R9: Team #10 ~ Divas of Organized Destruction

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

We have à new shelf!

"Shelf #7 ~ 29/6/14: 'Red Cover Colour'
The majority of the cover must be red. "

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Attention Team #10 Divas:

Julianne has asked to be replaced as she feels she'd be letting the team down if she stayed. Problems with her brother are weighing her down. She'll be doing her yellow/orange review though :)

Cristina has agreed to step into the breach. So please welcome her when she makes it over here :)

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

Hi all :) I've got two books (that Sandra says will qualify, so yay for that) actually to review as I'm taking Julianne's place.

Green/Teal:
Date Read: June 16th
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: Gabie drives a Mini Cooper and works part time as a delivery girl at Pete’s Pizza. One night, Kayla, the girl who she switched shifts with, goes missing. Gabie can’t get over that Kayla's fate was really meant for her (which made her dangerously close to being tstl), and she becomes stupidly obsessed with finding Kayla. She teams up with Drew, who also works at Pete’s. Together, they set out to prove that Kayla isn’t dead—and to find her before she is.

I was terribly disappointed in this book, or rather the execution of this book.

It sounded really good, the plot was decent, the characterizations were mostly good.

The whole story was a bit dull. It wasn't terribly interesting or thrilling and there wasn't much of a mystery either, as you get the varying viewpoints also gave you the thoughts of the 'bad guy" within the first 100 pages. However, if you ever wanted to know what its like to work at a pizza place, I think this book has got you covered.

I have issues with Sgt. Thayer's behaviour towards the MCs. I also have issues with the inferiority complex Gabie had.

I also hated how easily EVERYTHING just fell into place at the end.

It seems most readers enjoyed this so YMMV but for me it just fell flat. It wasn't bad so I'm giving it three stars but I just feel like it could've been SO MUCH better.


Readers Choice:
Date Read: June 25th
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: The book opens up with Sawyer Dodd, a high school student, grieving as her boyfriend, Kevin Anderson, has just died in a tragic accident.

Almost immediately you realize that her boyfriend was abusive as there are flashbacks through the whole book. You'd think that she would be better off now that he's gone but that's when she gets the first note. "You're welcome" and with it a newspaper clipping of Kevin's accident.

The story was pretty good. There are subplots including her parents divorce, her new step-mother and absent/workaholic biological mother, her best friend and ex best friend. All in all, I've got to say for a YA mystery, I've got little to complain about.

Not to spoil anything but I honestly didn't see the end coming but it didn't feel like it came out of nowhere either. All the little pieces clicked together just right at the end.

[Rosina]

Hi Cristina. Welcome to our team. I am sure you will fit right in with us.

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

Rosina wrote: "Hi Cristina. Welcome to our team. I am sure you will fit right in with us."

Thank you. I'm glad to be here.

[Desperado]

Welcome to the group, Cristina!

Question about the shelves. I know you can use an alternate edition of a book so it'll fit the category but do you have to replace that edition on your TBR with your edition?

Example: I noticed The Forever Song has an edition with a red cover ( ) but I have this one ( ) on my shelf. Do I have to change the edition on my shelf to the red one so I can I use it for the new shelf?

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Sorry to see Julianne go, but know any outside stressors are not what's needed right now. Thoughts with you & your family, Julianne!

Welcome, Cristina! :D

The red cover can be used for the game (here on our thread) but you don't have to change your edition on your personal shelf. My OCDemoness would wanna keep the edition we have on-hand on our personal GR shelves. :)

I'm out of town for the week, but saw the team member switch and new shelf so I wanted to pop in with updates. I'm reading for RED. Stamps will have to be on hold until I get home and back to my computer. Hope everyone has a great week! Happy early 4th to those in the US!

[Desperado]

YAY! Thanks for the prompt response, chica. ^_^

So I'm reading for Red.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Welcome! :D Enjoy! LOVE LOVE LOVED that series.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Very warm welcome Cristina! Thank you for stepping up to the challenge.

