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R11: Team SMMACKLe (8)
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⚣Michaelle⚣
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Aug 31, 2019 09:34AM
Duh, I didn't even think to get it from Hoopla. Oh well, one less to use of my allotted 10 this way.
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Selection Post:Week 1
Spot 11
Book: Widdershins (Whyborne & Griffin #1) by Jordan L. Hawk
Page: 236 pages
How it fits: #1 in a series and MPG Romance
Completion PostWeek 1; Spot 11
Book: Dark Ride by Iain Rob Wright 9/3/19
Pages: 203
How it Fits: Standalone
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
I'm a huge fan of IRW so I knew I would enjoy this book. :-)
AJ gets his small group of close friends together for one last hurrah weekend before he moves to the United States. His grand idea is for them to go camp out at the abandoned park. As soon as they turn onto the road leading to the parking lot, everything starts to go down hill. From a Cujo deer & creepy rats to possessed animatronics and the ghosts of the trapped fair-goers, this easy read keeps you hooked.
Let me just state, I would never willingly break into an abandoned park. And if I did happen to be there, I would rather spend the night in the general restrooms then in the building that housed the ride that caught fire and killed 9 people. But, as a voyeur...I was really drawn into the story. :-)
Completion PostWeek 1
Spot 11
Book:
Page: 333 pages
How it fits: #1 in a series but also a mpg Romance
Bonus✸ 2 in 1: One point can be earned for reading a book that fits both the series number and the alternate for the spot you are on.
Rating: 5 stars
Read: Sept 4
Review: I loved this book, it came when I needed it to. And I felt a connection to Stella, we have come similar traits.
Micheal was a perfect leading man in this romcom, he might not be a perfect male but for her is and they are perfect together.
We have the typical frustration of yes god dammit you like her, she likes him moments. We have the doubt. We have the stubbornness of not telling the other everything but that's part of who they are.
Stella is autistic and you don't see many books about women with autism (low or high functioning) so this nice to read.
Completion Post: Week 1Spot 11
Riven by Roan Parrish
235 pgs
How it fits: #1 in a series
Finished 9/1/19
Rating 4 stars
Review: I really enjoyed this first in a series. It wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be. Theo has become a rock star overnight when he joins a band that has already been together but needed a singer/songwriter. There is just one problem - he hates being a rock star. Unable to go out and be left alone. Caleb has been a music star and is unsure if he wants to be a star again. Let alone does he want to date someone in the lifestyle. I loved Theo's shy dorky adorable personality. He truly doesn't understand why he is a star. He loves everything about music except the fame. Caleb's fame has lead him down some dark paths that he does not want to visit again. Watching them come together was definitely a journey and not always easy. I enjoyed the side characters as well. Looking forward to Rhys/Matt's story that is up next and then the mysterious Huey. Sad I waited so long to start this one.
Completion PostWeek 1 - Spot 11
One Reckless Summer Toni Blake
Pages: 370
How It Fits: #1 in series & Alternate: Romance
Finished: 9/4
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This is the first book in the series. Jenny comes back to her home town after a divorce and ends up seeing bad boy, Mick, after going on his family's land to use her telescope to star gaze. There is a lot of back and forth with Mick trying to get her to stay away. Once we find out the reason, everything makes sense. Surprisingly, there is a lot of hot sex in this book. I really enjoyed this book and plan to read the rest of the series. I love small town romances.
Week #1 - Roll #1Number Rolled: 11
Book Read: Tell Me It's Real | T.J. Klune
Date Read: 05-Sep-2019
How it Fits: At First Sight #1
Rating: ★★★1/2
Review
Okay! That was a riot!! TJ Klune is an absolute guilty pleasure of mine, but most times there is less pleasure and more pain because of how emotionally vulnerable he makes me; and there is absolutely no guilt. But, you get my point! :P
After getting sucker punched in the feels with his previous series that I read, Bear, Otter, and the Kid, this was a positive, fun-filled, mad deviation and I lapped it up like a dog with a bowl of water on a hot summer day. There were so many instances where I just burst out laughing because of the antics of the main lead Paul Auster. He was a bumbling, adorable, goofball and I had a great time rolling along the story with him.
