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

[Steph Ann]

Selection Post - Spot 92



Book: Wrath of Empire by Brian McClellan
Qualification: Book 2 in Gods of Blood and Power series
Pages: 656

[Paula]

Thank you all, tomorrow we'll know if my dad will have to have surgery, he may have a clot in his legs and in his kidney, they're giving him anticoagulants, and for now he's feeling good, and is in a good mood too =P

[Paula]

Selection Post Week 10 - Spot 92


Task: Series #: 2, 9, 92; Alternate: Cover: Black
Book: Firefight by Brandon Sanderson
How it fits: #2 Reckoners series
Pages: 440

[LaurLa]

Week 10 - Completion Post
Roll/Spot: Roll 11; Spot 92


Task: Series 2, 9; Black cover
Book: Saving Grace - Norah Wilson
How it fits: #2 in Serve and Protect series
Pages: 227
Date Read: 11.18
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
I was surprised at how fast paced and tense this was. It wasn't overly long at 227 but the pace was so good I was over halfway through before I realized it. I thought the author did a great job with the feelings and thoughts of both MCs and even though I figured out what had actually happened before the author led us there, I still felt the MCs got there on there on own without a lot of plot convenience. The only reason I don't give this 5 stars in because at the end, the heroine did make a TSTL move that I felt didn't really fit her growth arc. Regardless still a very good book and I look forward to the next one.

[~Melissa~]

Week 10 Selection Post
Spot 92
Alt: Black Cover


Ice, Snow, & Mistletoe by Jocelynn Drake
156 pgs/GR

#2 of Ice and Snow Christmas series

Finished 11/19/18
Rating 3.5 stars

Review: 3.5 stars mostly for sweet girl Speed Racer (Lizzy) Oz's daughter. This is John's story (Spencer's best friend from book 1). It is told in present and flashbacks to how he met Oz five years ago. Personally, I don't really like when a story is told this way. Personal preference on my part. Anyway, loved the parts with Lizzy in it ~ she is such an adorable little five yr old. I felt for John. He's spent the last 8 years alone for Christmas due to divorced parents being bitchy. That sucks. Oz just kind of got on my nerves and IMO was kind of a dick (view spoiler)[ with the whole push pull thing going on. John gets shoved out of Oz's life twice. Yep I've missed you, yep I want to have sex with you, No, I can't possibly fit you in my life; this is what's best for me even though you've basically taken me and my daughter in at Christmas and have cared for both of us, treated my daughter right etc etc (hide spoiler)] He did do a decent grovel in the end and the epilogue was sweet.


[ book:Ice, Snow, & Mistletoe|36270385]

[Shan ~A~]

Completion Post ~ Week 10
New Spot: 92
Series #: 2, 9, 92
Book: Love the One You're With by Lauren Layne
# of pgs: 228
How it fits: #2 in Sex, Love, & Stiletto
Finished: 11/21/18
Rating: 4 stars
Review: From the very beginning Grace and Jake's chemistry was off the charts and it didn't cool down at all. Full speed ahead....

Grace is the perpetual monogamist. The girl who has only ever been in one relationship and happily goes about life unsuspecting. At the same time writing how to's for a women's magazine. Well, after writing about how to tell if your man is a cheating scumbag (not the exact title), she discovers that she herself had been missing all the signs.

So, she falls apart, as any girl might (but especially if all of your dreams hinge on this person) and then decides to reinvent herself as...Grace 2.0 (which she refers to herself as, as well as Grace 1.0, throughout the book).

She ends up volunteering for a he said/she said assignment/competition between her magazine and Jake's magazine. So of course Jake is the he said of this exchange.

Jake is the quintessential playboy. He doesn't have settling down anywhere on his list of things to do.

The both immediately try to one up each other, which was fun and reminded me a bit of the movie He Said/She Said, but I thought that Grace, with all of her Grace 2.0 stuff would have had more self preservation going into this. Her responses were reactionary. She decided on how to handle things based on what he did to her instead of taking the lead and kicking his ass. I may have liked it more if she had actually been a bit harder after having her trust broken.

[Steph Ann]

Completion Post -Spot 92



Qualification: Book 2 in Gods of Blood and Powder

Read: 11/23/18
Rating: 4.5 stars

Review

These books continue to enthrall me. I'm always a bit nervous to start them because they're so dense and full of information, but as soon as my memory gets refreshed, I'm swept away. I actually think I prefer this trilogy over the previous one because we only have three narrators. It makes it a bit easier to keep track of what's going on and who is who. I really enjoyed all three narrators this time around, finding all of their stories equally interesting. I'm eagerly awaiting book three!

