PtP - Snow Not-So-White (8)

[Shannon]

Week 7 Selection Post
Option 1


Walk a Mile by Sarah Madison
Pages: 240
Qualifies: Necklace would reflect if sun shines on it.

[Susan A]

Week 7 Selection Post

Option 1

St. Patrick's Day, 1945 by Frank W. Butterfield
pages: 100
Qualifies: watch would reflect if sun shines on it

[Emeli]

Week 6 completion
Option 1

Finished 20/4
3/5
A sweet romance that was not total disaster but not a Great book either

[Emeli]

Week 7 Option 1

160 pages
Rings would reflect IF the Sun shone on them

[Susan A]

Week 7 Completion Post

Option 1

St. Patrick's Day, 1945 by Frank W. Butterfield
pages: 100
Qualifies: watch would reflect if sun shines on it
4/22/18
4 stars

This is a short story featuring the main characters from the Nick Williams Mystery series by Frank W, Butterfield The series features the very rich Nick Williams and his lover Carter Williams. It is set in the 1950, San Francisco is their home, but they travel. The two run a PI firm. The mysteries are fairly easy reading, but I really enjoy the setting and the cast of characters. St Partick's Day 1945 is set in the time BEFORE Carter and Nick meet. I love reading this short stories that serve to further develop the characters.

[Susan A]

Hmm..I was coming here to ask what happens next week because for some reason I thought it was 8 weeks long. LOL

I'll ask anyway...what happens the final week? Is it a race to the end?

[Elizabeth]

Susan A wrote: "Hmm..I was coming here to ask what happens next week because for some reason I thought it was 8 weeks long. LOL

I'll ask anyway...what happens the final week? Is it a race to the end?"

Yes! Usually it takes a few hours for the winning team -for all its members to read their books. I was in the winning team at the first PtP challenge. We all chose book just over 100 pgs and read them in two-three hours since the theme was called. Last time I think it took half a day or more for the winning team, if I remember correctly.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Susan A wrote: "Hmm..I was coming here to ask what happens next week because for some reason I thought it was 8 weeks long. LOL

I'll ask anyway...what happens the final week? Is it a race to the end?"

Yes - and if you wish to use option 2, you have to pick your book from another team's bookshelves (which I advise in the final week's post) so that they can't be selected in advance :)

[Shannon]

Week 7 Completion Post
Option 1


Walk a Mile by Sarah Madison
Pages: 240
Qualifies: Necklace would reflect if sun shines on it.
Read: 4/24/18
Rating: ★★★★

I had to go back and skim book one so I didn't start this one completely clueless which was a good idea because this sucker started right where we left off. I agree with other reviews in that I don't feel we got to know Flynn nearly as well as we did Jerry. And I hope I'm not the only one that got confused a few times during the switch on who was talking. Body Jerry or mind Jerry etc. That said, I had a great time reading this. I don't understand Flynn really at all but really love Jerry. I hope book three offers some of Flynn's pov so we can hear about what he's feeling. The mystery part was great, other characters were great, sex not so great or really at all but still very enjoyable.

[Elizabeth]

Week 7/Option 2

Lovers Like Us
Finished 25/4/18
3.5 stars
Really long story but I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it more than book #1, although I found it equally frustrating to read. I liked the MCs, especially Farrow and I want to know what comes next for them, so book#3 is going into my to-read-next pile.

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

Jane (PS) wrote: "So - Love, in English is a bit slow beppy? LOL. You are going to have to finish it soon ;)"

Yep. I'm having a hard time liking the characters. Never fear, I will persevere!

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

Me: runs to check and see when I absolutely *have* to have my week 1 book read. *wipes brow in relief*
I will finish it, I just have a bunch of ARCs that I need to finish reading and reviewing by May 1. And by a bunch, I mean, like, 20.

