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R9: SSS Team Novel Characters (1)
Week 4 - Sunday Roll: Spot 32
by Kami Garcia and Margaret StohlQualification: 3rd book in the Caster Chronicles series
Page Count: 516
Finished: 6/28/17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: With Lena's unprecedented decision at the end of the last book, all of Gatlin is now paying the consequences. Link and Ridley are adjusting (or not) to their new situations, and Ethan is being haunted in his dreams. I loved the slow pacing of the first two books because it helped develop the setting, but I just felt this book dragged. I was also frustrated by characters taking forever to figure something out that seemed fairly obvious.
I've updated message 102 with my review. Also, my book was 516 pages, so I guess it qualifies for a bonus point.
Week #4~Sunday Roll: Spot #32
by Dale MayerQualifications: Second book in a Series
Pages:244
Finished:6/28/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
This sequel picked up right where the last book left off. I've got to admit these books are getting me out of my reading slump. I can't wait for my next adventure in this series.
Week #5~Thursday Roll: Old Spot #32 Rolled #5Spot #37
Alternative #37~ Teammate recommends (at least one from your TBR and at least one NOT on your TBR)
Theo~
Post 109Shannon~
Post 108Donna~
Post 107Angie~
Post 106Bonus Point~
Week #5~Thursday Roll Spot #37
by Dale MayerQualifications:Third book in the series
Pages:320
Finished:7/1/17
Rating & Review: 4 Stars
I'm loving this series and the characters! I love that the female leads can stand up to these alpha males! I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Mod
Spot #37
Alternative #37~ Teammate recommends (at least one from your TBR and at least one NOT on your TBR)
Once Darkness Falls by S.M. Reine
Qualification: book 7 in Preternatural Affairs
Pages:164
Completed:7/1/17
Rating: 4 star
Review: There is just something about this series that I really enjoy. Is it that poor Cesar is a witch that is allergic to magic? Maybe. It could also be that Isobel is a zombie that can think and live her life like a normal person. I really don't know. I love the characters for their individual craziness. This book completely surprised me though. How do I even begin to follow who the good guys and bad guys are? The lines have been blurred pretty badly. I can't wait to read book 8 so I can see what happens next.
Week 5 - ThursdaySpace: 37
Protecting the Soul by Annabella Michaels
Pages: 226
Qualifies: Book 3 in "Souls of Chicago" series
Read: 7/1/17
Rating: ★★★★
I'm really enjoying this series so far. All the books have been totally entertaining with a bit extra thrown in for interest's sake. This one is about Gio's best friend Micah and Caleb and Carter's brother Landon who is also their manager. Caleb's been getting threatening letters while on tour with the band so Micah and his team are brought in to protect him and find out what's going on. Micah and Landon had a bit of a interlude before but Micah was a douche and left Landon hanging. Now they have to deal with each other and boy do they. Lovely, if I say so myself. Both damaged, both needing some love and both hiding secrets. Great story and with the stalker line thrown in it was just a fun read. Way to leave us hanging about Rocko. Reading the next book right now.
Week 5 - Thursday Roll: Spot 37
by Patricia C. WredeQualification: 3rd book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles
Page Count: 244
Finished: 6/30/17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: The wizards are back in the Enchanted Forest causing trouble for Cimorene. With help from Morwen the witch, Telemain the magician, Kazul the dragon, two of Morwen's cats, and a hungry rabbit that keeps eating magical things (so by the end of the book it's a flying blue donkey), she must retrieve an enchanted sword that's been stolen and restore order to her kingdom. This is a fun series with strong female characters, but this volume felt a bit forced and not as witty as the first two books.
I've updated message 109 with my review.
Week #5~Sunday Roll: Old Spot #35 Rolled #2Spot #39
Alternative #39~Cover Item Moon or Sun
Theo~
Post 115Donna~
Post 112Shannon~
Post 114Angie~
Post 113Bonus Point~Theo's book is over 500 pages
Mod
Spot #39
Alternative #39~Cover Item Moon or Sun
Sacrifice (The Wayward King, The Projector's Mother, and A Prophecy Reborn) by Rachel Humphrey-D'aigle
Qualification: book 9 in the Fated Saga
Pages:323
Completed:7/4/17
Rating:5 star
Review: I really enjoy this series and this one is no different. Colby, Meghan and Colin are finally learning some of the secrets that were kept from them. I love the little time travel trip Meghan & Sebastian took. It explains how the fake prophecy was started. Also, I loved how Colby foiled Juliska & Fazendiin's plans. The ending will leave you hanging, wanting so much much more. However, I already own the rest of the series so I won't have long to wait ; )
Week #5~ Sunday Roll:Spot# 39
by Thea HarrisonQualifications~Ninth book in the series
Pages: 304
Finished:7/5/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
Star crossed lovers trapped by a bargain and circumstances. Beluviel and Graydon only had one night together. However, time hasn't lessened their feelings for one another. Can they be together finally?
