot of retellings are like parallel universes and you can pick out characters that are supposed to be like modern day versions of the original characters. I didn't pick up on this in this book, however. The main character's name was Alice and she kept seeing a white rabbit in the clouds, but other than that, there wasn't a whole lot similar to the original fairy tale. I was, however, interested enough to continue with the series I think.
Finished with my book as well. I'll post my review shortly.
Week 5.5The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
Qualification: Fairytale Retelling
Read: (2/17)
Rating: ★★★★★
I actually quite enjoyed this. Definitely more than I was expecting to for some strange reason. This is a very mild Beauty & the Beast retelling, but I found the characters very fun. I liked watching Anna find her feet and grow in strength as an independent widow. She really came into her own and that made her all the more appealing to Edward.
Listening to Edward's bafflement at the way Anna viewed the world at times was amusing to me. He's such a grouch but in a way that's not at all off putting. He's this great grumbly bear that you just want to pat on the head and say "now now, it'll be all right." I loved that he hadn't named any of his animals, kept the attachment at a distance, and Anna called him out on it.
This was a very entertaining historical that gave me more than I expected. The chapter intro's with the pieces of "The Raven Prince" story were a lovely addition as well. I liked that Anna gave up caring about propriety and cared more about the person involved in than what society expected her to do. The ending came about a little rushed to me, but I didn't mind as by that point it was all about Anna and Edward admitting what they really wanted, not about the other silly people trying to muck things up.
Wow, you guys have been busy! Now we're all ready for tonight....waiting....waiting. :)
Let's hope that lady luck is with is for our roll!!
I'm starting to get nervous. I don't have many series books over 3, so I'm thinking it's going to start getting tougher. Hope we get some good alternate tasks or I might be up crap creek.
Kim wrote: "I'm starting to get nervous. I don't have many series books over 3, so I'm thinking it's going to start getting tougher. Hope we get some good alternate tasks or I might be up crap creek."I have some but not many. I am getting caught up with series, which is a good thing - bad for this challenge though!
I have a ton of Siren publishing books and they go really high but are rarely 150 pages....but they do price them like they're full sized books! lol
Sorry for the late roll. I got that call that all parents dread. You know the one where your teenage daughter who's at a concert in Portland 1 1/2 hrs away calls crying her eyes out begging you to come get her because the guys won't stop grabbing her? Yeah, that one! So, I'll roll now. :)
Week 6 - ThursdayYassss, finally a "6"!!
Rolled: 6
Old Space: 39
New Space: 45
4th in Series
5th in Series
45th in Series
Alt. Option: Book Title "E"
Shannon: Better Than Safe, Review Post 297
Shelby: Dance Only for Me, Review Post 300
Debbie: The Chance, Review Post 298
Kim: The Eye of Minds, Review Post 296
Week #: 6 - ThursdaySpace #: 45
Book Title:
Qualification: Alternate - Book Title "E"
Shannon wrote: "Sorry for the late roll. I got that call that all parents dread. You know the one where your teenage daughter who's at a concert in Portland 1 1/2 hrs away calls crying her eyes out begging you to ..."Oh Wow - I have two teenagers - 17 and 14. I hate it when she calls, because my heart just stops. I think it's tough being a teenager. Thank goodness that your daughter did call you. I hope that all is well!
Debbie (Doc) wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Sorry for the late roll. I got that call that all parents dread. You know the one where your teenage daughter who's at a concert in Portland 1 1/2 hrs away calls crying her eyes out..."She was fine. She ended up going out to her friend's car and lying on the floor with a blanket over her so the guys looking in the window wouldn't see her. Scared but fine. Teenagers!!
Why do I do this to myself? I didn't like Maze Runner. Why did I think this series would be better?! Ack! I'm halfway done now, so there's no turning back!
Kim wrote: "Why do I do this to myself? I didn't like Maze Runner. Why did I think this series would be better?! Ack! I'm halfway done now, so there's no turning back!"I do the same thing thinking the next books gonna be better...it's very rarely any better. :(
Completion Post - Week 6/Thursday (Space 45)
The Eye of Minds by James Dashner
Pages: 308
Qualifies: Alternate - Book Title "E"
Date Read: 2/19/16
Rating: 3 Stars
So, I needed a book with a title starting with E for a challenge and didn't have anything readily on hand. I threw my kid (who is at home this week with strep throat) into the car and drove to the library. Since he was sick, I left him in the car and basically ran in and grabbed the first E book I could get my hands on. It was this one. When I first started it, I was excited because I really enjoy reading about futuristic worlds and their technology, but as things progressed I began thinking, "Why do I do this to myself?" I'm constantly reading books without knowing anything about what they are about. And on top of that, I didn't really enjoy The Maze Runner series, yet I read the whole thing and then picked up this book by the same author. But, really, it wasn't THAT bad. Again, the premise and the futuristic world/tech was really interesting. And the ending was a cool cliffhanger. Like, I was so surprised the book was done when it ended! So, for that reason, I will have to continue on with the series.
