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Archive - Pass The Parcel
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PtP - The Naughty Niners
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Logan
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Jun 27, 2014 06:20AM
Perfect! Enjoy your trip!!
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week 3: book length > 450 pages
finished: june 25
rating: 4 stars
review:
ian is in jail to save his brother, but hasn't informed his brother of this. when the fbi needs him to help retrieve a couple of kidnapped children from a consulate on us soil, he is sprung unwillingly by the fbi and his brand new lawyer. the mob is after ian because of his broken promise to stay in jail. ian's brother is under attack because he killed a mob hitman. phoebe, the lawyer, just got hired by the firm and has been handed the case unexpectedly. she knows that something is off with ian, but the running starts immediately, so she doesn't have a lot of time to figure it out.
what i liked: the character building that took place over a short period of time. i liked ian and phoebe, as well as the surrounding characters.
what i didn't like: the many different points of view. the bad guys were more like cardboard cut outs.
week 4: main character has a pet
finished: june 27
rating: 2 stars
review:
cassidy returns to his grandmother's house with her ashes after a lengthy legal battle with his father over the house and his grandmother. cassidy is alone, because he has broken up with his boyfriend-du-jour. he finds a dog that is being chased by feral dogs. his first love shows up, as do his friends, who also happen to be exes of his, along with his most recent ex and the man he recently had a one night stand with. mild insanity ensues. at the same time, the community is preparing for a fourth of july shindig on cassidy's property such as the ones that used to take place when his grandmother was alive. cassidy and his first love dance around each other and start and stop.
what i liked: not a lot. maybe the dog, who cassidy finally decided to call dasie (his grandmother's name, sadie, with the letters rearranged.) and ollie and spencer, two of cassidy's exes that are now with each other.
what i didn't like: cassidy, mostly. he ran through boyfriends, and even when he was mooning over his first love, nate, he was still attracted to and seemed to almost act on that attraction with his most recent ex and his one night stand. nate seemed a little wishy-washy, and the reason that they weren't together was pretty petty on both their parts. there weren't any breakthrough moments for either of them, and neither of them just talked to the other one.
Week 5Theme: Set on a ranch/property which uses/raises horses.
Option 2 key date: 25 December 2013 - Happy Christmas! (must be rated at least 3 stars, and you can't go back further than this 'date read' if you select from a team-member's bookshelf)
You must note how this theme qualifies in your selection post including a link to a shelf with a word such as 'ranch' or noting that the theme is evident on the GR summary page. Please contact Jane in the Q&A thread if you are not sure.
Just having the word 'cowboy' or 'horses' on a shelf link will not be enough - the book needs to be set on a ranch/property with horses.
I've rescinded part of my original decision. The shelf name will now qualify with the word 'horse' as well :)
Week 5: Set on a ranch/property which uses/raises horses.
Pages: 420
Qualifies: Hero owns and works a ranch per book/GR's summary.
week 5: set on a ranch which uses horsesCrooked Tree Ranch
pages: 176
how it qualifies: takes place on a dude ranch, per the summary.
Hi! Just checking in real quick while everyone is still sleeping. I'm going to change my book since it was in the mail yesterday. I was going to use it for option 2 but it fits the theme, yay!!
Week 5: Set on a ranch that uses/raises horses.
by Linda HowardPages: 251
Qualifies: per precis
"someone to help rebuild his ranch,...willing to herd cattle"
I've got Post 9 updated to here.I can't deciiiiiiide!
I've got two possible books I could read for this - one is a freebie I downloaded years ago and this is probably the only excuse I have to ever read it (Crime Scene At Cardwell Ranch) and the other is a highly recommended M/M book that I could use in a challenge that starts on Tuesday (Dark Horse).
I'll make a decision later. Maybe I'll start the freebie and if I don't like it I'll go with Dark Horse. Sigh.
Nichole wrote: "Hi! Just checking in real quick while everyone is still sleeping. I'm going to change my book since it was in the mail yesterday. I was going to use it for option 2 but it fits the theme, yay!!"Yeah, Nicole! I just finished Duncan's Bride and LOVED it! Can't wait to hear what you think.
Okie, I'm a little behind - I need to write the review for last week's choice and I need to select book for this week.Sorry but the weekend is super busy - we are visiting friends and relatives so I'm either shopping gifts for them or visiting. I'll get down to both of them tomorrow.
Week 5: Set on a ranch/property which uses/raises horses.
