The Challenge Factory discussion
♦SSS Archives♦
>
R11: Team One Speed - Fast (1)

Week 7 - Roll 2
Space: 60
Daniel's Mate by Lynn Tyler

Read: (10/16)
Rating: ★★★★½
I don't know why I love this super simple shifter series, but I really do enjoy it. This was another great installment. I enjoyed Dan and Trevor together. Trevor was a bit of a damaged soul, his previous alpha tortured him so badly his wolf took over to protect him. Daniel's been on the run with a secret of his own for awhile. His choice to be a lone wolf isn't necessarily one that he really wanted, but it's the only way he sees forward.
After Trevor is rescued and brought to Smooth Rock Falls he needs time to heal. With Dan and his son Trevor has the time and space he needs. And they find the piece missing from their lives. I really liked watching them all bond and figure out who they could be to each other.
Of course now we've got an outside threat that's threatening all the shifters not just the Smooth Rock Falls pack. And of course I now need to read the next book ASAP to find out what happens next.

Roll: 1
Previous Spot: 60
Current Spot: 61
Bonus Points Earned: 2
Bonus Points Used: 0
To Read
#61 in series
#6 in series
#1 in series
Stand alone
Alternate: 61. Africa
Reviews :
Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon - Approved leave of absence
Shannon - Untamed Review
Shelby - Prince of Death Review
Roger - Archmage Review

spot 61
Broken Triangle by Elle W. Silver
Pages: 215
Qualification: Eternal Soulmates #1

Space: 61

Untamed by Carly Marie
Pages: 290
Read: 10/17/19
Rating: ★★★★
This was such an entertaining read! Starting out as kind of a joke but turning into something real...I can get with that. Having said that, I think some part of this didn't really work as a Daddy/boy relationship for me but I can't pinpoint why that is. Just a feeling. I still adored the book but the lack of anyone having a problem (other than Kyle's family) with them and being all accepting...I don't know, I just can't see it. I'd wish it but can't see it. Great sex, great friendships, great story...just a good read.

Spot 61
Archmage by R.A. Salvatore
pages: 384
How it Fits: Homecoming #1
Read: 10/18/19
Rated 4 stars
review Drizz't, a drow ranger, is probably one of my favorite characters in fantasy. We see Drizz't and the rest of the characters made up the Companions of the Hall at the end of the War of the Silvery Marches. Bruennor Battlehammer, a dwarf king, feel the call of duty to reclaim the original dwarven homeland of Guantlgrym. With Catti-brie, his adopted human daughter and Drizz't along with 5000 other dwarves and an assortment of Harpells, human wizard family of power and bumbling that usually end better for the harpells than you would expect. Add to this Drow control the ancient kingdom and manipulations my the spider queen Lolth, patron of many drow and an archdemon. the Archmmage Gromph of Menzoberran is tricked into summoning Demogorgon, Prince of Demons, destroying much of the city of Menzoberran and setting up the following story with the Dwarves in charge of guantlgrym but having to deal with the archmage who is in hiding and still powerful and scheming.

Week 8 - Roll 1
Space: 61
Prince of Death by Sam Burns

Date Read: 10/18
Rating: ★★★★
So first of all I'm a sucker for Greek mythology and this book wasn't even on my radar. I was really pleasantly surprised with this one. It was a fun twist on magic and the Greek gods. Theo and Lysandros were sweet together. I was amused by how unfazed Theo was as a mage by everything that was happening. He's committed to doing the right thing even while dealing with the pain of losing his mother. His magic may not be an active easily demonstrated talent, but he's proud of his talent and the work he does as a teacher.
When a mysterious magic book shows Theo the way to the underworld all he was really looking for was another chance to see him mother. But, meeting Lysandros is more than he ever expected. Getting pulled into the world of the gods and their crazy shenanigans throws his world for a loop and as the threat to the world grows with a storm brewing out of control Theo may be the only one who can stop it all. Lysandros' is drawn to Theo like no one he's met in centuries. He's shunned any sort of connection with people as they trip his anxiety. But Theo makes him want to come out of his shell.
This was sweet with just enough adventure in it to keep things interesting. I liked the depictions of each of the gods we meet in this story. Knowing my mythology just made this one more enjoyable.

