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R4: SSS Fried Brainiacs (3)
:-p I knew my good rolling ability was too sweet to last. Rolled a 2 we're now on Spot 45. Series #4, Series #5, Published: 2012
Way to go Suzanne!! Early!! woohooo!!!!
I read two books I liked today, but I expect another ho-hum experience in Dead #4
Since I'm also doing the superstitions challenge, I have my fingers crossed that I'm wrong.
Review Dead Is Just A Rumor 10/6 ★★★★Daisy is a modern high school student in Nightshade, a town where many residents have paranormal characteristics. She's learning to master her new talents, primarily telepathy and telekinesis. Her recently freed-from-captivity father treats her like a child and the new guidance counselor is causing her grief.
This definitely reads like a YA book (how refreshing) a quick, effortless novel for a busy gal who reads in stolen moments between chores.
Almost forgot to post my book...Spot: 45
Book: Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #4
Read date: 07.10.14
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
I'm so happy we are not sticking to Raphael and Elena for whole series. (I'd probably know that sooner if I've read blurbs ☺). This time we have Dmitri, Raphael's second in command, and Honor, Elena's colleague. They actually met because of the case not that connection.
Dmitri is vampire everyone fears. He's old, dangerous, and doesn't mind pain (in every aspect of life (he's is actually quite known in female circles for that one)). Honor is Guild hunter who's expertise are ancient languages. Some time ago she was abducted and tortured by group of vampires and now Dmitri is helping her avenge herself.
I think this one was my favorite in the series so far. (I don't really like Elena that much ☺)
Spot 45 - Published 2012
Read: The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James
Date: 10/6/2014
Rating: ****
Review: This is the best ghost story I've read in awhile! Post World War English ghost story with a romance twist, but very little. Puts you in the mood for Halloween.
Week 6Space 45 - Published: 2012
The Auspicious Troubles of Chance by Charlie Cochet
Read: 10/8
Rating: ★★★★
Ok so I hated the first chapter…I mean hated it. I abhor being talked to by the characters. I dislike the breaking of the fourth wall and the commentary to the reader. I hate the characters making suppositions about how I’m going to feel about their story and the information they want to tell me. Makes me all grumbly and attempting to smother my internal GRRRRRRRRRRRR! That being said once we got past Chance talking at me and just started telling me his story I was on board.
Chauncey Irving has had a rough life and his reaction is always to fight back. He’s always had any easy time getting into trouble, yet somehow he’s managed to slide through life without too much damage being done. Nothing that he won’t be able to get past at least. The things that have happened to him though have been devastating to his abilities to allow himself to hope. He’s bitter, grouchy, and spoiling for a fight. Signing up for the French Foreign Legion and heading to Algiers seems like the last ditch spot to be.
Jacky Valentine has developed a name for himself as the place for the hard luck cases to end up. He’s worked his way up the ranks and is now a commandant in the Legion. He’s made a home for the three youngest boys under his command and given them back a shot at hope and family. When Chauncey rumbles his way into Jacky’s command its spins Jacky for a loop. There’s something about the man that pushes all of Jacky’s buttons and Jacky’s determined to find the good man he knows is underneath Chance’s attitude.
So once I got past my own personal pet peeve I very much enjoyed Chance’s voice. He’s funny and troubled in all the best ways. I liked his rambling in his own head and how Jacky got under his skin. I appreciated that his past had sent him into a downward spiral he didn’t know how to get himself out of. Finding hope again spurred him into wanting to be a better man. Not to say that trouble still wasn’t going to find him. He’s stubborn and doesn’t like listening to anyone even when he knows they’re right.
Jacky, oh Jacky you just love collecting your strays don’t you. He’s just such an easy guy to fall for. There’s the strength of character and willingness to see the best in people. He’s the sort of guy that it would just crush you to disappoint. The heart of those around him is as plain to Jacky’s eyes as a tattoo on their arm would be to the rest of us. I loved seeing his steadfast patience while waiting for Chance to figure it all out.
So Jacky’s ragamuffin band of young misfits were great! I loved Johnny, Alexander and Bobby. I really felt for them, you could just tell the strength of the character in the little glimpses we get into them. I can’t wait to see them develop in the later stories. Each of them is smarter than expected and really have the pulse of what’s going on in their heads and hearts. They’re feisty in all the best ways. You can just see the pain that’s in their hearts and the trust they put in Jacky.
If I had one complaint about this story it would have to be the fact that I wished I had more time of Jacky and Chance getting settled into who they are together and the life they built back in England. I didn’t mind the flashback elements of this story that led us up through Chance’s life, but I wished the present wasn’t just a piece at the beginning and the end. I wanted to see these tow living together and finding their balance.
