R3: SS Sistas With Books (13)

[Trinity]

Great work, Sue! ☺

[Lauren]

Week #3:Spot 34



Book: The Taking by Erin McCarthy (Seven Deadly Sins book #3)
Finished: September 22nd
Rating: ★★★★

Review:

The romance in this third and final installment of McCarthy’s Deadly Sins series is definitely the best. Although the first half is drawn out with a great deal of backstory, the second half is steamy and action packed.

Regan and Felix’s romance has the emotional and physical intimacy that was lacking in the first two books, and seeing their development of their relationship from attraction to love makes the story resonate all the more.

This time the secondary plot takes the form of flashbacks into the live of Camille Comeaux as seen through her journal entries. Camille is a troubled young woman - petty, jealous and unlikable. Any resemblance between her and Regan is exceedingly superficial, which makes the connection between them somewhat illogical. Nevertheless, the ex-husband/demon storyline creates a great deal of tension and suspense as the reader is constantly on the alert waiting for him to make his move. The climax is exciting and the resolution satisfying.

All in all, an entertaining conclusion to the series and it is worth reading this book even if you skip the first two.

[Anita Reads]

Great work on your finish. I haven't started on my book yet (I have to finish before tomorrow as I have to deliver it back to the library. I'll start my book after that, however.

I love the cover of your book Lauren.

[Lauren]

I really enjoyed , Anita. Its one of Nora's better books of recent times.

[Anita Reads]

I'm enjoying it so far too. I really like Brooks.

[Anita Reads]

Week 3: Spot 34

Book: Succubus Dreams | Richelle Mead (Georgina Kincaid #3)
Finished: 09/25/14
Rating: ★★★★.5

Review:
Georgina is still living the Succubus life in Seattle as usual, but while struggling with that, she's also trying to get her relationship with the human Seth to work, as well as her new store managing job. As if it wasn't enough odd things starts to occur. It seems everytime Georgina feeds (she sucks the life energy out of humans) she'd have a dream and the next morning all the new energy is gone. As all this happens she also has to train up a new succubus, who seems like she doesn't know what she's doing at all.

The story: I really like how the story is playing out. It seems we get to know all the characters a lot more and it was fast paced and hard to put the book away once started.

Georgina: She's developed a lot, and I like how in this one we get a good look into what she went through in her early years as a Succubi. She's also struggling with the fact that she's an Immortal and won't ever be able to have kids, which is something she longs to get.

Seth: I really like Seth most of the time. He's funny and really adores Georgina.

The writing: I always love how Richelle writes. She's good at explaining the characters really well and I love the way she always add a good dose of humor into the stories. She's also good at writing good twists.

Overall I loved this book and I can't wait to see what's in store for Georgina in the next couple of books.

[Trinity]

Sorry all, we will have to use our free pass for this one since I will be unable to complete the book this week. I am really sorry :(

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~]

Life happens I understand.

[Lauren]

Don't worry about it. RL has a nasty habit of getting in the way :0)

[Trinity]

Lauren wrote: "Don't worry about it. RL has a nasty habit of getting in the way :0)"

Thanks :)

[Trinity]

Roll 5: 2 + 3 = 5
Space: 39

* Read a 3rd book in a series
* Read a 9th book in a series
* Read a 39th book in a series
* Alternative: Got It

✔ Angie ~aka Reading Machine~: → Be Still My Vampire Heart Review
✔ Lauren: Shakespeare's Christmas → Review
✔ Trinity: Crash into You → Review
✔ Sue: Nice Girls Don't Live Forever → Review
✔ Anita: Murder, Money & Marzipan → Review

[Trinity]

I will be using this one again 3rd in series, I know I can finish this today or tomorrow.

[Lauren]

I will read - 3rd in series

[Anita Reads]

I'll wait and see what number will be called in the wacky candy crush challenge, and then I'll decide.

I'm currently thinking of either
Alternative: Got It Gone Girl it's on page 1.


or
Murder, Money & Marzipan 3rd in a series

[Jenne]

Trinity had you already started reading that one? Books can't be started until after the roll. If you never picked it up last week then you're good ;)

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~]

Spot 39
by Kerrelyn Sparks
Finished:9/27/14
Rating:4 Stars
Review:Emma Wallace has been slaying vampire partly because her parents were killed by vampires and all vampires are evil. Angus MacKay is tasked with finding out who is killing the Malcontents because they are threatening to go to war over it. Finding out thatMs. Wallace is behind the killings shocks Angus. Angus finds himself attracted to Ms. Wallace while trying to keep her from killing more vampires. Can Angus convince Ms. Wallace there are two different groups of vampires? What will Angus do about his attraction?

