R15: Team #12 ~ Random Readers

[K~Terror]

Art (Posting elsewhere as Whistler Reads) wrote: "Speaking of spreadsheets, don't forget this one, it's the one (comparing all the teams) that Sandra maintains.

I'll be checking both ... (O_O)"

Awesome! I didn't know about that one! Definitely have it bookmarked now though!

[K~Terror]

Twist wrote: "Are we allowed to change books after we declare them? I just cannot get into the kindle freebie I chose."

Sure! Last round I remember people posting a new selection post to change their book!

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Twist wrote: "Are we allowed to change books after we declare them? I just cannot get into the kindle freebie I chose."

Of course Twist ... (I wondered about that one when I saw it, i. e. recommended by some pretty good seeming reviewers that you read a whole other series to understand it) ... to keep us (ME) looking "neat", add a post below with a "New Choice Post" for week one.
I'll clean up the group stats when you do ...

Maybe edit the old post with strikeout in the heading or bookchoice lines ...

and, happier reading .....................

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Twist wrote: "Hey Art, would you put the 2 SS links in the post with our shelves? That way we can find them easier?"

... @Twist and All ...
DONE ... gathered together @Post #9 on first page, just down from TEAM STATS, to reflect SS'x...

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Thanks Art for adding the spreadsheet links! : )

I'm back from my brunch and we had a great time. It was nice to see The Hubster's family. My kids couldn't make it unfortunately, but it was a bit of a short notice thing. It was still a lot of fun and the food was FABULOUS! I don't have to worry about starvation...I'm so stuffed I probably won't need to eat for quite a while! Haha!

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Twist wrote: "New Choice for Shelf #1:

Space: Shelf #1 ~ 8/13/17: Kindle Freebie; Near the bottom on pg 5.
Book: Forged in Fire
"

Interesting ....

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Twist wrote: "Completion Post
Shelf ~ 8/13/17: Free Space

Space: Free
Book: After Dark
How it fits: Listed under SciFi Romance on SOS bookshelf
Series: Ghost Hunter's #1
Pages: 340
[bookcover:Af..."

Read date and rating, please??? Just edit 'em in ... ... ...

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Becky's Completion Post For...
FREE SPACE: Option 3, SOS Group Bookshelf
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How it fits: Book is on the SOS Group Bookshelf



White Hot by Ilona Andrews
How it fits: Book is listed on Group Bookshelf
Series: Hidden Legacy #2
Pages: 416
Finished on: Aug 13, 2017
My Rating: ★★★★

My Review :

❖ Another eBook/Audio combo with The Hubster ❖

What a fabulous follow-up to the debut of Ilona Andrews' Hidden Legacy series! We were a bit unsure about Nevada and Max Rogan in the first book. Neither of us really got a grasp on Nevada's character or if we really liked Rogan. Was he a good guy or a bad guy? The big delay in publishing this book didn't bother us too much, but now we see that it was well worth the wait!

I hate the cover, but what matters is the story behind the cover ... and I say it deserved a better cover!

Nevada Baylor has shown herself to be a truly incredible character with far more skills than we initially thought. We are convinced this will be a series that equals the quality and entertainment level of both the Kate Daniels Series and The Edge.

It's nearly impossible to pick the favorite parts of this book so we're going to just touch on the big ones! Of course at the top of the list we have Nevada and Rogan, which have so much chemistry and wit when they are together that it causes electricity to fire from the pages. One of us. ... I won't say which ... had to turn on the fan during one of their steamier scenes! Whew! When it comes to their combined magical abilities, they are nearly unbeatable. This leads to some amazing action and magical battles.

(view spoiler)[We should probably mention that Nevada discovers her truth seeker abilities are merely the tip of the iceberg. Just exactly what type of powers she has you'll have to discover on your own. (hide spoiler)] You won't be disappointed, especially in the authors' initial display of her abilities.