Roll: 5
Previous Spot: 61
Current Spot: 66
Bonus Points Earned: 2
Bonus Points Used: 0
To Read
#66 in series
#6 in series
Alternate: 66. Published before 1950
Reviews :
Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon - Three Alarm Fury Review
Shannon - Shipping the Captain Review
Shelby - Sixth Grave on the Edge Review
Roger -The Bands of Mourning Review

Space: 66

Shipping the Captain by Nora Phoenix
Pages: 197
Qualification: Valentine's Inc Cruises #6

Spot: 66
Book: Sixth Grave on the Edge
Page numbers: 326
How Fits: #6 - Charley Davidson


Spot 66
The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson
Pages: 447
How it fits: Mistborn #6

Space: 66

Shipping the Captain by Nora Phoenix
Pages: 197
Read: 10/21/19
Rating: ★★★★
I'll admit I was not expecting this book to be so good. Actually made a bit teary in one part. What? Loved Fox and Brantley's story. Loved their sexy times. Loved their chemistry when they were desperately trying to stay away from each other. We got to spend most of our time on a gay cruise and I adored the characters we got to meet. I'm thinking the main guests we meet are from another book but I don't think I've read it. Not nearly as fluffy as I was expecting which was a huge bonus. Great read.

Spot 66
The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson
Pages: 447
How it fits: Mistborn #6
Read 10/22/19
Rated 4 stars
Review: Set in the future time from when the original series was set. Wax is a constable of the more rough and ready type but don't discount his ability to put solutions together when presented with a mental puzzle. This book is a fine blend of fantasy and science fiction.
Legend has it that a set of bracers once worn by the Lord Ruler, known as the Bands of Mourning, hold the secret to granting any who wear them the same immense powers wielded by their maker. Of course nowadays, scarcely anyone still believes in their existence... until a kandra scholar returns from an expedition with pictures and writings that seem to not only prove their existence but also show where they can be found. Our heroes set off to the southern city of New Seran to investigate this potential discovery as well as what Wax's uncle Edwarn and the Set might be up to next.
It would seem that Brandon Sanderson is only satisfied with a book he's written if it will have the reader turn the last page and gape at it for five minutes utterly flabbergasted . There's always another secret, indeed. Also, the character development over these books is absolutely stellar.

Week 8 - Roll 2
Space: 66
Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones

Date Read: 10/20
Rating: ★★★★★
Oh Charley...Charley, Charley, Charley. Trouble is thy middle name and no one is ever going to be able to stop you from barreling full speed ahead. I really love the humor in this series. Reyes and Charley are finally starting to find more a balance together (ok Charley's running less ;)). Reyes is determined to slowly pin her in and keep her for himself. Loved the moment with the wall. Cracked me up.
More and more little pieces of the greater puzzle are being dropped here and there. The end reveal was one I saw coming, but didn't expect it to come about in this book. I figured we'd have to get there eventually. Not sure how that's going to work out though. I like watching Charley figure things out and yet be so oblivious to other things. Strangely I do find myself wanting to know more about what's going on with her parents.
Love the secondary cast of characters (think I say that every time, but it always remains true). Looking forward to finding out more about the Dealer as well. I have a feeling he's going to be around for awhile. Such a fun story! This one had a lot of little cases going on, but someone it still ended up with Charley in mortal danger. Of course, girl is always one step away from dead. Angel was lovely in this one. I love that we learned a little bit more about his alive life.
All I can say is give me more!

spot 66

Three Alarm Fury by Annabel Chase
pages 190
How it fits: Federal Bureau of magic Cozy Mystery #6
read 10/23/19
rated 3 1/2 Stars
Review:
This was a cute and fun read. The mystery was relatively uncomplicated though the story took a slightly round about way to get there. However the characters were fun and pace of the story kept me interested to the end and enjoying the journey. Its a cute series if you want something light and fin and I intend to continue on with it.

