Meet & Greet Challenge: Round 16 (Jun/Jul) - READING

[Gea]

I should be finished with all picks for Group 2 and bonus group. If I missed anyone let me know

[Stacie]

Emerson wrote: "I just completed all my bonus picks. If I missed you, please let me know. Thank you."

Emerson, I had a mishap with my inbox and picks and nonsense and I can't find the bonus picks you sent me, Sorry!!

[Stacie]

Okay, I think I'm missing Group 2 picks from Debbie (Doc). My computer went nuts in the middle of me picking books and replying to emails so things may have gotten missed.

[Stacie]

I think I sent out all my bonus picks. Please let me know if I missed you because it's very possible that happened. Stupid computer.

[GreenFairy]

All bonus picks have been sent!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

I've started my picks but I think it will be more of a dribble than an raving river of recs ;)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

I finished bonus picks, let me know if I missed your otherwise messed things up!

[LaurLa]

Jane (PS) wrote: "I've started my picks but I think it will be more of a dribble than an raving river of recs ;)"

Hurry, Jane, I'm dying here to see your picks!! ;-)

[Karla]

I have finished Group 1 picks. Please let me know if you need repicks.

I am working on bonus picks. I am in the last couple of weeks of class, and I have two papers, two quizzes, one discussion post plus two responses, and one exam to complete by the 31st. I will get my bonus picks to you as soon as I can. I'm sorry for the delay!

[Penney]

Karla wrote: "I have finished Group 1 picks. Please let me know if you need repicks.

I am working on bonus picks. I am in the last couple of weeks of class, and I have two papers, two quizzes, one discussion p..."

Jeez Karla, I don't think that's quite enough work for one week. Maybe you should add a bit more... {insert sarcasm font here}

I have more than I can handle at the moment so you can save me for last :)

[Penney]

I am 99.99% sure that I've finished bonus picks. If I've missed anyone please PM since I'm not able to check in here very often.
Happy Reading All!

[[deleted user]]

I'm finally done with all my picks for Group 3. If by any chance I've missed you or if you need re-picks, please let me know. Sorry for the delay!

[Becky]

I'm finally done with my picks for Group 1 and my bonus picks. If I missed anybody or if you need bonus picks, please let me know. whew!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

LaurLa wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "I've started my picks but I think it will be more of a dribble than an raving river of recs ;)"

Hurry, Jane, I'm dying here to see your picks!! ;-)"

Today is a day of cleaning but I'll try to get a few picks out today :D (None yesterday :( - we loaded all our machinery off.)

[~Melissa~]

I just sent (crossing fingers) my last Bonus picks out. If I missed you by mistake please PM me and I'll fix it :)

[Dana (aNovelAllure)]

Everyone should have bonus picks from me now, if you don't..please let me know! I have picks from everyone except Jody and Jane :)

[Grace]

I finished bonus picks...if I missed you, send me a message and I'll get them to you right away.

[Jody]

Dana (aNovelAllure) wrote: "Everyone should have bonus picks from me now, if you don't..please let me know! I have picks from everyone except Jody and Jane :)"

I'm sorry Dana I thought I sent them to you! I'm away from my computer but will send them to you in the next couple of hours. Sorry!!

[Zara's Retreat]

I finished all my picks for group 2 and bonus a number of days ago. It appears that I'm still waiting on picks from Jane (PS) but she did mention that her picks would "be more of a dribble than an raving river of recs". I can't wait to see what she has for me.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Zara wrote: "I finished all my picks for group 2 and bonus a number of days ago. It appears that I'm still waiting on picks from Jane (PS) but she did mention that her picks would "be more of a dribble than an ..."

We've finally left our home and in our temporary new home. A lot of sorting still to be done, but I'll start on my picks this afternoon :)

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

I've finished picking for Group 1. Please let me know if you are still missing a pick from me :)

...Still going on the bonus picks!

[Karla]

I think I have finished all bonus picks. If I missed you, please let me know. I am still missing picks from Jody.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

I believe I have finished my picking episode :D

Please let me know if I stuffed up and missed you!

