Meet & Greet Challenge Round 7 (Dec/Jan): READING!

[Dee]

I forgot to post this one - I finished Wild Child up at the end of last year - Raine/Tina - I didn't mind this one, but didn't love it either - it kind of reminded me of a small town version Bella Andre - the characters didn't seem to be that well developed and lots of superficial descriptions - I just wanted more - 3 stars

[Nadine Bookaholic]

Group 4
I have finished 10 books so far:

Laurla - Raid Finished 12/2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
beppy - Broken Pieces Finished 12/15 ★ ★ ★ ★
Kristy - Games of the Heart Finished 1/6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Tara Jo - Make Me, Sir Finished 12/12 ★ ★ ★ ★
Diane - At Peace Finished 12/29 ★ ★ ★ ★
Melissa - Deacon Finished 12/4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Jojo - Breathe Finished 12/7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Becky (Fibrobabe) - A Christmas to Remember Finished 12/26 ★ ★ ★ ★
Doruntina - My Body-His Finished 12/25 ★
Celeste - Jagged Finished 12/18 ★ ★ ★ ★

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Group 4

Toka - I read your pick and really enjoyed it. Thanks for the recommendation

[Dee]

finished up Destination Wedding - recommended by Zara/Kai - I read this while stuck at the car mechanic this am - reminded me of The Wedding Planner movie with J-Lo, but with a mistaken identity twist - it was good, but i didn't love - I gave it 3 stars overall

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Group 4

JoJo - I really enjoyed your pick. thanks for the recommendation

[Catherine]

group 3


...thanks for this gem :)

[Shannan]

Finished yesterday and it was so sad and beautiful! Amazing read. Thanks Tara Jo! :)

[Catherine]

group 3 update

finished ...this was a surprising gem also! thanks to everyone :)

[Catherine]

group 3 update.....I have read 9 of y picks so far....:) I am still going!!!

[Ezi]

@Jane:
you chose for me back in Meet & Greet Challenge Round 3 (Apr/May 2014).
Well, I finally listened to the audio. thank you.
I only have one book left from that time (I am on 18 of 19)!

In fact, I have 1 book left in Round 1, 2, 4.
I have 2 books left in Round 5;
I have 7 books left in Round 6.


NOW on the current ROUND 7!
@Karla: was a really good installment. I gave it ★★★★. I am currently scheduled to begin the Bonus Pick you gave me on Friday.

@R~wka: I think is my favorite or one of my favorites in the series ★★★★★. Certainly my favorite audiobook this month of Jan 2015!

@Nichole: i was disappointed with ★★½. It was weak, but I am glad I finished the series. Thanks for helping me clear off one more series on my FWYS list.

THANK YOU FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS!

[Ezi]

I don't know why but I've only read 4 of my regular picks but 13 of my Bonus Picks.

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

Ezinwanyi~the Impish Angel wrote: "I don't know why but I've only read 4 of my regular picks but 13 of my Bonus Picks."

I was more heavily weighted toward the Bonuses earlier on - not sure how it sits now. I pick my 'next to read' books based off the challenges I'm signed up for, so it must be something about the category fit for me I think :)

[Ezi]

Jane (PS) wrote: "Ezinwanyi~the Impish Angel wrote: "I don't know why but I've only read 4 of my regular picks but 13 of my Bonus Picks."

I was more heavily weighted toward the Bonuses earlier on - not sure how it ..."

that might be it! But I am poised to almost finish my BPs by the end of the month

[LaurLa]

Jane (PS) wrote: "Ezinwanyi~the Impish Angel wrote: "I don't know why but I've only read 4 of my regular picks but 13 of my Bonus Picks."

I was more heavily weighted toward the Bonuses earlier on - not sure how it ..."

I'd have to say ditto to that!! The challenges I needed to read and finish in December were pretty much decided before the MnG picks were settled, and those that were part of MnG seemed were in the bonuses. Still not sure how I managed that, but at least when I chose my books for January, I was able to get to the regular picks...

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

I've read 11 of 17 from the group; 12 of 25 from bonuses - but that only evened out in January as I was able to 'fix' the mix :)

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Catherine wrote: "group 3 update

finished ...this was a surprising gem also! thanks to everyone :)"

I'm dying to get to that one! Glad you liked it!

