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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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Jul 07, 2014 03:16PM
Sounds fun! Thanks for sharing Becky.
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Ooh, that looks good Becky. I'm off to see if my library has it.
I have high hopes for it! Someone listed it as a hidden gem in the Baker's Dozen game and it caught my attention. I'm such a sucker for a tortured hero. It may be August before I can read it since I have a bunch of chunksters in my challenges this month, including
,
and
.
Week 6: Main character is a Musician
by Karina HalleFinished: 7/7/14
Rating:
This is going to be hard to review without spoilers...
Ellie Watt is a con artist. It's all she's ever known being brought up that way. Running from her own set of demons she decides to go back home for a quick stop. While there, she runs into her old friend from school, Camden McQueen. The former Goth weirdo from high school is now a successful tattoo artist with his own business and a rock-star on the side. But he has his own set of problems.
Ellie decides to make Camden her mark before she takes off again. But it isn't long before her past catches up with both of them. Enter Javier, the ex-boyfriend that she stole the car from and a chunk of money. He is one scary dude. All I could ever picture was (ironically) Javier Bardem from "No Country For Old Men". (view spoiler)
It's funny because once I started this I couldn't put it down and I'm not sure why. The story was good but I wasn't salivating over it. It's not my typical type of book. The characters are a mess. Not good people, ya know. I've noticed with the couple of books that I've read by this author, she has an addictive quality to her writing. It's not that they are so mind blowing but something makes you want to keep on reading. And the more I think about it, the more I'm ready for the next one...
Week 6: Main character is a musician
Finished: 7/9/14
Rating: 5 stars
Review: Well. That was a beautiful book. I'm really glad I finally got around to reading it, and that I read it before the movie comes out. I think what I liked best about it is its simplicity. It's a story about love, family, and survival. It's not so much about Mia's choice, but her life - does she dwell on the pain of moving on or does she succumb to the unknown? Through a series of flashbacks we come to understand what each of the people in Mia's life mean to her, as well as how her dreams and accomplishments shape her. It's all woven together really nicely and it's the kind of story that feels comforting while also tugging at your heart.
I've had my eye on that one, Logan. I guess I'll be adding it too. Just when I get my TBR down to the 800's :) I'm creeping back up toward 1000 again! It's time for batch editing again, lol.I finished my book but I'm far too lazy to do a review right now. Tomorrow, tomorrow...
Vi, don't forget to post a selection before theme call tomorrow. Or you can take a pass this week if you want, since we haven't used any!
Oh I've started this week's book yesterday. I'll post a selection post when I'm back later,
Week 6 - Book Selection PostTitle: Louder Than Love by Jessica Topper
Number of Pages:343
How it Fits: Male lead is a rocker. It's mentioned in precis
Thanks, Becky for putting this book on my radar.
Vi wrote: "Week 6 - Book Selection PostTitle: Louder Than Love by Jessica Topper
Number of Pages:343
How it Fits: Male lead is a rocker. It's mentioned in precis
Thanks, Becky for putting t..."
: ) I hope you enjoy it! It's on my TBR list, too!
Week 5: Set on a ranch that uses/raises horses
by Linda HowardFinished: 7/10/14
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review:
After losing half his ranch in a divorce settlement, Reese Duncan is working hard to get it back on track. He doesn't have the time to date so he puts an ad in the paper to find a wife. Thinking he can keep things impersonal by setting up rules for himself and his new wife, he doesn't expect to ever love again. He's also full of bitterness.
Madelyn Patterson is a stylish NYC girl who is drifting through life and ready for a change. Upon meeting each other, the chemistry is palpable. But a city girl is not what Reese needs or so he thinks.
I really enjoyed this battle of wills. It had strong sexual tension, an arrogant and domineering male, a cool and collected female that wasn't afraid to stand up to him. You go girl! To be honest, there were a few times I thought "uh oh, I don't know if this is for me" because let's face it...Reese was a total asshole to her. I've been reading some old bodice-rippers for another challenge and this has been killing me! However, Maddie didn't take his crap and she made him work for it. Men are pretty slow sometimes but he eventually came around.
Nice review, Nicole! I agree about Reese staggering over the azzhat line a few times. I'd kick him where his unborn great-grandchildren would feel it, but meh...that's just me. Madelyn was awesome.
Week 7Theme: 15. Book mentioned in one of the 2014 'What are you reading?' topics.
