R10: Team Double the Pleasure ~ Double the Fun (2) **Winning Team**

[Sam]

Team 2: Double the Pleasure ~ Double the Fun
Week 7
Rolled 3+6=9
Current Spot: 49
New Spot: 58
Series #: 5, 8, 58
Alternate: Author W

[Steph Ann]

I'll do a more official post when I can get to my computer, but I'll be reading the fifth and final book in the Cainsville series, Rituals by Kelley Armstrong.

[LaurLa]

Week 7 - Selection Post
Roll/Spot: Roll 9; Spot 58


Task: Series 5, 8; Alternate: Author W
Book: Million Dollar Cowboy - Lori Wilde
How it fits: #5 in Cupid, Texas series
Pages: 432

[~Melissa~]

Week 7 - Selection Post
Roll/Spot: Roll 9; Spot 58


Find Her by Lisa Gardner
#8 in Detective D D Warren series
402 pgs


[*book:Find Her|25644437]

[Shan ~A~]

Week 7 ~ Selection Post
New Spot: 58
Series #: 5, 8, 58
Book: #Poser by Cambria Hebert
How it fits: #5 in the Hashtag series
# of pgs: 393

[Steph Ann]

Selection Post - Spot 58



Rituals by Kelley Armstrong
How it fits: #5 in Cainsville series
# of pages: 473

[Paula]

Selection Post Week 7 - Spot 58


Task: Series #: 5, 8, 58 Alternate: Author W
Book: El Caballo y su Niño by C.S. Lewis
How it fits: #5 The Chronicles of Narnia, Publication Order
Pages: 247

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

SELECTION POST for Week 7, Spot 58

Book: Deadly Intent by Pamela Clare
Pages: 337
Qualification: #8 in the I-Team series

[*book:Deadly Intent|38588966]

[Steph Ann]

Completion Post - Spot 58

by Kelley Armstrong

Qualification: #5 in Cainsville Series
Read: 10/29/18
Rating: 5 stars

Review

This was a highly satisfying conclusion to the series. I loved that, even though the antagonist in this one was completely new, Armstrong was still able to connect everything from the series to this antagonist in a way that felt really natural and not forced at all. With Patrick being one of my favorite side characters, I loved how much time he got in the book. The love triangle was resolved well, also. Honestly, I have nothing bad to say. I really enjoyed this series and this final book!

Bonus Point Earned: Starting and Completing a Series

[Steph Ann]

If I'm reading the bonus points correctly, I believe we should get a bonus point for me having started and completed the Cainsville series.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Steph Ann wrote: "If I'm reading the bonus points correctly, I believe we should get a bonus point for me having started and completed the Cainsville series."

Yep! Nicely done. :) Add a note to your completion post that you've earned the bonus for starting and finishing a series, Sam will include it in her post when she posts your new spot on Friday.

[~Melissa~]

Week 7 - Completion Post
Roll/Spot: Roll 9; Spot 58


Find Her by Lisa Gardner
#8 in Detective D D Warren series
402 pgs


Finished 10/28/18
3 stars

Review; intriguing, dark and chilling. Did take me a bit to get into the book and realize 'who' was talking. I did figure it out before the reveal. That's always fun. I have read a few from this series over the years. This one was just kind of okay for me ~ hence the 3 stars. Maybe it was because I did the audio.....

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Steph Ann wrote: "If I'm reading the bonus points correctly, I believe we should get a bonus point for me having started and completed the Cainsville series."

I think you have to have read 3 or 4 books in that series but yes, then that would be a bonus point

[Sam]

I will make a note of it, Steph Ann. Congrats.

[Sam]

Spot: 58
Cover:
Book: Choppy Seas- Lily Harper Hart
Qualification: Rowan Gray #5
Date Finished: 10/28/18
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This is book 5 in the Rowan Gray series. A group of cheerleaders have reserved the cruise ship. There is the group that comes from wealth and there is a second group that comes from the poorer side of town and the two groups don't get along together. The coaches of each group grew up together and are adversaries. When one of the girls from the poorer group goes missing, it is up to Rowan and Quinn to find her and figure out why she was taken. I enjoy this series. They are quick and easy reads and the banter is enjoyable. We are slowly learning more about Rowan's family and I look forward to learning even more. I will definitely be continuing this series.

