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R11: Team Spine Crackers (9)
I'm almost done with mine just have a chapter left and write my review. I got sucked into another series and almost forgot about it lol.
Awesome! Mine is done, I just have to write a review :D how is everybody else doing?
I'm a bit behind as I was sick earlier this week. What time is our review due tomorrow? Is it first thing in the a.m.?
Mod
Donna wrote: "If we want to earn the free pass it needs to be done today but you have all of tomorrow to get it done by the deadline (midnight central time)."Is this our only opportunity to earn the free pass?
I am changing mine to Visions of Sugar Plums so I can try to finish tonight. I will do the official change over tonight.
Mod
Is this our only opportunity to earn ..."
Nope. We can earn it any week but the books have to be finished the day before to get it. No rush. We can try to earn it next week if we can't this week. Sorry, I should have made that more clear in my last post. Not thinking too clearly since I haven't been feeling well.
OH GOOD! OK. I'll have mine done by tomorrow night then. Thanks!Oh, no problem. I hope you are feeling better soon.
Week: 1 Spot: 8
Book:
Qualifications: 8th in series
Date: 9/5/2019
Rating: 5 Star
Review:
So I admit that I'm reading out of order only because the challenge needed 8th in the series. However, each book in the series is a dark queen getting her happy ever after. Rayale and Llewelyn are destined to be together even if they just haven't gotten it right yet. Now they are an epic journey in OZ in hopes of getting out alive and maybe together. Will the survive the evil lurking in OZ and get it right this time or will things go wrong yet again. Another fantastic installment of the Dark Queeens. I think it's time for another evil queen to get her own happy ever after. The Bewitching Queen was hard to put down I finished almost all of it in one sitting.
Im excited for the next roll and to pick a book :D
Donna wrote: "Angie Elle wrote: "Donna wrote: "If we want to earn the free pass it needs to be done today but you have all of tomorrow to get it done by the deadline (midnight central time)."Is this our only o..."
Hope you're feeling better soon Donna!
Mod
I have adjusted my post to my new book and posted my review. I apologize for the delay, team!
Mod
Mod
Week:2
Dice roll: 6 & 4
Previous Spot: 8
Current Spot: 18
Bonus Points Earned: 1
Bonus Points Used:0
What to read:
# 1 in series
✸ Standalone books can be used for a 1 or a 0
# 8 in series
# 18 in series
Alternate: Multi-Colored (3 or More Colors)
Donna Magic and Murder Among the Dwarves by Erik Bundy~~ completed
Leslie Ann Rescued by a Highlander by Keira Montclair~~completed
Jane Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay~~ completed
Mandy Splintered by A.G. Howard~~completed
Vicki Pretty Reckless by L.J. Shen~~completed
BarbaraAnn In This Iron Ground by Marina Vivancos~~ completed
Angie Elle The Good Luck Sister by Jill Shalvis~~ completed
Don't forget about the bonus points! Please note any bonus in your completion post.
BONUS POINTS:
✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.
✸ One point can be earned for reading a book with >500 pages.
✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series. Series + spin-off totalling ≥4 books also counts. For series with >9 books, point will be awarded for reading books 1-9. For still ongoing series, all books published to date (OR up to #9 in longer series) must be read.~ No re-reads on this one.
✸ One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate lists. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
✸ Halloween Bonus: One point can be earned for reading a Horror/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book for the roll on 10/25.
NOTE:
✸ Each point can only be earned once per team.
✸ The series-specific bonus points (3 or more books/ starting and finishing a series) must be two different series.
✸ Single book bonuses (>500 pages/ Halloween/ 2 in 1) may overlap with a series bonus.
Selection PostWeek 2
Spot: 18 # 1 in series
Book: Pretty Reckless by L.J. Shen
Qualification: #1 in the All Saints High series
Mod
Spot:18
Magic and Murder Among the Dwarves by Erik Bundy
Qualification: Crying Woman Road #1
Date:9/9/19
Rating:2 star
Review:I want to say that I liked this book. However, I had such a hard time getting into the story. The visions were interesting but I can't say much else was. I should have been able to read this book in a few hours but it took days to read. I kept finding other things that I would rather do. There was nothing wrong with the book but it just didn't hold my interest at all.
