R4: SS 5 by 5 (5)

[Pat]

Thanks Monica. I have not read James Patterson either but know he is very popular. I will definitely look into his books!

[Paris]

I finished my books earlier in the week, I just need to write my reviews. I'll have those posted soon.

[Pat]

Week 3 Spot 24

Finished: 12/2
Rating 3 stars

Review:
Dulcie is a fairy, employed by the Netherworld's branch of police service for the supernatural. She hobnobs with gremlins, hobgoblins, vampires and even a Loki. Supernaturals are turning up dead, and she has to find the reason why or she may be next.

Although this book has humorous parts to it, I found it too cookie cutter with other paranormal romances. Fairy and vampire (Bram the vampire) romances, all the supernaturals drooling over Dulcie, who is petite, and overly sexed, and not on the dating market is predictable. All in all an average book, entertaining, but not one that I was overexcited about. It is a series so it possible that it gets better with future books.

[Jennifer H]

Just a reminder we roll again at midnight tomorrow :)

[Paris]

Spot 19
1st in a Series

by Ann Aguirre
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Finished: 11/23/14

I’m not sure if I should thank Ann or not for this, but since this book was announced, I’ve not been able to get Backstreet Boys out of my head. Other than that nonsense, I really enjoyed this book. Although, I think that one of Ann Aguirre’s strengths is her amazing world building in your urban fantasy, sci-fi and dystopian series, I think she painted a very vivid and relatable picture with Nadia and Ty’s story. It’s been a really long time since I was in college and I didn’t get to do the living on campus or having college roommates experience, but the way that Ann wrote this book, I felt like I had. I felt like I was a part of this world, experiencing everything with them, which is what she’s always been able to do for me in the past with her other books.

I really appreciated how strong and independent Nadia was. She wasn’t like a lot of the new adult college heroines we see these days. I love how much this book actually followed her daily struggle of work, school, and balancing the college life. I also really liked that Nadia was so determined and focused on what she ultimately wants to do with her life. She knows who she is, she knows what she wants to do and that is really commendable.

Ty was not what I was expecting, although I should have known better. He’s exactly what I want out of my NA heroes. He’s strong, vulnerable and wants to take care of and love our heroine, but he’s got responsibilities in life that most people his age do not have and wouldn’t know what to do with if they did. I understood his hesitancy to get involved with Nadia and I loved the way their relationship progressed throughout the book. And his son Sam, is freaking adorable.

I really loved the journey through this book. I love that there wasn’t unnecessary angst or issues that were thrown in just for dramas sake. Everything felt natural for Nadia and Ty and I feel like what happened with Max, Angus and Lauren all felt natural as well. These characters all spoke to me and I am so happy I got the chance to read this book for review. I would have read it anyway cause it’s Ann Aguirre and New Adult romance, two things I absolutely love.

[Paris]

Spot 24
2nd in Series

by Ann Aguirre
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Finished: 11/23/14

As soon as I was finished with I Want It That Way, I had to start reading As Long As You Love Me. I needed to know how life worked out for Lauren. I felt a connection to her in the first book that I really couldn’t explain since we barely got to know her as more than Nadia’s best friend and Max’s love interest. In this book, we got to see the real Lauren, to get to know why she made the huge decision to quit school and head back to her tiny hometown. That kind of life changing decision takes a lot of guts and soul searching and it was interesting to see why she made the tough call.

I love that you can feel the change in Lauren the minute that she returns home. It seemed like a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders even though she still had a ton of things she needed to figure out in her life. I really enjoyed watching Lauren’s personal journey and growth throughout this book. I also really enjoyed how she helped Rob, Nadia’s brother, grow into the man he was always meant to be.

While Lauren’s life wasn’t perfect, it was Rob that I felt the worst for in this book. That poor man was told for most of his life that he was just a pretty face. Everyone, except for Lauren, made him feel like it was a good thing he was pretty because he didn’t have much else going for him, even his parents and his sister. It was really sad to see. But Lauren…she was like Rob’s hero, helping him to see the potential in himself and to see what he could really do. It almost backfired on her, but I think the way things worked out and the roads that each character took were perfect for them.

