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R4: SS A Novel Idea (3)
message 151:
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Carrie
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Dec 11, 2014 07:28AM
I changed my book to a stand alone
. Be done shortly.
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looking forward to seeing what the challenge for next week is. I have taken a lot of books with me for a holiday I'm just about to leave for, hpoing that one of them will fulfil the dice roll we get later on today.
Week 4Spot 31
Dec 11th
3 stars
Avery wants to get in to Duke so badly because both her parents and grandparents went there. It's in her genes but the thing is it isn't, shes adopted.
Thats what her and Nora bonded over way back when they where little. But now Nora is dead and to honor her Avery decides to keep her promise about finding het birth mother. And it will kill many birds with one stone. Senior project, impress Duke, keep promise and answer questions she never new she had. And in the process discover who she really is.
I enjoy the book wasn't blown away. It was on my tbr for a while and when I saw it free for 24hours on pulseit I jumped at the chance to read it. Sadly it wasnt as good as I had hoped.
V Audio Nerd wrote: "ooh where are you off to?"I am now in Phillip Island. Took about 3 hours from where I live in Melbourne, but we stopped on the way. Now I have spent the afternoon doing yoga and luxurying in a bath big enough for two!
Nicole wrote: "V Audio Nerd wrote: "ooh where are you off to?"I am now in Phillip Island. Took about 3 hours from where I live in Melbourne, but we stopped on the way. Now I have spent the afternoon doing yoga..."
Wow that sounds amazing! !!!! Have a fab time xx
WEEK 5
ROLLED = 4+5=9
LANDED ON SPOT #40
THIS WEEK WE CAN READ
#4 in a series
A Stand alone
Alternative ......Author B
Reviews should be in by Thursday latest for us to be able to roll on Friday morning :●D
Reviews
Denise - Review
Lauren - Review
Vicci - Review
Carrie - Review
Nicole - Review
Mod
, yay! :)
Siege and Storm by Leigh Barduco for B author.
I'll be reading a stand alone
Mod
Current Spot: 40
Read:
Seeds of Iniquity by J.A. Redmerski (In the Company of Killers #4)Finished: 15 December 2014
Rating: *****
Dark, uncompromising and taut suspense from start to finish, this fourth book in the In the Company of Killers veers away from the basic concept of the first three books which all concentrated on one couple at the heart of the story and features the whole team as equally important. The members of Victor's organization have few remaining ties to the outside world, as each such tie can be a weakness. When their loved ones are kidnapped by a dangerous woman of whose identity no trace can be found anywhere in the system, the team are forced into a twisted little game to ensure the survival of the people that were abducted: Each of them must give up their deepest secret or their loved ones will die. The truths that emerge threaten to break them apart, as each member of the team is pushed to their breaking point. Another brilliantly thrilling read - can't wait for the next part!
Denise wrote: "Week 5Current Spot: 40
Read:
Seeds of Iniquity by J.A. Redmerski (In the Company of Killers #4)Finished: 15 December 2014..."
Ok I HAVE to get to book 2, it's been sitting on my pile for ages and you are making want to bump it up lol
Week #5: Spot 40 - 4th in series
Book: Steel's Edge by Ilona Andrews
Read: Dec 15th, 2014
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Hurt and betrayed by the man she has chosen to spend her life with, Charlotte de Nay, Adrianglia’s most renowned healer, flees to the Edge where she makes a new home for herself until her life is shattered once again by vicious slavers. Joining forces with Richard Mar, who has his own reasons for hunting those who prey on the innocent, Charlotte vows to defeat those behind the scourge of slavery at any cost.
An action packed story, a charming romance but numerous questions are unanswered and as this is the final installment, it would seem that they will remain that way.
The slavery plot, which was hinted at in book #1, comes full circle in a story that is divided into to parts. In the first section, Charlotte and Richard join forces to unmask the villains responsible for the slave trade, and in the second, they work toward destroying the enterprise once and for all. While both parts are action packed and exciting, there is a certain lack of closure due to the open issues such as (view spoiler).
