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R4: SS Twice the Fun (2)
Nice roll Steph!I will go with a first in series
Week 8 Spot 71 Can read: 1st, 7th, or 71st in series, stand alone, or a book based in Australia.
Reviews due by January 8, 2015
Steph: Dead Witch Walking
(1st in series)Steph's W8 Review
Melissa: Love is a Stranger
(1st in series)Melissa's W8 Review
Sue:The Perfect Witness: A Novel
(stand alone)Sue's W8 Review
Tea:The Missing Butterfly
(1st in series) Tea's W8 Review
Kayla: Garden Spells
(1st in series)Kayla's W8 Review
Ooh I'll be interested in your review - I love her Eve Duncan series!!
Spot 71 standalone
byIris JohansenFinished-1/3/2015
Rating*****
I really enjoyed this book by one of my favorite authors.The book is listed as a stand alone but I can see it becoming the first of an on going series....
She had the perfect life.
She had the perfect cover.
She was the perfect witness.
Until they found her.
When Teresa Casali was young she discovered she had a strange gift: the ability to read people’s memories. But the gift seemed more like a curse as her mob boss father used her to gain the upper hand in his world of corruption and violence. Exposed by her own family to the darkest impulses of mankind, Teresa is alone and unprotected. She realizes that if she is to survive, she has to run.
Out of nowhere, or so she believes, a man by the name of Andre Mandak appears. He kills her pursuers—but that’s not nearly enough for Teresa to trust him. It is his promise to get her into Witness Protection, along with his mind-blowing ability to help her control her gift before it consumes her, that convinces Teresa Casali to become Allie Girard. Living a normal life with a new family, she shuts the door to the past …although Mandak is clear: when the time is right, he too will benefit from her powers.
For years Allie flourishes …until the day her cover is blown and the truth comes tumbling out. Once again she is on the run, with her own life and those of her loved ones at stake. But this time she will not be a pawn. This time she will use her finely honed gift to end the threat that began with her family’s betrayal. From perfect target to perfect witness, Allie Girard is ready to take on the past even if it kills her.
That sounds really good ~ I have to add it to my TBR :)
Spot 71
Book: The Missing Butterfly by Megan Derr
Series: Missing Butterfly #1
Read date: 04.01.15
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
This is sweet book. It still has me smiling when I think about it. Cassidy had to give up his dream (becoming rock star) to raise his siblings. On the other side Malcolm grew up in great foster home, and then inherited money from relative. They work together (Malcolm is boss) and have crush on each other but don't know what to do about it. Then they accidentally meet in karaoke bar.
I loved their siblings and all interactions. Only thing that was little irritating was Malcolm's solving everything with money. What means more I-love-you then buying place you used to work and then firing your ex boss because she was terrible to you?
Anyway, I'm glad I read it. And now I'm going in search for next in series. :)
Just an update - I have about 60 more pages of my book and I will definitely finish today and get my review posted but it might not be until later tonight. RL has been bad this week for me :(
~Melissa~ (~Cainis~ the Elf) wrote: "Just an update - I have about 60 more pages of my book and I will definitely finish today and get my review posted but it might not be until later tonight. RL has been bad this week for me :("Thank you for keeping us posted Melissa! I'm Sorry RL has been rough this week. I hope it get better :)
Spot 71 Week 8
Book: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Series: The Waverly Family #1
Read: 1/7/15
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Wow!!! This is my first SAA book and I was really nervous because I'm not really into fantasy books but I had great reviews from my sister in law. I was completely intertwined with this book. It was so beautifully written and it felt like I was actually there. I can't wait to read some more of SAA's books. If they are as enchanting and magical as this one I'll have them all read in no time.
Summary from Goodreads:
The women of the Waverley family -- whether they like it or not -- are heirs to an unusual legacy, one that grows in a fenced plot behind their Queen Anne home on Pendland Street in Bascom, North Carolina. There, an apple tree bearing fruit of magical properties looms over a garden filled with herbs and edible flowers that possess the power to affect in curious ways anyone who eats them.
For nearly a decade, 34-year-old Claire Waverley, at peace with her family inheritance, has lived in the house alone, embracing the spirit of the grandmother who raised her, ruing her mother's unfortunate destiny and seemingly unconcerned about the fate of her rebellious sister, Sydney, who freed herself long ago from their small town's constraints. Using her grandmother's mystical culinary traditions, Claire has built a successful catering business -- and a carefully controlled, utterly predictable life -- upon the family's peculiar gift for making life-altering delicacies: lilac jelly to engender humility, for instance, or rose geranium wine to call up fond memories. Garden Spells reveals what happens when Sydney returns to Bascom with her young daughter, turning Claire's routine existence upside down. With Sydney's homecoming, the magic that the quiet caterer has measured into recipes to shape the thoughts and moods of others begins to influence Claire's own emotions in terrifying and delightful ways.
