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R11: Team Five Star Readers (5)
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Denise, Manufacturing Director
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Oct 19, 2019 08:41AM
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Week 8Roll: 6 & 4
Spot: 54
New Spot: 64
To Read:
#6 or #4 in a series
Alternate: 64. New to you author
Sorry I didn't catch this :( but thanks for rolling for us. I'll add us to the check in, if you haven't done that yet. :)
Week 8: Completions
Roll: 6 & 4
Spot: 54
New Spot: 64
Bonuses: 3
BONUSES:
Week 1 - Team earned a free pass
Week 3 - Wanda - Book qualifies for 2 in 1 Bonus. It is the second in the series and the cover
Week 5 - SandyL - Starting and finishing a series (there are 4 books in the series and I've read them all for this challenge.)
To Read:
#6 or #4 in a series
Alternate: 64. New to you author
Reviews
Carmen | The Tenth Island: Finding Joy, Beauty, and Unexpected Love in the Azores | 10/23/19 | 3 stars | Review
Sunshine | Save the Date | 10/25/19 | 3 stars | Review
Wanda | Cat Sitter Among the Pigeons | 10/20/19 | 4 stars | Review
LaurLa | In Too Deep | 10/20/19 | 4 stars | Review
Katelyn | The Wife Between Us | 10/25/19 | 5 stars | Review
Shelby | Hudson's Luck | 10/20/19 | 5 stars | Review
SandyL | Love at First Bark | 10/23/19 | 4 stars | Review
Week 8 - Selection PostRoll/Spot: Spot 64
Task: series #4
Book: In Too Deep ~ Cherry Adair
How it fits: #4 T-FLAC
Pages: 320
Completion PostWeek 8 - Roll 10
Space: 64
Hudson's Luck by Lucy Lennox
Read: (10/20)
Rating: ★★★★★
I really loved this one. It was sweet with just enough angst for Hudson as he came to terms with finding himself falling for a guy for the first time. He and Charlie were adorable together. There was never a time where you really worried that these two wouldn't figure things out, but there was things they needed to work through. Of course Charlie had to risk himself trusting his heart to an ostensively straight guy.
I really enjoyed the dual locations here both Ireland and Texas. They had their different flavors and I liked how you could feel the difference. Charlie is such a product of his homeland. Hudson was thrown completely off his game in this foreign land with the biggest temptation he's ever seen dangling in front of him. I liked how he dealt with his feelings, his first time being attracted to a man. And Charlie, well he was so sweet with just enough of that Irish fire to keep him interesting. I liked his feisty side and that he wasn't a push over. But the connection between these two was palpable.
This was one of those happy reads that you just know is going to work out and you're never left clutching your hands together waiting to see how it'll work. There were bumps in the road they had to get through, new paths that had to be forged, but their feelings were only going to grow.
Week 8 - Completion PostRoll/Spot: Spot 64
Task: series #4
Book: In Too Deep ~ Cherry Adair
How it fits: #4 T-FLAC
Pages: 320
Date Read: 10.20
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
I went on a little bit of a roller coaster ride with the MCs with this book. I really liked the heroine. She was a bit of a Pollyanna but at the same time a realist and she had a lot of spunk. I loved the way she owned her actions. The hero I wasn't so sure about. He had an agenda for revenge/vengeance and decided to make it sweeter for himself when he realized who the heroine was. He didn't need her to fulfill his revenge plot but he thought using her would make it hurt all the more when he took down her father. He was pretty callous towards her and when he got angry at himself for liking her, he took it out on her. So in the beginning he was a bit of an asshole but at the same time not. In the end, of course, things worked out but it was up and down for a while.
Completion PostWeek 8-Roll 10
Spot #64
Book: Cat Sitter Among the Pigeons by
Blaize Clement
Date Read: 10/20/19
Rating: 4 Stars
# of Pages: 273
How if Fits: #6 in A Dixie Hemmingway Mystery
Review:
The next in the series of former policeman now turned pet sitter Dixie Hemmingway. The action takes place in Siesta Key off the coast of West Florida near Sarasota. No murder involved in this novel but instead a baby is kidnapped.
Dixie who lost her husband and three-year-old daughter in a tragic automobile accident is particualry affected by this crime.
She is especially motivated to find this young child before another mother has to face her grief.
All the familiar characters are present including her brother Michael and his life partner Paco. Billy Grey and his owner Tom, and Det. Guidry. This story will find some new stirrings in the budding relationship between Dixie and Det. Guidy.
As always the action is fast paced and the animals are adorable. One reason I keep returning to this series is the ability of the author to make the animals characters within their own rights.
A most likable read!
Hi Team,Have we collected the Bonus for reading three books in a series, yet?
