R14: Team #19 ~ WinterFell on the 19th

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

There were lots of Eve & Roarke there, so I just knew you'd end up with them :)

[Ezi]

Sandra wrote: "Ez, you need a rating :)"

I know. I'm working on my phone so I keep saving as I write so I don't lose everything as the site refreshes (which has happened twice)

[Moondance]

Sandra wrote: "There were lots of Eve & Roarke there, so I just knew you'd end up with them :)"

I know! I was scrolling and muttering to myself, "please be there!" My sister was here and she knew exactly what I was looking for. I guess I'm a little predictable. LOL

[Ezi]

SHELF #15 ~ 4/26: Kickass Heroine
Book Choices: Stamp Received
✔ Elaine: The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston (Elaine's Review)
✔ Ezinwanyi: The Chosen by J.R. Ward (Ezi's Review)
✔ Moondance: Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb (Moondance Review)
✔ Victoria: Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep (Victoria's Review)

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Ezinwanyi~ThatEzi wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Ez, you need a rating :)"

I know. I'm working on my phone so I keep saving as I write so I don't lose everything as the site refreshes (which has happened twice)"


Bugger!!

[Ezi]

Sandra wrote: "Ezinwanyi~ThatEzi wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Ez, you need a rating :)"

I know. I'm working on my phone so I keep saving as I write so I don't lose everything as the site refreshes (which has happened ..."

Lol. I was soooooo mad. But what can I do? Just start over

[Victoria]

Completion Post: Assassins - Took me awhile to decide what to write for my review

Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep
Pages: 395
Qual: page 1 of shelf
Read: 23 Apr
Rating: 3 stars
Review:

I'm little torn about this one. I liked it well enough and thought both the world and overall story-line to be good, however, it felt lacking. Part of this is due to the fact that it just does not stand up to other urban-fantasy books I've read lately. It may not be fair for me compare this with other series', but I can't help it. I've read some really amazing books in this genre; between, Mercy Thompson, Kate Daniels, Charley Davidson, Harry Dresden, etc, it's very difficult to stand out and this book fell short.

A lot of this was because of the characters. The MC, Gin, wasn't bad, I didn't love her, still she was good enough and bad-ass enough to keep me reading more. I liked her guardian's son, Finn, the most. He gave the impression of the stereotypical wealthy, playboy; be he was fun and there was a little more to him than that.

The biggest disappointment for me was Donovan. He was simply bland. It felt as though the author wanted him presented, but didn't know what to do with him. As a result he ended up being a mere space filler. I'm pretty sure he is supposed to be a strong/leader/cop (perhaps even an "alpha male"), and he failed spectacularly on all fronts. He didn't even pull off being a cop very well. He was just...there...

Despite this I do really want Gin and Donovan to end up together, but only because I love the idea of an assassin/cop romance.

The story itself was also something I liked, but didn't love. I really want to continue on with this series, because I'm hoping the issues I had with it can be resolved/developed in subsequent books. This could simply be the case of first book syndrome.



*sorry for taking so long

[Victoria]

Selection Post: Available at the Library

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine
Pages: 352
Qual : page 2 of shelf

Selection Post: Kickass Heroine

Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep
Pages: 400
Qual: page 3 of shelf

- I'm giving this series another shot

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Victoria, glad you're giving Gin another chance. Only read the spoiler if you really want to know about Donovan. (view spoiler)[Donovan is not the guy for her and they both eventually figure that out. (hide spoiler)]

[Ezi]

Sandra wrote: "Victoria, glad you're giving Gin another chance. Only read the spoiler if you really want to know about Donovan. [spoilers removed]"

I agree!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Winterfell on the 19th!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'assassins'. 

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

Good Job!! :D

[Ezi]

Steph wrote: "CONGRATULATIONS, Winterfell on the 19th!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'assassins'. 

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

Good Job!! :D"

Thanks Steph & Sandra

[Katharine]

Ooooh Cheryl...you guys are getting close!

