The Challenge Factory discussion
♦SS Archives♦
>
R9: Team Eight Reads a Week (8)
Spot #31 ~ Alternative #31 ~ Three Word Title
(Lords of the Underworld #3) by Gena Showalter (368 p.)
Week #4~Spot #31Rescuing Jack by Caitlin Ricci
Qualifications: Book #1 in Forever Home series
Pages: 200 pg GR
Completion post:Week #4~Spot #31
Rescuing Jack by Caitlin Ricci
Qualifications:First book in the Forever Home series
Pages: 200
Finished: 6-26-17
Rating & Review: ***
For some reason, this book just didn't click with me. Marius, a werewolf (werewolves are "out" in this world), is one of the owners of a pet shelter service. Jack comes in one day to adopt a large guard dog, but ends up running out of the shelter. It turns out that Jack had been attacked and raped and was suffering from ptsd. He adopted a small, very nervous dog, who started to bond with him. Marius started to bond with Jack as well. On the one hand, I liked how Jack and Marius' relationship progressed and I thought the status of their relationship at the end of the book fit the story. On the other hand (view spoiler)
Week 4 - Rolled 7 - New Spot 31Task: 1st in series
Book: Variant
Author: Robison Wells
Pages: 373
How it fits: 1st in Variant series
Date started: 6/26
Date finished:
Rating:
Review:
Week 4 - Rolled 7 - New Spot 31Task: 1st in series
Book: Variant
Author: Robison Wells
Pages: 373
How it fits: 1st in Variant series
Date started: 6/26
Date finished: 6/28
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Hmmm. I'm conflicted. I like that it was fast paced and an interesting premise. I didn't hate the characters. But I did hate the lack of answers and never ending questions. Also I found some of the twists a bit too predictable. It reminded me quite a bit of how I felt watching the TV Series Lost. And I gave up on that after a few episodes. Luckily this is only a two book series.
Mandiann wrote: "Can I convert a camo buffer into an HP this week please?"hey Mandiann, I think this was supposed to be for hunger games :-)
lol yes, yes it was. Updating multiple challenges at once. Ooops.
Week 4 - Rolled 7 - New Spot 31Task: 3rd or 1st in series
Book: Blue Lily, Lily Blue
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Pages: 391
How it fits: 3rd in Raven Cycle series
Date started: 6/26
Date finished: 6/28
Rating: 4.25 stars
Review: I really enjoyed this read. I felt like the characters more in this book than I did in book 2 and especially enjoyed the flow of the story. Like book 2, I briefly got stuck in the middle but this time that stickiness was only brief and pushing though 9 along with the switch between audio and print and back definitely helping in this regard. It was a great third instalment and really set the series up for an awesome final book. Whilst everyone one I know even slightly has given this 5 stars, I don't have it in me. I will however give this 4 1/2 stars as this didn't quite hit the 5 stars heights for me. Still a very enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading the Raven King.
Hi Angie, I would not have enough time to start and finish The Darkest Pleasure, so I will post a book that I read for SSS.
Week #4Spot #31 ~ Alternative #31 ~ Three Word Tittle
(Fusion #1) by Kristen Proby (336 p.)How the book qualifies: Fusion #1
Read: 2017-06-28
Rating: ✯✯✯
Review:
For some kind of reason I found this book was missing something, but I do not know what?
Story line, characters and all is quite similar to other Kristen Proby books. Maybe I wasn't in the mood for Contemporary Romance? But something was missing in the story and I can't figure it out.
Week 4 - Spot 31
Book: The Moneypenny Diaries: Guardian Angel by Kate Westbrook
Qualification: #1 in the Moneypenny Diaries series
Pages: 272
Rating: 5 stars
I've never read the Ian Fleming novels, but I've seen the movies. I have to say that I like this take on the James Bond storyline. In this particular interpretation, Jane Moneypenny professional life is no less fraught with intrigue and danger than the famous secret agent's. Between trying to help Bond as much as possible (she's no Mrs. Peal or Anya Amasova) and fending off East German agents intent on recruiting her, she's going against all protocols by keeping a journal of her experiences. I really liked that fact that she's not a caricature or a mere gal Friday but a tough, capable, integral part of the agencies inner workings. A very good first episode overall.
Katherine wrote: "Hi Angie, I would not have enough time to start and finish The Darkest Pleasure, so I will post a book that I read for SSS."Sounds good to me!
Great Job Everyone!
Week #5~Old Spot #31 Rolled #9 New Spot40Spot #40
Alternative #40~Title E
Mandiann~
Post 128BarbaraAnn~
Post 123Marty~
Post 126Nikk~
Post 124Katherine~
Post 127Angie~
Post 118Bonus Point~
yay I can read
:-)
Week #5~Spot #40
by Dale MayerQualifications:
Pages:172
Finished:7/6/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
Rhodes Gorman and Sienna Bentley need to find a way to be the couple they're meant to be. Sienna shows she has a hidden talent which impresses everyone at Legendary Security. But can she get her man?