[Sassafrass]

Yay! I've gotten all of my picks. Now, I just have to wait until the June 1st! WHAT TORTURE!

[Christina T]

Thanks to everyone who picked for me. I'm with Sassafrass, waiting until June first is so difficult!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Is it better to wait for June 1st with all your books, or outstanding picks? ;) LOL.

[Sassafrass]

Jane (PS) wrote: "Is it better to wait for June 1st with all your books, or outstanding picks? ;) LOL."

I know. It's a very difficult "woulda rather" type question, isn't it? LOL

[Becky]

Only 8 hours to go! (At least in my neck of the woods!)

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Becky wrote: "Only 8 hours to go! (At least in my neck of the woods!)"

Still three hours here!

[Dana (aNovelAllure)]

Woot woot! June 1st! Happy Reading everyone! :) So excited!

[Susan A]

GROUP 1

Becca's pick Road to Home ★★★★★ Fast-paced & suspenseful thriller novel. Lack of sex may bother romance readers. This author writes mainly fantasy, but I'm hoping for more stories like this one.

Diane ~Firefly~'s pick Chasing the Chupacabra ★★★★ I like this wacky series. I can't wait to see what critter is in the next book.

LaurLa's pick Kick Start ★★★★ I didn't very much like book 1 in this series, but I am glad I stuck with it. I've enjoyed every book since then. I thought this was the end of the series, but I am glad to see there is room for it to continue.

Rachel C's pick Surrender the Chase ★★★ This was just okay. The plot seemed to wander.

Gabriella's pick Foxe Tail ★★★★ This book has been on my shelf forever. I bought the book in 2013. I have no idea why I put off reading it. This was a fun, sometimes silly even, mystery and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Becky's pick Out of Nowhere ★★★★★ I was really surprised that the author was able to make me sympathize and actually like Collin, who was so completely awful in book 1. There were whole parts of the story that we first saw through Daniel's eyes and yet it was not at all repetitive.

BONUS picks
Christine T's pick Shiver ★★★ 1/2 stars I wanted to like this more, but I just didn't like Lucas at all and I feel like I didn't get to know Andrei. However, the authors did make me want to get to know both Dr. Frost and Ian, so I suspect that I will read book 2 at least. (I love the theme of Lucas' nightclub, Shiver.)

Raine's pick Finding North ★★★ I suspect many people will enjoy this more than me. This has a "new adult" feel to it, but since the MCs were both well beyond the age of "new adult" it didn't work for me. Had these MCs been 22, I may have liked it better. Both MCs were not very likable. I really liked Brad the twink, but he has only a very minor role (and role is too big a word). WARNING: there is mf in this book. It didn't bother me, but the author's over use of the word pussy bugged me. 34 times it was used

Sassafrass's pick Prize Package ★★★ Funny at times, but I think maybe it could have been shorter.

Thanks for these picks!

[Jody]

Thanks for the great picks so far! I'm having a great start to this round!
Group 2

Penney - The Dean's List by Kelly Collins ★★★★★ Wow this was not what I was expecting! It was a refreshing unique story and I felt connected to River right away. I enjoyed it alot and I am excited to see there are 2 more out in this series already! Definitely will be reading more from this author in the future.

Dana - Matched by S.E. Hall ★★★★★ Another great read! I'm so glad I stumbled upon this book! 8 celebrities with 8 plus ones are sent to an island mansion to meet their "soul mate" for a reality show. So unique and I loved how they told the story from Harlow's pov but with the other character confessionals included in. Only complaint is I was a little disappointed with the epilogue and was left wanting more!

Debbie(Doc) - The Mad Tatter by J.M. Darhower ★★★ This was an ok story I just wanted more. I loved his daughter and how good they were with her.

Bonus

Krissy - Grit by J.C. Valentine ★★★★ I enjoyed this story. I liked Gabby and Blake but Ash's part made the story great. Not heavy focus on being a mc book. It does sorta end with unanswered questions but I feel that maybe they get resolved in the next book.

