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R4: SSS Bookies (4)
message 51:
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Denise, Manufacturing Director
(new)
Sep 06, 2014 03:12AM
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Denise wrote: "Kept me up until 3am on a week night, but sometimes you just can't stop reading. *lol*"Sometimes you can't. I always hate myself the next morning, especially when it's a work night, but I just can't help it.
Spot 12First in Series
by Robin YorkRating: 4 Stars
Finished: 9/6/14
I really enjoyed this book, the way it was paced, the way it was set up. I felt an instant connection to Caroline. I hate what happened to her, but honestly, had cell phones and the internet been a big thing when I was straight out of high school, I probably would have ended up just like her. I trusted too easily at times and didn't question the things I knew I should have.
And West...he was just like the kind of guys I went for...or wanted to back then. Although, yeah he was probably a little more complex with his background and everything, but I knew guys almost exactly like him.
There were moments when even though I enjoyed the way things were paced and playing out, I still felt like the story was moving a little slow. It was probably just me though cause I was really wanting more to happen. I was waiting for that more and knowing that it had to be soon.
I've already started reading Harder because I need to know what goes down between Caroline and West. There is something epic here between them and something amazing that they are doing for each other. She has her serious issues with the revenge porn and his family is dragging him down. They need each other and I hope in the end, they can find their happily ever after.
Alright ladies, I'm headed to bed. I can't roll until Diana posts her review. I'll try not to sleep in too late tomorrow morning so that you won't have to wait long if she posts in the morning. Otherwise, I have plans in the afternoon, but should be home in plenty of time to roll before the cut off if Diana posts her review while I'm out tomorrow.
Sorry, computer down, everything alright now.Spot 12
(First in Series)
Read:
Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana FranklinSeries: Mistress of the Art of Death #1
Finished: 9/5/14
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Wow! Suspense at every corner. Adelia, a doctor trained in Italy (a master of the art of death or in this case, mistress) was sent England to help King Henry II solve the deaths of four children. Was a certain group of people behind these murders or is someone using them as a scapegoat? Adelia finds herself faced with dangerous situations throughout the book. There was a shocking ending and some romance for Adelia. :D
Turns out I couldn't sleep, so I can roll now. Sorry about your computer Diana. Glad everything's good now!And I rolled another 6. I'm not really sure how and it makes me mad cause I went to the casino today, played the slots and lost money. Should have played craps or something.
We are now on spot 18.
Options
~ book 1 in a series
~ book 8 in a series
~ book 18 in a series
~ a stand alone book
~ a book off of the Book Boyfriends shelf.
I actually can't wait until we get out of the teens so I won't be tempted to read so many first books in a series. I have too many series to finish, I can't keep starting new ones. lolI'm going to read
for a stand alone book.
Mod
. :)
First in a series
finished: 9/7/14
rating: ****
review:
I think the author did a great job. She was able to take a not so common theme and make it fun an interesting. I like the way that the heroin started out kind of knowing herself, going through a rough patch of trying to please everyone and appearing flakey, to figuring herself out. I like how her friends weren't perfect but they obviously loved her. I love a good love story, and *spoiler* that is why I was so sad throughout her relationship with Greg because I, the reader, knew it was wrong. Every kiss and every night she spent with the wrong man just hurt my insides. However, since it is a love story, it all works out with the hero.
Roll 3 - Spot 18(a stand alone book)
by Juan Gabriel Vasquez
Spot 18Stand Alone
by Karina HalleRating: 5 Stars
Finished: 9/8/14
I really shouldn’t be that surprised that I enjoyed this book so much, but I kind of am. I mean, it’s Karina Halle and I’ve loved everything I’ve read by her so far, but this one seemed like it was going to be different because of the fact that it was a historical setting. But really, come on, it’s a zombie book and a romance and horror. What’s not to love? This book reminded me a lot of Karina’s Experiment in Terror series. It had that same creepy feel from the minute the book started. I knew I was in for a wild ride.