As the sisters reconnect and learn to support one another, each finds romance where she least expects it, while Sydney's child, Bay, discovers both the safe home she has longed for and her own surprising gifts. With the help of their elderly cousin Evanelle, endowed with her own uncanny skills, the Waverley women redeem the past, embrace the present, and take a joyful leap into the future.
Spot 71
First in series
4 stars
I never know what to expect when reading a paranormal book, but again, I'm surprised by how much I liked it. The countless suspenseful moments and surprises really kept me going. I'm excited to continue this series!
Who else is left to finish before we can roll tonight?
Melissa but she already said she would have it done by tonight! She has 60 pages left. :) I can't wait for the roll tonight:)
Week 8Spot 71
First in a series
Finished 1/8/15
Review: 4♥'s
This is a first for me by this author. So glad it was a free give away last month. I really enjoyed it. Total suspense type of book where one of the MC's keeps changing throughout the whole book. You think you know him and then there is a change and then another and then another until your scratching your head going which one is the real one. The story starts w Ben coming home from a run to find his cottage up in flames with his lover still in bed. He has recently taken out a bad guy and this is his payback. He works for the British Gov't. Next chapter - I'm totally confused as you meet his boss (that ever changing MC) and find out they have been having sex for the last 4 yrs ......uummmm what??? I had to go back and re-read the first chapter to make sure I had the characters right. Yep - I really did have the characters right. Then as you find out more about the boss (Sir Nick) I at least didn't really like him - until you start seeing their relationship from his eyes. Like I said for me this was enjoyable. I just dislike that they left the book resolved with a hfn but issues about Sir Nick's past that they still have to work out. So I'll be looking for book 2 soon.
Every ones reviews are in so we are set to roll at midnight:)
Currently on: spot 71New roll: 5+2=7
Now on: spot 78
Can read: 7th in series, 8th in series, 78th in series, and book taking place in Florida.
Side note: as long as ANY tiny part of the book is in Florida it'll be accepted
Ladies I'm not going to worry about getting a back up for the week. There's several teams with only 4 players at the moment.
I will read
7th in seriesSpot 78
Finished:1/10/2015
Rating:****
I was really sorry to see this was the last book in series....
Book 7 in the Cyborg Seduction series. Krell hates humans. They left him scarred and undesirable to females. He’s lived a lonely existence in his home world because of their brutality. So he’s angry when he’s ordered to interrogate the captured human. She’s the enemy, a soldier from Earth. He’ll show her the same mercy they showed him. None. Cyan didn’t expect to survive her mission against the Markus Models but she’s stunned and elated to be confronted by cyborgs. The past and present collide, however, when she sees Krell. He’s part of a dangerous secret from another life—and he’s also completely irresistible. Krell is certain Cyan can’t be trusted. He’s determined to keep her at a distance…but Cyan is just as determined to get the big, sexy cyborg into her bed.
Spot 78
5 stars
John Green is seriously one of my favorite authors. He has not once disappointed me with his writing. This mystery/romance kept me reading and I didn't wanna put it down! All the characters are likeable and Margo is just perfect. I can't wait to see the movie later this year
Spot 78
Book: Archangel's Shadows by Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #7
Read date: 13.01.15
Rating: ★★★★
review:
After big battle of two archangels over NY, city is starting to return to normal. Or so everyone thinks. There is new drug that causes bloodlust in vampires, same strange 'mummified' bodies start to show up and nobody knows why.
This book follows Ash and Janvier. From previous books we know they have love/hate relationship. Or better say they have some strange way of courting. :P Ash was seriously injured in battle, so Janvier decided to take care of her (which she hates). Since she's still on medical leave, she gets job trying to find out about those bodies (since it won't involve chasing vampires). Problem is they have to do it hush-hush so city won't start panicking so soon after the battle.
I did like this book. And in the same time I didn't. As series goes, we are starting to follow more stories. I mean we are still following characters from previous books. I know they are still important for the story/series but I do mind when they get more 'space' that main characters. And there are at least 4 more characters that could get their stories. It's going to be confusing if it continues this way. :P
Great job ladies!!! Looks like I'm the only one left! I'm only half way through my book but I'll have it done I promise!!! :)
Spot 78 Week 9 Book: The Chocolate Snowman Murders
Date Read: 1/15/15
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This is the first cozy mystery I've read and I really enjoyed it. I've only ever read suspenseful mysteries and I'm in love with the cozy ones now. Joanna Carl had me guessing who the murder was until the very last chapter. I didn't expect who it was but once it was revealed it all made sense. I can't wait to read another cozy by Joanna Carl.
Summary from Goodreads:
The much anticipated Winter Arts festival is here, and as treasurer of Winterfest, Lee is up to her elbows in mix-ups behind the scenes. When the art show's guest juror shows up drunk, Lee lets him sleep it off, only to find out later that someone's put the visiting dignitary into a permanent state of repose.
Lee and Joe were the last people spotted near the crime scene. In a seriously sticky situation, it's up to them to find the real killer before someone else comes to a bitter end...
