The Challenge Factory discussion
♦SS Archives♦
>
R9: Team Double Won (11)
Thanks, Sunshine! Super busy day and just now getting to a computer.Roll #8 ~ Spot 59
Book: Caramel Crush (Cupcake Bakery Mystery, #9)
Pages: 303
Question, are we able to use bonus points at any time or only during the week that we earn it? I've never done this before so I'm not too clear on it and I don't want us to miss out on free points :) I finished all 5 of a series in that last week.
We can use them at any time.
I'm still looking for my book...haven't decided yet.
My other challenges are posted tomorrow, so that is when I will pick my book. It will most likely be a 5th in series.Just want to mention that so far I have not used an alternative book, and that will be worth a bonus point if I can keep it up.
I decided on Darkness Shatters by Susan Illene. It is number 5 in her Sensor series and has 396 pages in the kindle edition.
Roll #8 - Spot 59I will read
Lucy Stone #5 - 272 Pages
Finished:
Book:Vanish|Tess Gerritsen|07.25.17|✿✿✿✿
Task: Spot 59, #5 in Series = Rizzoli & Isles #5
Pages: 401
Brief Review:
I want to be Jane Rizzoli when I grow up! She's a detective with the Boston PD, she's married to a gorgeous FBI guy, and is about to have a baby. Meanwhile, she still kicks ass and takes names.
When a bad guy gets lose in court, a very pregnant Jane jumps down from the witness stand and promptly body slams and cuffs said bad guy. That's just the beginning though.
Then the read bad stuff begins. Maura, Jane and Gabriel all find themselves deep in a mess that includes a horrendous cover up from the top down. It's a cover up that involves not only murder, but human trafficking as well.
A strong 4 star read for me!
Hey gang - I'm going to be out of town traveling Thursday through Sunday. I will try to check in on Sunday night to see what we have up next and post my book.
FinishedRoll #8 ~ Spot 59
How it fits: Lucy Stone #5
Valentine Murder by Leslie Meier 7/26/17
Rating: 3 stars
Pages: 272
Review:
When the librarian if found dead, and then a short while later, one of the board members has committed suicide, Lucy feels there is something not right in how simple it all seams. A few pewter mugs and lottery scratch tickets later, the real murderer comes to light.
I always find the book in this series to be an easy read. I feel like even the murder is just a background part of the story, usually focusing on Lucy's coming and goings.
Completion ~ Spot 59Book: Caramel Crush
Date Read: 7/26/17
Rating: ★★★★
This series seems to be headed in a new direction and I like it, especially with the end of the love triangle. I am always entertained by Mel, Angie and Tate's antics and the movie quotes. Angie has turned into a bridezilla during the course of wedding planning and Mel is trying to clear her college roommate of suspected murder. I was surprised at who the killer turned out to be as the mystery kept me guessing. This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I can't wait for the next book.
Finished Roll 8 Spot 59This side of the Grave
Night Huntress 5
Date read 7/27/17
Review: Ghouls are attacking vampires, and Cat and Bones need the help of the Queen of New Orleans. I was glad to learn more about her, since I was really curious after the last book. Kats uncles health is also rapidly deteriorating. It was an enjoyable read. 4 stars.
Completed: Roll #, Spot 59Task #5 or 9 in series
Obsidian Butterfly by Laurell K Hamilton
Date finished: 7/27/17
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 596
How it fits: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #9
Review:
Obsidian Butterfly is different than all of the other Anita Blake books that led up to strictly because it separates Anita from her power base (or boyfriends, depending on how you look at it). When an old friend calls in a favor, Anita knows she can't refuse. She did kill his last back up, so...
Traveling to New Mexico by herself, Anita finds herself knee deep in gruesome murders that she has no idea what could be causing them. And that's very unlike her. Throw is some Aztec myths and magic, and Anita is very off kilter. And that's what I liked about this book. It was interesting to see Hamilton take Anita to where she was a fish out of water, working with people she doesn't necessarily trust.
While I missed my faves (aka Jason), I loved getting to know about the mystery of Edward. He was a character I'd always felt needed to be explored more. And he was!