Roll: 4
Previous Spot: 66
Current Spot: 70
Bonus Points Earned: 2
Bonus Points Used: 0
To Read
#70 in series
#7 in series
#0 in a series
Stand alone
Alternate: Cover Item: Animal
Reviews :
Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon - Life's a Witch Review
Shannon - Work for It Review
Shelby - Save the Date Review: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Roger - He Speaks Dead Review

Space 70

Work for It by Talia Hibbert
Pages: 237
Qualification: Standalone

Spot 70
He Speaks Dead by Adrienne Wilder
Pages: 260
How it fits: Standalone

Spot 70
He Speaks Dead by Adrienne Wilder
Pages: 260
How it fits: Standalone
Read: 10/25/19
rated 3 stars
review: OK this is a complicated book. you have to keep track of the characters First there is Ethan, the ghost; Charlie, the medium; and Daniel, the detective. There is a complicated relationship as Charlie loves Ethan then when they meet He also falls for Daniel and Daniel doesn't believe in ghosts or people who can speak to the dead. They are all caught up in a murder Investigation that has at least three people dead, and at first Daniel believed that charlie was the murderer. Now what Charlie did to have sex with Ethan was he would hookup with a man and before there was sex, Ethan would possess that man. Charlie would still do that even after he hooked up with Daniel. too much like cheating for my liking. The ending (view spoiler) felt too much like a cop out on the author's part.

Space 70

Work for It by Talia Hibbert
Pages: 237
Read: 10/26/19
Rating: ★★★
My lower rating for this book is probably an "it's me, not you"situation. I did not like the writing style at all. Seemed to be a lot of words for things that could have been told in 5. Not my fav. But I didn't hate the story or the characters, I rather enjoyed them. Although I will admit not a lot happened in this story. It was all about the characters and their thoughts and their insecurities. I didn't hate it but didn't really like it either.

spot 70

Life's a Witch by Amanda M. Lee
pages 348
How it fits: Wicked witches of the midwest #7
read 10/25/19
rated 3 1/2 Stars
Review:
While I did enjoy this instalment, I did find it a little repetitious in parts. While there is always some type of predictability i these types of series, which is part of their fun. There were some parts that just seemed repeats of events from previous instalments but with different characters. The mystery itself whilst somewhat easy to guess in parts was still interesting and fun and I still enjoy the character interactions in these books. Not the best instalment so far but still enough to keep me reading on

Week 9 - Roll 1
Space: 70
Save the Date by Annabeth Albert

Date Read: 10/27
Rating: ★★★
This is one of those sweet no real drama reads. Randall and Hunter meet at a bar for a one night stand type hookup. Never expecting to see each other again, but of course they're face to face with each other the next morning at Randall's sisters wedding. Both acting as the best man, man of honor for the people they're closest to. So then it's a wedding of realizations as they both come to grips with realizing that they want more than a one night stand or one weekend.

Roll: 5
Previous Spot: 70
Current Spot: 75
Bonus Points Earned: 2 + 1 new(see below)
Bonus Points Used: 0
To Read
#75 in series
#7 in series
#5 in a series
Alternate: 75. South America
Reviews :
Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon - Grim Rising Review - Bonus Point: MPG Paranormal
Shannon - Rough Terrain Review
Shelby - Seventh Grave and No Body. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Roger - Smoke & Mirrors. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I mostly read paranormal so confident I can cover this.
We also may want to start thinking about when we would like to use our bonus points as we are starting to head to the point end of the challenge
Do we want to save to hopefully assist with a win or use them earlier.? Open to ideas

