SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R10: Team #1 ~ Free Range Chicas
Sandra wrote: "Val & Suzanne, Further to your notes, just remember that the Free Space book was excluded from the behind books cause it doesn't have a time limit."
Sounds good! I just posted that because I know I get into a position where it's 11:45 at night and I finished my book. Then I have 15 minutes to post my review and I'm scrambling and dead tired. So I just wanted to throw that out there that if they wanted to wait until the next day to post their review, it's ok. But good to know about the Free Space book, I'm working on it but it's slow going because I have to read it instead of listen to it.
Anxiously awaiting the next shelf posts!
Thanks for all the clarifications. I'll be all caught up by next week's call. This was one of those crazy weeks where I couldn't find much overlap for my challenge books AND had less reading time. The nerve of my real life! lol
New shelf!From Steph:
WEEK2
Shelf #1: N
Shelf #2: LO
Remember, the 2-letter combo must be exactly as shown. Be sure to state where you found your letter(s) when choosing your books (author's name, title, or series name).
Shelves currently in play
Judithe's Speedy Bingo R10 statistics
Free Space (no time limit)
Completed: 1/5
Logan:
Nici: Atlantis Unleashed by Alyssa Day (werewolf)
Sherri:
Suzanne: Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs (Gift)...rating
✓Valerie:Unbreakable by Kami Garcia (library loan, outside of comfort zone), 11/04/2014 ★★★ review
Week 1 , Shelf #1: ER (Oct 29- Nov 4)
Completed: 5/5 (Stamped)
✓Logan: Hero by Perry Moore (library loan), 11/08/2014 ★★★, review
✓Nici:Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead (library loan), 11/01/2014 ★★★★★, review
✓Sherri:Mortal Danger by Anne Aguirre (NetGalley), 11/08/2014 ★★★, review
✓Suzanne: Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (library loan), 10/31/2014 ★★★★★, review
✓Valerie:Cress by Marissa Meyer (library loan), 11/03/2014 ★★★★, review
Week 1, Shelf #2: B (Oct 29- Nov 4)
Completed: 5/5 (Stamped)
✓Logan:Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates (library loan), 11/05/2014 ★★★★review
✓Nici: Blood Magick by Nora Roberts, (library loan), 11/04/2014 ★★★★, review
✓Sherri: Bad Boy Billionaire's Wicked Arrangement by Maya Rodale (amazon freebie), 10/30/2014 ★★★★★, review
✓Suzanne:Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (library loan), 11/02/2014 ★★★, review
✓Valerie: Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs (Library loan), 11/07/2014 ★★★★★, review
Week 2, Shelf #1: N (Nov 5- Nov 11)
Completed: 2/5
Logan: Nor Iron Bars a Cage by Kaje Harper (amazon freebie)
Nici:
Sherri: Bound to Seduction by Elisabeth Naughton (amazon freebie)
✓Suzanne: Night Myst by Yasmine Galenorn (library loan), 11/12/2014 ★★★★★, review
✓Valerie:Bait by Annie Nicholas (amazon freebie), 11/10/2014 ★★★, review
Week 2, Shelf #2: LO (Nov 5- Nov 11)
Completed: 2/5
Logan: Blood Cross by Faith Hunter (library loan)
Nici: Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh (friend loan)
✓Sherri: Red Blooded by Amanda Carlson (Gift), 12/11/2014 ★★★1/2 review
✓Suzanne:Silk Is for Seduction by Loretta Chase (library loan), 11/11/2014 ★★★★★ review
Valerie:Love is Darkness by Caroline Hanson (amazon freebie)
For LO i would read
borrowed from a coworker. Not sure about the N book yet.
For the free shelf I will read
, which features werewolfs
Week 1, Shelf #2: B (Oct 29- Nov 4)
Brownies and Broomsticks
Finished: 11/5/14
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I have been wanting to read this series for so long, and I'm glad I finally have an excuse! This was a super cute little cozy mystery. I've recently gotten into the bakery style mysteries and really enjoy the recipes and setting. This one was extra fun because they mix in witchcraft! The plot was not the most exciting, but I enjoyed the characters so much that I didn't care.
I also like the two love interests and though I have a clear favorite I'm also interested to see how it plays out over the course of the series. I hope it doesn't become a Ranger/Morelli situation where the heroine NEVER makes a decision, but I'll hang with the two dudes for at least another book or two. I'm looking forward to continuing with this series.
Week 2, Shelf #2: LO: Silk Is for Seduction by Loretta Chase (Library Loan)Week 2, Shelf #1: N: Night Myst by Yasmine Galenorn (Library Loan)
Week 2, Shelf #2: LO: Blood Cross (title Blood) (library loan)Week 2, Shelf #1: N: Nor Iron Bars a Cage (Amazon freebie)
I updated the list. I hope I did not miss anything. It's getting hard to keep it tidy in one post! let me know if I have something wrong.@Suzanne, I suppose they are library loans? Just specify please.