Get links to all months HERE
2014 July - What Are You Reading?
2014 June - What Are You Reading?
2014 May - What Are You Reading?
2014 April - What Are You Reading?
2014 March - What Are You Reading?
2014 February - What Are You Reading?
2014 January - What Are You Reading?
Option 2 key date: 8 January 2014 (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)
To show that your book qualifies for option 1 (the theme) you must include a link to the post where the book is mentioned in the 'What Are You Reading' thread.
Week 7:
Taking Option 2.
Pages: 560
Qualifies: Read by teammate Nicole June 17th.
Week 7: Book mentioned in one of the 2014 'What are you reading?' topics.
Pages: 312
How it qualifies: Listed in Post 2 of the June 2014 What Are You Reading? thread
I'm done with Louder Than Love. It was good - I really liked it. I'll post a review later today.For this week, I haven't yet selected one but I'm thinking about
. I picked it up when it was a freebie a while back.
i have finished Crooked Tree Ranch, i've just been so busy working i haven't had time to post my review. tomorrow or sunday, i promise.
week 7: book mentioned in one of the 2014 'what are you reading topics'The Only One Who Knows
pages: 220
how it qualifies: mentioned in post 16 of May 2014 what are you reading thread link: here
Week 7: Book mentioned in one of the 2014 'What are you reading?' topics.
by Jennifer EstepPages: 357
Qualifies: Post 21 in January 2014 (Thank you, Jane!!)
Week 7: Book Mentioned in one of the 2014 'What are you reading?' topics.
by Jayne Ann KrentzNumber of Pages: 369
How it Qualifies: This post in 2014 June - What are you reading? thread.
Week 6: One of MC is a musician
by Jessica TopperDate Read: 11 July
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I really liked this book. The one of the major complaints in the book was the slow start of the book. Nothing pretty much happens in the first 20%. But I really liked the buildup. I liked getting to know the characters backup.
The MC - Katrina and Adrian were fleshed out very well. Since it's in the first POV of Katrina, I did miss Adrian's POV at times. I would have loved to read his thoughts. Katrina's child Abbey was done well and I loved the interaction between Adrian and Abbey.
The major complaint I had with the book was the ending. It used my least favorite trope - (mild spoiler)(view spoiler). Given that they were adults, that trope doesn't work for me. And it really soured the ending for me. But I would recommend this book.
Just finished Daughter of the Forest, but I'm in no shape to write a review tonight. That was a good book.
Week 7: Book mentioned in one of the 2014 'What are you reading?' topics.
by Jennifer EstepFinished: 7/13/14
Rating: 4.5 Stars!
For me, this is a series that just gets better with each book. Will there come a point where it fizzles? I hope not!
The Spider has declared war on Mab Monroe. She's been targeting her men and leaving a trail of dead bodies with her signature, a spider rune. Or in Gin's words (view spoiler), but the Spider is patient. While stalking her next mark, she sees a trap. Mab has hired an assassin, Elektra LaFleur, to take care of a few problems for her. LaFleur is to kill the Spider, Bria Coolidge and Gin Blanco not knowing how connected they all are.
I think this is becoming my favorite UF series. I just love it. It has a little romance, suspense and a ton of action. In my opinion Gin is a total bad-ass who gets her butt handed to her in every book. But she takes a licking and keeps on ticking and that's what makes this a favorite of mine. She might be doing most of the dirty work herself but her friends are there to help her when needed.
Can I just say that I love Owen. I'm so happy with this development. It just makes sense. (view spoiler) I was also very glad to see the truth of her relationship with Bria come out. That sneaky little Fletcher, pulling things together from the grave. I can't wait for the next book!!
week 5: set on a ranch that uses/raises horses
finished: july 2
rating: 2 stars
review: jay loses his marketing job in new york, and rather than take a job working for his ex-boyfriend who cheated on him, he takes a job in montana working to try and turn a ranch around. he moves his sister and her two kids with him. nate is co-owner of the ranch, along with his two brothers and his dad's partners. they have turned the ranch into a dude ranch, but due to no one really knowing how to attract new business, the ranch is not-so-slowly failing.
what i liked: nate's relationship with his two brothers, who he had to look after when his parents died. also, jay's relationship with his sister was nice.
what i didn't like: the insta-love and the poorly fleshed out characters and story.