Story which is pretty run of the mill and beaten down a set path. And as much as it was funny and joyous, I had some major issues with blatant sexism, caricature-ish top-bottom behavior between two men, and very worn-out MM Romance tropes. Maybe I expect more from TJ Klune, because he wrote one of my all time favorite series; and I refuse to believe that fluffy cutesy romance is a ticket to being sexist, but some things did bother me!
But, I will continue with the series, maybe even in this challenge to get some bonus points! :)
Completion Post:Week 1, Spot 11
Book: Widdershins (Whyborne & Griffin #1) by Jordan L. Hawk
Page: 236 pages
How it fits: #1 in a series
Date finished: 9/5
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This was a fun little read, but not one of my favorites. I feel like I've been really spoiled in my historical romance reading by KJ Charles, whose writing I've just fallen in love with. I also feel like it's a fine line between a charmingly flawed protagonist and an annoying one, and this one maybe fell a little bit on the annoying side for me. Still, it was fun, and I might be willing to give the next one a shot.
Awesome job, everyone!!Just waiting on Michaelle's review, and we should be set for our second roll! :)
I'm hitting the bed now, but I will obviously check in first thing in the morning to see if we are ready and roll right after! :)
COMPLETION POSTWeek 1, Spot 11
Pretty Pretty Boys by Gregory Ashe
Page Count: 541/GR
How it Fits: Book 1 of Hazard and Somerset Series
ALSO BONUS: Book is >500pgs.
Date Completed: 05Sep2019
Rating: 4.25 Stars
Review: So, I probably should have read some of the reviews on this book because I was not really in the mood for Real Life™ at the moment (with the rampant homophobia, xenophobia and racism spouted - and systematically propped up/ingrained - by the white supremacist group), and so much of what happens here (or occurred prior to the story) is hard to read/listen to. But, then again, the best stories (IMHO) draw from reality and endeavor to make things better for the characters.
And that's exactly what happened here. We get flawed characters, and MCs that show growth (both of them). We get a win by the good guys. Which is how it happens, one battle at at time.
The writing is so lush; I've lived in a similar sized town in Missouri (actually smaller) and the way Gregory writes Wahredua brought back those memories (both the good and bad), and provided such a solid setting for the tale. He doesn't pull any punches in "demonizing" just the white supremacists, either. He rightly calls out some of the less than desirable (and just as scary) tactics employed by the other side. (Not that I don't necessarily agree with some of them since sometimes you have to fight fire with fire, or a punch to the face. Just sayin'. )
I can't wait to read the next one because OMG the UST between Hazard & Somerset is palpable, and I know when they finally get together (no matter how long it takes) it will be worth it. I mean, I really like Nico - and I think that it's a smart move on the author's part to have an interim relationship for Hazard (forgiving a teenage bully shouldn't happen overnight) - but I hope Nico's not a cock-block for long.
Also, Tristan James' narration was really good. I wish that he gave H&S more distinctive voices, like he does with the side characters (which he gave great performances for) as it was hard to differentiate between the MCs when they were speaking. It's subtle, and maybe with more exposure I'll be better able to tell them apart.
Apoorv wrote: "Awesome job, everyone!!Just waiting on Michaelle's review, and we should be set for our second roll! :)
I'm hitting the bed now, but I will obviously check in first thing in the morning to see if..."
Sorry it took me so long to finish. This was a rough book to listen to...I needed several breaks.
Happy Friday team! I rolled a 4 + 3 putting us on spot 18 We can read a stand alone, 1 or 8 in series
Alternate is a Multi color cover (3 or more colors)
Off to find a book for this week
Week 2 : Selection Post Spot 18
The Athlete by Elin Peer
297 pgs
How it works: #8 in the Men of the North series
⚣Michaelle⚣ wrote: "COMPLETION POSTWeek 1, Spot 11
Pretty Pretty Boys by Gregory Ashe
Page Count: 541/GR
How it Fits: Book 1 of Hazard and So..."
I forgot how much was packed into that first book! He weaves such an interesting story of the people in that small town. Makes you feel like you’re right there. So many feels. Glad you overall enjoyed it!