Space: 75

Rough Terrain by Annabeth Albert
Pages: 384
Qualification: Out of Uniform #7

Space 75
Smoke & Mirrors by Charlie Cochet
Pages: 230
Qualification: THIRDS #7
Paranormal so qualifies for bonus, MPG Paranormal > Shapeshifters

Glad that I got corrected so never mind.
Roger - president of NBR United - wrote: "we can't use bonus points to get us to the win So I think we Should us the soon maybe not all at once. but definitely to get us near to over 90 so I can claim the never used and alternative bonus p..."
You absolutely can use bonus points to get to the win!
To quote the "How to use bonus points" section in the rules:
✸ Bonus points may be used for the win. Example: Your team rolls and lands on spot 97. Your team has earned 4 bonus points. You can use your bonus points to move to spot 101 and compete for the win.
You absolutely can use bonus points to get to the win!
To quote the "How to use bonus points" section in the rules:
✸ Bonus points may be used for the win. Example: Your team rolls and lands on spot 97. Your team has earned 4 bonus points. You can use your bonus points to move to spot 101 and compete for the win.

Space: 75

Rough Terrain by Annabeth Albert
Pages: 384
Read: 10/29/19
Rating: ★★★★
This was a nice addition to AA's series. I really liked these two. Both working hard toward their futures, neither with any money, neither looking for forever. I also enjoy the fake boyfriend trope and this was done so well because they were already halfway there. Also, I'll admit to liking books where one the men is...oversized. What can I say? I did tear up a bit with this one but nothing ott. Great way to spend a few hours.

spot 75

Grim Rising by Amanda M. Lee
pages 286
How it fits: Aisling Grimlock #7
read 10/29/19
rated 3 1/2 Stars
Bonus Point: MPG Paranormal
Review:
I enjoyed this instalment and it was the perfect Halloween read as in it Aisling and her family were facing zombies. I liked the way the mystery panned out but I especially loved the character interplay in this instalment. This more so than the mystery was made this instalment so enjoyable. I can't wait to read the next instalment.

Space 75
Smoke & Mirrors by Charlie Cochet
Pages: 230
Qualification: THIRDS #7
Paranormal so qualifies for bonus, MPG Paranormal > Shapeshifters
read 10/30/19
rated 5 stars
review:Wow! I did not think I could have been more impressed by a book in this series after reading Catch a tiger by the Tail. I am thankful that I was wrong. Questions are answered as even more are raised. Sloane and Dex still need to work on communication but when they are not subconsciously sabotaging their relationship. They are so strong together they sometimes forget that they need to talk about their fears and vulnerabilities. Who would ever think Ash would come up with good relationship advice. Apology scene is overblown but so right for Sloane and Dex. Read as soon as you can.

Spot: 75
Book: Seventh Grave and No Body
Page numbers: 356
How Fits: #7 - Charley Davidson


Week 9 - Roll 2
Space: 75
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.

Roll: 3
Previous Spot: 75
Current Spot: 78
Bonus Points Earned: 3
Bonus Points Used: 0
To Read
#78 in series
#7 in series
#8 in a series
Alternate: 78. Fantasy
Reviews :
Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon - Grim Tempest. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Shannon - Prescription for Love. Review:https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Shelby - Rescue. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Roger - It's Complicated. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

spot 78
It's Complicated by L.A. Witt
pages: 160
How it fits: Tucker Springs #7

spot 78
It's Complicated by L.A. Witt
pages: 160
How it fits: Tucker Springs #7
read 11/1/19
rated 4 stars
Review: When the author titled the book -- "It's Complicated" she meant... it's complicated and CONFUSING! grrrr
Now, as for the story... These two MCs exhausted me! I was about 1/3 of the way through the book when I happened upon the solution to most of Jeff and Brad's problems... unfortunately, it took them to almost the end of the story to figure it out! Talk about NOT being able to see outside of the box, or even outside of the little compartments they had put each other into... ugh!
I am glad that this wasn't the first book in the series (as I might not have made it to the second one) and I am sad to see that this was the last one. I felt that we didn't get the closure that would normally come with a series of this size ending, but hey... I'll survive! *grin*

