R9: Team #5 ~ Quintessential Readers

[Michelle]

I will pick my book tomorrow, happy reading ladies :)

[Christina T]

I'm most likely going to read

Deliver Me from DarknessbyTes Hilaire

[Thenia]

Night Embrace - Sherrilyn Kenyon
Headless H/h
Read: 7/21/2014
Rating: ★★★★
Review:

The story of Talon, a cursed and lonely Dark Hunter, and Sunshine, a forgetful, sunshiny artist.

The two make an unlikely pair, being vastly different in every aspect, but there's intense chemistry between them that deepens and develops into more. Their road is far from easy, though, considering that Talon was cursed by a vengeful god to lose every human he ever comes to love, on top of the usual obstacles his being a Dark Hunter would pose.



What starts as a one-time thing between them turns out to be a lot more when (view spoiler)[it comes to light that Sunshine is actually Talon's long lost wife and only love's reincarnation (hide spoiler)] which brings a whole new set of issues on the table.

Very extensive, intricate world, with various groups that I'm curious to learn more about, with Acheron being the one on top of the list. Unfortunately, his story doesn't come until book 8, so I'll have to be patient and enjoy the ones that come before it first, starting with misunderstood Zarek's story next in Dance with the Devil.

[Jenne]

I think I'm going to read

[Michelle]

I think I'm going to read

[Christina T]

Update:I'm only about 25% into my book so far because I have several other books going at the same time all with deadlines. I should be done in a couple days though.

[Jenne]

Headless Shelf:
Read: by Terry Towers
Finished: 7/22/14
Rating: ★★★
Review:
I'm a sucker for the whole captive with a good guy story. I liked the characters enough and it was a quick read. This book is plenty dark and I do like them dark and twisted. It is a short read so there are a few things I wished would of been hashed out further. But with books of these nature they tend to be fairly short reads so I can easily overlook that. I will check out further works from this author.

[Jenne]

Here's last weeks stats, good chance it'll be the final shelf

Stat Breakdown:

There are only 3 non-winning shelves. They are: White/Beige/Pink, New2You Author, and Two's Company. Any other shelf call next week will end this round of Bingo
14 shelves left in play; 78.5% chance of winning shelf call next week.


Team 2: "O:" Urban Fantasy
Diagonal: Blue/Purple

Team 3: Missing Persons
Diagonal: New2You Series

Team 4: "G:" Romance Genre
"N:" Vampires

Team 5: 4th row: PNR
"G:" Favorite

Team 6: 3rd row: Romance Genre
5th row: 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Team 7: 3rd Row: Black Cover

Team 8: "B:" Urban Fantasy
4th row: Blue/Purple

Team 10: Diagonal #1: Witches

[Jennifer H]

Jenne, thanks for the breakdown :)

[Michelle]

Thanks for the breakdown, Jenne. I am going away this weekend but I will download books to my kindle and hopefully I'll be able to get started on my book once the shelf is called on Sunday. We're home Monday though, and we're not up against anyone if one of our shelves are called. It's Caleb's actual birthday today so hopefully I will finish my book tomorrow. :)

[Michelle]

I'm really thinking I need a readathon soon. Maybe next week when I get back from our weekend away... Sorry, I just had to share, mainly in case you know of any going on?

[Jenne]

I think there is one at Jennifer's group. I'll go look and if so post a link. Happy Birthday to your boy :)

[Jenne]

Here's the link, it's still coming soon ATM :)

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Michelle]

Jenne wrote: "I think there is one at Jennifer's group. I'll go look and if so post a link. Happy Birthday to your boy :)"

Thank you!

Jenne wrote: "Here's the link, it's still coming soon ATM :)

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/..."

You are a wee star! :)

[Jennifer H]

Michelle, I do believe Lizz is planning on doing the RAT between Aug 3rd thru the 16th.

[Michelle]

That is fantastic news, thanks Jennifer.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Michelle, are you going to any of the events at the Commonwealth Games?

The feeling that comes over a city when it hosts something major like that is fantastic.

[Michelle]

In some ways it's fantastic but in other ways it's a pain, they have shut off a lot of roads and we have curfews! Lol, but yeah there is a great atmosphere. Most of it is happening about 3miles from us, we don't have any plans yet. Finlay doesn't cope in crowds or with loud noises and we are away on holiday this weekend.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

We lived about 1.5 miles from the Olympic Stadium and went to 4 events incl the Closing Ceremony, very special.

Is there any particular thing that Finlay would like? Bikes, swimming, gymnastics? If you actually go to a venue, the crowd all has a seat so it doesn't seem so bad, though it would still be noisy. Anyway enjoy your mini break :)

[Michelle]

Sounds amazing! We are working on figuring it out :) I think we will see the cycling as it goes passed my Mother-in-law's . Thanks!