I was outside painting my iron fence and staircase so I miss the switch. Sorry but Black Tremglad does not go well with my phone and it was hot, glad to be indoors again.
I'll post an update with all the changes and request the appropriate stamps.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Shelves currently in play

Judithe's SOS BookShelf : Bingo R9 Stats

Week #7: Red Cover Colour'
The majority of the cover must be red.(June 29- July 5)
Completed:4/5

Cristina: Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich, 30/06/2014, 4★,review
LethalLovely: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa
Rosina: A Red, Red Rose by Susan Coryell, 02/07/2014, 4★,review
StephB:Dark Future by K.C. Klein, 01/07/2014, 2,5★,review
Valerie:Burning Dawn by Gena Showalter, 02/07/2014, 4★,review



Week #6: Reader's Choice'
Any book you like as long as it is at least 200 pages and isn't a graphic novel. (June 22-28)
Completed:4/5

Cristina:Truly, Madly, Deadly by Hannah Jayne, 25/06/2014, 4★,review
LethalLovely: Make Me Burn by R.G. Alexander, 25/06/2014, 3★,review
Rosina: Special Offers by M.L. Ryan
StephB: Sweet Soldier by Misty Evans, 24/06/2014, 5★,review
Valerie: All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, 24/06/2014, 5★,review



Week #5: 'Green/Teal Cover Colour'
The majority of the cover must be green or teal. (June 15-21)
Completed:5/5 Stamp requested

Cristina:The Night She Disappeared by April Henry, 16/06/2014, 3★,review
LethalLovely: Untouched by Anna Campbell, 24/06/2014, 3★,review
Rosina: Heart of the Dragon by Gena Showalter, 20/06/2014, 3.5★,review
StephB: Delicate Freakn' Flower by Eve Langlais, 15/06/2014, 4★,review
Valerie: Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh, 21/06/2014, 5★,review



Week #3: Yellow/Orange Cover Colour (June 1- 7)
Completed:5/5 (Stamp requested)

Cristina:The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey, 26/06/2014, 4★,review
LethalLovely:The Martian by Andy Weir, 07/06/2014, 4★,review
Rosina:Changeling by Yasmine Galenorn, 09/06/2014, 4★,review
StephB:Forbidden Bond by Jessica Lee, 06/06/2014, 3.5★,review
Valerie:Stars & Stripes by Abigail Roux, 07/06/2014, 4★,review

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

I'll be reading for the Red shelf this week

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

Turns out I sped read this weeks book.

Red:
Date Read: June 30th
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: For centuries, treasure hunters have been eager to possess the Seven Stones of Power, based on the Seven Deadly Sins. The Stones have apparently found their way to Salem, Massachusetts, and so has Gerwulf Grimoire (known as Wulf). He's tall, dark, dangerous and psychotic. Of course, hot on his heels is Diesel, his cousin. Who is also tall, dark, dangerous as well as handsome. He’s one of the good guys even if he may or may not be able read our MC’s mind.

Our MC is Lizzie, a pastry chef at Dazzle's Bakery who inherited her Aunt Ophelia’s home and moved from New York. She’s pretty content with life and then she meets Wulf, Diesel, Cat 7143, Carl the monkey, and Shirley, the bakery’s best customer, and her crazy relations. She is one of the only two people who can sense these stones and this first book, they are searching for the Gluttony stone.

Diesel needs Lizzie to find these stones and basically hijacks her life. Also, he needs to protect her from Wulf..

I do appreciate Janet Evanovich’s humor, which is the best part of the book.

This was a quick read, amusing with quite a few mad cap moments. I’m thinking specifically of the scene with Carl, the ferrets and the slut olive oil. :)

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

Ok, I feel like I've taken over the thread now.

Yellow/Orange: The 5th Wave
Date Read: June 26, 2014
Rating: ****
Review:

This book was less Alien Invasion story and more a Human story. Oh sure, there are aliens but they aren’t really the point of the story. The point is more humanity than apocalypse.

