R11: Team All Booked (3)

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

SELECTION POST. Week 5, Post 2
Spot 38

Book: Sin & Salvation by K.F. Breene
Pages: 325 pages
Qualification: Demigods of San Francisco, Book 3

[Amanda A]

Spot 38

Wrapped Up in You by Jill Shalvis (Heartbreaker Bay #8)
384 pages
Date Read: 9/30
Rating: ★★★★

I continue to love this series. It was also fun to see Kel cross over from the Animal Magnetism series to Heartbreaker Bay. I like that the group of friends in this series is like family to each other. Ivy and Kel each have trust issues stemming from family situations but I enjoyed their relationship journey. They have great chemistry and the humorous banter is always entertaining. I will read anything Jill Shalvis writes and look forward to another book in this series.

[Suzanne]

Completion Post: Week 5; Roll 2
Spot: 38

Book:
Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh
How it Qualifies: Psy-Chhangelings #3
Date Read: 10/1/2019
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: I like the Psy-changeling series and this was a good entry. We briefly saw Brenna in a previous book, and I liked seeing strength as she is recovering from her trauma. The world in this books is probably my favorite part - I like the whole idea of the Psy, and I really like the various changelings and how they interact. And I really liked Judd - his powers are so interesting. I did listen to this book (since I could get it as part of the romance package on audible) and I might have enjoyed it more if I'd read it, but the price was right this way :). The reader was good though - I just generally don't like listening to sexy times in books :)

[Namita]

Completion Post: Week 5; Post 2

Spot: 38
Book: Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery
Pages: 243
Qualification: Alternate: Author name starts with L
Date Read: 10/1
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
Another fun read. I have enjoyed Anne and Gilbert's journey. It's so romantic to see them get back to their roots and their goals and their love. Anne couldn't define why she wasn't happy and when she did figure it out, it was fantastic.
Their wedding was so beautiful and their new life as husband and wife was fun to read about.

[Suzanne]

Yay - I am glad you're enjoying the series!

[Suzanne]

I sent Ezi a message last night and I'm sure she'll post sometime today. I'm teaching today from 8 a.m. til 9 p.m. - I have 30 min in there to eat (once). Sigh - someone is out and I have to take his class too. Anyway - I'll roll when I can once she posts, but I can't check us in til I'm home from work. So keep an eye out for our roll/new spot.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

COMPLETION POST. Week 5, Post 2
Spot 38

Book: Sin & Salvation by K.F. Breene
Pages: 325 pages
Qualification: Demigods of San Francisco, Book 3
Read: 10/2
Rating & Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I actually liked this one much better than book 2. This one didn’t drag and has consistent action.

I love when I can see characters grow evolve. Lexi didn’t even know her powers in book 1, but now she is wielding her power with growing confidence while protecting her wards, who also train to wield their individual strengths. Kieran’s understanding of love also evolves and grows as he bonds with Lexi.

A satisfying conclusion to the Kieran and Lexi’s journey. Although this book was more about the blending of their chosen families and defeating the old ways of the Demi-gods that were the parents. A pretty good series!

[Suzanne]

I'm glad the series improved instead of the opposite! I'm between classes. I'll roll and pot that!

[Suzanne]

I rolled a 3. That puts us on spot 41. So #4 in series, #1 in series or title J (alternate). I'll do a formal check in tonight.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Don't forget you can read standalones for #1 too! :)

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Thank you Team Captain for checking on me. I’m coming home today. And I’m exhausted. Plus I’ve put on 4lbs despite working out. 😂. I’m considering giving up alcohol and maybe doing a low carb eating until Thanksgiving. I want to look somewhat decent for Christmas pictures

[Namita]

Selection Post: Week 6; Post 1

Spot: 41
Book: The Blood Gospel
Pages: 479
Qualification: #1 in the Order of the Sanguines series.

[Namita]

Ezinwanyi wrote: "Thank you Team Captain for checking on me. I’m coming home today. And I’m exhausted. Plus I’ve put on 4lbs despite working out. 😂. I’m considering giving up alcohol and maybe doing a low carb eatin..."

LOL...hope you had a great time!!

The bane of all our existence...weight gain!!! Sigh!!