If not, I could do that next week if our spot has a 7 . I have read two from the same series and the next one would be #7.
Wanda wrote: "Hi Team,Have we collected the Bonus for reading three books in a series, yet?
If not, I could do that next week if our spot has a 7 . I have read two from the same series and the next one would ..."
Yes we did. I'll add the bonuses to the post
☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎ wrote: "Wanda wrote: "Hi Team,Have we collected the Bonus for reading three books in a series, yet?
If not, I could do that next week if our spot has a 7 . I have read two from the same series and the n..."
Great- I still have not used an alternate book so I will continue to try to keep that bonus.
Completion PostWeek 8-Roll 10
Spot #64
Task- Alternate: 64. New to you author
Book: The Tenth Island: Finding Joy, Beauty, and Unexpected Love in the Azores
Author: Diana Marcum
Read: 10/23/19
Rated: 3.5 stars
Review: I found this book to be an ok. Finding joy and peace with yourself is always what everyone wants but this female has found a bit more. Even though Diana had no family the people of Azore has taken her in and made her feel welcomed and made her part of them. It was a nice memoir.
Completion Post - Week 8Spot #64
Love at First Bark by Debbie Burns
Read: 10/23/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I've really enjoyed this series and I hope there will be more books to come in it!! This book is about Ben Thomas, who is Mason Redding's architect, and shelter volunteer Mia Chambers. Mia was married to Ben's best friend, Brad, and they have a son, Ollie. Brad recently died and Mia is struggling to move on with life - although not in the ways you'd think. She was planning on divorcing Brad and has found out things about him now that he's gone that she also has to deal with. And Ben has been in love with Mia from before Brad married her and is a godfather to Ollie. So there are interesting dynamics! They help the shelter round up a bunch of border collies that had been turned loose in a park, and both end up with new dogs. One of my favorite things about this series is all the info on dogs and rescues - awesome series!!
Week 8 - Completion PostAlternate: 64. New to you author
Save the Date by Wendy Qualls
Pages: 153
Read: 10/25
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: I thought the story was good. I think I expected more. Felt like insta lust with not a lot of feeling.
Hey Carmen - I read your book awhile back - I got it as one of the Kindle First (or whatever that program is called) books awhile back. I was so bored! :-)
I think we’re waiting for Katelyn to post for week 8, correct?
Yeah I’m so sorry! I’m finishing my book up now!
Completion Post - Week 8Spot #64
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
How it qualifies: New to you author
Pages: 346
Completed: 10/25/19
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I haven't read very many thrillers, but I can definitely say this is my favorite thriller that I have read! Going into this book I wasn't sure how you could be shocked by the twists and turns of a story when you've been told not to assume anything but alas... I felt that the story unraveled in such a perfect way and I loved the way the flashbacks blended in perfectly with the present. I also found it trippy how she would be giving us a back story from her past and then go into the past of her past if that makes any sense! Anyway, I really loved this book and I would highly recommend! I would definitely read another work by Hendricks or Pekkanen!
You rolled 2 dice:6 6
Timestamp: 2019-10-26 02:02:59 UTC
Week 9: Completions
Roll: 6 & 6
Spot: 64
New Spot: 76
Bonuses: 3
BONUSES:
Week 1 - Team earned a free pass
Week 3 - Wanda - Book qualifies for 2 in 1 Bonus. It is the second in the series and the cover
Week 5 - SandyL - Starting and finishing a series (there are 4 books in the series and I've read them all for this challenge.)
To Read:
#7 or #6 in a series
Alternate: 76. Two Word Title excluding articles like A, An, The (i.e. Deadly Silence or The Hunger Games)
Reviews
Carmen | October Kiss by Kristen Ethridge | 10/30/19 | 4 stars | Review
Sunshine | Sinner's Gin by Rhys Ford | 9/30/19 | 5 stars | Review
Wanda | Justice Hall by Laurie R. King | 10/30/19 | 5 stars | Review
LaurLa | Hard Sell by Lauren Layne | 10/27/19 | 4 stars | Review
Katelyn | Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn | 10/28/19 | 3.5 stars | Review
Shelby | Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones | 10/30/19 | 5 stars | Review
SandyL | The Color of Love by Julianne MacLean | 10/30/19 | 4 stars | Review
SandyL wrote: "Hey Carmen - I read your book awhile back - I got it as one of the Kindle First (or whatever that program is called) books awhile back. I was so bored! :-)"Lol yup it really was. I think I gave it the extra half star for the dog eating all the neighbors bread, Hahahaha
☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎ wrote: "To Read:#6 in a series
Alternate: 76. Two Word Title excluding articles like A, An, The (i.e. Deadly Silence or The Hunger Games)"
We are on spot 76 so we can read for series #7 or #6
Week 9 - Selection PostRoll/Spot: Spot 76
Task: alternate - Two Word Title
Book: Hard Sell ~ Lauren Layne
How it fits: 2 word title
Oops I thought it posted correctly. I'll fix it. I was trying to get multiple post. Lol
Week 9 - Selection/Completion PostRoll/Spot: Spot 76
Task: alternate - Two Word Titl
Book: Hard Sell ~ Lauren Layne
How it fits: 2 word title
Pages: 247
Date Read: 10.27
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Very nice fake engagement trope - one of my favorites. I like this series and I like the author. I thought the characters were well developed and though there weren't any major surprises in the book, it was still a good story. I'm looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.