Week 6 - Thursday
Better Than Safe by Lane Hayes
Pages: 244
Qualifies: "Better Than" #4
Read: 2/19/16
Rating: ★★★★
I still didn't love this one as much as #1 but I am so glad we got Paul's story. I really liked him from Kurt's book and was hoping he'd get his HEA. I must admit that I was as annoyed with Seth as Paul was at the beginning but he grew on me eventually. I didn't feel a great connection with this couple though. I don't know why. It's like they were casual the whole book and then came the "I love you"s. That's just how it seemed to me. They did have some fantastic sex though and that's always a plus. A whole star just for that! So it was cute but not as deep as the others IMO.
Week #: 6 - ThursdaySpace #: 45
The Chance by Robyn Carr
Qualification: #4 in Thunder Point series
Pages: 368
Completed: 2/19/16
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
I absolutely love Therese Plummer as the narrator of this series. Her smooth voice keeps me focused and actually relaxes me. Any of her books are my go to when I need a nice cozy book. I had a tough day on Thursday, and she made me feel as if I could conquer the world.
This series keeps getting better and better. Some of the books could be read as stand alones. However, I would read the books in order, especially this one. The Chance starts where The Hero left off. The compound has been raided and Laine was successfully able to get all of the women and children out, with the exception of one. Laine has decided to stay in Thunder Point to recover after her gun shot wound. She also needs to mentally prepare before returning to the FBI as an agent. Laine rents a nice cozy house that has an incredible view. Only a couple of the citizens of Thunder Point know who she really is.
Eric has a sordid past but over the past few years has become a reformed citizen. He is also fairly new to Thunder Point. He is the new owner of a garage and is also the father of Ashley (Gina’s daughter). Laine and Eric quickly become friends, but both are holding their past in check. I loved both Eric and Laine. Laine is a woman that goes for what she wants. She even had to ask Eric on their first date. Laine ended up bonding with her father, which was very refreshing.
This is by far one of my favorite contemporary romance series. All of the characters are likeable and each comes with their own issues.
Week 6Dance Only for Me by Megan Derr
Qualification: Series #5
Read: (2/20)
Rating: ★★★★★
I absolutely adore this series. As far as I'm concerned Ms. Derr could write this one for eternity and I'd keep reading. The world she's created is phenomenal and every cast of characters is fascinating. Each book I've wished there were more books with those particular characters. This one is no exception. I absolutely loved Jackie and his rag-tag band of "deputies." I loved the concept of the old style wild west sheriff ideals in this modern paranormal world.
Jackie is a slow talking, old school southern charm, wild west cowboy determined to fight for truth and justice. And as much as he dislikes his newly acquired friends gifting him with the nickname Sheriff it fits. He's a powerful sorcerer and a genius with bindings. But the case he's found himself caught up in this time will test his skills mightily.
This book was a little more case and a little less romance than some of the others, but it was a super fascinating case and of course once Ned showed up he and Jackie were destined to be together. My heart, of course, breaks for that poor demon. I wished for one little change to the end of this story. (view spoiler)
They're acquired mess of friends in this story were wonderful. Especially Wyatt. Love that little alchemical genius and his is one story I would love to know in full. There's so much going on there. I would love to see Ms. Derr come back to him and give him his own book. Clearly there's lots we don't know about his background.
All in all, while I know this is the last written book in this series I do hope that Ms. Derr has secret plans to add to this series. It's beyond fantastic!
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Burn (other topics)Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir (other topics)
Burn (other topics)
Sinner's Creed (other topics)
Skin Tight Levi's (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
T.J. Klune (other topics)Jenny Lawson (other topics)
Kim Jones (other topics)
Jenny Lawson (other topics)
Kim Jones (other topics)
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Space #35
Divided in Death by J.D. Robb
Completed 2/12
Pages: 354
Qualification: Alternate - Law Enforcement
4.75 stars
Very impressive series, especially to be this engaged with #18 in the series! This series just gets better and better. Just when I think I found my favorite book, the next one is even better. So far, all of the plots have been different and very engaging. I love the narrator, and she has a wow factor that brings all of the characters to life. I love it when Eve and Roarke work together, but I was a little worried for them as a couple. In the end, the love between Eve and Roarke became stronger than ever.
The plot was exciting and fresh. Reva Ewing stepped into a world of trouble when deciding to confront her cheating husband with her best friend. What she wasn’t expecting was to walk in on both murdered and staged in a precarious situation. Rather than calling the police, Reva calls her mother who happens to work for Roarke Enterprises. Based on Eve’s findings, she believes Reva to be innocent. All of the clues point to the murder as a set-up.