Charlotte and Richard’s romance has the chemistry and emotional intensity that has been lacking in the last couple of books. Both Charlotte and Richard have been hurt in the past and each of them fills a void in the other’s heart that makes them complete. Thus, even though their connection is initially based on the dangers of their situation, the relationship develops realistically as the attraction turns into a deep affection and love.
As always, the secondary characters are one of the best aspects of the book. George and Jack, Grandma Eleonore and Sophie, all add contribute to fleshing out the complex world building and storyline. There are hints at further character development and I can only hope that we will be seeing more of them in a spin-off series.
In sum, Steel’s Edge is an enjoyable end to the Edge story arc, but it is a little disappointing that there are so many unresolved plot threads.
Mod
You should, those books are awesome! :D (Yes, I'm a bad influence, making you crave books full of graphic violence and sex... Muahahaha.)
Haha that is what a good book is all about .......isn't it?
WEEK 5
BOOK -
STAND ALONE
READ - 16th Dec
RATING ****
REVIEW
Wow, this one is going to be a toughie to review.
I liked this book, i really did, but i can't say i loved it, because it is about a boy, a horrid little boy that killed his classmates with a crossbow!!
Even when Kevin was born, i mean the SECOND he was born, he was horrid to his mother, i know that is a mean thing to say about a baby, but it is like Kevin was born to be evil, growing up he oozed it.
His mother Eva, bless her heart tried her very best, but Kevin was having none of it, choosing to blank her, not even speak, not even look at her and aknowledge her, especially if his father was in the room.
Franklin (Kevins father) basically blamed Eva for everything, it was her fault that he didn't do this / that, it was her fault that he didn't speak to her, it was her fault that Kevin never bonded with her.
Eva was unhappy, until she had her daughter, who was the complete opposite to Kevin, and Kevin hated that, he was mean to her, hurt her, tortured her and then finally did something unspeakable.........twice!!
So yes, i liked the book, but it was a ver uncomfortable read, written all in letter form to her husband, this book makes you think, are there truly evil people in the world, or is it all down to the parents?!?!?
Week 5Stand alone:
Dec 16th
3.5 stars
Another you get 24 hours to read this book from pulseits 31 books of Christmas.
David and his sister Mara are home schooled with many rules. No dating until 16 and only in a group setting. A strictness that seems to have happened after the death of the eldest son Jon. They are religious, their father speaking only in bible verse after the loss of employment. The bible also a replacement for his alcoholism. And now they believe the second coming of Christ is about to happen. The Rush as it is called. Their parents are believers that this is it and don't feel any need to plan for a future. Asking David to give up his worldly passions, friends, baseball. Not sigining Maras financial papers for a loan for university in the fall.
But what happens if the rush doesnt happen? What will hsppen to all the true believers? Is this just an excuse not live anymore or is then end drawing near?
This is a tale of how individuals deal with their gref. And how they want to believe in something so badly that it gives reason for their gref.
Just a reminder:Teams will roll on Friday (12/19) two times for two spots. No roll on 12/26. Both book's deadline will be 1/2 and then the game resumes it's normal schedule.
If you feel you won't be able to manage either holiday's rolls that's ok. Just let your team know and you can skip those rolls without penalizing the team.
Ugh I finished my book but just haven't had a chance to update the review yet. Tonight after work.
Here we are! Doll Bones by Holly Black for author 'B'.Week 5 -- 4 Stars
For some reason, I had thought this book was aimed at an older audience. So I was surprised when it opened and our main characters were 12 year olds playing with a bunch of dolls. I mean, yeah, okay, the word 'doll' is in the title of the book. Still...
What followed, however, was nothing less than an intellectual and exciting adventure told through the eyes of three 12 year olds with amazing imaginations struggling to complete a quest out of their own game of make believe.
Zach is arguably the 'main character' of this novel, although Poppy and Alice are firmly beside him the whole time. But it is over Zach's shoulder that we witness the near bullying of his father, the sad acceptance of his mother, and the adventure that follows as Poppy and Alice try to keep their friend from growing up without them.