How is everyone going with their reads?Any books we should bump up the tbr?
I'm home and working on reviews and reading. I'll post selections in a bit when I figure them out.
I'm away for the weekend. I've yet to start this week books but I'm done with the letter B. I'll write the review on Monday. I've also changed my selection yet again.
Hope you enjoy your weekend away Val. Where are you going?
Week 1, Shelf #1: ER (Oct 29- Nov 4)
Hero
Finished: 11/8/14
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
There was a lot of potential here for an interesting story but it mostly failed on execution. It lacked the usual angst and internal conflict so prevalent in YA fiction that I found myself curious as to who exactly I was supposed to root for. Thom was pretty boring as a main character, especially one with super powers. Mostly, while it had it's entertaining moments, it didn't deliver a story that made me care about either the world or characters.
Sandra wrote: "Hope you enjoy your weekend away Val. Where are you going?"Oh nothing much, going to see my parents and celebrate my birthday.
Week 1, Shelf #2: B
(Oct 29- Nov 4)
Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: 11/07/2014
# pages: 450
Review:
It's hard to review a collection of stories. Of course all of them are from the same Mercy universe so they are all precious and amazing. The first story is "Silver" which is the story of Samuel and Ariana. It gives an insight into the other characters that could not be done otherwise with Mercy being the narrator. I'm always delighted to know more about Bran Cormick whenever possible (it's one of the best guiding character figure on all the series I've read).
Even if a lot of things are explained during the series...Briggs manage to retain an air of mystery that always drags me back for more. The Mercyverse is a rich world and there is always something new to discover. Loved it!
Happy Birthday Val!!!!Going anywhere is always a treat, enjoy the parents :)
And you read one of my fav authors as well. Bran is always intriguing. Can't wait till its out in pb :D
Shelf #1: ER (Publisher Provided through NetGalley)
Mortal DangER by Ann Aguirre
Rating: ★★★
Read: 11/08/2014
# pages: 384
Review:
I’m a big fan of Ann Aguirre’s adult books: Sirantha Jax, Corinne Solomon and even her YA series Razorland; but this series Immortal Game just didn’t work for me.
The story centers on Edith Kramer and her journey after accepting a deal to get even with the kids who tormented her to kill herself in exchange for a favor in the future. The plot was intriguing; however the execution lacked restraint as there is just too much going on in this book.
All the common stereotypes just ran rampant through my head as I worked my way through this book:
•Girl gets a second chance and becomes what she disliked about those that she was angry at;
•Girl learns the people she hated are, well actually, just people with flaws and issues of their own;
•When it doubt add some aliens; because that will jazz it up;
•Humans are just meaningless pawns for alien creatures to move around the chessboard;
•and when all else fails have the young human girl outwit the evil protagonist.
Overall, I kept thing of Sybil meets Kresley Cole’s The Arcana Chronicles. Mortal Danger just didn’t work and I’m not sure if I want to econtinue this series.
Shelf #2: B (Amazon Freebie)
The Bad Boy Billionaire's Wicked Arrangement by Maya Rodale
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: 10/30/2014
# pages: 128
Review:
Why I Choose this Book: Everyone kept telling me that I had to read a Maya Rodale novel, so when this was a freebie I grabbed it off Amazon.
Short and Sweet Summary: Good girl Jane meet bad boy Duke at a party. A joke social media posting by Jane’s friend leads to a faux engagement so that Duke, who has suffered two previous business failures; can get funding for his current venture.
The Courtship: Hey if it’s posted on Facebook and Twitter it has to be true, right??
What I Liked: The Bad Boy Billionaire's Wicked Arrangement is a well written, funny novella. I’m a sucker for when the plain, smart girl gets the superhot bad boy and Duke is definitely one of those. Jane is extremely likeable and the two characters balance each other perfectly. However, Duke is in the relationship for the short term; while Jane tells herself she is but you can tell her heart is falling for the long term plan.
What I Didn’t Like: The novella’s of Bad Boys & Wallflowers are all installment novels which I didn’t know going into it. So although the story did “wrap up” the happy ever after that I was wanting with a romance novel just wasn’t there.
The Recap: The Bad Boy Billionaire's Wicked Arrangement is a well written, funny novella and I can’t wait to read the next two installments which have a fun twist that I wasn’t anticipating in them.