Bonus Point~
Week 5 - Spot 4Alternative: Title E
by Lily King
Hrm. I may do Storm Glass which is #4 in the chronicles of Ixia. But if I don't get to it in time, I am starting a standalone tomorrow, Me and Mr J.
Week #5Spot #40 ~ Alternative #40 ~ Title E
(Kara Gillian #4) by Diana Rowland (311 p.)
Week #5~Spot #40All He Ever Needed by Shannon Stacey
Qualifications: #4 in the Kowalski Family series
Pages: 384 GR
Week 5 - Spot 40Book: All He Ever Needed by Shannon Stacey
Qualification: #4 in the Kowalski Family series
Pages: 384
Rating: ***
There isn't much to say about this. It was cute and fit the rest of the series. Josh Kowalski is the youngest of the main branch of the Kowalskis and has been taking care of the family lodge. He broke his leg and his old brother Mitch took a vacation from his job to come help out. Mitch met Paige, who was probably one of the few women in the town he hadn't romanced at some time or other. Both Paige and Mitch had commitment issues and weren't interested in starting a romance. The ending made sense based on their lives.
Week #5~Spot #40Book:
The Raven King by Maggie StiefvaterQualifications: Book #4 in the Raven boys series
Pages: 439
Finished: 7/5/17
Rating & Review:
5 stars!
I can't believe this series is over! :-( After nearly faltering on book 2 of this series, I am so glad I pushed as this series has gotten better and better and book 4 is by far the best of the lot. All the many different strand that Ms Stiefvater has weaved through this series culminated in this book and it was beautiful to watch (and read). each revelation and strand was timed perfectly and I oculd not put this down though out the second half, nearly missing my gym class today as I strove through the last few chapters of the book. The characters were more real in this book and i felt their emotions more clearly. The story was intense and absorbing and I didn't want it to end. This is one of those books you can also go back and read again and find more nuances throughout the pages.
So glad I stuck with this eries and I give this book 5 stars.
So glad you enjoyed your book and finished a series Nikk!I am 50% through my #4 but did already finish a standalone if I don't get the #4 done in time. Will be sure to make a completion post tomorrow.
Week 5 - Spot 40
Book: Euphoria by Lily King
Qualification: Alternative - Title E
Pages: 261
Rating: 3 stars
Review: For some reason, every other book I've chosen lately has a character that I absolutely despise - in this case, it's Fen, the chauvinistic bully of a husband King created for her Margaret-Mead-inspired anthropologist, Nell Stone. It's 1933 in New Guinea. Nell, already a success in their shared field, captures the imagination and eventually the love of young Andrew Bankson, who is also trying his luck at discovering new tribes in New Guinea. The book is beautifully written and the plot was interesting, which is why I kept reading. The three stars rating was mostly because the Fen vs. Nell + Andrew head-butting became a tiresome. Given what a bastard Fen is, the ending was not at all surprising.
Week #5Spot #40 ~ Alternative #40 ~ Title E
(Kara Gillian #4) by Diana Rowland (311 p.)How the book qualifies: Kara Gillian #4
Read: 2017-07-04
Rating: ✯✯✯✯
Review:
OMG! This books ending! It's just Wow! I can't wait for the next book!
Kara Gillian is a homicide detective and a demon summoner, so her life is both interesting and complicated. Most of the bad guys also have supernatural, demon summoning abilities, so it's not easy to do her job. Besides she has quite complicating love life, after all she sleeps with a demon lord Rhyzkahl and she suspects Ryan Kristoff being a demon lord.
Completion PostTask: Week #5
Spot #40 ~ Alternative #40 - Standalone
Book: Me and Mr J
Author: Rachel McIntyre
Pages: 320
Date started: 7/1
Date finished: 7/2
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Overall, I liked it. It held my interest, made me feel about the story even if they weren't always warm fuzzy feelings, most characters felt appropriate and real and the ending seemed well thought out. But it still wasn't amazing and there were more than a few parts I didn't love.
Great Job Everyone!
Week #6~Old Spot #40 Rolled #8 New Spot #48Spot #48
Alternative #48~Law Enforcement/Military
Mandiann~
Post 142Nikk~
Post 144BarbaraAnn~
Post 141Katherine~
Post 143Marty~
Post 150Angie~
Post 131Bonus Point~
Week #6~Spot #48
by Cora SetonQualifications:Eighth book in a series
Pages:253
Finished:7/13/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
Luke Matheson only wants one woman Mia Smart. Mia doesn't believe that Luke will want her if he knew the truth. Can Luke change her mind?
Week #6Spot #48 ~ Alternative #48 ~ Law Enforcement/Military
(Ruthless People #4) by J.J. McAvoy (368 p.)
What is the rule on books started before the roll but finished after?
You need to start the book after the roll has taken place. I double checked the rule a couple of weeks ago. 😕
Nikk wrote: "You need to start the book after the roll has taken place. I double checked the rule a couple of weeks ago. 😕"Shucks! Thanks for the answer. Really appreciate it.
If I am reading a series, which order do I need to follow? Chronological, publishing or author's suggested reading order?