[Trinity]

I wasn't able to even begin it. :)

[Jenne]

Ok :)

[Anita Reads]

I decided to go with 3rd in a series.

[Sue]

I will read 3rd in series

[Lauren]

Week #4:Spot 39



Book: Shakespeare's Christmas by Charlaine Harris (Lily Bard book #3)
Finished: September 29th
Rating: ★★★★

Review:

Returning home for her sister’s wedding, Lily is dreading the inevitable confrontation with the harsh memories of her past. All this takes a back seat, however, when Lily finds herself enmeshed in a new mystery as her boyfriend, private investigator Jack Leeds, arrives with the troubling news that Lily's soon to be brother-in-law may be a kidnapper.

While Lily is definitely not the most affable of heroines and some readers may find her directness curt and discourteous, to me she is refreshing, original and admirable. The insights into her life immediately following the attack and the reactions of her friends and family at the time, provide additional depths to her character and reinforce her amazing strength of will and resilience.

Jack and Lily’s romance is going strong and there are several entertaining scenes with the two of them trying to define their relationship and its future direction. Jack can charm the pants off anyone and the reactions of the various Bard family members to his presence are priceless.

The mystery involves a killer’s attempts to cover up a kidnapping and once again the reader follows Lily as she uncovers the clues and confronts the culprit. The actual investigation is rather slow going as the case builds against several likely suspects, but the climax is exciting and the resolution satisfying.

Although the mystery is solved and the villain is apprehended, Lily’s departure from Bartley is somewhat abrupt and there are a couple of loose ends remaining, such as (view spoiler)[What happened to Jane Osborne? (hide spoiler)] and (view spoiler)[Lily’s family’s reactions to events (hide spoiler)].

In terms of the audiobook, Julia Gibson’s narration is enjoyable although the post production could use a little work as there are still large gaps between sections.

In sum, Lily has become one of my favorite heroines and the more I read of this series, the better I like it. Looking forward to the next installment.

[Anita Reads]

Week 4: Spot 39



Book: Murder, Money & Marzipan | Leighann Dobbs (Lexy Baker Bakery Mystery #3)
Finished: 10/01/14
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
In this book Lexy has joined a baking contest. The winner of the contest wins 100.000 $. Once again Lexy accidentally stumbles upon a body. The body of the head judge of the baking contest. Suddenly Lexy's a suspect of committing the murder as she was strangled with Lexy's apron.
So Lexy needs to find her investigations skills again and get a hold of her Grandma and her friends' Ladies Detective Group to help clear Lexy from the case.

What I like about these books is that they're short and goes straight to the point. it's easy to breeze through them. The mystery itself was exciting to follow, and I wasn't completely convinced who the murderer was until I only had about 20 % left.
One of the things that I don't like about these books is that I feel her boyfriend Jack should play more of a role in the books. I really like his character, but he's only ever in the book in 2 or 3 conversations. That goes for almost all the books except the first.

[Sue]

Week 4: Spot 39


Finished: 10/01/14
Rating: ★★★★
Review: I so enjoy this series.... I laughed through the whole book. And you get some strange looks when you are listening to an audio on headphones and laughing at work...
Nothing sucks the romance out of world travel like a boyfriend who may or may not have broken up with you in a hotel room in Brussels. Jane Jameson’s sexy sire, Gabriel, has always been unpredictable. But the seductive, anonymous notes that await him at each stop of their international vacation, coupled with his evasive behavior over the past few months, finally push Jane onto the next flight home to Half Moon Hollow — alone, upset, and unsure whether Gabriel just ended their relationship without actually telling her.
Now the children’s-librarian-turned-vampire is reviving with plenty of Faux Type O, some TLC from her colorful friends and family, and her plans for a Brave New Jane. Step One: Get her newly-renovated occult bookstore off the ground. Step Two: Support her best friend, Zeb, and his werewolf bride as they prepare for the impending birth of their baby . . . or litter. Step Three: Figure out who’s been sending her threatening letters, and how her hostile pen pal is tied to Gabriel. Because for this nice girl, surviving a broken heart is becoming a matter of life and undeath...

