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R11: Team Spine Crackers (9)
Mod
Spot:56
book:Drink Deep by Chloe Neill
Qualification: Chicagoland Vampires #5
Date: 10/12/19
Rating: 5 star
Review:I was surprised about the ending of the last book and a little sad to have one of my favorite characters killed off. Knowing that, I had no idea what I was in store for with this book. I was very surprised. I did kind of guess who was responsible for the chaos but never expected what the result would be. I loved the ending and can't wait to read book 6 now. Even though all is not right in Chicagoland, I loved the way it turned out.
Week 7Spot:56
Love Means... Family by Andrew Grey
Qualification: Farm #5
Date: 10/14/19
Rating: ***
Review: This series is mental cotton candy. It's sweet, fluffy and gone soon. This book focuses on 2 side characters from previous books - Robbie's friend Arie visits the ranch to avoid family drama. He runs into Duane, a sheriff's deputy (also known as officer hunky). There's family drama and a small mystery. I'm sure i'll keep reading the series.
Completion Post Week 7Spot 56
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
# 5 of the Harry Potter series
10/17/2019
5 stars
Review: Great! Love all the characters in Snape. Well written , very engaging. I think my favorite character is Luna. This may be my favorite Harry Potter so far.
Week 7Spot:56
Book
Qualifications: One-word title
Pages 268
Rating 4 star
Finished 10/18/2019
Review
This one was an interesting twist on the vampire concept with vampires created by a drug experiment. They are the apex predator higher on the food chain than humans anymore. She's always stuck to herself until she draws the attention of the three Alts (Vampires). Now she's gone from solo to her own little harem of very sexy men. I'm a sucker for Reverse Harems it's always interesting seeing how the author plays the relationship. I loved the characters and the story can't wait to start the next one.
Week 7 - Spot: 56Book: Outfox by Sandra Brown
Pages: 448
Qualification: One Word Title
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: This book has been on my TBR since it's release, and I was thrilled to get to it. I will say, I think this book is more suspenseful than anything. I read another reviewer say the romance wasn't prominent, and I agree with that. However, I just didn't even care. I thought this book was so interesting. I loved the cat and mouse game between Jasper and Drex, and I think if you're a fan of Criminal Minds, you'll love this book!
I'll be done today sorry about that I was shooting for last night. Have a little bit more to read and a review to write.
My apologies - I finished my book on Tuesday and forgot to update. I have updated now.
I had a death in my family last night and will be requesting to be removed from the game.
Im very sorry for your loss, Angie Elle! :(My choice:
Week 7
Spot: 56 (One Word Title excluding articles like A, An, The)
Book: Deenie by Judy Blume
Qualification: One Word Title excluding articles like A, An, The
Finished: 18Oct
Pages: 159p
★Rating: ★★★★
Review:
I really enjoyed this short little book. It touches a heavy subject and I'm really glad it does. A girl in my class used to wear a back brace, I had no idea what that was about, just that it was some kind of disease. I got this book from the Rory Gilmore Book list and always wanted to read something by Judy Blume. I also would love to read "Are you there god? Its me, Margaret".
Angie Elle wrote: "I had a death in my family last night and will be requesting to be removed from the game."I’m very sorry for your loss Angie Ellie
Mod
I'm sorry for your loss Angie Elle. Take the time you need.
Week 7 Spot 56 Selection and Completion PostOne Word Title
Book: Breathless
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
Read: Oct. 17
Rating: 3 Stars
Pages: 178
Review: On my phone so this is brief: I liked the book a lot. The MC was a champion diver for his high school until he had a tragedy occur that completely took him out of his passion.
Told in multiple POV’s by himself, his sister, and friends which was perfect for this book, I thought. I wasn’t happy with how his sister handled things but I’ve never been in her situation so I don’t judge.
It was definitely a tear-jerker!