Week 5 - SundaySpace: 39
The Mating of Michael by Eli Easton
Pages: 240
Qualifies: #3 in "Sex in Seattle" series
Read: 7/3/17
Rating: ★★★★★
Gah, I just loved this book! We have Michael, the sexual surrogate from the last books in the series and James, the reclusive writer who is in a wheelchair. At first I was sure how I was going to feel about Michael wanting James because he is a surrogate and his patients are kind of like James but that was short-lived as the relationship developed. Loved the angst and pain and love and sexiness...it all just worked.
Week 5 - Sunday Roll: Spot 39
by Veronica RothQualification: 3rd book in the Divergent series
Page Count: 526
Finished: 7/5/17
Rating: 2 stars
Review: The above 2 stars has nothing to do with the ending, which I know disappointed and confused many fans of the series. I'll be honest and say that I have never loved this series, but my rating comes from the fact that I've given Veronica Roth the entire trilogy to help me understand the 'science' behind factions, and she didn't deliver anything close to being believable. World-building is one of my favorite things about well-written sci-fi and fantasy, so I'm especially hard on books that don't measure up.
Bonus: Over 500 pages
Great Job Everyone!
Week #6~Thursday Roll: Old Spot #39 Rolled #3 Spot #42
Alternative #42~Three Word Title excluding like A, An, The (i.e. Behind Closed Doors or Etched in Bone)
Theo~
Post 119Shannon~
Post 118 Donna~
Post 120Angie~
Post 121Bonus Points~
Week 6 - ThursdayOption 2 (Three Word Title)
One Call Away by Felice Stevens
Pages: 263
Qualifies: 3 Word Title
Read: 7/7/17
Rating: ★★★★
I just loved Oren from the very beginning. Usually I get frustrated when the MC hides because of religion but this felt different. Maybe because his family members were those truly nice people that are so rare and I could see where he wouldn't want to lose them. And Noah, what's not to love about him other than the fact that he really needed to tell his mom where to shove it. They were both wonderful and seeing the MCs from previous novels was really enjoyable. No major relationship angst or big breakups but a lot of inner turmoil and personal hurdles they had to overcome. Loved this one!
Week 6 - Thursday Roll: Spot 42
by Lisa LutzQualification: 4th book in The Spellmans series
Page Count: 388
Finished: 7/8/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Izzy Spellman is gearing up to take over the family PI firm, but she's having trouble balancing family drama, personal vendettas, and her caseload. She's got a boyfriend that her mother can't stand (in fact, Izzy is being blackmailed by her mother into dating lawyers on the side). Her sister is obsessed with freeing the wrongfully imprisoned because of an internship with brother David's new girlfriend, a defense attorney. She's out to prove the head of another PI firm is guilty of something (she's not sure what that is...yet). Izzy's got a missing butler and shredded screenplay to locate. And the cop that turned her down is insisting on being friends. This series is ridiculous and fun!
Mod
Spot #42
Alternative #42~Three Word Title excluding like A, An, The (i.e. Behind Closed Doors or Etched in Bone)
by Erin R. BedfordPages:272
Qualification: book 2 in the Mary Wiles Chronicles
Completed:7/8/17
Rating:4 star
Review: I enjoyed this action filled book. I haven't read book 1 yet but I didn't feel like I was missing a piece of the puzzle as with some series. I was able to jump right in and follow what was happening. I enjoyed the relationship between Mary & Sid. That love/hate type of relationship is always a winner in my book. I will definitely go back and check out book 1 and of course continue on with the series.
Week #6~Spot #42
by Julie Ann WalkerQualifications:Second book in the series
Pages:384
Finished:7/8/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
Brando "Bran" Pallindo former Navy SEAL turned treasure hunter can't seem to get Madison "Maddy" Powers off his mind. Bran's past doesn't allow him to have committed relationships with women but. Could Maddy change his mind?
