R10: Team #1 ~ Free Range Chicas

[Sherri]

Sorry Val, Seducing the Duchess by Ashley March was a Gift

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Judithe wrote: "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????? "

Lol, first I don't know where you live ('cause we're not GR friends). Second, it was an overdrive loan from the library and I would not know how to send it to you even if I could. Third...I've already returned it....and if you love the Mercyverse...you won't be disappointed when you read it.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Week 3, Shelf #2: D (Nov 12- Nov 18)

Vincent by D.B. Reynolds
Rating: ★★★★
Read: 11/13/2014
# pages: 354
Review:
It's always a pleasure to read a book from the Vampires in America series. Vincent is this strong, caring, morally erect vampire and totally brutal (tearing guts and gore) when it's warranted.

This book was a bit longer than the previous ones but it made the plot richer for it without any dull moments. The heroine Lana was equally strong when she needed to be without being kick-ass (she can't because the vampires are so much more physically stronger than her and she was smart to realize that).

I laugh my ass off when Vincent, using his charm and charisma with the ladies, got in trouble...serves him right!

I can't wait to read what happens to the North American Lords when war break out in Deception. The shit will hit the fan for sure.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

I'm having a devil of a time finding a book for the LO category. I keep changing it...but this time I think I have it right. the library just got The Slow Regard of Silent Things from Patrick Rothfuss. Since I LOVED the series.....this short (176 pages is minuscule for the bricks he normally writes) is just the thing I need.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Wow, I thought he only knew how to write chunksters! LOL

[Sherri]

Week 3, Shelf #2 -HA: Woo’d In HAste by Sabrina Darby (Provided by Publisher)

[Judithe, Soap Operas never end....]

Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ wrote: Lol, first I don't know where you live ('cause we're not GR friends). Second, it was an overdrive loan from the library and I would not know how to send it to you even if I could. Third...I've already returned it....and if you love the Mercyverse...you won't be disappointed when you read it. ..."

Just across the ocean...it's very convenient to be on an island cause I can say that truthfully to almost everyone I know here! (Japan) No biggie, just wishful thinking. I will get it soon...just the price tag! Have to wait a bit, and crossing my fingers for some Christmas gift certificates!

[Suzanne]

Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ wrote: "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."

All of mine are Library

[Sherri]

Week 3, Shelf #1: D: Seducing the Duchess by Ashley March (Gift)
Rating: ★★★
Read: 11/15/2014
# pages: 302
Review: Definitely not your standard historical romance; Seducing the Duchess involves the story of Phillip and Charlotte who are the Duke and Duchess of Rutherford and their tumultuous journey to reconciling their marriage. Although I finished the book, I’m not entirely sure I liked the book. Between Charlotte’s escapades to be “shocking” and Phillip’s arrogance at being “dukely,” I was ready to pitch them out the window.

Phillip betrayed Charlotte the day after he married her and Charlotte vowing to be everything her “husband” wasn’t launch into a three year travesty of a marriage; until the day that Phillip realizes he lost the best thing in his life. He launches into a campaign to sin her back by seducing her back to their marriage; he employees lies, deceit, arrogance and everything that was part of the original betrayal. Too scared to actually admit his feelings he is in serious jeopardy of losing her.

Phillip does have some redeeming qualities but he has to deal with his issues before he can resolve those he has with Charlotte. Once he does he becomes a better man and these two may actually have a chance.

[Nici]

i finished Desert Warrior on 11/15. I give it 2 stars. I could really tell that this is the beginning of her writting career. She used characters talking to themselves to show what they were thinking, which i found to be annoying.

[Sherri]

Week 3, Shelf #2 - HA Woo’d In HAste by Sabrina Darby (Provided by Publisher)
Rating: ★★★
Read: 11/16/2014
# pages: 160

Review: Woo’d in Haste is book #1 in the Taming series which focus’s on relationship of two very different sisters. This book is about the younger sister, Bianca, and her romance with Lucien.

Lucien Dorlingsley, Viscount Asquith, who poses as Lucien Dorr an impoverished tutor in the hopes of getting closer to Bianca Mansfield. The premise is a bit shaky since you aren’t entirely sure what he will actually do once he actually meets her but this being a romance and all, you can guess that they will fall in love.