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Group 3 update!
Finished: 13 of 43 (Crazy month, hoping for 10 more by EOM)

Courtney - was great! Loved the heroine in this one. Sometimes the regency women are swooning nincompoops. Not this time! YAY! 4 Stars

Roger - was a dark read, but I ended up really enjoying it. Not for the faint of heart because of the violence, but the murder investigation was top notch. Here's hoping the couple gets a HEA later in the series. 4 Stars

Breann - was amazing...the second one of the series I've read during the challenge. Roarke and Eve are really great together and the mystery kept me turning the pages. Oh...and Mavis was a riot! Fantastic series. 5 Stars

So far I've had mostly winners this round! Thanks for the picks!

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Finally getting around to posting my status here! I have read 5 books out of 18, so far. We'll see what I can complete before January is over.

Finished Reads:
1. Ramneek - - Read 12/7/14 (****)
This was a really cute, magical Christmas story! It was told from four different points-of-view (a group of 4 female friends) and I loved how the snow globe came into each of their lives and brought to them something they needed.
2. Jane - - Read 1/11/15 (****)
Another great installment in one of my favorite mystery series!
3. MountainKat - - Read 12/28/14 (****)
I really liked the group of 4 friends who started a bridal business together and I loved the scenes of them just being girlfriends, sitting around talking. I adored the male love interest!!
4. Julia - - Read 1/14/15 (*****)
Highly recommend this to any fans of the movie!! It was nice to read not only what Cary Elwes felt throughout the making of this film, but I loved the little bits that were added by his co-stars and the director and producers of the movie.
5. Penney - - Read 12/14/14 (****)
I was sucked into this world and the life of Wade, the main character. I loved a lot of the 80s references but some parts were a little slow and boring for me (mainly the boss fights, probably because i wasn't familiar with any of the video games on which they were based) but overall, it was an enjoyable read.

[~Melissa~]

So bad about coming back here to post - sorry

Group 3

Here are my next 5 reads for a total of 8 so far - hoping for a couple more

LIZZ - 12/27/14 5♥ Loved this book and *whispers* I had it on audio - swoons even better :) Had been looking forward to Lothaire's book since the moment we met him and this did not disappoint.
Courtney - 12/24/14 3.5♥ I was totally anticipating this book. Loved the banter between Torin and Keely. Just at some points Torin's whining got on my nerves. Sorry - still enjoyed it as come on it is Lords of the Underworld.
Logan - 12/28/14 4♥ - Larissa Ione strikes again. You soooo dislike a character in one book and then you get to their book and she makes you love them. Can't wait for the next chapter.
Sallie - 12/23/14 3♥ - this was a totally fun sweet short for Christmas. This hit the spot when I needed something short.
Dana - 1/17/15 5♥ Oh my word - can I have my own MacRieve all wrapped up in a pretty bow for me!! This was awesome - I kind of wished I'd had it in audio - can just hear his accent in my head. I loved that Chloe wasn't a wimp type of girl either.


Thank you all for the recommendations!!!

[Jane (PS), Moderator]

~Melissa~ (~Cainis~ the Elf) wrote: "So bad about coming back here to post - sorry

Group 3

Here are my next 5 reads for a total of 8 so far - hoping for a couple more

LIZZ - 12/27/14 5♥ Loved this boo..."

Look at all those hot men on your covers Melissa!!

[MountainKat, Moderator]

ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) wrote: "Finally getting around to posting my status here! I have read 5 books out of 18, so far. We'll see what I can complete before January is over."

So glad you enjoyed it Teresa!

[Dee]

Bound by Night - Kai/Skandia - it was weird reading a Larissa Ione that didn't have her demons in it - that being said, I liked her take on the vampires and that it wasn't an insta-lust story, but more of an enemies to lovers type - i've already requested the second book in the series from the library and hope she continues it

[Ezi]

@Macwolf01 (Elise): I finished Home Front and gave it ★★★★★. Boy, Kristin Hannah brings it!!! Doesn't she?
So powerful! Tears, Tears, Tears. I swear, I feel like going to hug every veteran who served this country. WE can never fully grasp your sacrifice as well as your family's sacrifice.

Shelby: Choices and Changes ★★★½. It was a really sweet audiobook. I like this one as it had characters who grew. I love when there is evolution in the characters.

Thank you for the good books.

