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R9: SSS Team Novel Characters (1)
Week #8~Sunday Roll: Spot #61
by Tricia O'MalleyQualifications:First book of Mystic Cove Series
Pages:258
Finished:7/26/17
Rate & Review:4 Stars
This is my first experience with this author. I found it to be very enjoyable with light hearted moments through out the whole book. Definitely reading more of this author's work in the future.
Week #9~Thursday Roll: Old Spot #61 Rolled #3Spot #64
Alternative #64~Cover Purple
Theo~
Post 155Shannon~
Post 154Donna~
Post 157Angie~
Post 156Bonus Point~
Week 9 - ThursdaySpace: 64
Fire and Fog by Andrew Grey
Pages: 200
Qualifies: #6 in "Carlisle Cops" series
Read: 7/28/17
Rating: ★★★
I've really enjoyed all the other books in this series but this one just didn't work all that well for me. I loved Dwayne but never really connected with Robin. They met when Dwayne went to a gay bar and Robin was there trying to get his first tricks because he was basically homeless and needed money. And here we get to the first thing that bugged me. I get that he was traumatized because his mom kicked him out taking his step father's side. That does suck but...he was 21 years old! He's lived with him mom and step dad for many years and he still lived in a horrible situation at 21? Why? WTF? Maybe I missed a crucial part of the story with that but it just didn't make sense. Next, Robin called his sister when he was kicked out but she said she didn't have room for him and was barely surviving herself. Later we find out she was a super responsible person and had $10,000 dollars in savings...but she let her brother go homeless! Again, WTF?!? Too many weird things like this and the lack of chemistry between the two MCs made this one not so great IMO.
Week 9 - Thursday Roll: Spot 64
by Janet EvanovichQualification: 4th book in the Stephanie Plum series
Page Count: 313
Finished: 7/29/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Stephanie's got some serious issues. Her FTA is being difficult, her ex-husband's mistress has decided to become a bounty hunter and steal her case, Joe Morelli is being too tempting, and someone is out to kill her (which may or may not be related to any of the preceding issues). All your favorite supporting characters are back, like Ranger, Lula, Grandma Mazur, and a new friend, Sally Sweet, a drag queen, is an interesting addition. Another fun romp with Stephanie Plum!
Week #9~Spot #64
by Jennifer EstepQualifications:Fourth book in the series
Pages:384
Finished:7/29/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
Gin Blanco is looking for ways to bring down Mab Monroe. But an another assassin is working for Mab trying to find the Spider. Will Mab's plan work?
Mod
Spot #64
Alternative #64~Cover Purple
Book:Burned
Pages:252
Qualification: cover is purple
Date:7/28/17
rating:5 star
Review: This book is a heartbreaking story about a young girl who witnesses the abuse of someone else and finally starts to see the parallels with her own relationship. Although this book is a work of fiction, it is right on the mark about abusers and how dangerous they can be. Every young girl (or even grown women) should read this book. I did not read book 1 but I was able to jump in and read this book without feeling like I was missing something. I loved the characters (well, most of them) and the plot pulls the reader in and won't let go until the end. I will definitely be looking for more in this series.
Great Job Everyone!
Week #9~Sunday Roll: Old Spot #64 Rolled #4Spot #68
Alternative #68~Four or more Words Title excluding like A, An, The (i.e. The Girl on the Train or Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)
Theo~
Post 160Shannon~
Post 166Donna~
Post 162Angie~
Post 163Bonus Point~
Week 9 - Sunday Roll: Spot 68
by Anthony HorowitzQualification: 6th book in the Alex Rider series
Page Count: 323
Finished: 8/2/17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Alex Rider can't seem to escape the spy life. After surviving a serious injury at the end of the last book, he just wants to return to school and a normal life, but the universe has other plans for him. While recuperating in the hospital, Alex foils an attempt to kidnap another teenage patient, who happens to be the son of a billionaire. To show their thanks, Alex is invited to join them on an extended vacation. Unfortunately, things can't go smoothly for Alex, especially when the kidnappers show back up and the billionaire seems to have something to hide. Fun, but far-fetched!
