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R11: Team Serious Series Lovers (11)
I won't be done by midnight but I'll be done soon.We still need 3 more reviews let me know how you are doing?
Week 4 ~ Spot #32Completion Post
Book: Secret Stalker - Lena Diaz
Qualification: #3 in Tennessee SWAT series
Pages: 265
Read: 9/27/19
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Bex Kane is back in Destiny, TN, to settle her mother's estate, 10 years after the death of Bobby Caldwell, her stalker. Bex was held for his death but not enough evidence was found to arrest her. She broke off with Max Remington and left town under a cloud of suspicion. But her return has stirred up some old hatred leading to several attempts on her life and bring now Detective Max back into her life looking for answers. This book was well written and action packed like the earlier ones in the series, but the plot just wasn't as believable as the earlier ones.
Week 4 - Spot 32 Completion PostBook: Career of Evil
Author: Robert Galbraith
Pages: 494
Qualification: #3 in the Cormoran Strike Series
Read: 26.0919
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
I almost did not finish this one. Not because I did not like the book, but because I was in a reading slump this week, and to pick up any book to read was a struggle. The book was good, the mystery this time is more personal, since it starts with a severed foot is sent to Robin. I liked that we got to find out more about Robin's backstory, she seems like a more well rounded character when you know more about her. Her relationship with Cormoran deteriorates in this one since both Robin and Cormoran are bad comunicating with each other in this book, I hope this gets better in the next book.I really dislike her boyfriend Mathew. He is insecure and needs to be the center of attention. He manipulates Robin in many instanses and it looks like Robin is on the brink on getting fed up with his crap.
On the other hand the mystery is a solid one. I enjoyed the way it played out, but it is difficult to say anything about that part of the story without going into spoiler territory, so I leave it there. I enjoyed the book, but because of my reading slump, I felt I did not care for any book. I tried several books without luck. I finished this one because of the group, but since I rate on enjoyment, I could not give it more than 3 stars.
missing 1 more and don't see a selection post for Rosaline
I will update the completion post after work.
Green-Eyed Demon by Jaye WellsQualification: #3 in series
Pages: 393
Read: 9/27/19
Rating: 4 stars
Sabina and crew are trying to get her twin sister back from her evil grandmother. Things get complicated as they often do. We meet new people I loved Brooks. There was lots of action and figuring out what was happening next. I'm looking forward to continuing on with the series.
Waiting to hear back from Rosaline we might have to use our free pass.
Omg I'm so sorry I'm late, team! I just woke up panicking about my missing post!Week 4
Spot #32
Book: Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls by Ann M. Martin
Qualification: The Baby-Sitters Club #2
Pages: 153
Finished: Sep 27
Rating: ☆☆☆
Review:
This is one of those weird books that are just not my type, but I keep going back to them. I won't really call this series my favorite, but the books have this little charm to them that make me go back every time. Kind of like those weird tasting candies that annoy your taste buds, but you just keep eating them because maybe the next one would be delicious. They're not!
Overall, an okay read for me!
Week 5Roll: 5+1=6
Previous Spot: 32
Current Spot: 38
Bonus Points Earned: 2
Bonus Points Used: 0
#3 or #8 in a Series
38. Originally published in a language other than English
7/7
Delitealex The Bungalow Mystery by Carolyn Keene 10/4/19 3 stars Review
Loriidae Kiss of Light Eve Langlais 10/3/19 2 stars Review
Linda C Night Broken by Patricia Briggs 10/4/19 5 stars Review
Amanda A Wrapped Up in You by Jill Shalvis 9/30/19 4 stars Review
Ira Infernal Devices by Phillip Reeve 10/4/19 3 stars Review
Rosaline The Truth About Stacey by Ann M Martin 10/3/19 2 stars Review
Alison (Lady Coffin) Python's Embrace by Eve Langlais 10/1/19 Review
Selection Post - Week Five - Spot: 38
Kiss of Light Eve Langlais
Qualification: #3 The Forsaken Chronicles
Pages: 330
Week 5 ~ Spot #38Selection Post
Book: Night Broken - Patricia Briggs
Qualification: #8 in Mercy Thompson series
Pages: 341
Week 5 - Spot 38 Selection Post
Book: Infernal Devices
Author: Philip Reeve
Pages: 336
Qualification: #3 in the Hungry City Chronicles
Spot 38Wrapped 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.