WEEK 2 (Nov 5 – Nov 12)
Week 2, Shelf #2: LO: Red BLOoded by Amanda Carlson (Gift)
Week 2, Shelf #1: N: Bound to Seduction by Elisabeth Naughton (Amazon Freebie)
Week 2, Shelf #1: N
(Nov 5- Nov 11)
Bait by Annie Nicholas
Rating: ★★★
Read: 11/10/2014
# pages: 206
Review:
I don't know what to think of this book. The premise of a woman not actively hunting vampires but being used as bait is intriguing. She's attractive with an aura of sadness because of unresolved issues that makes her take too many risks. She breaks down a lot and if I were the guy, I would get tired of having my shirt constantly wet from her bouts of crying. Rurik is a really sweet vampire and I wonder how he survived as long as he did because he's almost too nice.
The story would have been better served with fewer characters to follow because of the page count since none of them are explored in any depth.
Ok...off to request stamps for the first week.How are you all getting on with your books?
Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ wrote: "I updated the list. I hope I did not miss anything. It's getting hard to keep it tidy in one post! let me know if I have something wrong.@Suzanne, I suppose they are library loans? Just specify p..."
Yep, they are! I edited my original post to reflect!
Week 2, Shelf #2: LO:
Read: Silk Is for Seduction by Loretta Chase (Library Loan)
Date: 11/11/2014
Rating: *****
Review: I like Historical Fiction books with really strong leading ladies! This novel was similiar to Sarah Morgan and I really enjoyed it. The scenes were steamy and the dialogue was humorous. Definately a five star read!
I'm about 1/2 way through each of my books.
Sandra wrote: "Happy Birthday Val!!!!Going anywhere is always a treat, enjoy the parents :)
And you read one of my fav authors as well. Bran is always intriguing. Can't wait till its out in pb :D"
Yeah, Bran is a real treat. I'm back and got a gift card for books! What to buy for speed bingo?
LOL Spoilt for choice.
I am so sorry, I started my post and got side tracked! I'll update it today!
Week 2, Shelf #1: N:
Read: Night Myst by Yasmine Galenorn
Source: Library Loan
Date: 11/12/2014
Rating: *****
Review: I've enjoyed Yasmine's Otherworld series this last year, so I was interested in trying this one. It was just as good as her other writing and had the same humor and action that I know her for. It did not disappoint!
New shelves!From Steph:
WEEK3
Shelf #1: HA
Shelf #2: D
Remember, the 2-letter combo must be exactly as shown. Be sure to state where you found your letter(s) when choosing your books (author's name, title, or series name).
Week 2, Shelf #2: LO: Red BLOoded by Amanda Carlson (Gift)Rating: ★★★1/2
Read: 11/12/2014
# pages: 320
Review: Red Blooded picks up where Stone Cold ended; with Jessica trying to get to Hell to save her brother Tyler. If you haven’t read the previous books you should start there as there is a lot of history packed into Red Blooded.
Jessica is a strong character but she is a bit soft hearted; perhaps it’s because the whole supernatural thing is so new to her and she is still growing into it. I’m happy with the resolution of Jessica’s crimes in regards to hell but was thoroughly thrown for a loop in the how and why of it. All the manipulations had my head spinning round at times. Hopefully we can get a little more time with the supporting characters in the next installment, Pure Blooded releasing in 2015, since this is where Jessica’s character shines for me.
Overall Red Blooded was enjoyable with a lot of action, but I missed the rest of the gang in the book and the romance between her and Roarke. It’s still a must read for fans of the series.
Happy Birthday, Val!
