R9: Team #8 ~ Don't H8te the Winners

[~Melissa~]

@Nichole - I really liked Cade and Holly's book!! It was awesome on audible :D

[Nichole]

~Melissa~ wrote: "@Nichole - I really liked Cade and Holly's book!! It was awesome on audible :D"

That guy is my favorite Narrator! He does such a good job with the voices and accents. I randomly picked up No Rest for the Wicked from the library a few years ago and I remember liking it but I didn't rush out and get the others. Now, audio is the only way for me and this series, lol. I'm an audible snob!

[~Melissa~]

I wish I had tried audio with the first ones. I was so confused - I wonder if I would have understood them better. Also probably didn't help that I didn't read them one right after the other - honestly by the end of each book I needed a breather before the next one :)
After Cade's I jumped right into the brother's book.

[Ezi]

Nichole
This SOS group read and the ladies insisted I try the audio and it transformed my feelings for this series. I had dumped it but now I listen to a book a month and LOVE it.
I had planned to listen to book 8 but this Eternal Guardian series has me in a choke hold. I need to be listening to Night Circus or The Rose Garden, but nooo.
I need to blame someone...maybe Sandra, Melissa or even you Nichole because you chose Marked as one of my 3 books for Meet-Greet even though I read another option.
This is all of your fault

[~Melissa~]

Sure blame us for your book distraction LOL

We know you love it!! :D

[Nichole]

It wasn't me! But now you're making me want to read it.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

It wasn' me either, but I would have totally chosen Marked :)

[Mary X]

I'm loving it so far.

[Nichole]

I can't. I. Just Can't! I tried really really hard (133pgs.) and I just can't. I hate Anita.

'

Soooo, let's try for my Free Space, found on the group bookshelf.

[Belinda]

Shelf: Demons

finished: 22/5/14
Stars: 4
Review:
This series continues to flow nicely. Thalia who was introduced last book takes center stage going on a Quest with Percy. However there can only be one female lead so we lose Annabeth for most of the book. Percy's brother, Tyson, only popped up twice via rainbow communication. The quest see's Thalia and Percy join Artimis' Hunters to save the goddess, and by proxy, Annabeth. I loved Zoe! she is a great character, stuck in a lifetime many centuries ago. We also discover more about Kronos' plot to see the Olympians fall, as well as a couple of pretty big bombshells. keeping me well interested and hanging for more!!

[Belinda]

i've updated a running post here with our week by week choices and reviews. if i've missed anything let me know. i just ask everyone put up a new post for review and not update previous posts so i don't miss them :)

[Nichole]

I deleted my first post so that yours is at the top :)

[Mary X]

I'm about half-way through my demons book and should have it finished before the next shelf.

I've come up with list of about 20 possible free space books. I'll post when I commit to one. I'm leaning towards my next Hathaways book by Lisa Kleypas. The series is on the best audiobooks list.

[Belinda]

You sound like me Mary! I have so many choices for the free space, I can't decide! I keep flip flopping....

[~Melissa~]

With my crazy week I should have my book done and posted by Saturday. I finally actually got to start it this morning :(
I too haven't yet decided on my free space book. I have about 4 in mind. Just not sure which one I want to choose.

[Ezi]

Free Space:

Book: Tempted (Eternal Guardians Book 3) by Elisabeth Naughton (400 pages per GR)
Read: May 21
Rating & Review: ★★★★. This third book featured the “mean” guardian Demetrius, the one who relished every opportunity to torment Princess Isadora for reasons unbeknownst to all. In fact, his disrespect was so appalling in the last book when the King had ordered him to marry Isadora that he said he would rather be put to death.

After Isadora went missing with her hand maiden right before her binding ceremony to Zander, the guardians began looking for her. Demetrius was able to find her and rescue her from his mother, but not really since his mother banished them to the island of Pandora. Demetrius’ mother was hoping to find a way to get her son and Isadora to become involved so they can have a baby. She would use this infant and it’s power to reclaim her rightful place as an Argolean ruler.
I am really intrigued with this series because of it’s potential, not the execution. In fact, this story has more holes than the last one.