I loved Eve as soon as she was introduced. I hated the world that she was living in and I was so happy that she was getting a chance to get away and earn her own money. I could only hope that this outing would help change her life and while I knew bad things were going to happen on the journey, I hoped that she survived with the possibility of a happy ending. You just never know with Karina. I wasn’t too keen on Avery though. He was a bit wishy washy and whiney. But then, I’m a lover of the alpha male, which is why Jake had me at hello. I loved the tension and the back and forth between Eve and Jake. It was exactly what I would expect from Karina.
The myths that are used to explain what the search party encounters while on their journey are very interesting. While I classify this as a zombie book, the other options are definitely viable and now I want to spend time looking them up. Whatever the heck they were, they were scary as hell and I loved every second of it. I couldn’t put this book down and I eagerly await the next book by Karina. I love her and she is definitely a must buy immediately and read a hell of a lot sooner than I did with this one, since I waited way too long to finally dive into this.
Mod
Read:
Blood of Tyrants by Naomi Novik (Temeraire #8)Finished: 10 September 2014
Rating: ****
Review:
Laurence finds himself shipwrecked in Japan with no memory of the last eight years and Temeraire's insistent search for his captain threatens to spark hostilities between Britain and the Japanese. Meanwhile, Napoleon prepares to invade Russia...
The latest book in Naomi Novik's wonderful dragon-filled alternate history series is just as great a read as the previous parts - looking forward to the next!
Roll 3 - Spot 18(a stand alone book)
Read:
The Sound of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel VasquezFinished: 9/10/14
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
You definitely come to know what life was in Colombia during the "drug wars" in Bogota during the 80's and 90's. The way the writer intertwined the title throughout the book was intriguing. Falling planes,drug lords, buildings, families, etc... It's not a Happy book but a good read.
I rolled a 4 tonight so we are on spot 22.Options
~Book 2 in a series
~Book set in Australia
I'm either going to read
or once I finish my current book, I'll read
which is the second in that series.
Roll 4 - Spot 22Book 2 in a series
by Joanne Fluke(Hanna Swensen #2)
Mod
. :)
Roll 4 - Spot 22(Book two in a series)
Read:
Finished: 9/12/14
Series: Eclipse Bay Trilogy
Rating: *****
Review:
I love how Jayne Ann Krentz starts right in with the two main characters interacting. The reader doesn't have to read 50 pages of back story and build up. Good strong lead characters whose dialogue and interaction makes you wish you were there (if you are the romantic type). I enjoy reading the whole trilogy.
I just want to give you ladies a heads up, I won't be able to roll until either really late Saturday night (like early Sunday morning rather) or at a more normal time Sunday morning (like 11 am my time). I'm gonna be at a concert and far away from the internet for most of the day and night on Saturday.If everyone has their reviews in before I leave, I can post our review link in the post your spot thread and then someone else can roll Saturday night after midnight Central time. Whatever works for the group, works for me, I just wanted to give you some warning that there was a chance that the roll wouldn't be posted at the normal time for me.
Roll 4 - Spot 22(Book 2 in a series)
Read:
Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne FlukeFinished: 9/12/14
Series: Hannah Swensen #2
Rating: ★★★
Review:
Little did Hannah know, that being picked Head Judge for the 1st Annual Dessert Bake-off would lead her to find one of your fellow judges dead. Why would someone want to kill Coach Watson? What's the motive? That's what Hannah and her side group will find out. I really like how Hannah, your sisters, and friends all get together to find the killer. I also like the love-triangle between Hannah, Mike and Norman. Who will she choice? Right now, I'm on Team Mike! As always, I find some really good cookie recipes. Yum! :)
Spot 22Book 2 in a series
by Kate WilloughbyRating: 4 stars
Finished: 9/12/14
I knew that I would love Calder's story and I was right. He and Becca were so great together. Loved seeing Tim and Erin and the rest of the Barracuda's too. I hope Kate Willoughby continues this series. I want an Alex story really bad.