The 1st wave was an EMP pulse that knocked out all electricity. If you’ve ever had your electricity off for any length of time, you’ll immediately understand all the little things you take for granted.

I could detail the next three waves but I found that mostly that was what kept me reading. Cassie, short for Cassiopeia, was not a bad MC but she wasn’t who I was reading it for. None of the viewpoints, of which there were many, stood out much to me. Sometimes I would get a bit confused Who is this? Was this the same guy from earlier? Does it matter? In the end, the answers were not that important.

The beauty of this was that it was like a mosaic. It didn’t matter whether or not we saw that guy from the 2nd wave again. We experienced fragments here and there until finally it made a whole and it was a wonderful thing.

Personally, I preferred the viewpoint of Zombie and the whole military angle. When the clues all added up, I actually got chills. It was brilliant.

Not to say that there weren’t any negatives about this. It’s a YA, so the violence and horror that you would expect in an alien invasion/post apocalyptic setting seemed sanitized. I don’t need intestines strewn across the road or anything but still...

Also, I didn’t think that there needed to be the romance aspects thrown in. imho, it would’ve been better without it and I didn't feel that it added much to the story.

Still, I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Val, FYI not a good idea to edit your stamp request. Lucky I noticed it. Just add a new one to the list in future :)

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Sorry about that, will never happen again.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

LOL. At least Judithe didn't get the whip out :DDD

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Hey guys! No wifi where we're staying up at what feels like the top of Big Bear. Sure is beautiful though. :) Checking out the little town now and taking advantage of the return of cell service to let ya know I've finished my RED book. It kinda sucked, which sucked because the premise was Terminator-type interesting. Oh well. I'll post my review when we get home later this week. I'll also stamp cards, incl ours. Yay!

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

Steph wrote: "I've finished my RED book. It kinda sucked, which sucked because the premise was Terminator-type interesting."

Its always disappointing to find the synopsis is better than the actual book.

Hope your having fun :)

[Rosina]

red cover

finished july second
rating: 4 stars

I really enjoyed this book it was a gothic cozy mystery. it takes place in virginia and horse country there is the family mystery family secrets tracing family genealogy there's mention of slavery the civil war.
there was a ghost involved with a family secret didn't go to in depth but it was it kept me entertained.
definitely a young adult novel not heavy on the romance but the writing was well done and I definitely would read more from this author.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Week #7

Red Cover Colour: Burning Dawn by Gena Showalter
Date Read: 02/07/2014
Rating: ★★★★
Review:

I was a bit disappointed with the last few books (LoU and AotD) but Thane's book made a terrific comeback to the 'old' Gena Showalter that I loved to read.

From the previous books in the series I knew that Thane, Xerxes and Bjorn were complexe characters with very painful past, life twisted upside down. What surprised me was how much character growth Thane went through. From cold, remote to caring, teasing and protective...Elin was the perfect match for him too.

All the supporting characters were great too but I'm won over by the dodge-boulder team: Multiple Scoregasms.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Thanks, Cristina, we had a great time. I'm exhausted though. Maybe it was the higher elevation. I'm lookin' forward to a long shower and a nap. :)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Shelf: Red
Read: 01 July
Rating: 2.5★
Review:
Dark Future's book blurb had me super excited for the story of aliens and Kris' Terminator-style time jump to save the human race.

"Awakened in the middle of the night by a future version of herself, Kris Davenport is given a mission; go forward in time to save the world and his life. Of course, her future self doesn't tell her who he is, just sends her into the abyss and straight into an alien invasion."

Sadly, as I read, I spanned the rainbow of feelings. What began as excitement, quickly switched to confusion, then frustration, onto freakish fascination, and finally ended with the dull thud of meh.

Again, I find myself in the minority with my lower rating. Much of the story's concept was a big hit for me. However, big parts, such as world-building and relationship development were greatly lacking. It was weird - in parts of the story the environment had a movie clarity to it while others left me completely confused. The relationship between Kris and ConRad, the "him" in future Kris' mission, felt odd and a bit forced. But, on the flip-side, secondary characters Quinn and Zimmion's attraction felt real and touching at times.

