SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
>
R15: Team #15 ~ Spine Crackers
Oh dang, it doesn't work for the one of the books I needed to read :(So... I'll probably go with:
Planning to read:
Week 2 Shelf : 2nd, 3rd or 4th
Book:
by Jennifer Estep How it Fits: #2 in Elemental Assassins series
Still trying to decide what I want to read for this one....will update soon! ☺**Updated**
Week 2 Shelf : 2nd, 3rd or 4th
Reading -
Boomerang #2
Shelf Called: Free SpaceOption: (2) Any books within a series found on one of SOS’ member-generated BEST OF lists.
Fits: Series is #5 on SOS BEST OF: Paranormal Romance Series
Book: Kiss of Midnight
Author: Lara Adrian
Date Read: 8/17/17
Rating: 3.5★
Review:
I’ve read reviews for this book and mostly everyone mentions how this series is too similar to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Now I’ve only read the first book in the BDB series and I’ve never pick up any of the other books, mainly because it didn’t really catch my attention, I remember skimming through the book and couldn't wait to get rid of it. Needless to say, I was a bit hesitant to read this book.
This is the first book in the series, Midnight Breed, & it’s a great introduction into the world. We get a background story of how the Breed came to be, who exactly are the breedmates, the Rogues & their minions, and bloodlust.
Our hero is Lucan, the leader of the Breed warriors, he is cold, distant, & really doesn’t care about anything other than getting rid of the Rogues & protecting his race. He has a troubled past & isn’t looking for a breedmate, add the fact that he is a Gen One, he is constantly fighting bloodlust. When he meets Gabrielle, our heroine, he tries his best to stay away from her, which he failed miserably. Gabrielle is quiet & reserved but cares deeply, she rather be by herself instead of been surrounded by others, except for her small group of friends. She’s also a photographer, she likes to takes pictures of abandoned buildings, breaking a few laws here and there. The photos she takes happen to be both Breed & Rogue compounds, which makes her a great addition, I just wish the author would have gone more in depth about Gabrielle's ability. The romance between them is steamy, yet slow burning. The emotional side, whoever, it was slow building, mostly on Lucan’s side. There’s a lot of misleadings & miscommunication. But they eventually get there.
There is romance, humor, action, death, & betrayal. All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I’ll definitely be reading the next book. I loved the supporting characters, can’t wait to read their stories.
I'm going to change my book choice to, A Hunger Like No Other. I thought I had the other book but it still hasn't arrived *sigh*
Shelf Called: Kindle Freebie
Book: Marking Time by April White
Date Read: 8/18/17
Rating: 4.5★
Review: This was a great find. I judge a book by how fast I get involved in the story, how well it holds my attention and at the end am I still thinking about the story. This book did all 3 for me. I was part way through and had already bought the rest of the series.
So the story is about a teen who is a Clocker - time traveller and she is going back to the past to find her mom and also find out more about her heritage. A great cast of characters. I was taken in right from the start. There are time travelers, vampires, shifters and my favorite time period - Vistorian times - Jack the Ripper. I just loved this book and I can see me re reading this series especially if the rest is as good as the first.
Planning to read:Week 2 Shelf : 2nd, 3rd or 4th
#2 Shifters Unbound.
Completion PostShelf called: 2nd, 3rd or 4th (8/16/17)
Book: Rebound
Author: Noelle August
Date Read: Aug 21
Rating: 2.5 ★
Review:
This installment in the Boomerang series is just so-so for me. It seems too much like a rewrite of the plot of Boomerang #1. That said, I really liked Adam....Alison, not so much! I will say that she did somewhat redeem herself.
CONGRATULATIONS, Spine Crackers!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'kindle freebie'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congratulations on the stamp Spine Crackers!
Yay 1st square completed! Great job everyone :)I finished my book for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and will post my review tonight after work. HOPING the next shelf will work with a book I want to read for SRC *fingers crossed*
We are only 1 book away from Free Space stamp too!! :-)
Yay!New shelf called:
Shelf #3 ~ 8/23/17: Debut Author
DIRECT LINK - https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
LOL - Cathy! We were both waiting for that one!!
Hahaha :DI was waiting to start my book HOPING it would work but it does not :( So need to find a new one for Bingo then.
Oh damn, I just finished a book that would have fit perfectly.