One of my favorite things about the first two books in this series is that each book is completely different from the other. And I think they are ultimately different from the other New Adult books out there. Sure there are some similarities, I think that can be said for almost all romances, but these still felt very fresh and new to me. The characters are strong and amazing and I cannot wait to read Max’s story next. I felt so bad for him after the situation with Lauren, it’ll be nice to see him get a happy ending too.

[Jenne]

Just a reminder, we roll tomorrow. If anyone has a team mate that hasn't checked in lately, captains go ahead and send a pm.

[Monica]

Spot 24
2nd in Series
by Lynn Viehl
Rating: 4 stars
Finished 12/4/14
Review:
This is the first book I have read in this series. I usually don't read a series out of order. I enjoyed the book but I was lost in understanding the characters and what was going on.

Jema is bitten by a vampire that needs to feed. Now there is a link between the vampire and Jema. Thierry Durand is the vampire and he keeps entering Jema's dreams.

Now I have to go and look for the first book in this series to fill in the gaps.

[Elle]

Week 2 Spot 19
Finished: 12/04

Rating:★★★★

Review:

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham was put on the big screen a few years back. I believe it's called Christmas with the Kranks or something like that. Anyway, it's absolutely hilarious. The Kranks live in the suburbs and Christmas is such an event in their town and neighborhood where they spend thousands and thousands on the holiday activities every year. Expectations and traditions are strongly upheld...that is until the Kranks only daughter leaves town with the Peace Corps out of the country. The Kranks decide Christmas won't be the same without her and instead of spending thousands on Christmas, they opt to go on a cruise. The town is practically turned upside down at this notion and the Kranks have to endure ridicule and trickery until their ship sets sail on Christmas day. The only problem is that their daughter has a wonderful surprise that makes it all the more fun. I enjoyed this so much. John Grisham is already one of my favorite authors and this story once again shows his talented versatility.

[Jennifer H]

I rolled a 3. We are now on spot 27.


Options
2nd in series
7th in series
Cover Item Tattoo

[Paris]

haha I knew I should have waited to start my SSS book (my team's on 27 there too). Oh well, I got a bunch of #2 books and a couple #7's. I'll post my book choice tomorrow.

[Monica]

I will be reading Harry potter and the deathly hallows.

[Pat]

I will be reading , 2nd in a series.

[Jennifer H]

Week 4~Spot 27


♦Monica~Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowlings~7th in series~Review
♦Pat~Insurgent by Veronica Roth~2nd in series~Review
♦Jennifer~Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas~2nd in series~Review
♦Paris~Breakable by Tammara Webber~2nd in series~Review
♦Sha~The Steele Wolf by Chanda Hahn~2nd in series~Review

[Paris]

I'm going to read

[Elle]

I'm reading 2nd in series

[Paris]

Spot 27
2nd in a series

by Tammara Webber
Rating: 4 Stars
Finished: 12/5/14

I really like the way this book was written. It was great getting to see how Landon became Lucas and what happened in his life. I thought he was really intriguing in Easy and I longed to know more about him. My only complaint about this book is how semi-stalkerish Lucas seemed seeing things from his point of view. He watched Jacqueline a lot before they actually met. He happened to be at the party cause he knew she was going to be there. It was a bit weird, but also a bit endearing. I still really like these characters and I really liked getting to know Lucas better.

[Elle]

Spot 27
Finished: 12/9


Rating:★★★★

Review:

Thalia is learning a lot about herself and her family as she endures the transformations of her body. Understanding her family and culture proves challenging and life threatening as her need to conceal her powers is critical. When Joss' sister is kidnapped, she is on a mission with Kael and the others to find her to prevent the same fate she's had to endure. She learns the truth about Kael and the connection between the two of them. This connection will threaten the feelings she hold for Joss. There are so many secrets to uncover in this series and the events that expose the truth are far from boring! The book ends with a direction towards the Septori. The mission is simple...find them and kill them. Putting an end to the Septori will end the torture although it won't save Thalia from herself and what she is becoming. Can't wait to read the third one.