Completion Post - Week Five - Spot: 38
Kiss of Light Eve Langlais
Qualification: #3 The Forsaken Chronicles
Pages: 330
Review: At the beginning of the third book Adara / Erela has begun to regain some of her memories but most of her past is still vague. She is discovering her own brand of magic. Her companions are her ex, an Ifrit demon lord, a shifter and a vampire. They accompany her on a quest back to her realm to discover the mastermind of the plot against her.
There were a couple of TSTL moments including the one where she abandoned her companions, without thought of consequences. Many very convenient plot coincidences irritated me as well. The big reveal was disappointing and out of left field. The ending was so rushed it was as if the author came to her word limit and said "Ok it's finished." This series had so much potential. Overall, I was disappointed by the conclusion of Erala's story. 2 stars.
Triggers (in book #1 but still alluded to in #3) memories and nightmares of torture, gang rape, institutional abuse.
Read: Oct 3
Rating: ★★✰✰✰
I will have my review up and update everything after work.
Completion Post - Spot 38Book: Infernal Devices
Author: Philip Reeve
Pages: 336
Qualification: #3 in the Hungry City Chronicles
Finished: 4/10/19
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
It is a long time since I read the first two books in the series, so some of the events that happened there are a bit fuzzy, but I didn't want to reread the first two books as I remembered the main plot.
This book continues 16 years after Predator's gold. The city of Ancholage is now a static city called Anchorage-in-vineland. Tom and Hester, the main characters of the first two books live there and have raised a teenage daughter named Wren. Wren feels her life in Anchorage is boring and longs for adventure. When she meets lost boy Gargle, he lures her to steal the tin book, in exchange for her going with them on an adventure.
It was good to be back in ths world. It was interesting to see that Hester and Tom had actually settled down and made a family in Anchorage. Theis daughter was an issue for me because she did come off as a brat in the beginning. Yes, she has been sheltered all her life and doesnt know the dangers of the real world, but the fact that she would leave her family so easily even though she claims to love them, kind of bothered me. It was also weird to have her as a main character, when I was so used to Tom and Hester. On the possitive, Wren has alot of room to grow and develop and she does, as the book progresses. She prove to be a person that can think on her feet, and come up with solutions to get out of trouble.
All in all it was a good continuation to the story and I am interested to see how it all ends in the next book.
Completion Post ~ Week 5 ~ Spot #38Book:
Python's Embrace (Bitten Point #3) by Eve Langlais Qualification: 3rd in series
Pages: 224
Finished: Oct 1st
Review: As with the previous two books this one was by no means bad, it just was not really anything original, the author definatelly has a formula. That said, it was fast paced, with a good amount of action and some humor. Princess the chihuahua definitely is entertaining with her guarding and protecting of Constantine. Also, the whole hug and squeeze thing that Constantines python side had going on..... Yeah! Um!
However, I do get entertainment from these, and will read the next one. This is mainly because I need to know what the outcome of the contunuing mystery story line is for Bitten Point, not just the individual shifter love stories.
Week 5 ~ Spot #38Completion Post
Book: Night Broken - Patricia Briggs
Qualification: #8 in Mercy Thompson series
Pages: 341
Read: 10/4/19
Rating: 5 stars
Review: Another great addition to the Mercy Thompson series. We have a triangle of sorts, never a favorite plot of mine. Adam's ex is being stalked and Adam takes her in. After last volume's clear indication that Christy was a self-centered woman who abandoned Adam when he needed her support, it was hard to see him let her back into his life enough to manipulate the Pack against Mercy. However, it did not show any lack of character on Mercy's part. She was still able to look at the overall dynamic and determine what was the most important issue and make that her priority, allowing other issues to fall into place as the major action proceeded. Still a strong protagonist securing her place in a strong relationship.
