R15: Team #14 ~ Saperlipopette Reading Xpress

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Enjoy Judithe, it always looks like so much fun when you post pics & videos :)

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

What do you play Judithe? Have fun!

[Lis]

Lis: The Wolf Within by Cynthia Eden, 2 1/2 ★s, 8/12/2017, Review



Title/Author: The Wolf Within
Series: Purgatory #1
Date Read: 8/12/2017
Shelf: Kindle Freebie
Pages: 278
Rating: ★★1/2☆☆

Review: This book follows the paranormal unit that protects the unknowing humans from all the bad werewolves and vampires in Seattle. Duncan is a member of this unit and when attacked by a werewolf, becomes one of the monsters.... His love interest is Holly, a doctor at the facility where they keep the captured killers before sending them to Purgatory. Her brother is in charge and seems to be quite the manipulator, so your not quite sure if he's the good guy or the bad. The good, the storyline had potential and there were a few creative twists and turns. The bad, the big reveals were dropped in here and there and quickly glossed over, and the story delivery was awkward at times. Wanted to like it, and even though it picked up at the end, it was still a bit of a struggle to finish. But must Bingo on!!

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Done with my Free Space book and will go on my Freebie shelf book.

[Lis]

Happy shelf day teamies! Finished my free shelf pick this am and will try to get my review up after work today...
Looking forward to the next shelf. Hope your day/evening is full of reading fabulousness...

[Lis]

Lis: The Scarlet Deep by Elizabeth Hunter, 4★s, 8/16/2017, Review



Title/Author: The Scarlet Deep by Elizabeth Hunter
Series: Elemental World #3
Date Read: 8/16/2017
Shelf: Free Space / SOS Bookshelf
Pages: 393
Rating: ★★★★☆

Review: This follows characters that we have met previously in Elemental Mysteries and Elemental World series. Patrick Murphy, leader of Dublin and Anne, vampire psychologist, both water vampires. They had been in a previous relationship over 100 years earlier but estranged. Both are brought back together at a vampire summit meeting to discuss the Elixir threat and investigation as to where and who is behind this problem that started in previous EM series. More humans and vampires are infected as someone is spreading this drug and disease while others search for a cure. The good - enjoyed all the previous characters intertwining and catching up several years after the previous books. The bad - trying to learn yet more families and family members, little confusing at times with all the dad, sister, child references. Overall enjoyed this one too, will continue on with this series...

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

shelf #2: 2nd, 3rd or 4th
Second, Third or Fourth book in a series

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

I might go for the third installment

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

I have a library book that works perfectly...but I've not read the series in quite some time....hoping to remember quickly!

is 3rd in Southern Arcana.

[Lis]

Think I'll go with White Hot Hidden Legacy #2

[Stacey]

Completion Post -- Free Space

Book: by Patricia Briggs
Completed: 8/17/17
How It Fits: Series is on Best of UF list
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This book picks right up where the last book ends, which threw me a little bit, because what I thought was going to happen, didn't. I am actually liking this series more as it goes along, as Mercy collects more friends, kills more bad guys and in general maintains her kick ass heroine status, while still figuring out how to let her man take care of her and fit into her new status as mate. I also really enjoy the reader so may stick with the audio versions of these.

(Sorry, I changed my free space book to fit another challenge)

[Stacey]

I'll finish my Kindle Freebie book tomorrow on my road trip. I'm still trying to decide on my 2,3,4 book...

I have 2 other big challenges finishing up next week, and then I promise I'll be more on top of this one. :)

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

Completion Post: Free Space
Judithe ~ Wildfire by Ilona Andrews 5✮ rating 8/11/17


FREE SPACE SOS BOM (Book of the Month)
Date finished: 8/11/17
Rating: ★★★★★
Thoughts:

Lucky for me, Bingo started the day before a national holiday. So, that day, just curled up and read...Bingo books, then others...and this is my favorite for that day!

Ilona Andrews has a perfect blend of action, romance, powerful & interesting characters, drama and fun. (Yep, big, big fan!). This did not disappoint...though I'm left hoping this isn't actually the end...so many more characters I hope to see more of in future books!

Nevada Baylor is coming to terms with her abilities, and her family's. She would do anything to protect them, and is trying to do so, while also wrangling with having fallen in love with Mad Rogan...and he with her.

A scheming grandmother, egotistical maniacs intent on controlling the world (or destroying if that makes it easier to take over), teenage siblings...Rogan's ex-fiancee...well, Nevada is certainly having a challenging week.

She handles it with grace, humor and grit in this totally engrossing story. The Andrews' end it well, with the big possibility of more to come (fingers crossed). I couldn't put it down, really....and wanted to just jump in and reread the trilogy...again!