[Jennifer H]

Week 4~Spot 27


by Lisa Kleypas
Finished~12/10/14
Rating~♥♥♥♥♥

I thought this book would be good, and it was great! Lisa Kleypas is such a great writer, you are immediately drawn into her characters, and these two are great. Loved the fact that the characters from Sugar Daddy played a pretty good size role in this book as well. I love getting to see what has happened to those characters as well! Hardy Cates is a great hero type character. Lots going on...but finally finding someone that completes and settles him down. I highly recommend this book to Lisa Kleypas readers, readers who read "Sugar Daddy", and anyone looking for a great romance writer!

[Pat]

Week 4 - Spot 27
Finished 12/10/14


Rating: ****

Second in a series, this book takes up with Tris, the Divergent heroine of the story, conflicted and in heaps of trouble. She has killed one of her best friends in self-defense during a "simulation" program run by one of the other factions in her city, and her own factions survivors of the "simulation" have split into two opposing groups. What choices she makes will impact not only herself, but the whole city. Meanwhile her relationship with Tobias continues to develop and true to life has some rocky moments.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well developed and believable, and there are enough twists and turns to keep the reader involved. The writing is a little stilted, but it is written for young adults so that may be intentional, and I got used to it after a while. I am looking forward to reading the next book!

[Monica]

Week 4 - Spot 27
Finished: 12/11/14

Rating 5 stars

Review:

This was a re-read for me. I haven't read this book since it was released in 2007. It has been 7 years since this book was released. I still found myself crying and cheering all at the same time.

I know there are people that haven't read this series yet and I don't want to reveal too much. The first death in the book that Harry experiences made me cry. I think there are tear stains in my book from the first time I read this book.

The final battle between good and evil happens in this book. Harry is on the search for what will make Voldemort vulnerable and able to kill. Ron and Hermione help him along the way.

Harry, Ron and Hermione grow and discover more about each other while they search for the Horucruxes. They have fights, and moments of true friendship. I could go on and on about this book but I won't. I am just glad that I finally re-read this book after 7 years.

[Jennifer H]

We are all ready for tonight's roll :D

[Jennifer H]

I rolled a 7. We are now on spot 34.


Options
3rd in series
4th in series
Cover Item Fire

[Paris]

Nice roll Jennifer. I have a book for each option, not sure which one I'll get to first.

[Elle]

3rd in the series

[Pat]

3rd in a Series.

[Monica]

I have a few books in mind to read now I just have to make sure I can find the actual book at my house. Here are my choices:

Real Vampires get Lucky by Gerry Bartlett
Twanged by Carol Higgins Clark
Three to get deadly by Janet Evanovich

They are all 3rd in the series.

[Jennifer H]

Week 5~Spot 34


♦Sha~The Silver Siren by Chanda Hahn~3rd in series~Review
♦Pat~The Void by JD Horn~3rd in series~Review
♦Jennifer~Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas~3rd in series~Review
♦Paris~Cooper by Harper Sloan~4th in series~Review
♦Monica~Real Vampires Get Lucky by Gerry Bartlett~3rd in series~Review

[Paris]

Spot 34
4th in a series

by Harper Sloan
Rating: 5 Stars
Finished: 12/12/14

The way that Beck ended was heartbreaking and unexpected. I wasn’t sure how things would work out in Cooper, but I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. I love that Harper Sloan doesn’t waste a lot of time keeping the main couple apart. And the drama that surrounds them tends to make them stronger. I also love that we get to see the other couples and how they are doing and we see the future couples and their heartaches and drama.

Asher Cooper is new to the gang. We didn’t get to spend much time getting to know him at the end of Beck. And he was brought to Georgia for that heartbreaking ending. His and Chelcie’s story was so great. I loved every second of it, even the beginning when Asher wasn’t in the best frame of mind. I did really miss Coop though. His humor was a nice addition to the gang where most of the men are really serious (although they’ve definitely lightened up since meeting their women).

