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R9: SSS Team Series Sirens (4)
Week #3 - Thursday ReviewsSpot #21
✓Krissy: Msg 103
An Arresting Ride, Survivors Find Love #2
✓Susan A: Msg 98
Damaged Goods, Standalone
✓Amanda A: Msg 104
Gifted Thief, Highland Magic #1
✓Katherine: Msg 101
The Black Cauldron, The Chronicles of Prydain #2
COMPLETION POSTWeek #3 - Thursday
An Arresting Ride
Completed: 6/17
Rating: ★★★★
Review: I really liked these 2 guys together. Both damaged in their own way but strong despite that. Jason had his issues but I was very happy to see that he despite all that he went through as a kid did not scare him away from sex completely. I think Graham was perfect for him. It was nice to see the MCs from book 1 again. I adored Bastian and was happy to see him quite a few times during this story.
CompletionSpot 21
Book: Gifted Thief
Date Read: 6/17/17
Rating: ★★★★
This book was an enjoyable start to the series. The world created by the author is intriguing. I really liked the main character, Integrity, and her name. Her cheesy jokes were hilarious to me. Bob was also a favorite character of mine. He was pretty funny and entertaining. There is plenty of action with a few unexpected twists. I plan to continue with the series and look forward to the next book.
WEEK #3- SundayRolled: 1
Spot: 22
-2nd in a series
-22nd in a series
-Alt: Cover: Blue
Selection Post: WEEK #3- SundaySpot: 22
Book: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Pages: 251 pages
How it Fits: 2nd in a series: Harry Potter, #2
SELECTION POSTWeek #3 - Sunday
Spot: 22
My Choice: Spencer Cohen, Book Two
Pages: 168
How it Fits: Spencer Cohen #2
Selection PostWeek #3 - Sunday
Spot: 22
Book: The Mystery of the Curiosities
Pages: 200
how it fits: Snow & WInter #2
Selection Post: Week 3 - SundaySpot: 22
Book: Truffled to Death
Pages: 304
How it Fits: A Chocolate Covered Mystery, #2
CompletionSpot 22
Book: Truffled to Death
Date Read: 6/19/17
Rating: ★★★★
Erica and Michelle are asked to host a reception for the local museum at Chocolate and Chapters. Erica is accused of stealing Maya artifacts by a professor she has history with and the professor ends up dead. The ladies are determined to prove Erica's innocence. I liked the development of the characters and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. I am interested to see where each of their relationships with Bean and Bobby are headed. The bookstore and chocolate shop combination would definitely be a place I would like to visit! I plan to continue with the series and look forward to reading the next one.
Selection PostWeek #3 - Sunday
Spot: 22
Book: The Mystery of the Curiosities
Pages: 200
how it fits: Snow & WInter #2
date read: 6/19/17
rating: 4 stars
The mystery was preposterous, just completely unbelievable, but it was quirky and interesting, and despite this, I loved this story. I did want to scream at Snow, amateur sleuth, to just stop and call the police. I was surprised the Calvin didn't arrest him, throttle him, break up with him, or just lock him up, but I think that shows Calvin's stress level. (Upon re-reading this sentence, I have no idea what I meant)
I hope there is more in store for Snow & Winter. I'd be delighted to read more.
Week #3 - Sunday ReviewsSpot #22
✓Krissy: Msg 113
Spencer Cohen, Book Two, Spencer Cohen #2
✓Susan A: Msg 111
The Mystery of the Curiosities, Snow & Winter #2
✓Amanda A: Msg 110
Truffled to Death, A Chocolate Covered Mystery #2
✓Katherine: Msg 114
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter #2
COMPLETION POSTWeek #3 - Sunday
Spencer Cohen, Book Two
Completed: 6/21
Rating: ★★★★
Review: I'm loving this series so far. I adore both MCs and can't wait to read more about the couple. This second book definitely made up for the steam the first book lacked. Great secondary characters as well. I look forward to book 3
Completion Post: WEEK #3- SundaySpot: 22
Book: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Pages: 251 pages
How it Fits: 2nd in a series: Harry Potter, #2
Date Read: 22nd June
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
*I tried my best to shorten this review*
I love all the Harry Potter book's but this one I find difficult reading because their is just one character that infuriates me so much that I see red. And that person is Gilderoy Lockhart. You ass.