The book ends very abruptly and the reader is left hanging to find out if Bianca and Lucien have a chance. Most of that hangs on to Kate’s (the older sister) future, since Bianca and Kate’s father has decreed that Bianca cannot have a season (or anything else) until Kate is married. The book never reveals why this is, but Kate seems to have everything while Bianca is left stagnating in the country. The next in the series is Wed at Leisure and tells Kate’s story. I’m guessing each is complementary to the other but without reading both, the reader is left with a bunch of holes.

Overall a good read, but would have liked all the loose ends resolved.

[Sherri]

For the Free Space entry I finished Bunny and the Bear by Eve Langais. The book is centered around a werebear and a werebunny, so it should fit the first category.

1. Featured supe: Shifter ~ Read a freebie featuring a shifter (any shifter allowed - werecat, bear, wolf, dragon, etc)

I'll post review later but I wanted to get the week's books done first.

Bunny and the Bear by Eve Langais was a freebie I received at a book conference. Not sure if it was provided by author or publisher.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Oh gooddy....off to ask for another stamp.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Free Range Chicas!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'N'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Chickies!

[Sherri]

I think this gets me caught up:



Free Space: Bunny and the Bear by Eve Langais (Bear and Bunny Shifters/Given at conference)
Rating: ★★ 1/2
Read: 11/16/2014
# pages: 180

Review: You know those guilty pleasures we all have that we are too embarrassed to admit that we have? Well, I think Bunny and the Bear may be one of those types of books.

At times the dialogue was a bit immature and cheesy and the plot very predictable; but someone Bunny and the Bear held my interest. The shifter universe is rather unique in that there are crocodile, giraffe, rat and squirrel shifters which I did enjoy.

Miranda, aka Bunny, was a hoot and has sex on the brain 24/7 and absolutely no filter on what she says. She is bubbly, bouncy and everything you think a bunny should be. Chase is big, burly and brusque; everything we would think a grumpy bear would be and is continually thinking of having sex with Miranda and eating pie; both the food and Miranda. I don’t really think I will ever think of “pie” in quite the same way in the future.

When Miranda goes undercover to guard him for FUC (Furry United Coalition), the dialog between these two is just hilarious enough to have you laughing out loud and the sexual innuendos are just as comical. Overall, Bunny and the Bear is a bit weak and immature but a guilty pleasure when one wants to imbibe in something distracting. Grab a glass of Moscato with this one and read away!

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Week 3 , Shelf #1: HA (Nov 12- Nov 18)

Raven's shadow by Patricia Briggs
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: 11/18/2014
# pages: 334
Review:
I've read Briggs's urban fantasy so I was pretty sure of what to expect for this series. I was wrong. It is an earlier work but the prose and pacing is totally different being a fantasy.

Briggs takes no time in immersing me in a world of Traveler magic and a rich lore. A returning home soldier after a long war takes unto himself to save a woman bound to be executed by villagers.

Seraph, being the sole survivor of her tribe, is about to die when Teir saves her by marriage. Since the story is told mostly from Seraph's point of view, it is surprising and a difficult character to even like, she is cold and wise beyond her years. Magic require discipline and control over your emotions. Even if she feels deeply for her childrens (there is a 20 year gap in the story), she remains distant in everything she does.

It took me a bit of time to understand what a Sept was and the relations they have with politics and the governing body. The story became more convoluted and interesting when the narrative was transferred to Teir or even his son Jes with the tense relationships with in-laws, bardic tales, a forest lord, unspeakable evil and an emperor trying to redeem himself.

[Logan]

Changed my LO pick since the library is still not cooperating with my pick.

Let Me Love You (Amazon freebie)

[Logan]

Week 2: Shelf #2 - LO


Let Me Love You

Finished: 11/18/14
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was a very sweet and fun little romance and was everything I expected it to be. I loved that there were not a ton of complications, just enough unease and backstory to make the romance interesting without getting bogged down with either character really dragging their feet. Other than the initial ick factor of Lucy wanting to date both brothers, it was a solid read.

[Logan]

Week 3: Shelf #1 - HA


Ty Hard

Finished: 11/18/14
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I liked the romance between Cass and Ty but the mystery aspect wasn't done as well. There was some sabotage to bring in some action to the plot, but it didn't capture my interest. I much preferred the focus on Ty's acceptance of his own sexuality and his dealing with his PTSD. I also would have liked it to be a bit longer, as the story felt rushed.