My 2.5 Major Issues:
1) Hera’s curse: Theron hated female humans—thus his mate Casey was a human. Zander---well, I don’t exact understand why Callia was his mate as I don’t know what he hated about her. But I know he hated an action that he thought she did. Demetrius hated pathetic, weaklings, thus why he seemed to hate Isadora.
But this novel implied that Demetrius was aware that Isadora was probably his mate for a really long time. So why did he continue to treat her so reprehensibly? He went out of his way to terrorize her, yet he has a shrine in his place. I don’t get it. If he suspected she was his “curse”, isn’t it inevitable that they will fall in love anyway? Also, why did it take so long for their feelings to kick it because Theron and Zander seemed attracted to their mates from the beginning?

2) Background check: I don’t know about being an Argonaut, but my job performs background and reference checks before an offer of employment is extended. How is it that no one knew anything about Demetrius’ lineage before they appointed him one of a handful of eternal guardians to protect humans and Argolean’s from the Daemons? In fact, they didn’t know he was part witch, only that he was of Jason’s line. How is it that Theron didn’t even know where Demetrius lived, when this is the guy whom you trust to save the world with you?

Minor issue) Their government set up reminds me of the power struggle that ancient Rome had with the dictators always fighting with the Senate for control. The political scheming etc. Why didn’t Lucian face some kind of backlash for remaining quiet about his son’s involvement with Callia’s son and the deal with Atlanta. I need more answers and better answers. I am not getting them so far but I am not frustrated yet. I am still open.

Ultimately, I am giving this book a four because it makes me want to keep going and neglect the other books that I planned to read because I like Gryphon and Orpheus. So despite the issues, I am still invested in the story, that’s why I bumped it up from a 3.5star to 4-stars

[Ezi]

What time is the category going to be announced?

[~Melissa~]

I was wondering the same thing Ezi -

[Nichole]

I think it's around 5-6pm CST on Saturday for us.

[Ezi]

Nichole wrote: "I think it's around 5-6pm CST on Saturday for us."

:(

[Mary X]

Another day to go.

[Ezi]

Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave wrote: "Another day to go."

well, I will be out of town but I will try to check in periodically. We should have asked for an early call time for this weekend period. Imagine the reading I could have done during my 6 hour drive today

[Mary X]

Finished: 5/23/14
Shelf: Demons
★★★★

I liked this book a lot. Great audiobook narrator. I've always loved the concept of Gothic Romances but I never liked that they all seemed to be written in first person. I really prefer 3rd person. This had a Gothic feel to me but it was in 3rd person which was a major plus to me. Not a very spicy romance as far as sex scenes though but there is some. I did get a little tired of waiting for their big secrets to be revealed. I had pretty much figured out what Archer's affliction was and about 2/3rds through I was really ready for it to be revealed. But I get why the author didn't reveal it too early. A great read and I'm glad I already have book #2.

[~Melissa~]

Week 1 Shelf: Demons

5/24/14
3.5♥ -rounded up to 4 for GR

Review: So the last of the Wroth brothers finds his Bride and is blooded. Murdoch was the brother that had a girl around every corner back in the day. A real manwhore who has always been able to get whatever female he wanted since he never cared for any of them. Daniela is a halfling - half Valkyrie and half Icerne. She has lived centuries never being able to touch another or be touched. Her skin burns with touch. Murdoch is in for a surprise once Daniela bloods him. He can't touch her and all his years of being suauve fly right out the window. He continually opens his mouth and spews crap. Wow - he really is a total douche for most of the book. My biggest problem (and this a not a problem of the book) is the fact that all that happens with Daniela takes place at the same time as Nikolai/Myst book, Sebastian/Kaderin book and Conrad/Neomi' book. Very confusing to try to remember what all was going on with them and how this affects Murdoch/Daniela. Wonder if reading these 4 books one right after another would be better. I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Ezi]

Melissa, the vamp brothers confused me too. I like the demons better with their Valkyrie

[~Melissa~]

It seems it's the whole timeline thing - their books should have been one after the other IMO. I like the demons better too. Next one is back to demons I'm pretty sure. I am looking forward to Lothaire's book though.

[Nichole]

I've only read the first demon book but I liked it best so far. Is it the horns? The way they straighten out when they're aroused, LOL. That cracks me up.

[~Melissa~]

Nichole wrote: "I've only read the first demon book but I liked it best so far. Is it the horns? The way they straighten out when they're aroused, LOL. That cracks me up."