CONGRATULATIONS, Free Range Chicas !You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'ER' and 'B'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Shelves currently in play
Judithe's Speedy Bingo R10 statistics
Free Space (no time limit)
Completed: 2/5
Logan:
Nici: Atlantis Unleashed by Alyssa Day (werewolf)
✓Sherri:Bunny and the Bear by Eve Langais (shifter book, given at conference), 11/16/2014 ★★1/2 review
Suzanne: Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs (Gift)...rating
✓Valerie:Unbreakable by Kami Garcia (library loan, outside of comfort zone), 11/04/2014 ★★★ review
Completed: 5/5 (Stamped)
✓Logan: Nor Iron Bars a Cage by Kaje Harper (amazon freebie), 11/12/2014 ★★★, review
✓Nici:Desert Warrior by Nalini Singh (Gift), 11/15/2014 ★★, review
✓Sherri: Bound to Seduction by Elisabeth Naughton (amazon freebie),11/12/2014 ★★★, review
✓Suzanne: Night Myst by Yasmine Galenorn (library loan), 11/12/2014 ★★★★★, review
✓Valerie:Bait by Annie Nicholas (amazon freebie), 11/10/2014 ★★★, review
Week 2, Shelf #2: LO (Nov 5- Nov 11)
Completed: 5/5 (Stamped)
✓Logan: Let MeLove You by by Kristin Miller (library loan), 11/18/2014 ★★★★ review
✓Nici: Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh (friend loan), 11/10/2014 ★★★ review
✓Sherri: Red Blooded by Amanda Carlson (Gift), 12/11/2014 ★★★1/2 review
✓Suzanne:Silk Is for Seduction by Loretta Chase (library loan), 11/11/2014 ★★★★★ review
✓Valerie:The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss (library loan), 19/11/2014 ★★★★★ review
Week 3 , Shelf #1: HA (Nov 12- Nov 18)
Completed: 4/5
✓Logan:Ty Hard by L.E. Harner (amazon freebie), 11/18/2014 ★★★ review
Nici:
✓Sherri:Woo’d In Haste by Sabrina Darby (Provided by Publisher), 11/16/2014 ★★★ review
✓Suzanne:Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris (library loan), 11/18/2014 ★★★★★ review
✓Valerie:Raven's shadow by Patricia Briggs (library loan), 11/18/2014 ★★★★★ review
Week 3 , Shelf #2: D (Nov 12- Nov 18)
Completed: 3/5
Logan:A Dangerous Thing by Josh Lanyon (library loan)
Nici:Undead and Unwary by MaryJanice Davidson (library loan)
✓Sherri:Dead Sexy Dragon by Lolita Lopez (gift), 11/16/2014 ★★★ review
✓Suzanne:Dangerous Lover by Lisa Marie Rice (library loan), 11/13/2014 ★★★ review
✓Valerie:Vincent by D.B. Reynolds (gift), 11/13/2014 ★★★★ review
Congrats on the stamps Chickies!
I finished
on 11/10. I give it three stars. I wanted to love it, i have enjoyed this whole series and I love this author in general, but the ending of this just wasn't something i liked at all. I don't want to spoil it, but it was a disappointment.
for D i will read
from the library and for N i have started
which was a gift.
Week 2, Shelf #1: N
Nor Iron Bars a Cage
Finished: 11/12/14
Rating: 3 stars
Review: My only real problem with this book was the pacing. The conflict was slow to set up and so the middle really dragged. But I really enjoyed the world and characters - I liked the tortured sorceror forced to come out of his shell and face his fears. And the friends to lovers theme was great. Kaje has a beautiful way with words but the plot just didn't grab me.
My library is being incredibly slow with my hold request for Blood Cross. Hopefully it'll show up soon so I don't fall too far behind.In the meantime, I picked up Let Me Love You for free on Amazon to sub if needed.
Week 3, Shelf 1: HA (Nov 12 - Nov 18)
Ty Hard (Amazon freebie)
Week 3, Shelf 2: D (Nov 12 - Nov 18)
A Dangerous Thing (library loan)
I may switch my D pick depending on how slow the library is. If anyone's looking for a book, you can pick up The Darkest Minds on Amazon free right now.
Week 2, Shelf #1: N: Bound to Seduction by Elisabeth Naughton (Amazon Freebie)Rating: ★★★
Read: 11/12/2014
# pages: 150
Review: This novella is the first in a new series about three Djinn brothers trapped by a power hungry sorceress.
Bound to Seduction was a good read but as with any novella you need to suspend the belief that the development of any storyline will be minimal and you just have to accept the accelerated pace of all things.
Since the premise of the book was an enchanted pendant that fulfills the wearer’s wildest desire it at least sets the stage on why things move so fast for Tariq and Mira. I felt that Tariq’s character was more finely developed and although he didn’t understand his growing protectiveness toward Mira; you did feel his guilty in the choices he was forced to make.
Overall it was a quick read and let me interested enough to continue with the series.
Week 3 , Shelf #2: D (Nov 12- Nov 18)
Read: Dangerous Lover by Lisa Marie Rice
Date: 11/13/2014
Rating: ***
Review: This was a random read for another group and happened to work this week! This novel was super steamy but I agree with the other reviewers that the male main character's obsession was a little over the top but other than that I thought it was fine.
For now I'm thinking
but I may change my mind over the weekend.
Ok, I'm trying to keep my list straight. I'm missing some information:@Sherri: where did you find those titles?
@Suzanne: same question.
Let me know if I made any other errors or omissions.
Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ wrote: "Week 1, Shelf #2: B
(Oct 29- Nov 4)
Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson b..."
I'm behind on visiting threads...and now I'm behind and burning up with jealousy! I'm rereading the Mercyverse...just finished River Marked (again!) today, and getting back to my Bingo reads....I wantwantwantwant this now...but can't get it. How soon do you have to return it to your library? Can I twist your arm to send it to me, first?????
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
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Yeah I felt this series was a bit formula written, it seemed too similar to another witch series she wrote a long time ago set in maine. Same story, only instead of elemental it's animals and set in Ireland.