So sorry, I totally forgot to post! All fixed now.
No worries I figured it was something like that.
Week #6~Sunday Roll: Old Spot #42 Rolled #5 Spot #47
Alternative #47~Friends to Lovers (must state how book qualifies i.e. listopia or precis)
Theo~
Post 126Shannon~
Post 127Donna~
Post 125Angie~
Post 128Bonus Point~
Mod
Spot #47
Alternative #47~Friends to Lovers (must state how book qualifies i.e. listopia or precis)
Book: The Promise by Jessica Sorensen
Pages:309
Qualifies: book 4 in Fallen Star series
Date:7/11/17
Rating:5 star
Review:This whole series captivated me. The plot was pretty original. I felt like I was pulled immediately into the story line. I was on edge the whole time, hoping that they would come out on top and save the world. There are definitely times when you think they are not gonna win with everything stacked against them. I can't wait to start the spinoff series and read about their next adventure.
Week 6 - Sunday Roll: Spot 47
by L. Frank BaumQualification: 4th book in the Oz series
Page Count: 148
Finished: 7/12/17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Dorothy and the Wizard find themselves back in Oz, only this time, instead of a cyclone, it's an earthquake that ultimately lands them back in that wonderful world. First though, they have to go on quite a journey. This book felt a little like an episode of Dora the Explorer: first, we have to go through the long, dark cave. Then, we have to cross the Valley of Voe. Next, we'll climb the Pyramid Mountain, etc. The writing is simplistic and can get saccharinely sweet, but it's interesting to read within the context of early fantasy literature for children.
Week 6 - SundaySpace: 47
Renewing the Soul by Annabella Michaels
Pages: 219
Qualifies: #4 of "Souls of Chicago" series
Read: 7/11/17
Rating: ★★★★★
I just had to start this one right after finishing the last one because we left off with Rocko/Riley leaving rehab after dying twice on the way to the hospital after taking way too many drugs and still needing some serious help. In steps Lachlan, the man who gave the band their big break. The guy bought a mansion in Chicago just so he could bring Riley home to recover for crying out loud. Now that's dedication. I'm so glad their miscommunication didn't last too long or that would have been super annoying. They had some fantastic sexy times and no real drama. Really enjoyed this one but I hope it's not the last one!
Week #6~Sunday Roll: Spot #47
by Pip BallantineQualifications:Fourth book in a series
Pages:357
Finished:7/12/17
Rating & Review: 4 Stars
Agents Braun and Thornhill embark on a mission to rescue one of the Ministry Seven from the clutches of evil. They will do anything in their power to do this. Although other forces have other ideas for these two agents.
Great Job Everyone!
Week #7~Thursday Roll: Old Spot #47 Rolled #3Spot #50
Alternative #50~Science Fiction
Theo~
Post 132Shannon~
Post 133 Donna~
Post 135 Angie~
Post 136Bonus Point:
Mod
Spot #50
Alternative #50~Science Fiction
Skip by Perrin Briar
Pages:259
Qualifies: tagged as science fiction on top shelves
Date:
Rating:
Review:
Week 7 - Thursday Roll: Spot 50
by Michael LewisQualification: Standalone
Page Count: 352
Finished: 7/15/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Most are familiar with the Academy Award-winning film of this work, which tells the story of Michael Oher, a young man whose football prowess and friendship with a wealthy family lift him out of inner-city life and into the NFL. That story is just a part of this book, which also tells the tale of why the left tackle (the position that guards the quarterback's 'blind side'--and Michael Oher's specialty) has become such an important position to the game. While Oher's story is heartwarming, it was the history of the NFL and way the game has changed that was especially interesting to me.
Week 7 - ThursdaySpace: 50
More Than Friends by TT Kove
Pages: 196
Qualifies: #5 in "Something More" series
Read: 7/13/17
Rating: ★★★
This book was depressing AF to me. It had a dark pall over it that never went away. I don't think Ben was conscientiously treating Tarjei like crap all those years, he didn't really think about it. He was so lost in his own head, fighting his own demons all. the. time. that I can see where he just didn't notice. His brain exhausted me and I felt so freaking sorry for him. I don't consider the ending a HEA so much as a HFN. I wish we got to see Ben finally get the help he needed so the book would have had more closure.
Mod
Spot #50
Alternative #50~Science Fiction
Skip by Perrin Briar
Pages:259
Qualifies: tagged as science fiction on top ..."