Also, nice job getting the bonus point for the over 500 pgs book. 😊
Thanks Melissa!Good thing I have several #1s to choose from for this week (not so sure about #8s!); looking through my TBR shows quite a few 2s, 3s and 4s. Will need to find some 6+s (in case the ones I have aren't interesting at the time). Kinda hoping I won't have to use the Alternate category in an effort to get us that extra bonus point.
Selection Post:Week 2, Spot 18
Book: Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Page: 466 pages
How it fits: Standalone
Week 2 - Roll 2
Number Rolled: 4+3 = 7
Post Your Roll - Post
----------------------------------------
Spot: 18
Book Choice:
Read a standalone book.Alternate Choice:
Read 1st book in a series
Read 8th book in a series
Read a book with a multi-colored (3 or more) cover.Note the bonus points!
-----------------------------------------
Books Read (Alphabetically)
Apoorv | Lot | Standalone | Review | 10-Sep-2019
Carrie | Cat Out of Hell | Standalone | Review | 08-Sep-2019
Karen | Worth the Wait | McKinney/Walker Brothers #1 | Review | 09-Sep-2019
Lanelle | The Boxcar Children | The Boxcar Children #1 | Review | 12-Sep-2019
Melissa | The Athlete | Men of the North #8 | Review | 07-Sep-2019
Michaelle | Broken | Cursed #1 | Review | 12-Sep-2019
Sunshine | Steel | Rent-a-Dragon #1 | Review | 10-Sep-2019
Apoorv wrote: "Week #1 - Roll #1Number Rolled: 11
Book Read: Tell Me It's Real | T.J. Klune
Date Read: 05-Sep-2019
How it Fits: At First Sight #1
Rating: ★★★1/2
Review
Okay! Th..."
One of my favorite authors. Such a fun and funny series. I just remember snark when I see this series come up. I still need to get back to it for book # 3 and 4.
~Melissa~ wrote: "One of my favorite authors. Such a fun and funny series. I just remember snark when I see this series come up. I still need to get back to it for book # 3 and 4.."OMG! That's awesome, Melissa!! :D
TJ is such a darling! I love him. So glad that you like him too. And this book was madness! He is so unflinchingly funny here - I'm legit amazed! I hope to complete this series this challenge. :)
Selection PostWeek 2; Spot 18
Book: Pestilence by Laura Thalassa
Pages: 381
How it Fits: The Four Horsemen #1
Selection PostWeek 2 - Spot 18
Worth the Wait Claudia Connor
Pages: 237
How It Fits: #1 in McKinney/Walker Brothers series
Apoorv wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: "One of my favorite authors. Such a fun and funny series. I just remember snark when I see this series come up. I still need to get back to it for book # 3 and 4.."OMG! That's aw..."
For seriously funny if you haven't read it yet is
- I laughed so much I cried at parts during this one!! I ended up reading this one instead of audio as the audio just wasn't doing it for me. Do you do audiobooks or you read? And have you done
series yet? Fabulous on audio. Loved books 1 & 2. I want to do a re read (really a re listen) of
series ....when I find the time.
Selection PostWeek 2, Spot 18
Broken by X. Aratare
Page Count: 250/GR
How it Qualifies: #1 of Cursed series
Week 2 :Completion PostSpot 18
Book:
Cat out of Hell by Lynne Truss
Pages: 240
How it fits: Standalone
Read: Sept 8
Rating: 4.75 stars
Review:
I thought that this was brilliant. I love how it was written,I love the humor, it went quite well with the sinisterness of the story. I love the references in it. I was so taken by the book that I actually spent a better part of the morning wandering around the living/dining area reading it.
Looking at other ratings and reviews it appears that this is not everyone's cup of tea, and I would like more actually.
Most definitely checking out the authors other works.