[Moondance]

Thank you Steph and Sandra.

[Moondance]

Katharine wrote: "Ooooh Cheryl...you guys are getting close!"

I think several teams are close. I need to add my reviews for the last two shelves. I didn't get a chance to start my book until this evening(actually last evening since it is now 2:15am) and I couldn't put it down. At least today is a "me" day and I can sleep in a bit. Other than the cats wanting to eat at 5:30!

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Winterfell! Thanks Cheryl :)

[Ezi]

SELECTION POST for Shelf 15 ~ 4/26

Book: The Chosen by J.R. Ward
Page Number: 544
Qualification: Pg 73 of KickAss Heroine

[Moondance]

Shelf 14: AVAILABLE AT LIBRARY

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead


421 pages

Read: 04.25.17
Rating: 2.5 stars
Review:

I couldn't breathe.

Sydney is an Alchemist whose role in life is to protect vampire secrets and save human lives. She has been punished for becoming too friendly with a dhampir. Sydney takes on an unknown assignment to protect her younger sister. The task is to protect Jill, the sister of the Moroi Queen. She is to pose as her roommate at an exclusive school in order to keep her safe.

First I must say that I have not read the Vampire Academy series. Perhaps if I had I would have enjoyed this book more. I was lost from the beginning. I kept flipping back to see if I had missed something. I started out with the ebook and had to go check out the actually book because it was easier to flip back and forth as I tried to figure out what was going on. I also was not really in the mood for YA. Perhaps that played into the rating as well.

I found Sydney to be flat and mostly unlikeable. I wanted to throttle Jill most of the time! The world building was slow and I'm pretty sure I would have not finished the book if I had not committed to reading it for a challenge.

I think I need to go back and read the VA series. I have several of the books. I generally enjoy Richelle Mead's work. Georgina Kincaid is one of my favorites. I am posting this review with the understanding that I may come back and change my review once I know what the heck was going on. :-(

[Moondance]

Shelf 15: KICKASS HEROINE

Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb


308 pages

Read: 04.30.17
Rating: 5 stars
Review:

She dreamed of death.

Eve's first day back at work after being injured on her previous case takes her to a murder in which the victim is staged with Christmas decorations. The next day there is a second murder and it becomes apparent that the killer is using the 12 Days of Christmas as a motif for the murders. The only connection seems to be a dating service run by twins, Rudy and Piper Hoffman.

Each time I pick up one of the books I think that it can't possibly as good as the previous. I am so wrong! This one grabbed me from the start and I did not put it down until I finished it around 2:15 in the morning. I simply love so many things about it that I feel like each review is just repetitive gushing. So...

Roarke. Just Roarke. He wants so much for Eve to have anything she desires (and a few things she doesn't). The Christmas trees that decorate the public areas of the house are professionally decorated. But the one in their suite is just for the two of them. Such a lovely tradition for him to start. I love how he steps in and takes care of Eve, Something that she is not always willing to accept.

Eve is one of the strongest characters I've ever read. She has fought for everything she is and everything she has. She is tough, focused and wildly kickass. Yet deep down she is a bit sentimental. As much as she moans about shopping, she finds a way to find the perfect gift for each of the people in her life.

Peabody comes into her own in each book. Her scene where she stands up to Eve was amazing and I wanted to hug for expressing her feelings. Her stint undercover was nail-biting and kept me quickly turning pages. She is going to be a force to be reckoned with.

McNab is cocky, flippant and scary smart. All of which I foresee getting him into big time trouble in the future.

I love Dr. Mira! Her professionalism is admirable and I appreciate how she becomes almost maternal with Eve.

Nadine is her usual pesky self, Mavis and Leonardo basically have cameo appearances and Trina rocks as she attempts to beautify Eve.

Rudy and Piper gave me the creeps before you find out a little more about them.

I was convinced that I knew who the murderer was until Eve figured it out.

