The Challenge Factory discussion
♦SSS Archives♦
>
R8: SSS Team Order of the Phoenix (5)
Week 2 ~ Thursday RollSpot #14 ~ Alternative #14 ~ Cover Item Weapon
(Cover Item Weapon: Knife)Book: Stiff Penalty by Annelise Ryan
Pages: 368
Week 2 ~ Thursday RollSpot #14 ~ Alternative #14 ~ Cover Item Weapon
(Uncivilized #1) by Sawyer Bennett (380 p.)Finished: 2016/7/22
Rating: 4 stars
How it fits: 1st book in a Uncivilized series
Review:
This book is kind of similar to Tarzan.
Zack lived in Amazon rain-forest for eighteen years. His parents died when he was just seven year old child and was left alone in Amazon.
Moira is haired to teach Zack everything about modern life.
I enjoyed it.
Week 2 ~ Thursday RollSpot 14 ~ Alternative ~ Cover Item Weapon
Book: Stiff Penalty
Finished: 07/22
How it fits: Knife on the cover
Rating: 2 stars
Review: I go back and forth on this series. There are some pretty big issues for me and this one seemed to highlight them. First off, little details are weird - they're in a small town which is constantly referenced, yet they have a hospital with a surgeon and a police department with homicide detectives. Plural. Adding to that, the timelines on these seem to be within months - again, small towns don't have those kinds of homicide rates. Or medical examiners. Finally, the kicker on this one, she's 4 months pregnant early in the book, but then she's giving birth shortly after the mystery is solved.
She's also a nurse (previously) who doesn't realize when her water has broken among other weird things she's surprised about with her pregnancy. And don't get me started on her relationship with the father, or her refusal to have a real relationship with him for no good reason while being all teen angsty over any other woman who has the nerve to talk to him.
That said, the mystery is all interesting enough once I skimmed past all of Mattie's ridiculousness.
Roll: #3 (Thursday), 14 - 1st in a series
Book: Lucinda, Darkly by Sunny
Pages: 272 pages
Read: 7.22.16
Rating: ★★
Review:
I have had this book for quite some time, it still had a Border's price tag on it. When I purchased it Sunny's other series was very popular. I believe this is a spin off of that series. I have not read the other one, but it is based in the same world, and the main character from the other series is mentioned. I don't think it's necessary to read the other series to be able to understand this one.
The writing was very stiff, and hard to connect to. I felt nothing for Lucinda, or any of the other characters. I didn't enjoy their interactions. They spoke very formally (which is fine), but it just made it a drag to read. This series reminds me of Laurell K. Hamilton's Meredith Gentry series. There are multiple partners. The writing style felt similar except that I like Hamilton's a little bit more.
The plot was boring in my opinion, there wasn't a lot of substance to it. I felt like the sexual encounters moved the story forward more than the character's other actions.
I'm glad I finally got to cross this off my TBR and to realize I'm really not missing out on anything.
Week 2Charming the Highlander by Janet Chapman
How Fits: Series #1
Read: (7/23)
Rating: ★★★★½
I actually enjoyed this more than I expected to. While I typically do like this version of the Highlander traveling through time trope better than the going back in time version, I still somehow never quite get truly excited to read them. This one though does come in at 4.5 stars. I think my problem with this story line is I always feel sad for the friends and family that get left behind when their loved ones just up and disappeared one day.
Still I really liked Grace in this story. She was spunky and determined to do the right thing. Her scientific mind is determined to make sense out of the things going on around her. I liked that she wasn't just going to roll over and do whatever Grey told her to. She's got a brain and she's not afraid to use it.
Sure some of the plot points were a little over the top, and I don't mean the magic parts. Those I accept as being exactly what they're supposed to be. But plane crashes, espionage, kidnapping...it got to be a little much. Probably what keeps this from being a full 5 stars for me. But I liked Grace and Grey together. I liked that she didn't cave to him right away and was determined to do what was best for her nephew.
