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R11: Team All Booked (3)
Completion Post - Spot 8Book -
Hospitality and Homicide by Lynn Cahoon
Qualification: #8 in Tourist Trap series
Bonus Qualification: Set in North America
Date: 9/3/19
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This was an ok cozy mystery - the MC is a grad student and runs a coffee shop/bookstore. A successful author comes for a stay, and soon a murder mimics one that happens in his upcoming book. This was a cozy for sure - the murder was kind of just a side plot - a lot more time was spent on things like - should she let her boyfriend move in? How do we staff the shop? I need to study again! There is also a pretty good submystery about a little boy lost in the Ocean, who the local psychic keeps claiming is alive.
Namita - when you get a chance, can you put how your book qualifies for Spot 8 in your review?
Suzanne wrote: "Namita - when you get a chance, can you put how your book qualifies for Spot 8 in your review?"Updated!!
Thanks!I'm guessing/hoping our next roll gets us into teens, which really opens up choices. Ha but watch, with my luck I'll roll a 1.
Ez - how is your book coming? If you can't finish it before the deadline, just let me know!And team, I'll be travelling a lot of the day. I'll try to roll as soon as it's legal, but it may be a wait, depending on when Ez posts and what mode of transportation I'm on :). I can do and post the roll from my phone though. For the official check-in I have a couple of time windows I can check us in, but also a lot of time I'll be without a computer, but I'm assuming that is ok - the check-in post is ready to go, and I'll be sure to have it posted in "Post my Spot" before midnight.
Mod
Spot: 8
Book: The Athlete by Elin Peer
Pages: 297 pages
Qualification:Men of the North, Book 8
Read: 9/5
Rating & Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am only rating this book this high because of Emanuela. I loved her as a heroine. I have disliked Hunter for a couple of books now but in his own book, his heroine Ema gave him all he could handle. She didn't cut him any slack despite her attraction to him.
Ema forced Hunter to deal with many stereotypes he has of women both as athletes and as leaders. She wasnt the stereotypical mothlander as she was combative and blunt in speech. I did like their progression from enemies to lovers.
I don't hate Hunter anymore but he didn't suffer that much. He has his twin back and now his new love Emanuela. All in all, I was satisfied at the end.
Mod
Np! School internet is down but I was able to get my laptop tethered with my phone. I'll get us checked in now.
Week:2 Roll:1
Roll: 6
Previous Spot: 8
Current Spot: 14
Bonus Points Earned: 1
Bonus Points Used:0
To Read
#1 in series
#4 in series
#14 in series
Alternate: 14. Published in 2015
Reviews
Suzanne 2 The Naked Earl
Ezinwanyi Don't Judge
Namita Phoenix Unbound
Amanda A Lilac Lane
Selection Post: Week 2; Post 1Spot: 14
Book: Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven
Pages: 400
Qualification: #1 in the Fallen Empire Series
Mod
My link (Ezinwanyi) is the only one that isn't working properly. It links to Namita's.
But all the other links work
oops. grr I have to catch a plane right after this, and our internet is down. . I will fix it tonight one I get checked in to my hotel.
I will also choose a book for Spot 14 and post my selection tonight :)
Ok the link is fixed in our check-in post. I THINK I am going to read
which is #4 in a series. However, I may do a short series #1 instead :)
Mod
Book: Don't Judge by A.E. Via
Pages: 366 pages
Qualification:Nothing Special, Book 4
Completion Post: Week 2; Post 1Spot: 14
Book: Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven
Pages: 400
Qualification: #1 in the Fallen Empire Series
Date Read: 9/6
Rating: 5 ★'s
Review: What a fantastic book!! My only gripe is with myself for not having read this earlier!! Azarion and Gilene are phenomenal! It's one heck of a story of love, faith, loyalty, and perseverance. I enjoyed every moment!! It most definitely felt like watching a movie....the world building was amazing. I'm so excited for the next book!! Halani has my interest and I'm excited to read about her!!
Spot 14Lilac Lane by Sherryl Woods (Chesapeake Shores #14)
Date Read: 9/6
Rating: ★★★★
I love the family relationships in this series and how the O'Brien family has extended to include so many branches over the course of it. Keira and Bryan were stubborn but it was fun to watch as their relationship developed. I always enjoy catching up with the other characters from previous books too. The Chesapeake Shores TV series on the Hallmark channel is a little different from the books but it is entertaining as well. It looks like this book may be the end of the series and, while it is probably time for it to end, it was one that I loved reading.
Mod
Book: Don't Judge by A.E. Via
Pages: 366 pages
Qualification:Nothing Special, Book 4
Read: 9/7
Rating & Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.
I just couldn’t get into this one. Detective Austin Michael screwed up on a bust and the prime suspect got away with the money and drugs. His supervisor God brought in a bounty hunter Judge Josephson to assist Michael in tracking the drugs and money and hopefully apprend the suspect. On the journey, sparks fly between them.