[Nici]

HA i will read a date with the other side, which is i the series Ohio's most Haunted town. A Date with the Other Side does that count?

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Nici, can't see a HA anywhere, so no it doesn't count. The series is called Cuttersville.

[Suzanne]

Week 3 - Shelf #1: HA (Nov 12- Nov 18)



Read: Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris
Rating: *****
Date: 11/18/2014
Review: I feel like this is Charlaine's red-headed step child series, but I really love it! I love the premise of the series and the characters. They're so complex to me, but all of her characters in all her books are really well thought out. This book was awesome, I don't want to reveal anymore than that but I loved it!

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Another Shelf!
From Steph:
WEEK4
Shelf #1: CH
Shelf #2: L

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).

[Logan]

WEEK 4 Shelf #1: CH (author name)

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins
Library loan

WEEK 4 Shelf #2: L (author name)

Keeping Promise Rock by Amy Lane
Free trial of Scribd ebook subscription

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Week 2, Shelf #2: LO (Nov 5- Nov 11)

The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
Rating: ★★★★★
Read: 11/19/2014
# pages: 159
Review:

It took me a long time to read this "vignette", as the author calls it, is about Auri from the Kingkiller Chronicle series. Auri is a small girl that lives in the tunnels of Underthing and I always had a soft spot for her whenever she would visit with Kvothe.

You cannot read this story if you haven't read the series because it will make even less sense than it already does. It's an amazing story, odd, soft and sweet...I can't put into words what it does but the authors's note puts it so much better than I ever could:

"I was writing a trunk story. For those of you who don’t know the term, a trunk story is something you write, then when it’s finished you put the manuscript in the bottom of a trunk and forget about it. It’s not the sort of story you can sell to a publisher. Not the sort of story people want to read. It’s the sort of story that you write, then on your deathbed you remember it and ask a close friend to burn all your unpublished papers. Right after they clear your browser history, of course."

"I don’t know what other people will think. They probably won’t like it. But I really enjoyed it."

"This story is for all the slightly broken people out there."

I liked it, even if there was so many things missing to make it a proper story....but Auri is like that. She can't be put on a shelf or in a box unless it's in her proper place.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Ok, off to ask for the LO shelf stamp.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Free Range Chicas!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'LO'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

While every shelf is important, I would urge you to read Shelf #2: L because it would give us a 4 in-a-row for our Bingo card....the Free shelf is also important because it is used in two 3 in-a-row combinations.

...so 4 out of 6 team can have 4 in-a-row this week. Next week shelves could be a winning shelf!

[Sherri]

and it looks like the L shelf is more important in the CH shelf since L is in the 4-in-a-row.

Week 4, Shelf #2 - L Black Raven’s Lady by Kathleen Harrington

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Sherri wrote: "Week 4, Shelf #2 - L Black Raven’s Lady by Kathleen Harrington"

...sorry Sherri...can't use that one. From the rules from the Shelf Announcement thread:"When a single letter is called, read a book where that letter is the first letter in the author's name (first or last), the title, or the series name (If using series name, state the name with your book choice; you may exclude 'A', 'An' and 'The' when choosing based on book title or series name)"

[Logan]

Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ wrote: "While every shelf is important, I would urge you to read Shelf #2: L because it would give us a 4 in-a-row for our Bingo card....the Free shelf is also important because it is used in two 3 in-a-ro..."

That works out perfectly for me, since I have to finish my book for L by Friday anyway. :)

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Chickies!

[Suzanne]

Logan ~ Daeris the Shadow Queen wrote: "WEEK 4 Shelf #1: CH (author name)

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins
Library loan

WEEK 4 Shelf #2: L (author name)
[bookcover:Keeping Promise Rock|75446..."

I'm looking at my library books to see what I can find this week...

[Sherri]

My L book is going to be:

Week 4, Shelf #2 - L: Red Hot Dragon by Lolilta Lopez

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Week 4 Shelf #1: CH

The Witch With No Name by Kim Harrison (library loan)

Week 4 Shelf #2: L

Bound by Night by Larissa Ione (library loan)

[Nici]

Do we have a post where all shelves are being kept track of? I feel a little lost.

[Nici]

for the letter D i finished and give it three stars. This book annoyed me, to be honest, though i still will read the series. the main character seems even more ditzy then usual, actually stupid instead of funny. AND the author uses footnotes through otu the book to refer you to past books.I finished 11/19.