[LaurLa]

Week 7 - Completion Post
Roll/Spot: Roll 9; Spot 58


Task: Series 5, 8; Alternate: Author W
Book: Million Dollar Cowboy - Lori Wilde
How it fits: #5 in Cupid, Texas series
Pages: 432
Date Read: 11.01
Rating: ★★★
Review:
Mixed feelings about this one. I really felt connected to the characters and felt their emotions strongly but there were times where I felt the author went on too long about whatever was going on in their heads. She used a lot of flowery language at times and several times I just wanted her to get on with the story. But at the same time, as I said, the emotions from the characters were strong. The other thing odd about this book is that it barely related to the series it's a part of - just a mere mention of one or two characters we'd known before. I really struggled with that. These were not characters we'd ever been introduced to and, in fact, I sort of felt like there was back story to these characters that I had missed. So much so I had to check to see if there was crossover with another series, but apparently not. This new track of the series includes a family with 4 sisters, so I expect we'll get 3 more books for them. It would be nice if the earlier characters would be woven in a bit more.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

COMPLETION POST for Week 7, Spot 58

Book: Deadly Intent by Pamela Clare
Pages: 337
Qualification: #8 in the I-Team series
Read: 10/31
Rating & Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
This story was a really good example of a well written romanctic suspense. It has romance, adventure, mystery/suspense and an HEA. This is a really entertaining series and this book was no exception.

Joaquin Ramirez really impressed me in the last book with his thoughtfulness and bravery. So I was really excited that this hard working and considerate member of the I-Team would get his chance at love.
Mia Starr seemed to be quite prickly in the beginning but I warmed up to her. She had to wear her armor all the time after what’s she had been through as a member of the US armed forces.
The now retired officer was a target of an old vendetta and Joaquin decided that he would help protect his sister’s former CO.
I like how the author paced this story. Joaquin was clearly attracted to Mia from the beginning but he never pushed and was always considerate of her needs first. He let her dictate how they proceeded. He helped her feel comfortable and confident. I loved it.
I enjoyed the narration of Kaleo Griffth except his sexy woman voice, which makes me laugh because it sounds like a man trying to sound like a woman.

I love that the author has kept the same energy, storytelling and emotional appeal throughout this series. Each couple has their own thing, their own journey but lots of support and encouragement from the fellow ITeam members. I can’t say the villain wasn’t predictable but the story was still enjoyable. I am curious to see who will be featured in the next book.

[Sam]

So now we just need Shan and Paula's reviews and we can roll on time. Ladies you have about 4 hours.

[Paula]

Completion Post ~ Week 7
Roll: 9
Spot: 58
Task: Series #: 5, 8, 58 Alternate: Author W
Book: El Caballo y si Niño by C.S. Lewis
Finished: 11/01/18
# of pgs: 247
How it fits: #5 of The Chronicles of Narnia, publication order
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
This fifth book of the Chronicles of Narnia is ok. I'm not a biiig fan of it, but I like that we get to know some of the other countries in this world.
The characters are ok, but Bri is a little annoying.
Also, I liked seeing the children from the first book as kings and queens of Narnia. The other thing I noticed is how traditional Lewis was, how he saw the female characters for example.

I highly prefer the first Narnia books than the 4th and 5th one.

[Shan ~A~]

Week 7 ~ Completion Post
New Spot: 58
Series #: 5, 8, 58
Book: #Poser by Cambria Hebert
How it fits: #5 in the Hashtag series
# of pgs: 702 (Kindle Edition)
Finished: 11/01/18
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I think I went into this book already pissed that no one went to the police with some pretty vital information.

What the hell is wrong with these people?

Then Ivy is clearly struggling, but Braeden doesn't speak up about what he knows to help her understand what's going on??? The villains of this story got off too easy, even considering what happened in the end. Why did we need the male villains pov? I didn't need to understand nothing about him to know that he is a sick s.o.b.