Rachel C - Settling the Score by R.S. Grey ★★★★★ This was such a unique read and good! It's set at the Olympics in Rio where anything can happen! I loved Andie as the mc but her mentors and good friends had me laughing out loud at parts. Great story and can't wait for the next one.

SusanA - Licked by Brooke Blaine ★★★★ This was a fun cute read. I really liked the concept of her ice cream shop and bar. I wouldn't mind finding a place like it in real life to go hang out at. I'll probably continue with the series.

Amy(Green Fairy) - Cotton by L. Wilder ★★★ This was a good addition to the series but I just felt it lacked a little action.

Penney - Lock & Key by Cat Porter ★★★★ A great story about getting a second chance at finding love and really hot alpha male bikers!

[Connie N.]

Some great reads so far:

Group 3 - fleurette - Betrayal in Death by J.D. Robb - 6/6/16 ♥♥♥♥♥
I can't get enough of this series, narrated by Susan Ericksen. This was another great episode.

Group 3 - Grace - Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis - 6/7/16 ♥♥♥♥♥
The Lucky Harbor series has all the things I love--great characters with a bit of humor, friendship and romance.

Bonus - KarenH - At Last by Jill Shalvis - 6/12/16 ♥♥♥♥
The next in the Lucky Harbor series--another excellent story. Can't wait for the next in the series.

Bonus - Krissy - Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich - 6/4/16 - ♥♥♥♥♥
Stephanie Plum always makes me laugh. This time she's on the outs with Joe and spending a lot more time with Ranger. Yum.

Bonus - Sunshine - Double Time by Olivia Cunning - 6/9/16 ♥♥♥♥
I haven't read this series in a long time. Not sure why since I always enjoy revisiting with old friends.

[Martha]

Group 3

Amy - Colters' Daughter by Maya Banks - June 7 - **** This series never stops surprising me it just makes me want to finish the series even more.

Grace - Venom by Jennifer Estep - June 6 - **** I absolutely love this series. I'm glad to see that Gin is starting to put in motion her plans to get revenge on Mab.

Stephanie - The Light Within Me by Carly Fall - June 12 - *** This was definitely an interesting read, as I normally don't read science fiction novels of any kind, so this one took a bit to get my mind around it, but I enjoyed it none the less.

Valerie - Wild Irish Heart by Tricia O'Malley - June 6 - **** The characters emotions and personalities are so complex that it makes for a very interesting read. i love the description of the scenery it made me feel like I was really there.

[Krissy]

MY FIRST 5 COMPLETIONS

01. Karla: To Kill a Mockingbird-6/01★★★★★

I don't know what took me so long to read this book. I don't know why but I thought it was more of a courtroom drama. I mean there was many scenes towards the end that were set in the courtroom but for the most part that was not the focus of the book. It was a very pleasant surprise. Sissy Spacek did a fantastic job narrating the auidobook.

02. Sassafrass: The Girl In The Ice-6/04★★★★★

I loved this one! I had a difficult time putting the book down. It was fast paced and exciting. And this was also a fantastic narrator!

03. Rachel C: Angels' Blood-6/05★★★★

What a great beginning to a new to me series! I liked Elena and I loved Raphael. I also wouldn't mind a little more Dmitri ;) I am really looking forward to sinking my teeth into the rest of the series. Pun intended!

04. LaurLa: The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake-6/14★

Unfortunately I did not enjoy this one. You can read why HERE

05. Penney: Something Like Summer-6/14★★★

honestly... I don't even know what to say. I really liked it... at first. I'm not a fan of books where the MCs split up and move on to other people and fall in love again before coming back together all in one book. I don't mind it if the past happened before the beginning of the book but that's obviously not what happened here. I'm not even sure if I want to read the next 2 books because it will be the same story but from a different POVs. I don't think I am emotionally strong enough for that shit.