[Breann]

Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ wrote: "Group 3 update!
Finished: 13 of 43 (Crazy month, hoping for 10 more by EOM)

Courtney - was great! Loved the heroine in this one. Sometimes..."

I'm glad you loved it! I love Mavis, too :)

[Breann]

Ezinwanyi~the Impish Angel wrote: "@Breann: I knew I didn't enjoy lorelei james much but I had hoped i could like this one a little but nope! ★★ for Cowgirl Up and Ride. It was just like watching one of those plumber porns. I guess I had to be in the mood for that :D"

I just saw this. LOLOLOL! :D

[Breann]

I've finished a few more since my last update

Shield of Winter 4 stars I don't know what took me so long to read this! Thanks Anda!
If You Dare 2 stars I was so bummed because I really enjoy Kresley Cole. Ah well. Thanks Penney!
Before Jamaica Lane 5 stars I SO LOVED THIS! Thanks Aarati!
Heat Seeker 3 stars I liked it, but I won't be rushing to the rest of the series. It was hot, but there were too many players in the suspense portion for me to keep straight. Thanks Catherine!

[Sunshine]

Ezinwanyi~the Impish Angel wrote: "@Sunshine: I finished Heart and gave it ★★★. Very sad reading for the holidays. But the author is a really good writer.

@ Logan: Listened to [book:No Good Duke Goes Unpunished|1624..."

Sorry to hear about the downer. ...but happy to hear the writing was good. :)

[Sunshine]

Joyce wrote: "Meet & Greet 7
12/1/14-1/31/15

5/10 Finished

GROUP 1
✔MacWolfe01- Better Read Than Dead★★★★☆ - This was a light read, the main character is a bit naive but plucky.
The Cinderella Murder Finished 12/14/14 ★★★★☆ Good solid mystery "

Great. I love a good romantic mystery. I've added to my TBR list.

[Sunshine]

Laurla wrote: "Oddly enough, I seemed to have read significantly more from my Bonus picks than from my Group picks... not quite sure how I managed that! But no matter - all the picks have been excellent - thanks...

Scandal And The Duchess - Jennifer Ashley - 12.26 ★★★★★"

the MacKenzies always aim to please. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[Sunshine]

Kathy wrote: "Happy New Year to All!
Figured I'd round out the year by updating my progress so far! :)

★★★★ 12/20

What a fun book! I was glad that David and Evelyn weren't all goo goo for each other. They had some big obstacles to overcome related to their hasty nuptials. I've had this book on my radar for a while and am glad I finally met the boys of Stage Dive!"

It is a great series. I need to get back to reading this, too.

[Sunshine]

Group 4 picks and reads...

***Laurla -Stolen: A Letter to My Captor 1/10/15 ...4 stars
A very interesting story on a girl that is kidnapped. The ending of the book was a great "reality check." a good read. I can’t get the story out of my head.

***Nadine - All I Want for Christmas is You 12/9/14 ...3 stars
A cute little HEA with some spiciness. A good holiday read

***Nichole - Transcendence 12/28/14 ...5 stars
I got a lot more out of Transcendence than I expected. To me, it was more than the historical "fluff" I have read in other novels. The story was well written and original. Of course, it has the hot spicyness I enjoy.

***Melissa - Playing for Keeps 12/26/14 ...5 stars
Funny! I laughed out loud. Jason and Haley were so great together. This book was a surprise gem. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

***Becky (Fibrobabe) - I'll Be Home for Christmas: An eShort Story 12/27/14 ...2 stars Not much of a story.

***Jasmin - Finding Autumn. 12/6/14 ...4 stars
I love reading stories by authors that write erotic stories about authors that write erotic stories. This book did not disappoint. A good quickie.

[Sunshine]

Bonus picks and reads...

***Karla - Be Mine For Christmas 1/8/15 ...2 stars
Cute but dorky... short.

***Nichole - Move the Sun 12/18/14 ...4 stars
I loved the story of Lily, Isaac and the small town Signal Bend. Well there were two stories: Lily and way she came to Signal Bend and Isaac with the Horde motorcycle club. Both were a treasure to read. i’m looking forward to the next book in the series

***Breann - At Grave's End 12/26/14 ...4 stars
My first audio book.
This edition help to solidify Cat's and Bones relationship, for me, as the fought off more unliving creatures. Cat tells Tate over and over again that she has no feeling for him. I can't wait to see if Tate's and Cat's relationship changes.

