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Love or Hate @ FIRST Sight Read 2017
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Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required
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Jan 23, 2017 06:23PM
Must admit that I loved Alexa, and was only so-so on the Finishing School. I've put off half of that and Prudence because it was a little too YA for me.
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And that may well have been why I preferred them! Alexa felt "too romancey" to me. :-)I do think it is fantastic that Carriger has created a world that has space for stories and characters and relationships of all types! Not every author can manage that.
True, and she's so connected to her make believe world as well :)
To be honest, I tried to start The Finishing School series last year and struggled to get past the first chapter so I put it down.Might try it again next month.
I read the first one & I've bought a couple of the others, but haven't been enthused enough to read them.
Slipping these in at the last minute! I'll have to make up December's books at some point next month. Ack!!!❖ January 2017 ❖
Book 1
Title/Author: An Alaskan Wedding by Belle Calhoune
Series: Alaskan Grooms
Read: Jan 10
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: This was a lot of fun to read. The characters are colorful and added a lightheartedness to the story that made the town feel very genuine. It also added an emotional punch when things get tough. The town is functioning like an extended family and the other women in the community are welcoming the new ladies to town as if they were sisters or nieces. This is definitely a series I plan to continue! Full review is listed here: Becky's Full Review
Book 2
Title/Author: Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin, Book 1
Read: Jan 27
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Wow! This book shot out of the gate with one of the best 1st chapters I've read it quite awhile! I don't have the heart to ruin the scene with a spoiler, but I can tell you that Gin Blanco a/k/a "The Spider" - our leading lady and fierce assassin - is a fabulous character. Right from the beginning, I was fully engaged in the story, her surroundings, what she was doing, and why.
Gin takes her job very seriously. She thinks on her feet and always has a backup plan ready, just in case she get into a jam. Gin is a stone elemental with a just enough ice elemental magic abilities in her to make for very creative action scenes. She's a pro. She "never misses" a target and "always" gets the job done...until the day things gone terribly wrong. She'll be forced to work with Detective Donovan Caine, a man who doesn't like what Gin does or stands for, but is having a very hard time ignoring the sexual tension between them.
The Hubster and I read this one together with an My review continues here:: Becky's Review
Title/Author:On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
Series: On Dublin Street
Read: 2/5/17
Rating: ★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I really enjoyed the overall the story and Braden is the best. I liked Joss's personality but I couldn't stand the way she constantly kept getting in her own way.
Feb 2017 Update
Title/Author: Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning
Series: Highlander
Read: Feb 6
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: I spent a lot of this book rolling my eyes and/or shaking my head. Hawk is a bit of a jerk and Adrienne sometimes has a TSTL thing going on. They both have moments of being complete jerks. I liked Grimm the best and then he had to go join the jerk club too. I'm going to read the next book hoping that I like the heroine and hero better then these two.
Title/Author: Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
Series: Southern Reach Trilogy
Read: 12th February
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: I have no clue what just happened. Or what the point of it was. Not sure that I want to go any further with it.
Title/Author: Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles
Read: 2/12/17
Rating: 4 stars
First time author? yes
To-Be-Continued? yes
Review: I love fairy tale retellings. I'm not sure why I kept putting this one off, maybe it was the cyborg plotline. Cinder is a cyborg mechanic. Kai is the son of the emperor. One day, Kai asks Cinder to fix an android for him. This starts off Cinder's adventure, which causes her to question everything about herself. I think the reason I dislike the villain the most, is because one of the plotlines I find the scariest is the idea that someone can play with your mind and make you think things that aren't there and Queen Levana has this ability. She was appropriately evil and I look forward to seeing her get her comeuppance in the future. I will definitely be continuing this series.
Title/Author: Hunted by Hazel Hunter
Series: Forever Faire
Read: 16/2/2017
Rating: ★★✩✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? No
Review:
I like PNR and in most, the alpha/dominant male is to be expected. However, personally, I think the alpha + fae characters are a little too annoying for me. What was with (view spoiler) The example of the second book doesn't sound so exciting either. Also, because the book is quite short, there isn't enough detail or background information.