[Susan A]

GROUP 1 PICKS
KathyD's pick The Cost of Secrets June 15 ★★★ More like 2.5 So...the MC was an obese teen, 450 lbs. He turned his life around through exercise and dieting. He haad surgery to deal with his excess skin. However, throughout the course of the book he ate cinnamon rolls, pizza, ice cream and there was no mention of healthy eating...this didn't make a lot of sense to me.

Krissy's pick Beyond the Sea June 14 ★★★★ I enjoyed this story. I have no idea how realistic it is and frankly I don't care. I liked reading about their efforts to survive on the island. Now that I have read it, I honestly do not understand why this book was demonized more than any other GFY story.

Ty's pick Convincing the Secretary June 10 ★★★★ My favorite in this series.


BONUS PICKS
DebbieDoc's pick The Captain’s Men June 15 ★★★★ I was expecting PWP, but I was wrong. THere was some story here. It was fun and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Emerson's pick Stygian ★★★★ Overall, I enjoyed this. I did spend sometime wishing it would get to the point. Also, I think the HFN could be bothersome to some people.
Gea's pick The Law of Attraction June 12 ★★★★ Wow! The beginning of this book is smokin' hot!
Shelby's pick Lonely Shore June 13 ★★★★★ Bit of a tear-jerker. I've got the next book lined up already.
Tink Magoo's pick Status Update June 9 ★★★ ehh..lots of people love this, but once the faith talk started, I just shut down. I do not like faith or religion of any sort in my romance books.
Zara's pick North to Zombieville June 16 ★★ If not for my compulsion to finish books, I would have DNF'ed it. I liked the plot and that's about it. Among other things I disliked, both MC called each other baby incessantly. It was very annoying and confusing.

Thanks for these picks.

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Time for an update! So far I've read a total of 11 of my picks - 3 group picks and 8 bonus. I've started the next one too!

Group 2: 3 of 15. Updated 6.16.16

Katie - Just a Feeling by J.H. Knight 6.2.16 - Wonderfully sweet!

Sunshine - Wicked Ties by Shayla Black 6.4.16 - I enjoyed this and will try #2 soon!

Stacie - Big Rock by Lauren Blakely 6.7.16 - Sexy, fun and sweet! Even better in audio!

Bonus Picks: 8 of 28. Updated 6.16.16

Jane (PS) - A Home For Christmas by Diane Adams 6.5.16 - Wonderful, just like I expected!

Dana - Spring Rain by Jaci Burton 6.9.16 - Good book in a good series!

Susan A - Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas 6.9.16 - Pretty darn perfect! I loved both the hero and the heroine!

Krissy - Waiting for Clark by Annabeth Albert 6.11.16 - Cute, geeky fun!

Debbie (Doc) - What's New Pussycat by Dakota Cassidy 6.12.16 - Cute fun - sometimes fluffy PNR is exactly what you want!

Christine T - Dirty by Kylie Scott 6.14.16 - Loved this - the story and the characters! Wonderful audio too!

Katie - Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair 6.15.16 - I like Cherise Sinclair and I liked this book too!

Grace - Off Limits by Mari Carr 6.15.16 - Another good Mari Carr! I am enjoying this series!

[Martha]

Group 3

fleurette - Back in the Saddle by Willow Summers - June 15 *** - This was definitely an interesting read, though I think Jessica has a major ego problem.

KarenH - Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton - June 19 **** - I love how this one is based on Jenna and not just focusing on the male players of the sports teams. It was also an interesting way to bring in their local hockey team. I can't wait to read the next one.

Preethi - Omega by Charlene Hartnady - June 20 **** - This was a great change in the range of the plot, compared to the many werewolf novels that I've read go. I'm definitely going to continue to read this series.

Raine - Pierced by Sydney Landon - June16 **** - This was quiet an interesting read, the cliff hanger at the end put me a bit on edge as now I have to go out and get the next book to find out what happened.

[Connie N.]

