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R11: Team Speedy Novelites (4)
Week 2, Roll 2Spot: 12
Book: We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach
Qualifications: Stand Alone
Finished: 9/11/2019
Rating: ***
Review: I thought this was going to be a normal, angsty YA novel until the asteroid showed up and everyone had to contemplate their inevitable demise. This was an interesting read and got dark at times.
Mod
Week:3 Roll:1
Dice roll: 3
Previous Spot: 12
Current Spot: 15
Bonus Points Earned: 1
Bonus Points Used:0
What to read:
#1 in series
✸ Standalone books can be used for a 1 or a 0
#5 in series
#15 in series
Alternate: Book that one of your teammates read shelf rated a 5-star
Donna Pasta, Pirates and Poison by Paula Lester~~ completed
Theo The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd~~completed
SandyL Your Tempting Love by Layla Hagen~~ completed
Suzanne The Shelters of Stone by Jean M. Auel~~completed
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.
✸ 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.
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 15
Book:Pasta, Pirates and Poison by Paula Lester
Qualification: Beachside Books #1
Date:9/13/19
Rating:4 star
Review: I found this to be a fun book. The pirate ghost is definitely my favorite character. I did find that Marco was a bit odd showing up in her hometown like that. There was a distinct lack of magic although there was talk of witches. I would like to see more magic in the next book.
Week 3, Roll 1Spot 15
Your Tempting Love by Layla Hagen
Pages: 334
How it qualifies: The Bennett Family #5
Finish: 9/13/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This is the fifth book in the Bennett Family series, but it read fine as a stand-alone (it's the first book I've read in this series.) It was a sweet but sexy and heartwarming story. Victoria Hensley is an interior designer who is struggling to keep her family together. As the oldest sibling, she's taken guardianship of her younger brother and sisters after their parents died. She and her BFF started their own business so she could have more flexible hours, and she's excited to get a referral to help Christopher Bennett with his new home. Christoper helps to run his family's jewelry business, and is a busy guy who isn't planning on settling down. Little does he know, his sister, Pippa, is playing matchmaker when he recommends Victoria. And despite his reluctance to fall for anyone, Christopher quickly becomes enamored of the Hensley family. I liked how easy going Christopher, and how he got on with the kids. I loved how he taught Victoria's brother how to play practical jokes! I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series!
Week 3, Roll 1
Spot: 15
Book: The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Qualification: The Madman's Daughter #1
Finished: 9/14/19
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Juliet has been abandoned by her father and orphaned by her mother. Forced into a situation far below her status, she is just trying to get by, but when she finds evidence of her father's whereabouts, she sets off to travel halfway across the world. A retelling of H.G. Wells' classic, this time from the point of view of Dr. Moreau's daughter, it weaves mystery, science fiction, and a lot of romance. The love triangle drove me nuts, and the prose could get a little plodding, but it wasn't bad.
Week 3, Roll 1: Spot 15Selection Post:
Book: The Shelters of Stone by Jean M. Auel
Qualification: #5 in Series
Mod
Hi Donna - maybe you can send Suzanne a PM (I think they get delivered to email) so that may help?
Mod
Mod
If we don't hear from Suzanne in a couple of hours, should we use our Free Pass?
Mod
Did anyone do anything fun this weekend? Mine was quiet - it was really hot yesterday, so I stayed inside and kept cool. Today I just did some errands and both days read a lot. My exciting life!!🤩
Week 3, Roll 1: Spot 15Completion Post:
Book: The Shelters of Stone by Jean M. Auel
Qualification: #5 in Series
Date: 9/15/2019
Rating: ***
Review: Didn't really care for this one, I didn't really feel like their was much of a plot to it. Kind of disappointing...
Mod
Week:3 Roll:2
Dice roll:6
Previous Spot: 15
Current Spot: 21
Bonus Points Earned: 1
Bonus Points Used:0
What to read:
#1 in series
✸ Standalone books can be used for a 1 or a 0
#2 in series
#21 in series
Alternate: Europe
Donna Heist Society by Ally Carter~~completed
Theo The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood~~complete
SandyL The Best Man by Kristan Higgins~~ completed
Suzanne The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann~~complete
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.
✸ 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.