Huge potential, big disappointment (Rating: 2.5★). Part of me is glad this is a stand alone novel because, being a series addict, I know I'd feel compelled to read the second book. However, I'm kinda bummed because I would've liked to have seen if the second book was an improvement.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Steph, glad you're back and in one piece.

Happy 4th of July to all the US players :)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Thanks :D

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Divas of Organized Destruction!
We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'green/teal cover' and 'yellow/orange cover'. 

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

Yay!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamps Divas!

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Well....if the next shelf is Witches, we could win. LL, whip that Red Cover review up! :-)

[Desperado]

Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ wrote: "Well....if the next shelf is Witches, we could win. LL, whip that Red Cover review up! :-)"

Mmmmhmmm.I'll get right on that, Valerie.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Thanks, Sandra!

LOL Val & LL >;)

* Hope everyone had a safe & Happy 4th! *

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

"Shelf #8 ~ 6/7/14: 'Hit the Road'
Any mode of mechanized transport on cover qualifies."

[Desperado]

I'm going to read .

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

I liked that one LL

I'm going to read for this week's shelf

[Steph, Serious series addict]

I'm not sure what I'll read for the new shelf. I have a couple that will work, but I'm going to finish my current book first. I'll post again once I've chosen one for the shelf.

I'm considering:

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

It's a good one Val :)

[Rosina]

I will read

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Sandra wrote: "It's a good one Val :)"

Do I need to read the prequel before that?

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Nope, cause I haven't read the prequel yet either. Didn't know about it till later.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Shelves currently in play

Judithe's SOS BookShelf : Bingo R9 Stats

Week #8: 'Hit the Road' (July 6- 12)
Completed:5/5 Stamp requested

Cristina: The Time Hunters by Carl Ashmore, 07/07/2014, 3★,review
LethalLovely: Vicious Circle by Linda Robertson, 07/07/2014, 2★,review
Rosina: Hard Spell by Justin Gustainis, 09/07/2014, 4★,review
StephB: Hell's Belle by Karen Greco, 07/07/2014, 2.75★,review
Valerie: Dire Needs by Stephanie Tyler, 09/07/2014, 2★,review



Week #7: Red Cover Colour'
The majority of the cover must be red.(June 29- July 5)
Completed:4/5

Cristina: Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich, 30/06/2014, 4★,review
LethalLovely: Shadowboxer by Cari Quinn
Rosina: A Red, Red Rose by Susan Coryell, 02/07/2014, 4★,review
StephB:Dark Future by K.C. Klein, 01/07/2014, 2,5★,review
Valerie:Burning Dawn by Gena Showalter, 02/07/2014, 4★,review



Week #6: Reader's Choice'
Any book you like as long as it is at least 200 pages and isn't a graphic novel. (June 22-28)
Completed:5/5 Stamp requested

Cristina:Truly, Madly, Deadly by Hannah Jayne, 25/06/2014, 4★,review
LethalLovely: Make Me Burn by R.G. Alexander, 25/06/2014, 3★,review
Rosina: Special Offers by M.L. Ryan, 09/07/2014, 4★,review
StephB: Sweet Soldier by Misty Evans, 24/06/2014, 5★,review
Valerie: All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, 24/06/2014, 5★,review

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

Hit The Road:
Date Read: July 7th
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review:

Honestly, the first few chapters or so were a bit dull. Not so much that I wouldn’t keep reading but I was definitely eager for it to pick up a bit.

After the first chapter, where the scene was set, Becky and her brother, Joe, are invited to stay with their 'loony' Uncle Percy at his stately home, while their mother has to work.

After the kids made it to Bowen Hall, it certainly did pick up.

One rainy night, the kids find out that their Uncle Percy is a time traveler and then as spoiler free as possible...

sabertooth tigers, Will Scarlet, Nazis, the Golden Fleece, a time traveling 1960's volkswagen campervan dubbed Bertha, more dinosaurs, ancient greece, and mythical creatures all play a part while Uncle Percy, Becky and Joe travel back and forth through time.