I enjoyed this story a lot and will definitely look for more in the series. Ms. Cochet has a lovely turn of phrase and the writing flows smoothly. The characters were fascinating and really sold the story for me.
Damn that was really hard to do in my phone. :-p. but we're all set now to roll shortly.
Rolled a 5! We are on our way to Spot 50.Series #5, Stand Alone, Location: Texas
Yay! 5th!I'll be reading
, but still waiting for SS team to roll tomorrow before I start it :D
This time it's Halloween-themed Domestic Diva Mystery, #5
Review 
The Diva Haunts the House 10/10 ★★★Maybe I need a major reality check.
I've been reading vampire books since the early 90's, before that I read sci-fi, and Dr. Seuss preceded that. So, I am really good at suspension of disbelief and becoming immersed in alternate, unusual universes.
This book is a mundane, plain vanilla cozy about a haunted house staffed by volunteers in costume. A resident of Alexandria, VA witnesses a murder and says the murderer was a vampire (that means a person in a vampire costume.) Unfortunately for me, the befuddled reader, every time there was a vampire sighting I would think "Vampire" not "vampire". You know, a real vampire, like Jean Claude or Eric or Roman Draganesti, not some cowardly killer in a costume. So, I 'd read vampire, and I'd process that as Vampire, and I'd realize it wasn't a Vampire, and I'd be bounced right out of the story. Just as bad as watching a Hulu video that's repeatedly buffering. Illusion destroyed. My real life intruding. Having to retry to once again slip back into Old Town and dueling domestic divas.
I'm the first to admit it's my fault when I have to rewind a Doctor Who sequence because I got distracted by a tricky part of my quilt piecing and missed a significant, subtle hint about this week's monster. However, I don't accept responsibility for the number of times this book failed to hold my attention.
Spot 50
Book: The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan
Series: The Heroes of Olympus #5
Read date: 11.10.14
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
I couldn't put it down! And when I finally finished it (it was 4am - good thing it's Saturday ☺), I was sorry it's over. Book and series. It could use few more chapters, especially since I have few questions left (mostly what happened to some of the characters later). Maybe like Rowling did in HP - few years later....
This series definitely calls for reread. :P
Changed my mind!Spot 50
Read: A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas
Date: 10/11/2014
Rating: *****
Review: It was a nice Christmasy themed romance novel! It was nice to see the girls together again one last time, I liked this series just a little bit more than Lisa's other series. Five stars!
I'm so behind on life right now it's ridiculous. I promise I'll have my book read by tomorrow before the deadline though. :D*headdesk*
Shelby wrote: "I'm so behind on life right now it's ridiculous. I promise I'll have my book read by tomorrow before the deadline though. :D*headdesk*"
I feel your pain! It's been super hectic on my side of the internet as well!
Week 6.5Space 45 - Series #5
Camp Hell by Jordan Castillo Price
Read: 10/12
Rating: ★★★★
I've enjoyed this series from the beginning and this is no exception. Fantastic to get to see where Victor came from and the history behind his little bits of crazy. I will be continuing to read more of this series! Full review when I'm not under deadline. ;)
Awesome! We rolled a 5 so we're now on Spot 55. :DSeries #5 or Cover: Building
1-800-Where-R-You #5 and NYC buildings
ReviewMissing You 10/13 ★★★★
A few years and books ago, Jessica, AKA Lightning Girl, was struck by lightning walking home from high school and began having dreams about missing people. In subsequent books she was recruited to work for the government, agreed to a TV show based on her life, and lost her ability.
In book 5, her boyfriend contacts her at Julliard and asks her to locate the missing sister he only recently learned about/met.
In addition to solving the missing person's case, Jessica struggles with what she wants to be when she grows up, whether or not to pursue her high school sweetheart, and where to live.
The book resolves all the issues that carried through the 5 volumes, but leaves things open-ended for a potential sixth book.
This was a nice, light read.
Spot 55
Book: Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #5
Read date: 14.10.14
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
series continues to be good. Again it's not Raphael and Elena and that's fine with me. We are following Raphael's spymaster on his mission to discover who murdered another archangel's consort. (I can't believe I guessed it so quickly! *proud moment*) To do his job right, aka not be accused of spying, he swears blood vow to Mahiya - daughter of the murdered guy (he had affair with wife's sister which resulted in Mahiya - let's just say wife wasn't happy) and adopted daughter of Neha (ruling archangel). Practically only reason Mahiya's still alive is so Neha can rub her existence to her husband's face. Even he didn't want Mahiya alive (somehow he was convinced if Mahiya was dead, Neha would forget he cheated on her with her sister. Yeah, right! *snorts*)
Ok, so books was good, but not as good as previous. There was so much secrets and tiptoeing around I still have a feeling something's missing.