Coming back to Privet Drive, the Dursley's are being there disgusting selves again. And Harry hasn't informed his guardians that he not allowed to use magic in the Muggle world until he is much older, so he uses it to his advantage and pretends to say magical word, (which are just nonsense words put together), so he can have an advantage over them, and to finally be treated better by them... and I loved that! Harry is turning twelve, and the Dursley's ignore his birthday entirely, (which is not surprising). They are too busy getting ready for the Mason's to arrive for dinner, with Vernon hoping to make a business deal with them.
Later Harry is visited by Dobby, a house-elf, he praises Harry for being famous, polite, modest and his goodness. Dobby warns Harry not to return to Hogwarts, but Harry disregards the warning. So Dobby wreaks havoc in the kitchen, infuriating the Dursley's to make sure he can't go back to school. The Dursley's lock Harry in his room. Luckily Ron, Fred & George, steals Harry away in their dad's flying car, and Harry spends the rest of the summer at the Weasley's. While shopping for school supplies, Harry has an unfortunate encounter with Lockhart, his new teacher, who demands to be in a photo shoot with Harry. Harry finds that he and Ron are unable to got through to the wall to platform nine and three quarters. So they fly the car to Hogwarts and land in the Whomping Willow, and they are both given detentions for their actions.
Time jump - Lockhart begins a dueling club and Harry accidentally terrifies the students by speaking in Parseltongue to a snake. The reason why this scares them is because only the heir of Slytherin (who is responsible for opening the chamber the first time), would have the ability to converse with snakes. Harry obtains the diary and writes in it, which the diary responds by writing back. Through this dialogue, Harry meets Tom Riddle, a boy who many years before had accused Hagrid of opening the Chamber of Secrets.
Harry enters the Chamber of Secrets and encounters Tom Riddle. Tom turns out to be a younger version of Voldemort. Harry calls for help from Dumbledore. A phoenix and a magic hat arrive. Tom summons a basilisk, but the phoenix punctures its eyes. The hat produces a sword, which Harry uses to kill the giant snake. Harry sticks a basilisk fang through the diary, destroying Tom.
Harry explains his adventure to Dumbledore. Lucius Malfoy storms into the office with his house-elf, Dobby, and Harry frees Dobby from by tricking Lucius into giving Dobby a sock. Dobby then stops Lucius from harming Harry. Dobby turns and hugs Harry and thanks him for freeing him, saying/sobbing "Harry Potter is greater by far than Dobby knew!" Everyone who was petrified has been cured and the students leave for their summer vacations.
WEEK #4 - ThursdayRolled: 4
Spot: 26
-2nd in a series
-6th in a series
-26th in a series
-Alt: Book that one of your teammates read shelf rated a 5-star
Selection PostWeek #4 - Thursday
Spot: 26
Book: The Queen & the Homo Jock King
Pages: 350p
how it fits: At First Sight #2
Selection Post: WEEK #4 - ThursdaySpot: 26
Book: The Spook's Sacrifice
Pages: 370 pages
How it Fits: 6th in a series: The Last Apprentice #6
Krissy wrote: "I loved that book"I liked the first one, so I'm hoping I'll like this one too. Although, I don't remember the first one much other than how much I laughed. What I do remember is standing in my kitchen reading it and I laughed until I cried and couldn't breathe and freaked my kids out. I purposely didn't re-read it so I didn't ruin my memory of how much I loved it. I was afraid I wouldn't find it funny again.
Susan A wrote: "Krissy wrote: "I loved that book"I liked the first one, so I'm hoping I'll like this one too. Although, I don't remember the first one much other than how much I laughed. What I do remember is st..."
I was the same way with book 1. I specifically remember the scene where Paul was getting ready to go out on his first date with Vince and he tripped over the dog and face planted against the wall in front of Sandy and Vince. I was laughing so hard my kids thought there was something wrong with me. I did skim the book a bit before I started book 2 mainly to remind myself who Darren was because I didn't remember him. Book 2 was my favorite because I adore Sandy and Helena Handbasket.