I am changing my book for the week. I started another book that fits so I am going to go with it instead.
Mod
Spot #50
Alternative #50~Science Fiction
Book:The Eye of Minds
Pages:336
Qualifies: tagged Science Fiction
Read:7/15/17
Rating:4 star
Review:This book is really hard to rate. The author does write really well and after a slow start, I couldn't put the book down. The plot was twisted and I had a hard time wrapping my mind around it. I loved the Maze Runner series so I couldn't wait to read this one. I love when I am drawn into a book so deeply that I don't want to put it down. I had a hard time connecting with the characters despite being pulled into this insane world and twisted plot. I do think that was part of the point though (I won't tell you why because that would give the ending away). I love the twisted mind of this author and can't wait to read more of his work.
Week #7~Thursday Roll: Spot #50
by Melinda MinxQualifications:Standalone
Pages:382
Finished:7/15/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
Liam Lions never saw himself as married let alone engaged either. Liam doesn't want to marry his ex yet needs a fake fiancee fast. Amber Green was hired for one job but ended up with a job that was just perfect for her. Being Liam Lions' fiancee.
Great Job Everyone!
Week #7~Sunday Roll: Old Spot #50 Rolled #3Spot #53
Alternative #53~Series featuring Groups such as Sisters or Brothers or BFFs
Theo~
Post 140Shannon~
Post 141Donna~
Post 139Angie~
Post 142Bonus Point~
Mod
Spot #53
Alternative #53~Series featuring Groups such as Sisters or Brothers or BFFs
Book:Celestial
Pages:400
Qualifies: book 3 of The Angels of Paris Chronicles
Date:7/16/17
Rating:5 star
Review:* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
I really enjoyed this book. I love the characters especially Philippe and Aria. I love the surprise twists in this book. There is so much happening in this book and the series in general. This book (& series) has everything including love, betrayal and even kidnapping. I would love to see a spin-off series with some of the other angels.
Week 7 - Sunday Roll: Spot 53
by Dan BrownQualification: 3rd in Robert Langdon series
Page Count: 509
Finished: 7/19/17
Rating: 2 stars
Review: Robert Langdon is back in the United States to prove that you don't need to be an ancient European city to harbor ancient conspiracy theories. This time around the conspiracy revolves around the Freemasons in Washington, D.C. This book follows the pattern of the previous novels in the series: a weird evil character (this time he's hairless and is covered in tattoos), a young, intelligent woman, and Robert Langdon, who seems to know everything, except when the plot needs him to be clueless. Unimpressed.
Week 7 - SundaySpace: 53
Cowboy Way by Stormy Glenn
Pages: 162
Qualifies: #3 in "Blaecleah Brothers" series
Read: 7/17/17
Rating: ★★★
This book was so freaking ridiculous and the editing was horrible. Talk about insta-love and not a shifter in sight. However, I enjoy these silly books because they're a nice break from the serious angst and actual brain power that other books require. This is the first in the series I've read so I'll probably go back and read the first two as well as the others. Who knows, depends if I need a bit a brainless fluff.
Week #7~Sunday Roll:Spot #53
by Kimber WhiteQualifications:Fifth and final book in the series
Pages:191
Finished:7/19/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
I really enjoyed reading this series. I loved that it was uncommon shifter book featuring bears instead of wolves. Surprisingly unique and intriguing too.
Week #8~Thursday Roll: Old Spot #53 Rolled #3Spot #56
Alternative #56~One Word Title excluding articles like A, An, The (i.e. The Witness or Divergent)
Theo~
Post 145Shannon~
Post 146Donna~
Post 144Angie~
Post 147Bonus Point
Mod
Spot #56
Alternative #56~One Word Title excluding articles like A, An, The (i.e. The Witness or Divergent)
Book:The Girl who Saved the World: The Death Fields: Post-Apocalyptic Thriller Book 6
Pages:208
Qualifies: book 6 in the Death Fields series
Date:7/21/17
Rating:5 star
Review:I love this series! Alex & Wyatt are my favorites but I was glad to see Parker and Davis back. I love how the author wrapped up the series but now I can't wait to read the spinoff series with Cole that she mentioned in the back of the book.