Really enjoying the books this round:

Group 3 - Holli - The Job by Janet Evanovich - 6/14/16 ♥♥♥♥
I love listening to Scott Brick's voice in this audiobook. He creates a very sexy Nick Fox and really showcases this entertaining series.

Group 3 - KarenH - Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas - 6/18/16 ♥♥♥♥♥
I'm sad that this series is at an end. Rosalyn Landor did a great job in the narration. I was looking forward to Beatrix's story, and it definitely did not disappoint.

Group 3 - Krista - Seduction in Death by J.D. Robb - 6/22/16 ♥♥♥♥♥
I can't get enough of the In Death series, also enjoying this in audiobook form as well.

Group 3 - Valerie ~Varuca~ - Controlled Burn by Shannon Stacey - 6/15/16 ♥♥♥♥
This is a new series I discovered in the last round, so I'm happy to continue with these hot firefighters. It was definitely enjoyable to enter the world of Boston Fire again with this book.

Bonus - Stacie - Ravishing Ruby by Lavinia Kent - 6/23/16 ♥♥♥♥
Whew, this is a very nice excerpt from the Bound and Determined Regency series. Although the first couple of books were BDSM, this was just hot and sexy all the way.

[Jody]

Group 2
Katie - Fighting Destiny by Shelly Morgan 6/21/16 ★★★★ I really enjoy this mc series! The author makes you feel connected to all the characters.

Zara - The Anatomy of Jane by Amelia LeFay 6/13/16 ★★★★ Might be one of my favorite MFM books! Great plot but ends with a big cliff hanger! I want the next book now!

Anita - It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips 6/11/16 ★★ I'm in the minority with this book. I tried to like it but I really struggled to just finish it.

Bonus
Emerson - Guardian Angel by Terri Anne Browning 6/14/16 ★★★★ This series is told from multiple pov's and not just the main characters. I enjoy it bc you stay connected with previous main characters.

Katie - Below the Surface by Elizabeth Lee 6/8/16 ★★★ I liked the unique story of treasure hunters but it dragged in to many places for me.

Stacie - Betting on Bailey (Menage MfM Romance Novel) by Tara Crescent 6/22/16 ★★★★ Another good MFM with an actual plot! Plan to continue this series too.

Connie N - Suddenly Dirty by J.A. Low 6/20/16 ★★★★ A great start to a new rocker series by a new author.

Gle - My Brother's Keeper by Alanea Alder 6/19/16 ★★★★ I really like this series and I enjoyed this one I just wish it had been longer.

Tink Magoo - Duke by C.J. Washington 6/16/16 ★★★★ I loved Nic & Duke! This was a unique mc story but I loved the rest of the crew and hope the author continues the series (her health has delayed the release of the next book).

[Susan A]

BONUS PICKS

Amy (Green Fairy) Finn ★★★ I've always wanted to read and enjoy one of those long series with recurring characters. This one seems to be working for me. This is book 4 of 22 and counting. Fast, easy and enjoyable.

Dana's pick Keeping ★★★★ This is a great psychic/detective series that is heavy on the mysteries rather than the romance. I'm looking forward to continuing it.

Gle's pick There’s Something About a Kilt ★★★ Uggh...I wrecked this book. It is mostly PWP, but I didn't realize that before I starting reading it..in the line at the bank, then the supermarket, waiting for kids practice to let out, waiting for delivery men...interrupted every 5 minutes...this was not the story for that kind of reading. I wish I had just given this a solid hour's attention instead.

Jane(PS) pick City Wolf ★★★★★ Why isn't everyone reading this series? It only has 241 ratings. This series is excellent. However...major cliffhanger. I have book 3 on my reader ready to go.

Katie's pick Chasing Bigfoot ★★★★ My boys are bigfoot fanatics. I couldn't pass this title up. Very fun short story.

Krissy's pick How to Wish Upon a Star ★★★★★ Unbelievably cute...and I don't even like dogs a little bit.

Melissa's pick Assassins Love People Too ★★★★ This is a fairly simple series which could be completely forgettable, but I really like these characters. Book 2 ends in another cliff hanger and I am not a fan of waiting for the next book.

