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R4: SS 5 by 5 (5)


1/1/15-4♥
A very enjoyable book with just enough danger and excitement to keep it interesting and enough romance to make you keep turning the pages. Avery and Rowdy have an easy rapport and I like the way they play off each other. Their hook-up was inevitable and I like the way the way it worked out. All the characters in the book have a back story and they all work well together. I am looking forward to the next book. A very good read.


Finished 01/01/15
Rating: 4 Stars
The third book in the trilogy, the author continues the story of Tobias and Tris, tossed in a world of revolution, betrayal, where lies and truth blend into one. The book is a good read, plenty of action and character development. I was a bit disappointed in the ending, but the author stayed true to her vision.
I would recommend the trilogy, especially to teens who are interested in a dystopian world with a mix of romance and danger.

Monica~I Take You: A Novel by Eliza Kennedy~Standalone~Review
Pat~A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith~Interested~Review
Jennifer~Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire~Interested~Review
Paris~Darkness Splintered by Keri Arthur~6th in series~Review
Sha~Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Brupo~Standalone~Review

6th book in a series

Rating: 4 Stars
Finished: 1/4/15
I really, really love Keri Arthur’s urban fantasy work. I always feel so pulled into the action. I’m a part of the battle, feeling everything that Risa is feeling and I love it. So much happens in this book that it was difficult to put it down and you definitely can’t multitask. All of your attention is needed to keep up with the craziness that is the search for the keys. Risa is so awesome as a heroine. Even when everyone is out to get her, she never gives up, never backs down. And Azriel…his presence, his declaration, made this book even more amazing.
I am sad that the next book is the end of this series, but I am dying to see how it all ends. I hope that Risa and her friends all survive, but you never know cause I’m sure things are about to get even crazier than they have been.

Finished: 1/3/15
Standalone:

Rating:♥♥♥
Review: For the book itself as a cohesive, flowing, engaging story, I give it a 3. The "authors" are not exactly "authors" and it was their job to get a true story across. Now, rating the life experience of this child definitely earns a higher rating. I'm not really sure why I waited so long to read this book. It's one thing to hear adults talk about their "out-of-body" experiences and "seeing heaven", etc. but to hear an innocent, inexperienced and unknowing 3yr old discuss things he shouldn't know about...different altogether. I'm sure I would have tripped out just like the parents. I won't put any spoilers but I will say that there is no way for a child of that age to say the things he said with conviction unless he had some kind of experience as he's described. To be able to talk about things that happened and people that died way before he was even born is simply incredible. Despite a person's belief system, this book will have one questioning what is real.


1/5/15-4♥
This was a really great story. I love Trenton. Maybe even a little bit more than Travis, which I did not think possible. Cam was a great character, strong, independent, outspoken. Cam and Trent fit perfectly together. I really enjoyed Reagan and Kody too. The only thing I didn't really understand was all the angst regarding T.J.'s secret. I don't think it was that big of a deal. I was waiting for this huge, unspeakable thing to be revealed. I can't say much more without giving it away though. I really enjoy this authors writing, and can't wait for the next book.

Finished 1/6/15
Interested:

Rating: 5 Stars
Loved this book! This is the story of a girl who comes of age in Brooklyn circa 1918. Born into a poor immigrant family this book delves into a family that is struggling with poverty, ignorance, and the cultural bigotry that came with being 2nd generation Irish immigrants. Francie is the young girl, with a younger brother, Nolan, a Father who struggles with alcoholism and her mother who keeps the family together and going despite the many obstacles.
This is a must read for your bucket list! Timeless, with relevant social commentary for any age, and with the brutal honesty that only a child can convey, this is a book that you will think about long after you turn the last page. A definite thumbs up!

Finished 1/6/15
Interested:

Rating: 5 Stars
Loved this book! This is the story of a girl who comes of age in Brooklyn circa 1918. Bo..."
Completely agree - it's a wonderful book!


Finished 1/8/15
Rating 4 stars
Review:
I received this book as an Early Review copy from Library Thing. The blurb about the book caught my interest and I was hoping to find myself really laughing. I had a few chuckles. Not sure if it is just me not being into the book at present or just not the book for me.
You have a woman getting married and her family questioning if she is going to go through with it. Her Gran is one that I found myself smiling and laughing with/at. I am glad I read the book.


