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R11: Team All Booked (3)
Selection Post: Week 7; Post 2Spot: 56
Book: Cajun Fried Felony
Pages: 302
Qualification: Three Word Title (Alternate)
Completion Post: Week 7; Post 2Spot: 56
Book: Cajun Fried Felony
Pages: 302
Qualification: Three Word Title (Alternate)
Date Read: 10/16
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: Jana Deleon is my fave author. This series is so much fun with lots of laugh out loud moments. I can never get enough of Walter, Fortune, Ida Belle, Gertie and Carter!! These are fabulous along with hilarious. Fortune is a retired CIA agent and now she is a PI.
Sinful, Louisiana is one colourful place. I highly recommend this series.
Spot 56Murder on the Sugarland Express (Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #6)
Date Read: 10/15
Rating: ★★★★
This was a fun take on Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express. Verity is an entertaining character and she always finds herself in the middle of something. There were two murder mysteries for Verity to solve, one in the past and one in the present, which made it more interesting. The mysteries were well done and kept me guessing until the big reveal.
Week 7 - Spot 56Completion Post
Miss Frost Braves the Blizzard by Kristen Painter
Pages: 214 (Kindle)
How it Qualifies #5 in Jayne Frost series
Date Read: 10/15/2019
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review: This is definitely a "light" book, which was just what I needed. Jayne Frost is the niece of Santa Claus, and Lives in Nocturne Falls, running the Santa's Workshop Toystore there. A supernatural blizzard comes, the community is invaded by Yetis, and Jayne and her friends have to figure out how to stop it. I really liked all the talk of sweets, and I always love reading about Nocturne Falls and all of its stores and people.
Week: 8 Roll: 1
Roll: 4
Previous Spot: 56
Current Spot: 60
Bonus Points Earned: 3 (Double task & pages & 3 books in series)
Bonus Points Used:0
To Read
#6 in series
Stand alone
#60 in series
Alternate: 60. Sci-Fi
Reviews
Suzanne 2 The Bonesetter's Daughter
Namita The Undying King
Ezinwanyi Wicked Lies Boys Tell
Amanda A F is for Fugitive
What is the page recommendation for this challenge? I'm unsure of the book I selected.
Mod
Denise wrote: "Books must be minimum 140 pages, so your choice works."Thank you.
Completion Post: Week 8; Post 1Spot: 60
Book: The Undying King
Pages: 146
Qualification: Stand alone
Date Read: 10/18
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Review: A really good book. Grace Draven does a phenomenal job on the story. Highly entertaining and I would most definitely a book I recommend.
Completion Post: Week 8; Post 1Spot: 60
Book: The Bonesetter's Daughter
Pages: 387
Qualification Stand alone
Date Read: 10/19
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: This book was set in current(ish) times for part, and part is in the past. In the first part, Rose is coping with her aging mother who is losing her memory. Rose has her own issues (don't we all!?) but as she discovers more about her mother, she also comes to understand some of her faults and eccentricities. The other part looks at the mother's life in China - wow what a difficult time and place to be a woman. I liked this part better than the other but both were well written.
Spot 60F is for Fugitive (Kinsey Millhone #6)
320 pages
Date Read: 10/19
Rating: ★★★
This book was OK for me. Kinsey ventures to Floral Beach to solve a 17 year old murder for a client. The plot seemed sluggish in some parts and I like Kinsey but I was not really invested in any of the other characters. The mystery was interesting and the killer was a surprise to me. I plan to continue with the series.
Mod
Spot 60
Book: Wicked Lies Boys Tell by K. Webster
Pages: 274 pages
Qualification: Standalone
Mod
Spot 60
Book: Wicked Lies Boys Tell by K. Webster
Pages: 274 pages
Qualification: Standalone
Read: 3.5 stars
Rating & Review: I don’t know. This book had promise. It was angsty but I feel like I’ve been on this journey but a better one. I want to think more on it. I wish I read it as a buddy read because then I could discuss my feelings as I go along.
I liked Penn and Copeland and the struggle it was to accept what was happening between the two best friends. I can’t put my finger on what kept this from being higher
Week: 8 Roll: 2
Roll: 4
Previous Spot: 60
Current Spot: 64
Bonus Points Earned: 3 (Double task & pages & 3 books in series)
Bonus Points Used:0
To Read
#6 in series
#4 in series
#64 in series
Alternate: 64 Title N
Reviews
ExinwanyiBlood Truth
Namita Sapphire Flames
Suzanne LThe Dead will Tell
Amanda A Lemon Pies and Little White Lies
Mod
Spot 64
Book: Blood Truth by J.R. Ward
Pages: 432
Qualification: Black Dagger Brotherhood Legacy, Book 4
Selection Post: Week 8; Post 2Spot: 64
Book: Sapphire Flames
Pages: 400
Qualification: #4 Hidden Legacy
I'm going to read Kate Burkholder #6
Mod
Spot 64
Book: Blood Truth by J.R. Ward
Pages: 432
Qualification: Black Dagger Brotherhood Legacy, Book 4
Read: 10/21
Rating & Review: 4-stars
While I am not a fan of these legacy novels, I enjoyed this one a lot. I liked this one because unlike the last several BDB books, the author only had a couple of major plotlines going. Normally, Ward has a gazillion characters with too many things going on that its a clusterf**k.