Don't you hate that? Hope you find something good to make up for it!
Oh yes. Thanks! I have a couple of them that would fit. I'm gonna have a hard time deciding between them lol
yay new shelf. ...I ll have my 2 reviews up later tonite and then find a new book....
Nina wrote: "Oh damn, I just finished a book that would have fit perfectly."Me too, Nina!!
Shelf #2 ~ 8/16/17: 2nd, 3rd or 4th - Second, Third or Fourth book in a series
Primal Bonds by Jennifer Ashley
Read: August 23 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I really do enjoy Jennifer Ashley novels. There is humor, romance, suspense & mystery. I just get her. I also love Shifters by far my favorite species.
Sean is the guardian of his shifter town and with the help of an ancient sword he is to help his people cross over to Summerland at the time of death. What his people don't know is the loneliness he feels. Then he meets Andrea and he feels complete. Sean has found his mate. He just has to convince her of that.
Andrea has other plans. Accepting his mate-claim only to be able to relocate she is unprepared for Sean Morrissey. Even feeling the mate bond between them she refuses to give in to those feelings. Add in that most shifters detest the fey and you have a fight waiting to happen.
Out of all the Shifters Unbound books I've read so far Sean is my favorite character. He is strong and closed off in every way because of his responsibilities as guardian. I loved the fact that from the start he cared for and protected Andrea not expecting anything in return. He accepted her even though she was part fey and didn't care what anyone else thought.
Andrea was complex. She wanted the life she always dreamed about not the one where everyone looked down on her because of her fey heritage and she refused to give in to anyone regardless of them being more dominant than her. It was refreshing to watch her come into herself and accept who and what she really was fully.
There were some surprises thrown in that I originally didn't see coming. The mystery and betrayal added more to the storyline than just a romance between two seemingly (at first glance) incompatible shifters.
Free Space 
Heart of Evil by Heather Graham
on SOS bookshelf added by Mary: Harry Dresden's Love Slave
Read: August 23 2017
Rating:4 stars
Review:
Heather Graham has yet to disappoint. She is on a short list of authors I go to when I simply want to relax and enjoy a good story. Her characters are easy to relate to and seemingly normal with special abilities. She gives you plausible story lines by making her main characters very human. Her ghosts relatable. She does not cheat her reader either. We receive the same information as our "krewe" or whom ever is the truth seeker.
This story of history, ghosts, and love reunited drew me in quickly and kept my attention throughout. There is nothing like a serial killer doing a vengeful ghost's bidding to bring back together two people who were separated because of their opposing views on the existence of such paranormal entities.
The characters were strong, each with their own unique personalities, including the unnamed killer. I really like it when you get brief glimpses into the killer's demented thoughts in these types of novels. I think it takes the suspense up a notch. The dialogue of all of the characters was expertly written, enhancing each character in manner of speech and tone. Graham is one of the best characterization authors I have ever read. Even the secondary characters, including the ghostly ones, were all very well developed.
I am a sucker for lovers-torn-apart being forced back together again. In this one, as opposed to most, the two past lovers didn't hate each other. Yet, despite the fact they were willing, so much stood in their way of getting back together again. I found myself really rooting for Jack and Ashley.
The plot while well constructed and suspenseful, took a few scary turns with ghosts to help the investigation along. I loved how the paranormal element helped even when the main character resisted, a nice opposition to the ghost who had a human killing for him.
The setting came through beautifully through rich descriptions of the plantation and cemetery along with the rich history of the place. The setting of a civil war re-enactment was very clever especially when you have modern day people playing the ghosts walking among them. Again, the story was so nicely layered, giving it a full plot. It has a little something for everyone: history buffs, romance addicts, suspense/mystery readers, etc.
Shelf #3 ~ 8/23/17: Debut Author I will read
Reboot by Amy Tintera
On page 4 of the list shelved 2 times as Debut Author
Shelf Called: 2nd, 3rd, or 4th book in a series Book: A Hunger Like No Other
Author: Kresley Cole
Date Read: 8/24/17
Rating: 2.5 ★
Review:
When it comes to books that feature unhealthy relationships, I either hate, love, or I hate so much that I love it (Not sure if that makes sense). This was a definite miss for me. Both main characters annoyed me. Lachlain was a control freak who treated Emma like crap pretty much throughout the whole book & only started to change when Emma’s aunts threaten him & he started to feel somewhat guilty. Emma, well she just annoyed me. There were some parts I like, mainly the world building, & Emma’s aunts were funny most of the time, but that’s about it. If the rest of the books are like this one, I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series.
