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R11: Team SMMACKLe (8)
Selection PostWeek 10; Spot 83
Book: Wounded by Shannon Mayer
Pages: 300
How it Fits: Rylee Adamson, #8
Sorry - still trying to decide which one to read!
Mod
Week 10
Spot: 83
Frogs and Kisses
Pages: 336
How it fits: Enchanted, Inc. #8
Date finished: 11/3/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This books has everything: a handsome guy, magic, tension, a nice girl, romantic trysts, good friends, and the bad guys get what they deserve. This is a wonderful addition to a fun series. I highly recommend it.
Selection PostWeek 10 - Spot 83
Beneath This Mask by Victoria Sue
Page Count: 223/GR
How it Qualifies: Book #3 of Enhanced Series
Completion Post Week 10Spot 83
Snowed In: Hunter's Story by Adira August
148 pgs/GR
#3 in Cam & Hunt4ever series
Finished 11/5/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I'm not sure what it is about these two characters but I love them. It was nice to have a look into their life without a case in the background. Cam and Hunter are snowed in at Cam's place with no where to go. This little bubble of time gives them an opportunity to connect and figure important stuff out without life getting in the way. It was sweet and hot! The best part - when I finished I realized there are two more books in the series.
Completion Post Week 10Spot 83
Key of Valor by Nora Roberts
Pages: 352
How it fits: Book 3
Read: Nov 7
Rating: 5 stars
Review: Waring this review is more personal then about the book.
Books are magical. Pure magic. I've been in a rut lately, I've lost both of my grandparents with in a period of 5 weeks of each other. It's been 2 months for one and a month the other. It's been hard and only made harder and more real on Sunday when the family went through their stuff. And that night the smells and memories of childhood (I lived with them from the age of 4 to 21) hit me hard. The reality that I won't smell these smells or hear them or see them again sunk in. And I've been in a daze basically. I couldn't read, I wanted to, but I have no drive, no desire. To do anything really but I had to try. I needed something to take me away. And so I picked up the Key of Valor. The final in a trilogy I had been meaning to read and I'm glad that this was the book I chose. It distracted me and made me smile, made me cry but happy tears, and I needed happy tears there has been so much sad tears.
I guess I should do something about the book.
It's Zoe's turn to look for the 3rd key to help the sisters of glass. Zoe who's life revolves around her 9 year old boy Simon. Who by the way is a lovely child. I related to this book and character more then the others, being a single mom myself. The feelings she felt I have gone through. Now she needs to figure out what she needs to do in order to find the remaining key. Will she have to give up everything she wants for the greater good or will she still succeed if she fallows her heart.
Completion Post - Week 10 - Spot 83
by J.M. DarhowerPages: 357
Read: 11/7
Rating: 4 stars
#3 in Monster in His Eyes series
Review: This is the last book in the series. Naz & Karissa are now married and everything seems to be okay. But, of course, there is someone out to get them. I've really enjoyed this series and finally, finally we get closure on all of the things/people out to get this couple. This is a really good Mafia series.
COMPLETION POSTWeek 10 - Spot 83
Beneath This Mask by Victoria Sue
Page Count: 223/GR
How it Qualifies: Book #3 of Enhanced Series
Date Completed: 07Nov2019
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: Another really good installment of the series!
Still reminds me a bit of Metahuman Files with THIRDS policing, but since I'm a fan of stories with "enhanced" humans (like X-Men, Heroes and Alphas [which was tragically short-lived]) I don't mind at all. Each of the characters is interesting; and while I love that their "powers" typically manifest in childhood, the back-stories for what they go through are heart-breaking and also slyly address discrimination and "otherness."
Gotta admit the next book is the one I'm most eager for. There's something about a big, tough ginger cop falling for a hooker with a heart. (Yes, I've read the precis for it and that's not necessarily the story but I'm still here for it!)
Great narration, once again.
I am at 70% but Hubby is working tonight so I will go home and binge read the rest. I will have it done in time!