I liked that there weren't really any characters to dislike at the end of it. All characters in this novel were no more or less than ordinary kids or adults in difficult situations. It's a coming of age story, to be sure, but the twist here is that growing up doesn't actually have to mean leaving all of your childhood things behind.
I think the only thing I would have liked to know at the end was how Poppy's parents dealt with the fact that Poppy took the mother's cherished, collector doll and came back without it. But that didn't really fit in with the themes of the story, so I get while it was left out.
WEEK 6
ROLL 6+5=11
LANDING US ON SPOT #51
THIS WEEK WE CAN READ
#5 in a series
#1 in a series
#51 in a series
A stand alone
Alternative .........ORANGE.
As we are rolling twice this week both books need to be in by 2nd January and can be read in any order.
Reviews
Vicci - Review
Denise - Review
Lauren - Review
Nicole - Exempt
Carrie - Review
WEEK 7
ROLL 6+3=9
LANDING ON SPOT #60
THIS WEEK WE CAN READ.
#6 in a series
#60 in a series
# A stand alone
Alternative . .....Interested
Reviews
Vicci - Review
Denise - Review
Lauren - Review
Nicole - Exempt
Carrie - to come
Mod
for Week 6 and
for Week 7. Happy Holidays, everyone! :)
I will read
from the interested shelf (wk 7), and
a stand alone (wk 6)
Finished Never let me go just need to review it, what a good book, but it is very odd and a bit weird **shudder.
Week #6: Spot 51 - 5th in series
Book: Fire And Ice by Anne Stuart
Read: Dec 24th, 2014
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
Jilly Lovitz arrives in Japan to visit her sister and becomes the target of Russian assassins and Japanese Yakuza who want to use her as bait in a mafia turf war. Sent in to protect her, Committee agent, Reno, must deal not only with Jilly’s distrust of his motives, but his increasing attraction to a woman who is definitely “hands off”.
Not one of the better installments in Anne Stuart’s Ice series. The plot is paper thin and the romance is unrealistic.
The mutual attraction between Jilly and Reno began two years earlier when they first set eyes on each other. Jilly’s adolescent crush has not matured and she comes across as a lovestruck teenager making excuses for a man who treats her like dirt. Reno is not much better and his degrading and condescending attitude is not appealing in a hero. The fact that they cannot spend two minutes in each other’s company without hurling insults does not make for a promising romance and the eventual “I love you's” are not believable.
The kidnapping assassins plot and internal struggle within a Yakuza family lacks foundation and is not fleshed out well. There is never any real threat from the villain and the last few chapters are completely superfluous.
All in all, Stuart’s ice cold heroes are starting to wear thin. Its a good thing that there is only one more book in the series. Hopefully it will end on a high note.
Sorry guys, I'm gonna have to pull out. It's too hard managing to read while Christmas is on. I haven't even started the book for this and can't read two next. Hope you all have a good Christmas with all your families!
No problem Nicole, real life gets in the way sometimes for all of us......I hate it when that happens lol. Have a great Xmas and New year xx
No worries, NicoleMerry Christmas, everyone
Week #7: Spot 60 - On page 31 of the Interested shelf
Book: In Bed With A Stranger by Mary Wine
Read: Dec 26th, 2014
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review:
As the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Warwickshire, Anne Copper is forced to serve at the pleasure of his vicious and bitter wife. When the Earl’s legitimate daughter is promised in marriage to a Scottish noble, Anne is coerced into taking her place. As passion draws Anne and Brodrick together, the malicious machinations of a twisted mind strive to tear them apart …
A steamy romance with a solid plot premise and a wicked stepmother type villainess who is enough to make your skin crawl.
Anne and Brodrick are a sweet couple and the author manages to avoid the silly misunderstanding trope that so often emerges from the mistaken identity storyline. That said, Anne’s character comes across as somewhat wishy-washy. There are moments when she exhibits an independent will and a strong backbone, but this is subsequently undermined by an uncharacteristic timidity and diffidence.