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Paula wrote: "Thank you all, tomorrow we'll know if my dad will have to have surgery, he may have a clot in his legs and in his kidney, they're giving him anticoagulants, and for now he's feeling good, and is in..."

How is your dad Paula?

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

You guys are within sight of the goal, so here are a few things to keep in mind for tomorrow's roll:

- Winning spots are 101 and up. You have 3 bonus points available to use, so you'd need to roll at least a 6 to hit a winning spot this week.

- No other team is close enough to get a winning spot this week, so you won't have to race against the clock. You do however need to finish all your books by the next deadline to win, just rolling high enough doesn't get you the victory yet.

- No re-reads on winning spots. (This is a new addition to the rules this round - you can thank Ezi for it, I found it in her notes from last time. :P)

Good luck!

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

😳😳😳
Rereads felt like an edge (cheating)

[~Melissa~]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "😳😳😳
Rereads felt like an edge (cheating)"

I tend to agree :)
I'm good to go with books picked, lol

[Paula]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "Paula wrote: "Thank you all, tomorrow we'll know if my dad will have to have surgery, he may have a clot in his legs and in his kidney, they're giving him anticoagulants, and for now he's feeling g..."

He had surgery on tuesday, and his kidneys aren't doing well, but today they're starting him on dialisis, so we hope he can get better but it will be a slow process.
Thanks for asking =)

-----

I agree with the rereads thing
I'll update my review tonight ;)

[~Melissa~]

@Paula ~ I hope he's feeling better soon! Getting over surgery and starting dialysis is taxing on the body. Remind him to rest when he can :)

[Sam]

Denise wrote: "You guys are within sight of the goal, so here are a few things to keep in mind for tomorrow's roll:

- Winning spots are 101 and up. You have 3 bonus points available to use, so you'd need to roll..."

I thought you weren't allowed to use bonus points to win?

Nevermind, I just re-read the rules and I'm wrong.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Paula wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "Paula wrote: "Thank you all, tomorrow we'll know if my dad will have to have surgery, he may have a clot in his legs and in his kidney, they're giving him anticoagulants, and for ..."

My father in law has been in the hospital since before Thanksgiving with Heart failure and pneumonia. I am worried as he is 88 years old.

I will keep them both in prayer

[Paula]

Completion Post ~ Week 10
Roll: 11
Spot: 92
Task: Series #: 2, 9, 92; Alternate: Cover: Black
Book: Firefight by Brandon Sanderson
Finished: 11/29/18
# of pgs: 440
How it fits: #2 in The Reckoners Series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I believe this second book isn't as strong as the first one. Either way, it was plenty of fun, anf it had a lot of "wow" moments.
Sometimes the MC was a little too much, I thought him exasperating, and his constant need to do metaphores was sometimes (or most times) ridiculuous.
I liked the new characters and the new setting. Also I enjoyed getting to know more about "Epics" and their origins.
I hope I can read soon the last one of the series

[Paula]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "Paula wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "Paula wrote: "Thank you all, tomorrow we'll know if my dad will have to have surgery, he may have a clot in his legs and in his kidney, they're giving him anticoagul..."

Thank you, I hope your father in law gets well soon too

[Sam]

Team 2: Double the Pleasure ~ Double the Fun
Week 10: Spot 92
Series #: 2, 9, 92
Alternate: Cover: Black

Sam: A Gift of Thought- Sarah Wynde- Tassamara #2- REVIEW
LaurLa: Saving Grace- Norah Wilson- Serve and Protect #2- REVIEW
Steph Ann: Wrath of Empire- Brian McClellan- Gods of Blood and Power #2- REVIEW
~Melissa~: Ice, Snow, & Mistletoe- Jocelynn Drake- Ice and Snow Christmas #2- REVIEW
Ezi: A Kiss of Blood- Pamela Palmer- Vamp City #2- REVIEW
Shan ~A~: Love the One You're With- Lauren Layne- Sex, Love & Stiletto #2- REVIEW
Paula: Firefight- Brandon Sanderson- Reckoners #2- REVIEW

[Sam]

Ladies, if our roll isn't high enough, do you want me to use the bonus or just let it go another week?

[Shan ~A~]

I think we should use the bonus. Why wait another week? Do we know where the team behind us is on the board?