Space: 78

Prescription for Love by Aimee Nicole Walker
Pages: 233
Qualification: Road to Blissville #7

Space: 78

Prescription for Love by Aimee Nicole Walker
Pages: 233
Read: 11/2/19
Rating: ★★★★
Another cute romance in this series. I haven't read them in order but don't think it's necessary. Loved the secondary characters in this one minus Trent's parents, of course. Grammie and Mercedes were great. Not too angsty but plenty sexy...my kind of read. These two were meant to be although Tucker had to be convinced a bit. Just a fun read.

Week 10 - Roll 1
Space: 78
Rescue by Lynn Tyler

Date Read: 11/3
Rating: ★★★★
I still liked this story, but it didn't feel as cohesive as others in the story. I wanted more of an explanation in places and the ending felt a bit rushed in the wrap up withe everything that had lead up to the potential reveal of werewolves to the world. I liked Gunny and Pay together though. Gunny was really sweet in his worries about Payton. Of course he was being silly with his stupid backing away from his mate out of misguided altruism.
My biggest disappointment with this book was that it didn't feel like it really got into any one particular part, but instead kind of bounced along all the highlights necessary to cover a lot of plot in a very short book. Between the military issues, the new pack, the other soldiers the escaped with, the kidnapping of the Colonel, the rescue of said Colonel, all the changes and PTSD issues, the threat of the reveal of all werewolves, not to mention our love story...I just wanted something to be given some depth of time. While I enjoyed being back in this world I just kept hoping for more.

spot 78

Grim Tempest by Amanda M. Lee
pages 319
How it fits: Aisling Grimlock #8
read 11/3/19
rated 4 Stars
Review:
I enjoyed this instalment. It feels like the big series arc may finally be coming to some conclusion. The mystery for this book was fun as usual and although there was a lot of predictability with the storyline, it didn't really detract.. I liked that we saw more depth with some of the characters this instalment and I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes. Another fast entertain8ng read.

Roll: 3
Previous Spot: 78
Current Spot: 81
Bonus Points Earned: 3
Bonus Points Used: 0
To Read
#81 in series
#1 in series
Standalone
#8 in a series
Alternate: 81. Published 2011-2012
Reviews :
Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon - Grave Witch Review
Shannon - Caring For Little Ollie Review
Shelby - Ramen Assassin. Review: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Roger - Strange Fortune Review

Space: 81

Caring For Little Ollie by Izaia Winter
Pages: 266
Qualification: Different Hearts #1

space 81
Strange Fortune by Josh Lanyon
pages : 320
How it qualifies: Stand Alone
Books mentioned in this topic
Fish on a Bicycle (other topics)Fish on a Bicycle (other topics)
A Slice of Love (other topics)
Charms & Witchdemeanors (other topics)
Bio-Mechanical (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Amy Lane (other topics)Amanda M. Lee (other topics)
Marie Sexton (other topics)
Andrew Grey (other topics)
Marie Sexton (other topics)
More...
Spot 60
Bounty of the Heart by Cody Ryder
Pages: 204
How it fits: Standalone
Read 10/14/19
Rated three stars
Review: This is second chance, healing power of nature and animals and redemption. so it should be a easy 4 to 5 star read for me but unfortunately bad editing made it to a average book that I liked but didn't love. Dakota Heart never left Plowton, California, and is a farmer in his backyard in what is known as permaculture. Roy Winterfield left Plowton and Dakota behind to become a successful businessman in San Francisco. Roy lost his job and his fiancee on the same week. Coming back to Plowton he meets Dakota by chance and they start up the love that they never really gave up on. Alicia, Roy's Ex Fiancee, come back admitting see made a mistake but Roy was already over her and back with Dakota he let her down kindly and encouraging to find her right person.