I have no idea who Darren is. Thanks for the tip. I skimmed through it. Now...I think I have for tomorrow's BINGO call just in case I can double up.Have you read Goodbye Paradise / In Front of God and Everyone ? I like Sarina Bowen's books, but I really dislike books with religious themes. Is it a fairly significant theme throughout the book?
I hate stories that drown in religion as well. I loved Goodbye Paradise! The religious aspect was pretty minimal. I would definitely recommend it.
Selection Post: Week 4 - ThursdaySpot: 26
Book: Town in a Lobster Stew
Pages: 384
How it Fits: A Candy Holliday Mystery, #2
Week #4 - Thursday ReviewsSpot #26
✓Krissy: Msg 127
Asa, Marked Men #6
✓Susan A: Msg 130
The Queen & the Homo Jock King, At First Sight #2
✓Amanda A: Msg 129
Town in a Lobster Stew, A Candy Holliday Mystery #2
✓Katherine: Msg 126
The Spook's Sacrifice, The Last Apprentice #6
Completion Post: WEEK #4 - ThursdaySpot: 26
Book: The Spook's Sacrifice
Pages: 370 pages
How it Fits: 6th in a series: The Last Apprentice #6
Date Read: 24th June
Rating: ★★★
Review:
I don't know how to feel about lot of this book. :/
Tom Ward's mum went back to her homeland a while back, (which is in Greece) to help fight the forces of the dark. One foe in particular is going to awake, the Ordeen, one of the most dangerous of the old gods, who will bring slaughter and devastation to the earth. So Mam need's more people to help face this coming foe and has summoned a powerful group to her side, among them are Tom's old enemy, the Pendle witches, including the assassin Grimalkin (YES! I love her!), and the cunning clan leader Mab Moldheel - who Tom deferentially doesn't like.
So this arrangement and using powers of the dark to destroy the dark, was completely unacceptable to Tom's master the Spook and he leaves to go home... but not for long. And the Spook Bill come's too. (view spoiler) I guessed by the end of the first book what Mam really is, and I knew she would play a bigger part in this series - and I was right!!! :D (view spoiler)
One of my problems with the 5th and 6th book is that in this book Tom is supposed to be 15, and I presume Alice is around the same age but they both act and speak the same as they did in the 1st book when they were 11. And Tom is constantly deferring to what his mother says or the Spook says, as if he is unable to think for himself. He has no backbone and doesn't seem to be a strong enough character for what he's supposed to achieve in here and for what is to come as the fight isn't over.
The Dark is coming Tom and the Fiend is closing in on you. Do you have what it takes to survive him and anything else he, and his minions of the Dark throw at you? Can you survive the Dark.
COMPLETION POSTWeek #4 - Thursday
Asa
Completed: 6/24
Rating: ★★★
Review: Not my favorite of the series but it was a'ight. Asa's self loathing got old pretty quickly. And I really missed that big dramatic moment between Asa, Royal, and Rosalind. I honestly thought Royal's mother would step up to the plate and confess but unfortunately she didn't. O'well. I'd love to see a book about Dom.
Mod
Week #4 - Thursday
Asa
Completed: 6/24
Rating: ★★★
Review: Not my favorite of the series but it was a'ight. Asa's self loathing got old pre..."
i agree with your review.
CompletionSpot 26
Book: Town in a Lobster Stew
Date Read: 6/24/17
Rating: ★★★½
The overall pace in this installment felt slower to me but I still liked it for the most part. I couldn't decide between 3 or 4 stars so I went with 3½ stars. The town of Cape Willington is charming and I enjoyed getting to know the characters who live there more. The mystery kept me entertained with an interesting twist thrown in. The ending left me intrigued to find out what happens next, so I will pick up the next book in the series at some point.
Selection PostWeek #4 - Thursday
Spot: 26
Book: The Queen & the Homo Jock King
Pages: 350
how it fits: At First Sight #2
date read: 6/25
rating: 5 stars
So much fun! It was hard to put this down. TJ Klune writes great dialogue and such funny scenes. This series has a wonderful set of characters. I'm looking forward to book 3.