I absolutely love this family and I’m going to be sad when I finish Locke. While I can’t wait to finally read Locke and Emmy’s story, I’m still gonna hate to see things end. There’s a scene between Locke and Emmy in this book that had me cheering out loud. Although, I’m really looking forward to the story of the Cage Security kids (loved the reference to Nate being an alpha baby in this book). I can’t wait to see Cohen as a grown up and I’m hoping we’ll get to see the other kids as well. Harper Sloan has a fan in me and I will definitely pick up anything she puts out.

[Jennifer H]

Week 5~Spot 34


by Lisa Kleypas
Finished~12/15/14
Rating~♥♥♥♥

Tempt Me at Twilight is a solidly good book. Not my favorite so far in the series but still likable. Honestly I like the secondary back story of Leo and Catherine more than the primary story of Poppy and Harry, therefore I'm anxiously awaiting the next in the series.

[Elle]

Week 5/ Spot 34
Finished: 12/15


Rating:★★★★

Review:

This was a great ending to this trilogy. Thalia comes to grip with who she is and the sacrifices she has to make in order to save the ones she loves as well as the ones she despise. Things take such crazy disappointing turns and all questions are answered while the lands go to war. Thalia is burdened and comforted by her gifts as she learns that it wasn't just the Iron Butterfly that made her who she is. The instilled powers were developing her into what she was meant to become and the place she would hold in history. Again, this trilogy would have easily earned 5 stars if it weren't for the poor translation to the kindle. I have to blame it on that because there is no way a print version could be so poorly edited. The storyline however is one of action, fun, mystery and intrigue. I loved the characters and how the author progressively developed them. Great trilogy.

[Pat]

Week 5 - Spot 34
Finished 12/17


Rating: ****

Review:

The Void was the last book in the Witching Savannah trilogy. Mercy has come into her full power as Anchor to the line....the line being the source and essence of all supernatural power. This book continues with Mercy now pregnant, and her relationships to her various family members in the large southern mansion that she calls home. There are twists and turns throughout this book, and just when you think you have it figured out - another curve ball is thrown. The main theme in the book revolves around Mercy as she tries to discern who to trust in a world that seems to want to see her dead.

A good read and the 4 stars for the twists that you don't see coming. There were times that the descriptions seemed a little lengthy to me, but I think that is the authors style. Definitely would recommend the series as a good entertaining read with original ideas.

[Jenne]

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.

[Monica]

Week 5 Spot 34
Finished Dec. 18, 2014
# 3 in series.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:
I can always count on a fun and thrilling read in one of these Glory St. Clair books. I had stumbled upon this series by accident. Saw the first book on sale at Barnes and Noble and picked it up. Since then I haven't stopped getting these books when I can find them.

This book has Glory turning a human to a vampire. Something she doesn't want to do. When her and Valdez stumble upon Lucky Carver behind her shop bleeding out, Gloria has to decide to either save her or let her die. I will say that Lucky is annoying from the beginning.

Lucky is not one to be quiet and unseen and now that she is a vampire she has to learn the vampires rules. As always Glory is very entertaining with the men in her life and it is great to see Blade in this book. I look forward to the next book and possibly seeing Lucky in future books.

[Jennifer H]

I rolled an 11 for week 6. We are now on spot 45.


Options
4th in series
5th in series
2012

I rolled an 8 for week 7. We are now on spot 53.

Options
3rd in series
5th in series
Amazing

[Paris]

Great rolls Jennifer. I will consult my TBR and post my books a little later.

[Pat]

For the first week I will read publishe in 2012. Downloaded a while ago and finally reading! The second week I will be reading which is third in a series.