Another standout in the book is the involvement of Nevada's family. We learn more about who they are, their past, and even get to see them in action. Very interesting indeed! We love the humor Grandmother and the sisters bring to the story. For secondary characters, they do make an impression and add that extra "something special" to the story.

The plot is of the high standard we've all come to expect of the Andrews writing partnership. It starts with Nevada accepting a job for a recent widower, Cornelius, now a single father who lost his wife to murder. He wants to know the name of the responsible person ... and he wants revenge. Nevada will soon finds herself up to her neck with victims, people that are tied to Rogan, and a far bigger problem than she expected!

The Hubster and I highly recommend this book! We are moving to book three as soon as our library holds come through!

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Twist, is the 2nd part of Lydia & Emmett's story, and this is where the romance is.

They came through the curtain as all explorers do, to find out what was on the other side, but then got trapped there. As to the Harmonics, they are still trying to figure out who they were, just think of them as mysterious vanished aliens.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Twist wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Twist, is the 2nd part of Lydia & Emmett's story, and this is where the romance is.

They came through the curtain as all explorers do, to find out w..."

I have that series on my TBR! It looks good, I just haven't started it yet. I need to drop by the author's website to get the reading order. It's not like I have a gazillion other series in progress, but what's one more! Thank heavens for FictFact.com

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

The reading order is here on GR Becky.

https://www.goodreads.com/series/4062...

Bridal Jitters is the prequel, but you don't need to read it. None of the characters are in the series at all.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Awesome! Thanks for the link, Sandra!

I think I've read Bridal Jitters, but it's been awhile. I just remember thinking I should've skipped it. Lol! It sounds like the rest of the series is going to be much better. ; )

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Yes, it read a bit like a short story to me, then she decided to expand it into a series, kept the world building but ditched the characters.

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

up to date, and TWO stamps applied for...

YAY TEAM .......................................................................

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Art (Posting elsewhere as Whistler Reads) wrote: "up to date, and TWO stamps applied for...

YAY TEAM ......................................................................."


Woohoo! Way to go, Random Readers!!!!



(This is still not my dog...lol!)

[K~Terror]

But he's awfully cute!!!!!

New shelf call today, right?!!! :D

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Yeah....*sighs longingly*....he's really adorable!

I believe we do have a new shelf today! I'm almost finished with my Hunger Games book ... thankfully. I'm reading Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers. It's the second book in His Fair Assassin series. I'm not enjoying it that much and it's been a real chore to get through. I think it's because I never really liked Sybella. She's dark...I mean DARK. We learn more about her past and why she never lets anyone in, which is another "dark" story that tweaked my "Nu-uh!" buttons. I don't mind a tear jerker now and then, but sometimes.........

I think it's my overall grumpy mood today.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

The Hunger Games is killing me....just killing me....literally! I may not survive to round two. We'll see what happens this week, but it might be a close call.

[K~Terror]

Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ wrote: "Yeah....*sighs longingly*....he's really adorable!

I believe we do have a new shelf today! I'm almost finished with my Hunger Games book ... thankfully. I'm reading Dark Triumph by ..."

I ended up really liking the first two books in this series )not sure if there are more?) but I know what you mean by a chore. I had to work really hard to get interested in the stories... seemed like such a slow beginning both times. Probably seemed longer even for the 2nd book!

Hopefully it pays off for you too bc I did end up enjoying them!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Random Readers!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'kindle freebie' and 'free space'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Sorry I'm late ... ... ...

there's no shelf link, per se , this week ...

pick your own series, the second, third, or fourth book thereof ...

... and a "happy Categories confusion to you" ... *_* ???

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congratulations on the stamps Randoms!

[K~Terror]

Oh what a beautiful bingo card!!! YAY!!!

Awesome on the shelf call!

I should have some series books to carry on with.... *off to browse*

[K~Terror]

SELECTION POST
Week 2: Read the 2nd, 3rd or 4th Book in a Series

Book: Corrupted
How it Fits: 3rd book in the Rosato & DiNunzio series

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Choice Post

Week Two... 8/16/17 ... Second, Third, or Fourth Book in a Series,

Spellbinder by Thea Harrison

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

WOOHOO! STAMPS!!!!

