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R9: Team Double Won (11)
Roll #5: 10Spot: 42
#2 in series
#4 in series
Alternate: Dystopian
Jenn - The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus, #4) | Review
jingles - My Kind of Wonderful (Cedar Ridge, #2) | Review
Sunshine✰✰✰ - The Real Gyro (Food Truck Mysteries, #4) | Review
Sam - Siren's Surrender (Dark Tides, #2) | Review
Suzanne - The Desert Spear (Demon Cycle, #2) | Review
Amanda A - Dangerous Minds (Knight and Moon, #2) | Review
Bonus point earned for reading a book over 500 pages (not used yet)
Bonus point earned for reading three books in a series (not used yet)
Reviews need to be posted before midnight CDT on Thursday, July 6th
I would like team input as to when you all think we should use a bonus point to increase our roll? So far, the rolls have been lucky but what number should we add a bonus point to? 6 or below? Or just hold them all until closer to the end?Sam, did you want to go for the bonus point for three books in a series or wait and see if you can fit in book four? I did not post the bonus point as earned this week but I think it can be posted later.
I'm terrible at strategy. And I do mean terrible. I'm not sure what would be best.
For this round I will read My Kind of Wonderful by Jill Shalvis, which is series book #2 in the Cedar Ridge series.It is 368 pages.
This ought to be good. I love Shalvis!
I will read
Vampire Huntress #4453 Pages
Amanda A wrote: "I would like team input as to when you all think we should use a bonus point to increase our roll? So far, the rolls have been lucky but what number should we add a bonus point to? 6 or below? Or j..."I think we should use our point if we land on a really high number and the next number would be easier. Example, we land on 79 and use it to get to 80 so that we can do standalone instead of #8 in a series. Does that make sense?
If we think this game is going to last 4 more weeks, I'd like to wait and try to claim all books in a series. If we can claim them later, I would wait but if we have to claim it now then I think we should claim it to make sure that we get it. It mostly depends on if Suzanne thinks that she can get her entire series read.
I will probably be doing a #2 but need to wait another day to pick it.
I think Sam makes a good point on using the bonus with a high number to make picking easier. Also, it looks like I will also be finishing a series during this challenge. I'm on book 4 of 5 for this week and next week pretty I can get in book 5.
I think I'm iffy to get my entire series read - I'll definitely push for it if nobody else is doing it, but if anybody else can finish a series - I will celebrate!! =)I'll figure out my series book soon. I need to look at some of the group books of the month =)
I decided on Siren's Surrender by Devyn Quinn for my book. It is Dark Tides #2 and has 391 pages.You might as well claim my 3 books in one series since it looks like Jenn will get the all of one series completed once we hit 50s.
Finished:
Book: My Kind of Wonderful|Jill Shalvis|07.04.17|✿✿✿✿
Task: Spot 42, #2 in Series = Cedar Ridge #2
Pages: 368
Brief Review:
Bailey Moore has recently been given a new lease on life. After battling cancer for years, she's now been declared cancer free and can finally start living her life again.
Hudson Kincaid has a resort to run, a family to take care of that includes one missing brother, and a mother who seldom remembers where she is. He doesn't have room in his life for a relationship. Bailey will change all of that, however.
I really liked this story. Had I known it dealt a little bit with the dreaded "C" though, I probably would have passed it by because right now it comes at a bad time. Though, is there ever a good time to face this insidious disease? I think not.
A pet peeve of mine, and something authors continue to do for whatever reason is using the shortening of a name during dialog. For example, Hudson often refers to Bailey as "Bay". I hate this. I truly, truly have a very strong dislike for this. "Bay" is not her name, and it does not show, express or communicate a form of connection, endearment, emotion or anything else when this tactic is used. I'll confess - whenever it starts happening in a book I'm reading, it loses a star....that's how much I hate it.
A good 4 star read for me...could have been 5.