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Oh I did. Thank you. Maui is soooo pretty (and expensive). I plan to bring my kids here some time next year.

[Suzanne]

I'm glad you had fun!! And I hope you get some rest. I bet being back to a normal routine will drop a couple pounds right there

[Suzanne]

And thanks Denise. I totally forgot standalones!

[Suzanne]

Week: 6 Roll: 1
Roll: 3
Previous Spot: 38
Current Spot: 41
Bonus Points Earned: 3 (Double task & pages & 3 books in series)
Bonus Points Used:0

To Read
#1 in series
#4 in series
#41 in series
Stand alone
Alternate: 41. J title

Reviews
Suzanne 2 The Last Suppers
Namita The Blood Gospel
Ezinwanyi Repeat
Amanda A Bad to the Bone

Bonus earned this round: Amanda has now read 3 books in the Dogfather series during the game

[Suzanne]

Selection Post
The Last Suppers by Diane Mott Davidson
#4 in A Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery

I've been stalled on this series for over a year, so it'll be great to get one read!

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

SELECTION POST. Week 6 Post 1
Spot 41

Book: Repeat by Kylie Scott
Pages: 324 pages
Qualification: Standalone

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Completion POST. Week 6 Post 1
Spot 41

Book: Repeat by Kylie Scott
Pages: 324 pages
Qualification: Standalone
Read: 10/5
Rating & Review: 5-stars.
Clementine Johns, a bank teller, was found on the street, almost dead and the attack left her with retrograde amnesia. When someone recognizes Clem's tattoo as the work of Larsen and sons, Clem ends up finding her ex boyfriend tattoo artist Ed Larsen. Ed was NOT happy to see Clem and but he was an avenue for her to reclaim her the last few years of her life, I mean, they were in love and lived together.
But how do you stroll down memory lane with an ex who seemingly can't stand the very sight of you?

This story was very interesting. Clem was like a grown baby, in that she didn't know what she liked and had to relearn almost everything and everyone. Each person Clem came in contact with shared memories that she felt no connection to but there was an emotional turmoil nonetheless.

I enjoyed this story because Clem got a chance to be a better version of herself. It was like a snake shedding it's old skin and revealing the new skin. I was on pins and needles wondering what would happen once the old memories resurface? What a fun ride watching Clementine earn her way back into her old life but as a new person. The writing kept me engaged the entire time. Definitely one of the best stories I have listened to this year.

[Amanda A]

Spot 41

Bad to the Bone by Roxanne St. Claire (The Dogfather #4)
364 pages
Date Read: 10/5
Rating: ★★★★

I enjoyed this second chance romance and finally learning the identity of Pru's father. Trace endured a lot throughout his life and I felt sorry for him. It was nice to see the Kilcannon family give him a fresh start as a dog trainer and Molly give him a second chance despite his past mistakes. Pru was a very intelligent thirteen year old and her acceptance of Trace as her father was sweet. The dogs in this series make it even better and bring people together.

Bonus Point - 3 books in a series

[Suzanne]

Completion Post - Spot 41

The Last Suppers by Diane Mott Davidson
Date Read: 10/5/2019
How it fits: #4 in A Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series
Rating: 3 stars
Review: In this book, Goldy is all set to marry Tom, but he disappears about 30 minutes before the wedding starts, after a cryptic phone call that the priest who was going to perform the ceremony was dead. I really liked the recipes in this, but the mystery fell pretty flat - it was all church politics and I just didn't care much. I know all the books don't have the same slant, so I'll keep reading the series, but it is (obviously) not a big rush.

[Namita]

Completion Post: Week 6; Post 1

Spot: 41
Book: The Blood Gospel by James Rollins
Pages: 479
Qualification: #1 in the Order of the Sanguines series.
Date Read: 10/5
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was like watching the Indiana Jones movie with a twist. Vampires, vampire hunters, the Vatican, Wolves and the bible. The biblical references were pretty intense. Well written book and a wonderful read. Definitely continuing with this series!!

[Suzanne]

I read that book awhile ago and that is a perfect description!!

[Suzanne]

Our new roll is a 4 - which puts us at spot 45.