[Trinity]

Series: #3
By: Katie McGarry
Finished: 9/29/14
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: I loved this book! I thought it was amazing and a great add to the series. I cannot wait to get onto the next one. I wish there was a longer epilogue, I wanted more. The characters were awesome, I loved Isiah and Rachel. I also love how Katie always briPngs back characters from previous book. I love Katie's writing, this book was perfection. Next book is about West? Yes! I am even more excited now. I think that Pushing the Limits is still my favorite in this series but I still love all the books, I am excited for the next one.

[Anita Reads]

Great work everyone :)
Look forward to the next roll!

[Trinity]

Roll 6: 3 + 6 = 9
Space: 48

* Read a 4th book in a series
* Read a 8th book in a series
* Read a 48th book in a series
* Alternative: Cover Item - No People

✔ Angie ~aka Reading Machine~: The Book of Life → Review
✔ Lauren: The Soul Collectors → Review
✔ Trinity: Scarlet → Review
✔ Sue: Ecstasy Unveiled → Review
✔ Anita: Beautiful Creatures → Review

[Anita Reads]

I'll go for the alternative and read either

or

[Lauren]

I'm debating between and - both 4th in a series

[Sue]

I will read 4th in series
Finished:10/7/2014
Rating:****
Review: I am really loving this series...Each book hooks with the last but a story to itself....
DEMON ENSLAVED
Lore is a Seminus half-breed demon who has been forced to act as his dark master's assassin. Now to earn his freedom and save his sister's life, he must complete one last kill. Powerful and ruthless, he'll stop at nothing to carry out this deadly mission.

AN ANGEL TEMPTED
Idess is an earthbound angel with a wild side, sworn to protect the human Lore is targeting. She's determined to thwart her wickedly handsome adversary by any means necessary-even if that means risking her vow of eternal chastity. But what begins as a simple seduction soon turns into a passion that leaves both angel and demon craving complete surrender.

Torn between duty and desire, Lore and Idess must join forces as they battle their attraction for each other. Because an enemy from the past is rising again-one hellbent on vengeance and unthinkable destruction.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~]

Spot 48
by Deborah Harkness
Finished:10/9/14
Rating:5 Stars
Review:Stunning conclusion to wonderful series. Beyond speechless. If you haven't read this series please do.

[Trinity]

Anita wrote: "I'll go for the alternative and read either

or "

I loved the Caster Chronicles Series. :D

[Anita Reads]

Ok. Well I might read that one then. I've been putting it off for so long (I don't know why), so it's about time I read it.

[Trinity]

I will be reading alternative: cover item no people.

[Trinity]

Anita wrote: "Ok. Well I might read that one then. I've been putting it off for so long (I don't know why), so it's about time I read it."

I hope you like it. :o)

[Lauren]

OK, I decided on (4th in series) because it fits in with another challenge.

[Lauren]

Week #5:Spot 48



Book: The Soul Collectors by Chris Mooney (Darby McCormick book #4)
Finished: October 8th
Rating: ★★★1/2

Review:

While The Soul Collectors is a fast paced and action packed thriller, it is not as satisfying as the other books in the series mainly due to the rather far-fetched cult/conspiracy plot as well as Darby’s unrealistic transition from forensic expert to Zena Warrior Princess.

The basic premise of a religious cult abducting and indoctrinating children is compelling, and the villains comes across as an even more diabolical incarnation of the Opus Dei in Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code. However, the motives behind the crimes is obscure and the group’s ability to infiltrate a variety of agencies is implausible.

Darby is an engaging heroine and it is entertaining to see her getting the better of the men in the book. Nevertheless, her sudden militant persona is at odds with her characterization from earlier in the series and the change is not for the better. Moreover, the developments in her relationship with Coop are also disappointing. They seem to take some welcome steps forward in accepting their attraction, but this is immediately followed by a huge step back. The inclusion of (view spoiler)[Coop’s sudden girlfriend/fiancée in London (hide spoiler)] is a completely unnecessary addition as there are sufficient obstacles to Coop and Darby’s romance without it.

Although not precisely a cliffhanger, the conclusion is rather open-ended and there are numerous loose ends and unanswered questions that will hopefully be addressed in the next installment.