Completion PostBook:
(kindle version)Date completed: 7/5/17
How it fits: 674 pages
Task: Spot 42, #2 in Series = The Demon Cycle #2
Rating 4 stars
Brief Review:
This started out with what I thought was a minor character in book 1 - he was probably half the book in book 2. I didn't like him much, and while he grew on me a little, I am glad he wasn't the total focus.
Demons totally invade and try to kill humans every night. In the last book people were hiding, but in this one, people are starting to fight back.
This series is pretty grim - there is a lot of sexual assault, death, demons, etc. I'm interested to see what happens in the next book!
Completion postTask: spot 42- read #2, #4 or #42
Book: Siren's Surrender- Devyn Quinn
Date: 7/6/17
Rating: 3 stars
Pages: 391 pages
How it fits: Dark Tides #2
Review: 3 stars
Blake is an FBI agent sent to Maine to investigate the occurrences of the first book in the series. Gwen takes him to the island and they are attacked by Queen Magaera and her soldiers. The survivors are then taken to a hidden government facility. The developing relationship of Gwen and Blake was interesting as they both have issues they need to work with. I still am not sold on this series but I will probably read the last book to see who Addison ends up with and how the villains get their come-uppance.
Changed my bookFinished
Roll #5 ~ Spot 42
How it fits: Food Truck Mysteries #4
The Real Gyro by Chloe Kendrick 7/6/17
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 211
Review:
Maeve is ready to purchase and open a 2nd food truck. So she sets out interviewing for a new employee to help her out when Land goes to run the new truck. One of the people she rejected, Janelle, decides to open her own food truck in an attempt to ruin Dogs on a Roll. In no time at all, she is murdered and a espionage plot emerges. Maeve wants to solve the locked-room food truck mystery and clear the truck from police custody so she can buy it and follow her dream.
The Maeve & Danvers romance/not romance should just be ended. As the series goes on, I find him, not a jerk, but not really nice. (that sounds lame). Then again, how can you blame him for getting angry/annoyed with Maeve when she has a knack of stumbling upon murders and conspiracies!
Can't wait to see if double the food trucks means double the murders!?
Completed: Roll #5, Spot 42Task #2 or 4 in series
The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
Date finished: 7/06/17
Rating: 5 stars
Pages: 526
How it fits: The Heroes of Olympus #4
Review:
Holy Hades that was sooooooo good!
I don't even know how to write this review because so much happened and so many emotions are alive and I just...I'm scared. I'm scared of what the final book will bring. But until then, let's talk about House of Hades.
When we last left our crew, Percy and Annabeth fell into Tartarus and the remaining members of the team were left to meet them at the Doors. On one side, we're following Percy and Annabeth, and then on the other we have the adventures of the other team and it just never stop. One problem after another until you think they can't survive anymore.
What I absolutely loved about this book in particular was the character growth. So many characters stepped up. But can we please talk about my poor baby Nico?? I just want to smother him in hugs even though he doesn't want to be touched. I just feel so bad for him. And then there was my boy Bob *sobs*. He's like Hagrid.
This review is a mess because my emotions are all over the place. I'm going to come back and rewrite it, but I just wanted to get something out!
Completion ~ Spot 42
Date Read: 7/5/17
Rating: ★★★½
This was another book where the audiobook narrator added to my enjoyment of the book. Lorelei King is one of my favorite narrators. There is a quirky cast of characters but the plot was a little far-fetched. I like Emerson and Riley and the back and forth banter between the two of them. It seems that Janet Evanovich has developed a predictable formula and some of the characters are similar to characters in her other books. A quick, fun read and I will probably pick up the next book in the series, if there is one. I can't seem to resist her books!
Sam wrote: "I think we should use our point if we land on a really high number and the next number would be easier. Example, we land on 79 and use it to get to 80 so that we can do standalone instead of #8 in a series. Does that make sense?"Thanks, Sam! That does make sense and I think it is a great idea.
I will post the bonus point for three books in a series tomorrow when I check us in for the next spot.