Good job, team! Just made it before roll time :)
WEEK #4 - SUNDAYRolled: 5
Spot: 31
-1st in a series
-3rd in a series
-31st in a series
-Standalone
-Alt: Music/Instrument
Selection Post: WEEK #4 - SundaySpot: 31
Book: Pride and Prejudice
Pages: 258 pages
How it Fits: Standalone: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
SELECTION POSTWeek #4 - Sunday
Spot: 31
My Choice: The Sum of All Kisses
Pages: 373
How it Fits: Smythe-Smith Quartet #3
Selection Post: Week 4 - SundaySpot: 31
Book: Dating You / Hating You
Pages: 320
How it Fits: Standalone
Completion PostWeek #4 - Sunday
Spot: 31
Book: Alien Baby
Pages: 421 pg
how it fits: The Traveler #3
date read: 6/26/17
rating: 3 stars
I would have said this was a light, fun, easy read if it were 200 pages shorter. It just drug on and on. Several chapters ended with ominous sentences
He and Zaden made their way back to Wyatt’s residence, completely unaware of how drastically their lives were about to change.
They had no idea life had a wrench at hand, ready to throw it at any given moment, bringing their utter happiness to an abrupt stop.
Nothing could ever ruin the high they were feeling.
At least, that’s what they had thought.
They could never have imagined what was waiting for them just around the corner.
There you go...the last senctence of a few chapters in a row. And then, nothing happened in the next chapter. Annoying.
Week #4 - Sunday ReviewsSpot #31
✓Krissy: Msg 139
The Sum of All Kisses, Smythe-Smith Quartet #3
✓Susan A: Msg 137
Alien Baby, The Traveler #3
✓Amanda A: Msg 140
Dating You / Hating You, Standalone
✓Katherine: Msg 141
Pride and Prejudice, Standalone
COMPLETION POSTWeek #4 - Sunday
The Sum of All Kisses
Completed: 6/27
Rating: ★★★
Review: Meh. It was pretty good. It's been a while since I've read the first 2 books so I was a little confused about the whole duel thing. I remember there being a scandal but couldn't remember the details. I like the whole enemies to lovers thing but Sarah needed to chill the fuck out. She was the only one still salty about the whole thing. So that got old pretty quickly. But the book ended sweetly so I was a satisfied reader.
CompletionSpot 31
Book: Dating You / Hating You
Date Read: 6/28/17
Rating: ★★★½
Cater and Evie were a cute couple with sizzling chemistry. I really enjoyed the witty banter between the two of them. I also liked how this book addressed gender issues in the workplace. Carter and Evie's boss was a piece of work and I felt his fate was appropriate. The ending was predictable but still satisfying and sweet.
Completion Post: WEEK #4 - SundaySpot: 31
Book: Pride and Prejudice
Pages: 258 pages
How it Fits: Standalone: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Date Read: 29th June
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
I love this book! Mr. Bennet is one of my favourite characters, I love his wit, wisdom and charm. Even though he is severe on his two youngest children, he is right; they are incredibly silly for their age and immature, and shouldn't be out in public for they can easily fall prey to a scandal.
I love Elisabeth's headstrong demeanor as well as her love for her family. When she finds out her sister has come down with a cold she rushes to her sisters side by crossing a 50 miles of land to reach her and with no care to her appearance, she helps nurse her sister back to health the best way she can, and I admire that. I also felt so much for Jane, she is too good of a person for anyone but Mr. Bingley to marry. I get really emotional when Lizzy talks to Jane, saying she doesn't deserve a sister like Jane because she is very cynical and believes the worst in people, unlike her 'pure' sister who always thinks the best in them.
And Mr. Bingley is such a sweet kind soul, you would think he was a rich man in the way he feels and acts, if you didn't know any better you would think he was a commoner of avenge money. And this is why I love him too. And I adore Darcy and Elisabeth's interactions, they are perfect for each other. I can't help feeling/thinking that Darcy is either shy or anti-social, or maybe a bit of both - he just came off like that to me.