Thank you to every team member for posting the reviews. This was a successful first week :DMy choice:
Week 2
Spot: 18 (Alternate: Multi-Colored (3 or More Colors))
Book: Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
Qualification: First book in the Dexter series
Finished: 13 September
Rating: ★★★
Review:
It’s not really fair here to say that the tv series was better than the book, since it wouldn’t exist without the book. But it kind of is. I still enjoyed the book and consider reading more of this series. But the series is just so much more... catchy? I can’t really hate on the book, since I liked the writing and the characters. I liked the dry tone of Dexter. I just never felt like I HAD to keep reading, it wasn’t keeping me on the edge of my seat (and I can’t really remember the story anymore from the tv series, so the book had a good chance here). It was still a nice read, just nothing special.
Week 2 Spot 18 - Completed
In This Iron Ground by Marina Vivancos
Qualification: Book #1 in the Natural Magic Series
Finished: 9/9/19
Rating: *****
Review: This book was very different than what I was expecting, but it was beautifully told and I loved the story. First of all - this isn't really a romance nor is it really a book about shifters. Damien was an orphan who went through a series of horrific foster homes. He met the Salgado family and found love.
I liked so much about this book. One of the best things was that the mental issues Damien had due to the abuse he suffered was not miraculously fixed. Love also didn't miraculously erase all issues. He went into therapy and it was an ongoing issue. I'll definitely read more by this author.
Week 2 Spot 18 Completion postRescued by a Highlander
which is #1 in the series
9/12/2019
rating: 2 stars ( 1 1/2)
Review:
Boring, boring, boring! I have read some Highlander type books by another author, so I thought I would give this 1 a try. Quite frankly I would of not finished this book except for the challenge and I didn't have time to find something else. Sorry , can't recommend it.
Week 2 Spot 18 Completion Post 
Pages 371
Qualifications which is #1 in the series
Finished 9/12/2019
Rating 5 star
Review
I've had Splintered sitting on my shelf since my preorder arrived. I've always had a Alice in Wonderland addiction but never seemed to get around to this one. This spin on the classic story tells the story of Alyssa a descendent of The Alice from Lewis Carrols story. They are cursed and tend to go mad speaking to insects and flowers. Only this time Alyssa isn't going to end of going mad like her family she's going to save her mom. Deciding that her only option is to venture down the rabbit hole she does just that finding out the Wonderland isn't exactly like Lewis Carrol described in his story. It's a dark dangerous place and Alyssa has to fix what The Alice broke and get home. I loved Splintered it was hard to put down I was instantly drawn into Alyssa's story. The author has a beautiful writing style that is captivating. I can't wait to continue the series this may be my favorite spin on the classic so far.
Week 2 - Spot: 18Book: The Good Luck Sister
Pages: 147
Qualification: 1.5 in series
Review: 1 star. This book was terrible, and it managed to fit eight million cliches into a very small word count. I found the heroine to be whiny, the hero to be blah, and I use the term 'hero' loosely. "Are we really standing around sharing our feelings?" one of a group of three men asks at one point. Yes. Yes you are. Because a woman is writing you, and apparently has no concept of men. This book was a MAJOR miss for me, and as I haven't been a fan of the other books I've read from this author, it may be time to give up on her.
Changed my book to one that I had on my kindle. I don't think I'll have time to finish my current with the way the week is going lol.
I also changed my book. And finished it. I am going to be out of state for a wedding this weekend. I'm leaving Friday morning and have things to do to get ready, so I was afraid I wouldn't make the deadline. Not to mention, I DNFd my first choice...
Mod
How are you doing with your books? Will you be done before the deadline?
Mod
Pages 371
Qualifications which is #1 in the series
Finished 9/12/2019
Rating 5 star
Review
I've had Splintered sitting on my shelf ..."
I loved that book also. I got it a while back when it was free but never got around to reading it until this summer. It was definitely worth the wait.
Week 2 - Spot: 18
Qualifications: # 1 in series
Book: Pretty Reckless
Read: 9/10/19
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Interesting and a little different from other enemies to love stories. Penn and Daria or "Skull Eyes" meet and kiss at their first meeting at age 14. Penn also gives her a special gift at that time. Skull Eyes is rather jealous of Penn's twin sister Via due to her mother's investment in her as a dancer. Something happens, Via goes missing, and that drives a wall between them, but not a wall so big that they can't/don't have sex. It's a bit weird to me, but they go through high school and four years pass.
Penn is a star football player, his sister was on the path to being possibly a famous dancer, but somehow when she goes missing that all seems to fall apart. Penn doesn't know if she's disappeared for a reason of her own or if she's been killed by someone or what.
Penn and Daria are from opposite sides of the track, too. (view spoiler); Daria's family is rich but Penn's is poor. There are many things that should keep them apart but that almost seems to pique Penn's interest even more.