[Jennifer H]

Week 6~Spot 45


♦Pat~The Grimm Chronicles Vol. 1 by Isabella Fontaine~2012~Review
♦Jennifer~Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon~5th in series~Review
♦Sha~Shelter by Harlan Coben~2012~Review
♦Monica~Real Vampires Don't Diet by Gerry Bartlett~4th in series~Review
♦Paris~Breaking His Rules by Alison Packard~4th in series~Review

[Jennifer H]

Week 7~Spot 53


♦Pat~Allegiant by Veronica Roth~3rd in series~Review
♦Jennifer~Getting Rowdy by Lori Foster~3rd in series~Review
♦Sha~The Giver by Lois Lowry~Amazing~Review
♦Paris~Ignited by J Kenner~3rd in series~Review
♦Monica~Twilight by Stephanie Meyers~Amazing~Review

[Elle]

Sixth week reading 2012 book-

Seventh week from the "Amazing" list-

[Monica]

I will be reading for Week 6. #4 in series.

[Paris]

I think I'll read a 3rd book in a series and a 4th book

[Paris]

Spot 45
4th in a series

by Alison Packard
Rating: 5 Stars
Finished: 12/22/14

I have loved every single book in this series long before it became an actual series. Alison Packard’s characters are so easy to connect with even though they are all different. I really liked the little we got to see of Jake and Melissa in the last book. I was really looking forward to their story and it turned out to be everything I wanted and more. Jake is an amazing man. I wish there were men like that around me. He’s sweet, good looking, hardworking, responsible and when adopting his dogs, he went with the older ones, the ones that never seem to get adopted. He is also very close to his family which is super sexy.

I absolutely adored Melissa and I feel like Melissa and this book were very inspirational for me. I loved watching Melissa’s confidence grow and I loved that in the end she was able to stand up for herself and be everything she wanted to be. It was so beautiful to see. I really enjoyed her relationship with her sister and I am so hoping that Paige and Jake’s brother Justin are the subject of the next book.

I love the message of this book that you don’t have to be in single digit clothing to be happy and healthy. What really gets me is that the message is there, but it isn’t overly in your face and it Alison never comes off as preachy. I’ve read other books with messages that are important, but that get ruined in the book because of the way the characters and author come across.

I cannot wait to read more by Alison Packard. She has a fan in me and I will highly recommend her work to all of my friends.

[Paris]

Spot 53
3rd in a series

by J. Kenner
Rating: 4 Stars
Finished: 12/24/14

I was really excited to finally get a chance to read Cole and Kat’s story. I liked them both a lot from the bits and pieces of them that we saw in the previous two books. Cole is a little more on the dark, break the law side of things and we learn early on that Kat fits in well with him. It was great getting to learn Kat’s secrets now that she’s telling the story.

I really liked that there wasn’t a whole lot of back and forth, will they, won’t they. Both Cole and Kat knew what they wanted and Kat definitely wasn’t going to take no for an answer. These two are super hot together and really made for each other. They challenge each other and fill in the holes that they both so desperately have needed filling in their entire lives. Cole’s back story is ridiculously sad and scary and it’s amazing he made it out alive. Kat’s back story isn’t all sunshine and roses either and it’s her history that starts them on their path.

We got to see Damien Stark and Nikki in this book, which was great. I really enjoyed their series and this series and I look forward to more from J. Kenner in this world.

[Elle]

Week 7/ Spot 53
Finished: 12/23



Rating:★★★★

Review:

I'm giving this book a 4 based on the premise. I think it's really clever. However, the first installment is so short and such an introduction that I have little if no idea to where the author is going to attempt to take it. The world these people live is one void of anything that alludes to emotion to include intimacy, color, music, and feelings in general. The community runs very strictly on rules and norms and outliers are "released" to keep the order of these norms. Interesting and disturbing at the same time because there is only one individual who keep all the memories of communities of the past. These memories include all things that the current community is foreign to but they serve as a means to make decisions that support order. These memories are in place as a preventive measure of what the community wants to avoid. So, the "giver" has to teach his successor how to use the past to shape and conduct the future. However, when emotions are discovered in 12 yr old Jonas, things seem to have a different turn and objective. I'm interested in the 2nd of 4 books in the quartet.