Altogether an author I'll definitely check out again.
Week 2 ~ Sunday RollSpot #19 ~ Alternative #19 ~ Geek/Nerd/Genuis Romance
Shelby ~ Oleander House ~ 1st book ~ Review
Sarah ~ Witchling ~ 1st book ~ Review
Erin ~ Death of a Trophy Wife ~ 9th book ~ Review
Katherine ~ Sweet Home ~ 1st book ~ Review
Week 2 ~ Sunday RollSpot #19 ~ Alternative #19 ~ Geek/Nerd/Genuis Romance
(Sweet Home #1) by Tillie Cole (401 p.)
I'm going with Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn it is the first in the Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon series.
Mod
Spot #19 ~ Alternative #19 ~ Geek/Nerd/Genuis Romance
(Sweet Home #1) by Tillie Cole (401 p.)"Ooohhh. I preordered the audio but it won't release until 10/4
Week 2: Sunday RollSpot #19
(Jaine Austen #9) by Laura Levine (304 p.)
Hi everyone how going on with your books? How much is left? Will you finish the book before Thursday?
Completion PostWeek 2: Sunday Roll
Spot #19
Death of a Trophy WifeHow it fits: Book #9
Read: 7/26
Rating: ♥♥♥
Review:
This is a series characterized by slapstick comedy happening to the main character. She's also broke through most of the books so that's played up with some comedy that after a few books grows really really old. It's a little like the Stephanie Plum books that way (repetitive).
In this book, Jaine is investigating a death that her neighbor is accused of committing. The reason for his committing the crime is somewhat valid, but not really strong enough for the police to completely ignore any other suspects - of which there are many. The victim was not well-liked. And most of the people around her were completely unlikeable as well.
It was an okay read. I still enjoy the series because they are fast, fun reads, but I probably need to space them out better to avoid getting annoyed at the repetitiveness of them.
Week 2 ~ Sunday RollSpot #19 ~ Alternative #19 ~ Geek/Nerd/Genuis Romance
(Sweet Home #1) by Tillie Cole (401 p.)Finished: 2016/7/27
Rating: 5 stars
How it fits: 1st book in a Sweet Home series
Review:
Molly Juliet Shakespeare had a hard life. The only escape she ever had is academia. She traveled to America with her professor to study her master in philosophy.
Romeo Prince is a QB in his college. He also had a hard life. His family wants to mold him into someone he isn't.
I will finish before we have to roll tonight. I'm close to half way through.
Just an FYI I will finish before the end of tomorrow but as I'm getting ready to go on vacation I won't finish tonight. I'll have plenty of time on the plane tomorrow to read, but I won't probably get to post it till midday. :)
Roll: #4 (Sunday), 19 - 1st in a series
Book: Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn
Pages: 276 pgs
Read: 7.27.16
Rating: ★★★
Review:
This is a long series, so I think I was expecting a little bit more from the first book. It was okay, but it didn't really grip me at any point.
Camille D'Artigo and her sisters, Delilah & Menolly, are half human half Sidhe (Faerie). They were born and raised in the Otherworld, but now work for the OIA (Otherworld Intelligence Agency) and are Earthbound for the time being. I think there was a lot of potential in the first book. But I think Galenorn was trying to find her footing and writing style. Did she want it to be funny? serious? both? It was kind of hard to tell.
Camille is a witch but her spells tend to back fire. Delilah is a shifter, werecat, but she turns into a long haired orange tabby. Menolly is a vampire. So far I don't see her fatal flaw yet, except that maybe her vampirism came out of a traumatic experience.
When a giant OIA agent, Jocko, is murdered Camille and her sisters are assigned the investigation of his murder. However, it isn't so simple. Shadow Wing is a powerful demon that wants to retrieve these seals that can connect Earth, Otherworld, and the Subterranean Realms. I thought the names for everything were a little bit cheesy, which is a draw back for me.