Week 5Spot #38
Book: The Truth About Stacey
by Ann M. Martin
Qualification: The Baby-Sitters Club #3
Pages: 167
Finished: Oct 3
Rating: ☆☆
Review:
Honestly, I feel like I've said everything I had to say about these books and I refuse to be a broken record! They are just meh, and I have no idea why I keep reading them. The books read like a formula for money! Not good books. They make me bored, and I am so over them.
Week 5Book: The Bungalow Mystery by Carolyn Keene
Read: 10/4/19
Qualifications: #3 in series
Pages: 204
Rating: 3 stars
Review
It was a quick read. Very predictable but I can see why I liked these when I was younger. I just like reading these for challenges when I can't find something else.
Week 6Roll: 5+3=8
Previous Spot: 38
Current Spot: 46
Bonus Points Earned: 2
Bonus Points Used: 0
#4 or #6 in a Series
46. Cover: white
7/7
Delitealex Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh 10/11/19 4 stars Review
Loriidae Angel Town by Lilith Saintcrow 10/7/19 4 stars Review
Linda C Stranded with the Detective by Lena Diaz 10/7/19 3 stars Review
Amanda A Bad to the Bone by Roxanne St. Claire 10/5/19 4 stars Review
Ira The Tyrant's Tomb by Rick Riordan 10/7/19 5 stars Review
Rosaline Mary Anne Saves the Day by Ann M Martin 10/10/19 2 stars Review
Alison (Lady Coffin) Shadow's Bane by Karen Chance 10/8/19 Review
Week 6 ~ Spot #46Selection Post
- Lena DiazBook: Stranded with the Detective
Qualification: #4 in the Tennessee SWAT series
Pages: 288
Spot 46Bad to the Bone by Roxanne St. Claire (The Dogfather #4)
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.
Selection Post - Spot 46Book: The Tyrant's Tomb
Author: Rick Riordan
Pages: 448
Qualification: # 4 in the Trials of Apollo Series
Completion Post - Week Six - Spot: 46
Angel Town by Lilith Saintcrow
Qualification: #6 Jill Kismet
Pages: 207
Review: An excellent end to the series. Jill claws her way out of a shallow grave to find she has no memory of the last two months. Gradually she realises that history is repeating itself and she is in the battle of all battles, racing against time to save her friends and the rest of the world from a Demon uprising. I really enjoyed how the author pieced together the clues from previous books into a cohesive finale. Lilith Saintcrow is forgiven for ending the previous book on a cliffhanger. 4 stars.
Read: Oct 7
Rating: ★★★★✰
Ira wrote: "Selection Post - Spot 46Book: The Tyrant's Tomb
Author: Rick Riordan
Pages: 448
Qualification: # 4 in the Trials of Apollo Series"
Oh! Good choice, I am still on hold for that one.
I think I am going to go for
Shadow's Bane (Dorina Basarab #4) by Karen ChanceBut it is over 600 pages, so I may need to change to a shorter one because of my other current challenge.
Week 6 ~ Spot #46Completion Post
- Lena DiazBook: Stranded with the Detective
Qualification: #4 in the Tennessee SWAT series
Pages: 288
Read: 10/7/19
Rating: 3 stars
Review: A confrontation over a stolen horse draws off duty Detective Colby Vale into the situation at the County Fair. Later the horse is again stolen and its owner Piper Caraway and the Detective kidnapped. Driven deep into the mountains they are left to die. It seems there is a lot more going on here when they run into a group of squatters who also seem out to get them. Lots of action while trying to figure it all out and protect horse and own. OK but not as good as some others in series.