[Elle]

Week 6/ Spot 45
Finished: 12/25



Rating:★★★★

Review:

This is my first Harlan Coben book. From what I understand, he's written a ton of books but Shelter is his first YA project. Shelter is the first in the Mickey Bolitar series. Mickey is a high school sophomore whose life was turned upside down. Mickey's mom was a top tennis player and his father did humanitarian work all over the world. The three of them were the perfect family, despite the lack of stability due to traveling. Right after getting settled, he witnesses his father's death and his mother turns to drugs to cope. Mickey, being the new kid in school is making friends and trouble as he is caught in a mystery that connects somehow to his dead father. This story is fast-paced, covers all the typical cliche's of high school (lol), is witty and overall a great read.

[Jennifer H]

Week 6~Spot 45


by Diana Gabaldon
Finished~12/25/14
Rating~♥♥♥♥♥

I love every book in this series. Diana is a compelling writer that makes you really feel that you know the characters. Not only is the character development excellent, I appreciate how descriptive she is with the environment surrounding the characters. She puts in enough detail to give the reader a comprehensive look at the time period and location, without making the scenery it's own character. This is the best kind of adventure and love story. As with all of the books in the series, it is a continuation of lives, not a flash of passion, but the enduring love that has ups and downs, grief and joy, with a lot of action and adventure as befits the time period of Colonial America. I would recommend anything written by Diana Gabaldon!

[Monica]

Week 6 Spot: 45
Finished: 12/26/14
Real Vampires Don't Diet by Gerry Bartlett (4th in series)
Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Glory St. Clare is at it again in Real Vampires Don't Diet. Glory is a vampire that was turned about 400 years ago. She is no your typical vampire. She doesn't like to hunt for food. She prefers the synthetic blood. She is also not you bone thin vampire. She has curves.

This book has Glory and Ray (Isreal Caine) in a very compromising situation. New Years Eve and Glory's on again off again man Jerry travels to Europe to look for his possible daughter. Glory goes to Ray when she learns that he is drinking alcohol. Vampires and alcohol do not mix.

Glory and Ray go out on a lake and meet a Siren. The Siren, Aggie is hunting vampires for a goddess named Crice. Aggie is a fan of Isreal Caine and decides to make Glory and Ray bring her 3 male vampires, and one must be Casanova.

Glory and Ray pretend to be engaged and also go to the Energy Vamps to work on getting Simon Destiny to be another of the vampires for Aggie. The fun begins for Glory, Jerry and Ray. A love triangle is now in full swing in this series. Glory in a pretend relationship with Ray and having to keep her real relationship with Jerry under wraps.

I am looking forward to reading the next book to see what is in store for Glory, Jerry, Ray and Jerry's daughter Lily. Now that Westwood the vampire hunter has been killed it will be interesting to see who besides Simon Destiny will be going after Glory and her friends.

[Pat]

Week 6 - Spot 45
Finished: 12/27/14

Rating: 2 Stars

The Grimm Chronicles is a tale of a young woman, who is a Junior in High School who discovers that she has been chosen to be a Hero. The world is filled with the Corrupted, characters from the Brothers' Grimms Fairy Tales that have come to life, but no matter what their character was like in the Fairy Tale, now have become unspeakably evil. Her role as a Hero is to hunt them down and kill them. Not hard to do, however, as they seem to pop up in her life all around her. Her sidekick in the story is Bre'r Rabbit (but his friends call him Briar).

The book was ok, but not one that I kept engaged in. The concept was original, and I like that they actually included the Grimm Fairy Tales that corresponded with the the characters in the book. For that cleverness I give it a three. Written for young adults, or even middle school kids the book is enjoyable in discovering more about the Grimm Tales, but as a stand alone, a bit disappointing. There are others in the series, but I doubt I will read any more.

[Jennifer H]

Happy New Year!! May 2015 be filled with 5-star books!