Completion postTask: Spot 59
Book: Darkness Shatters- Susan Illene
Date: 7/27/17
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 396 pages in kindle edition
How it fits: The Sensor series #5
Review: This book starts off with a plague that only affects supernaturals and then becomes the rescue of the nerou. I enjoyed this book quite a bit though it had some sad parts. Melena is becoming more and more involved with the supernaturals, despite the fact that she used to avoid them. She has to make peace with people she was angry with and seek peace with people angry with her. The world is going to change due to events in this book and I look forward to continuing the series and see how these changes play out. I still don't like the angels :)
Roll #8: 6Spot: 59
#5 in series
#9 in series
Alternate: Goodreads Choice Awards 2013
Jenn - Obsidian Butterfly (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #9) | Review
jingles - Vanish (Rizzoli & Isles, #5) | Review
Sunshine✰✰✰ - Valentine Murder (A Lucy Stone Mystery, #5) | Review
Sam - Darkness Shatters (The Sensor, #5) | Review
Suzanne - This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, #5) | Review
Amanda A - Caramel Crush (A Cupcake Bakery Mystery, #9) | 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 earned for starting and finishing a series (not used yet)
Roll #9: 9Spot: 68
#6 in series
#8 in series
Alternate: Sports/Athletes
Jenn - Face the Flames (Sugarland Blue, #6) | Review
jingles - The Mephisto Club (Rizzoli & Isles, #6) | Review
Sunshine✰✰✰ - Mastered by Her Mates (Interstellar Brides, #6) | Review
Sam - Darkness Wanes (The Sensor, #6) | Review
Suzanne - One Grave at a Time (Night Huntress, #6) | Review
Amanda A - The Dead Will Tell (Kate Burkholder, #6) | 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 earned for starting and finishing a series (not used yet)
Roll # 9- Spot 68
Book: Face the Flames (Sugarland Blue #6) by Jo Davis
320 Pages
Completion ~ Spot 68Book: The Dead Will Tell
Date Read: 7/29/17
Rating: ★★★★
I enjoy the insight this series provides into Amish life. It is interesting to me and the author blends it into the stories very well. I was not as surprised by the identity of the killer in this one as I was in the previous book. The way it all played out was still pretty crazy though. Kate and Tomasetti deal with tumultuous news but still find a way to pull through it all.
FinishedRoll #9 ~ Spot 68
How it fits: Interstellar Brides #6
Mastered by Her Mates by Grace Goodwin 7/31/17
Rating: 3 stars
Pages: 208
Review:
I picked this book because it was free and I needed to read a book with aliens. It was a simple plot, considering the Spy undertones. Then again, the intended audience is not Thrillers. :-)
Aliens have contacted Earth mere months ago, claiming they are trying to protect us from the Hive, but (of course *eye roll*) the Powers That Be on Earth don't believe them. Enter Amanda. She has been working as a spy and has volunteered to enter the new Interstellar Bride program. The plan: Become mated to a member of the Prillon race to learn all the secrets they are keeping from the humans of Earth and, somehow, send it back. What she discovers instead is they have been telling the truth all along....and that she has been mated to TWO Prillon Warriors. How is a girl supposed to steal secrets and technology while trying not to turn to mush at every delicious command/thought/touch from her perfectly matched Mates? Well, she doesn't. ;-)
Completed: Roll #9, Spot 68Task #6 or 8 in series
Face the Flames by Jo Davis
Date finished: 7/31/17
Rating: 3 stars
Pages: 320
How it fits: Sugarland Blue #6
Review:
These type of books are pure candy. A sexy, hot romance with some over the top drama thrown in and BAM - entertainment.
Meet Clay Montana - local paramedic/firefighter who gets in a horrible accident while on his way to answer a call. A year later finds him working hard to get back to the life he knew. Having to relearn basic motor functions hasn't deterred him and he's determined to get his place back on his team. While out on a walk one day he happens upon a robbery where the clerk was shot. That's when Melissa Ryan enters. A detective new to the area - or rather back from a long break - she is instantly taken with Clay and the feeling is mutual. But funny thing about small towns, turns out her cousin is the one who caused Clay's accident. Talk about an awkward connection.
The story itself was pretty solid. I enjoyed Clay's relationships with his teammates. You could really feel the trust and loyalty between all of them and that added to the story. Melissa was also fairly solid just she had the added drama of a legit crazy family. The two of them together flowed nicely. They had an instant connection, but not instalove. They went out on dates and had conversations so that we could feel their connection.
But I do have to say, the drama was a little much. I mean, how many times can one guy hurt his head in such a small amount of time? And then another family has a son that gets shot and then the dad is in an accident. I mean, I get that it's a small town but geez. These people must just have extremely bad luck. Also, if it's such a small town with it's own hospital, how does that hospital suddenly become so over busy that it needs beds? Is the entire town coming in? I feel like this may be something I missed because this is the first I've read in this series and it is number 6.