Week 9 - Sunday
Before You Break by KC Wells
Pages: 340
Qualifies: Favorite Author
Read: 8/1/17
Rating: ★★★★
This is a take-off from the "Collars & Cuffs" series starting with Jared and Eli opening their new club, Secrets, in London. It's not absolutely necessary to have read C&C first but I would definitely recommend it as a lot of the characters from that series show up in this book...which I LOVED!!
Here we have Wayne and Ellis who are partners on the police force and best friends as well. For the past year Ellis has been getting completely out of control and since Wayne's been in love with him for years and also a Dom he decides to take matters into his own hand. And boy does he! Their first sex scenes we so freaking hot my kindle was smoking. Wayne steps in and takes over Ellis' life, helps him deal with his family and basically just gives him a chance to escape his thoughts and worries.
This one was different for me in that Wayne was already in love with Ellis before any BDSM started so it was all coming from a place of love instead of control. The control was for sure there but the feel was a little different. Hated Ellis' parents, loved their police team and boss, loved the MCs from the C&C series, didn't like the turn with the injury and all that stuff. Not sure why but that part didn't work all that well for me. Overall, a great start to the new series.
Mod
Spot #68
Alternative #68~Favorite Author
Book:Warden of Time
Pages:350
Qualification: book 8 in After Cilmeri series
Date:8/2/17
Rating: 5 star
Review: I love this series. There is always someone giving this poor family a problem. I love the fact that they can time travel even though they can't control it. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Week #9~Spot #68
Qualifications:Sixth book in the series
Pages:368
Finished:8/2/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
Blossom Street Series is a mixture of knitting and awesome characters to be found. They all share a love for knitting or just beginning a journey in their lives.
Great Job Everyone!
Everyone I made a mistake on the Alternative #68. I just wanted to let you that I'll be rolling later today than usual. I apologize for the mistake.
Reposting Week 9Space: 68
Cowboys Wanted by Lynn Stark
Pages: 143
Qualifies: #6 in "Men of Silver" series
Read: 8/3/17
Rating: ★★★★
I wouldn't really call this a four star read but the role playing and Benny's antics made me rate this a bit higher. Plus, I won't deny the sex was pretty smokin' hot. We got four men in this one....FOUR! Benny and Luke have been together for many years and were down on their luck when brothers Sebastian and Tanner saw them huddled on the side of the road in the snow. And there it starts. The book actually covers a decent amount of time but it just jumps so we don't experience any of the in between. That would have been nice to see but it was still a cute story.
Week #10~Thursday Roll: Old Spot #68 Rolled #5 Spot #73
Alternative #73~Erotica
Theo~
Post 168Shannon~
Post 169Donna~
Post 171Angie~
Post 170Bonus Point~
Week 10 - Thursday Roll: Spot 73
by Orson Scott CardQualification: 3rd book in Ender's Saga
Page Count: 592
Finished: 8/5/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: At almost 600 pages, this book covers a lot of ground. There's Ender dealing with the consequences of the treaty he brokered between the human colonists and the native sentient species (the pequeninos) of Lusitania. There's Valentine traveling to help her brother and using her Demosthenes pen name to write propaganda for him. There's Novinha and her children rushing to develop a way to stop the descolada virus. There's the hive queen re-establishing her species on a new planet. There's Jane trying to determine exactly what she is. There's Han Fei-tzu and his daughter working to uncover how the residents of Lusitania are thwarting the efforts of the Starways Congress.
I found the conversations about what makes a species "intelligent" and what makes individuals within a species "special" to be very interesting to read and think about. You get to see the inner workings of the buggers, pequeninos, and humans who are central to this story, the good and the bad. It seemed that Card got a bit preachy at times and the resolution felt a little too easy, but overall I found this to be an excellent read.