February 2017
Title/Author: To Kill a Sorcerer by Greg Mongrain
Series: Immortal Montero
Read: 2/18/2017
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? yes
To-Be-Continued? yes
Review: Sebastian is apparently immortal, at least nothing has managed to kill him in 700+ years. Now he uses his accumulated wealth and knowledge to help the police solve crimes with an occult twist. Pleasant & quick UF read, with a touch of romance (but not sex - actually a plot point!) bromance with the buddy copy, a different twist on vampire culture, and a cast of really engaging characters. Feels like there's a lot more in this world and these characters to explore.
In a nice coincidence, the sequel happens to be in the kindle monthly sale right now. Snapped it up. :-)
Title/Author: Existence by Abbi Glines
Series: Existence
Read February 11
Rating: **
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Contined? No
Review: All just seemed a bit rushed, most of the characters were under-developed and annoying. Just didn't care what was happening.
Title/Author: The Siren by Tiffany Reisz
Series: The Original Sinners
Read: 3/10/17
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Oh yes
Review: This is a deliciously dark and intricate series. The characters are amazing, the story line is amazing...it's all just amazing. Trust me on this one, it's a page turner for sure. I will issue a bit of a warning: this series could definitely be considered as morally questionable to some. If you are uncomfortable with BDSM, m/m or underage partners, this is most certainly not the series for you.
Title/Author: Uneasy Lies the Head by Jean Plaidy
Series: The Tudor Saga
Read: 18th March
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Historical fiction based on the house of Tudor. Good book - The future Henry VIII is an annoying brat who grows a conscience very late on. I felt very sorry for Katherine of Aragon, her treatment was deplorable, a pawn in a much larger game - made to live in poverty following Prince Arthurs death while Henry VII tried to find a better match for his surviving son (even after they had been betrothed).
It also included an interesting take on the fate of the 2 Princes in the Tower.
March 2017
Title/Author: Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk
Series: Allie Beckstrom
Read: 5 March
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Interesting UF series. Magic as almost a utility, built into cities like electric wires. A price (harsh, and not monetary) for using it, but apparently the benefits to society outweigh that. This one has been on my radar for a while, and I'm glad to finally give it a try.
Title/Author: Stone Guardian by Danielle Monsch
Series: Entwined Realms
Read: 3/1/17
Rating: 4 stars
First time author? yes
To-Be-Continued? yes
Review:
Two parallel worlds collide and mesh, bring magic to Earth. Now humans have to learn how to deal with magical beings including vampires, werewolves, wizards, necromancers etc. Larissa was born the night the worlds collided so she has never known life to be different. Now someone keeps trying to hurt/kidnap her and she doesn't know why. Luckily she has an unseen protector, the gargoyle Terak. I enjoyed the romance between Larissa and Terak. Humans and magical beings rarely get along so it was hard for their romance to blossom but they both were willing to fight for it. I look forward to seeing where the future takes them.
March 2017 Update
Title/Author: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
Series: Love by Numbers
Read: March 19
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I spent quite a bit of this book either grinning or hating their misunderstandings. All Callie wants is adventure and she drags the only man she's ever been interested in, Ralston (his name is Gabriel, but she never calls him that), along for the trip. She does some really dumb things, but manages to not get caught by anyone but him. I could have done without the bet since when Callie found out it got a little out of hand, but that was (likely) the point.
Title/Author: Freefall by Tess Oliver
Series: Custom Culture
Read March 15
Rating: ****
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Contined? Yes
Review: Good start and an interesting set of characters.
Title/Author: The legend of the blue eyes by Kristin McMichael
Series: Blue eyes trilogy
Read: 22/3/2017
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:
I would say it was enjoyable to read. The story was easy to follow along. I sometimes got a little annoyed with Ari's obsession of 'he likes me...he likes me not' kind of thought. I kind of have to remind myself that she is supposed to be only 16. Anyway, it would be interesting to know what will happen next.
Title/Author: Keeper by Leia Stone
Series: Matefinder: Next Generation
Read: 28/3/2017
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:
I already love the Matefinder series so, it is easy to fall for this one. I like that there was a twist to the story and she did not follow her awecome mother's foot step. Can't wait for the second one.