Sounds good - once you and Apoorv post I'll go ahead and roll for us : )
Week #10 - Roll #10Number Rolled: 83
Book Read: Still Me | Jojo Moyes
Date Read: 09-Nov-2019
How it Fits: Me Before You #3
Rating: ★★★
Review
So, I hope this is the end of the series. Not that its a particularly bad series, but that its just unnecessary. The first book, Me Before You, was amazing. The story, Will and Lou's relationship, it all felt organic, intriguing, and heartfelt. The second book, After You, like many seconds, was sloppy and definitely was intended to cash on the success of the first. This third one, was slightly better than that, but still aimed at stretching the story that should have happily been ended at Book 1.
Anyway, Lou is in New York here and her employers are a bunch of high-end handshakers. So, its all fancy and dandy on the outside, but fake and banal on the inside. Honestly, it reminded me so much of Sophie Kinsella/Madeleine Wickham books that I had to do a double take if Jojo was still the author. There was nothing strikingly new or attention grabbing. It was a quick fire reading of some 469 pages - where you really gained only the bare minimum.
Carrie wrote: "Completion Post Week 10Spot 83
Key of Valor by Nora Roberts
Pages: 352
.."
I'm so glad, Carrie, that reading this book brought you some much-required relief. I can imagine the emotional rollercoaster you must have been, and it's great to see you finding your way to cope with it. More power to you! :)
Also, this trilogy is one of the finest trilogy I've read. (Also one the first ones). Every book felt necessary and every story seemed interesting. Nora did a fabulous job keeping the narrative intriguing and the pacing taut. Super stoked that you loved the series.
It was great. The scene with Bradly and Simon talking about Zoe and his intentions was adorable.
Completion PostWeek 10; Spot 83
Book: Wounded by Shannon Mayer 11/8/19
Pages: 300
How it Fits: Rylee Adamson, #8
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Ugh! What a punch to the heart! I mean, we knew it was coming, and I even knew how/why it was going to happen, but it still breaks my heart. As Rylee said herself, she is up shit's creek with no paddles and surrounded by crocodiles. This book is nonstop. It's one battle after another trying to hold Orion at bay and keep her family safe. I don't know how I'm going to get through the next 2 books!
Nice job team! New roll 6 & 3
New Spot 92
9, 2, 92 (does any series go that high?)
Alternate 3 word title excluding articles
Week 11 - Roll 11
Number Rolled: 6+3 = 9
Post Your Roll - Post
----------------------------------------
Spot: 92
Book Choice:
Read 2nd book in a series.Alternate Choice:
Read 9th book in a series.
Read 92nd book in a series
Read a book with a three-word title (excluding articles).Note the bonus points!
-----------------------------------------
Books Read (Alphabetically)
Apoorv | Scorpio Hates Virgo | Signs of Love #2 | Review | 14-Nov-2019
Carrie | USING THE FREE PASS
Karen | Black Diamond | Obsidian #2 | Review | 11-Nov-2019
Lanelle | Shakespeare's Champion | Lily Bard #2 | Review | 11-Nov-2019
Melissa | A Conspiracy in Belgravia | Lady Sherlock #2 | Review | 11-Nov-2019
Michaelle | Heart Ripper: Coffin Nails MC | Sex & Mayhem #9 | Review | 12-Nov-2019
Sunshine | Dead Reckoning | Cold Case Psychic #2 | Review | 12-Nov-2019
So, we are currently tied with another team at 92 - so next week will definitely be the last week.Just to be on the same page, I presume we'd want to use all our 6 bonus points then and then hope that we roll 3 or more to cross 100, right?
If so, then I think it will come down to who reads their books quickly. Ooooo, exciting! :D
Apoorv wrote: "So, we are currently tied with another team at 92 - so next week will definitely be the last week.Just to be on the same page, I presume we'd want to use all our 6 bonus points then and then hope..."
Sounds good! We should try to pick books this week that we can have done by Thursday so we can roll at 12:01 Friday for the finish.
Did we claim the bonus point for no alternate used? I think several of us never used the alternate
I’m going with a 2 in a series this week. I’ll do my ‘real’ Selection Post when I’m on a computer. A Conspiracy in Belgravia
I’ll start looking for a short #1 or stand alone for next week so I’m ready. I’m off to check page requirement - 145 is stuck in my mind.....
~Melissa~ wrote: "Did we claim the bonus point for no alternate used? I think several of us never used the alternate"I think we get that once we read for the 90s roll, so we will get it this week. I stand corrected, though!