MountainKat A Twist and Two Balls ★★★★ Another rather simple story, but great characters make this a series worth continuing.

Sunshine's pick Careened: Winter Solstice in Madierus ★★★★★ A short xmas story with the characters from a favorite series of mine. I really hope the author plans more for these guys.

Thanks for these picks!

bonus 18/28
group 1 9/14

[~Melissa~]

Group 1 update ~ thanks for all the picks! I've gotten through several already =)
11 regular books
8 bonus books read
19 total

Becca - Lord's Fall6/5/16 4♥ / Teased 6/2/16 4♥ - I love both of these series. Can't wait for next book in Dark Protectors to come out.

Becky - A Case of Spirits 6/11/16 3♥
Krissy - A Case of Possession 6/10/16 4♥ - Becky & Krissy - this is one of the few historical series that I really enjoy. Lord Crane and Stephen together are so sweet!

Sassafrass -Neanderthal Seeks Human 6/11/16 2♥ - it must be me because I know several people like this book/series. This one just totally didn't work for me. Maybe it was the narrator. Not sure but I just find the heroine funny which I'm sure was the author's plan and the whole thing with the old boyfriend was ridiculous - how stupid is he to think that would work. Seemed like drama just for drama's sake.
Rachel C - Twisted 6/22/16 2.5♥ - I had been looking forward to Nick's book since we first met him in this series. The whole twin thing (especially since they have different father's ...so yeah not really twins...just two pregnancies that occurred at the same time and soul mate thing and (view spoiler)[ you have to sleep with your twin's mate, the queen, to save her life - wtf??? really??!?! and Nick should just be fine with this and all the argonauts make like he's an asshole for not wanting to do this??? (hide spoiler)] the author couldn't think of some other storyline for Nick? I did like Nick's mate and them together - just tired of the Queen/Demetrius storyline. I will continue the series though - just disappointed with this installment.
SusanA - Slade 6/23/16 2.5♥ - I received this trilogy as a free book. This was an odd start as we get no background on the 2 MC's until about 60% into the book. Whole lot of hot sex and sex talk with no real plot. It was just ok. I liked Cale's story the best and it had the least drama - this was the last book of the trilogy.
Ty - Underneath It All 6/21/16 3♥ _ i so loved the H, Matt Walsh, he was awesome along with all his crazy siblings. This doesn't happen often but the h - she drove me insane being unwilling to see what was right in front of her. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
LaurLa - Can't Buy His Love 6/17/16 3♥ - totally fun sexy short between the boy who is used to everyone falling into his lap and the one boy who is immune to his charm. Really enjoyed it
Jane(PS)- Savior 6/17/16 3♥ this was an interesting start to the series. Was not thrilled with the ending but will see where it goes with the next book.
Nadine - The Gallos: The Beginning 6/25/16 3♥ - I can only hope to have as hot and sexy a relationship when my kids are raised as these two fictional parents of twenty -somethings, lol. Was fun meeting all the kids.



Bonus
Amy (Green Fairy) - Silas 6/2/16 3♥ again like the first one - this was ok. What a horrible mother and father these kids had / Hemy 6/24/16 2.5♥ - hot, sexy book - didn't feel like Hemy was allowed his reaction to Onyx esp after what he had done to her.
Emerson - Stipulation 6/13/16 3♥ - loved these shorts - I finished the whole thing. Matt and Mac's book was fun. I've already downloaded Matt's version of the story - will be interested to see what was going on in his head.
Gle - Luke 6/8/16 4♥ - liked this one better than Silas' book.
KathyD - Cain's Identity 6/5/16 2.5-3♥ - the last couple in this series have just been ok. I had gotten the 1-9 collection all together on sale. Not sure I will cont with this series.
Rachel C - The Wicked 6/7/16 4♥ - loved it. Really enjoying Elder Races series. Can't wait for the next in the series.
Shelby - Delicate Ink 6/15/16 2♥ - this one was kind of a total wreck. the author just put too much into this book, too many plot threads of drama along with backstory on all the siblings. Way too much going on. Just didn't work for me. Also - didn't like the narrator.
Becky - Ravaged 6/22/16 3.5♥ - loved this novella - wished it was a longer book. Ari and Daphne were fun together - I loved her babbling.