Finished 7/2/14
✰✰✰✰✰Review:
What a great love story! I liked how this book took off from the beginning. The author writes a seamless story, showing us how Annie and Cord fall in love after being forced together by circumstances out of their control. This was not a case of insta-love, but a solid friendship that grew more intimate over time. Annie is forced out of her comfort zone right from the start, discovering an inner strength she didn't know she had. As time goes on, the couple slips into married life on the ranch, sharing the chores and working with the horses. They discover a happiness they did not expect. The partnership they develop was a beautiful thing, cozy and sweet. (view spoiler)
Cord was a strong character, very intelligent and witty, but quiet at first. Annie brought him out of his protective shell and he gave her the freedom to finally spread her wings. Together they brought the best out in each other. I wasn't sure I'd like Cord's family at first, but over time they won me over. Annie's family is a different story. Her father was a heartless brute and despite the happy ending, I still think Rob is a spineless coward. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat and then wrapped up very nicely. This is a book I'll re-read over the years.
Week 4: Pet in the StoryBook: The Passion of Patrick MacNeill by Virginia Kantra
Date Read: 22 June
Rating:3 stars
Review:
This book is a freebie I picked off Amazon. I'm always in the hunt for good contemporary romance authors - sometimes, the contemporary tends towards chick-lit which I really have to be in the mood for.
Fortunately, this wasn't so. It was a good romance - the male lead and his kid were developed well. I really liked the female lead. The romance was developed well - more show than tell which I liked. The only big negative point was the ending which was sort of abrupt. There were other small niggles but I overlooked that. I'll definitely pick up the next book in the series.
Week 5: Set on a ranch/property which uses/raises horsesBook Title: True Betrayals by Nora Roberts
Page Number: 400 pages
How it Fits: The book in set in Virginia thoroughbred farm where they raise horses for racing. (mention in the precis)
Week 5: Set on a ranch/property which uses/raises horses
Pages: 250
How it Fits: Ranch mentioned in title and precis
Week 5: Set on a ranch/property which uses/raises horses
Finished: 7/3/14
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This was a fun little mystery set on a ranch in Montana. Dana had her heart broken 5 years ago by Hud - who just happens to have returned to town as the new Marshal investigating the human remains she discovered on the grounds.
There are two mysteries in this story - what really happened between Dana and Hud and who killed the woman found in Dana's well? I thought Daniels juggled all of the clues very well and the pacing was great. I really enjoyed the story.
Nichole wrote: "Week 5: Set on a ranch that uses/raises horses. by Linda HowardPages: 251
Theme: Set on a ranch"
Nichole - could you please change your selection post to show how it qualifies by noting that the precis notes that it is set on a ranch? Thanks :)
Vi wrote: "Week 5: Set on a ranch/property which uses/raises horsesBook Title: True Betrayals by Nora Roberts
Page Number: 400 pages
How it Fits: The book in set in Virginia thoroughbred farm w..."
Hi Vi - could you amend your post to say that the theme is covered in the precis (with the other stuff if you like) - just mention the precis? Thanks :)
Logan wrote: "Week 5: Set on a ranch/property which uses/raises horsesFinished: 7/3/14
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This was a fun little mystery set on a ranch in..."
Huh! Better than you expected Logan... :)
You are going really well NNs :)
Jane (PS) wrote: "You are going really well NNs :)"It's been a lot of fun, Jane! I love the team challenges. : )
When I read a good book, I just have to talk about it!
Speaking of good books, I finished Iron Kissed yesterday and HOLY CARP! I did not see that coming. I'm still moping around the house sniffling. Patricia Briggs blew me away with that one.
Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "You are going really well NNs :)"It's been a lot of fun, Jane! I love the team challenges. : )
When I read a good book, I just have to talk about it!
Speaking of good book..."
I love the team challenges as well. I did a heap in another group, but am taking some time out to concentrate on the Meet n Greet and a similar challenge in another group :) But I love running this challenge!
I probably won't be able to check on the theme call until after the fireworks are all done. I'll check in late tonight, but if any of you are around and want to post it, feel free!
My rocket-scientist-pyromaniac hubby keeps sneaking over the county line where fireworks are legal (which is like a half mile from the house). He's been like a kid on a sugar high all week and has been making fireworks with his friend for months in preparation. Last year was hysterical. They attached fountains to old bike frames on stakes then hammered the base in the ground. They were real pretty, until one came off the stake and rolled out into the pasture at the speed of light. Yes, we have video.These guys and their ideas are going to give me a nervous breakdown, if the poor dog doesn't have one first. Maybe I should look into doggy Xanax before next year.
That sounds amazing, Becky. Can I come to your house next year? ;)
If the place survives the night (and next tornado season), come on down! ; )
From Jane...Week 6
Theme: 8. Main character is a musician (singer counts).