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
Mod
We took our kids to a local fall festival Friday night. They had a blast just playing games. Next weekend we are heading to Penn's Colony to see the re-enactments. I love this time of year. We try to hit as many of the festivals as we can. There is always something happening in the Pittsburgh area in the fall. The Renaissance Fair is my all time favorite and we try to make it every year if we can. We will try some haunted houses and mazes soon. A few years ago, we decided to try a night maze. Do you know how hard it is to find your way thru a corn maze in the dark? LOL we had a blast getting lost in the maze.
Mod
Spot 21
Book:Heist Society by Ally Carter
Qualification: Heist Society #1
Date:9/17/19
Rating:4 star
Review: I have previously read Ally Carter's Gallagher girls and I loved it. I couldn't wait to read this one. I was not disappointed. I loved this group of characters. They are so much fun. I can't wait to see what they get into in book 2.
Donna wrote: "Sandy... I believe you are on my TowerTeam this time around."Yay!! I've decided to take a break from captaining for awhile and just play and enjoy myself and let someone else do all the work! :-)
Week: 3, Roll: 2Spot: 21
The Best Man by Kristan Higgins
Qualification: Bue Heron #1
Date: 9/18/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This is the first book in the Blue Heron series, but I've been reading them out of order. I liked this book the best so far (I've read #5 and #2.) Faith Holland, the youngest of the Holland clan, has had struggles throughout her life. She has epilepsy, she was with her mother when she died in a car accident and believes it was her fault, and she found out her fiance was gay when they were at the alter ready to get married. She's been living in San Francisco for a number of years, trying to live her life away from all the past hurts. Levi Cooper is the police chief in Manningsport, NY and is the best friend of Faith's former fiance. Faith and Levi have never gotten along, and when Faith comes home for an extended stay, the animosity between the two is still alive and well. Of course, we know where that's leading. I liked how the romance between Faith and Levi developed and I loved Faith's dog! Jeremy (Faith's ex) was great and I really enjoyed the side story of her dad possibly dating.
Week 3, Roll 2
Spot: 21
Book: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Qualification: The Handmaid's Tale #1
Finished: 9/18/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I have watched and been a fan of the Hulu show, but never got around to reading the original source material. Now that a sequel has been published, I thought it was a good time to finally do so. I think the show did a good job of capturing the events of the novel, but adding a depth of character which is lacking in the book. It's a scary dystopian future, mostly because it doesn't seem that far-fetched, which is probably why it has become a classic of the genre. The writing style was sometimes hard to follow as it often becomes narrator Offred's stream of consciousness, weaving pre-Gilead memories, with her times in the Commander's household, and earlier days at a training facility.
I also had a quiet weekend. Sometimes it's nice to just lounge around in yoga pants all day!
Hi DonnaFYI, my book this week will make 3 in a series, but I am hoping to read all of them (there are 5) unless someone else plans to go for that bonus point?
Mod
FYI, my book this week will make 3 in a series, but I am hoping to read all of them (there are 5) unless someone else plans to go for that bonus point?"
If you want to go for the whole series, I have one more book in the Psychic series to hit the 3 (there are only 4 total anyways).
Week: 3, Roll: 2: Spot: 21Selection Post:
Book: The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann
Pages: 390
Qualifications: Troubleshooters #2
I'll have my book finished tonight and will post review tomorrow!
Week: 3, Roll: 2: Spot: 21Completion Post:
Book: The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockmann
Pages: 390
Qualifications: Troubleshooters #2
Date: 9/18/2019
Rating: *****
Review: I liked this book a lot better than the first installment. There was a griping action story but inside the story there were three love stories being told at the same time. I really enjoyed all of it, I won't wait five years to read the next book in the series.
Mod
Week:4 Roll:1
Dice roll:3
Previous Spot: 21
Current Spot: 24
Bonus Points Earned: 1
Bonus Points Used:0
What to read:
#2 in series
#4 in series
#24 in series
Alternate: Title G
Donna The Vanishing Season by Dot Hutchison~~completed
Theo Inferno by Dan Brown~~completed
SandyL In Your Dreams by Kristan Higgins~~ completed
Suzanne The Gaslight Dogs by Karin Lowachee~~ completed
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.
✸ 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.
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 4, Roll 1
Spot: 24
Book: Inferno by Dan Brown
Qualification: Robert Langdon #4
Finished: 9/21/19
Rating: 2 stars
Review: There's no doubt that Dan Brown knows how to write a gripping thriller. Which is why he sells millions of copies of his novels that have a movie franchise starring the great Tom Hanks. However, for this reader, the author's complete lack of believable characterization and formulaic plot points make this a plodding read. These books do, however, make me ready to book my next European adventure and help me remember earlier trips (I can't believe it's been almost 15 years since I was in Venice!).