Roll #6: 6Spot: 48
#4 in series
#8 in series
Alternate: Taboo Romance
Jenn - Blue Moon (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #8) | Review
jingles - Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd (Flavia de Luce, #8) | Review
Sunshine✰✰✰ - Shadow Heir (Dark Swan, #4) | Review
Sam - Elemental Flame (The Eldritch Files, #4) | Review
Suzanne - Eighth Grave After Dark (Charley Davidson, #8) | Review
Amanda A - Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels, #8) | Review
Bonus point earned for reading a book over 500 pages (not used yet)
Bonus point earned for reading three books in a series (not used yet)
Reviews need to be posted before midnight CDT on Thursday, July 13th
Roll #6 - Spot 48
Book: Blue Moon (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #8) by Laurell K Hamilton
418 Pages
I'm camping and can't link, but I'm going to read the 8th Charley Davidson book. I'll link it when I get home.
I'm going to read Elemental Flame- Phaedra Weldon. It is #4 in The Eldritch Files and has 238 pages in kindle edition.
I'll be reading:
Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley
#8 in the Flavia de Luce series
331 Pages
Completion PostRoll #6 - Spot 48
Book Read:
Author Darynda Jones
Pages: 352
Rating: 4 stars
How it fits: #8 in the charley Davidson series
Review: I REALLY like this series. This book was a lot more serious, but Charley is still her basically irrepressible self. More big overall plot things happen, and I'm interested to see what happens next - it ended on a pretty big cliff-hanger.
I'm reading
(Dark Swan, #4) 400 Pages
Completion postTask: spot 48- read #4, #8, or #48
Book: Elemental Flame- Phaedra Weldon
Date: 7/9/17
Rating: 3 stars
Pages: 238 pages in kindle edition
How it fits: The Eldritch Files #4
Review: Just when Samantha's life finally seems to be going well, she is stood up on Valentine's Day. Heartbroken, she takes a weekend away to mourn. When she returns, she discovers that Crwys didn't stand her up on purpose, but that he had been kidnapped by the Winter Faerie Queen. It is now up to Samantha and her friends to go to Faerie and rescue her love. I enjoyed this story. I like the characters and am interested in what happens to them. Obviously the series isn't completed yet because there are still untied threads and I look forward to continuing this series and discovering what is in story for Samantha, Crwys, Kyle, Ivan and everyone else.
Finished:
Book: Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd|Alan Bradley|07.10.17|✿✿✿✿
Task: Spot 48, #8 in Series = Flavia de Luce #8
Pages: 331
Brief Review:
Flavia de Luce is at it again. Returning home from boarding school, Flavia learns her father is in the hospital - no visitors allowed, her pet chicken was sacrificed in an effort to make brother that would make her father better, and last but not least - there's no waiting party to greet her on the return home.
Being the smart, witty amateur sleuth she is though, she soon finds trouble, when doing a favor for the local vicar's wife.
This was full of antics, fun, humor and wit. A solid four star read for me.
FinishedRoll #6 ~ Spot 48
How it fits: Dark Swan #4
Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead 7/12/17
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 400
Review:
I have SUCH mixed feelings about this book. The series has ended in a way this is closed, yet not. There could of been so much more!
Eugenie is a great queen. She does not ask anyone to do something she wont do herself. She feels strongly about protecting her people in both of her kingdoms, even if that means putting herself at risk. There were two parts to this book. The first 3rd was all about her pregnancy and keeping her twins safe. The rest was about solving the problem of the blight affecting many of the Otherworld kingdoms. She makes many sacrifices and still strengthens relationships.
I'm thrilled knowing what we know at the end, but I don't like the secret she chooses to keep, though it left off as if she knows she wont be able to keep it for long. All in all, I liked the series and sad to see it end (especially like it did).
Completion ~ Spot 48
Date Read: 7/13/17
Rating: ★★★★
I always enjoy an adventure with Kate and Curran. The banter between the two of them is entertaining. I liked how they dealt with the life changes they were faced with after the last book. There was plenty of action in this one and I look forward to finding out how the ending plays into the next book.