Sorry for posting so late. To be honest I almost forgot! Thanks for the reminder, Donna. :)
Mod
You're welcome ; )
I will post mt review today, sorry for the delay!!Edit: Posted my review :D
Mod
Week:3
Dice roll: 5 & 2
Previous Spot: 18
Current Spot: 25
Bonus Points Earned: 1
Bonus Points Used:0
What to read:
# 2 in series
# 5 in series
# 25 in series
Alternate: Published 2015
Donna Forgotten Wishes by Lisa Manifold~~ completed
Leslie Ann Artificial Condition by Martha Wells~~ completed
Jane Wildflower by Drew Barrymore~~completed
Mandy Lion Shifter by Lucia Ashta~~completed
Vicki Deadly Web by Mike Omer~~completed
BarbaraAnn Pint-Sized Protector by Eve Langlais~~completed
Angie Elle Feral Heat by Jennifer Ashley~~ completed
Don't forget about the bonus points! Please note any bonus in your completion post.
BONUS POINTS:
✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.
✸ One point can be earned for reading a book with >500 pages.
✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series. Series + spin-off totalling ≥4 books also counts. For series with >9 books, point will be awarded for reading books 1-9. For still ongoing series, all books published to date (OR up to #9 in longer series) must be read.~ No re-reads on this one.
✸ One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate lists. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
✸ Halloween Bonus: One point can be earned for reading a Horror/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book for the roll on 10/25.
NOTE:
✸ Each point can only be earned once per team.
✸ The series-specific bonus points (3 or more books/ starting and finishing a series) must be two different series.
✸ Single book bonuses (>500 pages/ Halloween/ 2 in 1) may overlap with a series bonus.
Mod
Spot:25
book:Forgotten Wishes by Lisa Manifold
Qualification: # 2 in Djinn Everlasting series
Date:9/14/19
Rating:3 star
Review:I really wanted to rate this book higher. It was a good story. I loved the characters and the romance was sweet. My issue was with the fact that this was supposed to be a Djinn story. In a way, it is, BUT the Djinn literally makes one appearance. Yeah, they keep finding glitter but that isn't the same. When I read a story about a Djinn, I expect him to be a main part of the story. Maybe not the MC but a major supporting character. It was very disappointing that he got so little air time. Again, the story wasn't bad but I missed the Djinn.
My choice: Week 3
Spot: 25 (Alternate: Published 2015)
Book: Wildflower by Drew Barrymore
Qualification: Published 2015
Finished: 16 Sep
★Rating: ★★★★
Review:
This was such a heart-warming and lovely insight into Drews life. Her writing isn’t the best, but its raw and honest. I could FEEL what she was talking about. When I think about Drew I think about my childhood. When she talked about her dogs and her kids I had tears in my eyes. These are basically stories of Drews life, they are all over the place. They are goofy and full of love and wisdom. You should not read this, of you only want information on her dark past, she doesn’t really get into this. This book is positive, it is hopeful. It focused on the good. She talks about how fulfilling it is for her to be a mother. She doesn’t tell anybody how to feel, she is only talking about how she feels, since this is HER story. I don’t understand why people would get offended by that. Sad to see that the two highest rated reviews for this book only give it one star. I don’t think you should take that into consideration when you contemplate to read the book. The first guy even said he overall enjoyed the book (why give it 1 Star then?! wt-actual-f).
Week 3 - Spot: 25Book: Feral Heat by Jennifer Ashley
Pages: 153
Qualification: 5.5 in series
Review: 3 stars I picked this up because I needed a quick read for a challenge. I DNFd the first book in this series, so I think it says something that this one is rated three. Though I will say, I think I'm over the whole fated mates trope. Deni and Jace meet when Jace comes to her shifter town, and things heat up pretty quickly. They have some obstacles to being together, as humans make it quite compicated for shifters to move territory, and that's what will have to happen for them to be together. Deni had some rough things happen in her past, and I do think that the first thing she 'conquered' was done in a very elementary way that didn't feel realistic. But Deni and Jace did have chemistry, and I liked how possessive he was, and I found the parts about the shifters experimenting with removing their forced collars interesting. Overall I think this was MUCH better than the first in the series, but it's not enough to get me to read the rest.