[Michelle]

Shelf: Headless H/h



Read: 22/7/14
Rated: 4 Stars

My Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it had everything that I have came to expect from Katie - interesting characters which you can relate to, decent plot and fantastic storytelling! My only issue with this one was it reminded me so much of a Lora Leigh book, if you read and enjoyed her Tempting Seals series you will enjoy this one too!

[Jennifer H]

Shelf: Headless H/h


by Laurell K Hamilton
Finished: 7/22/14
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

I love this series. I really enjoy Meredith's personality and the way her powers are developing. It's also been really engrossing to see how her life is pulled along by all these outside forces and she somehow manages to keep her head above water so to speak. I love her main squeezes! Can't decide who my favorite is - they are all delicious!!!

[Christina T]

Sorry it's taking me so long to read my Headless H/h book. It's not as interesting as I thought it would be LOL. I'm a little over half way through it though.

[Elizabeth]

Jenne wrote: "Here's last weeks stats, good chance it'll be the final shelf

Stat Breakdown:

There are only 3 non-winning shelves. They are: White/Beige/Pink, New2You Author, and Two's Company. Any other shelf ..."

I love reading your stats, Jenne! Thanks for doing that!

[Jenne]

They're not mine lol, I copied and pasted from the discussion thread :)

[Thenia]

Christina have you finished your 'Armed & Ready' book? If you have, you forgot to post your review!

[Jenne]

Twos company, so we live another week lol.

[Jennifer H]

I will be reading

[Jenne]

I'm reading

[Christina T]

I am soooooo sorry ladies. I am currently doing a couple different team challenges and another one is about to start so I got a little mixed up. I messed up the one for The Lost Challenges group and had to rush to read a book in a day. Anyway to make a long story short (or a little bit shorter anyway) I ended up reading Spider's Revenge for that challenge and when I realized I could use it for our "Armed and Ready" shelf I just went with it but forgot to post the stuff here. Soooooooo I have officially finished both books you were waiting for me to finish. Again I am so sorry for the delay.

[Christina T]

Shelf-"Armed and Ready"

Spider’s Revenge by Jennifer Estep
Finished:7/17/14
Rating:★★★★

Review: The fifth book in the Gin Blanco series finally puts to bed the underlying story arc of the Spider vs. Mab Monroe. Although I didn't mind this particular continuing plot I am glad that it is finally at a close and am looking forward to what is in the future for a retired (semi-retired?) assassin.

The romance is minimal in this book but well played out as Gin and Owen's relationship continues to build. To tell the truth the relationships between Gin and her entire makeshift family moved forward in this book which I enjoyed.

My only complaints are the unnecessary repetitions. Estep does a remarkable job of recapping what has happened in previous books for those just jumping on the Gin bandwagon (why would you do this? Go back and start at the beginning!) However, for those of us who are extremely familiar with the series reading that Mab Monroe super heated Gin's metal rune melting it into the palms of her hands, oh, 5 times....is a bit much.

Overall this book was an exciting addition to the series and at this point I hope they remain this good because I look forward to many many more Elemental Assassin books. Plus I can't get enough of Owen.

[Christina T]

Shelf-"Headless H/h"

Deliver Me from DarknessbyTes Hilaire
Finished:7/25/14
Rating:★★★

Review:A different (read this as being good)take on the tired Vampire/demon/other paranormal sub-genre but one that could have been executed a bit better. At the half way mark I was still a bit confused what a Paladin was and what they could do. It seems that each of them have unique gifts but why one would have the gift of vampire frying God's grace (aka: High voltage Holy Light) and another would have the ability to become shadowy mist is still beyond my comprehension.

In addition to my confusion the idea of a 24 year old virgin heroine grates on my nerves. Yes it is possible yet the reasoning behind it was never explained. No she wasn't F'ugly. No she didn't HeeHaw when she laughed. She wasn't Queen of the Looney Bin either. Yet in this day and age this attractive, single, intelligent woman was mysteriously still a virgin (which the hero could smell by the way....TANGENT UP AHEAD~~~~does anyone else find it a bit yucky that the hero could smell her hymen?~~TANGENT OVER). Karissa not only was a virgin but she went from hating and being scared of our hero, Roland (who spoke terms of endearments in French for no apparent reason other than all vampires should speak French...thank you for that BS Ann Rice), to the Newest Member of Slutsville in a millisecond (or less). Her remarkable attitude adjustment from hatred and fear to acceptance of Roland being her mate was jarring and left me wondering how in the world it happened.