Completed: Roll #6, Spot 48Task #4 or 8 in series
Blue Moon by Laurell K Hamilton
Date finished: 7/13/17
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 436
How it fits: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #8
Review:
This is definitely one of my favorites of this series. The sexual tension between Anita and Richard comes to a head and neither really know what to do with it. Not too mention on top of that, the local sheriff and his crew seem to really want Richard out of there and would go even as far to frame him for rape. When people start ending up dead (as they always do), Anita can't just leave.
I love that character growth with almost all of the side characters. We learn more about the wolves and leopards alike and Anita must come to terms with what she to each group. And of course there's Jason - anytime he's focused that just equals a win in my book.
Sorry this is so late. I was trying to post all day and my Goodreads kept glitching out. So this wasn't my original review but it will do because I wanted to get it posted!
Roll #7: 5Spot: 53
#3 in series
#5 in series
Alternate: Title R
Jenn - The Blood of Olympus (The Heroes of Olympus, #5) | Review
jingles - Brimstone (Virgil Cole & Everett Hitch, #3) | Review
Sunshine✰✰✰ - Dead Giveaway (Food Truck Mysteries, #5) | Review
Sam - Caressed By Ice (Psy-Changeling, #3) | Review
Suzanne - The Full Cupboard of Life (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, #5) | Review
Amanda A - Atlantis Redeemed (Warriors of Poseidon, #5) | Review
Bonus point earned for reading a book over 500 pages (not used yet)
Bonus point earned for reading three books in a series (not used yet)
Bonus point eared for starting and finishing a series (not used yet)
Reviews need to be posted before midnight CDT on Thursday, July 20th
I will read
(Food Truck Mysteries #5) 213 Pages
Roll #7 - Spot 53
Book: Blood Of Olympus (The Heroes of Olympus #5) by Rick Riordan
502 Pages
And this is the last book in this series, so I will have read the entire series for this challenge :)
Fantastic Jenn! Thanks for doing that!
I will be reading Caressed By Ice by Nalini Singh. It is #3 in the Psy-Changeling series and has 388 pages.
I'm sorry! I'm going to change my book because I'll be camping - and I'm not done with City of Miracles - but I zoomed through a 5th in series book today. So then I won't have to try to checkin from my phone. Sorry about the extra work Amanda!
Completion PostRoll #7 - Spot 53
Book Read:
Pages: 208
How it fits: #5 in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Date Read: 7/17/17
Review: There is just something really peaceful about this series to me. I suppose they are loosely mysteries, but really they are more character studies, and the love of Botswana shines through. In this one, the MC investigates potential husbands for a rich woman who is considering marriage, and her fiancee tries to say no to a parachute fundraiser jump - ha it is apparantly difficult to say no to a strong woman. It is the beginning of a stressful week for me, and this was a nice comfort read =)
Finished:
Book: Brimstone|Robert B. Parker|07.17.17|✿✿✿
Task: Spot 43, #3 in Series = Virgil Cole & Everett Hitch #3
Pages: 293
Brief Review:
A good story - not a great one. It started out okay, but quickly bogged down.
In this installment, Virgil and Everett are headed out to find Allie. After rescuing her from a brothel, they once again find themselves working as deputies in a small town that has its fair share of trouble.
A three star read for me.
FinishedRoll #7 ~ Spot 53
How it fits: Food Truck Mysteries #5
Dead Giveaway by Chloe Kendrick 7/18/17
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 213
Review:
Maeve finally moves into a new apartment, one with better security, and what happens? A chest freezer shows up with a dead body inside. This time though, Maeve is asked by Danvers to investigate by questioning her new neighbors. I found myself skimming through at the end with the: he did this, and he did that, and he's disappeared from this and... I got the gist of it. More big corporation espionage. I'm excited with the new romance popping up and Carter is a great mix to the cast. Not as dorky as he started out as. Looking forward to the next adventure!