The basic plot is entertaining although there are a couple of problematic areas such as the contrived circumstances that (view spoiler), the unresolved plot threads, i.e., what happens to (view spoiler), and the rather anti-climactic ending where (view spoiler).
The secondary characters are intriguing and the hints at Cullen and Bronwyn’s book are enticing, so I will be continuing with the series.
On a final note, the book contains several explicit scenes that may not appeal to some readers of historical romance. However, fans of Elizabeth Hoyt will probably enjoy this aspect of the story.
Nicole anyone can be exempt from their books over Christmas if they want to. If you'd like to keep playing you're more than welcome. If not no worries either.
WEEK: 7
SPOT: #60 - Interested shelf
BOOK: Never let me go
FINISHED: 23rd Dec
RATING: ☆☆☆☆•5
REVIEW:
Wow this book is going to be really hard to review.
This is one that you really have to read yourself, don't read any reviews and go in blind!
The story in itself is about 3 children and how their lives are in a type of boarding school known as Hailsham.
Tommy is a boy that no one really bother with as he has quite a temper, that is apart from Kathy who has always been friends with him, and Ruth, who's stories are sometimes a little bit "out there"
Kathy is now 31 and is telling the story and is looking back fondly on her memories at Hailsham, but then the story starts to take a more sinister edge, and we are then allowed to look at the school for what it is, and why the children are so special.
Week 6 spot 51Standalone:
Finished:Dec 24th
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I found myself engrossed in this story and if it hadn't been for wrapping presents I would have completed it much sooner then the 3 days it took me.
10 people mysteriously invited to Indian Island by their host. A host that no one seems to know, but by the invation is made to look as if they do. It is within a few hours of being on this strangle little island that things start to get interesting. A host no where to be seen, a nursery rhyme about 10 little indians, a recording accusing each guest of the deaths of another and of course murder.
Week 7 is going to be another stand alone:
WEEK 6SPOT # 51
BOOK:
STANDALONE
READ: 30th Dec
RATING:☆☆☆☆
REVIEW:
This was a good debut book, although I read it as a buddy read and we sort of guessed the "twist"
The book is read in multiple POV and in different stages "before" and "after"
Mia Dennett goes out for a drink one night to meet her boyfriend, unfortunately he calls and cancels, while finishing her drink a man comes to talk to her, she ends up going home with him...........and he abducts her.
Hearing the story from the detective in charge of the investigation, Mia's mother, Colin Thatcher the kidnapper, and Mia herself, you get sucked into this very clever story.
Don't forget the your reviews need to be in by this evening, Friday morning latest so that we can roll tomorrow.Hope you all had a good New Year.
I might not be able to get mine in until Friday morning. Its my grandfathers birthday supper/party this evening. Its a potluck kind of thing, I'm going to bake cookies.
Mod
Current Spot: 51
Read:
The Ghost and the Graveyard by Genevieve Jack (Knight Games #1)Finished: 31 December 2014
Rating: ****
Witches, immortals, ghosts, vampires and centuries old magic... The Ghost and the Graveyard delivers a promising start to the Knight Games PNR/UF series. Grateful makes for a great main character, and the story combines paranormal action, humour and sexy times into a highly enjoyable mixture. It even has a love triangle that I (for once) find exciting rather than annoying and am looking forward to reading more about, since I'll most certainly be back for more from this series.
Mod
Current Spot: 60
Read:
The Mao Case by Qiu Xiaolong (Inspector Chen Cao #6)Finished: 26 December 2014
Rating: ***
Inspector Chen Cao is sent undercover to investigate a young woman whose grandmother had an affair with Mao and who authorities suspect owns some sort of material related to Mao that could prove an embarassment if leaked to the press. With no more information than that, Chen insinuates himself into the girl's social circle, little suspecting that bodies will begin to drop very soon...
A solid mystery, though I'm really lacking some deeper understanding of the cultural and political/historical references throughout the story to really immerse myself in it. (And I could do with less poetry-quoting all the time...)
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