All in all, Mooney certainly knows how to spin a good yarn and I highly recommend the first three books in the series even though this one is only so-so.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~]

Just wanted to let the team know that my daughter was in hospital earlier this week but didn't as much reading done as I would've liked. I won't be able to post my review until tomorrow. I hope that will be okay with everyone.

[Anita Reads]

Hey Angie, I hope your daughter is ok.


I just wanted to let you all know that I've finished today, and I'll write my review tomorrow morning. I hope that's ok.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~]

She's good thanks for asking.

[Anita Reads]

Week 5: Spot 48



Book: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia Alternative: Cover Item - No People
Finished: 10/09/14
Rated: ★★★★

Review:
Ethan Wate is a teenage boy stuck in the small Southern town of Gatlin, just waiting for his chance to escape. But then new girl with a big secret, Lena Duchannes, moves into town, and everything changes. There is a curse, on the sixteenth moon, on the sixteenth birthday the book will take what it was promised, no exceptions.

The story:
I really liked the story, when they were researching for the curse and all that, but sometimes I felt that the book was all over the place, and drawn out. The exciting moments, especially the last 200 pages or so made up for that, as that drew me in completely.

The characters:
I liked Ethan as a character, and how he's kind of a reincarnation of the Ethan Carter Wate from the old telling. I didn't like Lena that much, she was a little whiney (I know she had a lot going on, but sometimes it was a little much). I thought the secondary characters were funny, especially Amma and Macon.

The writing:
I have a hard time reviewing that, as I was reading a translated version, and that version had so many typo errors it annoyed me, but I won't let that affect the final review because that's not Kami's fault.

Overall:
It was a good book, with lot of exciting moments, but also drawn out at times.

[Trinity]

Alternate: Cover Item no People
By: Marrisa Meyers
Finished: 10/9/14
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: I really enjoyed this book! This retelling of red riding hood is great, I am glad we got to see both sides of this story from Scarlet and Cinder as well. I am in love with Wolf. Overall, this was a great read.

[Trinity]

Roll 7: 6 + 6 = 12
Space: 60

* Read a standalone
* Read a 6th book in a series
* Read a 60th book in a series
* Alternative: 4 Stars

✔ Angie ~aka Reading Machine~: Iron Melting → Review
✔ Lauren: Wait for Me → Review
✔ Trinity: The Lightning Thief → Review
✔ Sue: Desire the Night → Review
✔ Anita: Pride and Prejudice → Review

[Anita Reads]

when there's a 0 we can read a standalone too right?

If I can I'll read either:
or

If not I'll read the alternative:

[Lauren]

Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ wrote: "Just wanted to let the team know that my daughter was in hospital earlier this week but didn't as much reading done as I would've liked. I won't be able to post my review until tomorrow. I hope tha..."

Hope she makes a speedy recovery, Angie.

[Lauren]

Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ wrote: "Spot 48
by Deborah Harkness
Finished:10/9/14
Rating:5 Stars
Review:Stunning conclusion to wonderful series. Beyond speechless. If you haven't read this series p..."

Glad to hear that the ending is so good. I've really enjoyed the first two books and can't wait to read the 3rd next month.

[Lauren]

I'll decide on my book later after the PtP category is called.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~]

Spot 60
by Billy Wong
Finished:10/16/14
Rating:4 Stars
Review:Rose Agen "The Iron Flower" has the soul of warrior and kind hearted spirit starting to feel her numerous injuries past and present unlike times before. Rose and her husband Finn Nastor are facing new magical threat and one from their country's own Prince. An old acquaintance comes back into their lives threatening Rose's sense of guilt at being unable to save his family from harm. Together Rose and Finn are looking for their friend Evan per Prince Victor's request. Can Rose and Finn stop all the threats they face? Your answers await you in Iron Melting.

[Sue]

Spot 60
Standalone
Finished:10/12/2014
Rating:***
Review:There is a reason I only read series.....This book was ok but I missed the wow factor that leaves you wanting more....
Held captive in a basement prison, wrapped in silver chains, the vampire Gideon is too weak to fight the monster who enslaves him. For years, she's tapped his precious blood like a fountain of youth - sustaining him with human females she captures for his pleasure. But with the latest victim she brings him, he senses something intriguingly different. Something dangerous, yet oh so tempting.

[Lauren]

So PtP helped me narrow it down to three choices. All are on the 4 Stars shelf and I'll decide between them after the Bookshelf Battle theme is called this evening.

[Anita Reads]

I'll go with