Mod
Read:
The Honor of the Queen by David Weber (Honor Harrington #2)Finished: 13 September 2014
Rating: ****
Review:
On a diplomatic mission to a planet pretty much defined by its bigoted, strictly patriarchal society, officer of the Royal Manticoran Navy and captain of HMS Fearless Honor Harrington faces prejudice and contempt from the people her mission is supposed to conclude an alliance with as well as an invasion attempt from their even more fanatically religious neighbours. The book starts off a little slow, but quickly gathers momentum and speeds on to an impressive climax.
I rolled a 6 tonight so we are on spot 28.Options
~Book 2 in a series
~Book 8 in a series
~Book with an author whose name starts with T (first, middle or last)
Mod
.
I think I'm going to read
, which is the second book in a series. Or
for an author with a T name.
Roll 5 - Spot 28(Book 2 in a series)
I'm reading
(Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children #2)
I'm changing my book to
(Jurassic Park #2)
Sounds good. I still haven't made my decision either.
Roll 5 - Spot 28Author T
Read:
Finished: 9/11/14
Rated: ****
review:
It wasn't an original theme. Girl hides out at a ranch because the bad guy is after her. This one is a little different because the bad guy has already, uh, spent some time with her which means she has some baggage to get over. The hero is a typical hard but soft cowboy who also has a bit of baggage he is working through. They fall in love. She tries to leave to save him. He won't let her leave because he loves her. Big show down. Everyone is happy. Yay. Because of the baggage they both share, the story is a little emotional, but not so bad that you are depressed in real life while reading the book. The characters were good. The plot was predictable, which can be good or bad. The writing was fine, and I didn't catch any grammatical errors. If you are looking to spend a couple hours with a slightly emotional story about a girl hiding out and falling in love with a cowboy, this is a good book to read.
I've got my book done, just need to write and post my review. I'm headed to the state fair with my nephew for his 4th birthday, but I'll be able to do all this before the roll tonight.
Mod
Read:
Night Broken by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #8)Finished: 17 September 2014
Rating: *****
Review:
The latest book in a series that never disappoints, Night Broken is chock-full of all the ingredients that make the Mercy Thompson books such great reads: lots of action, lots of emotion and a wild rollercoaster ride of a story with fascinatingly novel supernatural elements. On the domestic front, Mercy has to put up with Adam's ex-wife Christy moving into the house for protection from a stalker that is after her and has already killed a man in his pursuit. Unfortunately, fear for her life doesn't keep her from trying to usurp Mercy's position and attempting to alienate her from the pack. And as if that weren't enough to contend with, a Gray Lord of the fae turns up on Mercy's doorstep to reclaim the walking stick she left with Coyote, who is far from easy to track down. And then there are the bodies piling up in town, killed by a supernatural creature noone seems to have encountered before... An awesome read all around, can't wait until the next one comes out!
Spot 28Author name T
by Tara SivecRating: 5 stars
Finished: 9/15/14
I absolutely loved this book. It was so hilarious. I laughed out loud more times than I could count. Claire is a great narrator. I felt an instant connection to her. I know a lot of people think it's too vulgar and the humor is over the top, but I could easily see myself hanging out with these people. These are the thoughts I have, the things I say. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've had some of these conversations before with friends.
One of the funniest parts of the book is Claire's son Gavin. He steals most of the scenes he's in. He's got quite the mouth on him for a 4 year old and actually reminds me of my nephew, although my nephew only repeats some stuff he hears, not all of it. Thankfully, I don't think he's heard what a vagina is yet.
I immediately read Future and Frostings after this was finished cause I had to stay in this world. I'm going to continue the series and then jump to the spin-off which has Gavin as the main character in the first one. I cannot wait to see what kind of trouble he gets into as an adult.
Roll 5 - Spot 28(Book 2 in a series)
Read:
The Lost World by Michael CrichtonFinished: 9/17/14
Series: Jurassic Park #2
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
He's Alive! What do you know, Ian Malcolm was alive after all. :) The book was pretty suspenseful. I found it page gripping, nail biting, jaw-dropping til the end. The T-Rex is now my favorite dinosaur! I look forward to reading the first in the series.
I rolled a 3 tonight so we are on spot 31.Options
~Book 3 in a series
~Book 1 in a series
~Book 31 in a series
~A stand alone book
~A book published in 1999
Mod
. :D
So jealous Denise!!I read and finished
today. I just need to write my review.