Copletion Post - Spot 46Book: The Tyrant's Tomb
Author: Rick Riordan
Pages: 448
Qualification: #4 in the Trials of Apollo series
Read: 7/10/19
Rating: 5 stars
Review
In this 4th book of the Trials of Apollo series Apollo visits camp Jupiter. Apollo joins forces with Hazel, Frank, Reina and Lavinia (a new character) to try save camp Jupiter against the evil Triumvirate of Roman emperors.Unfortunately, the answer to their salvation lies in the forgotten tomb of a Roman ruler . . . someone even worse than the emperors Apollo has already faced.
I really loved being back at camp Jupiter and meeting some of the old gang again. I like the transformation Apollo is going through and the fact that he now understands that he wouldn't have survived without the help of demigods. In this book he is confronted with some serious mistakes he made in the past, and he really tries to make amends even though it may be too late.
This book didn't have quite the emotional punch the last one had, but I did not expect that, given the ending of the last book. I am really looking forward to the finale next year.
Completion Post ~ Week 6 ~ Spot #46Book:
Shadow's Bane (Dorina Basarab #4) by Karen ChanceQualification: 4th in series
Pages: 616
Finished: Oct 8th
Review: The book was long, at over 600 pages. However it was good. Could be considered a decent wrap-up for Dori and Dorina's stories, but I hope we get to see more of her.
No power or internet, so making it short and sweet.
Mod
No power or internet, so making it short and sweet. "
I'm gonna take this opportunity to point out that the rules specify a minimum length of 3 sentences for reviews... so once you get your power/internet back, please do elaborate a bit. ;)
You're good to go ahead and roll this time even if Alison doesn't get around to updating her post before you're ready otherwise, but please do make sure you stick to the requirements in future.
Alison (Lady Coffin) wrote: "Completion Post ~ Week 5 ~ Spot #38Book:
Shadow's Bane (Dorina Basarab #4) by Karen ChanceQualification: 4th in series
Pages: 61..."
Alison, you need to correct heading that this is week 6 and spot 46
Week 6Spot #46
Book: Mary Anne Saves the Day
by Ann M. Martin
Qualification: The Baby-Sitters Club #4
Pages: 167
Finished: Oct 10
Rating: ☆☆
Review:
I do not like these books, but I keep reading them for some reason. This one was my least favorite. Mary Anne is honestly the most annoying character of all time and I never wanted to read more about her. I mean how boring of a human being can you be? I think this will be my last book in this series for the sake of my sanity!
Will get review up after work and roll.
Book: Archangel's Blade by Nalini SinghRead: 10/11/19
Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 310
Fits: 4th in series
Review
I'm still enjoying this series it was good to focus on other people. I loved Honor she went through so much. It was also great to learn more about Dmitri. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
Week 7Roll: 3+3=6
Previous Spot: 46
Current Spot: 52
Bonus Points Earned: 3
Bonus Points Used: 0
#5 or #2 in a series
52. Cover item: one person
Linda C
Bonus: Start and finish a series
6/7
Delitealex Artificial Condition by Martha Wells 10/18/19 4 stars Review
Loriidae Warsworn by Elizabeth Vaughn 10/18/19 3 stars Review
Linda C SWAT Standoff by Lena Diaz 10/14/19 3 stars Review
Amanda A Wicked Cravings by Suzanne Wright 10/14/19 4 stars Review
Ira The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman 10/17/19 4 stars Review
Rosaline
Alison (Lady Coffin) The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine 10/15/19 Review
Week 7 ~ Spot #52Selection Post
Book: SWAT Standoff - Lena Diaz
Qualification: #5 in the Tennessee SWAT series
Pages: 256
When I complete this book we can claim a bonus point for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in the series. There are 5 in this series, all read during this game.