I highly recommend this series. Don't be afraid to start it just because there are so many books. Each one grabs you and flows so quickly that you are ready to reach for the next. I immediately picked up the novella that is set between this book and the next.

[Ezi]

COMPLETION POST for Shelf 15 ~ 4/26

Book: The Chosen by J.R. Ward
Page Number: 544
Qualification: Pg 73 of KickAss Heroine
Read: 5/1
Rating & Review: ✰✰✰½
I am still baffled that Scribe non-Virgin (herein "SnV") just left her creation/children. How does a mother of a race just bounce? She leaves knowing the Omega is somewhere out there trying to destroy them but she is worried about being worshiped?

I liked it better than the last book but this whole brotherhood has an attitude problem. I am talking Qhuinn, Tohr, Vishous and sometimes Wrath. In addition, WARDen's weak attempt at redeeming Xcor made this installment less than impressive.

Basically:
✧ Layla and Xcor finally claimed each other in this book and had lots of boring sex. I like them together and I like the change they bring to each other's life. I wish there had been more to atone for his past behaviors, but he has made a grand gesture.
✧ Baby daddy Qhuinn was having no part of it the two "traitors" being around his kids. He was selfish and self-centered like he was in his own book. He actually shot his gun in the room with his young and baby mama because he was so full of rage.
He said some terrible things and alienated just about everyone.
✧ Qhuinn and Blay also experience marital woes because of Qhuinn's attitude. I don't think I will ever really like Qhuinn again. Blay deserves better. His mismatched eyes and his family's abuse can't be his excuse for everything. I lost a huge amount of love for Qhuinn.
✧ Vishous is going through midlife crisis and marital boredom. But I truly suspect that V isn't fulfilled by the doc because she was NEVER the one. The Dhestroyer, Brian O'Neill is and will always be the one and the WARDen needs to figure out how to correct that. But those two are two halves of a whole according the creator, Scribe Non-Virgin [See united by their clasped hands, they became again the two halves, the light and the dark. The Dhestroyer and the Savior." (Pg. 457 in Lover Revealed)]
✧ Tohr is grieving his first shellan as this was Wellsie's birthday. So I understand where he is coming from. It would have been nice if the WARDen spent more time on Tohr's pain and the subsequent revelation regarding his family. I also understand his need to protect Wrath as it seemed that the King is making an unwise decision with Xcor and the BoB.
✧ Lassiter as the new Scribe/Protector of the race is dicey for me, but I will reserve judgment. He just seems too clownish versus SnV's seriousness.
✧Wrath's forgiveness and acceptance was too easy. It was too cheesy and over the top sweet with everyone and the baby for me.

Overall, it was an alright read.

I never felt that all consuming excitement to make me stay up all night and finish the book. The narrator Jim Frangione was the same so he doesn't add or detract from the book at this point. I am looking forward to Throe as a fiercesome villain but other than that, this series isn't as exciting as it used to be.

[Elaine]

Completion Post: Kickass Heroine



Book: The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston
Date: 5-1-17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was another wonderful book in the Call of Crows series by Shelly Laurenston. While this was not my original pick for Kickass Heroine (Sorry Ezi if I made more work for you-- I edited my original selection post to reflect this new choice) while reading it, I knew that Jace HAD to be on any list of Kickass Anythings as she is definitely amazing at kicking ass (and clawing off faces, biting out throats, etc.). Jace is a member of the Crows, a group of women who were given a second chance at life by the Norse fate Skuld. Her "gift" is rage...this woman has some anger issues.

Jace is an amazing character and she is in a cast of equally wonderful characters all of whom feel full-fledged and real (even when their eccentricities should strain the seams of reality!)...I realized about halfway through the book last night that the romance hadn't really kicked in at the 50% mark, something that would normally really bug me. I didn't care in this case because there was absolutely no lack in relationships in this book! The first half just happens to deal with relationships within and between the Crows, Ravens and Protectors. So many wonderful rich (and often hilariously funny) relationships that I didn't even miss the romance.