Mod
Spot 24
Book:The Vanishing Season by Dot Hutchison
Qualification: The Collector #4
Date:9/22/19
Rating:5 star
Review: Once again, I was pulled into the story of a kidnapped girl. I love that there are familiar characters from the other books. You could almost feel the emotions coming off the pages as one long time missing girl after another was found. I wanted to cry right along with characters. I am definitely a fan of this author.
Week: 4 Roll: 1Spot 24
In Your Dreams by Kristan Higgins
How it qualifies: Blue Heron #4
Completed: 9/21/19
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: This 4th book in the Blue Heron series was a bit sadder than the other books. Jack Holland is struggling after rescuing some local boys from a car accident, and one is on life support. He's getting fed up with everyone in town treating him like he was a hero - in his mind, if he was a hero, they'd all be fine. When town deputy Emmaline Neal asks him to attend a wedding with her out in California, he jumps at the chance to get out of town. Emmaline is not looking forward to this wedding - it's for her former fiance and the woman he dumped her for, so she's glad to have a hot guy posing as her date. Things go from bad to worse for Emmaline at the wedding, then she's horrified to wake up realizing she and Jack hooked up. Back in Manningsport, Jack has to deal with his ex-wife showing up in town and wanting to get back together. But he wants to start something with Emmaline. There were a lot of things about this set up that frustrated me, and although I did like both Jack and Emmaline, I didn't feel it between the two of them. I did like the appearances from Jack's extended family, though. 3.5 stars.
Mod
Week 4, Roll 1Spot: 24
Book: The Gaslight Dogs by Karin Lowachee
Page Numbers: 359
Qualifications: Alternate: Title G
Date: 9/22/2019
Rating: ****
Review: This was an interesting Steampunk Sci-Fi book set in Canada. I enjoyed it and hope the author continues the series, according to her website she had plans but that was three years ago so I'm not holding my breath.
Mod
Week:4 Roll:2
Dice roll:1
Previous Spot: 24
Current Spot: 25
Bonus Points Earned: 1
Bonus Points Used:0
What to read:
#2 in series
#5 in series
#25 in series
Alternate: Cover: Pink
Donna Dinosaur Lake V: Survivors by Kathryn Meyer Griffith~~completed
Theo Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews~~completed
SandyL Texas Christmas by R.J. Scott~~completed
Suzanne A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole~~completed
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.
✸ 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.
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 25
Book:Dinosaur Lake V: Survivors by Kathryn Meyer Griffith
Qualification:Dinosaur Lake V
Date:9/23/19
Rating:5 star
Review: I absolutely love this series. Oscar is by far by favorite character even if he isn't human. I still miss some of the characters killed off in previous books but I really enjoy the cast of characters left as well. I loved the alien twist, it made me giggle. Darn aliens always causing trouble! LOL! I hope there is more to come.
Week 4, Roll 2
Spot: 25
Book: Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews
Qualification: Kate Daniels #2
Finished: 9/25/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: There's a mysterious man with a crossbow that has stolen from the Pack and is somehow involved with the disappearance of a coven of witches. Kate Daniels, enlisted by the Pack to retrieve a set of maps, gets caught up in a much bigger plot as she works to help a teenage girl whose mother is one of those missing witches. I thought this second book was a big improvement over the first. Kate's character was more fleshed out and relatable, the world-building has started to come together, and the pacing was much better.
Week 4: Roll 2Spot: 25
Book: A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole
Qualification: Pink Cover
Date: 9/23/2019
Rating: *****
Review: This was such a cute book, I absolutely loved it! It was like a cinderella story set in Wakanda. It's on the audible romance package and on the Goodreads Choice Awards list too.
Week 4, Roll 2Spot: 25
Texas Christmas by R.J. Scott
Qualification: Texas #5
Date: 9/25/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I'm enjoying following the life of Jack and Riley Campbell-Hayes, along with their increasing family and friends. There wasn't a lot going on with the guys in this book - it was more focused on newcomer Liam, and Marcus (who runs the surrogate clinic Jack and Riley used to get the twins.) This wasn't my favorite of the series - it seemed to drag on a bit in parts - but I did like seeing Liam coming out of his shell, and also Max finding his new home.
Hey @Donna - I'm later than usual, but I should have my book done later this evening.