Week 9 - Completion Post 
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
How it qualifies: Two Word Title
Pages: 417
Completed: 10/28/19
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: I don't think I've ever been so conflicted on what to rate a book. My reasoning for it being a 4 star and not a 3 would be how hooked I was... rarely am I able to read a book so quickly. The book was totally not what I was expecting. I felt like the pacing was so weird and the timing that everything was revealed at was so weird. I also feel like the media aspect and the lawyering up and all that jazz seriously bored me... and that there was no actual mystery? Ugh, I don't know because at the same time I liked the book! I definitely think I need more time to reflect...Maybe 3.5 stars...
Katelyn wrote: "Week 9 - Completion Post Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
How it qualifies: Two Word Title
Pages: 417
Completed: 10/28/19
Rating: 3.5 stars
R..."
Hated it!!!!
I thought the last half was written by a different author.
I think the movie was better.
Sunshine wrote: "Katelyn wrote: "Week 9 - Completion Post Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
How it qualifies: Two Word Title
Pages: 417
Completed: 10/28/19
Rat..."
I really don't enjoy Gillian Flynn's writing at all. I've been trying to gear myself up to read Gone Girl, but I hated Sharp Objects and Widows so much I just haven't been able to make myself read it.
I’m watching the movie right now hahah
Week 9 - Selection/Completion PostRoll/Spot: Spot 76
Task: alternate - Two Word Titl
Book: October Kiss by Kristen Ethridge
How it fits: 2 word title
Pages: 260
Date Read: 10/30/19
Rating: ★★★★
Review: What a sweet, loving story and a perfect Halloween book since the setting is the month of Oct and they celebrate Halloween. I enjoyed the love, lost and finding love again theme to this book and the kids were just too cute.
Week 9 - Selection & Completion PostRoll /Spot 76
Sinner's Gin by Rhys Ford
Fit: Alternate task. .. 2 word title
Pages: 260
Read: 9/30/19
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: I figured the killer early on. But the mystery did not make the story. The story was about Miki and Kane; how they met and learned to live life together. Kane father was wonderful and his family solid. The cliffhanger; errrrrrrr.
Week 9 - Spot 76
The Color of Love by Julianne MacLean
Qualification: The Color of Heaven #6
Read: 10/30/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but I really liked it! I loved the unexpected twists and turns, as well as the slightly mystical or spiritual aspect of it - fate? coincidence? I really felt for Carla, loving her husband but him loving his mountains more than his family. And Aaron really amazed me - loved him!!! Great story - this is the only book I've read in this series, but I'll definitely look to reading the others.
Week 9 - Roll 12Spot: 76
Book: Seventh Grave and No Body
Page numbers: 356
How Fits: #7 - Charley Davidson
Completion PostWeek 9 - Roll 12
Space: 76
Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones
Date Read: 10/30
Rating: ★★★★★
Wow Charley's powers are really growing. She's starting to get more of a handle on what she's capable of though she still throws herself into danger without a thought. I love her relationship with Reyes in this book. For all he's the alpha male, you really get to see his vulnerability in this one in his fear for what could happen to Charley with Rocket putting her name on his wall.
The team is coming together and the world is getting more dangerous for Charley, especially now that she's got Beep to think about too. There's so much unknown out there, and that is truly a danger cropping up. Oh wow that ending shocked me. I'm not surprised at what Charley's dad was up to, but the end result was shocking. All the little mysteries in this one are more of a backdrop to the bigger picture of who and what Charley is becoming and the forces out to stop her.
I just love this series and I can't wait to see what the next step in the journey is.
Shelby I'm loving the Charley series too :D
Week 9 Completion PostRoll-6/6-Spot 76
Book:Justice Hall byLaurie R. King
Date Read: 10/30/19
Rating: 5 stars
Pages: 341
How it Fits: #6 in Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes Mysteries
Revies:
Another thought-provoking and suspenseful addition to the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes adventures. Mary and Sherlock have just returned from the Dartmoor Moor where they solved the case of a mysterious supernatural event. They were settling down to a much-needed rest when a person from the past appears on their doorstep injured and bleeding. When he recovers he appeals to them to return to his home and help with a much baffling problem.