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

I have been a little busy lately but ai managed to finish my free space, week 1 book and starting week 2 book.

I'll update stats in Monday because I'll be away for the weekend. I'll keep better track of things afterward.

[Stacey]

Completion Post -- Kindle Freebie

Book: by Elizabeth Hunter
Completed: 8/20/17
Pages: 274
Rating: 2 stars
Review: I did not find this book as excellent as everyone else. I'm not sure that this author and I vibe really well, but I also think in this case it may have been the reader as I did it on audible. I found the story slow, and kind of dull. I was also thrown a bit by the similarities to A Discovery of Witches which was a DNF for me. I did like B and the fact that she was willing to stand up for herself at times, and that she's actually a pretty normal person with no hidden superhero powers. Gio was okay, but didn't really inspire a whole lot of interest. My favorite characters were actually the secondary characters and I would really like to read their books. I'm going to try the second book at some point, and just read rather than listen to see if the story grabs me more.

[Lis]

Stacey, a lot of the secondary characters are getting their stories in the Elemental World Series spinoff.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

I've updated the general post.
I'll write my reviews tomorrow and request stamps for Free Space and Week 1.

Well done team!

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Completion Post: Free Space

Blaze by Suzanne Wright
Where did I get it: Best of UF list
Date finished: 8/12/17
Rating: 4✮
368 pages
Review:
This is the continuation of Knox and Harper's story.

Harper has some adjustment issues at being Co-Prime and many are spreading rumor that Harper is not really Knox's mate. Evidently there are assassination attempts on Knox and Harper and a conspiracy plot.

What I really like about this series is the concept that demons share their soul with an entity that has no empathy or a great range of emotion. The struggle for supremacy of those two sharing the same body add another angle to the story on top of every demons being very dominant and possessive.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Shelf: Kindle Freebie

Shifter's Sacrifice by Lisa Ladew
Date Read: 8/16/2017
Pages: 316
Rating: ★★★1/2

Review: What to say about this book. It was not bad but it seriously needs proof reading. I can understand that Ella thinks she is crazy but seriously starting the story when she is in a crisis and not putting it in context was off putting.

POV change all the time without a seamless transition and all the mythology and new words to describe the different breeds of shifters was tiresome.

Once the story got going it was a nice read but it's as if the author has lived a long time with this story in her head and she kind of forgot how to introduce it to new readers.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

So...stamps requested for both Free Space and Kindle Freebie.

[Stacey]

I'm starting for our 2,3,4 shelf. It is second in the Moonshadow series by Thea Harrison.

[Stacey]

Lis wrote: "Stacey, a lot of the secondary characters are getting their stories in the Elemental World Series spinoff."

I probably should read the rest of B and Gio's story first though, huh? I really think it was the reader more than the story, but the thought of 3 more books of them is a little daunting.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Saperlipopette Reading Xpress!
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

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congratulations on the stamps Surprised Delights!

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Shelf #3 ~ 8/23/17: Debut Author
DIRECT link: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Thinking aloud with a list of possible choices:

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

Hmmm...have a couple on hand, so it might be , but will look a bit more tonight!

Have last shelf book finished, too. Will try and get that review up tonight as well!

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

I hope you like it Judithe.
I must be in the minority but I tried 2 times to read it and never could finish the book.

[Lis]

I think this is the most sparse shelf I've ever had in Bingo... found three possibilities


Still working on my other pick. RL kicked my butt this week but I also listened to another book that would work if I can't finish this one soon.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

I enjoyed the first 2 on your list Lis. Particularly

[Stacey]

After a quick trip to the library, here's what I have to choose from for this week:

or

Any recommendations??

[Lis]

I am going with Sandra's rec and going to read A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Yay!!

Now I've just gotta hope you like it :)

[Lis]

Sandra wrote: "Yay!!

Now I've just gotta hope you like it :)" I have a copy in audio which helps me get thru the fantasy style. Been on my list for awhile, so it's time...

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Just a friendly heads up. My husband is on vacation this week and the next.

I've read week 2 book, I just need to review. I haven't started week 3 book and I'll be late because not much reading is being done. We have too much to do right now.

I'll catch up later.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Does this mean the renovations are still happening or is it a new project in the works :)

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Sandra wrote: "Does this mean the renovations are still happening or is it a new project in the works :)"

LOL, we've been renovating for....3 years now. The foundation work totally wiped us out of funds so we do what we can ourselves.....during weekends and vacations. What does not help is that I sell soaps during the weekends too so it cuts in our renovation time.

