R13: Team #14 ~ Well Read Chicks

[~Melissa~]

D.G. wrote: "Ladies - I'll be on vacation from Wed-Sun of next week so most likely I won't post again until I come back. :)"

Yeah - have fun!

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

SHELF ANNOUNCEMENTS

As many of you may remember I was facing Jury Duty for May. I've been excused on the grounds of pathetic public transport & the 2.3km (I think about 1.5 miles) walk to my nearest bus stop. Yay!

So, I will continue to post the shelf announcements and Judithe is off the hook.

Saying that, do you want them to be at this time or 1 hour earlier, in whichever time zone you are? Please comment either way in the discussion thread.

[Rachel-RN]

This week's shelf:
Sci-Fi Romance

[Rachel-RN]

I'm going with

[~Melissa~]

I want to thank the 2 people who shelved as sci fi romance!!

[Anita Reads]

I think I'm going to check out what the Lunar Chronicles is all about and read



Either that or I'll read

[Anita Reads]

Week 6: Sci-Fi Romance

Book: Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Finished: 05/01/16
Rated: ★★★★

Review:
I usually really enjoy fairytale retellings. This was no different for me. This was a retelling of Cinderella, which is obvious from the title.
So we meet Cinder, who's working as a mechanic and doing all sorts of chores for her step mother and her step sister. As if it's not enough, she's also a cyborg and is looked very much down upon from peers. They all have this idea that since she's a robot, she's got no emotions. Cinder lives in the Commonwealth in New Beijing. A plague has been causing countless of deaths, and they have still not been able to find a cure. All the while this is happening Prince Kai is fighting another battle against the Lunar's especially Queen Levana, who is known for brainwashing and being able to manipulate.
I really enjoyed the story. Especially Prince Kai was a great character. The ending however was too vague, and I feel like there were too many questions to be answered to Cinder's story. I enjoyed it nonetheless, and give it a 4 stars.

[D.G.]

Hey WRC! I'm back!

Hmmm...I see that Sci-Fi romance was our shelf this week. I see that shelf doesn't advance us anywhere, so I won't rush to read it - instead, I'll try to finish the books I was reading before I left.

I'll try to finish it in the next couple of weeks, though!

[~Melissa~]

Nice job Anita!

Hope your vacation was fun DG!

[Rachel-RN]

Sci-fi Romance

May 1st, 4*

Spoilers through book 4 (Killbox). You've been warned.
This was a tough read. I waited for a long time to start this one because of the cliffhanger ending in Killbox. I really didn't like that she didn't fully trust March to tell him what she was going to do. I want them together. I want Jax and March to have their HEA or HFN. Now, I'm not sure that's going to happen (WTF?!)
This book made me FEEL. Holy crap what a roller coaster of emotions. There's a lot going on. Jax's trial, making amends. One thing I liked was Vel and Jax's unique, different relationship with him. I learned more about Vel, he is an intriguing character. Then, one thing that irritated me was Jax's ability to blame herself for, it seemed, everything.
I didn't like that ending, but I understood it. I am looking forward to the final book, but I'd lying if I said I didn't have mixed feelings about it. I can honestly say I don't know what is going to happen.

[Anita Reads]

Week 6: Well Read Chicks: Sci-Fi Romance
Rachel: Aftermath by Ann Aguirre - Review ★★★★
Melissa: Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews - Review ★★★★
D.G. This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman - Review ★★★
Anita: Cinder by Marissa Meyer - Review ★★★★

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

SHELF ANNOUNCEMENTS


All the comments have been either earlier shelf call or it doesn't matter cause you'll be asleep etc.

So shelf calls will now be 1 hour earlier, starting this week.

If in doubt, they will be 7.30am Thursday Sydney time.
Converter is here

[D.G.]

Ok, ladies, I picked my Sci-Fi Romance book. I'm listening to (3 people).

[Rachel-RN]

Shelf this week Hunter

[Rachel-RN]

Will have to decide between , , , , or
All are on TBR, leaning towards Kiss of the Night (but I'm not excited about it).

[D.G.]

Yes, I'm undecided too. I have the following on my TBR:


Or maybe I'll read one of these...they are all from series where I'm stuck so I'm thinking of re-starting them from the beginning. I wouldn't be surprised if I end up reading one of these...

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Due to all the kids books on the Hunter shelf we have also approved using the Hunters shelf.

So with my Ninja powers I decree that you can use either shelf:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/... or https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...

[~Melissa~]

Sandra wrote: "Due to all the kids books on the Hunter shelf we have also approved using the Hunters shelf.

So with my Ninja powers I decree that you can use either shelf:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/hu..."


Awesome - thanks for adding the S!!

[~Melissa~]

Shelf: Hunter/Hunters
1 person shelved as Hunters - squee!!

[Anita Reads]

Ok. This is a slightly tough one.
I'll probably go with one of these.

[D.G.]

Good morning, chicks!

I'm almost done with my Sci-Fi book...should be posting the review today or tomorrow morning.

[D.G.]