Week 10 - ThursdaySpace: 73
Model Investigator by Lissa Kasey
Pages: 270
Qualifies: #3 in "Haven Investigations" series
Read: 8/4/17
Rating: ★★★★
My god, these two were injured or sick the entire book. Very interesting facts about Kade's family came out in this one. His dad is the stuff nightmares are made of. I actually liked Jacob in this book. He seems to be really trying to become a good friend. That was nice to see. I do wish there was a little less drama and a little more quiet couple time with them trying to deal with their new reality but maybe in the next one. Of course we were left with a setup for the next book and maybe we'll finally get answers about Nathan.
Week #10~Spot #73
by Dale MayerQualifications:Seventh book in the series
Pages:179
Finished:8/5/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
Ice's father Richard calls her wanting to find the daughter for a dear friend. Harrison is feeling like a caged animal with cabin fever. He's looking for a change of scenery now. Will this next assignment change his mind about love?
Mod
Spot #73
Alternative #73~Erotica
Book:Twice Bitten
Pages:372
Qualification: book 3 of the Chicagoland Vampires
Date:8/6/17
Rating: 5 star
Review: I love this series. I love Merit and Ethan, although I wish Ethan would stop being an idiot. I am definitely looking forward to more from this series.
Week #10~Sunday Roll: Old Spot #73 Rolled #2Spot #75
Alternative #75~Cover Black
Theo~
Post 173Shannon~
Post 174Donna~
Post 175Angie~
Post 176Bonus Point~
Week 10 - Sunday Roll: Spot 75
by Janet EvanovichQualification: 5th book in the Stephanie Plum series
Page Count: 336
Finished: 8/8/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: People are showing up for their court appearances, which means bounty hunter Stephanie Plum doesn't have much work. Since she has some time on her hands, she starts to look into the disappearance of her Uncle Fred, which leads to the typical hi-jinks. Benito Ramirez has also been let out on parole, so Stephanie's got to keep an eye out for him as well. Lots of flirting with both Morelli and Ranger, Grandma Mazur acting insane, and all that you would expect.
Week 10 - SundaySpace: 75
Making It Work by Sean Michael
Pages: 177
Qualifies: #5 in "Mannies Incorporated" series
Read: 8/8/17
Rating: ★★★
This was a standard cute Sean Michael manny story. This time instead of the children's dad falling for the manny, it's two mannies falling for each other. Two men get married and have to blend their incredible large (8 kids) family, mannies included. I was much more invested in the children's welfare in this one and less concerned about the MC love lives. I'm pretty sure it wasn't supposed to be like that but that's where I was. It was interesting reading about trying to blend all these people and with the two mannies being so completely opposite, it made for some funny times. One hippy, one military type...good times.
Mod
Spot #75
Alternative #75~Cover Black
Book:Revelations
Pages:180
Qualifies: black cover
Date:8/9/17
Rating: 4 star
Review:I am really enjoying this series. I love the characters and all the magic throughout. I felt bad for poor Ruby as far as family goes. Her family is pretty twisted. Overall, I am intrigued and I am looking forward to what happens next.
Week #10~Spot #75
by Jennifer EstepQualifications:Fifth book in the series
Pages:400
Finished:8/09/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
This series continues to surprise me at every turn. I love the characters and use of magic! Gin is fast becoming a favorite female character.
Week #11~Thursday Roll: Old Spot #75 Rolled #6 Spot #81
Alternative #81~Cover Item Weapon(s)
Theo~
Post 179Shannon~
Post 178Donna~
Post 185Angie~
Post 183Bonus Point~
Week 11 - ThursdaySpace: 81
Lost and Found by Lucy Lennox & Sloane Kennedy
Pages: 330
Qualifies: #1 in "Twist of Fate" series
Read: 8/10/17
Rating: ★★★★
I saw Sloane Kennedy and Lucy Lennox as the authors and I couldn't get this one fast enough. I adore Sloane's damaged characters and Lucy's lighthearted, funny stories. I though "What a combo, this is gonna be great!". Yeah, it's not bad but I thing maybe I had my hopes set waaay to high for this one. First off, Xander. Quit being pissed and listen to the guy for one second for Christ's sake. I mean, I get it. It was the worst day of his life but he could've had just a bit of faith in his best friend. And Bennett, you've had all this money your whole life but couldn't find your friend after he just up and disappears? Whatever. The day that I would let my kids go on a wilderness trek with these irresponsible jackasses is the day hell freezes over. They spent the whole time either fighting or having sex....right next to the kids. And where in hell were Search & Rescue during the crisis. Didn't anyone even consider bringing them in? I guess not. I know it sounds like I didn't like this book but I did. I was entertained in a big way but it definitely was not without it's errors.