Pat~Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones~6th in series~Review
Sha~Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry~2nd in series~Review
Jennifer~Torn by Kim Karr~2nd in series~Review
Paris~Searching for Perfect by Jennifer Probst~2nd in series~Review
Monica~Southern Storm by Terri Blackstock~2nd in series~Review

2nd in a series

Rating: 4 Stars
Finished: 1/10/15
Nathan Ellison Raymond Dunkle was the star of this book. He is, by far, my favorite nerdy character in a book (heck, his initials are NERD). He was definitely a little rough around the edges, but I could see his potential from the start. I didn’t like the way Kennedy treated him at first, but eventually she stopped acting like she was better than him and I could see how well they fit together. I loved Nate’s strength and loyalty. He is definitely someone you’d want in your corner.
His brother Connor was very over the top. I got his issues, but I felt like he was just too much at times and he definitely wasn’t good for Nate and how he saw women. I loved going through the journey with Kennedy and Nate. I think they both transformed a little both mentally and physically while working together. It was great to see Kennedy let herself go a little, although everything she had gone through growing up screamed at her not to. Her backstory was sad and disturbing and it made me hate people just a little bit more.
I am really looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I am curious how things will work out for Genevieve and Arilyn. And I hope that we’ll get to see more of Kennedy and Nate and Kate and Slade in the next two books. I also love the way that Jennifer Probst has tied this series to her Marriage to a Billionaire series. I look forward to reading the other books in that series as well.

She is such a spunky heroine! And the humor is really great. Now if we only roll a 7 next time around!

6th in a Series
Sixth Grave on the Edge
Rating: 4 Stars
Finished: 01/12/15
Charley Davidson is at it again. In book 6 of the series our super sleuth (who happens to be the Grim Reaper on the side) talks to the dead, solves crimes and has a boy friend (Reyes) who is to die for. He just happens to be incredibly hot...oh, and he is also the son of Satan. Charley continues to try to solve the riddle of her heritage, while also figuring out what happily ever after will mean with Reyes.
This book finds Charley multi-tasking as usual. She is hired by a man who insists that he has lost his soul in a poker game and he wants Charley to get it back. She is awakened in the middle of the night by really bad guys who old a gun to her head and tell her that she has 48 hours to find a particular girl or someone close to her gets it. She has a very silent dead man whose incorporeal body rides around with her in her jeep, Misery. It just never seems to stop for our heroine Charley.
I love this series. Written with a heavy dose of humor, the author cleverly incorporates numerous intricate story lines in her tale. Always entertaining, with good character development, this series is a lot of fun to read. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance, clever writing and lots of humor.


1/14/15-4♥
River and Dahlia's story continues in Torn, and it is a doozy. There is so much going on. With the return of someone from Dahl's past, that really shakes things up between them. Secrets are revealed, and communication is not good between River and Dahlia. It makes for some running on her part and heartbreak for him. Their connection is deeper than you thought, when these secrets come out. Since I don't want to reveal anything, I am not going into detail. If you've read Connected, then you know you have to read Torn. It is as simple as that. If you're just starting the series, then get to it. This is an original story line that I haven't read before, which is rare. It is full of surprises and gasp-worthy moments.



1/14/2015 - 4 stars
A storm is raging on Cape Refuge. Cade, the Chief of Police is driving to divert traffic around some down power lines when he hits a man that walks out in front of him. Cade is raked with guilt after the man dies. When Cade vanishes Blair is concerned that something happened to him. Blair feels that the police are doing nothing to find him. She has a gut feeling that the man's wife is responsible for Cade's disappearance.
The story was interesting and one that I found myself wanting to keep reading. I had many questions that need to be answered. Why did Cade disappear? Would they find him? Who is kidnapping the babies from the hospital? There is a lot of talk about Christianity and praying to God. Blair has not been a believer for some time now. Will she finally believe that there is a God?
I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Finished: 1/15/15
2nd in series:

Rating:♥♥♥♥
This is the second book in The Giver quartet. So far, it's my favorite. The first book was an introduction I guess, but this second book, completely unrelated to the first book, is also an introduction to another character and "community". Kira is the main character and she is handicapped. Normally, being born with a "flaw" wasn't acceptable and resulted in immediate death but her mother fought for her. She has a gift of sewing and she finds just how valuable her gift is. She discovers the truth about those that stepped up to protect her and realizes the commonalities of those she becomes closest to. This story is much more cohesive for me than the first one. It's intriguing, it grabs you from the beginning and doesn't really slow down. Really enjoyed it.

That's usually what happens to me. I'm totally going to clean after this chapter...not.

I rolled an 11, we are now on spot 73
Options
3rd in series
7th in series
2009
So sorry once again :)

3rd in Series

Rating: 5 Stars
Finished: 1/20/15
I love this series. I was a little worried since this was a totally different couple, but I fell in love with Clark and Viv immediately. So heartwarming and hilarious. Exactly what I was hoping for.