Mod
Week:8
Dice roll: 1 & 4
Previous Spot: 56
Current Spot: 61
Bonus Points Earned: 2
Bonus Points Used:0
Free Pass Earned
What to read:
# 1 in series
✸ Standalone books can be used for a 1 or a 0
#6 in series
# 61 in series
Alternate:Several authors
Donna Biting Cold by Chloe Neill~~completed
Leslie Ann Whiskey Sour by J.A. Konrath~~completed
Jane Inside Out by Demi Moore~~completed
Mandy The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen~~completed
Vicki The Whisper Man by Alex North~~completed
BarbaraAnn Love Means... No Limits by Andrew Grey~~completedBonus - ✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series. Books 4, 5 & 6 in Farm series
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 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.
Week 8 - Spot 61 Selection Post
Book: The Whisper Man
Author: Alex North
Pages: 355
Qualification: #1 Standalone
Mod
Spot:61
Book:Biting Cold by Chloe Neill
Qualification: Chicagoland Vampires #6
Date: 10/23/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I love that Ethan is back despite how it happened. The GP is still annoying and I am glad the Cadogan house finally found the right way to deal with them. Among the mess of Chicago, things are finally being put to rights. I am anxious to see how the Cadogan vampires move forward with their new initiative. Will things improve or get worse? I don't know but I can't wait to find out.
Week 8 - Spot:61Bonus - ✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series. Books 4, 5 & 6 in Farm series
Book: Love Means... No Limits by Andrew Grey
Qualification: Farm #6
Date: 10/20/19
Rating: ***
Review: Andrew Grey's books tend to be on the sweet side and this one fit the mold. The two main characters were Tyrone and Bart. Bart was a rich criminal drug addict who ended up in the hospital and was released to the custody of Geoff & Eli's farm. Leaving aside the question as to why the police would approve Bart to work at a farm that handled therapy programs for young children, the characters were more stereotypical than usual so it will be awhile since i read further into the series.
Week 8 - Spot:61Whiskey Sour
10/22/2019
1st in series
stars 4
review:
This was a fun book. I loved the character of Jack Daniels. I laughed several times and was horrified too! I will definitely be continuing on with this series
Mod
Week 8 - Spot:611st in series
Pages 300
Finished 10/24
Rating 5 star
I've had this one on my kindle and TBR list for years but never seemed to get around to it. I love Blaire she's had a rought last few years and has been forced into reaching out to her father who abandoned her. However, he's flown the coop and she's stuck with her new stepbrother who clearly doesn't want her in his house. She doesn't plan on staying long just enough to get some money and get on her feet. She never expected to have feelings for Rush or that that the secret that has been kept from her would destroy her. I actually finished this book in a few short hours and picked up next one in the series. The characters are a little broken but I loved both Blaire and Rush. This is a cliffhanger and it leaves you needing the next one. Can't wait to see how it's going to play out for the two. This is only my 2nd book by Abbi Glines but she's a beautiful story teller and can't wait to read more.
My choice: Week 8
Spot: 61 (Standalone books can be used for a 1 or a 0)
Book: Inside Out by Demi Moore
Qualification: Standalone
Finished: 22Oct
Pages: 272p
★Rating: ★★★★
Review:
“I can’t remember a time when I didn’t worry, is it okay that I’m here?”
I was so intrigued to read this memoir, because I almost knew nothing about her. Growing up, I just got to know her as “the wife of Bruce Willis” and I heard about her nude pregnant magazine cover. But besides that, I never really watched her movies, I had no idea about her life.
Some things in this book, are about people (with their full names) that I don’t think is ok for her to share. This book got its publicity from being “revealing”, maybe even scandalous. I think some parts were unnecessary, it would have been enough calling someone “an acquaintance” or “a friend” instead of their real names. But, oh well, I still really liked this memoir. It was a joy to read. I like how well she structured her story; she really takes you on the journey of her life. She also shares a lot about the “behind the scenes” stuff from her movies, so maybe I will try a movie of hers. All in all I can recommend this for readers, that like memoirs. Just be aware, that there are also topics like rape, drug abuse and suicide.
Welcome!! and thank you for joining :) I love this challenge so far, it really keeps me responsible to finish at least one book a week! have fun and happy reading
Mod
Mod
AKA: ME! I’m sorry everyone!! I’ll have it posted on time though.