Mod
Week:5 Roll:1
Dice roll:6
Previous Spot: 25
Current Spot:31
Bonus Points Earned: 1
Bonus Points Used:0
What to read:
#1 in series
✸ Standalone books can be used for a 1 or a 0
#3 in series
#31 in series
Alternate: Character has a pet
Donna Psychic Falling by Lisa Freed~~ completed
✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.
Theo Voyager by Diana Gabaldon~~completed
✸ One point can be earned for reading a book with >500 pages.
SandyL Waiting on You by Kristan Higgins~~completed
✸ 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.
Suzanne Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper~~completed
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.
✸ 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.
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 5, Roll 1Spot: 31
Waiting on You by Kristan Higgins
Pages; 457
How it qualifies: Blue Heron #3
Date: 9/28/19
Rating: 5 stars
Review: This was my favorite book of the series (I read them out of order.) Colleen O'Rourke and Lucas Campbell met in high school when Lucas moved to Manningsport after his dad was sent to prison. He came to live with his uncle and cousin and evil aunt. Colleen always thought she and Lucas would get married, but after they have a fight and she breaks up with him, he ends up marrying another girl in Chicago. Now, years later, Lucas is back in Manningsport to help his uncle, who is dying. Colleen is determined to stay away from Lucas and not get her heart broken again. I loved all the side stories going on in this book. My favorite was her trying to match up Bryce (Lucas's cousin) and Paulina. Then there was Lucas's relationship with his uncle and aunt, Colleen and her sister, and her mom looking to date again. I'm sad I'm done with this series - I've really enjoyed it!
✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series. **This is the final book I'm reading in a 5 book series**
Week 5, Roll 1
Spot: 31
Book: Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
Qualification: Outlander #3
Bonus: >500 pages
Finished: 9/29/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Whew! A lot happens in these 870 pages. We start the novel with Claire and Jamie separated by 200 years and end up with them together again in the 18th century, but this time across the Atlantic. In the interim we run into familiar faces (some less welcome than others) and see a lot more of the world. Gabaldon is an excellent storyteller and weaves a world full of historical details that bring the setting to life. Unfortunately, because of the wide scope of the novel, I think toward the end, the story got a bit away from the author, but I'm still a fan of the series.
Week 5, Roll 1 Spot: 31
Book: Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper
Qualification: Standalone
Finished: 9/29/2019
Rating: *****
Review: Molly Harper is such a great writer, her dialogue is so cute and snarky. It cracks me up, I love it. This was a really good stand alone novel. Ghost Story + Romance Novel.
Mod
Spot 31
Book:Psychic Falling by Lisa Freed
Qualification: #3 in Psychic Series
Date:9/29/19
Rating: 4 star
Review: Teresa really has such bad taste in men! I really like John but she won't give him a chance. Too bad she is wasting her time with these other guys. I love all the cats including the ghostly one. Can't wait to read more.
✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.
Mod
I'm not quite finished, but I've got to get to bed. I should have time to finish tomorrow in the early afternoon. I promise to post a review as soon as possible. I underestimated how long 870 pages would take!
Mod
I understand underestimating how long it will take. I overestimated how much reading time I would have with the kids back in cyber school. Thinking 9 team challenges might have been too many. I am getting all the books done but really having to push to do so while we are settling into a new daily routine. Thankfully, 2 of them will be done soon so that will help. I have to remember to cut back in September but I never do.
Hi DonnaJust checking in - do you think you'll finish before the deadline or should be use our free pass? Thanks!
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Spot: 12
The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins
Pages: 441
How it qualifies: Blue Heron #2
Finished: 9/9/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Honor Holland gets told by her OB/GYN that, at age 35, her biological clock is already past its prime and if she wants kids she'd better get started. So she asks occasional friends-with-benefits, Brogan, to marry her. She's been in love with him for years, but with his travel schedule as a celebrity photographer, they are rarely in the same place at the same time. Brogan laughs off her suggestions, and Honor is devastated. Tom Barlow is a professor at Wickham College, and is at risk of losing his green card and having to move back to the UK. But his almost-step-son lives here and he feels he needs to stay. Forces collide when some things happen to Honor and she finds out about Tom's plight, and she agrees to help him with a marriage of convenience. I've read one other book in this series (a later one) which was just okay and I was happy I liked this one much better and I got to learn Honor's story. There were times when I didn't like Tom very much, but in the end he won me over.