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

Selection Post: Week 7: Shiny (all right, Reflective) Objects

Pages: 207
How it qualifies: the windows are reflecting the buildings

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

Completion Post: Week 7

Qualfies: windows reflecting buildings
My rating: 4 stars
My review:

Synopsis: Matty wakes up from a cryogenic state 99 years in the future. He doesn't remember his life before he went in to cryo, or how he came to be in New York when he is Australian. The world has changed a lot from what he remembers: there was an Event that caused everyone to have to live underground. Everyone knows that going to the surface is a death sentence. Matty thinks that it might be worth the risk, since the world that he has awakened to is not one that he wants to live in.
As his memories return, Matty realizes that he was part of an elite group who was trying to stop the world population from being annihilated. They were betrayed, though, and several members are killed in the attempted execution of their plan. There was one man in particular that Matty was interested in, and when he is released in to the general population of the colony, he meets up with some of the members of his group again.
One of the members who has been brought out of cryo is Arkady, who Matty was forming a relationship with before they were frozen. Most of the other members who have been released from cryo want to continue their mission...after they find out what happened to their families and friends. In order to do that, though, they will have to leave the colony.

What I liked: the world building. I liked Matty figuring out what happened and slowly regaining his memories, and how frustrated he was with the process. The camaraderie between the team members was nice to see. The characters were all clearly drawn, and it was nice to see some characters outside of the norm, and being accepted and respected without their loved ones wanting to change them, or expecting them to change. I enjoyed the process of trying to figure out who the traitor is.

What I didn't like: there was a lot of world building and exposition, which made it a little difficult to get to know the characters, and therefore relate to them.

Overall impression: very intrigued with how the story will continue and what the end result will be with regards to the traitors and what was really going on behind the scenes.

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

Elizabeth wrote: "I love Kristan Higgins, although this one wasn't among my favorites."

What were some of your favourites, Elizabeth?

[Elizabeth]

UnusualChild{beppy} wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "I love Kristan Higgins, although this one wasn't among my favorites."

What were some of your favourites, Elizabeth?"

Waiting on You and My One and Only were my favorite. Also I have lots of 4 stars (https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...), although I read most of her books between 2012-2014, when I still was reading MF only.

[Wax]

Week 7 - Option 1


24 Hour Husband
167 pages/GR

Qualifies: Rings (jewelry) would shine in the sun

[Wax]

Week 7 - Option 1 - COMPLETION POST


24 Hour Husband
167 pages/GR

Qualifies: Rings (jewelry) would shine in the sun

3 stars

I love the fake husband/boyfriend trope, but somehow it seemed off in this story. I just don't feel like there was enough character development. And the big misunderstanding at the end was just frustrating.

[Susan A]

Elizabeth -- I think you missed my week 7 completion post in message 155.

Thanks!

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

Elizabeth wrote: "UnusualChild{beppy} wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "I love Kristan Higgins, although this one wasn't among my favorites."

What were some of your favourites, Elizabeth?"

Waiting on You a..."

Hmmm. I own both of those. I will have to move them up on my reading schedule. Thanks!

[Elizabeth]

Susan A wrote: "Elizabeth -- I think you missed my week 7 completion post in message 155.

Thanks!"

Totally missed it! Thanks ;)

[Wax]

Week 8

Option 1
15. Read a book that has 2,000 or more ratings.

Option 2
Key date: 27 Ocotber 2017

[Elizabeth]

Week 8/ Option 1

The High King's Golden Tongue by Megan Derr
400 pgs
2298 ratings

[Susan A]

Hmm...I have only 5 books on my TBR that qualify and I'm not in the mood for any of them. I'll browse through the team's shelves tomorrow.