Btw I finished my book but thought I was doing a different one but that one is for another challenge. Lol I do still need to actually write the review though. So I’ll post an update in about an hour when we’re back home.
Mod
Week 8 - Spot 61 Completion Post
Book: The Whisper Man
Author: Alex North
Pages: 355
Read: 10/23
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This story was a mystery about a murderer called The Whisper Man, called such because when he killed people he'd whisper to them.
It definitely gave me the creep factor! When Tom moves to a new town called Featherbank with his little boy, after the death of Tom's wife. It wasn't too long after they moved there that a little boy (8 I think) went missing. The detective on the case knew in his heart that he wasn't "just missing," but that he'd never be back. He was right and the boy was found murdered.
Jake, Tom's son, begins to hear whispers and Jake starts acting in strange ways. The detective picks up on Jake's oddness too. Quite a few unexpected things happen and the reader gets some great twists in this story. I have to admit that it creeped me out. I was listening to the audio AND reading along, and I do think the audio added to it, especially the whispers.
Mod
Week:9
Dice roll: 3 & 6
Previous Spot: 61
Current Spot: 70
Bonus Points Earned: 3
Bonus Points Used:0
Free Pass Earned
What to read:
# 0 in series
✸ Standalone books can be used for a 1 or a 0
#7 in series
# 70 in series
Alternate:Cover Item: Mode of Transportation
Donna Keep on Haunting by Rose Pressey~~ completed
Leslie Ann The Institute by Stephen King~~completed
Jane The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson~~Using the free pass
Mandy Reaper by L.S. Murphy~~ completed
Vicki Dry by Neal Shusterman~~completed
BarbaraAnn Ghost Planet by Sharon Lynn Fisher~~completed
Sunshine Misery by Stephen King~~completed
✸ Halloween Bonus: One point can be earned for reading a Horror/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book for the roll on 10/25.
Reminder: It is the only week to earn the Halloween bonus
Don't forget about the bonus points! Please note any bonus in your completion post.
BONUS POINTS:
✸ 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:70
Book:Keep on Haunting by Rose Pressey
Qualification: A Ghostly Haunted Tour Guide Cozy Mystery #7
Date: 10/27/19
Rating: 4 star
Review:
This is such a fun story. I love the ghosts, especially Annie. It would be so much fun to go on one of her ghost tours. I love this series and look forward to the next one.
Week 9 - Spot:70Book: Ghost Planet by Sharon Lynn Fisher
Qualification: Stand alone
Date: 10/29/19
Rating: *****
Review: This book was on my randomizer challenge this year and I wasn't really excited to read it as I've had bad experiences with sci-fi romances. this one is a stand-alone and I loved it. Both the sci-fi and romance were well done. The concept revolves around human settlers on a planet where every settler acquires a ghost - someone they've loved who has died. in trying to adjust, a scientist sets up a protocol and found that if a ghost is completely ignored for a period of time, they'll disappear. that becomes the way everyone acts until the scientist who set up the protocol meets a ghost who he wasn't expecting. I thought the world-building was excellent and made sense within the story.
Week 9 spot 70The Institute
Stephen King
Stand alone
10/31/2019
5 stars
Review:
Loved this book. Couldn't put it down. The best Stephen king book in awhile.loved the characters and Mr king’s writing!
My choice: Week 9
Spot: 70 (Standalone books can be used for a 0)
Book: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Qualification: Standalone (+Horror Genre for the Halloween bonus)
Finished:
Pages: 208p
★Rating:
Review:
Sunshine wrote: "Hope I did this right! I can do the bonus Halloween book if that helps.Selection Post
Week 9
Spot: 70
Book: Misery by Stephen King
Qualification: Standalone > Horror"
I saw this movie years ago and just read the book Oct. 24, 2017. It was SO GOOD and SO creepy! I liked the book even more than the movie. I hope you like it too!