[Susan A]

GROUP 1

Jane(PS) pick Spring Fever ★★★ I like these characters and I do hope there is more for this couple. What I really DISLIKE is that this was not a book. It was 3 or 4 chapters. I find these types of publications very frustrating.

Melissa's pick Playing with Fire ★★★★ I guess this author is an auto-buy for me know. I have enjoyed every one of the books in this series.

BONUS
Jody Stealing His Dangling Jewels ★★★ The best part of this books was the title and the plot. This author's books generally outrageous and fun. This one missed the mark ... but I'll call it "me, not you"

KarenH Storm Tide ★★★★ I needed a book published in the 1990s and I also needed a book set in 1980s and this book very nicely fit both of those. I wasn't expecting to like it, I'm not sure why. It was a fun action/adventure story. I wouldn't hesitate to try this author again.

Karla's pick Falling Through ★★★ I was really enjoying this story, 5 star enjoying it, and then it ended. It kind of seemed like the author just stopped writing. Disappointing.

KathyD Run for the Roses ★★★ maybe? This story is set in the horse racing world. I suppose if that interests you, you may like this story better than me. I found it all a little boring. I was absolutely shocked by the violence towards the end of the book. I have certainly read worse, it wasn't that bad, it just didn't fit at all with the rest of the story and was therefore jarring. I'm not sure if I will continue with this series.

Stacie's pick Birds of a Feather ★★★★★ I love this couple! I think I read that this author is going to write another book in this series (this last one was pub in 2013) I can't wait!

Thanks for these picks.

group 1 11/14
bonus 23/28

[~Melissa~]

Susan A wrote: "GROUP 1

Jane(PS) pick Spring Fever ★★★ I like these characters and I do hope there is more for this couple. What I really DISLIKE is that this was not a book. It was 3 or 4 chapter..."


Glad you liked Playing with Fire I haven't read anything by this author - I'll have to check out this series

[Krissy]

MY NEXT 5 COMPLETIONS

01. Becky: And Then There Were None- 6/15★★★

I think I made a mistake by listening to the theatrical version of the audiobook. I don't think I will make that same mistake. Unfortunately that was the only version available from my library on overdrive. But I still gave the book 3 stars because I liked the concept and I'm positive I would have enjoyed the book much more if I listened to the regular audiobook.

02. Gabriella: Tell No One- 6/20★★★★

I am a huge fan of Harlan Coben so I am not surprised that I enjoyed this one. Fast paced and addicting. Loved it.

03. SusanA: Hexbreaker- 6/23★★★★★

Jordan L. Hawk is my favorite MM author hands down. I have loved every single book I've read so far by her. This one was no exception. I can't wait for more books from this series!

04. Connie N: The White Queen- 6/24★★

I was really disappointed with this one. I expected... idk. More. All action and exciting scenes happened off page. We were only informed about it after the fact. It just felt like somebody telling you a long story but summarizing everything for you.

05. Rachel C: Shade's Children- 6/30★★

Meh. I don't know why but I couldn't really get into this. I just kind of halfheartedly listened to the audiobook. I didn't like the break up in the story with the archive video diary things. I get that they were used to move the story along but idk... It wasn't a bad book. I just wasn't feeling it at this time. And I wasn't digging the use of "Ferrets" as the name for the monsters. You say ferrets and I think of ferrets not blood sucking monsters.

[LaurLa]

More than half through June... not a bad start!!!
Very enjoyable reads so far - thanks all for the recs!!