Completion postTask: spot 53
Book: Caressed By Ice- Nalini Singh
Date: 7/18/17
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 388 pages in kindle edition
How it fits: Psy Changeling #3
Review: I am enjoying this series more and more with each addition. In this installment, a wolf turns up dead, bringing back bad memories for Brenna. She works with Judd, one of the Psy who has been hiding with the wolves and who has been trained as an assassin, to try and find the murderer. Brenna is attracted to Judd, but being Psy, he doesn't feel emotions. I enjoyed seeing Judd learn how to overcome his worries about breaking Silence and learning to trust and care for Brenna. I was also happy to see her recover from her kidnapping and start to enjoy her life again. The overarching arc of the series continues with the addition of a secret lab that is creating something that will make Psy even less human than they already are. I look forward to finding out who Ghost is and what is in his future. Singh has created a world that draws me in more every time I read another book. I can't wait to read book 4.
Completed: Roll #7, Spot 53Task #3 or 5 in series
Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan
Date finished: 7/20/17
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 519
How it fits: The Heroes of Olympus #5
*Entire series read in this challenge*
A good series always leaves you wanting more and that's exactly what this one did. The final book in The Heroes of Olympus series pretty much lives up to everything that it promised. There's action, suspense, tragedy, confusion, crushes, hope, betrayal, sacrifice...the list goes on and on. Add all of that with a strong set of characters, and you have a book series that I will always recommend.
Like all the others, The Blood of Olympus is told through alternating POV's. However, one of my complaints is that there was no Percy POV's. HE was there and featured, but we weren't inside his head and I found that I missed that, especially at the end of a series. But we did get growth in all of the characters as they realized what was at stake.
I'm just going to go out and say that my absolute favorite character of this series was Nico. Talk about someone with layers and who constantly surprised me. I was really happy with the way that his storyline played out.
So why the 4 stars instead of 5? Mostly because I wanted more from the ending. It all seemed a little compacted and the way that Leo's end was handled just left me feeling underwhelmed. (view spoiler)
Overall, this series as a whole was amazing. A step up from the Percy Jackson series and I can't wait to see what else Riordan has in store for us.
Completion ~ Spot 53Bookcover: Atlantis Redeemed
Date Read: 7/20/17
Rating: ★★★★
I enjoyed Brennan and Tiernan's story and liked them as a couple. There was a lot of action with a little humor and a twist that surprised me thrown in too. I liked that characters from earlier books made appearances and catching up with them. I am really looking forward to Alaric and Quinn's story. Unfortunately it is the last book in the series so I have a couple more to read before that.
Do we have a new roll or am I missing it? It's hard to view on my phone sometimes lol
Amanda has all our reviews linked in Message 134 but hadn't checked us in. I linked that post and checked us in for her. I rolled a 6Roll #8: 6
Spot: 59
#5 in series
#9 in series
Alternate: Goodreads Choice Awards 2013
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Roll #4 ~ Spot 32
How it fits: Vampire Huntress #3
The Hunted by L.A. Banks 6/29/17
Rating: 3 stars
Pages: 565
Review:
This book is almost double the size of the previous installments. So much is packed in here. In the start, Damali and Carlos are blind to the world while they spend 10 days obsessed with each other, but trouble is happening in Brazil and you know the saying, 'Nothing lasts forever'.
Poor Carlos is still battling his vampire nature vs his human wants. It's a constant no-win situation. In case you were still trying to figure out the vampire dynamics, now we get to learn all about the weres & demons. Now a second-level vamp (demon/were-panther?) is tempting him with her knockoff Neteru scent and promises of Power & Daylight. What's a guy to do? Which, of course, leaves Damali in heartbreak.
Granted, it's only book 3, but each time I've finished a book, I'm not feeling like it's one of those gotta-read-it-now! series. Then I pick up the next book and I'm sucked in and hate to put it down.