There was mystery and danger as well. Many times I was reminded of Bedknobs and Broomsticks, A Wrinkle in Time, and Doctor Who.

Overall, it was a quick read and fun, if a bit more juvenile than I expected. I would recommend it as a good adventure tale (although I believe the target audience is the 8-12 crowd)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

I'm reading and it's meh so far. Should be a quick read though.

Hope everyone's enjoying their books! Have a great week! :)

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

Steph wrote: "I'm reading and it's meh so far. Should be a quick read though.

Hope everyone's enjoying their books! Have a great week! :)"

That's too bad Steph. I like the title though :)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

I like it too. Although, from the title, you'd think someone would be from hell - a demon maybe, but she's 1/2 human, 1/2 vamp. It's okay - not terrible, not great. But, I do like how they have to kill vamps - decapitate and remove heart.

[[deleted user]]

Steph wrote: "I'm reading and it's meh so far. Should be a quick read though.

Hope everyone's enjoying their books! Have a great week! :)"


I've read this book. I picked it up for the cool cover, actually. I did not like it at all. The writing and plot development fell flat for me. The way the vamps are killed was the one thing I liked about this book too:) That and Dog :) I'm curious to know what you think of this one when you are done.

[Desperado]

Hit the Road:
Date Read: July 7th
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Review:

I don't want to spend anymore time on VC than I already have, so I'm gonna make this quick. I did NOT like it. Persephone, the heroine, was the epitome of all that is stupid and reckless and weak. I did not understand how her mind worked, how she managed to get herself into the situations she did, how we both added 2+2 yet this heifer's answer was always 5. I CAN'T EVEN with these stupid freaking heroines that lack common sense. The hero, Johnny, seemed sexy as hells at first but soon proved to be flaky and a bit of a punk. Supporting characters? Meh. And don't even get me started on Menessos. *sigh* Won't be reading the 2nd book.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

I think it must be the theme of the week because my book is not so great either. I'm 3/4 done but it has taken herculean effort to get this far.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

@LL: I've read Vicious Circle and found the same thing too. I'm of a mind to try and give a series another shot before quitting. I read book 2 & 3 to find that there is no noticeable improvement. While book 4 is still on my TRB list...I'm starting to think I'll never read it. I'll delete it right now since it's taking up space of better deserving books.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

ick! We've had a helluva book week, yah? Pushed through mine last night. Will post my review shortly. Trying to decide whether or not to give it 3 stars or 2.5 - there were some things I liked, but damn, it's bad when you gotta make yourself finish.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Series: Hell's Belle #1
Shelf: Hit the Road
Read: 7 July
Rating: 2.75★ (LOL! I couldn't decide)
Review:
Hell's Belle's cover caught my eye and the mention of a half-human, half-vampire heroine who is "part of an elite secret team of government agents who quietly take down rogue monsters" sealed the deal. Unfortunately, the story fell a bit short for me.

As a heroine, Nina came out the gates strong. However, as the story progressed, she seemed to go from strong to dependent and naive. The basis of the story and the wide range of supernaturals (weres, vampires, banshees, witches, hell hound, ghosts, berserker) were two pluses. However, the follow through wasn't there. Parts of the story were strong while others needed more polishing to become fully cohesive.

I liked the men in the book, but felt the romance (what there was of it) felt forced. Ultimately, it felt like an unnecessary addition to the story. Similarly, Max's (human FBI agent) yo-yo "relationship" with Nina was confusing. One minute they're trying to have a date before ripping each other's clothes off and the next he's screaming, "FUCK YOU!" when she struggles to explain the situation to him. Big turn off.

I struggled with how to rate this book - 2.5 or 3 stars. As crazy as this may sound, I'm not entirely against reading book 2. I'm interested to know what happens next with the majority of the characters, but if I do, I hope it flows a bit better than the first.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Sorry you're not feeling Dire Needs Val :(