Week 7 ~ Spot #52Completion Post
Book: SWAT Standoff - Lena Diaz
Qualification: #5 in the Tennessee SWAT series
Pages: 256
Read: 10/14/19
Rating: 3 stars
Review: The Destiny, TN SWAT team's newest member has been having trouble fitting in and it comes to a head when he misreads signals in a training exercise. Dillon fires Blake. Detective Donna Waters who has been Blake's partner attempts to cool Blake off and get him to apologize and ask for reinstatement. But before the night is through they discover the rest of the SWAT team has disappeared and the FBI are pushing them out of the investigation. Something is fishy and they determine to get to the bottom of it. Lots of action as usual for this series along with some improbabilities. Still like this author's work.
Bonus: for starting and finishing a series with at least 4 books in the series. There are 5 in this series, all read during this game.
Selection Post - Spot 52Book: The Secret Commonwealth
Author: Philip Pullman
Pages: 687
Qualifiication: #2 in the Book of Dust series
Linda C wrote: "Week 7 ~ Spot #52...Bonus: for starting and finishing a series with at least 4 books in the series. There are 5 in this series, all read during this game. ..."
Well done Linda. Always good to finish a series. :)
Linda C wrote: "When I complete this book we can claim a bonus point for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in the series. There are 5 in this series, all read during this game. "
Good that you took care of that. I am all over the place with my series, I start too many and not always finishing. I try to catch up with many series during this game.
Selection Post - Week Seven - Spot: 52Qualification: #2 Alex Verus
Pages: 293
Warsworn by Elizabeth Vaughan
Qualification: #2 Chronicles of the Warlands
Pages: 325
Spot 52Wicked Cravings (The Phoenix Pack #2)
389 pages
Date Read: 10/14
Rating: ★★★★
I enjoyed this installment of the Phoenix Pack series. The story itself did feel similar to the first book of the series, but it didn't really bother me because I liked the characters. Jaime and Dante were engaging characters and I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship after she had crushed on him for years. Looking forward to Nick and Sayah's story in the next book after the set up for that in this book.
Will be done a little after midnight.
Oh shoot! Totally forgot that was due tonight. Let me go look thru what I read this past week. I think I have something.
Completion Post ~ Week 7 ~ Spot #52Book:
The Dead Girls' Dance (The Morganville Vampires #2) by Rachel CaineQualification: 2nd in series & Cover item: one person
Pages: 249
Finished: Oct 15th
Review:Book two picks up right where the cliffhanger from book one left off. This being a re-read for me I know a lot of relevant details that are not revealed until later in the sieries, and this has given me a much different perspective on events. But sereiously! How do I keep getting sucked into these young adult series, and enough that I even re-read them? Well I think it is that they are easy reads, I do not have to engage too much of my brain, but at the same time the authors get me hooked just enough on one or more character that I need to know what happens to them. Sigh! They are enjoyable, but also just a little bit frustrating for the teen angst angle.
Completion Post - Week Seven - Spot: 52
Warsworn by Elizabeth Vaughan
Qualification: #2 Chronicles of the Warlands
Pages: 325
Review: The second book in the Chronicles of the Warlands series begins with the heroine, Lara whinging admittedly to herself. She is leaving behind everything and everyone familiar to travel to the homeland of the plains people. Lara is homesick and apprehensive. Even so, it is a discordant note that runs through the book. This and several TSTLS moments are totally out of character with the strong heroine from the first book. Lara, a princess of her people was given as part of a treaty to Keir, the warlord of the invading forces. The romance of Lara and Keir quietly continues although a little steamier than book #1, through the communication clashes of differing customs and languages. I am hoping that book three returns to the strengths of the first book.
Read: Oct 18
Rating: ★★★✰✰
My review will be up after work today
Completion Post - Spot 52Book: The Secret Commonwealth
Author: Philip Pullman
Pages: 687
Qualification: #2 in The Book of Dust series
Finished: 17/10/19
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
In this book we follow Lyra from His Dark Materials as a 20 year old woman. This is not an easy task but I thin Pullman does a good job. The plot thickens and Lyra is in danger as the wrong people begins to take an interest in her. Pullman introduces new concepts, and I really liked the implications that follow. Lyra's character development is really good and I liked the rest of the characters.
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Like I said before, just my own personal drama.
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