Luckily for me (and Jace and Ski) the romance definitely kicks in during the second half of the book (without losing any of the amazingly necessary scenes with the rest of the rather large cast of characters) and it was HOT! Even after reading this book, I am not sure how Ms. Laurenston packed in so many characters as well as the amount of plot and action that she did without short changing one or the other...And there was a lot of plot! The continuing (and expanded) story line regarding Betty and the Gulliveg, a cult, the continuing integration of Kera into the Crows, a welcoming party, the necessary translations of books for the Protectors, and more! Plus the entire (rather large) cast from book one PLUS the Protectors (who I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!! GIMME MORE PROTECTOR HEROES!!!!), a rather scary grandmother, more Norse Gods and friends, Warrior Nuns and more. This list reads like a joke and yet the story was smart, sarcastic, intricate, playful and hilarious.

I cannot wait to dive into book 3 and then will be very sad to have to wait for another book to come out (since I will probably have to wait until 2018 *sniff*). While I will try not to change my book choices again in the future, I am so glad I did this time around because The Undoing was a great way to spend an evening!

[Moondance]

Elaine wrote: "Completion Post: Kickass Heroine



Book: The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston
Date: 5-1-17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was another wonde..."

Wasn't it wonderful? I'm ready for the next one too!

[Victoria]

Selection Post: Available at the Library

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine
Pages: 352
Qual : page 2 of shelf
Read: 29 Apr
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review:
This was wonderful! I immediately fell in love of the steampunk/alternate history world that is ruled by the Great Library. A library that controls all the world's books and knowledge with a jealous possession.

The story follows Jess, a young lover of books and son to the man running England's most powerful book smuggling organization. I really fell in love with Jess' character. He's kind and truly loves books and knowledge. But, he also has a cool practicality about him that allows him to continue to smuggle books when necessary and keep secrets. Despite this he has morals he will stand by at all cost.

Jess's father sends him to the Great Library in Alexandria, Egypt to become a scholar and ultimately spy on the library. After a lot of grueling studies and tests, smuggling, and secrets, Jess maintains his status as a library candidate and becomes part of a really great group of friends.

It's a fun action-packed story set in the backdrop of a fascist Library, and I loved it!

And part of that love was the result of the wonderful narration by Julian Elfer.

[Victoria]

Sandra wrote: "Victoria, glad you're giving Gin another chance. Only read the spoiler if you really want to know about Donovan. [spoilers removed]"

Thanks, that gives me more hope for the series :)

[Victoria]

Moondance wrote: "Shelf 15: KICKASS HEROINE

Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb


308 pages

Read: 04.30.17
Rating: 5 stars
Review:

She dreamed of death.

..."

This was one of my favorite books in the series (so far).

[Moondance]

Victoria wrote: "Moondance wrote: "Shelf 15: KICKASS HEROINE

Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb


308 pages

Read: 04.30.17
Rating: 5 stars
Review:

She d..."

I declare each if them as my favorite. :-)

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

LOL

[Elaine]

Selection Post: Owned But Not Read


Dream Eyes by Jayne Ann Krentz
325 pages
p. 63 of Owned But Not Read

[Ezi]

SHELF #16 ~ 5/3: Owned, Not Read Yet
Book Choices: Stamp Received
✔ Elaine: Dream Eyes by Jayne Ann Krentz (Elaine's Review)
✔ Ezinwanyi: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata (Ezi's Review)
✔ Moondance: Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk (Moondance's Review)
✔ Victoria: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata (Victoria's Review)

[Ezi]

SELECTION POST for Shelf 16 ~ 5/3

Book: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
Page Number: 544
Qualification: Pg 7 of Owned, Not Read yet

[Moondance]

I'm still looking for a book! I had made a list before we started for each shelf. Of course I haven't really followed it. For this one I had picked . Now I can't find it on the list. Maybe I was just tired and need to look again. I'll let you know as soon as I find a book.