Still with all of that I'm glad that B and Blondie are still together and standing strong through the obstacles thrown their way. I was also glad to see the introduction of Drew, and can't wait to eventually see how his and Trent's relationship will morph.

[Sam]

Team 2: Double the Pleasure ~ Double the Fun
Week 7: Spot 58
Series #: 5, 8, 58
Alternate: Author W

Sam: Choppy Seas- Lily Harper Hart- Rowan Gray #5- REVIEW
LaurLa: Million Dollar Cowboy- Lori Wilde-Cupid Texas #5- REVIEW
Steph Ann: Rituals- Kelley Armstrong- Cainsville #5- REVIEW
~Melissa~: Find Her- Lisa Gardner- Detective DD Warren #8- REVIEW
Ezi: Deadly Intent- Pamela Clare- I Team #8- REVIEW
Shan ~A~: #Poser- Cambria Hebert- Hashtag #5- REVIEW
Paula: El Caballo y Su Niño- C.S. Lewis-Chronicles of Narnia #5- REVIEW

Steph Ann earned 1 bonus point for starting and completing a series (5 books)

[Sam]

Team 2: Double the Pleasure ~ Double the Fun
Week 8
Rolled 5+5=10
Current Spot: 58
New Spot: 68
Series #: 6, 8, 68
Alternate: Author R

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

SELECTION POST for Week 8, Spot 68

Book: Fury of Surrender by Coreene Callahan
Pages: 354
Qualification: #6 in the Dragonfury series

[*book:Fury of Surrender|19272456]

[Steph Ann]

Selection Post - Spot 68



Book: Lake Silence by Anne Bishop
Pages: 402
Qualification: Book 6 of The Others series

[~Melissa~]

Sam wrote: "Team 2: Double the Pleasure ~ Double the Fun
Week 7: Spot 58
Series #: 5, 8, 58
Alternate: Author W

Sam: Choppy Seas- Lily Harper Hart- Rowan Gray #5- REVIEW
LaurL..."


I wonder if we can claim Steph Ann's Ritual book this week for the Halloween bonus (along with the start and complete an entire series) it's the only Urban Fantasy (or horror, paranormal) book read by us last week that qualifies for the Halloween bonus?

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

~Melissa~ wrote: "I wonder if we can claim Steph Ann's Ritual book this week for the Halloween bonus (along with the start and complete an entire series) it's the only Urban Fantasy (or horror, paranormal) book read by us last week that qualifies for the Halloween bonus? - ..."

WE should ask Denise. I'll send her a message

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

You can! :)
->
✸Single book bonuses (>500 pages/ Halloween) may overlap with a series bonus.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Denise wrote: "You can! :)
->
✸Single book bonuses (>500 pages/ Halloween) may overlap with a series bonus."

YAY!!!!!!

Thanks Denise

[LaurLa]

Week 8 - Selection Post
Roll/Spot: Roll 10; Spot 68


Task: Series 6, 8; Alternate: Author R
Book: Hillbilly Rockstar - Lorelei James
How it fits: #6 in Blacktop Cowboy series
Pages: 405

[Steph Ann]

Yay for an extra bonus point! :-)

[Sam]

I also forgot to claim Ezi's bonus point for reading a book over 500 pages, when she read the Outlander book.

I'll update my post.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

For those who watch Outlander , it’s back this Sunday
😆😆😆

[~Melissa~]

Denise wrote: "You can! :)
->
✸Single book bonuses (>500 pages/ Halloween) may overlap with a series bonus."

Awesome ~ thanks Denise!!