week 6: one of the mc is a musician
finished: july 13
rating: 3 stars
review: anne is kind of a doormat, who lets her roommate/best friend not pay the rent for a few months, and when she finally has to make her pay, loses said roommate. looking at downsizing, anne goes with her next door neighbour to a party being held by friends of the neighbour. while there, anne has a conversation with mal, the drummer of a famous band. by the end of the night, mal says that he will move in with her. passing it off as drunken rambling, anne is surprised to come home from work the next day to find mal moved in. he wants her to play his pretend girlfriend in return for him paying the back rent. anne eventually agrees to this, and the story is off and running.
what i liked: anne. for a doormat, she stood up for herself with mal. i liked that she didn't push mal too hard. i liked that anne was smart without being a know-it-all.
what i didn't like: mal, surprisingly. i really liked him in the first book, but it felt like there was more insight into his character in that book than in his own. there also didn't seem to be a lot of time for anne and mal to get to know one another, as a lot of their interactions in the book were with the other characters, not each other.
whew. finally (mostly) caught up!
beppy wrote: "whew. finally (mostly) caught up!"Yay, Beppy! Nice review! I liked Mal in the first book, too. Almost more than the hero. Gosh...I just read Lick and already forgot his name! LOL!
Week 7: Option 2, Read by Nicole. June 17th
by Juliet Marillier Read: 7/13 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review:
Every once in awhile, I run across a book that leaves me staring at the ceiling with my mouth agape. This was one of them. We are introduced to young Sorcha, the youngest of seven siblings, and shown the wonderful life she shares with her brothers in Sevenwaters. The story is rich in Celtic myth and brings a fantasy world to life for the reader. The author took the time to build Sorcha's world, showing us the deep connection and love between the siblings, which made it all the more emotional as things began to go wrong.
I was glued to my Nook. Sorcha set out to break the curse and was met with all manner of obstacles, human suffering, violence and loneliness. She struggled to go on and I felt the weight of her task and isolation, wondering how she would possibly persevere. It was heart wrenching at times and I cried often. The story wove together like an intricate tapestry and by the time I reached the final confrontation it left me on the edge of my seat. Then I blubbered like an idiot.
I really loved the brothers, especially Finbar and Conor, and the endearing way they treated Sorcha. The ending left me wanting more though. (view spoiler) Needless to say, I'll continue the series, but I'll need to catch my breath first.
week 7: book mentioned in one of the "2014 what are you reading" topics
read: july 15
rating: 3 stars
review: josh is going through bud/s, and one of the trainers really gets on his case. later that day, josh is told that it's because chief flint sees so much potential in him. on new year's eve, josh and chief flint (david) hook up. they agree it's just a one night stand, although they both pine. cut to three years later, when lieutenant commander josh gets a new senior chief for his team. they pick up where they left off, since neither had forgotten their night together, keeping things on the down low. when they get shipped out on a mission, david is hurt, and secrets are no longer secrets. along the way, josh is the intended victim of an attempted blackmail.
what i liked: josh and David. they didn't throw up unnecessary roadblocks to their relationship, and recognized that they had something special.
what i didn't like: there wasn't really a lot of character development, and some of the military stuff felt incorrect. (although i have no knowledge of procedures, i find it difficult to believe that everybody in the seal unit calls each other by their first names, and then call each other out. i've been under the impression that there is a lot more protocol and formality.)
Wow! Way to bring it all in beppy!! :)
Logan wrote: "Wow! Way to bring it all in beppy!! :)"lol. yep, made it just under the wire. apparently i'm a "read better under pressure" type person. it's hard to believe that there are only two more weeks left for this challenge. bring on the next theme!
Nichole wrote: "Week 7: Book mentioned in one of the 2014 'What are you reading?' topics. by Jennifer EstepPages: 357
Qualifies: Post 21 in January 2014 (Thank ..."
LOL - I love that series :)
Week 8Theme 13: Book set on an island
Option 2 key date: 15 January 2014 (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 'island' or noting that the theme is evident on the GR summary page/blurb/precis.
Words acceptable for shelf names are:
'Island'
'Ship-wrecked'
Or their expansions/contractions.
If there are some other words, please suggest them and I'll consider if they fit appropriately.
Note: originally this theme required the island be set off the coast of a mainland, but that is no longer the case.
Week 8: Book set on an island.
Pages: 194
Qualifies: Set on the island of Corfu (Greek Isles) per GR's summary.
Ooh, Corfu!! Hmm, I may have to visit it vicariously given that I probably won't be heading out there anytime soon.Becky, I need to keep stalking your shelves.
LOL, Vi! I noticed my TBR is down in the 200's. I need to go shelve stalking, too!This book is KILLING me. I'm so confused. It's reading like really unorganized fanfiction. : ( I had such high hopes, too!