Roll 3 Spot 31Read:
3rd in Misty Habor seriesFinished: 9/19
Rate: ****
Review: I enjoy this series because it isn't too emotionally draining or frustrating. There isn't bad guy out to kill or hurt anyone. The stories are about normal people, dealing with normal issues and falling in love. It is a small town full of eligible men who are desperate to find someone to start a life with, some are great catches and some are not (that's a pun because a lot of them are fishermen). An old lady decides to solve the problem by inviting some young ladies to move out there to start their businesses and thus a series of books about people meeting and falling in love. This is my second time reading through this series.
Mod
:D The only reason I didn't start it immediately the day it came out was that I was waiting for us to hit the 30s so I could use it for the game!
Finished too, review coming up in a bit. :)
Mod
Read:
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass #3)Finished: 19 September 2014
Rating: *****
Review:
This was definitely one of the most eagerly awaited books of the year for me, especially after the way Crown of Midnight ended. It took me a bit longer to get into this one than the first two, and I did feel a bit of doubt creeping in as to whether I'd love it as much - with Celaena off in Wendlyn and thus separated from Chaol and Dorian, I missed their interactions a lot. However, that doubt was soon dispelled as the story with its phenomenal worldbuilding, relentless action magical and otherwise, and yet more fascinating additions to the cast of characters sucked me back in. With close looks at the worlds of the Fae and the Ironteeth witches, the already complex net of storythreads, characters and plans being hatched in the background becomes even more vast and the character development is once again stellar. Celaena truly hits rock bottom in this one, to the point where it was almost painful to read, and we delve deeper into both her past and her potential for the future as she needs to learn to accept herself and her powers. Can't wait to see how the story continues! Another brilliant installment in an epic series - now where is the release date for the next part?!
I just got the notice that it's finally waiting for me at the library. So excited, but I don't want to wait for book 4. lol
Spot 31
by Tara SivecRating: 4.5 Stars
Finished: 9/18/14
I absolutely loved the first two books in this series. They were so funny that I couldn’t help, but laugh out loud throughout the majority of the book. When I learned there was a third book, I was super excited. When I learned that the third book was focused on Jenny and Drew, I was a little less excited. Part of what makes Jenny and Drew so endearing is that they are freaking idiots, especially Jenny. She gets so many sayings mixed up that it is hilarious and the reactions of Claire and Liz, make those mistakes even funnier. However, with Jenny and Drew as the narrators of this story, those mistakes were lost. Sure, the other characters commented on them, but it wasn’t as funny given how annoyed Jenny would get with them.
There were some awesomely hilarious scenes, like the bathroom sex scene and the vibrator race. Those had me biting my tongue at work so I wouldn’t make too much noise. Gavin was just as entertaining in this book and I look forward to reading the first book in the Chocoholics series so I can see him all grown up. Overall, this was a funny book and it did have the same heart as the first two. I loved reading it and although it lacked a little something without having Claire and Carter narrating, I still loved it. Tara Sivec has definitely found a fan in me!
Roll 6 - Spot 31(Book 3 in a series)
Read:
The Christmas Cookie Killer by Livia J. WashburnFinished: 9/20/14)
Series: A Fresh-baked Mystery #3
Rating: ★★★
Review:
It's Christmastime in Weatherford, TX and baking cookies was in the air. After the Christmas Cookie Exchange, Phyllis Newsom found her neighbor Mrs. Simmons murdered. So it was time for Phyllis to hang up her potholders for awhile and find out who would have done this to poor Mrs. Simmons. It remind me a little of Miss Marple at times with recipes. I was surprise when it came time to find out who really did the crime. It was a fun and fast read. :D
I rolled a 6 tonight so we are on spot 37.Options
~Book 3 in a series
~Book 7 in a series
~Book 37 in a series
~A book with a pink cover (must be at least 50% pink)
Mod
.
Roll 7 - Spot 37(Book 7 in a series)
I'm reading
(A Fresh- Baked Mystery #7)
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The Challenge Factory
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