Week 6 - Spot 48
- #4 in the Ruth Galloway series
Week 6 - Spot 48
- #8 in the Fever series
Mandiann wrote: "If I am reading a series, which order do I need to follow? Chronological, publishing or author's suggested reading order?"I'd follow the series in chronological order but ask Ezi if you want to be sure.
Week #6 - Spot #48Unfathomed by Anna Hackett
Qualifications:4th book in the Treasure Hunter Security Series
Pages: 151
Finished: 7/9/10
Rating & Review: **** - Anna Hackett's books follow a definite pattern, but she writes well and her books are always entertaining. The Treasure Hunter books are a lot of fun - the MCs are Morgan - an ex-marine turned bodyguard and Zach, an archeologist looking for a wrecked boat that had disappeared long ago off the coast of Madagascar. I liked the fact that Zach accepted Morgan as being a very competent guard in spite of being a woman. The book has an Indiana Jones feel to it - good adventure but it was too short - lots of charactarization but only a view of the actual adventure.
Week 6 - Spot #48Task: 8th in series
Book: Boy-Crazy Stacey
Author: Ann M. Martin
Pages: 192
Date started: 7/11
Date finished: 7/11
How it fits: #8 in Baby-Sitters Club Series
Review:
Well I decided this would be a fine series to read out of order since #8 is hard to find but I think I would like to go back and read them in order. It seems like a year has passed between book one and book eight which seems like a long time considering this book took place over two weeks. I did enjoy the story and felt it was good for the target audience. It was what I expected. Not amazing but good enough for what it was.
Week #6Spot #48 ~ Alternative #48 ~ Law Enforcement/Military
(Ruthless People #4) by J.J. McAvoy (368 p.)How the book qualifies: Ruthless People #4
Read: 2017-07-10
Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Review:
Why did I thought that this book won't be as good as any book from Ruthless People series?
I am a person that watch and read many American movies, TV-shows and books and after some time it gets tiring the same good and bad guys. I really love that Callahan are Irish-Italian mafia. I do not like that most of the time bad guys are Russian, Mussulman, American, British or some kind of other cliche, Why can it be a Australian? or Canadian? and so on... That is why I love that Liam Callahan and his family is Irish and of course his wife is Italian.
And I love that in this book, there are biracial couples: Italian and Irish, African-American and Irish and Korean and Irish.
Week #6Spot #48
Task 8th in a series
Feverborn by Karen Marie MoningHow the book qualifies: #8 in Fever series
Read: 2017-07-11
Rating: ✯✯✯✯ 1/2
Review:
I tried to read this in january and didn't get very far. I don't know what i was thinking. This time from the moment I started, I sped right through. I felt after the last couple of books that this book got back to feel of the beginning of the series. Whilst i like reading about Danni and Ryodan and the others, ultimately i want to read about Mac and Barrons. I felt this book really continued the series storyline well but also giving us more time with Mac and Barrons and new story threads to consider. I liked Danni/Jada in this book more and felt that this thread 'sat' better in this book than it had the previous one. I am really enjoying this series and cannot wait to get my hands on book 9
Angie, just a heads up, in your summary post Msg 130 you actually have book 9 Fever Song next to my name rather than the book 8 Feverborn which is the book i actually read and reviewed. Thanks :-)
I'll fix it Nikk. Thanks for the heads up!
Hi everyone, I'm running a bit late this week with my reading. I still have a fair bit to read, so may not post until tomorrow morning. I'll see how it goes tonight - maybe I can squeak it in before midnight.
Yes Marty, thank you for the heads up.
Okay, sorry sorry sorry for the delay.Week 6 - Spot 48
Book: A Room Full of Bones
Qualification: #4 in the Ruth Galloway series
Pages: 352
Rating: 5 stars
Review: This book takes place earlier in the Ruth Galloway series. As usual, there are multiple dramas taking place parallel to the murder plots. Her daughter, Kate, has just turned 1 year old, her relationship with Harry Nelson is frosty and distant at best and she just stumbled on the dead body of the Smith Museum curator next to a medieval bishop's coffin that was due to be officially opened that same day. People start dropping like flies soon afterward - the wealthy Museum director whose wife and seemingly ne'er-do-well son may or may not be complicit in his demise, Nelson himself (spoiler - he doesn't die, he's been hit with nasty ancient bacteria from the tomb). There's an Australian aborigine repatriation movement in the mix as well. Ruth ends up having one of their members, Bob Woonunga and she's not sure how far he'll go to reclaim the museum's collection of Aboriginal skulls. It was a pretty complicated novel, but I love that because I can never guess exactly who Griffith has settled on as the perpetrator.
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2 (other topics)Doc (other topics)
Quarterback Draw (other topics)
The Ghost at Dawn's House (other topics)
The Ghost at Dawn's House (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
J.K. Rowling (other topics)Mary Doria Russell (other topics)
Ann M. Martin (other topics)
Radclyffe (other topics)
J.A. Whiting (other topics)
More...
Qualifications:First book in a series
Pages:244
Finished:6/26/17
Rating & Review: 4 Stars
This new to author's book was such a treat to read. I'm definitely looking forward to reading all of the books in this series very soon. I highly recommend this book.