Group 1: 8 of 14

✔Becca: Maybe This Time - Jennifer Crusie - 06.13 ★★★★
✔Becky: Friends Without Benefits - Penny Reid - 06.01 ★★★★
✔Diane ~Firefly~: Gingerbread Man - Maggie Shayne - 06.21 ★★★★
✔Jane(PS): Season of Desire - Melissa F. Hart - 06.06 ★★★
✔Karla: Lady in White - Denise Domning - 06.25 ★★★★
✔KathyD: Claimed - Rebecca Zanetti - 06.20 ★★★★
✔Nadine: Deeply, Desperately - Heather Webber - 06.23 ★★★★
✔Rachel C: Up to Me - M. Leighton - 06.13 ★★★★

[fleurette]

I was doing quite well in June. I have finished 9 of my picks and liked all of them.

✔Amy (Green Fairy) - Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews ★★★★
✔Christine T - Tribute by Nora Roberts ★★★★
✔Connie N - Slightly Tempted by Mary Balogh ★★★
✔Grace - Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost ★★★
✔Holli - Four to Score by Janet Evanovich ★★★
✔KarenH - Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas ★★★
✔Krista - Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost ★★★
✔Sallie(GeorgiaGirl) - Biting Cold by Chloe Neill ★★★
✔Stephanie - Hello, Darkness by Sandra Brown ★★★

Read:

[~Melissa~]

Finished 2 more bonus picks to finish out June
Total 10 regular/ 9 bonus


Raine - The Game Plan 6/26/16 4♥ - I really enjoyed this one - my only issue was Ethan/Dex's 'temper tantrum' (for lack of a better term) towards the end seemed totally out of character and was just to add drama IMO. Still was a good read.
Connie N - Throttle Me 6/28/16 3-3.5♥ interesting first full book for the series. I will say Sally was kind of irritating at times. City/Joe had a lot of patience with her. I am looking forward to the brother's books.

[Rachel C.]

Update for June :)

Group 1:

Becca: Cry Wolf - ★★★★★ - 6/13/16
Ty: It Happened One Autumn - ★★★★★ - 6/30/16

Bonus:

Gea: The Perfect Rake - ★★★★★ - 6/16/16
Tink Magoo: Lord Savage - ★★★½ - 6/19/16

[MountainKat, Moderator]

Halfway through, time for an update! I've read slightly more than half my picks - doing good so far this round!

Group 2: 5 of 15, overall 8 of 15. Updated 7.1.16

Zara - Lights & Secrets by Vivian Arend 6.19.16 - Sweet, short holiday story.

Gea - Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh 6.20.16 - Not the typical story for the series, but a nice transition book into the new story arc - I'm looking forward to that!

Amie - Wolf with Benefits by Shelly Laurenston 6.28.16 - Loving this series in audio! This was sweeter than some, but still so much fun!

Donna - Innocent in Death by J.D. Robb 6.30.16 - Tough book both in the personal and criminal stories. But so, so good!

Emerson - Appealed by Emma Chase 6.30.16 - I've really enjoyed the second two in this series, had issues with the first. Lover the author's humor and her heroes! (Except the hero in the first book, he was my big issue.)

Bonus Picks: 6 of 28, overall 14 of 28. Updated 7.1.16

Zara - Rubber Boot Romance by Vivian Arend 6.19.16 - Cute!

Tink Magoo - Barely Breathing by Pamela Clare 6.21.16 - LOVED this! This author never lets me down and this was so good! Another book where I adored the hero!

Sassafrass - The Best Kind of Trouble by Lauren Dane 6.22.16 - I really enjoyed this! I can't wait to read the brother's books! =)

Karla - On the Edge by Shannon Stacey 6.23.16 - I raced through this one, it grabbed me more than the first in the series. It was intense from the very beginning!

Penney - Naked Edge by Pamela Clare 6.25.16 - This was a reread, in audio for the first time. WOW! This was always one of my favorites and now I remember why! And even better with Kaleo Griffith bringing it to life!

Shelby - Z by Larissa Ione 6.26.16 - I really enjoy this world!

Thanks for the great picks everyone! Bring on July!