Option 2 key date: 1 January 2014 - Happy New Year! (must be rated at least 3 stars, and you can't go back further than this 'date read' if you select from a team-member's bookshelf)
You must note how this theme qualifies in your selection post including a link to a shelf with a word such as 'musician' or noting that the theme is evident on the GR summary page/blurb/precis.
Words acceptable for shelf names are:
'Musician'
'Singer'
'Band'
Or their expansions/contractions.
Thanks for posting Becky! Happy 4th to you teammates!
Hope everyone had a great 4th! True to form, DPRH (dear "pyro-rocket-science" hubby) was the star of the party last night. His newest creation was a festival ball firework, but it was too heavy for the lift charge. Several of them went off eight feet above ground, the rest of them created a spectacular redneck golf course.
Not to worry, the crowd loved it. One guy came all the way from Virginia after seeing the runaway fountain wheel from last year. Sometimes I think DPRH does this crap on purpose.
My brain isn't fully engaged yet, but I have to get this out. I'm really having trouble picking a good book for the theme. I thought there would be more out there. 
looks interesting, but it may be a tear jerker. I'm still spinning over what happened to Mercy in Iron Kissed, so maybe I should read it later.Then I saw
and it sounds like fun. I may have to jump on the band wagon and read it with the other 90% of the challenge. Ugh, what to do...
week 6: main character is a musicianbook: Play by kylie scott
pages: 304
how it fits: mal is a drummer, as stated in the précis.
Week 6: Main character is a musician (singer counts).
by Kylie ScottPages: 286
Qualifies: MC is a backup singer and guitar player for a rock band. Here's the précis.
I edited my post for Duncan's Bride, Sorry about that. So before we left I asked my husband 3 times if he was positive he didn't want to take the Nook. I was taking my Kindle for posting and reading...he said No, every time. Well the turd confiscated it to watch Netflix, so I had to use my phone for reading/posting. Dislike!! Not that it mattered for this challenge really, Duncan's Bride is a paperback and I haven't even started it yet. Thankfully it's a short one!I'm probably going to end up reading Lick too. It's been picked for me a couple of times and I have it on audio. I'm going to check first and see if I can find a book that works for Bingo + PtP to help catch me up.
I'm finished with Lick, but I'm holding off on my review post. I've been lucky the last several weeks to have mostly four and five star reads, but this one... I'm trying to wrap my brain around what happened here. I honestly don't know how to rate this book. *shrugs, totally baffled*
I think it's just my oddball taste, or maybe I'm living on a different planet. I wanted to love it. Honest. I DID love the first few 80 plus pages (and quite a few in between). I was like, "Awesome! This is going to be so good!" Then...then...ACK!
*Hangs head in confusion*
I'll sleep on it before I post. And maybe drink...a lot...
Nichole wrote: "I edited my post for Duncan's Bride, Sorry about that. So before we left I asked my husband 3 times if he was positive he didn't want to take the Nook. I was taking my Kindle for posting and readin..."LOL! Mine confiscates my NOOK every time we go to the doctor's office. He needs one of his own, but of course when I ask him...oh no. We don't need to do that...*sigh* Men.
Duncan's Bride IS a fast read. I still fan myself when I think about that book. She got the chemistry and emotions just right (for my taste, anyhow)! Hope you're enjoying your vacation!
Thanks Becky! I'm home now and I had a great time. I'm pooped though and sunburned. We spent a few hours on the boat and fair skin + sun don't mix well, even with sunscreen lol. My husband, nephew and I all jumped off The Rock. When we first made our way over there I thought "that's not so high, I can do that!" but let me tell you, it seemed pretty damn high from the top :) I was a little shaky from the climb and then looking at the drop. But I did it!I should be starting Duncan's Bride tomorrow. I need to finish up my Bingo book from last week. I'll finish this week's book first because it's an audiobook.
Week 6: Main character is a musician
by Karina HallePages: 438
Qualifies: Shelf name-Musicians (2 people)
Aw, I'm missing all the chatter. But my in-laws are leaving tomorrow morning after a month-long stay and it's been bedlam here - with all the shopping + packing + a 6 month-old. I'll come back tomorrow - too tired now.
Nichole wrote: "Thanks Becky! I'm home now and I had a great time. I'm pooped though and sunburned...."*Passes the aloe vera gel* Yay, Nicole for jumping off that rock! You're braver than I am! The weather was great to be on the lake.
Vi - I bet you'll be glad to have your home to yourself again! A month is a long visit!