Apoorv wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: "Did we claim the bonus point for no alternate used? I think several of us never used the alternate"I think we get that once we read for the 90s roll, so we will get it this week..."
I think you are correct - we need to get through this week and then claim it. Had to re read the bonus rules, lol :) I sometimes get ahead of myself.....
Week 11 Selection PostSpot 92
A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas
#2 Lady Sherlock series
336 pgs/GR
[ book:A Conspiracy in Belgravia|33835806]
Selection PostWeek 11; Spot 92
Book: Dead Reckoning by Pandora Pine
Pages: 268
How it Fits: Cold Case Psychic #2
Mod
Week: 11
Spot: 92
Book: Shakespeare's Champion
Pages: 228
How it fits: Lily Bard #2
Date finished: 11/10/19
Rating: ****
Review: Lily is such a fascinating character. She's been through so much. The experience has left her damaged but determined. She is still loyal, kind, and loving. And she can solve a crime :)
Week 11 Completion PostSpot 92
A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas
#2 Lady Sherlock series
336 pgs/GR
Completed 11/11/19
Rating 4 stars
Review: Sherlock (Charlotte) Holmes is placed in a delicate/difficult situation. Her friend and benefactors wife would like Sherlock to find her first love for her. Then there is her dear friends brother who would like Charlotte to think, again, about becoming his wife. Good thing Charlotte isn't like most women. She's able to sit back and weigh the pros and cons as well as get to the bottom of a problem. Book 2 was just as enthralling as the first book. The plot thickens for Charlotte's sister and we find out she has a half brother as well. How do they all fit. I didn't want to stop the narration for anything. And I didn't want the book to come to an end. Looking forward to the next book.
Lanelle wrote: "Selection PostWeek: 11
Spot: 92
Book: Shakespeare's Champion
Pages: 228
How it fits: Lily Bard #2
Date finished: 11/10/19
Rating: ****
Re..."
Lanelle this sounds like an interesting series - I'll have to give it a try sometime.
~Melissa~ wrote: "Week 11 Completion PostSpot 92
A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas
#2 Lady Sherlock series
336 pgs/GR
Compl..."
I love this series, I can't wait to read the newest one.
Mod
I hope you do, Melissa. I've read this series quite a few times, and I haven't gotten tired of it.
Week 11 Completion PostSpot 92
Victoria QuinnPages: 308
#2 in Obsidian series
Finished: Nov 11
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This the 2nd book in this series which is a continuation from the first book. Calloway and Rome are involved and getting along well when her ex, Hank, starts stalking her. There are still some secrets between them. When everything comes out, they must try and find a way to be together. Since there are 2 more books in this series, I'm sure there are more problems for them to endure.
Carrie wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: "Week 11 Completion PostSpot 92
A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas
#2 Lady Sherlock series..."
Me too - so intriguing. I'll be getting to book #3 soon :)
Lanelle wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: "Lanelle this sounds like an interesting series - I'll have to give it a try sometime."I hope you do, Melissa. I've read this series quite a few times, and I haven't gotten tired..."
Yeah - that sounds promising!
Selection PostWeek 11 - Spot 92
Heart Ripper: Coffin Nails MC by K.A. Merikan
Page Count: 319/GR
How it Fits: Sex & Mayhem #9
Sorry it took so long to post my selection...had a hard time picking this round. Started another 3 books that I got bored with before before hitting 25% mark. Already at 30% with this one so fingers crossed!!
COMPLETION POSTWeek 11 - Spot 92
Heart Ripper: Coffin Nails MC by K.A. Merikan
Page Count: 319/GR
How it Fits: Sex & Mayhem #9
Date Read: 12Nov2019
Rating: ~ 4 Stars
Review: Despite having read 7+ of the books in this series, I am not really a fan of the MC-theme. I tried for a while with SoA and then they went and killed Opie like that and I was out. And yet I keep coming back for these. Maybe I'm a masochist because the stories, no matter the actual plot, make me think of Opie and it breaks my heart all over again. Anywhoooooo...So, yeah. Not my genre.
But.
Grim will always be my favorite character in this series, but I think Raja is a close second. I love that he took what was supposed to be a slight, a racial slur (of sorts) and claimed it as his name. (Because OMG, yeah, no his real name just doesn't fit.) And I love the mental image of Raja and David together; big, burly, hairy biker and skinny preppy twink. *shrug* IDKY. It works for me.