Now could we please roll on 60'? :D
Week 7Spot 55 - Cover: Building
Aidan and Ethan by Cameron Dane
Read: 10/15
Rating: ★★★★
There were things I liked about this story and yet somehow it didn’t come in as fabulous on my radar. I particularly enjoyed the quality of the writing style as the flow was wonderful, something just felt lacking for me. Maybe it was because I never really got to see these two reconcile through talking things out. I never doubted their connection, there was definitely explosive chemistry between these two, but somehow the logic of it all failed me a little bit.
It’s been thirteen years since Aidan Morgan has been back to his hometown of Redemption, Maine and the man he left behind. He’s had a productive life as a firefighter but in the back of his mind was always the drive to get back home, to get back to the man he’s always loved. His opportunity has finally arrived, his reasons for staying away gone, and a perfect job sits waiting for him to claim it. Taking over as chief of the fire department back home is the best chance he could ever have to get back everything he’s lost.
Ethan Ashworth’s world was destroyed when his best friend and the love of his life disappeared without a word so many years before. Ethan’s tried to get past it all, but still he’s never been able to get Aidan out of his mind, never dated someone new. Now his dream and nightmare has showed back up in his life. Ethan’s enjoyed his time as a volunteer on the fire department. He has a wonderful career teaching, but he values the hours he puts in volunteering as well. But facing Aidan on a regular basis is more than Ethan’s ready to deal with, especially after he just shows back up with out a word of advance warning.
Ok so yes, it is official, firefighters are sexy. Damn both Ethan and Aidan separately were drool worthy. I enjoyed how much history was between these two as well. I think one of my biggest problems with the whole thing is I just didn’t really buy the reasoning behind their thirteen year separation. I bought into how much they cared for each other. I bought into their remaining single the whole time. I even bought into their feelings coming back. But the logic behind when Aidan left, for how long, and without a word just didn’t quite hold together in the long run for me. There were too many outs that could have been taken to avoid all the confusion.
That being said I wanted these two to find their way back to each other. The bottled up sexual tension between them was palpable and often resulted in a very violent clash when they did finally come together even in something as simple as a kiss. These two are like to polar ends to a magnet, constantly fighting to get closer to each other. Cut the strands of whatever is holding them apart and they’re going to race across space and slam together with epic force.
This story built well in that the elements that are here are well put together. The timing of events in their lives in this little town unfurled in a believable manner and forced Aidan and Ethan to confront the tension between them. I liked both their families immensely and though the characters in this series were great. I can’t wait to see what the next book offers me in terms of more there. I loved how calmly accepting of everything their siblings were as it all started to come out.
Altogether I liked these guys together…Ethan’s whole cabin thing was sappily sweet and nostalgic. For some reason I loved that Aidan calls Ethan Ash as well. It just reeks of the history between these two. Their space out on Ethan’s family property seemed just as much their space now as it was then, no matter how many years have gone by and how much Ethan wants to deny Aidan’s status in his life. I’m glad Ethan didn’t give in right away as well. After that many years Aidan deserves to grovel a little. ;)
I enjoyed this read and will look for the second book in the series as well. It wasn’t my favorite book, but definitely work the time. I liked that I got to see both sides of things being in both Ethan and Aidan’s heads at different times. They’ve got things to work out, but these two will make it. ☺
Week 7: Spot 55Building on the cover
Read: The Autumn Castle by Kim Wilkins
Date: 10/15/2014
Rating: *****
Review: This was the start of a cool series. It was like a modern day fairy tale! It was dark and twisted. I loved it!
We are on a ROLL!!! We rolled a 6 so we're now on Spot 61. :DSeries #6, Series #1, or Title: K
Week 7.5Spot 61 - Series #1
Tattoos & Teacups by Anna Martin
Read: 10/17
Rating: ★★★½
This was a solid, very sweet story, but yet somehow failed to catch my full attention. Ultimately for me it comes across as unremarkable. I enjoyed my read, it’s solidly written, but isn’t going to be one of those memorable stories that sticks with me for ages. I often felt like I was skimming the surface of this story and never really got down and dirty in the trenches with these two. I liked them well enough, wanted them to be happy together, but never felt full connected to the two guys.