Why am I always the last one to post my selection book? LOL!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Becky's Selection Post For...
WEEK 2: 2nd, 3rd or 4th Book in Series
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Battlegroup Avalon by Glynn Stewart
How it fits: 3rd in Series
Series: The Castle Federation #3
Pages: 357

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Four choices brings me up to date here😃

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

K~Terror wrote: "Probably seemed longer even for the 2nd book!

Hopefully it pays off for you too bc I did end up enjoying them."

Yep...Sybella was hard to take during the first 2/3rds of the book, but once things really got going it was a little better. I still gave it four stars because the good part was REALLY good. (view spoiler)[I loved the part where she started teaching the younger boys her assassin skills! (hide spoiler)]

I know there is a third book out, Mortal Heart. It's Annith's story. I've also seen two placeholders on the series page so the author may be expanding the trilogy into a full blown series.

In my review I mentioned part of the problem was the narrator. I think if I had just read the book alone, it wouldn't have been nearly as bad. The voices were terrible. I looked into it and all three books have a different narrator...go figure. I thought the first one was just fine.

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ wrote: "Why am I always the last one to post my selection book? LOL!"

WHOAA HAAA HAAA HAAA HAAAAAAAA!!! (^0^)

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Twist wrote: "Completion Post
Shelf #2 ~ 8/17/17: Readers Choice of 2nd, 3rd or 4th in a series.

Book: Marked in Flesh
How it fits: 4th in the series.
Series: The Others
Pages: 416
Date Read: 8/..."

Good review ... need author link on this review entry, I know I got it for the 'STATS' page, ...

... all please remember, for completion post, we need:
Book link, ... cover is not required, tho' it is pretty ...
Author link,
Date Read,
Rating,
Review,
... per rules of game ...

[K~Terror]

COMPLETION POST
Week 2: Read the 2nd, 3rd or 4th Book in a Series

Book: Corrupted by Lisa Scottoline
How it Fits: 3rd book in the Rosato & DiNunzio series
Read: 8/18
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Each book in this series seems to be better than the last. When I'd finished the first book, I was not sure if I would carry on with the series. Not that the book was bad, but it just didn't jump out or grab me... didn't seem to offer anything different than some of the other John-Grisham-courtroom-type books available. However, as I get to know the characters better, I keep getting more invested in their well being and caring what happens to them. This book also centered around a child for half of the story, which definitely was a topic that held my interest until the very end. I'm definitely heading on to the next book in the series. I'm so glad this book worked for bingo this week!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Hey Teamies!

Just popping in to read the reviews! Nicely done, ladies! Twist...The Others series just gets better and better. I remember Marked In Flesh being pretty dark, too, but I think it was also one of my favorites. I'm re-reading the series with my husband on audio. We're about to start Vision in Silver and hopefully we can move through the next few books without taking a break.

I tend to jump around between series because I'm in so many challenges, but things will slow down soon. One of my team challenges may be ending for me in the next couple of weeks. We shall see!

The Hubster and I are over the halfway point in . Gotta love spaceship battles! Lol! I read a lot faster on my own, but it's so much fun to share my books with him. : )

Y'all have a great evening! I'll try and check in later!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Becky's Completion Post For...
WEEK 2: Second, Third or Fourth in Series
❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦ ❦



Battlegroup Avalon by Glynn Stewart
How it fits: 3rd in Series
Series: The Castle Federation #3
Pages: 357
Finished on: Aug 18, 2017
My Rating: ★★★★★

My Review :

❖ ❖ ❖ An ebook/Audiobook Buddy Read w/The Hubster ❖ ❖ ❖

WOW! This book held The Hubster and I spellbound! Battlegroup Avalon is book three in the Castle Federation, an exciting space opera series written by Glenn Stewart. All of the books have been well written and exciting, but this one is by far our favorite!