April 2017
Title/Author: A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
Series: Veronical Speedwell
Read: 2 April 2017
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Spunky Victorian-era nonconformist herione, a mystery for which I certainly didn't see the twist coming ahead of time. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Also Read:
Title/Author: Shiver- Maggie Stiefvater
Series: Wolves of Mercy Falls
Read: 4/3/17
Rating: 3 stars
First time author? yes
To-Be-Continued? maybe
Review: This story is a teenage werewolf romance. Grace is a high school student. When she was a child, she was attacked by wolves and rescued by one of them. She has loved that wolf ever since and watches him in the woods every winter. Then she meets a boy named Sam, who she discovers is the wolf. They fall in love and try to find a way to reverse what has happened to Sam. I liked the story, though it wasn't very action packed. But the author's flowery language became somewhat annoying. However, I might continue the series to find out what happens next.
Title/Author: The Martian Ambassador by Alan K. Baker
Series: Blackwood and Harrington
Read: 14th April
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: An excellent start - shame that the author decided to throw everything including the kitchen sink at the plot, the ending was hurried and the bad guys dealt with far too easily. A bit too twee - some of the writing did make me cringe.
Title/Author: Drantos by Laurann Dohner
Series: VLG
Read April 18
Rating: ***
First time author? No
To-Be-Contined? Yes
Review: When it was good it was fast-paced and interesting, setting up a new world that intrigued me. When it was bad it slowed down by going over and over the same plot points time and again. She was setting up her new world and a new series but there was a lot of information that wasn't used as part of the plot or main character development. I'm going to read the second one as it is actually the other half of this story (they actually run alongside each other) and I want to know if now the groundwork is laid, it will be what the good parts promise it will be!
April 2017 Update
Title/Author: Exit Strategy by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Nadia Stafford
Read: April 16
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Not really anything to say about this one. I liked it, but I've already read the second one and I don't want to review this one with something that happened in that book. Very different from what I normally read. Having a hitwoman as the MC was a little odd (in a good way)
Title/Author: Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden
Series: Blood and Moonlight
Read: 9/4/2017
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:
It's ok, I think. It is enjoyable enough but, quite a typical shifter vs vampire and alpha male kind of story, in my opinion.
Title/Author: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey series
Read: 5/5/17
Rating: 4 stars
First time author? yes
To-Be-Continued? yes
Review:
Meghan comes home from school one day to find her brother acting weird. Her best friend, Robbie, tells her that he has been replaced by a changeling and that if she wants to rescue her brother, they must go to Faerie. In Faerie, Meghan discovers that her father is a Faerie King. She struggles to deal with how different Faerie is from what she is used to and keeps getting herself into trouble. It was fun seeing her find her feet and deal with the troubles in Faerie and I look forward to continuing the series.
Title/Author: The Three by Sarah Lotz
Series: The Three
Read: 14th April
Rating: ★✩✩✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? HELL NO
Review: It's been a long time since I flew - over 12 years. I've only flown a few times as well. So the idea of reading a book about 4 planes that crash on the same day probably wasn't the best idea - especially as I'm due to fly this October (on my first solo overseas holiday).
This book creeped me out big time. I seem to have read several books for this challenge which have been complete mindfu*ks (The Gunslinger and Annihilation being the 2 that mainly spring to mind).
I don't know what those kids were and at the end of if I really didn't care - I was just glad it was over.
I have no intention of reading the followup - that holiday that I'm going on in October - its a cruise.....
LOL Charlotte. Sounds like Air Crash Investigations on steroids!
Title/Author: Atlantis Riptide by Allie Burton
Series: Lost Daughters of Atlantis
Read May 2
Rating: ****
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Contined? Yes
Review: Nice light YA story. Certainly worth carrying on with.
Title/Author: The final formula by Becca Andre
Series: The final formula
Read: 9/5/2017
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review:
I had a bit of struggle to grasp the story at the start. Maybe because I was travelling and could only read a tiny bit at a time. I didn't connect the story together till probably after one third into the book (she lost her memory and I was just as confused as her : ) ). Anyway, once I caught on, I enjoyed reading it. I think there are many twists and turns and it made the story interesting and I was eager to find out what happen next. I will definitely continue with the second one.
May 2017 Update
Title/Author: The Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLean
Series: Scandal & Scoundrel
Read: May 29
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I really liked both Sophie and King, which is rare for me when reading a historical romance (normally I like one and dislike the other or don't really care about either). There was a misunderstanding, but it was fixed in just a couple of chapters (I really hate long drawn out misunderstandings).