Week 11 - Thursday Roll: Spot 81
by Jennifer A. NielsenQualification: 1st book in The Ascendance Trilogy
Page Count: 342
Finished: 8/12/17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: When a nobleman hatches a plan to pass off an orphan as the long lost Prince Jaron, Sage and three other boys get pulled into a treacherous game. Who will become the false prince? The twist at the ending won't come as a surprise to anyone who has read similar styled books, but the story was told well and was enjoyable.
Mod
So, so sorry to hear that Donna. Take care of you!!
Donna, I can wait to roll until Sunday morning instead of really early for you. Take care of yourself and my prayers are with your family.
Week #11~Spot #81
by Rebecca HeflinQualifications:First book in the series
Pages:160
Finished:8/12/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
Dr. Samantha Love doesn't believe in love but in chemistry and compatibility. Yet Dr. Ethan Quinn certainly revs Sam's engines. Can Ethan change Sam's mind about love?
Bonus Point~
I haven't been on Goodreads for the past few days because I've been visiting family. I'm sorry to hear about your situation, Donna. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Mod
Spot #81
Alternative #81~Cover Item Weapon(s)
book:Grave Mistake
Pages:264
Qualifies: book 1 in Codex Blair series
Date:8/12/17
Rating: 3 star
Review: This book was ok. The beginning was pretty slow and I had to push thru it. It did improve but it seemed rushed. Blair just found out she had powers and barely had any training before everything went down. Then all of a sudden she could perform spells without ever learning the words or how to perform them. The day before she couldn't even manage to create a shield around herself and now she is saving the day and an experienced wizard can't even protect himself. I think the book should have been longer and maybe more time spent on her learning the skills so the ending might have been a bit more natural. It was too rushed to make a lot of sense.
Great Job everyone! Donna, I do hope things are going better for you.
Mod
Week #11~Sunday Roll: Old Spot #81 Rolled #6Spot #87
Alternative #87~Number in the Title (i.e. Third Grave Dead Ahead or Every Fifteen Minutes)
Theo~
Post 190Shannon~
Post 189Donna~
Post 192Angie~
Post 194Bonus Point~
Week 11 - Sunday
Promises Part 3 by AE Via
Pages: 260
Qualifies: Option 2 "3" in title
Read: 8/14/17
Rating: ★★★★
We've known Dana and Ford since the beginning of the series and while I did love their story, I have to admit, this one was my least favorite. I don't even know why. Maybe my brain was still freaked out by the M/F scene thrown in there. Not something I loved. Anyways, these two have been messing with and crushing on each other for three years until they can barely even work together anymore. Something has to give. Oh, something gives all right. Lovely smexing, not the hottest I've read but still nice. I think the hottest scene in the book was between Brian and Sway which, by the way, I really, really want their story. I felt more invested in them than in the actual MCs. Gimmeeeee!!!
Week 11 - Sunday Roll: Spot 87
by Gena ShowalterQualification: 8th book in Lords of the Underworld series
Page Count: 426
Finished: 8/16/17
Rating: 3 stars
Review: The 8th book in the Lords of the Underworld series focuses on Strider, the keeper of Defeat, and Kaia, a harpy whose careless decision thousands of years ago has had lasting consequences. Kaia has decided that Strider is her consort, a designation that means his blood can heal her, which will come in handy at the Harpy Games, where Kaia's unpopularity leads to many a bloody confrontation. Unfortunately, Strider is not sure that Kaia is the one for him, especially since she has slept with fellow Lord, Paris. Speaking of Paris, there's build up about his character leading to the next book, which focuses on him.
Donna, glad to hear your dad is doing better!