Week 8 - Thursday Roll: Spot 56
by L. Frank BaumQualification: 5th book in Oz series
Page Count: 144
Finished: 7/22/17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: When Dorothy offers to show a shaggy traveler the way to a nearby city in Kansas, little does she know that she's actually starting another journey to Oz. After getting lost, she and the Shaggy Man start down a road that will bring them new traveling companions, including a little boy who doesn't know much and the Rainbow's daughter. Dorothy is not too concerned with the journey as she remarks, "...I've noticed if I happen to get lost I'm almost sure to come to the Land of Oz in the end..." Before they reach Oz though, they'll come across foxes, donkeys, and strange puppet-like men. Will they make it to Oz in time to celebrate Ozma's birthday? Another cute adventure in the Oz series. I do feel sorry for Toto. He's sort of like Pluto, surrounded by animals who can talk and all he can do is bark.
Week 8 - ThursdaySpace: 56
Option 2: One Word Title
Home by Cara Dee
Pages: 168
Qualifies: One Word Title
Read: 7/21/17
Rating: ★★★★
What a great story! I was expecting a whole bunch of angst but that's not what we got at all. It was more a story of hope and turning your life when you finally get the chance. Dominic's had a truly crappy start to life. He's 24, a father, a rent-boy and homeless. The first part of the book is all about him and what he has to do to get to his daughter across country. But, once he gets there his life takes a drastic turn for the better. I just loved Adrian, his savior and the one of only two people in the world Dominic actually begins to trust. Yes, there were sad parts. Yes, there were sexy times. Yes, there was an adorable little girl. All of these things made it a book I really enjoyed.
Week #8~Thursday Roll: Spot #56
by Dale MayerQualifications:Fifth book in the series
Pages:229
Finished:7/22/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
Dale Mayer is fast becoming my favorite writer for ex military stories. Her characters are not like any characters I've seen on the written page before. I look forward to my next adventure in this series.
Week #8~Sunday Roll: Old Spot #56 Rolled #5 New Spot #61Spot #61
Alternative #61~Cover Item Water
Theo~
Post 150Shannon~
my link text">Post 149Donna~
Post 151Angie~
Post 152Bonus Point~
Week 8 - SundaySpace: 61
The Subs Club by JA Rock
Pages: 297
Qualifies: #1 of "The Subs' Club" series
Read: 7/23/17
Rating: ★★★★
If you like your Doms to be tall, hot, sexy, ripped, rich and hung then this is not the book for you. We got us an average height, slightly overweight, seemingly kind of poor, smaller than average wiener-sized, 70's pornstached Dom. What? That doesn't get you all hot and bothered?!? Yeah, me neither but... I actually adored him especially for David. Or should I say little d because the Dom's name is also David aka Big D. This book covers a whole lot of serious topics but with such a sense of humor that it never gets weighed down. It was utterly entertaining and little d's head was a very funny place to be. I adored his family of friends and everyone had such a unique personality that I honestly can't wait to read their stories. Great, great start to the series.
Week 8 - Sunday Roll: Spot 61
by Patrick NessQualification: 1st book in the Chaos Walking series
Page Count: 479
Finished: 7/26/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This one was tough to read, but it should be. Todd is a young man growing up on a distant planet that was settled by a religious group seeking to leave the depravity of their old world behind. Things don't go according to plan, and by the time we join their world at the beginning of the book, a war with the native population has left the world without human women and men and animals now constantly broadcast their thoughts, in what is dubbed Noise. But as Todd approaches adulthood, it seems that everything he thought he knew might be wrong, especially after meeting a new settler whose scouting ship has crashed near his town and who happens to be female. The are some gut-wrenching moments, but there's also humor. The ending killed me.
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Unexpected Gifts (other topics)The Darkest Seduction (other topics)
Who We Truly Are (other topics)
Linger (other topics)
Guardians of Time (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Gena Showalter (other topics)Maggie Stiefvater (other topics)
Gena Showalter (other topics)
Jennifer A. Nielsen (other topics)
Janet Evanovich (other topics)
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Spot #32
Alternative #32~Author H
The Vision by Jessica Sorensen
Pages: 305
Qualifies: book 3 in Fallen Star series
Completed:6/27/17
Rating:5 star
Review: I really enjoy this series. You really have to read them in order though. There is so much that has happened that you really need that backstory. I feel bad for poor Gemma. She is constantly trying to save the world with less than clear information. Everyone seems to have an agenda and they never tell her everything that she needs to know. Plus, everything she does has a domino effect and leads to more issues. I am anxious to see what happens next.