[~Melissa~]

Week 8 ~ New Spot: 68 Selection Post
Series #: 6, 8, 68
Alternate: Author R

Cask Strength by Layla Reyne
205 pgs/GR

Alternate: Author Last Name starts with R


[*book:Cask Strength|34033755]

[LaurLa]

Week 8 - Completion Post
Roll/Spot: Roll 10; Spot 68


Task: Series 6, 8; Alternate: Author R
Book: Hillbilly Rockstar - Lorelei James
How it fits: #6 in Blacktop Cowboy series
Pages: 405
Date Read: 11.04
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this author. It's always fun to be on the road with rockstars - I guess as romance readers we always like to see the Rogue character finally fall for the girl he didn't know he always wanted. This one didn't disappoint. I enjoyed watching the MCs accept each other and become friends as well as lovers. The angst level was low but there was still tension and conflict in the story due to the threats against Devin. I also like how even though the couple had to go through the inevitable break up near the end, the author didn't draw it out. We got to our reunited/happy ending couple pretty quickly. Looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

~Melissa~ wrote: "Week 8 ~ New Spot: 68 Selection Post
Series #: 6, 8, 68
Alternate: Author R

Cask Strength by Layla Reyne
205 pgs/GR

Alternate: ..."

I was hoping this series would be like Cut & Run. This book ruined that hope. I hate manufactured drama with grown ass men 🙄

[Shan ~A~]

Selection Post
Week 8
Rolled 5+5=10
New Spot: 68
Alternate: Author R
Book: Until July by Aurora Rose Reynolds
# of pgs: 240
How it fits: Author last start with R

[~Melissa~]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: "Week 8 ~ New Spot: 68 Selection Post
Series #: 6, 8, 68
Alternate: Author R

Cask Strength by Layla Reyne
205 p..."

Yeah....I still liked it though and I like the narrator she uses. I'll finish it and see if I like the spin off. I have to see what happens with Irish and Whiskey 😝

[~Melissa~]

Week 8 ~ New Spot: 68 Selection Post
Series #: 6, 8, 68
Alternate: Author R

Cask Strength by Layla Reyne
205 pgs/GR

Alternate: Author Last Name starts with R


Finished: 11/3/18
Rating 4 stars

Review: it's been five months since Galveston Tx for work partners Jamie "Whiskey" Walker and Aiden "Irish" Talley. Aiden continues to keep Jamie at arm's length after the death of his husband he doesn't want to get close again. *whispers* problem is he already has.....but doesn't want to admit it. So, he continues to tell Jamie they're casual while dating others which is killing Jamie. After Jamie watches Aiden get shot by a sniper and Aiden pushes him away again Jamie has had enough. And then they are sent undercover to Jamie's home state where he will be a basketball coach to uncover a identity theft ring. Oh, Aiden gets a taste of his own medicine in the form of Jamie's ex lover being a teacher at said school. Along with hearing said ex tell Jamie how the man he is currently with is casual so it's no big deal he wants back in Jamie's life and he wouldn't be casual if it was Jamie he was with. Quite honestly I thought Jamie was too nice to Aiden throughout his head in his ass phase. My one question (view spoiler)[ did I miss it in book 1 ~ is there a reason Jamie's still not out. I understood why he wasn't out while a basketball player in the past ....but it's years later. He's had time to come out on his own terms. Or is it more the fact that he is 'fraternizing' with a co worker which is why he hadn't come out yet?? Plus ~ dude really the whole sex thing in front of windows on display. You just knew that would come back to bite them in the ass......just sayin' (hide spoiler)] Anyway Jamie is keeping bigger secrets from Aiden which still aren't revealed due to Aiden's sister in law continually blocking Jamie from saying anything. We'll see how well that goes in the next book...........

[Shan ~A~]

Completion Post
Week 8
Rolled 5+5=10
New Spot: 68
Alternate: Author R
Book: Until July by Aurora Rose Reynolds
# of pgs: 240
How it fits: Author last start with R
Finished: 11/04/18
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I was not expecting to laugh as much as I did while reading this story. It was insta-love at it's finest. I loved that July did not just roll over and take Wes' crap and all his alpha posturing.

Why then did I give this only 3 stars?

There was something missing for me. Wes' outbursts at times seemed unwarranted. There were times when more communication should have went on between these two. I had a problem with July being afraid to talk to her father about Wes after saying how close her family was throughout the entire story.

What made me stick to 3 and not go lower was the banter between the two lovebirds, the familial relationship between the Masons, getting to see November, Asher, Nico, et al....