I'm off to write my bi-polar review of Lick. I loved it and hated it. Ugh! *sighs*
Week 6: Main character is a musician (singer counts).Finished: 7/5/14
✰✰½ StarsReview: (Sorry, it's a long one.)
The first three chapters drew me in and I didn't hesitate to purchase the rest of the book. The writing wasn't fantabulous. There were a few grammatical errors and incorrect/missing words, but it wasn't bad. It's my policy to forgive much and suspend belief for the sake of a great plot. I just had to know how Ev would deal with the fallout of her drunken Vegas marriage to a famous rock star.
Vegas-Ev was strong, assertive, despite waking up on the bathroom floor, hung-over and sick. David was there in his inked-hotness-glory, holding her hair back and tending her every need. Vegas-Ev had blacked him out of her memory, along with their entire night together, including the wedding(view spoiler). Thank you, Tequila. Now that Vegas-Ev is sober and thinking logically, she knows it had to be a mistake. Nothing puts her upcoming internship and future at stake. (view spoiler)
By this time, I'm doing a happy dance. I go online and click the purchase button. "Yay!" I tell myself. "This is going to be fun, fun, FUN!" Then the plot came to a screeching halt for about 15 or so chapters.
The middle chunk of this book read like the author wasn't sure where she was going. The story wandered with boring dialogue and alternated between angry or unemotional sex. I have no idea what happened to Vegas-Ev. She became Split-Personality-Ev, a complete doormat who went out of her way to avoid the shame of hurting someone's (ANYONE'S) feelings in any way. WTH? Vegas-Ev returns around Chapter 18 (view spoiler). Angry (again) she morphs into Pissed-Off-Independent-Woman-Ev, eventually she even tells her father: "You're wrong."
I am woman, hear me roar!
I know, I know, but it WAS an improvement over Doormat-Ev. Then there was David. I finished the book without a clue who he was. Short of "inked hotness" and "awesomely sexy" he was a complete shell. No depth.
I think what killed it for me was the lack of romance. The sex overpowered the story and I couldn't connect emotionally with the characters. It turned out to be boring insta-love. It was a shame, because the beginning was so good. There was tremendous potential for chemistry, wit, and romance, but my five star read dimmed to two and a half. Maybe the next book is better.
Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ wrote: "Vi - I bet you'll be glad to have your home to yourself again! A month is a long visit!"In a way, yes but my mother-in-law will be staying on for 2 more months. August is a month where we have 4 religious celebrations (joy!) that she wanted to stay back and help me out. While it was fun having them over, a bit of quiet will be welcome :)
I just finished
which I totally didn't like. So, so boring. It took me 3 days to read that book because I kept wanting to see why it has such great ratings. Ugh! I should have DNF'd.So now I'm torn about my next book. I have
,
,
,
All of them are on the Musicians shelf but I haven't yet decided on one.
That stinks, Vi. I hate recommending books that people end up hating. Of course, I loved it, but I read it years ago and who knows if I would feel the same now. Hopefully you're next book will be better and get you out of the 'Ugh' mood.Wow, 3 months with the MiL. I like mine but 3 months is a long time!! I think I would be ready to pull my hair out, lol.
It's back to work today and I don't wanna!
Nah Nichole, that's ok. It happens. I was actually looking forward to the book - title was weird and it had rave reviews. Well, you can't win them all. I started How to Kill a Rock Star but I'm not in the mood. Scouting for another book..I'm from India and most Asian culture is big on joint family or atleast have the parents living near them. So I am expecting to live with them sometime down the line. This is the longest stretch I'm living with my MiL - the most I've lived was a week or 10 days during festival/visiting time. We're just now getting to know each other better. *shrugs*
Week 5: Book is on a ranch/property which uses/raises horsesBook: True Betrayals by Nora Roberts
Date Read: July 3
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I love Nora Roberts' older works. They're so much better than her recent ones which have been a disappointment. True Betrayals isn't maybe her best but it was still really good. I kept finding time to read it (thanks, Kindle syncing).
The characters are all likeable and the supporting characters are all fleshed out very well. The resolution of the mystery was not really a surprise but it was done well. I recommend this book for those looking for a good contemp romance.
Vi wrote: "I just finished which I totally didn't like. So, so boring. It took me 3 days to read that book because I kept wanting to see why it ha..."I've been wanting to read Nine Rules...hmmm maybe now I'm not in as much of a hurry!
If I Stay is on the musicians shelf?! I've been struggling over what I want to read for this category - thanks for the heads-up Vi!! I think I'll read that one!
So I finished my book for the week already, but now I'm finding musician books everywhere I turn. This one:
is going on my "dying to read" shelf. It looks a bit heavy, but it sounds yummy!
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
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