[Sam]

Shan ~ A ~ wrote: "I think we should use the bonus. Why wait another week? Do we know where the team behind us is on the board?"

The closest team to us is at 81, prior to this week's roll.

[Sam]

Question: would you guys prefer 97 (no bonus) or 100 (using bonus, but still not winning)? I only rolled a 5 this week.

[~Melissa~]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "Paula wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "Paula wrote: "Thank you all, tomorrow we'll know if my dad will have to have surgery, he may have a clot in his legs and in his kidney, they're giving him anticoagul..."

Ezi - I hope your Father in Law gets better soon. It's so tough to have a loved one in the hospital at anytime of year but the holiday season is even tougher....for the patient and the family.
Keeping you, Paula and your families in my thoughts and prayers.

[~Melissa~]

Sam wrote: "Question: would you guys prefer 97 (no bonus) or 100 (using bonus, but still not winning)? I only rolled a 5 this week."

I would prefer to use the bonus points and be on 100.

[LaurLa]

Sam wrote: "Question: would you guys prefer 97 (no bonus) or 100 (using bonus, but still not winning)? I only rolled a 5 this week."

I don't have a #9 or #7 on tap so personally would prefer 100 where we can read a #1 or standalone. Also, below are the alternative tasks if it helps us to decide.

97. Cover Item: Jewellery
100. Author P

[Steph Ann]

Using the bonus points would be fine with me!

[Paula]

I'm ok with using the bonus points too

[Sam]

Week 11
Rolled 3+2=5, + 4 bonus points
Current Spot: 92
New Spot: 97+4=101
Series #: 1, 101, standalone
Alternate: Cover Item: Building

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Have we claimed a point for not reading off the alternative list? Because I have Not read off the alternative list.

Please claim that point so we can be on 101 for the win

[Sam]

I missed claiming Paula's bonus point for reading 3 books in the same series because she used one as an alternate. I have sent a message to Denise to see if it is too late to claim that point. It won't change what we can read for this week (except the alternate), but I'll let all of you know when I hear back from her.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

It’s not too late to claim bonus points since the week isn’t over but I’ll cross my fingers

Double the pleasure for the win 🎊🎉

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

FINAL WEEK
SELECTION POST for Week 11, Spot 101

Book: My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Pages: 240
Qualification: Standalone (0)

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Never too late to claim bonus points as long as you've fulfilled the requirements at some point during the game. Congrats on making it to a winning spot after all! Enjoy your books as you leisurely stroll towards the win. :D

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[Shan ~A~]

Week 11
Rolled 3+2=5, + 3 bonus points
New Spot: 97+4=101
Series #: 1, 101, standalone

Book: Drunk Dial by Penelope Ward
# of pgs: 283
How it fits: Standalone

[Sam]

I updated our space post and our check in. Good luck everyone.

[LaurLa]

Week 11 - Selection Post
Roll/Spot: Roll 5 + 4; Spot 101


Task: Series 1, standalone; Cover Item: Building
Book: Hot Asset - Lauren Layne
How it fits: #1 in 21 Wall Street series



Task: Series 1, standalone; Cover Item: Building
Book: Dirty Little Secrets - Julie Leto
How it fits: #1 in Dirty series
Pages: 352

[~Melissa~]

Week 11 Selection Post
Spot 101


by Eden Finley
189 pgs/GR
#1 in series Steele Brothers

[ book:Unwritten Law|41638074]

[Steph Ann]

Selection Post - Spot 101

by Kelley Armstrong

403 pages

#1 in Rockton series

[Sam]

Spot: 101
Cover:
Book: Moon Awakening- Lucy Monroe
Qualification: Children of the Moon #1
Date Finished: 12/1/18
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This is the first book in the Children of the Moon series. Emily is sent by order of the king to Scotland to marry a laird to bring him under control. She does not get along with her betrothed but before the wedding can occur, she is kidnapped by a rival laird. While there, she falls in love and discovers that some of the people of the Scotland Highlands are hiding a secret. This was a simple paranormal romance that takes place in Scotland. Scotland is a good place to set a paranormal series because it is so wild. I enjoyed Emily quite a bit and hope that she is happy with her laird. I will continue this series to find out what happens next.