Maybe I'll just start a drinking game and take a shot every time someone says "What now?"
I'll be sloshed in no time.
week 8: book set on an islandCarolina Home
pages: 304
how it qualifies: set on an island off the coast of nc, per the précis
Week 8: Book set on an island.
Read: 7/19/14 ½ Star
Review:
I hate giving bad reviews, but this book needed a LOT of work. A beta reader would've been a great help in fixing the confusing plot. There were so many nondescript characters and names that half the time I didn't know who was who, or what in the world was going on. Half the dialogue was ridiculous, meaningless filler. I was tempted to start a drinking game every time I read "What now?" The other half was over-dramatic and forced.
I never did understand what Jackie hoped to accomplish by visiting the mansion on her uncle's behalf. If she was trespassing and worried about being caught by the police, why did she bring food to stock the fridge and plan to stay a few days? And she does this just after a miraculous recovery from a car wreck. That's just one example of the conflicting information contained in this book. I got that she (and Michael) were searching for the man responsible for killing the Demiris heirs, but Jackie was hopelessly stupid and repeatedly walked right into danger. Don't get me started on how many times she swooned and fainted away from the stress she put herself in.
I actually felt a little sorry for Michael having to save her...over and over and over... The romance was non-existent and the law enforcement came across like keystone cops. The action was unrealistic and everything moved to fast. As a reader I need a chance to breathe and absorb what's happening. This read like a bad fanfic and I was really disappointed. From the summary, I had expected so much better. Thankfully I only spent 99 cents on it.
Aw, Becly!! I had such good hopes for it too. Too bad it didn't work out.
Thanks, Vi. I don't get how that book has so many five star reviews. If it weren't for another challenge, I would've switched it with On the Island. I feel so cheated that I may have to read On The Island to get over it. I guess there's always the whiskey...
I loved On the Island! I wasn't expecting to either. It's great when that happens :)
Nichole wrote: "I loved On the Island! I wasn't expecting to either. It's great when that happens :)"It looks REAL good. I would've selected it instead for the week, but the other one was shorter and I wanted to fit it into the Wheel-a-thon total before tonight's deadline. It's a $7.99 ebook, so I may look for a used one. Unless the library has a hard copy.
Shoot! It's not lendable. *grumbles* It's never the good ones!
I know, right? Ugh! Life is so unfair!!!
Week 8: Book set on an island
by Elizabeth HunterPages: 224
Qualifies: Per precis-Join Giovanni Vecchio and Beatrice De Novo as they travel to a hidden island on the far edge of China to seek the help of an ancient immortal court.
Week 8: Book Set on an island
by Elizabeth HunterFinished: 7/21/14
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review:
I don't want to give too much away for those who haven't read this series yet. Giovanni and Beatrice head to China in hopes of forming alliances with the powerful Elders of the Immortal Court. While Bea is being introduced to the politics of the Vampire council and continuing her training, Lorenzo is making plans to move against them.
Oh boy, a lot happens in this book. Secrets are revealed, hard decisions are made, betrayal, a battle and much more. The thing I love about this series is it's consistency. Every book has been a good solid 4 stars for me. It's missing that spark to take it to five stars but it delivers on everything else. It's a combination of A Discovery of Witches and The Da Vinci Code. You have vampires, a search for a book, history, clues, bad guys, globe trotting and romance. If you liked either one of those books, you will love this.
Sorry I'm a bit behind on this thread! I've been away from the computer all weekend through today, but I'll get it all updated by tomorrow.
Week 7: Book mentioned in one of the 2014 'What are you reading?' topics
Finished: 7/18/14
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This book hooked me right from the summary - 2,000 years in the future, a group of planets has decided to run their societies like Regency-era Earth, but one of them has taken the idea of the patriarchy to the extreme by genetically modifying their men to prefer other men. Gay Regency England FTW!
The mix of new technology and old customs was really interesting to me, and the gruff Captain Hawk with the naive Aiden was a very sweet pairing. Loved the action, loved the setting, and can't wait to read more.
Nichole wrote: "It's a combination of A Discovery of Witches and The Da Vinci Code."That sounds amazing!!!
Romance Readers Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Teacher's Billionaire (other topics)Fair Game (other topics)
If I Stay (other topics)
Don't Look Down (other topics)
Rescue Me (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Gayle Forman (other topics)Gayle Forman (other topics)
Jayne Ann Krentz (other topics)
Elizabeth Hunter (other topics)
Elizabeth Hunter (other topics)
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