Completion PostShelf Called: 2nd, 3rd or 4th
Book:
Author: Jennifer Estep
Date Read: 08.21.17
Rating: ★★★★
How it Fits:#2 in Elemental Assassins series
Review:
I'm really digging this series, and this installment was fast paced, action-packed and so much fun!
Gin is super badass love her so much! She's bitchy and snarky but still has a heart. And I love that she's coming into her own (learning to use her powers more) earlier in the series than some others (Kate Daniels took FOREVER). But I really hated how she kept trying to force something with Donovan when it was clear it was NOT going to happen. I mean I know she has a hell of lot more self esteem than that...
Finn once again was his funny and charming self. He is turning out to be an awesome sidekick. And Sophia and Jo-Jo's parts seemed to be a lot bigger and I hope to learn more about them!
My only gripe (that I can remember at least) is the author's writing. Love the plot, love the pacing, love the characters. But the writing might keep me from ever giving any books in this series more than a 4-star. Estep described Sophia as "the Goth dwarf" like 20 times. And she described her spider scars on her palms like 8 times. The reading isn't likely to forgot those details after the first time or two but I think Estep needs to learn to scale things down a bit. The repetitiveness gets annoying and I know I'm not the only who thinks so.
That being said I do love the stories so far and will most definitely be continuing. Gotta see how the additional of Owen Grayson as a potential love interest pans out, and how everything comes to a head with Mab Monroe!
I think I'll go with Cinder. I've been meaning to finished this series but I keep putting it off. Maybe re-reading Cinder will motivate me to finish it.
Nina wrote: "I think I'll go with Cinder. I've been meaning to finished this series but I keep putting it off. Maybe re-reading Cinder will motivate me to finish it."Oh I LOVED Cinder! Surprisingly the entire series was amazing! (Surprising because I didn't think I would like it at all)
Nina wrote: "Shelf Called: 2nd, 3rd, or 4th book in a series Book: A Hunger Like No Other
Author: Kresley Cole
Date Read: 8/24/17
Rating: 2.5 ★
Review:
When it comes to books that f..."
This is one series I've always meant to try again but I wasn't a huge fan of the 1st one...
Actually, the first one isn't typical of the series, quite a few of the books feature the aunts and they are all badasses. LOL.
Oh is it completely different? It's been a couple years since I read it so I don't even remember their world except vampires :P I just know that whenever I see it I always move past it.
Well, wolves, witches, vampires, valkyries are the main supes. But there are quite a few others as well.Most of the heroines are tough, badass types, and everyone is still waiting for the book about Nix, the eldest Valkyrie, who is the seer.
Just wanted to say - GREAT JOB, Team!!!! We have completed the 1st and 2nd shelf and Free Space!!
Stamps requested for all - and received for 1st shelf.
YAY!!I'm still trying to find something to read for Debut Author. Thought it would be easier to find!
Finally decided!Planning to read:
Week 3 Shelf : Debut Author
Book:
by Jana AstonHow it Fits: Shelved 1x Debut Author (also on list but will need to find it again!)
Cathy you don't need to say where its on the list, unless you really, really want to trawl through them all again :)
CONGRATULATIONS, Spine Crackers!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'free space' and '2nd, 3rd or 4th'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congratulation of the stamps Spine Crackers!
Sandra wrote: "Cathy you don't need to say where its on the list, unless you really, really want to trawl through them all again :)"Yea thats not fun :) Its tagged so it works!
Shelf #3 ~ 8/23/17: Debut Author Book:
Reboot by Amy TinteraRead|: August 28 2017
Rating 4.5 stars
Review:
From the moment I started this book I was sucked right in to the story. I found myself sneaking off during the day to read. It was very fast-paced and innovative in its idea. The concept was somewhat like World War Z, in a less aggressive way.A unique take on the undead.