Completion Post - Week 2 Roll 1 Spot: 14
Book: The Naked Earl by Sally MacKenzie
Pages: 348
Read: 9/7/2019
Qualification: Naked Nobility #4
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: In at least the books I've read in this series the story starts with someone ending up (fairly innocently) naked in someone else's bed. This was the same - in this case Robbie is escaping from a marriage trap, and climbs into Linnettes's window - she is the sister of his best friend. Robbie has uh...performance issues and Linnette has been in love with him forever. It was an ok book - there was some humor, which I always like. I do hate that they didn't just communicate - although that was 99% Robbie's fault - and it IS an embarassing topic. Anyway, this series is full of quick reads, and I'm sure I'll finish it, but not all at once.
I'll get us checked in when the timer allows :)
Week:2 Roll:2
Roll: 2
Previous Spot: 14
Current Spot: 16
Bonus Points Earned: 1
Bonus Points Used:0
To Read
#1 in series
#6 in series
#16 in series
Alternate: 16. Title C
Reviews
Suzanne 2 The Cruel Prince
Ezinwanyi The Secret Life of Violet Grant
Namita Owlflight
Amanda A Wicked Fog
Selection Post: Week 2; Post 2Spot: 16
Book: Owlflight by Mercedes Lackey
Pages: 342
Qualification: #1 in the Valdemar: Owl Mage Trilogy Series
I started 2 #1 in series books today - one audio one reading. So I guess my pick will be whichever I finish first :)
Spot 16Wicked Fog by Lily Harper Hart (An Ivy Morgan Mystery #6)
194 pages
Date Read: 9/8
Rating: ★★★★
Ivy discovers a dead body inside a scarecrow in the corn maze and begins to have visions. Jack tries to keep her out of the investigation but she cannot resist it as her visions switch to the killer's perspective. I enjoyed the Halloween festivities and Ivy's antics. Her relationship with Jack is sweet but can be over the top at times.
Mod
Book: The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams
Pages: 432 pages
Qualification:The Schuyler Sisters, Book 1
Completion Post: week 2 Roll 2Spot: 16
Book Read:
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Completed: 9/9/2019
Page Count: 370
How it Qualifies: #1 in the Folk of Air
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This kept me interested all the way through, but I'm not 100% sure I liked it - how strange I know! I guess I didn't really love any of the characters but I appreciated their struggles, and I really liked the world building. The Fae are just so cruel and manipulative, and I didn't really sympathize/get any of the main character family. But, I guess I MUST have liked the book, because I'm definitely planning on reading the next one.
That's an interesting review, Suzanne!! I will be done with my book by tonight.
Completion Post: Week 2; Post 2Spot: 16
Book: Owlflight by Mercedes Lackey
Pages: 342
Date Read: 9/11
Qualification: #1 in the Valdemar: Owl Mage Trilogy Series
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: This was my first time reading Mercedes Lackey and I was pleasantly surprised. This book was a complete package. I absolutely enjoyed the birds of prey and their roles as the bond birds. Darion was a really sweet kid that was treated unfairly until, Snowfire came into his life. The Hawk-Brothers changed his life for the better and I was so proud of him by the end of the book. An absolutely fun read.
Mod
Book: The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams
Pages: 432 pages
Qualification:The Schuyler Sisters, Book 1
Read: 9/10
Rating & Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was disappointed with this one. I was expecting some female heroics or even a lady James Bond in times of war but it wasn't that.
Vivian Schuyler is working for a magazine where she is hoping to break out as an up and coming writer but her opportunities are scarce. She befriends her boss's daughter as she hopes would put her in the inner circle and garner some goodwill.
Vivian ends up getting a suitcase from the post office which belonged to her great Aunt Violet Schuyler Grant and it gave her a story on how some people tried to prevent WW1.
I enjoyed Violet's journey and the angst of it all. She was such a smart, focused and resilient person. Her naivete was both refreshing and frustrating, whereas Vivian is just more flighty. Vivian is in love with the Doctor but gave him up due to girl code. I don't connect with her in the same way that I am with Violet's plight.
Overall, the book was an interesting read. I enjoyed the ending as some good things happened to both Heroines.
Thanks ladies - amazing job as usual!! I'll roll and post in about an hour
Week:3 Roll:1
Roll: 6
Previous Spot: 16
Current Spot: 22
Bonus Points Earned: 1
Bonus Points Used:0
To Read
#2 in series
#22 in series
Alternate: 22. Cover: Yellow/Gold
Reviews
Suzanne 2 Hidden Bodies
Ezinwanyi Trick Roller
Namita Academ's Fury
Amanda A New Leash on Life
********** Note: Namita's book (Academ's Fury) was 702 pages so earns the bonus point for being over 500 pages! ******
Well - 6 is nice and bad - nice because it moves us a lot and bad because I hope everyone has a 2 in series or an alternate book :)
Selection Post: Week 3; Post 1Spot: 22
Book: Academ's Fury
Pages: 702
Qualification: #2 in Codex Alera series
Mod
Spot 22
Book: Trick Roller by Cordelia Kingsbridge
Pages: 295 pages
Qualification: Seven of Spades, Book 2
Completion Post: Week 3 Roll 1Spot: 22
Book: Hidden Bodies
Author: Caroline Kepnes
Pages: 442
Date Read: 9/14/2019
Qualification: You series #2
Rating: 4 stars
Review: The main character of this series is a serial killer - in this one he follows an ex-girlfriend to California, to get revenge. While searching for her, he meets a lot of typical California people, including many who annoy him. He also meets Love, who does not annoy him. I liked his snarky opinions about people, many of which I agree with, although my solution isn't to kill them :) The book has a lot of language and is very graphic.