There was a clear hero and heroine, they were developed fairly well and I got to really follow the mystery. I didn't suspect the culprit so the surprise was a plus.
This was one of the better written stories with likable characters so I was rooting for them as outcasts to find comfort in each other.
I docked this story half a star because I didn't get a satisfactory backstory about Boone's father and his lover. I wanted more as to the actual cause of Boone's mother's death.
Spot 64Lemon Pies and Little White Lies (Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries #4)
304 pages
Date: 10/22
Rating: ★★★★
I enjoy the magical and paranormal aspects of this series. The mystery seemed to take a backseat to other things during parts of the book but I enjoyed it overall. The growth in Ella Mae's character has been interesting to watch and I look forward to finding out what happens in the last book of the series.
Selection Post: Week 8; Post 2Spot: 64
Book: Sapphire Flames
Pages: 400
Qualification: #4 Hidden Legacy
Date Read: 10/23
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An absolutely amazing book. The cliff hanger is making me crazy but nothing to do about it. Catalina and Alessandro are hilarious together....they banter are amazing. Catalina is the Prime of House Baylor and I love this girl. She is not over confident and gets the job done. Looking forward to the next book.
Week 8 - Spot 64 - Completion PostThe Dead Will Tell
Author: Linda Castillo
How it fits: #6 in Kate Burkholder series
Date Read:10/23/2019
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I like this series. This one was pretty spooky - a good Halloween month read. It starts with a horrific crime. Years later, murders start occurring, and it seems they may be connected. I really liked this mystery, and I liked how Kate's team worked together.
I rolled a 6 - which totally wiped out the #6 in series book I'd planned to read. But I won't complain!
Week: 9 Roll: 1
Roll: 6
Previous Spot: 64
Current Spot: 70
Bonus Points Earned: 3 (Double task & pages & 3 books in series)
Bonus Points Used:0
To Read
#7 in series
Stand alone
#70 in series
Alternate: Cover item animal
Reviews
EzinwanyiLove and Other Mistakes
Namita Swamp Santa
Suzanne LIt Started with Joy
Amanda A That Month in Tuscany
Selection Post: Week 9; Post 1Spot: 70
Book: Swamp Santa
Pages: 257
Qualification: Alternate: Animal on cover.
Mod
Spot 70
Book: Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate
Pages: 352
Qualification: Standalone novel
Selection PostIt Started With Joy: a feel good holiday romance to warm your heart
Pages: 180
Qualification: Standalone
Completion Post: Week 9; Post 1Spot: 70
Book: Swamp Santa
Pages: 257
Qualification: Alternate: Animal on cover. (Cat on Cover)
Date Read: 10/25
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review: What a fantastic book!! I might be biased as I simply love Jana Deleon. This book is full of fun, laughter, wedding plans and murder, guns and of course Gertie!! My go to books after I've read something rather heavy or dark. I would definitely recommend this book.
Spot 70That Month in Tuscany (Standalone)
342 pages
Date Read: 10/25
Rating: ★★★
This was an easy light read. I liked Lizzy and Ren, but it seemed like there was too much going on at various points of the book. I don't think the daughter's storyline added much to the overall story. And all of the issues are solved too rapidly to be believable. This was my first book by this author and I would give another book a chance at some point.
Completion Post - Spot 70It Started With Joy: a feel good holiday romance to warm your heart
Pages: 180
Date Read: 10/25
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Joy is a little girl in foster care, who is being temporarily cared for by Rachel, a young widow, for the holidays. They meet Derek, a retired ball player, and all three bond. However, Rachel is still mourning her husband. I thought the characterization was quite good for such a short book. Nothing too shocking happened, but it was exactly what the subtitle promised (although I hate subtitles like that) - a feel-good holiday romance.
Mod
Spot 70
Book: Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate
Pages: 352
Qualification: Standalone novel
Read: 10/26
Rating & Review: 4-stars
This was an interesting story. It was slow to get going and the author took her time building the world. But if you stick with it, you will find that this book was a gem. The writing was smooth and the plot was interesting.
Natalie Groves is looking for a job and ends up as a nanny for her ex-fiancee Jeremy "Jem" who unceremoniously left her a couple of months before they were set to get married seven years ago. While caring for Jeremy's son, Natalie tries her best not to dwell on the fact that he never explained his reasons for running out on her nor did he end a letter or email in the seven years that he was gone.
Meanwhile, Jeremy is back in his hometown where his brother Mike and his wife Steph are pastors and Mike's father is the town sheriff. This family has some unpleasant history and most of the book focuses on their strained relationships. So Jeremy has unfinished business with Natalie and with his father whom he doesn't really speak to.