All in all, a solid romance with a hot fireman. What more could you want from a quick read?
I'm reading The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen
It is #6 in the Rizzoli & Isles series. This is the second book of this series I will have read for this challenge. Hopefully I can squeeze another one in.
It has 368 pages.
Finished:
Book: The Mephisto Club|Tess Gerritsen|08.02.17|✿✿✿
Task: Spot #68, #6 in Series = Rizzoli & Isles #6
Pages: 368
Brief Review:
I liked this book - didn't love it. So far it is probably my least favorite of the series.
Rizzoli and Isles are faced with finding a murderer who leaves behind severed parts of the body, along with lots of religious symbols, rituals, etc.
Meanwhile, Maura and Brophy finally collide - I guess you could say :)
It was an interesting book, it moved along nicely, but you know from the very beginning of the book (actually within the first few pages) who the killer is. And this time, that didn't work so well for me.
This was a three star read for me.
This is the second book of this series I've read so far during the challenge.
I'll have mine finished tomorrow. Lol I was in Las Vegas and had very spotty internet and somehow read 69, so I read a 9th in series. But working on an actual correct series book now (#6 night huntress).
I'm almost finished with mine and hope to have it completed within the next few hours.
Completion postTask: spot 68
Book: Darkness Wanes- Susan Illene
Date: 8/3/17
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 483 pages in kindle edition
How it fits: Sensor #6
Review: This was a fitting ending to the series. The events of the last book played a big part in this one as the characters dealt with the consequences and changes from the last book. Melena has to finally deal with her brother, in addition to helping the others. Lucas gets a chance to feel what it has been like for Melena these last months. This gives him new respect for her. Emily struggles to deal with her losses, but gets new family. Others make a new life. I enjoyed this series quite a bit and will look for other series by this author.
Completion PostTask: Spot 68
Book: One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost
Date: 8/3/17
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 358
How it fits: Night Huntress #6
Review: This one was focused on a very evil ghost. I enjoyed it, although probably not as much as some of the earlier books in the series. One of my issues was a government character that really frustrated me - he was such an obvious jerk and it seemed too much like evil government movie dude. But I liked the threat, and I like the way Cat and Bones work (and play =O) together.
Suzanne wrote: "Sorry I was so slow with that!"No worries, Suzanne!
Roll #10: 11Spot: 79
#7 in series
#9 in series
Alternate: Standalone
Jenn - Hard Beat (Driven, #7) | Review
jingles - The Keepsake (Rizzoli & Isles, #7) | Review
Sunshine✰✰✰ - Shaken (Jack Daniels Mystery, #7) | Review
Sam - Grave Holiday (A Maddie Graves Mystery, #9) | Review
Suzanne - The Keepsake (Rizzoli & Isles, #7) | Review
Amanda A - Widow’s Web (Elemental Assassin, #7) | 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 earned for starting and finishing a series (not used yet)
I will read The Keepsake by Tess GerritsenIt is #7 in the Rizzoli & Isles series. Page count is 349. This will be the third book for me from this series during this challenge, so will fulfill that bonus task once I've finished it.
Mod
Book: Widow’s Web (Elemental Assassin, #7)
Pages: 405"
I love this cover! and the series
Oooh - I think I will read The Keepsake too. I was thinking about the next Cat & Bones book, but I think I need a genre change.Thanks Jingles!
Completion postTask: Spot 79
Book: Grave Holiday- Lily Harper Hart
Date: 8/6/17
Rating: 3 stars
Pages: 202 pages in kindle edition
How it fits: Maddie Graves Mystery #9
Review: It is psychic Maddie and police officer Nick's first Xmas together as a couple. They both want everything to be perfect. But then Santa gets stabbed with a candy cane lawn ornament and practically the entire town is a suspect. Maddie and Nick work together to solve the murder before it can spoil Xmas. This is an enjoyable series that doesn't make you think too hard. Sometimes the main characters make me a little sick; they are just too sweet and loving, but overall I like the series and will continue to read it.
Book: The Keepsake|Tess Gerritsen|08.08.17|✿✿✿✿
Task: Spot #79, #7 in Series = Rizzoli & Isles #7
Pages: 349
Brief Review:
Mummies, museums, and Madame X...oh my! After a mummy is discovered in the basement of a museum, it quickly turns into a homicide. This is a story of murder and revenge.
I really enjoyed this latest book in the Rizzoli and Isles series because just when I thought I had things figured out, it turns out I didn't. This one kept me asking questions and guessing until the very end.
It was a solid 4 star read.