***-julia - Her Master's Courtesan 12/14/14 ...4 stars
Bits of Rebecc's story was surprising, but not really taboo, in my opinion. The story was dark with a non traditional HEA. Looking forward to reading the second book in the series Her Master's Teacher.

***Jennifer - Learning to Drown 12/30/14 ...4 stars
I love me some Lucas Crow. DAmian, not so much because he is a bit off. But HEA Lucas, yum. This wa a great abduction tale with a twist (and boy did it have some twist. One of the twist is how Matthew expresses his brotherly love. I would love to read a story on Matthew and maybe June. I look forward to reading more by Sommer Marsden.

***Gea - Incandescent 12/21/14 ...4 stars
As I was reading, I kept thinking... "I read this before." The plot was so similar to the last MC book I read.

[Courtney]

Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ wrote: "Group 3 update!
Finished: 13 of 43 (Crazy month, hoping for 10 more by EOM)

Courtney - was great! Loved the heroine in this one. Sometimes..."

Yay! Glad it was a good pick! :)

[Courtney]

~Melissa~ (~Cainis~ the Elf) wrote: "So bad about coming back here to post - sorry

Group 3

Here are my next 5 reads for a total of 8 so far - hoping for a couple more

LIZZ - 12/27/14 5♥ Loved this boo..."

Melissa - I have to agree with you about Torin..he did kinda get whiny there. But I'm glad he was finally able to find someone - he was always the one demon I wondered how the heck he was going to find someone if he couldn't touch anyone! Glad you enjoyed it though!

[Ezi]

@Dee: Knight of Desire was just okay. I think it's Margaret Mallory's writing. It's not angsty enough. It was ★★★.

@Joyce: I read your BP: A Touch of Midnight and gave it ★★★½. I love this series and this installment gave me some background on the oldest couple Gideon & savannah!

@Larissa: I was a little disappointed with Shadow's Claim. I was expecting a Lothaire-ish chuckle out of this one. But nope, I didn't like the heroine, so I gave it ★★★.

@Macwolf01 (Elise): I loved Home Front. It was a ★★★★ and definitley one of the best books I have read this new year. Very emotional.

Sadie: I finished the second choice from you, my BP Sinner★★. I forgot how annoying Isabelle and cole's dreary personality was.

Shelby: I was pleasantly surprised by this audiobook Choices and Changes. ★★★ I liked it and it was an easy listen.

Thanks for the recs!

[Dee]

The Sum of All Kisses - Debbie/Ezi/R-wka - while this wasn't my favorite book in quartet (sarah irked me a bit) - I liked seeing the guy who got injured in the duel get his HEA, since he was crippled and may not have normally - will be interested in seeing how she finishes up the quartet, since the duel was a major arc in the first 3 books - 3.5 stars

[Ezi]

Dee wrote: "The Sum of All Kisses - Debbie/Ezi/R-wka - while this wasn't my favorite book in quartet (sarah irked me a bit) - I liked seeing the guy who got injured in the duel get his HEA, sin..."

It wasn't mine either, but I really do like the series over all and I look forward to book 4 in a week or so.

[LaurLa]

Making progress on the regular list!! Read 4 from Group 4 since my last update and only one bonus pick ;-)

As you can see, almost all 4 stars!!! Been a really good reading week :-D

Meet and Greet Round 7 – December-January

Picks from Group 4:
✔Kathy: The Thrill of It - Lauren Blakely - 01.19 ★★★★
✔Tara Jo: Inking Him - Cora Carmack - 01.18 ★★★
✔Nadine: Hot Ticket - Olivia Cunning - 01.09 ★★★★
✔Nichole: In Your Dreams - Kristan Higgins - 01.18 ★★★★


BONUS Picks from:
✔Katie: Nowhere to Hide - Terry Odell - 01.16 ★★★

[Larissa]

Hi Macwolf01(Elise)
I finished Her Gentle Giant, Part 1: No Regrets. Thank you for the pick! It got me to finish it! :) It was just too mushy for me lol

[Becky ♡The Bookworm♡]