Title/Author: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer- Michelle Hodkin
Series: Mara Dyer
Read: 6/5/17
Rating: 4 stars
First time author? yes
To-Be-Continued? yes
Review: 4 stars
This was an interesting book. Mara wakes up in the hospital after being in a coma for 3 days to discover that her best friend died in the collapse of the building that injured Mara. She doesn't remember the events. The family moves to Florida to get Mara away from the memories as she has developed PTSD. In Florida, Mara meets Noah. She also discovers that there is more to the night when her best friend died. She thinks that she is losing her mind. It was interesting to see where this was going. Just when you thought you understood it, you realized that you were wrong. I found this book intriguing and look forward to reading the next one.
July 2017 Update
Title/Author: What We Find by Robyn Carr
Series: Sullivan's Crossing
Read: June 7
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: There was no drama in this one, which was a refreshing change. Normally it's ex's showing up or a misunderstanding or some kind of drama. This book didn't really have any of that. There's some angsty emotions but they are unrelated to the relationship between Cal and Maggie.
Catch up postsDecember / January / February - First Reads
Title/Author: Blood of the Earth by Faith Hunter
Series: Soulwood
Read: 12/2016 - 1/2017
Rating: ★★★★★
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Excellent start to this new series set in the world of Jane Yellowrock... Great way to show case some of the lesser seen side characters and happenings in the PsyLED vs vamp world. Nice to have more Rick LaFleur time and this new heroine, Nell who we met in a previous JY book and previous member of a religious cult. Nice to see Nell come into her earthy powers and the mystery of what she is. Definitely continuing with this series.
Title/Author: Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti
Series: Realm Enforcers
Read: 1/17/2017
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: What a treat to have this spin off from the Dark Protector series that follows the Enforcers. This is set in the same world but after the war. Get a glimpse of some of the previous characters or mention of a few happenings, but the Irish witch brothers are front and center with Kellach Dunne undercover in Seattle chasing down the maker and distributor of the drug Apollo containing the deadly mineral that is deadly to the witches. Early in he tangles with Alexandra, a tough detective also on a mission to get the deadly drug off her streets, and the sparks fly. Nice action packed, steam filled start to this new series. Already have the next one loaded and ready to go...
Title/Author: Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death
Read: 2/11/2017
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: Great mystery series following Eve Dallas, primary detective on a serial killer case that's set in the future. The victims are lisensed prostitutes that are being shot with guns that are considered antiques. One of the suspects is an Irish billionaire, Roarke who becomes her love interest. Really enjoyed Eve and Roarke's characters and chemistry. This initial story delves into some dark subject matter which is intertwined with Eve's backstory. Looks like I found a new series to add to my favorites.
Also read firsts
1/25/2017 ★★★★✩
March / April / May - First Reads
Title/Author: Accidentally in Love with...a God? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Series: Accidentally Yours
Read: 3/1/2017
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: This is kind of a fun but dark romantic read. The heroine's sarcasm and ability to get herself into certain situations could be fun, or really frustrating depending on the mood of the reader at the time. The good, the creative idea of the whole gods are among us but stuck in cenotes (pools) in Mexico because of evil priests / cult... The travel and other supporting characters were good. The bad, the love triangle never felt like a key component of the story and only pulled out at awkward moments or during internal thoughts and dialog. Emma was doing so good at times with all this world being dumped on her then she would turn around and make stupid stupid choices along with her wishy washy love for Guy. Ok, so this isn't my first MJP book and I had higher hopes for this series, since I really enjoyed the unique twist of her King Trilogy series. I am used to her extremely arrogant alpha male hero characters, and of course this one should be one of the worst, since he was a 70k year old God. Guy was definitely over the top, but he became more likeable as the book progresses.
Title/Author: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper
Series: Jane Jameson
Read: 3/13/2017
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: I found the first book in the Jane Jameson series very entertaining and enjoyed her snark. She is a down on her luck librarian who is let go due to budget cuts in her home town. Unknown to Jane, she meets a vampire while drowning her sorrows in fruity drinks. When she is mistaken for a deer by a drunk, Gabriel turns her to save her from a fatal gunshot wound. Most of the story is her mishaps while navigating her local scene as a vampire and the prejudices that come with it, but she has a newbie handbook. Only problem is someone has it out for her, so her life as the undead may not last eternally. At least she has her friends and hunky sire Gabriel to help her out. This story had a good rhythm and cute story going but hit a snag for me towards the end when all the loose ends come together a little awkwardly.