For three books, we've followed Captain Kyle Roberts and his crew on multiple missions aboard the Avalon. Together they have battled the relentless Torren Federation, a vicious enemy that is slowly gaining ground by invading and/or destroying entire worlds near the Castle system. Many of the victories won under Roberts' command have been part luck, part genius, but always highly creative when it comes to battle strategy. In this story, Roberts faces his biggest challenge yet. The war is not going well and he is placed in charge of a fleet of four carriers (Battlegroup Avalon). Each ship is heavily armed and transporting multiple squadrons of pilots, smaller spaceship fighters, and powerful marines. Together, they are tasked with taking back the worlds previously captured and enslaved by the Torren Federation.

Did I mention how much we loved this book? It was incredible and held us in suspense multiple times. Of course, this is war and war doesn't occur without loss. However, the ending left both of us breathless and eager to dive into book four. Thankfully, my library hold just came through! If you enjoy lots of action and military strategy, you'll love these books. If you decide to give them a try, make sure you read them in order.

I should mention that this book popped up as a random recommendation through Goodreads. We hadn't heard of the author before picking up book one, Space Carrier Avalon, but now that we've found his work, we are happily binging our way through the series. Our plan is to catch up with the Castle Federation and move on to his Starship Mage series. What could be better than Space Opera and Magic?!?!

The Hubster and I highly recommend the Castle Federation series to all Science Fiction Fantasy and/or Space Opera fans!

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Completion Post

Week Two ... Second, Third, or Fourth in Series

Spellbinder by Thea Harrison
Read: 8/19
Rated: ★★★★★

Review: Thea Harrison's "Elder Races" is the first series to be included in my WACKY 17 x 17 (286 book) CHALLENGE that I started along with Round 14 of BSB at the first of the year, and I had already completed reading everything including the first of the spinoff series "Moon shadow" by the time the first shelf of BSB was called. I re-read "Moonshadow" to restore the milieu in my brain, and then continued with this week's "Spellbinder".
I've found great delight revisiting her outstanding world building and magic system, with various abilities distributed among Gods, Djinns, Weres, Witches, Sprites, and of course Humans too. In this book, we have a new heroine, a returning shapeshifting puck, a returning villain now a hero, and near the end, sort of batting cleanup, a dragon from the first couple of books in the first series and an unusually kindly Djinn from a little later on.
This was a satisfying blend of "adult" romance and mayhem.
I recommend this as a standalone, but better yet, read it as a continuation , vol. 17 of the whole series!

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

STAMP REQUESTED .... WOOHOO ...........

[Sam]

I love the idea of Dragos batting cleanup. Now I'm picturing the characters as a baseball team.

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Art (Posting elsewhere as Whistler Reads) wrote: "STAMP REQUESTED .... WOOHOO ..........."

Way to go, Teamies!!!

[K~Terror]

Yay! Congrats teammies!!!

Good shelf call!!!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Random Readers!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on '2nd, 3rd, or 4th'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Woohoo! Thank you, Steph!

Great job, Teamies! : )

[K~Terror]

Come on Book Boyfriends and UF!!!!! HaHa!!

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Randoms!

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

lookin' pretty good HERE , Teamies ...

shelf ... SHELF ... SHELF !!!

[K~Terror]

It's looking really good so far!!! Thanks Art!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Could this be the shortest round of Bingo...ever?

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ wrote: "Could this be the shortest round of Bingo...ever?

"LOL ... Don't jinx us !!!!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

*knocking on wood*!!!!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Hey Teamies!!!

New shelf is up! For week 3 we are looking for books on the Debut Author Shelf. I'm so excited! I have a book that ready at the library for this one that looks AMAZING!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Becky's Selection Post For...
WEEK 3: Debut Author Shelf
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The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
How it fits: Book is #26 on Page 1 of the Debut Author Shelf (shelved 4x).
Series: N/A
Pages: 400