Shelf #6: Sci Fi Romance
Date finished/Rating: 5/6 ★★★
Review: Didn't care much about this book like the first one. The MCs were just OK and the narration was subpar (neither of the narrators could differentiate the characters much) and the part of the dreams got really tiresome after a while. I'll probably finish the series because one of my favorite narrators will read book #3 and I can get it free from the library.

[Anita Reads]

Great job. I haven't started my Hunter book yet. Don't know if I will today or tomorrow though.

[D.G.]

I started my Hunter book but ended up DNFing.

Sigh...I hope this is not Aliens all over again!

[D.G.]

For Hunter, now I'm reading .

[Anita Reads]

I still haven't decided on which I want to read. I think I might go with one of the series next books since I want to work on series I've already started.

[~Melissa~]

Happy Mother's Day to the Moms :)

I've finished my Hunter(s) book and am almost finished with my sci fi book. I will post my reviews this week

[Rachel-RN]

Hunter/Hunters
Ended up reading
3 * May 9th

Shiarra Waynest and best friend Sara Holloway own a PI firm. Both are human and stick to human only cases. Then Shia is contracted to find an article that allows someone, with the ability, to control others against their will. Chaos ensues.
I liked the world. I liked that werewolves, vampires, and mages were out in the open. It was interesting that 9/11 was the catalyst for them coming out. Laws were passed to protect them and humans. Of course, that spawns extremes in both directions. Groupies that think it's cool/are addicted to "the Others," and the White Hats who would like to see the extermination of "Other."
This wasn't bad, but wasn't great for me. It was average. I think, in part, because of something that Shia does (or rather doesn't) that I just couldn't get over. She's part owner with her friend Sara. However, she has NO idea of finances and that fact they weren't making ends meet. I thought she acted young and immature at times. I also didn't care for how over-bearing and protective her family was. They were stuck on her finding a guy and having him take care of her. I thought, what decade is this?! Granted they are only present for a very small portion of the book and it was more then enough. I liked Sara and Arnold. Chaz was okay. Royce was eh. I doubt I will read the others in this series.

[D.G.]

Well done, Rachel!

I'm almost 2/3 done with my Hunter book and should be ready by tomorrow.

I really hope we get a broad shelf. I'm reading 3 books right now and they're all meh and I'd like my next book to wow me.

[Anita Reads]

I also hope for a broad shelf next time.

I'm not sure if I'll be finished with mine today, as I will be busy the whole day, but tomorrow I'll be having a day here at home, and I'll try and read the whole thing.

I'm thinking I might go with the Mythos book, since they're fairly short and easy to read. Also really want to see where the series is going.

[Anita Reads]

Week 7: Well Read Chicks - Hunter
Rachel: Hunted by the Others by Jess Haines - Review ★★★
D.G. The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann - Review ★★
Melissa: Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop - Review ★★★★
Anita: Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep - Review ★★★★

[Anita Reads]

For once I'm actually awake at Shelf Announcement :)

Here's the new shelf: Favorite Series Definitely a broader shelf this time!

[Anita Reads]

Uuuh. I've been planning to start the audio of tomorrow, I'll go with that one. It's on page 2 of the shelf.

[~Melissa~]

So excited - I'm going to read for Favorite series - 9 people shelved it

Looking forward to Jory's story :)

[D.G.]

I've stalled on all books that I'm reading so I'm feeling like I should re-read a favorite. So I'll re-read:
.

[~Melissa~]

Shelf: Hunter/Hunters

5/8/16 4♥

Review: I really thoroughly enjoyed being back in Meg and Simon's world - even if the HFL(Humans First & Last) movement(people) are totally stupid. They find out there are more repercussions for what they set into motion at the end of the last book and that there are bigger/badder things that go bump in the night than what they can see. They awoke the Elders - not a good plan. We meet more of the Others in the other towns esp were Jean and Hope ( others like Meg) are now living. Meg is still learning how to be the Trailblazer and help the others like her. Meg and Simon continue to get closer. Lot of good and some sad feels throughout this book. Simon's 'pack' keeps growing. So funny when Meg asked him to take in ...just one more ..oh and his wife :) I'm sad with how long I will now have to wait for the next installment - the only bad thing with being caught up with a series, lol.

[Rachel-RN]

I'm reading

[~Melissa~]

Shelf : Sci Fi Romance

Finished 5/8/16
4♥'s

Review: I have to say trying to keep all the players in this one kind of gave me a headache. Dina is 'asked' (I use that term loosely) to host the peace talks between 3 fighting factions at her inn. Her inn has not had guests in years and needs this to thrive and to attempt to get more stars ....so they will get more guests. It all flows together - so turning this down is not an option for Dina if she wants her Inn to thrive - which is what all Innkeepers want. Little does she know that the Arbitrator who asks her to host already knows she won't turn him down. Yes - you can already see how this is going. On top of this she still has that pesky cop who gets 'insistent intuition' when anything is about to happen at the inn. Hilarious what happens to him. I was cracking up.. Dina ends up a champion in the end - totally cool what she is able to do....I wanna be an Innkeeper, lol. Ilona Andrews always weave such fascinating worlds with interesting characters and this is no different. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. They really need to write faster :)

[Anita Reads]

Awesome Melissa. This means stamp time :)

[~Melissa~]

Anita wrote: "Awesome Melissa. This means stamp time :)"

Thx - glad I'm back up to date - RL was getting in the way of having time to post reviews

[Anita Reads]

Yeah I'm behind again. Working on both my books now though.