[~Melissa~]

Week 11 Completion Post
Spot 101


by Eden Finley
189 pgs/GR
#1 in series Steele Brothers
Finished 12/1/18
Rating 3 ish stars
Review: we have identical twin brothers, Law and Anders. Anders is flighty and unable to break up with his twink boyfriends so Law steps in and pretends to be Anders for the dumping. All is well until straight Law finds the blind date his brother is supposed to be on attractive and he's supposed to let him down. Soooo, of course, Law decides to pretend to be Anders and start sort of dating him. Law has so many times to come clean with Reed throughout the book until of course both brothers are in the same room. The lying part got on my nerves especially after Law knows Reeds history with a liar but Law and Reed were cute together. Everything works out in the end. I do want to read Anders story.

[ book:Unwritten Law|41638074]

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

~Melissa~ wrote: " Week 11 Completion Post
Spot 101


by Eden Finley
189 pgs/GR
#1 in series Steele Brothers
Finished 12/1/18
Rating 3 ish stars
Review: we have i..."

Say it ain’t so. I just bought this one. Only 3 stars? ☹️☹️☹️.

[~Melissa~]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: " Week 11 Completion Post
Spot 101


by Eden Finley
189 pgs/GR
#1 in series Steele Brothers
Finished 12/1/18
Rating 3 ish stars..."

Ummm - yeah. Sorry - didn't you KU it? That's what I did. I liked it enough I'll do the brothers book.....

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

~Melissa~ wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: " Week Ummm - yeah. Sorry - didn't you KU it? That's what I did. I liked it enough I'll do the brothers book

by Eden Finley.."

Girl,
I’ve been 98% audio for the past 2 years. I rarely just sit and read since I always have something to do in this house. I feel terrible if I table 2-3 hours to read. At least with tv, I can fold clothes or something.
Audiobooks allow me to listen and still clean up or while I wait at Gymanstics/basketball/baseball. I can watch the kids and still listen, so I have an eye on them.

[~Melissa~]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: "Ezinwanyi wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: " Week Ummm - yeah. Sorry - didn't you KU it? That's what I did. I liked it enough I'll do the brothers book

..."

Did you do the Audible Romance package? I haven't done that as I still do half reading & half listening. My only listening time is really in the car. Anytime I try to listen around the house I have to have ear plugs in and then everyone wants to talk to me, lol

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

I love the audible romance package but that story isn’t on it. I had to buy it for $7.49 (that’s the KU whispersync)

My kids are now addicted to Listening to audiobook.
Daughter is listening to
Son is listening to
Youngest son is listening to

Headphones are on and it’s quiet in this joker 😂😂😂

[~Melissa~]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "I love the audible romance package but that story isn’t on it. I had to buy it for $7.49 (that’s the KU whispersync)

My kids are now addicted to Listening to audiobook.
Daughter is listening to [..."

Nice ~ I haven't gotten my kids hooked on audio ....yet. Daughter sometimes listen with me in the car.

[Paula]

Selection Post Week 11 - Spot 101


Task: Series #: 1, 101, standalone; Alternate: Cover Item: Building
Book: El Abanico de Seda by Lisa See
How it fits: Standalone
Pages: 317

[Shan ~A~]

Completion Post
Week 11
Rolled 3+2=5, + 3 bonus points
New Spot: 97+4=101
Series #: 1, 101, standalone

Book: Drunk Dial by Penelope Ward
# of pgs: 283
How it fits: Standalone
Finished: 12/03/18
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I wasn't sure what I wanted to rate this book when I finished it. I'm still not sure if I gave it the rating I think it truly deserves. On the one hand I love Penelope Ward's writing. This one was more on the emotional side, instead of the light rom com book I thought I was getting by the title.

We have a girl and a guy who were friends, lost contact, and then both went on a self-destructive bent. Both in similar ways. I think the problem with that was that it seemed to good to be true (even though what they went through was bad), that they life choices kinda mirrored one another. What are the chances of that happening?

Add to that our girl has self-esteem issues, to the point of taking drastic actions. Actions, that she harbors shame and self-loathing (in my opinion) over. I think there was just too many complicated things for me to enjoy it as much, plus it had one of the things that I dislike: the man having relations with the opposite while the woman is celibate. I understand her reasons, but I hate when that is the case in books. I would rather not hear about the escapades with others unless it was equal opportunity escapades.

All of that being said, I hope others still give it a chance because you really can't go wrong reading a book by Penelope Ward. I may not agree with everything that happens, but I never leave unsatisfied.

[Steph Ann]

I should have my book finished tonight and the review posted tomorrow! :-)