[Suzanne]

Week: 6 Roll: 2
Roll: 4
Previous Spot: 41
Current Spot: 45
Bonus Points Earned: 3 (Double task & pages & 3 books in series)
Bonus Points Used:0

To Read
#5 in series
#4 in series
#45 in series
Alternate: 45. Romance

Reviews
Suzanne 2 A Cowboy Like You
Namita Reticence
Ezinwanyi The Coaching Hours
Amanda A Ice Storm

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Suzanne wrote: "Our new roll is a 4 - which puts us at spot 45."

Good roll, Interesting spot. Let me see what I have

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

SELECTION POST. Week 6 Post 2
Spot 45

Book: The Coaching Hours by Sara Ney
Pages: 300 pages
Qualification: How to Date a Douchebag, Book 4

[Suzanne]

I will read the next Rachel Alexander book. #4 in the series

[Suzanne]

I changed my mind - I need to double up on challenges now (there are just too many fun ones!!) AND I need to get this read for netgalley, so I'm going to do A Cowboy Like You, which is Heart of Texas #4

[Namita]

Selection Post: Week 6; Post 2

Spot: 45
Book: Reticence by Gail Carriger
Pages: 368
Qualification: #4 in the Custard Protocol series.

[Suzanne]

Completion Post: Week 6, Roll 2

Spot: 45
Book:
Pages: 304
Qualification: #4 in the Heart of Texas Series

Rating: 4 stars
Review: I kind of expected a "feel-good" small town romance with this book - full of quirky characters and some angst. Instead this turned out to be what I'd call romantic suspense. The main character Skylar is fleeing her abuser, and drives to her high-school hometown. Danny, the local sheriff, helps her, along with his friends. The bad guy is really bad, as is his family, and Danny and his group are great. This really made me want to check out the earlier books in the series, which I haven't read, because I liked the characters so much, and I liked the action too.

[Namita]

Completion Post: Week 6; Post 2

Spot: 45
Book: Reticence by Gail Carriger
Pages: 368
Qualification: #4 in the Custard Protocol series.
Date Read: 10/9
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: This was a really fun read. Gail Carriger is an awesome author. Her Steampunk series is the most fun that I've read. This is a spin-off of her Parasol Protectorate series. We follow the Spotted Custard on their trip to Japan. Percy is at the forefront in this last book. He's met his academic match in Dr. Arsenic. Some laugh out loud moments. A really good end to the series.

[Amanda A]

Spot 45

Ice Storm by Anne Stuart (Ice #4)
347 pages
Date Read: 10/9
Rating: ★★★★

I enjoyed learning more about Isobel Lambert in this installment. I was not a fan of her in the previous books, but she redeemed herself in this one. Killian did her wrong in the past but I enjoyed watching them reconnect. I also liked the appearances by characters from previous books. Reno is an intriguing character and I am looking forward to his story in the next book.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

COMPLETION POST. Week 6 Post 2
Spot 45

Book: The Coaching Hours by Sara Ney
Pages: 300 pages
Qualification: How to Date a Douchebag, Book 4
Read 10/9
Rating & Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t know how I feel about this one. It moved slower than the previous stories but i guess one had to tread lightly since Anabelle was the wrestling coach’s daughter.
He certainly wasn't the douchebag that Gunnarson was. I honestly don't know, this book was okay. I can say it was a better book than the prior book where the sheer amount of hazing overpowered the enjoyable parts. Elliott and Annabelle were a friends to lover story with entertaining dialogue.

[Suzanne]

I rolled a 5 - that puts us in spot 50.

[Suzanne]

Week: 7 Roll: 1
Roll: 5
Previous Spot: 45
Current Spot: 50
Bonus Points Earned: 3 (Double task & pages & 3 books in series)
Bonus Points Used:0

Using Free Pass this round for Namita

To Read
#5 in series
Stand alone
#50 in series
Alternate: 50. Young Adult/New Adult

Reviews
Suzanne 2 Her Last Breath
Namita Free Pass
Ezinwanyi Life and Other Inconveniences
Amanda A City of Thieves

[Namita]

Haven't decided what to read!! Off to look for a book.

[Suzanne]

I'm going to do the #5 Kate Burkholder book. I'm trying hard to progress in some of my long standing (and sometimes at a standstill) series.