And I liked that KAM didn't turn these outlaws into do-gooders. I could see the impulse was there, and while there was some "good" in their new business venture - sketchy and dangerous as it could be, both to them and potential customers - it was still illegal. I mean, if you're gonna have Bikers why water down what makes them (somewhat) appealing, amirite?
Now, to ponder whether to put the next one on the TBR. I haven't read #3 or 7 and honestly I don't think - even with Asty and Hunter having relatively big roles here as side characters - that I need to go back and read them. But I might. Maybe. Honestly, I'm more likely to just put 10 and 11 on the TBR and call it a day but you never know. Could need one of the others for a future challenge...
Completion PostWeek 11; Spot 92
Book: Dead Reckoning by Pandora Pine 11/13/19
Pages: 268
How it Fits: Cold Case Psychic #2
Rating: 2 Stars
Review:
Tennyson has the spirit of a young man visit him. He is able to convey his name and that he was murdered. Ten immediately rushes to his lover/partner, Ronan. They quickly discover there is a serial killer out there killing young gay male prostitutes.
Unfortunately, so much of this book annoyed me. The biggest thing?! Ronan, who is a 10-year-and-counting detective by the way, kisses the suspect to get a DNA sample. What?! That just killed the story for me. I couldn't wait to finish the book.
I'm hoping it was just this case and I must be a glutton for punishment because I put the next book on my TBR.
⚣Michaelle⚣ wrote: "COMPLETION POSTWeek 11 - Spot 92
Heart Ripper: Coffin Nails MC by K.A. Merikan
Page Count: 319/GR
How it Fits: ..."
OMG I love your review, never started SoA, but this is exactly how I feel every time I start one of these books. MC theme really not my jam but I seem to keep reading them, lol
Sunshine✰✰✰ wrote: "Completion PostWeek 11; Spot 92
Book: Dead Reckoning by Pandora Pine 11/13/19
Pages: 268
How it Fits: Cold Case Psychic #2
R..."
I was thinking of starting this series at some point.....but maybe I don’t need to seeing you 2 ⭐️ it 😊
Yeah, I've got the rest of the Cold Case Psychic books on my TBR but I'm not likely to ever get to them. What irritated Sunshine in #2 is similar to what irritated me in #1. The procedural aspects were just so shoddy that it was laughable at times...whodunits are my most often read genre (while scifi is my favorite) and I've read too many that do such a good job that I've been spoiled and expect better now.(I've also got entirely too many actual procedural reference and guide books on my Kindle and RL bookshelves to refer to when things seem hinky so yeah, I have low threshold for bullshit; the story better make up for a lot if I have to suspend disbelief on the case details.)
Week #11 - Roll #11Number Rolled: 92
Book Read: Scorpio Hates Virgo | Anyta Sunday
Date Read: 14-Nov-2019
How it Fits: Signs of Love #2
Rating: ★★★★.5
Review
Oh, how I love this series!! It is funny, irreverent, sexy, fun, and delightfully slow-burning. Anyta Sunday yet again manages to write a love story that had me rooting for the MCs. I LOVE a good slow-burn, and 2 books in, I don't think I've read any other book/series that manages to get it right as this one. Its down right painful, and I love it!!
This time we have a Scorpio and a Virgo at loggerheads and this enemy-to-friends-to-lovers shtick plays out like a fiddle. There are obvious tropes in action here, but I, for once, am willing to overlook them and just enjoy the titter-tatter between Persceus and Callaghan. I'm going to savour this series for a while for sure.
As soon as we have Carrie's review in, we should be ready to race to the finishing line. This is getting intense!! :D
Apoorv wrote: "As soon as we have Carrie's review in, we should be ready to race to the finishing line. This is getting intense!! :D"Such a fun book you picked Apoorv and a series I've enjoyed!
It will definitely be a race to the finish :)
Apoorv wrote: "As soon as we have Carrie's review in, we should be ready to race to the finishing line. This is getting intense!! :D"I'm going to scan all my TBR shelves right now for a book that is as close to the minimum page requirement as possible for all potential roll outcomes...
Mod
I've got mine picked out and ready to read.
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Love when books become 5 stars, will definitely read it again.