Honestly, when you have no clue what you are doing...everything takes time. Structural reinforcement of the main floor took a long time and we haven't cut a hole for the stairs connecting the main floor and basement yet. We do have half of the basement insulated now.

I must say that backyard landscaping and basement finishing....it's a lot of work for us. If we knew what we were getting into.,..

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Haha we took 10 yrs to build our house on weekends & holidays, so you've a way to go yet. Plus we still have landscaping to go, when we can decide what we want to do.

And I enjoyed the photos you put up several rounds of bingo ago :)

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

What we had in mind:

What we ended up doing:


We had the contractor put up foundation walls around the areaway (someone else could build an extansion from the basement). All the rest: faux stack stones, floor tiles and stairs we made ourselves. We hired an artisan metalworker to do a custom steel railing system and balcony support arches.

There is A LOT of landscaping left to do but 1/3 is done.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

You've certainly done a lot since the last photos. It's looking fantastic Val :D

I really like those railings, something different. And stack stone always looks good.

[Lis]

Completion Post Lis: White Hot by Ilona Andrews, 5★s, 8/27/2017, Review



Title/Author: White Hot by Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #2
Date Read: 8/27/2017
Shelf: 2nd, 3rd or 4th in a series
Pages: 389
Rating: ★★★★★

Review: Back in Houston in the world of Nevada Baylor and her family investigative agency and Nevada has a new client. Cornelius from House Harrison has lost his wife in a group killing being covered up by multiple houses and looking truth and vengeance. The cover up is a lot more complicated and Mad Rogan resurfaces to assist and complicate Nevada's life. The good - Once again team IA have another home run with this series and this couple have great chemistry. The only down side is the numerous houses and magical powers can be hard to keep up with. Next book is downloaded and ready to go.

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

Completion Post: W2: 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Judithe ~ Deadlock by Moira Rogers 4✮ 8/19/17 LINK TO REVIEW


Week 2 Second, Third or Fourth (book in a series)
Date finished: 8/19/17
Rating: ★★★★☆

Thoughts:
It's been a while since I read the first two in this series. It's PNR, so it's pretty easy to pick up again.

I liked the issues and how they handled them. The romance between Alec and Carmen, how they dealt with their differences, as well as their families and legacies, made a very interesting read.

This series doesn't hit my "pre-order" list, but it is one I look forward to visiting again. I also want to see how the political shake-up that occurred in this book affects the subsequent books in the series.

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

Next (debut author) also finished...but have to find time to write review! Tomorrow morning probably!!! Sorry.

[Stacey]

Completion Post -- 2nd, 3rd or 4th in series

Book: by Thea Harrison
Completed: 8/28/17
Pages: 326
How it Fits: 2nd in Moonshadow series
Rating: 2 stars
Review: Ugh! This one was tough for me to get through. I love Thea Harrison, but this one just didn't grab me. The characters were okay, but they weren't really given anything interesting to do, they were put in positions that I didn't really believe and the ending kind of fizzled when I was expecting a big bang. I'm not sure who the next book will be about, but I'm less than impressed with the two books so far in this area of the Elder races world.

[Stacey]

Starting Throne of Glass for Debut Author.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Completion Post: 2nd, 3rd or 4th in series

Ashes by Suzanne Wright
Date finished: 8/23/17
Rating: 5✮
352 pages
Review:
This series just get better and better. Knox and Harper are a hot couple and Once again Harper is targeted again and again. I'm loving Lucifer and the hilarity he brings to this series.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Stamp for Shelf #2: 2nd, 3rd or 4th in series ....has been requested.

I've only 1/3 of my Debut author book done.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Saperlipopette Reading Xpress!
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

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Surprised Delights!

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

Completion Post: W3 Debut Author

Judithe ~ The Iron King by Julie Kagawa 4✮ 8/26/17 LINK TO REVIEW


The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Week 3 Debut Author
Date finished: 8/26/17
Rating: ★★★★☆
Thoughts:

This book has been on my TBR for a number of years, but I've not been so interested in YA books, nor fae, for awhile. So there it languished.

"Something has always felt slightly off" in Meghan Chase's life. As she approaches her 16th birthday, it becomes even more so. With help of her friend Robin, aka Puck, Grimalkin (a grinning cat), she ventures into the lands of fae to rescue her kidnapped brother. Her half-human, half-fae heritage (and relationship to Oberon, the king) provide both advantages and disadvantages as she continues on her quest. Then there is Ash, a prince of the rival court, but also a very intriguing puzzle.

Round one is a win, with her brother safely home, but her adventures are no where near finished, whether she wishes so or not.

It was an interesting and quick read. I enjoyed it, and will perhaps continue...just sort of off the genre so not sure when I'll grab the next in the series.