[Elaine]

Moondance wrote: "I'm still looking for a book! I had made a list before we started for each shelf. Of course I haven't really followed it. For this one I had picked . Now I can't ..."

I struggled to find a book for this shelf...usually the issue is narrowing it down, for this shelf it was finding anything. I ended up with three total possibilities...it was rough!

[Victoria]

Selection Post: Kickass Heroine

Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep
Pages: 400
Qual: page 3 of shelf
Read: 4 May
Rating: 3 stars (maybe 3.5 - it's improving)
Review:

This series still isn't a favorite, but I'll definitely keep reading it. Especially now that it looks like Donovan Caine is out of the picture. I liked the idea of a cop/assassin romance, just not this one. Donovan was too bland a character and a bit of a pushover. When a new character in the form of Owen Grayson, hot, rich guy whose sister Gin saves, appeared I had hope for Gin's romantic life. It's not that I need a rich alpha male as a love interest in every book, but I need someone with presence and Owen in his brief introduction immediately out shown Donovan's entire storyline. And when Owen appeared again towards the end I was completely won over. I really hope to see more of him.

In addition, Gin's character is really growing on me. I like that she's a good person whose first reaction to problem solving is killing the person causing those problems. A lot of times I read about characters who are supposed to be "bad-ass" killers, but then refuse to kill anyone (wow, I'm morbid).

I think this had a solid story with interesting characters (minus Donovan) and I'm looking forward to reading more. It still doesn't stand out to me compared to other books, particularly ones in this genre, but that may change if each book continues to improve.

[Moondance]

For Owned, but not read I decided to go with Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk. I found it on page 43 and it has 355 pages. This is on a bookcase at the top of my stairs and I see it every morning. I guess now is as good of time as any to read it. 8-)

[Elaine]

Completion Post: Owned But Not Read


Book: Dream Eyes by Jayne Ann Krentz
Date: 5-4-17
Rating: 3 and 1/2 stars
Review: I have long loved Jayne Ann Krentz's writing...she was one of the first author's whose back lists I can remember glomming onto and just gorging myself on her writing; the fact she wrote under multiple names blew my mind at the time and I gleefully dove into her Amanda Quick, Jayne Castle and Stephanie James names as well as a few others I can't recall right now. I found her writing to be fresh and bright and her heroines (especially in the earlier works) to be refreshingly independent and feisty. However, somewhere around White Lies (when she was just beginning the Arcane story line I felt she peaked and after that point I often found her books to be very reminiscent of each other...not necessarily redundant but a lot of similarities in character types as well as plot lines. This made her work, for me, feel a lot less sharp and more predictable. However, I still eagerly put her books on hold at my library as soon as they appear because her writing is so good, I don't mind the lack of real surprises (although I was pleasantly surprised by When All the Girls Have Gone as I felt it was better than most of her other recent books as far as feeling somewhat different to the norm).

Back to Dream Eyes...When I saw it on the list I was sure that I had to have read it, how could a JAK have gotten past me, but when I read the blurb, I had NO MEMORY of it. After reading it again, I still couldn't tell you if this was a first read or a reread...which a lot of people would say right there is a major problem. And it might be, for them. For me, it meant this wasn't a four or five star read, but it was still a fun way to spend a few hours. It's like eating your favorite comfort food...you know you aren't in for any real surprises, but there is rock solid certainty that you will still have a very enjoyable meal. Dream Eyes was a comfort book...nothing wildly new or innovative but still very enjoyable. I know what JAK is serving up and I will ALWAYS hold my plate out for a serving.

Gwen is back in small town Wilby after the death of her mentor, a woman she has known since she was a teen in a mysterious school for "special" students--ie students who may have had paranormal abilities. Wilby doesn't hold great memories, last time Gwen was there, she was part of a research project which resulted in the deaths of three people. Joining Gwen is Judson Coppersmith, a psychic consultant who is recovering from his own horrific experience and near-death from a job-gone-wrong.