This completes my third book of this series during this challenge.
FinishedRoll #10 ~ Spot 79
How it fits: Jack Daniels Mystery #7
Shaken by J.A. Konrath 8/9/17
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 310
Review:
This one was interestingly written. Each chapter switches to a different time in Jack's life where she was dealing with the killer Mr. "K". One is in 1989. Jack is still a beat cop working with Harry McGlade and Dt. Herb Benedict has offered her to work undercover as an escort to help find the killer. The next timeframe is 2007. Jack and Herb are partners and they are this close to catching the guy. The last is present day (2010). Jack has left the force and has been working with McGlade again as a PI. She wakes up bound and gagged, watching a clock count down to her torture and eventual death.
It was actually easy to follow along with the switching back and forth and forth and it was interesting seeing the beginnings of Jack's relationship and career. As always, I love this series and look forward to the next one.
Completion Post(With a bonus that I can use Jingles post to format - wow I'm an idea thief AND a format thief)
Book:
|by Tess Gerritsen ✿✿✿✿Task: Spot #79, #7 in Series = Rizzoli & Isles #7
Pages: 431 (Kindle version) not that it matters a ton
Brief Review:
Like Jingles, I enjoyed this one. Lots of archaeology, and some really freaky stuff done with it. I really like how smart and tough Jane is too. One of my favorite side quotes was when she was pondering some rich guy's coat of arms and decided her family's coat of arms should be a beer bottle and pasta. Anyway, it was a good mystery, nobody did anything too stupid (always a pet peeve of mine), and there were lots of twists and turns that I couldn't predict.
Completed: Roll #10, Spot 79Task #7 or 9 in series
Hard Beat by K Bromberg
Date finished: 8/10/17
Rating: 2 stars
Pages: 400
How it fits: Driven #7
Review:
I was very disappointed in this one. Having read 3 other installments from this series I came into it with a fairly good outlook. That was immediately shot down and never built back up.
Meet Tanner, a war journalist who just lost his best friend and photographer as a casualty of war. Anxious to get back in the field, he's assigned a new photo journalist. Needless to say, Tanner doesn't take the news that his new photographer is a girl and he proceeds to through some epic hissy fits throughout the book over this.
Then there's Beaux or BJ. She's immediately attracted to Tanner for some weird reason but apparently she likes assholes as it's discovered later. Beaux is new to the war game and decides that the rules just aren't for her. It doesn't matter that women, esp American women, are targets and she proceeds to just do whatever she wants.
I just couldn't get behind either of them. They were. Ooh childish and immature. It was the whole "I hate you but let's have sex" game and it did not work for me at all.
Completion ~ Spot 79Book: Widow’s Web
Date Read: 8/10/17
Rating: ★★★★
I love this series. Gin is awesome and I admire her loyalty to her friends and family no matter what. I love Owen but I was disappointed with how oblivious he was to Salina's evil ways. The secondary characters are entertaining, with Finn being one of my favorites. I like how all of the characters continue to evolve in each book. The ending was not what I was expecting but I hope they will work through it.
Roll #11: 6Spot: 85
#5 in series
#8 in series
Alternate: Friends to Lovers
Jenn - City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments, #5) | Review
jingles - Call Me Irresistible (Wynette, Texas, #5) | Review
Sunshine✰✰✰ - Stirred (Jack Daniels Mystery, #8) | Review
Sam - Beast of All (Carus, #5) | Review
Suzanne - Seer of Sevenwaters (Sevenwaters, #5) | Review
Amanda A - Undeniably Yours (Lucy Valentine, #5) | Review
Bonus point earned for reading a book over 500 pages - Jingles/Guilty as Sin (not used yet)
Bonus point earned for reading three books in a series - Sam/#1 #2 #3 (not used yet)
Bonus point earned for starting and finishing a series - Jenn/The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 (not used yet)
Bonus point earned for never picking a book from the alternate lists - All 6 team members :-) Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9
Week 10
I think I'm going to read
which is #5 in the Sevenwaters series. I'm kind of not in the mood for it, so that may change but for now...It has 432 pages
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Seer of Sevenwaters (other topics)City of Lost Souls (other topics)
Stirred (other topics)
Call Me Irresistible (other topics)
Seer of Sevenwaters (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
J.A. Konrath (other topics)J.C. McKenzie (other topics)
Susan Elizabeth Phillips (other topics)
J.A. Konrath (other topics)
Tess Gerritsen (other topics)
More...
Book: Obsidian Butterfly (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #9)
596 Pages