WEEK #5 - THURSDAYRolled: 4
Spot: 35
-3rd in a series
-5th in a series
-35th in a series
-Alt: Debut Novel or Debut Author
Selection PostWeek #15- Thursday
Spot: 35
Book: The Archer's Arrow
Pages: 210
how it fits: A Ren Faire Romance #3
Selection Post: WEEK #5 - THURSDAYSpot: 35
Book: The Earl's Wallflower Bride
Pages: 215 pages
How it Fits: 3rd in a series: Marriage by Arrangement #3
Selection Post: Week 5 - ThursdaySpot: 35
Book: Decaffeinated Corpse
Pages: 262
How it Fits: Coffeehouse Mystery, #5
Selection PostWeek #5 - Thursday
Spot: 35
Book: The Archer's Arrow
Pages: 210
how it fits: Ren Faire Romance #3
date read: 6/29/17
rating: 3 stars
This is my 4th book by this author and I think it is time to say that this author is not for me. There is nothing explicitly wrong with the books I just seem to not care for the characters or plot line. The stories are rather simple. I wouldn't recommend against this author, I think it is just not a good fit for me.
In this story, the MC is a victim of child abuse, his uncle is the pedophile. He is kidnapped as a child and held for over a month and sexually abused. His kidnapper is never found. He father eventually leaves, his mother doesn't seem to believe him. It is years later, the MC is now fully an adult and suddenly the uncle is after him again...this just didn't make any sense to me.
In addition, I think a book with this awful a topic should come with some kind of warning. The blurb simply states " John’s Uncle Fred, the source of his horrible memories, appears at one of the Perfect Princes’ performances, and it upsets John so much he needs Robin to rescue him. Their love is tested again as Uncle Fred plans to finish what he started when John was a child." I guess you can read between the lines and figure it out, but a warning would have been nice.
CompletionSpot 35
Book: Decaffeinated Corpse
Date Read: 6/30/17
Rating: ★★★
I always enjoy the background information on coffee in this series. This installment also had interesting information about New York City. The mystery is predictable but the characters are entertaining. Clare's ex-mother-in-law, Madame, is one of my favorite characters as she is up to her usual antics. I will continue the series and check out the next one when I want a quick, light read.
COMPLETION POSTWeek #5 - Thursday
Hard Wired
Completed: 7/02
Rating: ★★★★
Review: I loved this! This is turning out to be a fantastic series. I loved Ian and Jesse together. Ian really needed Jesse in his life. I loved the online chats between the two. I can't wait to read Beau's story!
Week #5 - Thursday ReviewsSpot 35
✓Krissy: Msg 149
Hard Wired, Cyberlove #3
✓Susan A: Msg 147
The Archer's Arrow, A Ren Faire Romance #3
✓Amanda A: Msg 148
Decaffeinated Corpse, Coffeehouse Mystery #5
✓Katherine: Msg 152
The Earl's Wallflower Bride, Marriage by Arrangement #3
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
As I Am (other topics)The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (other topics)
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (other topics)
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (other topics)
Club Dead (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Sarah Masters (other topics)Sarah Masters (other topics)
Lindsey Black (other topics)
A.J. Truman (other topics)
A.J. Truman (other topics)
Spot: 21
Book: The Black Cauldron
Pages: 223 pages
How it Fits: 2nd in a series: The Chronicles of Prydain #2
Date Read: 17th June
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
I've read the first book as well as this one because I enjoyed the Disney movie The Black Cauldron and I wanted to read what it was based on. OMG, the books are better and have more than I ever expected!! :D I love that this book is more based on the character's and their motivations in the story. I liked that the enchantresses were so sassy. I love me some sass.
And Taran, can you for once not be an ego-I'm-better-than-you sort of person, and fuck off with your a women's place is in the kitchen stick. SHE'S a Princess, far higher in class than a mere pig farmer like you, god! And she is far smarter, wise, brave and just a handy person to have on this quest... her brains are worth so much more than a lot of the people on the quest with you. That Prince doesn't know the difference from his elbow to his knee as well as he thinks he is this amazing guy but he's not his so arrogant and his snobbery makes his character worth far lower in my eyes. Princess Eilonwy for the win and sadly the only woman in the series so far. ¬_¬