Robert McKinnon and his family moved to Boston when he was just a teen. Yet in all those years he’s still never really lost his Scottish brogue. He’s made a good life for himself teaching English at the college, in his little apartment, with his books and his cat. He’s content with his life even if a small part of him wishes he had that someone special. A drunken night at the bar with a friend and colleague though puts him square into the path of his polar opposite.
Chris Ford is a drummer and he and his band have been travelling up the coast performing. They’d already planned on taken a longer stay in Boston so that they could visit with friends and play a number of gigs locally. Running into Robert at the bar was not expected, but certainly welcome. His professor might be a tad bit reserved, but there’s something that Chris likes about him all the same.
These two may not have been the normal pair but they were sweet together all the same. I liked the opposites attract nature of this story and I’m always a sucker for a tattooed boy. I liked Robert’s mental voice as well, his composure and steadiness was a nice intro into their world. My problem was that as much as I knew these two were into each other I was never really sure what all drew them to each other. Their “I love yous” came out of nowhere. A lot of the minute details that really draw me into a couple felt like the were missing, like as tattooed as Chris is I would have expected Robert to almost detail them the first time he got to see them. But I can only really say with certainty I know the tattoo on the back of his hand and that he had started (though we never know if it gets finished) a chest piece. My sense of time was very blurry in this story as well. I’d think days had passed and suddenly it’s weeks or vice versa.
I did really enjoy Robert’s relationship with his daughter. I liked that it was awkward and Chloe was very much a teenager. I liked that Chris wanted to be a part of the relationship. He was a good influence on the balance of things between Rob and Chloe. Luisa was great too. She plays a small part in the story, but I did really feel like I understood her relationship with Rob. They’ve got the familiarity of old friends and I felt the history between them. Of course Clarissa was adorable. :D
I think my favorite piece of the entire book was definitely the inevitable reunion of these two. You know that there’s bound to be a separation almost from minute one. Chris’ band is touring and while they’re staying local for a bit, it’s not permanent. It was almost anti-climactic when it came, but the reunion was totally worth it. That moment was so sweet and their nerves were great.
This is definitely a feel good read. It’s very sweet and lovely. Warms you up like a good cup of tea. ☺ I’d probably rate this as a solid 3.5 stars but I’m going to rate it up for GR purposes.
I know I've asked for 6, but decided to go with new series (like I don't have enough of them started *sigh*) and save 6 for next rollSpot 61
Book: Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis
Series: Lucky Harbor #1
Read date: 17.10.14
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Most of my GR friend are reading and raving about this series and I felt little left out, so I decided to see what it's all about. And I loved it.
It's sweet romance. The one you want to read when you're down and need some cheering up. Kind of romance I really like to read. ☺
Maddie comes to Lucky Harbor to see her inheritance and try to connect with her half-sisters. She just got fired and ended abusive relationship so last thing she wants is another man in her life. Enters Jax, local contractor, mayor and really sweet guy. (I want one like that ☺). Of course he has his secrets and he's not perfect (yes, he is!) but there are sparks from the first moment they saw each other and Maddie is doing her best to push him away.
Perfect book for rainy days, tucked in warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate near by.
ReviewFinal Sentence (Cookbook Nook Mystery #1)
10/18 ★★★
Jenna leaves a fast-paced advertising/marketing job to return to her small childhood CA hometown. Her aunt Vera, a professional psychic, has decided to cut back on full time psychic reading to open a cookbook store and cafe with Jenna (who, we are repeatedly reminded, can't cook at all). They hire wonderful cook Katie as chef.
This book is full of many things that ring false.
A tiny town is supposed to support a cookbook shop--in these times of internet recipe sites and cable cooking shows, Crystal Cove is supposed to provide high volume repeat cookbook purchases.
I couldn't accept the in-book and/or pre-book dynamics between:
Sheriff Cinnamon and her harpy mother Pepper (surprise--food names)
Cinnamon and Jenna's father
Jenna's father's supposed FBI profiling background seemed fictional based on his interactions (or lack of action) with the other characters
Characters who look like the movie stars/ fictional characters they're named for (Rhett and Cary)
Vera and Katie work, I'm not sure how Jenna contributes to running the Cookbook Nook
Jenna continually claims that Desiree was (recently) a very close friend, yet they hadn't spoken for at least the 2 years since Jenna's husband's death.