[Shannon]

Week 8 Selection Post
Option 1


Sinner's Gin by Rhys Ford
Pages: 260
Qualifies: 3431 Ratings

[Elizabeth]

Shannon wrote: "Week 8 Selection Post
Option 1


Sinner's Gin by Rhys Ford
Pages: 260
Qualifies: 3431 Ratings"

You must be the only person who haven't read this one yet ;)

[Shannon]

You hush Elizabeth. I feel like such a slacker. lol

[Emeli]

Completion
Week 7 Option 1

160 pages
Finished 27/4
4/5
I liked this book and thought that it was fun with a Male diva going overboard so all in all a funny and sweet book

[Susan A]

Week 8 Selection Post

Option 2

Wilde Fire by Lucy Lennox
312 pgs

Read by Shannon on 4/26/18, rated 4 stars

[Susan A]

Sorry -- I'm going to have to re-pick. I really like Lucy Lennox so I didn't read the reviews. At 10% in I realized I better go read them. I absolutely HATE this kind of plot. I'll post a new selection.

[Susan A]

Week 8 Selection Post

Option 2


Finding Family by Connie Bailey
234 pg
Read by Wax 1/9/18, rated 3 stars

[Susan A]

Week 8 Completion Post

Option 2


Finding Family by Connie Bailey
234 pg
Read by Wax 1/9/18, rated 3 stars


4/29/18
2 stars
Published by Dreamspinner Press as part of the Dreamspun Desires line, this book is supposed to be like the old Harlequin Romance stories. I think the story should have stuck with the Cinderfella manny line. I had zero interest in the mystery and for most of the book, I just wished it was over. My main problem with the story was the MC, Charles. He was not likeable and by the end of the story I still didn't like him. I find it very difficult to enjoy a book in which I don't like the MC. I have nothing positive to say.

Now, I did say I wasn't going to choose a 3 star rated book for option 2 anymore...but I needed this book to fulfill another challenge.

[Emeli]

Week 8 Option 1

186 pages
4,613 Ratings

[Wax]

Week 8
Option 1

The Magpie Lord
200 pages/GR

Qualifies: 7775 ratings

[Wax]

Week 8
Option 1

The Magpie Lord
200 pages/GR

Qualifies: 7775 ratings

5 stars
5/1/18

There's a reason this is on my favorites list. I can read it over and over again. Each time I still love the story and the characters. Highly recommended for anyone who likes historical paranormal fiction (with a bit of romance thrown in).

[Elizabeth]

Week 8/ Option 1

The High King's Golden Tongue by Megan Derr
4.5 stars
I listened to this audio non stop and enjoyed the narration by Michael Stellman. I haven't read the original free story but I loved this expanded version. I liked the writing and the world -building. The romance was slow burn, took a lot of time but this time contained much adventure. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

I have chosen and read my book for this week, I just don't have time to review it today. Or, review it to my satisfaction, I should say. I will post the review tomorrow.

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

Selection Post
Week 8: Popular
Rule Breaker
Pages: 302
How it qualifies: 2,346 ratings

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Shannon wrote: "Week 7 Completion Post
Option 1


Walk a Mile by Sarah Madison
Pages: 240
Qualifies: Necklace would reflect if sun shines on it.
Read: 4/24/18
Rating..."

I've just finished rereading Unspeakable Words so that I can read this book. Just have to knock off some May challenge books first :D

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

UnusualChild{beppy} wrote: "Me: runs to check and see when I absolutely *have* to have my week 1 book read. *wipes brow in relief*
I will finish it, I just have a bunch of ARCs that I need to finish reading and reviewing by M..."

Gee - is that a job beppy? 20!!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Elizabeth wrote: "Week 8/ Option 1

The High King's Golden Tongue by Megan Derr
4.5 stars
I listened to this audio non stop and enjoyed the narration..."

I've listened to this at least 3 times now. I love it. But then, I love all Derr's books :D

[Shannon]

Jane (PS) wrote: "I've just finished rereading Unspeakable Words so that I can read this book. Just have to knock off some May challenge books first :D"

I read that one so long ago that I had to load it up on my kindle and skim it before I started "Walk a Mile". Good thing I did, I didn't remember a damned thing!