[Namita]

Selection Post: Week 7; Post 1

Spot: 50
Book:About the Night by Anat Talshir
Pages: 394
Qualification: Stand alone

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

SELECTION POST. Week 7 Post 1
Spot 50

Book: Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins
Pages: 448 pages
Qualification: Standalone

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

COMPLETION POST. Week 7 Post 1
Spot 50

Book: Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins
Pages: 448 pages
Qualification: Standalone
Read: 10/12
Rating & Review: 4.5 stars
This book was really good. It was intense and full of lot of different emotion moments.
This is a story told from several different voices, but the main POV is that of Emma and her cantankerous grandmother Genevieve.
Emma was taken in by her paternal grandma Genevieve after Emma's mom committed suicide and Emma's dad was unable to care for her. Genevieve was an old school dowager with exacting standards, so when Emma became pregnant her senior year in high school, Genevieve kicked her out.
17 years later, Emma gets a call to come and spend the summer with her dying grandma. This began the summer journey of forgiveness, healing and reconciliation.

I think this is a story that one should read so this review will be spoiler free. Each character was flawed and the author did an amazing job developing them so you could see why they were the way they were. I don't make an excuses for their behavior nor do I condone some of the actions, but I could see how they got there.

The secondary characters like Emma's daughter Riley, Jason and the boys, Miller, grandfather Pop, and the house staff add such depth to this story. There is such care taken to write this story that I am frankly still taking it all in. There is anger, sadness, love, laughter, crazy kids, extended family and their support, growth hope and rediscovery. This book really did have a little of everything that a good woman's fiction book should have.

I really loved the way we got a chance to be in everyone's head a little. Some people just refused to grow and others just inspired me to be better. But all in all, the author delivered a great tale with a happy ending. Definitely one of the best reads of 2019.

[Amanda A]

Spot 50

City of Thieves by David Benioff (Standalone)
258 pages
Date Read: 10/12
Rating: ★★★★

This was a wonderful story. I have not read a World War II book set in Russia so I found the setting interesting. The circumstances faced by Lev and Kolya were hard to read at times, but I enjoyed their journey. The evolution of their friendship during all of their adventures was touching and their banter was entertaining.

[Suzanne]

I loved both of the above reviews - I'd like to read both of those books!

[Suzanne]

Completion Post Spot 50
Her Last Breath by Linda Castillo
Pages: 321
Date Read: 10/12/2019
Rating: 4 stars
How it qualifies: #5 in Kate Burkholder series

Review: I like this series, and the ending of this one surprised me. When I was putting it on my "read" shelf I noticed that the blurb is really quite a spoiler, so I'm VERY glad I didn't read it. The book starts with a horrific accident that kills most of an Amish family, when a fast-driving truck hits a buggy without even slowing. It soon becomes apparent that much of the tragedy was not accidental. Kate was best friends with the mother of the family, and thus has even more incentive to catch the driver. I enjoy the mix of Amish and English culture, and I really liked the mystery.

[Suzanne]

I just heard back from Namita - we're going to use our "Free Pass" this roll. I'll get the new spot posted soon!

[Suzanne]

And I rolled a 6 - which makes me glad we're using the free pass vs. skipping the roll - haven't seen a 6 since the first round if I remember correctly.

That will put us in spot 56.

[Suzanne]

Week: 7 Roll: 2
Roll: 6
Previous Spot: 50
Current Spot: 56
Bonus Points Earned: 3 (Double task & pages & 3 books in series)
Bonus Points Used:0

To Read
#5 in series
#6 in series
#56in series
Alternate: 56. Three Word Title excluding articles like A, An, The

Reviews
Suzanne 2 Miss Frost Braves the Blizzard
Namita Cajun Fried Felony
Ezinwanyi Conor
Amanda A Murder on the Sugarland Express

[Suzanne]

I'm going to read Miss Frost Braves the Blizzard - I feel like something short and easy :) It is #5 in the Jayne Frost series.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

SELECTION POST. Week 7 Post 2
Spot 56

Book: Conor by A. Zavarelli
Pages: 328 pages
Qualification: Boston Underworld, Book 6