Most of all---no one recognizes the killer despite having previous exposure
I also was surprised that, two years ago, Jenna had been suspected of killing her husband whose death was ultimately labeled an accident. My surprise is that the author didn't use that for her first Jenna book. It seemed cumbersome and contrived--either write a book about Jenna being accused of killing her husband, or just have the husband backstory be an accidental death. It just seemed too Jessica Fletcher, even if the author merely wanted one more thing that the town gossips could use when accusing Jenna of Desiree's murder. Re the town gossips--they seem to know everything about Jenna's actions, yet no one saw anything during the murder and post-death staging.
Spot 61
Read: Her Ladyship's Companion by Joanna Bourne
Date: 10/18/2014
Rating: ****
Review: This book was written in 1983 but it was still really good. I don't always think that books written in the 80s are all that great but I guess historical romance is the same no matter when it was written? It was really witty and I liked the storyline, but the main male character was a bit too gruff for my liking.
❀Tea❀ wrote: "I know I've asked for 6, but decided to go with new series (like I don't have enough of them started *sigh*) and save 6 for next rollSpot 61
Book: [book:..."
Hehehe - that was my plan as well since it's impossible to roll out of the sixes this round. ;)
Holy Beejesus! Nother 6, it's craziness up in here. We're on Spot 67,Series #6, Series #7, or List: Popular Signed Books
Shelby wrote: "Holy Beejesus! Nother 6, it's craziness up in here."Shhh! You'll jinx it. ☺
Nice work, Ladies!I'm reading a popular signed book
ReviewRaised by Wolves 10/19 ★★★★
A strong start to a young adult werewolf trilogy. Bryn was four when she watched a rogue werewolf kill her parents. The local Alpha swooped in just in time to save only Bryn and he takes her under his protection. Bryn is now 15 and likes to test limits. Much of the early story is advanced by her inner dialogue as much as her recounting of her activities. Bryn seems to be an average 15 yo in that there are things about her life she likes, things that are predictable routine and times when she carelessly flaunts the rules that even she admits are meant to protect her.
We are introduced to the 2 guys in the requisite love/angst triangle. There's a showdown, there's some community building and a launch into young adulthood and a resolution of some things with reasonable (not cliff-hanger) stage-setting for book 2.
I'm reading
which is on page 6 of the Popular Signed Books list.
Spot 67
Book: Archangel's Legion by Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #6
Read date: 22.10.14
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
War! Hide!
So something strange is happening in NY where Raphael has it base. First it starts with birds and angels falling from the sky and then they start to find dead vampires. Vampires who can't get sick died of something like pox.
At the same time Raphael starts to have strange surges of power, but Elena is keeping him grounded.
What irked me is that they knew one of other archangels is going to attack them and they are preparing for war most of the book. And then when battle comes it's over in 50 pages. OK, those 50 pages were pretty tense but still I feel cheated after all that preparing. :D
Sadly, 7th is coming out next week, but my library card expired and renewal application got lost in mail. :( I'll need to read something else.
Spot 67Read: Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
Date: 10/22/2014
Rating: *****
Review: This book was long and drawn out but I still enjoyed it. I really liked the first book and am currently re-reading it and I'm looking forward to reading book 3.
*Sorry brain is fried, that's about the best review my brain can produce at the moment*
Week 8Spot 67 - Series #6
GhosTV by Jordan Castillo Price
Read: 10/23
Rating: ★★★★
I just love this series and I'm loving that I get to keep moving through the series as we move through this challenge. Of course having one of my favorite characters turn up missing was nerve wracking. I just love all the twisty paranormal fun of this series. Vic is such an awesome character. Love, love, love this series. :)
Ok so insanity being what it is I managed to roll another 5 and we're now on Spot 72. That puts us currently in second place I believe behind one team on Spot 74. :DSeries #7, Series #2, or Cover: Multi-colored (more than 3 colors)
So theoretically, if I understand this right Sunday could be our last roll and we could potentially be in a mad dash to the finish as long as I roll a 4 or higher. So bascially I will make sure that I am available to roll right away on Sunday to give us the max amount of time with our reads in the hopes that we can be in the winning rush.
If I'm wrong on that please let me know, I've never captained this game before or been in one of the potential winning teams so I'm assuming I know what I'm doing. ;)
That new set of dice has really been working for you, Shelby!!Okay I have pre-picked my (optimistically) final #7 book so I'll be all set.
For this round, I am hoping this is colorful enough (just discovered that my checked out books are sadly subdued.)I looked at Listopia "dazzling multicolor book covers" and apparently it doesn't take much to dazzle us.
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The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
The Flaming Luau of Death (other topics)The Flaming Luau of Death (other topics)
The Flaming Luau of Death (other topics)
Onyx (other topics)
Onyx (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jennifer L. Armentrout (other topics)S.E. Jakes (other topics)
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