Title/Author: Shadow Rider by Christine Feehan
Series: Shadow
Read: 4/20/2017
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? No
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: New series and I like!! For some reason I thought this was a spinoff off the GhostWalker series, but its not. This follows the Ferraro family which have the ability to ride shadows, which makes them deadly since they are virtually invisible to the enemy when needed. Other than that bit of PNR, this felt more like a contemporary romance book centered on the oldest brother and leader of the family, Stefano. Shadow Riders are destined to mate with females that also carry this trait and produce lots of kiddos. If not a love match they are forced into an arranged marriage, like Stefano's parents. Early on Stefano crosses paths with Francesca, who is down on her luck and running away from the man who killed her sister. ...and you get insta love! The Good - Really liked this new world building and all the supporting characters in this Chicagoland universe. The Bad - Over the top alpha dominance overload at times. But, overall really liked the book and definitely plan to continue with the series.
Title/Author: Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles
Read: 5/17/2017
Rating: ★★★★✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Yes
Review: This is the first book in the Lunar Chronicles young adult dystopian series that follows a cyborg mechanic, Cinder as her story roughly follows the Cinderella fairy tale. Because of her mechanical parts, her stepmother dislikes her and when her step sister falls ill, volunteers Cinder for plague research which is basically a death sentence. Of course her path crosses that of the young prince Kai and his attraction for her. Throw in an evil Lunar queen and several other support characters and androids and it's a pretty good little story. The good: nice twist on an old fairy tale. The bad: somewhat predictable and felt that there was a bit of a cliff hanger at the end. Will definitely continue with the series.
Also Read:
3/26/2017 ★★★★✩
4/4/2017 ★★★★✩
5/24/2017 ★★★★✩
Title/Author: Blood Destiny by Tessa Dawn
Series: Blood Curse
Read: 19/6/2017
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review:
Another of the Neanderthal Alpha kind of story....like 'you are Mine', 'You are destine to bare me a child' kind of story. I'm kind of undecided whether I like it or repel by the story.
Yes, it's a story with over-baring, over-protective dominant male and quite violent (some killing scenes are very graphic). But it also has plots and stories, the war between the other vampires and werewolves. The description of book two is quite interesting too. So, I'm still uncertain as to whether I will continue with the series. I might come round and read the sequel (when I need a dose of male dominant) : )
Title/Author: The Godfather by Mario Puzo
Series: Mario Puzo's Mafia
Read: 23rd June
Rating: ★★★✩✩
First time author? Yes
To-Be-Continued? Maybe
Review: I must admit that I'm slightly disappointed, but then I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting (I've never seen the film). It started off fantastically well and then just drifted off. I thought it was going to be a lot more violent. It meandered in places (for no real reason). Kay was TSTL if she didn't realise until the end what was going on.
It was good - a saga in 600 pages and it felt like a good way to bring this challenge to an end.
Life got interesting for me in May, and June is following suit. What reading time I have right now, for sanity's sake, seems best spent in re-reading the literary equivalent of comfort food, or next entries in known & beloved series. So likely taking a bit of a break from this challenge for a little while. When things settle down, I'll dip my toes back into the new-to-me stack of the TBR pile.
Totally understand the comfort reading ladymurmur :)Hope all is going well, if crazily.
I read 'em. I just forget to pop in and post the reviews... ** slinking off **. >^..^<
Love or Hate at First Read1/7/16 – 30/6/17
July:
August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
Title/Author: Cold Burn of Magic by Jennifer Estep
Series: Black Blade
Read June 19
Rating: ****
First time author? No
To-Be-Contined? Yes
Review: I am in the rare group of Jennifer Estep fans who's not that keen on the Elemental Assassins series but love her others so I didn't think I'd like this as it was supposed to be similar to the one series I didn't like. However I really enjoyed it and can't wait to see more of these characters.
Hooray Angie!
Will there be a 2018 edition for this challenge, now that we've reached July? (hoping!)
Oops, forgot to set it up *smack*Yes ladymurmur, I'll set it up shortly :)
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
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Lauren Oliver (other topics)Rae Carson (other topics)
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