Spot 22New Leash on Life by Roxanne St. Claire (The Dogfather #2)
Date Read: 9/14
Rating: ★★★★★
I love this series and the Kilcannon family. Shane was hit hard by his mother's premature death and was determined not to fall in love after seeing how her death affected his father. Chloe certainly changed that mindset for him and I enjoyed the development of their relationship. I also liked that Shane made a dog-lover out of Chloe and he tried to educate people about the pit bull breed and remove that stigma. I am looking forward to Liam and Andi's story in the next book and learning more about their history as well.
Mod
Spot 22
Book: Trick Roller by Cordelia Kingsbridge
Pages: 295 pages
Qualification: Seven of Spades, Book 2
Read: 9/14
Rating & Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Levi Abrams and Dominic Russo are having a relatively normal few months after their capture of the Seven of Spades Killer and they are finally ready to take their relationship to the next level.
Just as things are heating up between Levi and Dominic we begin to suspect that the person they thought was the serial killer was in fact Not the killer. Thus, the seven of spades killer is still at large in Las Vegas. On top of that, old demons are resurfacing and Dominic has to finally confront his gambling addiction and the triggers.
This is a law enforcement/romance story and it’s entertaining. I am dying to know who this killer is because he/she keeps taunting Levi. I also really enjoyed their relationship now that they are officially an item and are having regular sex. They are definitely hot and sexy!
The author did a good job mixing it up so the story doesn’t feel overly romantic nor does it feel overly crime procedural. It was just enough of both to keep me engrossed. At the end, we learned definitely that the serial killer is still at large. So I guess we have to get to book 3 before we know the identity of this sneaky murderer.
Completion Post: Week 3; Post 1Spot: 22
Book: Academ's Fury
Pages: 702
Qualification: #2 in Codex Alera series
Date Read: 9/14
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely love epic fantasies and Codex Akers is one such series. Tavi, the young Aleron is the 1st Lords Paige and doing wonders. The kid is getting the education and everything is fine until an attack comes in a form so terrifying that no one except the barbarians know how to deal with. Tabi masters the furies but things get worse before any reprieve is anywhere near the horizon.
I love the characters and the narrator is fabulous for this series. The action scenes are gory typical Jim Butcher style and I can’t get enough. Definitely recommend the series.
Thank you all for being so responsible! New roll in a few hours :)
Week:3 Roll:2
Roll: 4
Previous Spot: 22
Current Spot: 26
Bonus Points Earned: 2 (Double task & pages)
Bonus Points Used:0
To Read
#2 in series
#6 in series
#26 in series
Alternate: 26. Published 2013
Reviews
Suzanne 2 The Dog Who Knew Too Much
Ezinwanyi Endurance
Namita Protect the Prince
Amanda A After This Night
Is anyone going for the "read a full series" bonus? I'm kind of kicking myself for one of the books I read for 1st in series, since if I'd reviewed a different one I'd read those same days, I'd have the start of a series going - oops!If we don't get that one, its ok of course, but always nice to get those bonus points when we can.
Mod
That's a great idea.
Here are the bonus points we can earn:Bonus Tasks:
✸ 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 10/27.
Selection Post Week 3 Roll 2 spot 26The Dog Who Knew Too Much
Qualification: #2 in the Rachel Alexander & Dash series
(Note: I own the full series, its probably ok if you don't totally read them in order, AND I have never read any - so it is worth a try :) - I will at least get this one in! ]
The Challenge Factory
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Dirty Letters (other topics)Alexei (other topics)
Finding Alexei (other topics)
Alexei (other topics)
Finding Alexei (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Vi Keeland (other topics)Roxie Rivera (other topics)
Roxie Rivera (other topics)
Dianne Duvall (other topics)
Dianne Duvall (other topics)
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Spot: 8
Book:
Qualification: #8 Psy-Changeling Series
Date Read: 9/3
Rating: 4 ★’s Stars
Review: Nalini Singh is one of my fave authors and she simply weaves magic. Max and Sophia are one heck of a couple. Max being human is one phenomenal cop. Sophia is a J-Psy and J-Psy’s go mad at certain point of their lives.
Max and Sophia are sent to investigate the attacks on the Councillor Nikita Duncan, mother of Sascha mate to DR Alpha Lucas.
A fast paced story with romance and action. I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read it multiple times over the years. I don’t see that changing any time soon. Highly recommended!!