Twice the Fun Week 9 Spot 78 Can Read: 7th in series, 8th in series, 78th in series, or a book that takes place in Florida
Reviews
Steph: Paper Towns
Steph's W9 Review
Sue: Taunting Krell
Sue's W9 Review
Tea: Archangel's Shadows
Tea's W9 Review
Kayla: The Chocolate Snowman Murders
Kayla's W9 Review
Well Ladies I've got everyone's review up and we are good to go for tonight's Roll :)
Currently on: spot 78New roll: 2+1=3
Now on: 81
Can read: standalone, 8th in series, 1st in series, 81st in series, or a book off of The Best list
Link to list:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Hi ladies - I'm back :)I'm going with a book off The Best List
It's good to be back and start reading again :)
Wow ~ finished my book. Loved it ~ was perfect book to read as my bday present yesterday.I'll post my review later
Week 10 Spot 81Book: Six Months in Montana
Date Read: 1/17/15
Rating 4 stars
Review
I thought it was a very cute light read. I loved the characters and the bonds that they had among each other. Always looking out for one another.
Review from Goodreads
Molly Bishop loves living in Manhattan and managing a boutique luxury hotel. A visit home to Montana and a meddling matchmaking grandfather of childhood friend Christian Ford, (who is now too hot for his own good) may result in a marriage in Montanta... It's not real, but could it be?
This is what I would call a cozy romance, it's romantic and sweet and is set in a small fictional town about 30 miles from Bozeman, MT. Warning, if you prefer your stories with the bedroom doors wide open and the windows steamed up, you may be disappointed. :)
I love to cook and try new recipes and if you do too, you may want to check out the recipe I included at the end of the book, for Lazy Lobster Casserole, the dish that Molly serves her guests at the Rose Cottage Inn's first wine dinner. It's a recipe I know by heart and have made a million times and is great for special occasions. It's a holiday tradition in our family to have it every Christmas Eve. :)
Thanks for the birthday wishes ladies :DKayla - nice job finishing your book :)
Week 10 Spot 81Alternate The Best list used
finished: 1/17/15
5♥'s
Review: I love Kresley Cole. Will MacRieve has been burned in the past by a succubus which has shaped his entire life. Chloe Todd has been duped by her Dad whom she thought was a loving father only to find out he is the leader of The Order who has been hunting, dissecting and killing Loreans. Oh and she's been changing lately. This was a fabulous read. I loved every minute of it and kind of wished I had gotten it in audio because really Macrieve is totally smoking. Chloe was no wimp either. Loved that she held her own.
Thanks Melissa! I only have my 10 month old daughter this weekend! My 3.5 yr old is with my sister for the weekend so reading a whole boom was so much easier ;)
spot 81
1st in seriesFinished:1/18/2015
rating:****
I really liked this fast pace funny story and look forward to the next one.
Sophie Lawson 32, human narrator, sees through magic veils, works for the Underworld Detective Agency below San Francisco Police HQ. Her boss Pete is a handsome werewolf - missing. Her roommate Nina is a fashionista vampire with teen nephew Vlad. Her new partner gorgeous detective Parker Hayes is not what he seems. A killer takes eyes, blood, hearts - is Sophie next?
Kayla wrote: "Thanks Melissa! I only have my 10 month old daughter this weekend! My 3.5 yr old is with my sister for the weekend so reading a whole boom was so much easier ;)"That does make it easier - hope you enjoyed your toddler free weekend!!
@Sue - I've had that series on my shelf for a while - should move it up :)
Spot 81
Book: Black Dog Blues by Rhys Ford
Series: Kai Gracen #1
Read dateRating: 3,5 stars
Review:
I actually liked this book no matter what stars say. It just left me little confused and with questions, and second book isn't written yet!
Kai is elfin raised in human world. He doesn't really remembers his earlier days in elfin world, but he knows they weren't really nice since he has nightmares. Now he is working as Stalker - let's say he hunts monsters. Trouble starts when elfin lord hires him to drive through dangerous territory to elfin city to pick up someone (very pregnant lady). Bigger problem is that said lord is going to be his escort. Let just say that part of the book was little funny since you could be sure that whatever could go wrong during this trip will happen :)
Kai is great character and you really learn about him and can't help liking him. Now Ryder (elfin lord) left me with mixed feelings. He was all lordly and elfinly and always right but in the end it was Kai who ended up solving things and getting hurt (because it happened as Kai said it would).
Twice the fun Week 10 spot 81Can read: standalone, 8th in series, 1st in series, 81st in series, or a book off of The Best list
Reviews
Steph: Insurgent
Steph's W10 Review
Sue: Under Wraps
(1st in series)Sue's W10 Review
Tea: Black Dog Blues
( 1st in series) Tea's W10 Review
Melissa: MacRieve
(The Best list)Melissa's W10 Review
Kayla Six Months in Montana
(1st in series)Kayla's W10 Review
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The Challenge Factory
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1st in series