Over all 4.75 stars
Week 2 : Completion Post Spot 18
The Athlete by Elin Peer
297 pgs
How it works: #8 in the Men of the North series
Completed 9/7/19
Rating 4 stars
Review: I wasn't planning on liking this one in the series as Hunter was an ass in the last book. Of course, with this author what happens is I end up loving the book when I think I'm going to hate it - which was the case with this one. Ema (Emanuela) gave Hunter as good as she got. These two are both competitive to the bone which is great out on the soccer field but sometimes isn't the best for interpersonal relationships, lol. Hunter thinks it will be easy to put the 'little Motlander woman' in her place. Ema has an interesting family and outlook as well as being outspoken. She doesn't shy away from Hunter when he is an ass or when he swears (which is considered inappropriate communication and you can be reported for it,lol). They had a fun progression from enemies to lovers. We get to see some of the old couple and see where the next books couple are at at the moment. Looking forward to Raven's book.
Completion PostWeek 2 - Spot 18
Worth the Wait Claudia Connor
Pages: 237
Finished: 9/9
Rating: 4 stars
How It Fits: #1 in McKinney/Walker Brothers series
Review: This is a second chance romance. Nick and Mia meet in college. Nick is taking care of his 2 year sister since his parents were killed in a car accident. They start a relationship. Nick wants to go into the FBI and Mia is studying to be a doctor. A horrible situation happens that tears them apart and they meet 10 years later. Nick is determined to win Mia back. I really enjoyed this story. It spans about 20 years and of course has a great HEA.
Selection PostWeek 2; Spot 18
Book: Steel by Terry Bolryder 9/10/19
Pages: 167
How it Fits: Rent-a-Dragon, #1
Rating: 2 Stars
Review:
This is the 1st book in the 1st spin off of the Awakened Dragons series. I'm a bit disappointed. Liam, who is from the viking/barbarian era, is way too mild mannered, and Kate was just not believable. The whole time she was "angry" about Liam being a dragon just made me roll my eyes. I just felt like the author regressed her characters a bit from the original series.
I do like the storyline. Dragons from a long forgotten era out looking for their mates, and what's a better way then to be a damn sexy handyman! I also liked how all the gemstone dragons adopted cats and had mating rings while these metal dragons are connecting with dogs and have bracelets. I'm looking forward to Magnus's story.
Week #2 - Roll #2Number Rolled: 18
Book Read: Lot | Bryan Washington
Date Read: 10-Sep-2019
How it Fits: Standalone
Rating: ★★★
Review
This was just a rollercoaster of a book - there were stories that blew me away, and then there were stories that just did not stick. But, what one cannot take away from Bryan Washington is how sensationally he makes the city of Houston, Texas a character in the narrative. You see the city in a new light and quite literally find yourself amidst its fascinatingly chaotic life.
This is a story collection of multiple tales set in Houston, half of which revolve around a central character while some are completely unrelated to the said character's life yet manage to provide an outside perspective in the life of a Houston-er. There is no holds barred, and the amount of times you are taken aback by the proceedings is certainly a primary positive point of the narrative.
Having said that, I was very rarely invested in the central character and/or his life. Possibly because I was constantly distracted with the change in narrative or I was struggling to keep the narrative straight in my head. I really wish had the author fleshed out the main character a bit more and spent some time with him, I would have found some emotion to connect to. I always felt like an outsider in the narrative and just felt like I was in the room while things happened, instead of being actively involved in the proceedings. Maybe I was expecting a bit more or maybe the stylistic approach of the author was a little off-putting, but I would have loved some more seasoning to this delicious dish!
Hi team! I'm sorry to have to do this, but I need to drop out of this game. I just got promoted at work, which is good, but is also taking up all my reading time and energy. There's no way I'll be able to keep up and I definitely don't want to hold you all back.Good luck with the rest of the challenge!
Mod
I'm trying to rustle up a back-up player for you guys, but for now just continue with your remaining players.
Sarah wrote: "Hi team! I'm sorry to have to do this, but I need to drop out of this game. I just got promoted at work, which is good, but is also taking up all my reading time and energy. There's no way I'll be ..."Congratulations on your promotion! Good luck in your new position!
Mod
Mod
Just kidding, the name is great. I look forward to playing with y'all.
Sarah wrote: "Hi team! I'm sorry to have to do this, but I need to drop out of this game. I just got promoted at work, which is good, but is also taking up all my reading time and energy. There's no way I'll be ..."Oh nooo! I'm so sorry to see you go, Sarah! But this is for such a lovely reason that I feel more happy for you!! Congratulations on being the big boss now. Haha! Hope the work is more exciting now and you settle down in the new role soon. :)
Hope to see you around GoodReads!