Week 9Spot: 70
by Neal ShustermanBook: Dry
Qualification: Standalone
Read: 10/27
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I really enjoyed this one, largely in part because I live in California, so I have lived the drought, the water rationing (no watering on certain days or certain hours), the brown lawns that were being painted green by a lot of people. the lawns being turned into lawns like deserts with cacti and rocks. SO many cities and counties it mentioned, I have or do live in. I have lived in Pasadena, Santa Ana, Irvine, Modesto and more, and I currently live in the Central Valley where the electric company PG&E is doing shut-offs when the fire danger is high. We are promised to be given warning "if/when possible" and that we can be shut off as much as 5 days or whatever is needed. We currently have a huge fire in CA and today where I live the wind is HIGH and it is across much of CA, so I kind of expect more PG&E shut off. People have centers to go to for water. There's just so much in this book that isn't all that sci-fi. It's truly very like California.
Week # 9Spot 70
Pages 212
How does it fit # STandalone
Pages 212
Rating 4 Star
Finished 11/1/19
Review
I found Reaper to be a fast-paced hard to put down story of a girl whos been pulled from her old life and forced to follow her destiny that of becoming a Grimm Reaper. I like Quincy a lot she reminded me a bit of myself when I was a teenager. I found her easy to connect with you can't help being drawn into her story. This is my first book by the author and I enjoyed every moment of it. I look forward to reading more books by the author.
Selection Post #193 has been updated to completion post
Mod
Happy Halloween, everybody! Hope you all have a lot of fun with the little ones!
Mod
Mod
Mod
Week:10
Dice roll: 4 & 4
Previous Spot: 70
Current Spot: 78
Bonus Points Earned: 4
Bonus Points Used:0
Free pass is gone
What to read:
#7 in series
#8 in series
# 78 in series
Alternate:Cover: Purple
Donna You'll Never Haunt Alone by Rose Pressey~~ completed
Leslie Ann Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling~~ completed
Mandy The Bloodwood Academy Shifter: Semester One by Rae Foxx~~completed
Vicki The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Grey~~
BarbaraAnn Lando by Louis L'Amour~~completed
Sunshine Sweet Death, Kind Death by Amanda Cross~~completed
Don't forget about the bonus points! Please note any bonus in your completion post.
BONUS POINTS:
✸ 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.
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:78
Book:You'll Never Haunt Alone by Rose Pressey
Qualification: A Ghostly Haunted Tour Guide Cozy Mystery #8
Date: 11/2/19
Rating: 4 star
Review:
This book was really full of action. Maybe even more than the rest of the series. Tons of ghosts also. There were a lot of grammar issues but the book was so good that I was able to overlook them. Looking forward to the next one!
Im so sorry that I couldn't make it :( For some reason I thought I also had today to post the review. Sorry, team!
Week 10 - Spot:78Book:Lando by Louis L'Amour
Qualification: #7 in The Sacketts series
Date: 11/5/19
Rating: ***
Review: As westerns go, this was pretty good. A solid adventure with a bit of mystery. I liked Lando's father more than Lando and would be very interested in reading more stories featuring the Tinker.
Jane, it happens to everyone! And we have passes to use, so no worries.
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Peril at End House (other topics)Winds of Fortune (other topics)
The Girl at Midnight (other topics)
The Bloodwood Academy Shifter: Semester One (other topics)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (other topics)
More...
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)
More...
Week:7
Dice roll: 4 & 2
Previous Spot: 50
Current Spot: 56
Bonus Points Earned: 2
Bonus Points Used:0
Free Pass Earned
What to read:
# 5 in series
#6 in series
# 56 in series
Alternate: One Word Title excluding articles like A, An, The (i.e. The Witness or Divergent)
Donna Drink Deep by Chloe Neill~~completed
Leslie Ann Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling~~completed
Jane Deenie by Judy Blume~~completed
Mandy Persuade by Wendi L. Wilson~~ completed
Vicki Breathless by Lurlene McDaniel~~completed
BarbaraAnn Love Means... Family by Andrew Grey~~completed
Angie Elle Outfox by Sandra Brown~~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.
✸ 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.✸ 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.