Camille also has a lover named Trillion who makes odd appearances through out the novel. I really don't know why he's there except to be a liaison between the D'Artigo sisters and their father. I don't understand the appeal or relationship between Camille and Trillion. I feel like the sexual scenes were only there in order to call this a paranormal romance.
But, because the series is so successful I'm willing to try out the second book, even if the first book wasn't that great.
Mod
ThatEzi wrote: "Great review Sarah"Thanks Ezi!
Hi everyone!So I believe I will not get to roll today. So when Shelby posts her book. Would anyone roll for me? :)
I will roll. I should be up and online when she posts.
Week 2.5Oleander House by Ally Blue
How Fits: Series #1
Read: (7/28)
Rating: ★★★½
So this will be kind of short as I'm posting this on my phone while sitting waiting for my next flights to board. But I wanted to make sure we could roll as soon as possible.
I enjoyed elements of this book. The paranormal entity was interesting and I liked that the pursuit of it was handled in a manner concurrent with paranormal research as it exists today. (I actually have a friend who does this stuff.). Nothing they were trying was outside of modern realism as long as you accept and believe in the possibility of the paranormal/ghosts among us. I appreciated that this particular book took the realistic slant.
I liked the characters in the story as well. And I was cheering for Bo and Sam's attraction to one another. But this story does have one element that I really dislike. I hate seeing the married but confused and while things don't go all the way there it's still cheating to me. It irks me.
Still I enjoyed the story and would be curious about another book in the serious. I understood the way the ending came about but I wasn't actually expecting it and didn't love it but it was fitting for the story in some ways.
I rolled a 5, puts us at 24. - 24th in a series
- 2nd in a series
- 4th in a series
- Alternative: Tattoos
Mod
- 2nd in a series
- 4th in a series
- Alternative: Tattoos"
And 24 in a series
ThatEzi wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I rolled a 5, puts us at 24. - 2nd in a series
- 4th in a series
- Alternative: Tattoos"
And 24 in a series"
Totally forgot about that. Thanks Ezi!
Week 3 ~ Thursday RollSpot #24 ~ Alternative #24 ~ Tattoos
Sarah ~ Cream of the Crop ~ 2nd book ~ Review
Erin ~ A Mind to Murder ~ 2nd book ~ Review
Shelby ~ The Heiress Effect ~ 2nd book ~ Review
Katherine ~ Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors ~ 4th book ~ Review
Week 3 ~ Thursday RollSpot #24 ~ Alternative #24 ~ Tattoos
(Jane Jameson #4) by Molly Harper (337 p.)
Book 2 in the Adam Dalgliesh seriesPages: 256
Hey everyone!How it's going with your reads? How much is left? When would you submit your reviews?
I want to say that I do not know if I will finish my book today. I still have time, but I started the book a little to late :)
I probably won't finish until tomorrow either. if you need someone to roll I can do it. :)
Completion PostWeek 3 ~ Thursday Roll
Book: A Mind to Murder(Adam Dalgliesh #2)
Read: 07/30
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This series is quite old, I believe this one was published in the early 60s initially. As far as police procedurals go, it's ok, but it is a little dry at times and the first couple chapters clock in at around 40 pages. It's a bit of a slow start, even with a murder and lots of office gossip.
And in a psychiatric clinic, there is plenty of office gossip to go around. Especially in the 60s with LSD therapy, office trysts and the typical professional competitiveness. It's up to Dalgliesh and his sergeant alone to solve the crime.
I'll be finishing up some time tomorrow for sure. :)Week 3: (24 - Series #2) - The Heiress Effect - 280pgs/GR
Shelby wrote: "I'll be finishing up some time tomorrow for sure. :)Week 3: (24 - Series #2) - The Heiress Effect - 280pgs/GR
"We do not have tomorrow!!!!!
Mod
Mod
Week 3: (24 - Series #2) - The Heiress Effect - 280pgs/GR
"Shelby: can you be more specific about "tomorrow?"
Because reviews not turned in today will be late as the other teams rolled after midnight
I do not believe your team is eligible to use a free pass because y'all havent earned a free pass because you guys have not turned in all your review a day before roll day.