I know, right? Too funny

[Mary X]

Darn I was hoping the shelf had been called. I am heading out soon and it'll be a half hour drive for me so I was hoping I had an audio that works for whatever shelf is called. But I can start one for the Free Space.

[Belinda]

And our first stamp requested! Well done ladies :)

New shelf should be announced within the hour

[Belinda]

This weeks call: shifter

[Belinda]

My choice: thank you to the one person that shelved it shifter instead of shifters, shapeshifters, etc, etc!

[Belinda]

Nope. Changed my mind as it didn't fit with other team challenge. I feel it's a great time to delve into the Chicagoland vampire series:

[Nichole]

I don't know what I'm going to read yet. Most of my go to books are picked for June challenges. I'll look later.

* I'm supposed to be watching a movie with the hubby.

[Nichole]

Okay, I'll be reading (shelved 10 times). It was picked for me in the M&G but I can't wait! I had to move some things around, lol.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

LOL

[Mary X]

Darn. I was hoping for one of the book cover ones because I have an expiring library book that's non-paranormal but works for a couple different covers.

I started an audio for the Free Space shelf. Tempt Me at Twilight It's on the Audiobook favorites thread that was linked in the free space rules thread.

[Ezi]

I am going to read Shift, Book 5 of Infected Series by Andrea Speed (356 pages per good reds)

[Nichole]

Book: Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
Shelf: Free Space (found on the SOS bookshelves)
Finished: 5/25/14
Rating: ★★★★★

Review:

Man, I loved this! There is a reason this author-duo have become favorites for Urban Fantasy lovers. Simply put, they are experts at creating original storylines with fascinating characters in a magical setting. Let's not forget the humor and sexual tension. *Praise..Praise..you get the idea.*

Going into this I thought I would be reading another typical UF book with werewolves and vampires. Well, I should have read the blurb more carefully because it wasn't that at all. Well, not exactly. Is it Urban Fantasy? It's hard to classify it as any one thing. It's a combination of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Paranormal. Try to make a new word out of those!

Dina Demille runs a Bed & Breakfast located in a subdivision in Red Deer, Texas. Something has been killing the neighborhood pets and after Dina confronts the new guy on the block, Sean the werewolf, she takes matters into her own hands. Besides, marking trees isn't really making much of a difference. After taking care of one problem, she discovers a much larger enemy in the midst. And so, the plot thickens and she's now smack-dab in the middle of it.

With the help of an Alpha Werewolf and a Vampire Marshall, she has to remove the threat, defend her Inn and guests, and appear like a normal human being while doing it. Did I mention that they are aliens? Mmhmm, that's right. It's all very Sci-Fi with lots of magic and vampires and werewolves. Cool, huh? There is a tiny love triangle but it's too soon for anything to happen beyond a toe-curling kiss. I'm so looking forward to the next book.

"I suggest you give up now. According to my research, in a vampire-werewolf love triangle, the vampire always gets the girl"

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Don't H8te the Winners!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'demons'. 

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

Good Job!! :D

[Nichole]

Woohoo! But that was supposed to be for the Demons shelf :)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Oops. I'll fix it now. Thanks, Nichole. :)

ETA: Corrected card and info above.

[Mary X]

I think I will read this for the shifter shelf:



I've had it for years and I don't know why I haven't gotten round to reading it yet.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp D8tW!

[Ezi]

Nichole wrote: "
Book: Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
Shelf: Free Space (found on the SOS bookshelves)
Finished: 5/25/14
Rating: ★★★★★

Review:

Man, I..."

Nichole,
does this book have romance in it? I saw it audible

[Nichole]

Not yet. A little sexual tension and a kiss but that's the extent of it. It's just a fun sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal read.

[Ezi]

Nichole wrote: "Not yet. A little sexual tension and a kiss but that's the extent of it. It's just a fun sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal read."

i am in the mood for love...maybe even smutty, but definitely a romance

[Ezi]

Switching book to

[Nichole]

That should fit your mood perfectly :P

[Mary X]

I might change my shifter book. I will post when I commit to one. I have a couple library ebooks that are expiring that don't work for the shifter shelf so I might be late with this week's book. I am listening to an audiobook for the Free Space though and should finish that in the next day or two.