Week 3 - Spot:25 - CompletePint-Sized Protector by Eve Langlais
Pages: 338
Qualification: # 2 in the Bad Boy Inc series
Date: 9/18/19
Rating: ****
Review: Like most of Eve Langlais' books, this was on the lite side of romantic suspense, but as always, it was a lot of fun. this is one of my favorite series of hers so far. the series revolves around the sweetest and most honorable group of assassins in existence. In this case, the love story was between Kasy, an assassin who was hired to protect a client by acting as his girlfriend and Marcus, who was the client's actual body guard. I liked the fact that Marcus sincerely respected Kacy's skills and they had an equal partnership
CompletionWeek 3 - Spot:25
Artificial Condition
Martha Wells
2nd in the Murder bot series
Date:9/18/2019
Rating:4
Review:
This is the 2nd book in the Murderbot series. I loved the first book and this one didn't disappoint. In this book, we also meet ART, who is a great addition. I loved their interactions and humor. I will definitely read the 3rd book.
Week 3 - Spot:25Wickedly Wonderful
2nd in series
Date: 9/19/19
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
I really enjoyed the first one but this might be my favorite so far. Beka has just taken over for her mentor who was forced into retirement. Now it's time for Beka to shine but her mission may pose more of a challenge. I loved Beka she's a sweetheart and her companion Chewie is fitting for the dragon hiding as a dog. She has two potential love interests but deep down she's only had eyes for the one. I love the twist of her working with the selkies and mers. I love the concept and the story is captivating I read it all in one afternoon. Not a lot of Baba Yaga books on the market but I think Deborah Blake has done an amazing job creating a beautiful series.
Selection PostWeek 3
Spot: 25 #2 in series
Book: Deadly Web
Qualification: #2 in the Glenmore Park Mystery Series
Completion PostWeek 3
Spot: 25 #2 in series
Read: 9/15/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This was a pretty good book, short and sweet. I really like Mike Omer, a fairly new author to me. Hannah and Jacob are detectives who have a case to solve, one for each. Hannah has already made mistakes so she's out to prove what she can do; Jacob is bound and determined to solve his case. He meets with extra difficulty with his case.
I like the characters. I thought the plot was goood.
Posted: 11:59 PM/12:00 AM
I almost forgot to post it so I hope it was on time.
Mod
Oh, good! It was 11:57 and I said, "OH CRAP!" *runs to the computer again* typed it up and hit "post" and I looked at my computer and it said 12:00 and it JUST changed. LOL
Hey players.I will leave a message on the questions portion regarding this, but I won't be able to finish my book today. I was out of town for a wedding last weekend, and due to a co-worker being on vacation, I've been working long hours this week and haven't had a chance to read. I won't be able to finish until MAYBE tomorrow night, but more realistically Sunday.
I apologize for the late notice.
OK - I think I've found a four hour audio I can make it through during my work day. Wish me luck.
Mod
Angie, I hope you can finish that today. We don't have a free pass....
Donna wrote: "Vicki, you are fine. We have all of today. Angie, I hope you can finish that today. We don't have a free pass...."
I think with SO many challenges, which I love, I get lost at times. Some have time lines, others are open ended, some need 100 pages, some 150, some have SS's and others don't, etc. And Thursdays and Fridays are my worst days to be on top of the computer because my husband is off those days and we do our running around, have date night 99% of the time on Thursdays (last night was Texas Roadhouse, filet mignon...SO good, melts in your mouth, not in your hands). LOL He's napping now so I'm going to try to update as much as I can. LOL
Mod
Yes. I’m just finishing up the next to last part.
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
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The Girl at Midnight (other topics)
The Bloodwood Academy Shifter: Semester One (other topics)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Radclyffe (other topics)J.K. Rowling (other topics)
Melissa Grey (other topics)
Rose Pressey Betancourt (other topics)
Louis L'Amour (other topics)
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Book: Rachael Anderson
Qualification: Pet horse, Darling and Dear
Finished: 9/01/19
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Such a delightful, fun, clean story about Lord Drayson and Lucy Beresford. Colin Cavendish is the fifth Earl of Drayson and the current owner of the dower house Tanglewood, the house that Lucy and her mother live in. Upon their first meeting, Colin informs Lucy that they'll have to move out and the exchange they go through as she argues/pleads their case shows her to be sarcastic and humorous, and a bit naive. When he leaves, something happens to him that gives her the ability to keep him at her home and manipulate him into believing that he is her employee.
The rest of the book is humorous, entertaining, and for me very fun to read. When they both learn the truth about each other and they realize they are falling for the other, neither can admit it but for very different reasons.
I loved this book. I used both audio and the ebook version which helped me understand the audio since the narrator had quite an accent.