I will double check now though.
I need to feed my hungry munchkins and then I'll jump back on here
ThatEzi wrote: "Page numbers for the two who didn't add it in their selection post"Added, sorry
Week 3 ~ Thursday RollSpot #24 ~ Alternative #24 ~ Tattoos
(Jane Jameson #4) by Molly Harper (337 p.)Finished: 2016/7/31
Rating: 5 stars
How it fits: 4th book in a Jane Jameson series
Review:
In this book Jane finally said YES to Gabriel's proposal.
And now they planing their wedding. But as always they have problems.
Someone want Gabriel dead and someone hunts Jane's house.
Tomorrow is today for me. I was headed to bed. Tomorrow being Sunday.
So I believe I will not get to roll today. So roll away Sarah. When everyone has their reviews posted.
Roll: #5 (Thursday), 24 - 2nd in a series
Book: Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton
Pages: 320 pgs
Read: 7.31.16
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Cream of the Crop is the second book in Alice Clayton's Hudson Valley series.
Natalie is a city girl through and through. She loves New York and more importantly she loves her job. She's a marketing executive at MCG. And she is excellent at her job. One of her best friends, Roxie, lives in Hudson Valley, and when a marketing opportunity pops up for the small town Natalie jumps at it for a chance to spend time with her friend.
Oscar, the diary farmer, might have something to do with the reason Natalie was so eager. She sees him every Saturday at the farmer's market in the city and while she's usually confident, something about Oscar makes her nervous and unable to speak.
I enjoyed that Natalie wasn't the typical heroine in this romance story. She's a little larger than the typical female portrait, but she knows how to rock her body with confidence. It made her more comparable and easier to identify with (at least for me). She knows she isn't perfect. Natalie has a troubled past involving a man named Thomas, that keeps her from fully embracing whatever may happen between her and Oscar. She's not willing to give up herself for someone else.
In comparison to the first book, it wasn't as exciting, but that does not detract from the obvious chemistry between Oscar and Natalie. The story seemed to end a little too quickly, maybe a little more could have been added. It was resolved tidily, but a little too swiftly to be believable.
I'm very interested to see where the series goes from here. Clara sounds like a spit-fire, and her possible beau sounds like a challenge.
Week 3The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan
How Fits: Series #2
Read: (7/31)
Rating: ★★★★★
I really enjoyed this book immensely. It's filled with the sorts of women I love. Determined women who are not willing to back down and cave to the men in their time that feel they should only be under their thumb. Best type of historical in my opinion.
This one was particularly lovely with multiple woman who deserve to be called strong. And I loved Jane and Oliver together. They both want so much to be out of the box that society would put them in and together they find the person that they each deserve to be. Standing strong on their own.
Fantastic continuation of this series. :D
NEW ROLLSo my new roll is a little disappointing, I rolled a 2
26
- 26th in a series
- 2nd in a series
- 6th in a series
- Alternative: Science Fiction
stupid question, isn't it just one die for SSS?
Mod
Thank you Erin
I was just about to post that comment. Don't worry Sarah, we have your back, lol
In SSS, the highest you can move is "6" as its one die per roll.
Erin, Shelby or Sarah, can you roll again.
ThatEzi wrote: "Erin wrote: "stupid question, isn't it just one die for SSS?"Thank you Erin
I was just about to post that comment. Don't worry Sarah, we have your back, lol
In SSS, the highest you can move is "..."
oooh! Oops! I'll re-roll right now.
haha clearly I haven't played this version before lol
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Hammered (other topics)Hammered (other topics)
Ready Player One (other topics)
Ready Player One (other topics)
Ready Player One (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Lynn Flewelling (other topics)Charles R. Verhey (other topics)
Ilona Andrews (other topics)
Kim Dare (other topics)
Kim Dare (other topics)
More...
Spot #14 ~ Alternative #14 ~ Cover Item Weapon