This book had some things that could be fixed, but it was a great opener to this series with the girls of the Mason clan and to the males of the Mason clan (separate spin-off series). I can't go without saying that the sex in this book was super hot, so make sure you have a fan or something better to cool off.

[Paula]

Selection Post Week 8 - Spot 68


Task: Series #: 6, 8, 68; Alternate: Author R
Book: El Sobrino del Mago by C.S. Lewis
How it fits: #6 The Chronicles of Narnia, Publication Order
Pages: 215

[Sam]

Spot: 68
Cover:
Book: Freaky Rites- Amanda M. Lee
Qualification: Mystic Caravan Mystery #6
Date Finished: 11/4/18
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Poet, Kade and the Mystic Caravan go to Northern California to Eureka. They are set up near an old ghost town named Falk. While there, they discover there is a wendigo in the woods and strange empty headed men with unusual ghost-like beings that surround the caravan every night. It is up to Poet and the gang to discover what it is going on and put a stop to it. I enjoy these books as a light read. It is interesting to see which paranormal beings they encounter each book. I like the interactions of the different caravan members with each other; they truly are like a big family. I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

COMPLETION POST for Week 8, Spot 68

Book: Fury of Surrender by Coreene Callahan
Pages: 354
Qualification: #6 in the Dragonfury series
Read: 11/6
Rating & Review: ★★★
It took me awhile to get into this story because I didn’t remember the specifics. I wish that authors would do some recap in the beginning if a new book just to remind the reader of plot thus far.

I was happy that we finally got to learn what was going on with Forge. This water dragon was accepted into the fold with his young son but he still couldn’t remember his past. Hope Cunningham was a law enforcement psychologist to access his memories.the meridian struck and Forge and Hope happened a bit quicker than i would have liked but their chemistry was fire. The Irish Water dragon was definitely a good match for Hope, who was no stranger to loss. I was most intrigued by Ivan who was showing signings of not being a complete evil villain and that the author was laying the foundation for redemption.
I liked this addition to the series and hope there is more to come

[Steph Ann]

Completion Post - Spot 68

by Anne Bishop

Book: Lake Silence
Pages: 402
Qualification: Book 6 in The Others
Read: 11/5/18
Rating: 4 stars

Review

I had been putting off reading this one because I wasn't sure how I felt about leaving behind the characters I've come to love in the previous books and move onto new characters and a new location. I should have known to just trust Anne Bishop because this grabbed my attention almost from the very beginning. While I don't feel like it was quite as addictive as the previous books have been for me, it was still quite good, and I had a hard time putting it down. I continue to enjoy reading from various points of view, including the antagonists'. This book has shown me that I definitely need to keep reading this series even if it has moved on from the original setting.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Steph Ann wrote: "Completion Post - Spot 68

by Anne Bishop

Book: Lake Silence
Pages: 402
Qualification: Book 6 in The Others
Read: 11/5/18
Rating: ..."

I feel the Same way. I’ve purposely put it away and haven’t read it but I think it’s time

[Steph Ann]

I was very pleasantly surprised by it!

[Sam]

Anne Bishop writes two series that I absolutely adore. The Others and the Black Jewels. I re-read them at least 1-2 times a year.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Sam wrote: "Anne Bishop writes two series that I absolutely adore. The Others and the Black Jewels. I re-read them at least 1-2 times a year."

I haven't tried the Black Jewels

[Sam]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "Sam wrote: "Anne Bishop writes two series that I absolutely adore. The Others and the Black Jewels. I re-read them at least 1-2 times a year."

I haven't tried the Black Jewels"

You have to approach it in a slightly different mindset. The good guys are named Daemon, Lucivar and Saetan. The first book is a little tough for some people because there is a rape scene. However, if you can get past that, it is a great series. Some of the later books are weaker, but I love the entire series. She is coming out with a new book in the series in 2020.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Sam wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "Sam wrote: "Anne Bishop writes two series that I absolutely adore. The Others and the Black Jewels. I re-read them at least 1-2 times a year."

I haven't tried the Black Jewels"..."

I will see if my library has it on audio
Thanks