Group 3 and Bonus Picks
Finished 15 of 43

Jennifer - Mine to Possess was a pretty good installment of the series. I've always liked the whole psychic-network thing and this particular book explained a little more of how that works. The couple felt more realistic than some of the others, too...not so "insta-mated" as they say in shifter speak. They'd known each other children, but a tragedy separated them until they were both adults. I also liked that the author showed us the "action" scene connected to the resolution of the story. I felt a bit more involved this time and I'm eager to read the next one. 4 Stars

Roger - Oh. My. Goodness. I don't even know where to start with Yellow Crocus! This book was so incredibly real that it actually made me cry...in the first chapter! It was a powerful glimpse into Southern life and the family plight of slaves before the War. Whew! It's one of those books that I'll never forget. 5 Fantabulous Stars

Great picks! Thank you so much!

[Catherine]

group 3 update :)

I finished and ..

thanks guys for these great picks ;)

[Christina]

It looks like this is where I'm going to end up this month.
Group 2
Completed 9/17


Cathy - River Marked Finished 2014-12-21
Ilovebakedgoods (Teresa) - Whiskey Rebellion
MKat - Love Irresistibly
Mary - Reckless
~Leslie~ - The Golem and the Jinni Finished 2014-12-16
Christina - ME!
Ramneek - Cress Finished 2014-12-08
Ana - Captivated by You Currently reading
Poongothai - Point of Retreat
Gigi - The Ocean at the End of the Lane Finished 2014-02-16
Sassafrass - House Rules Currently reading
Katie - On the Edge Finished 2014-12-19
Shelby - Shades of Midnight Finished 2014-12-27
Hadley - Wicked Lovely Finished 2014-01-27
Penney - Oracle's Moon Finished 2014-12-11
Jane(PS) - Spider's Bite Finished 2015-01-04
Grace -Slave to Sensation
julia - Written in Red

One thing I will say is that I don't think I will continue listening to the Chicagoland Vampires series. Since they switched narrators, I don't like her as well. I'm going to read the rest of them instead. It's nothing against the story. I loved all of the books and gave all of them 4 or 5 stars with the exception of Wicked Lovely, which I gave 3 stars to. I just couldn't really get into this one and I thought the ending was not really believable.

Thanks for all the great picks!

[Ezi]

@Raine: Claimed was a disappointing ★★ but it could be the narrator. I found sufficient plot there to make me interested in continuing the series.

@Kai: The Heiress Effect was enjoyable. I gave it ★★★½. I actually liked the fake "nonchalant" she had going.

@Tina "coffee & books": Upon the Midnight Clear was ★★½. I haven't had a really good DH book in a while. I just gotta make it to Acheron.

THANK YOU FOR THE RECS

[Dee]

Wed at Leisure - Cristal - short read, but enjoyable - a historical retelling of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew - i'd read the previous one last year about the little sister (Biana) and was glad to see Kat get her HEA - although I do wish that it was slightly longer (I wanted more - which is always a good things right?)

[Dee]

trying to squeeze one more book in before the end of the month - currently reading Share the Moon - initially I like, and older heroine (maybe late 30's which is different)

[Ezi]

@Julia: was ★★★. I enjoyed this one!

I am reading to try and get that one in

[Ezi]

@Karla: I read the second book, the bonus Pick Darkhouse and I don't know how I feel about it. It was weird.

Penney: Now, i liked this book Jabril better than Raphael. I didn't love it, but I will continue the series, so the second chance worked in renewing my interest.

I think my final book will be from Melissa: Forever His

[Catherine]

Becky ♡The Bookworm♡ wrote: "Catherine wrote: "group 3 update

finished ...this was a surprising gem also! thanks to everyone :)"

I'm dying to get to that one! Glad you liked it!"

got the second one on deck now!! lol

[Catherine]

group 3 update!!!!


I've lost track of what I'm doing!! lol can't remember if I put Juliet's Nurse here or not....but I finished it and loved it

[Breann]

Here's my final update for this round:

Fifth Grave Past the Light 5 stars! I absolutely loved this. It's my favorite of the series so far. Thanks Jennifer!

Someone to Watch Over Me 3 stars While it wasn't my favorite Lisa Kleypas, it was still good. I'll definitely continue the series. Thanks Logan!

Edge of Dawn 3 stars I liked it, but I was a little disappointed because I expected to love it. Ah well, I still love this series. Thanks Shelby!