[~Melissa~]

It happens - sometimes that pesky real life gets in the way of reading - the really important stuff lol

[D.G.]

Shelf #7: Hunter
Date finished/Rating: 5/13 ★★
Review: If only I'd have noticed the "Hunger Games meets Harry Potter" in the cover, I could have saved myself a lot of boredom. This book is a bad imitation of Harry Potter - the whole dystopian element didn't make the plot different but eye-rolling. None of the characters were interesting or even likeable. I only finished it because it was for Bingo.

Not continuing the series.

[D.G.]

Shelf #8: Favorite Series
Date finished/Rating: 5/12 ★★★★★
Review: I simply adore this book, which I've read 4 times in 9 months (this has never happened to me.) It has the perfect opposites-attract with a dose of enemies-to-lovers romance, with great world building, nuanced characters and AMAZING narration. If you want to know more details about why I love this book so, please read my complete review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[~Melissa~]

Shelf #8: Favorite Series

Completed 5/14/16
Rating 4 to 4.5♥'s

Review - I love this series and have been looking forward to reading Jory's book for a while now. Rebecca Zanetti did not disappoint with this (final) episode in the series. Last book we had a Dean brother and the girl is Dr Madison's (just read crazy bitch!) daughter. This time around we have a Dean brother and the Commander's daughter, Piper who just happens to be a computer hacker who is led to believe by her father that Jory is a Russian spy. Piper just recently met her Dad as she believes he saved her from going to jail when she hacked into a computer system she wasn't supposed to. She has had no father figure in her life (since her Mom thinks the Commander is crazy- smart woman) so she wants his approval and to make him proud of her - poor thing. This was action packed and sexy as they race against time to get the codes for the chips and keep all the brothers alive. Here is one of my favorite quotes: “I’m a fucking killing machine, and you’re a sweet little hacker who likes to flirt with danger. Baby, I am danger.” Awesome. Hoping Zanetti goes on to write books for the younger brothers that are found during this book - that would just make my day!!

[Rachel-RN]

Changing my book only so I will be able to send my copy to someone, but I'm reading

[Rachel-RN]

Favorite Series

May 15th 3*

This series have fluctuated between just average (3*) and above (4*). Sadly this one continued the average trend and I was disappointed since Torin was one of my favorites. My memories of Torin from previous books didn't fit with the Torin in this book. The book starts off with Torin administering CPR to Mari and he was thinking about his hands being on a female chest. He was too ALPHA and prone to fits of temper. I lost track of how many wall punches, broken furniture, and other varies items there were.
As always, the underlying storylines and cast of character is this series strongest point. Their interactions are entertaining and interesting. That being said, I'm not sure that is enough to keep my continued interest. Baden's book is the next and is coming out if HB. So it's either library and wait for MMP if I do decide to read it. And it is an if.

[Anita Reads]

Week 7: Hunter/Hunters

Book: Kiss of Frost | Jennifer Estep
Finished: 05/16/16
Rated: ★★★★

Review:
This series is about Gwen Frost who's a Gypsy who can sense all peoples emotions/secrets etc. by touching their skin or a personal object of theirs. In this one weird things starts to happen to Gwen, first someone is trying to run her over with a car, and next she's almost shot by an arrow to her head. Clearly someone wants her dead. This is also the time for when Mythos goes on their yearly ski trip. Mythos Academy is a school for Spartans, Amazons, Valkyries etc. who serve their Gods and Goddesses, and tries to protect the world from Loki's followers - The Reapers. Gwen tries to find out who's trying to kill her, and as usual suddenly all hell breaks loose.

I still really enjoy these books. I like the characters and that the love story is definitely not at all insta-love. The reason it gets a little lower rating than the first book is because I sort of figured out who the bad guy was way before Gwen did. Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Anita Reads]

Week 8: Favorite Series
Rachel: The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter - Review ★★★
D.G. The Dragons of Dorcastle by Jack Campbell - Review ★★★★★
Melissa: Total Surrender by Rebecca Zanetti - Review ★★★★.5
Anita: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan - Review ★★★★

[Anita Reads]

Week 8: Favorite Series

Book: The House of Hades | Rick Riordan
Finished: 05/17/16
Rated: ★★★★

Review:
It's going to be so difficult to explain this book without giving out any spoilers, if any of you haven't read this series yet. I love the character development in these books. So much has happened with all the characters since the beginning of this series. I think my favorite characters are Leo and Piper, and how cool was Bob? He was such a fun addition to this book. I don't know what else to say. I love these books, and I love that the characters are getting older and more mature, it adds a lot to the storyline.