Now for the good stuff....The last 1/3 of the book was pretty awesome. Epic battles between good and evil. Tough decisions were made by several people. The lines were blurred a bit between good and evil. Not to mention some characters separated themselves from the backdrop to become intriguing and totally piqued my interest to where I will totally go on to read books 2 and 3 even though the first 2/3s of the book could have been better.

[Christina T]

I'm going to read

[Thenia]

Congrats team ~ two stamps are on the way for our: Armed & Ready & Headless H/h shelves!

Enjoy your books for this week! ;)

[Thenia]

Shelf #11 ~ 27/7/14: 'Two's Company'


❒ Christina - When We Met - Susan Mallery
✔ Jenne - The Impossibility of Tomorrow - Avery Williams - ★★★★★ Review (7/29/2014)
✔ Jennifer - The Other Boleyn Girl - Philippa Gregory - ★★★★★ Review (7/28/2014)
✔ Michelle - Mine to Hold - Cynthia Eden - ★★★★ Review (7/31/2014)
✔ Thenia - Mate Claimed - Jennifer Ashley - ★★★★★ Review (7/30/2014)

Done: 4/5

[Jennifer H]

Two's Company



The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory
Finished: 7/28/14
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Not only could I "not put it down," I couldn't stop thinking about it. I was utterly lost in the world, the drama and the intrigue of these characters that I carried the book everywhere I went just in case I'd have a free second to delve back in. The characters of Mary and Anne Boleyn are so fascinating. You feel so sympathetic toward both despite Anne's cruel ambition and Mary's inclination to perpetually forgive her sister's terrible betrayals. Ultimately, the story is about two women who attempt different paths toward gaining freedom and independence as women both trapped in a man's world. It was just riveting. Highly recommended!

[Jenne]

I read that one years ago and I felt the same way about it. It was excellent! The other one that's part of that is and it too was great.

[Michelle]

Hey, I checked in yesterday to see the shelf but the data on my phone ran out so couldn't reply. I haven't picked my book yet, but I will tonight.

[Jennifer H]

Jenne wrote: "I read that one years ago and I felt the same way about it. It was excellent! The other one that's part of that is and it too was great."

I've already got it requested from the library :)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Quintessential Readers!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'armed & ready' and 'headless H/h'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Jenne]

Thanks Steph :)

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on both stamps QRs!

[Christina T]

Wooohooo!

[Jenne]

Two's Company:
Read by Avery Williams
Finished:7/29/14
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
4.5
This was really good! From my understanding it's the end, only 2 books. Everything is tied up nicely and the mystery of who Cyrus is now will keep you turning the pages. I'm surprised more people haven't read this series, it's really underrated! It's the perfect blend of action, romance, paranormal, and mystery. Really a beautiful story! Would definitely recommend these!

[Thenia]

Mate Claimed - Jennifer Ashley
Two's Company
Read: 7/30/2014
Rating: ★★★★
Review:

While the main couple had captured my attention since the scene when they first met in Wild Cat, I wasn't all that engrossed in their story, unfortunately. That is mostly because of Iona, who for a big part of the book just refuses to listen to reason.



I found her very frustrating and so had a difficult time getting into their story, even after she stopped being so belligerent.

Eric has quite a lot on his plate, with a new alpha and wolf shifters moving into his shifter town and dominance issues arising, a stubborn female half-shifter that is unsettling him at a very inconvenient time and a mysterious debilitating pain that strikes him at random intervals and makes everything that much worse.



Towards the end things start picking up, with some action following a kidnapping, a nefarious plot uncovered and a new and interesting character introduced. He may have no name yet, but he has his own book, Tiger Magic, that follows right after two short stories, those of Cormac the bear shifter and Ellison the unlucky wolf.

I might need to take a break from the series before I get to them in case Iona wasn't the only reason my feelings about this book were only lukewarm. Still, I enjoy the world and the secondary characters, if not both the main characters, too much for a lower than 4-star rating.

[Michelle]

Shelf: Two's Company



Read: 31/7/13
Rated: 4 Stars

My Review: The first two books in the series centred around Trace and Skye, in this instalment Cynthia branches out to shine the spotlight on Noah and Claire. I wasn't sure what to make of Claire when we first met her and also for most of this book. I did like Noah, although not as much as Trace. I am still full of questions about Drake, perhaps even more so now and I can't wait to meet the female who will bring him to his knee's!

[Michelle]

Sorry for the delay with my review, I seriously struggled to pick a book with more than one person on the front. For some reason all the books I wanted to read had one lonely little person on the front.

[Jenne]

Lol I had the same problem!

[Christina T]

I'm only about 25% into my book thanks to another challenge book I read that was never ending. I should be done soon though.

I'm crossing my fingers for "favorite" or "paranormal" looks like we are the only ones who can win with those! Crossing my toes too (or I would if I could.)

[Jenne]

Me too :)