I loved the character of Wren and felt that she was well-developed and was growing throughout the story.Wren was dead for 178 minutes before she rebooted. The longer a person is dead, the less human they are when they wake. Wren is equally feared and admired within her division. She follows orders without question. But when a low number recruit enters the facility, Wren finds herself both annoyed and intrigued by him. Callum's a 22, almost human. Wren has always believed feelings are weaknesses, and the lower numbers are a bit of a joke, but being around Callum initiates changes in her that she can't control. This story is a real page-turner with its fast pace, dangerous world, and discovery of what it is to be human. Very well written and look forward to reading the next in the series
Never heard of that one, sounds interesting!
Completion PostShelf #3 called: Debut Author (8/23/17)
Book: Catching Jordan
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Date Read: Aug 27
Rating: 3
Review:
Being an NFL football fan, I like to read stories that center around football players and "Catching Jordan" was about a female quarterback playing for a Franklin, TN high school team, whose dad is the QB for the TN Titans and who brother plays for University of Michigan.
The story was good, not great. Many reviews say it is unrealistic. But girls do play football and many play it very well. Enough to be the star QB at a division one school? Who knows - anything is possible! The characters are a little immature, but they are teenagers. It was funny at times, irritating at times, but beware, it pretty much ends on a cliffhanger. Not sure I liked it enough to go for the next book - but I would give the author another shot, since this was a debut novel.
My favorite line in the book is probably this one:
When unrequited love is the most expensive thing on the menu, sometimes you settle for the daily special.
Hi all! How is everyone doing? Sorry, I have been scarce; I am traveling for work and I have zero time to be online during the days.
Shelf Called: Debut AuthorsBook: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Date Read: 8/27/17
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
I have a soft spot when it comes to fairytales retellings. I absolutely love them. I can’t believe I didn’t pick up the rest of the series after I read Cinder the first time (I blame life).
Cinder is a Sci-Fi/Dystopian retelling of Cinderella, with Cinder being a Cyborg. That alone caught my attention. I love all the characters, except for the step-mother of course, especially Iko, she was just adorable & hilarious. I also loved that one of the step-sister, Peony, loved Cinder instead of hating her. Cyborgs don’t have equal rights as the rest, they’re treated more like property, which her step-mother reminded Cinder every change she got but that didn’t stop Cinder from being a very strong, independent, caring & sassy. The romance between Cinder & Prince Kai wasn't insta-love which I found fit well with the story. Prince Kai was an okay character for me I didn't think much of him. The plot was slow paced and I pretty much predicted everything but it was still interesting & enjoyable. Although I will say its best to go into this book not knowing a lot to fully experience it. But then again, this is a well-known book so you guys probably already heard a thing or two.
Completion PostShelf Called: Week 3 - Debut Author
Book:
Author: Jana Aston
Date Read: 08.29.17
Rating: ★★★★
How it Fits:Shelved 1x Debut Author
Review:
It started off with an awkward visit to the gyno clinic and let me say that it had me laughing so hard that I had to turn it off (I was at work). I've been feeling a little out of it lately reading-wise and this book was exactly what I needed. It was funny, witty, sweet, light-hearted, sexy and had a little bit of drama to keep it interesting.
I thought Sophie was a great MC - I usually hate when the female MCs are virgins at the beginning of the story (there's a lot of eye-rolling on my part) but this one didn't bother me one bit. She wasn't overly immature or annoying so that was a definite plus. Luke was the typical older alpha male but I didn't think there was anything special about him to make him stand out. So I did like him, just not love.
I felt like there were some details that were missing (what was up with Gina? and Michael disappearing after the restaurant?) but in the end, it didn't keep me from enjoying Sophie & Luke's story. And for a debut thought the author did a great job!
Angie ☯ wrote: "Hi all! How is everyone doing? Sorry, I have been scarce; I am traveling for work and I have zero time to be online during the days."That's no fun. Hope you are able to head home soon!
I haven't been spending too much time on GR lately, at least not being very social :) But you know I'll be watching the clock for the new shelf tomorrow!
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Menagerie (other topics)A Court of Thorns and Roses (other topics)
The Gunslinger (other topics)
Menagerie (other topics)
The Gunslinger (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Sarah J. Maas (other topics)Rachel Vincent (other topics)
Anna Hackett (other topics)
Rysa Walker (other topics)
Gini Koch (other topics)
More...
Now off to pick something for this one! Yay!!