Lanelle wrote: "Hey SMMACKS. Are we SMMACKLe now :DJust kidding, the name is great. I look forward to playing with y'all."
LOL! That is actually perfect! I wonder if Denise can change our name to that.
Welcome to the madhouse, Lanelle. Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have. If you have a standalone, #1, #8, or multiple cover book that you may have read this week - please add that in, so that we can count it for this week's roll. If not, no issues, we can get cooking next roll onwards which will be tomorrow (Friday). :)
Thank you for all the well wishes, everyone! I'll be cheering you along the rest of the way!
YAY for promotions! Hopefully you'll still find time to read once things settle down and you've gotten comfortable with the position. Maybe we'll see you again in another challenge, then?
COMPLETION POSTWeek 2, Spot 18
Broken by X. Aratare
Page Count: 250/GR
How it Qualifies: #1 of Cursed series
Date Completed: 12Sep2019
Rating: 4 Stars (just under, but I didn't want to round down to 3)
Review: I have to say, as much as I dislike the Disney versions of Fairy Tales, I really did like this re-telling of Beauty and the Beast...and I'm definitely going to listen to the next one because OMG cliffhanger anyone?
I'm not sure I'd have it in me to forgive my family if they'd treated me like Nick's treated him, or if they had such a dearth of morals, compassion, empathy...you know, the emotions that make people likeable (to me anyway). But I understand why he's still seeking their acceptance, even after he'd originally made plans to break away completely. And it's more than just acceptance, he wants to walk away free from guilt; he knows he's grown up in a privileged life, has benefited from their power & money-hungry ways, and wants a clean slate. But there's still that little bit of a little boy wanting his daddy to say, "Good job, son." Can't blame him. I think there's a tiny (or not so tiny) bit of that in all of us.
And I love how the curse was tied to Bane's actions, his own less-than-happy childhood...and that he now uses his power/money to target those who absolutely need to be brought down a peg for their insolence and greed. Wish there was more of that in the world sometimes...
Adored Omar and Nick's friend Jade...I hope there's more of each of them in the next book. I mean, I'm sure Omar figures prominently since he's basically an amalgamation of Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, Wardrobe, etc. (What? I said I didn't particularly like Disney Fairy Tales, not that I haven't seen them!)
Michael Pauley did a good job with the narration as well, which made listening to this a real treat.
Lanelle wrote: "Hey SMMACKS. Are we SMMACKLe now :DJust kidding, the name is great. I look forward to playing with y'all."
Hi and welcome to the team!
Also, is it possible to change the name? What I liked about the last one was how it incorporated all of us into it...
Sarah wrote: "Hi team! I'm sorry to have to do this, but I need to drop out of this game. I just got promoted at work, which is good, but is also taking up all my reading time and energy. There's no way I'll be ..."Congrats on the promotion, Sarah!
Lanelle wrote: "Hey SMMACKS. Are we SMMACKLe now :DJust kidding, the name is great. I look forward to playing with y'all."
Welcome to the team! I agree. If we can, we should change the name. I love that it's all our initials.
Lanelle wrote: "Hey SMMACKS. Are we SMMACKLe now :DJust kidding, the name is great. I look forward to playing with y'all."
Welcome to the team Lanelle ~ we’re happy to have you!
Mod
Mod
I actually did read a #1 book today. Here's my completion post:
Week 2 Spot: 18
Book: The Boxcar Children
Qualification: The Boxcar Children #1
Pages: 154
Date read: 9/12/19
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I think that this book was the beginning of middle-grade books designed specifically to build reading skills. I can see how it would do that. It was entertaining as well as informative. A simple read. I also read that the author got lots of fan mail asking for more stories about the Boxcar Children. That's definitely a sign that kids like your books :)
Good morningI rolled 3 & 4 putting us on Spot 25
We can read a 2, 5, 25
Alternate is Published in 2015
Congratulations Sarah! That's Awesome!And Welcome Lanelle! :-D
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