Same here Donna. Give your brother a good slappin' from me too! Jeez!!
Mod
Spot #87
Alternative #87~Number in the Title (i.e. Third Grave Dead Ahead or Every Fifteen Minutes)
Book:Horror Stories: 51 Sleepless Nights: Thriller short story collection about Demons, Undead, Paranormal, Psychopaths, Ghosts, Aliens, and Mystery
Pages:358
Qualification:number in title
Date:8/17/17
Rating:3 star
Review:
When I was asked if I would read (review) this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. I am not really a fan of horror stories and many of them are too much for me. This book was different though. Yes, the stories are creepy and disturbing but they kind of reminded me of that old tv show-The Twilight Zone. They were not too crazy but just enough to keep you saying "eww". Overall, I did enjoy the stories despite not being a horror fan.
Week #11~ Spot #87
by Darynda JonesQualifications:Number in the title
Pages:297
Finished:8/16/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
Charley takes a case that Reyes doesn't want her involved in but moves forward anyway. The Angels took some of Charley's memory and she wants a way to get them back. Will she be able too?
Great Job Everyone!
Week #12~Thursday Roll:Old Spot #87 Rolled #5 Spot# 92
Alternative #92~Cover Item Vehicle/Mode of Transport
Shannon~
Post 198Theo~
Post 199Donna~
Post 200Angie~
Post 197
Week #12~Spot #92
by Rebecca HeflinQualifications:Second book in the series
Pages:160
Finished:8/19/17
Rating & Review:4 Stars
Dr. Shelby Wentworth has a broken career and heart but she's not taking any chances again. Nash Taylor heart is on injured reserve waiting for someone special. A chance encounter changes everything for the both of them.
Week 12 - ThursdaySpace: 92
Who We Truly Are by Victoria Sue
Pages: 241
Qualifies: #2 of "Enhanced" series
Read: 8/17/17
Rating: ★★★★
This one starts right after the ending of the last book with the team still trying to find the missing boys and figure out who's behind everything. Finn is still crazy in love with Talon and Talon is still holding Finn at arm's length thinking he doesn't deserve that kind of love. Finn is coming into some new powers here which is really interesting and we get the know the rest of the team a lot more. I'm hoping we'll get everyone else's story also along with some kick ass crime solving with these enhanced humans. Really fun, fast paced series so far.
Week 12 - Thursday Roll: Spot 92
by Maggie StiefvaterQualification: 2nd book in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series
Page Count: 360
Finished: 8/19/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Grace and Sam have found a way to be together, but things might not be that simple. Cole, a new member of the pack, just wants to be a wolf and forget his human life, but Isabel, who has already lost her brother, feels an undeniable pull towards him. The novel is told through alternating perspectives, not just Grace and Sam, but Cole and Isabel too, which keeps the story interesting. I liked this one better than the first, but that might also be due to the fact that I've read more of the author's writing and have gotten to like the slow build that seems to be her style.
Mod
Spot# 92
Alternative #92~Cover Item Vehicle/Mode of Transport
Book:Guardians of Time
Pages:375
Qualifies:book 9 in After Cilmeri series
Date:8/19/17
Rating: 5 star
Review: This series has held my interest since I read the first book. I love following this family thru their trials and tragedies. Not only in modern times but in medieval times as well. I love that they decided to attempt to return the 21st century people that didn't want to stay. I also love that they always meet & accept new people into their diverse little group. I can't wait to read the next book!
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)
More...
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)
More...
Spot #61
Alternative #61~Cover Item Water
Book:Demon Hunter
Pages:176
Qualification: book 1 in Divine Justice series
Date:7/26/17
Rating:4 star
Review:This book started off a bit slow but I did really enjoy the story. I do wish it had been longer. I really wasn't ready for it to end when it did. It seems like the reader has barely scraped the surface of what is really happening. I love the world that Ms. Abshire has created. I hope Victor is in the story a bit more in book 2 as I feel that he spices it up a bit. I can't wait to meet Zane and see what he adds to the mix. Overall, this is a good start to a new series.