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Nici wrote: "Do we have a post where all shelves are being kept track of? I feel a little lost."

Sure, I can do a recap for you. I was just waiting a bit before I did it.

Let me know if I'm missing something!

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

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


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: 4/5
Logan:A Dangerous Thing by Josh Lanyon (library loan)
✓Nici:Undead and Unwary by MaryJanice Davidson (library loan), 11/19/2014 ★★★ review
✓Sherri:Dead Sexy Dragon by Lolita Lopez (provided by publisher), 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


Week 4, Shelf #1: CH (Nov 19- Nov 25)
Completed: 0/5
Logan: Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins (library loan)
Nici:
Sherri:
Suzanne: White Night by Jim Butcher (library loan)
Valerie:The Witch With No Name by Kim Harrison (library loan)


Week 4, Shelf #2: L (Nov 19- Nov 25)
Completed: 4/5
✓Logan: Keeping Promise Rock by Amy Lane (free with subscription), 11/20/2014 ★★★★ review
Nici: The Fire Rose by Mercedes Lackey
✓Sherri:Red Hot Dragon by Lolita Lopez (Provided by publisher), 11/24/2014 ★★★1/2 review
✓Suzanne: Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas (library loan), 11/25/2014 ★★★★★ review
✓Valerie:Bound by Night by Larissa Ione (library loan), 11/21/2014 ★★★ review

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Nici wrote: "for the letter D i finished and give it three stars. This book annoyed me, to be honest, though i still will read the series. the main character seems even ..."


Nici, you need to add the date to your review please :)

[Logan]

Week 4, Shelf #2: L



Finished: 11/20/14
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This was a toss up between 4 and 5 stars. On the one hand, it has a deeply emotional story that really tore me up in all the right ways. On the other hand, so much of the middle of this book dragged for me. When Crick goes off to Iraq there was too much time spent apart and I found I really didn't care much about their lives if they weren't together. That said, there were some really powerful revelations that come from this time apart, so it was useful to the story if not the most interesting part of the book. I could definitely have done without the horse/flood scene, though. Gah.

[Logan]

Valerie, I don't think I ever said thank you for stepping up to the captain role. You're doing a great job of keeping us organized and I really appreciate it!

[Valerie ~ Val Hall ~]

Logan (~Daeris the Shadow Elf Queen~) wrote: "Valerie, I don't think I ever said thank you for stepping up to the captain role. You're doing a great job of keeping us organized and I really appreciate it!"

Thanks!
I didn't want to do it! I was captain last round and one of the player had too much on her plate but did not want to let go. It's not supposed to be personal or anything because it's a game and real life is more important...still I took it hard. It turned out all right, we had a replacement step in and everything was fine. It just stayed with me, this sense of letting someone down.

Anyway I'm not on top of my game this round, I always have my reviews done before the next shelf is called but not this time around. There is always something.

Ok, off to attend a funeral and a birthday party tomorrow...and no it's not the name of a movie. With limited wi-fi coverage, I'll get back on Monday to update the list.

I finished my L book today but I'll hold off until Monday for the review otherwise it will only be bitching and whining about what the book is missing rather than what it has to offer.

Have a good weekend.

[Logan]

Valerie ~ Val Hall ~ wrote: "Logan (~Daeris the Shadow Elf Queen~) wrote: "Valerie, I don't think I ever said thank you for stepping up to the captain role. You're doing a great job of keeping us organized and I really appreci..."

A funeral and birthday party on the same day! I'm so sorry Valerie - that sounds like a tough day. You are doing amazing and not letting anyone down. I know the feeling though - usually I manage to keep up with shelf calls way better than this. But we're just having fun, so I try not to get too down on myself.

Thanks again, and hope you have a good weekend.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Don't worry, nearly every team is slow this round, including myself *smack bad Sandra*

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Val, that does sound like a tough weekend. My sympathies on the funeral, and hope you enjoy the birthday party regardless.

[Nici]

I added the date for the review. Thanks for the recap! It really does help. For the L shelf I will be reading The Fire Rose

[Nici]

Sorry the fire Rose is by mercedes Lackey

[Suzanne]

For Week 4 - Shelf #2: L:



I should have this finished tomorrow!