They are whisked away to the ducal palace of the Hugenforth family to help the apparent heir, an old friend from Palestine, determine who is the rightful 7th Duke of Belville. Mary and Sherlock dive right into this mystery. Their investigations take them to London, Paris and even Canada before the legitimate heir is located. It is a wild and interesting and quite dangerous adventure. However, it is one that becomes the most satisfactory tale.
Good job team! We've completed early. Now we just need to wait for Friday. LOL I see a few 5 stars read. I may have to check those out 😉
☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎ wrote: "Shelby I'm loving the Charley series too :D"Me three!!!!
Week 10You rolled 2 dice:
2 6
Timestamp: 2019-11-01 20:10:37 UTC
Week 10: Completions
Roll: 2 & 6
Spot: 76
New Spot: 84
Bonuses: 4
BONUSES:
Week 1 - Team earned a free pass
Week 3 - Wanda - Book qualifies for 2 in 1 Bonus. It is the second in the series and the cover
Week 5 - SandyL - Starting and finishing a series (there are 4 books in the series and I've read them all for this challenge.)
Week 9 - Shelby - Halloween Bonus: One point can be earned for reading a Horror/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book for the roll on 10/25.
To Read:
#8 or #4 in a series
Alternate: 84. Author O
Reviews
Carmen | Pandemonium | 11/8/19 | 4 stars | Review
Sunshine | Dirty Deeds | 11/3/19 | 4 stars | Review
Wanda | Lemon Meringue Pie Murder | 11/3/19 | 4 stars | Review
LaurLa | My Lucky Charm | 11/8/19 | 3 stars | Review
Katelyn | Replica | 11/8/19| 4 stars | Review
Shelby | A Slice of Love | 11/8/19 | 4 stars | Review
SandyL | Fire & Brimstone | 11/7/19 | 4 stars | Review
Hi team, I just wanted to let you know that we got another bonus due to Shelby reading a PNR/Urban Fantasy book. Yay! Halloween Bonus: One point can be earned for reading a Horror/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book for the roll on 10/25.
Yay!! The book I’m gonna be reading this week is Replica which is more than 500 pages!!
I'm going to search for my book in the morning. I may have one but I'm going to see if it works for a different challenge as well. ☺
Week 10 - Selection PostRoll/Spot: Spot 84
Book: Classified Christmas ~ B.J. Daniels
How it fits: #4 Whitehorse, MT series
Pages: 256
Task: series 4
Book: My Lucky Charm ~ Lisa Mondello
How it fits: #4 Fate With a Helping Hand
Pages: 130
Week 10-Completed PostRoll/Spot= 84
Book: Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke
Date Read: 11/3/19
Rating: ****
How it Fits: #4 in Hannah Swenson Series
Review:
This is the fourth in the series with Hannah Swenson, owner of the Cookie Jar Bakery. As usual, there is a murder which Hannah just has to solve.
This time the body of a local drugstore clerk is found half-buried in the basement of the house that she has just sold to one of Hannah's potential fiancees! The town is planning its annual Fourth of July celebration and no one wants this unsolved murder to ruin the festivities.
As usual, Hannah sets about trying to fit all the pieces together and bring the guilty party into custody without becoming the next victim. A hilarious and entertaining read.
Week 10Completion Post
Dirty Deeds by Rhys Ford
Pages: 228
Read: 11/3
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: Well, I thought it would end something like that but I just didn’t know when it worked come out. I would love to read that story. But, this story was more on how Cole and Jae commitment grew. A bit of a mystery, but that wasn’t as good as the others.
Sorry team, I'm behind this week. I'll try to get my book done as soon as I can today.Also, changed selection in post 243
Week 10 - Spot 84
Fire & Brimstone by R.L. Mathewson
Qualification: Neighbor From Hell #8
Read: 11/7/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: t's been a long time since I've read a book in this series - I kinda needed a break from the madness and food obsessions. This book has an interesting twist in the food thing - Lucifer Bradford actually owns a restaurant! He's an bad tempered guy who makes employees cry, fires them left and right, but can't seem to get rid of one - Rebecca. Rebecca gives Lucifer a run for his money, being able to out-wit and out-maneuver Lucifer. She also loves to eat just as much as the Bradfords! But when her long undiagnosed health problems turn out to be Celiac's disease, a wrench is thrown into the feeding frenzie. And Lucifer's sweeter side comes out! I loved Rebecca's dog, and how she brought her grouchy boss to heel.
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