Gwen and Judson were classic JAK characters--interesting, quirky and perfect for each other. They worked well together to solve the mystery with a few red herrings thrown in for fun. The final baddie was not one I predicted as I felt there weren't enough clues to lead to this person, but I didn't mind. I don't read JAK for the whodunnits but for the romance and in this book, the romance was great.

The secondary characters were plentiful and well fleshed out as usual, including the families of Gwen and Judson, two of whom had been featured in a previous book which I do remember reading. All in all, an enjoyable book.

[Moondance]

Elaine wrote: "Completion Post: Owned But Not Read


Book: Dream Eyes by Jayne Ann Krentz
Date: 5-4-17
Rating: 3 and 1/2 stars
Review: I have long love..."

Jayne Ann Krentz was one of my first authors that I had to read everything she wrote. I have not read any of her books in years. Maybe I need to revisit a few.

[Ezi]

Moondance wrote: "I'm still looking for a book! I had made a list before we started for each shelf. Of course I haven't really followed it. For this one I had picked . Now I can't ..."

I never chose early because my moods changed so I couldn't keep to a prechosen schedule.
I admire those who go through and choose books before the category gets picked :D

[Moondance]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "I'm still looking for a book! I had made a list before we started for each shelf. Of course I haven't really followed it. For this one I had picked [bookcover:Sweep in Peace|19504..."

I don't know why I do it because I rarely read what I picked. Some shelves I feel I need to be prepared(like sci-fi) but I often change those too.

[Ezi]

Moondance wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "I'm still looking for a book! I had made a list before we started for each shelf. Of course I haven't really followed it. For this one I had picked [bookcover:Sw..."

I try to make my books work with other challenges too. BTW, I am getting ready to start Super series challenge at the Challenge Factory if you guys wanna check it out.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Moondance]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "I'm still looking for a book! I had made a list before we started for each shelf. Of course I haven't really followed it. For this one I had pi..."

I just joined the group because I really don't do enough challenges. 8-). The game sounds interesting. I'll have to go back and read the rules when I get off work.

[Elaine]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "I'm still looking for a book! I had made a list before we started for each shelf. Of course I haven't really followed it. For this one I had pi..."

I signed up!

[Moondance]

Elaine wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "Moondance wrote: "I'm still looking for a book! I had made a list before we started for each shelf. Of course I haven't really followed it. For..."

I did too!!

[Ezi]

you will enjoy.
So each week, we roll, if it lands on book 5, you have to read a book 5 in a series or read whatever is on the alternative list for #5.
I usually do listopias or book color like red etc.

Double digits like 13, you can read a standalone, 1st in a series, 3rd in a series or 13th book in a series.

I use this challenge to get through series that I have been floundering on or forgot about.

When you get to 79, or 88, those get tricky because you have to try to find #8 in a series. But re-reads are allowed.

Im glad you signed up

[Moondance]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "you will enjoy.
So each week, we roll, if it lands on book 5, you have to read a book 5 in a series or read whatever is on the alternative list for #5.
I usually do listopias or book color like red..."

I'm a little nervous but I'm willing to give it a try.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Winterfell on the 19th!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'available at library' and 'kickass heroine'. 

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

Good Job!! :D

[Moondance]

Whoo hoo! Thanks, Steph!

[Moondance]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "you will enjoy.
So each week, we roll, if it lands on book 5, you have to read a book 5 in a series or read whatever is on the alternative list for #5.
I usually do listopias or book color like red..."

You are a bad influence!! I just signed up for SSS, too.

[Victoria]

ugh, why is on the Owned, Not Read Yet shelf?! That is such a tease!!! I still have to wait till it comes out at the end of the month!!!

okay, okay, I'm calm now... I'll find another book

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

LOL Victoria, I put all my pre-orders on that shelf cause it is my exclusive shelf as I'm not using the tbr shelf. Sorry about that :)

Congrats on the stamps Winterfell!

[Victoria]

It's okay *sniff* I'll find something else (lol)