The reader is taken on a journey which deals with parental failures, marital woes and how it affects children. Ultimately, the characters have to navigate their own feelings of purpose, worth and forgiveness.
What I really liked best was that the reader got an HEA but everything wasn't neatly tied up at the end. There is room for continual growth as the characters are on a life journey. And the writer was subtle with the Christian message. This story was a winner for me.
Week: 9 Roll: 2
Roll: 4
Previous Spot: 70
Current Spot: 74
Bonus Points Earned: 4 (Double task & pages & 3 books in series, Halloween roll)
Bonus Points Used:0
To Read
#7 in series
#4 in series
#74 in series
Alternate: 74 Cover item dress
Reviews
EzinwanyiThe Staff and the Blade
Namita The Judas Season
Suzanne LStars Above
Amanda A Lying Season
Bonus Points: Ezinwanyi's book has Genre UF, PNR
Available this round!✸ Halloween Bonus: One point can be earned for reading a Horror/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book for the roll on 10/27
Only one of us needs to do that - but anyway - keep it in mind
Mod
Spot 74
Book: The Staff and the Blade by Elizabeth Hunter
Pages: 480
Qualification: Irin Chronicles, Book 4
⚠️Genre: UF, PNR ~ for Halloween Bonus
Awesome - thanks for getting that bonus for us!!
Selection Post: Week 9; Post 2Spot: 74
Book: The Judas Strain
Pages: 464
Qualification: #4 in the Sigma Force Series
Spot 74Lying Season (Experiment in Terror #4)
Date Read: 10/28
Rating: ★★★★
Dex and Perry's adventures are entertaining for the most part. They are also like a train wreck at times and you just can't look away from the craziness of it all. It is a little frustrating that it feels like nothing is resolved by the end of each book. The ending left me wanting to know what happens next though so I will be continuing with the series.
Completion Post: Week 9; Post 2Spot: 74
Book: The Judas Strain
Pages: 464
Qualification: #4 in the Sigma Force Series
Date Read:10/30
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Review: A fantastic technothriller. Sigma Force is at it again and this time it's a really horrific disease that has been turned into a bio weapon. It was awesome to read about the team again. Looking forward to reading more.
Mod
Spot 74
Book: The Staff and the Blade by Elizabeth Hunter
Pages: 480
Qualification: Irin Chronicles, Book 4
Read: 11/30
Rating & Review: 4-stars
It boggles my mind that this book is being marketed as a standalone. There is no way to truly appreciate this book without the journey of Ava/Malachi as well as Damien and Sari's interactions in the prior 3 books. This book makes the way they relate to each other make more sense and give their love story more meat.
I have always enjoyed Damien...even more so than Sari but their past was painful. There was great pain, loss and later forgiveness.
This story and series is very well done. It's creative, emotional and really engaging. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I remembered from the prior books. I want to catch up on the rest of the books now
Completion Post: Week 9 Post 2Spot: 74
Stars Above by Marissa Meyer
Pages: 400
Qualification: The Lunar Chronicles #4.5
Read: 10/30/2019
Rating: 4 stars
Review: It has been at least a year since I finished the Lunar Chronicles series (except for this book) and I enjoyed re-visiting all of the characters. Short stories aren't my favorite format, but given the huge background in the previous books, they were ok.
Most of the stories are from the young lives of the main characters. I REALLY felt sorry for 9-year-old Cress, and I liked seeing Scarlett as a young girl - she was very true to character. We end with an epilogue to the entire series and finally get to see a wedding :)
If I can stay up late enough tonight I will roll - otherwise I'll roll first thing in the morning!
Mod
If you want one of us to roll, we can do that for you
Thanks! I think tonight should be ok, but I'll speak up if I have to get to bed. I know the second week in November I'll be gone for a weekend and if the game isn't finished by then I'll have to beg for help :)
Mod
I rolled a 4 again. That puts us at 78.
Updated below - this post is no longer validWeek: 10 Roll: 1
Roll: 4
Previous Spot: 74
Current Spot: 78
Bonus Points Earned: 4 (Double task & pages & 3 books in series, Halloween roll)
Bonus Points Used:0
To Read
#7 in series
#8 in series
#78 in series
Alternate: 78 fantasy
Reviews
Ezinwanyi
Namita
Suzanne L
Amanda A L
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Spot 56
Book: Conor by A. Zavarelli
Pages: 328 pages
Qualification: Boston Underworld, Book 6
Read: 10/14
Rating & Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is one of my favorite books in this series. It wasn’t as dark as the prior books and But it is still a mob story.
I wasn’t sure I’d like Ivy since it wasn’t clear what her real story was but once it was revealed, she won me over. I love the way Zavarelli wrote Conor because he was a harden killer but with a heart. He was definitely a captain-saver. This story wasn’t overly emotional or angsty, but it was rich in emotion. Both main characters had a painful past that led them to their current entanglement with the mob yet with their encounter, they began to find protection and love.
A truly satisfying addition to one of my favorite series.