[Shannon]

Week 8 Completion Post


Sinner's Gin by Rhys Ford
Read: 5/2/18
Rating: ★★★★

I'm going to go ahead a join my teammates in making fun of me for not reading this book before. What in the ever lovin' hell was I doing with my life? I even read book two but not this one? Never said I had it all together.

That said, this was a great read. Every time Miki moved it made my joints ache. The poor guy, holy crap. And big, bad Kane...yum! The way he protects and takes care of Miki was so sweet, I just can't. And his family and their absolute acceptance and love, no questions asked might have actually been my favorite part of the book. Yes, Miki needs romantic love but the family kind? To him, that must seem like a fairy tale.

Great mystery, lots of action, great sexy times, this one had it all!

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

Jane (PS) wrote: "UnusualChild{beppy} wrote: "Me: runs to check and see when I absolutely *have* to have my week 1 book read. *wipes brow in relief*
I will finish it, I just have a bunch of ARCs that I need to finis..."

I know! And I have to fit it around my "real" job...you know, the one that pays me, and allows me to use wireless and work computer to do personal things, like review books.

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

Week 8: Completion Post
Rule Breaker
My rating: 4.5 stars
My review:

Synopsis: Dylan is Gabe's personal assistant, and has been so for 2 years. During that time, Gabe has been an exacting, exasperating, high maintenance boss, and Dylan has been the dutiful, but sarcastic, employee. Dylan does his job, and does it well, but doesn't let Gabe get away with running all over him. Then Dylan sees Gabe outside of their usual parameters, and the attraction that he put in a box once he found out what Gabe was like comes roaring to the forefront.
Gabe, however, doesn't do serious relationships, or monogamy, and Dylan is exactly that type of person. The attraction is so strong, though, that they ignore the fact that their ideals don't match and go for it.

What I liked: the interactions between Gabe and Dylan, and how they didn't allow each other to get away with anything. Dylan was caring and professional, even when he didn't really like Gabe, and Gabe was so tentative when it came to anything more than impermanent, impartial relationships. Dylan and his best friend had an amazing friendship, the kind where they could tell each other anything, and Dylan also had a fantastic family who supported him and called him out at the same time.
The build in relationship between Gabe and Dylan was nice to watch, and the fact that they didn't lose their snark with each other, and remained true to their individual characters. Dylan was understanding, up to a certain point, and then realized that he couldn't keep waiting for Gabe, he had to actually do what was best for himself.

What I didn't like: not much. I was worried, because I wasn't as fond of the second book as most people, but this surprised me.

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

Shannon wrote: "Week 8 Completion Post


Sinner's Gin by Rhys Ford
Read: 5/2/18
Rating: ★★★★

I'm going to go ahead a join my teammates in making fun of me for not ..."

I think that this one was my favourite of the series.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Shannon wrote: "Jane (PS) wrote: "I've just finished rereading Unspeakable Words so that I can read this book. Just have to knock off some May challenge books first :D"

I read that one so long ago ..."

Me too! I'd last read it in 2017, and earlier is 2014. Clearly I enjoy it, but don't remember it too well ;)

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

Week 9

Option 1:

16. read a book with an actor or entertainer in the storyline

Hollywood Romance Novels
Romances with Actors/Actresses/Acting
Actor and Actresses in Category Romance
Romance With Extra Drama
Best Gay Romance Involving Performing Arts
M/M Romance shelf: Profession-actor

If you use Option 1, your book MUST be chosen from the above lists.

Option 2:
Key Date: 3 November 2017

[UnusualChild{beppy}]

Selection Post

Week 9: actor
Take Two
Pages: 214 pages
How it qualifies: on the Profession - Actor shelf

[Susan A]

Selection Post

Week 9

Option 2

Squared Away by Annabeth Albert
336 pages

Read by UnusualChild{beppy} April 20, 2018, rated 4 stars