3rd in Series

Finished: 1/22/15
Rating: ★★★
Review:
This is the 3rd book in the Dresden Files series. It was ok. The last book was much more engaging maybe because I enjoyed reading about the werewolves as opposed to ghosts in this book. I like that his books build from one to another and you really get to learn about the characters which makes it a good series to stick with. I like the mystery of this one however. The ghosts are torturing specific people in their dreams and basically puts them under a spell or worse, attempts to kill them. Dresden is on the list and has to figure out very quickly who the ringleader is. Love the relationships with him and Susan and him and Murphy. Great writing from that end. Looking forward to the next one.

Paris~Screwdrivered by Alice Clayton~3rd in series~Review
Sha~Grave Peril by Jim Butcher~3rd in series~Review
Jennifer~Immortal in Death by JD Robb~3rd in series~Review
Pat~Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones~7th in series~Review
Monica~All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris~7th in series~Review

7th in a series


7th in a Series

Rating: 4 Stars
Finished: 01/20/15
Charley Davidson is at it again. Charley, private eye and part-time grim reaper, has her hands full. She is newly "preggie" by her fiancee Reyes Farrow (also known as the Son of Satan" and owner of the bar downstairs) and is up to her neck in cases. There is a rash of missing persons, who have left suicide notes that look strangely alike; someone is stealing bodies from graves and a ghost wants her body back where it belongs; a TV journalist is paying way too much friendly attention to Reyes; and Charley's Dad seems to have disappeared. Charley hits the ground running with all of her usual sidekicks, living and dead and the reader hangs on for the ride.
These books are so entertaining. I highly recommend them to those who like paranormal romance, lots of humor and clever writing, and just an all around good time. Next in series is coming out in March, and I will definitely line up for that one too.


1/21/15-5♥
Simply captivating I love the mix of mystery and low level science fiction. Setting these novels nearly fifty years in the future allowed the author to add many fun references to intriguing technological visions of life in mid-twenty-first century Earth and beyond.


1/21/15 5 stars
I am finally continuing on my Sookie series. It has been awhile since I picked this series up. I almost forgot all that had happened in the previous book. Sookie is helping the Vamps again in this book.
The Vamps are having a summit and the queen of Louisiana is also up for trial because she supposedly murdered her Arkansas King fiance. Since Sookie is a telepath and is a witness to the murder the queen requires her presence at the Summit. She will be paid for this service.
I felt that Sookie has misgivings about helping the vamps but also fears that if she doesn't she might not be able to live either. Her friend Tara, Sam and others try to talk her out of helping them. Her boyfriend Quinn will be there running things for the vamps too.
Sookie is her usual entertaining self. You also get to see Barry the other Telepath in this book. Not sure what I think of him.

1st in Series

Rating: 3.5 Stars
Finished: 1/25/15
Overall this had a great story and was an entertaining read, although, for a while I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to finish it. The beginning is pretty cliché and cringe inducing. I rolled my eyes a lot, but eventually the story started to get better. It’s a pretty solid three star book. I did give it an extra half a star because I’m intrigued enough given the epilogue and little scenes here and there, that I might have to read Courtney and Reed’s story if the price is right.

Pat~The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky~Standalone~REVIEW
Paris~Broken by Kelly Elliot~1st in series~REVIEW
Sha~Alex by Adam J Nicolai~Standalone~REVIEW
Jennifer~Homeport by Nora Roberts~Standalone~REVIEW
Monica~Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard~1st in series~REVIEW

Standalone

Finished:1/26/15
Rating: NONE
Review: This is the most disturbing book I have ever read. The premise of the book seemed like it would be a good one to read. Having a child kidnapped and murdered has to be the most horrifying experience ever. His son speaks to him after his death and he has to figure out what he's trying to tell him . Now, in this kind of story, I am o.k. with an author leaving some things vague or without much illustration, especially when the victim is a 5yr old boy. Discussing the rape of this victim by another grown man simply goes way over my boundaries. I am disgusted with Mr. Nicolai that he felt comfortable enough with this to actually write it, illustrate it and remind us several times in the story. A great writer doesn't have to go to this extent to emotionally grip his reader. UGH. I only finished it because I wanted to know how the hell it ended and what Alex was trying to say. I will never read anything else by Adam J. Nicolai, ever. Ever.


1/26/15-5♥
If you are an avid Nora Roberts fan, you will love this book.It is full of sexual tension, romance, and unforgettable characters. And just when you think Ryan is beyond being human, you meet his family.

Standalone

Finished: 1/29/15
Rating: 3 Stars
This book is about Charlie, a 15 year old boy and is told in a series of letters that Charlie sends to an unknown friend. Gradually through the series of letters we find out that something is really wrong with Charlie, and we watch as he tries to fit into a very confusing world. Charlie's struggles and continuing conflicts lead up to a believable ending and with Charlie surviving his crisis.
Although well written, this book was too dark for me. His despair is all too real and although I understand the author's reasons for writing this story, it is just not one easily read. I don't want to give too much away as there were some good twists in the book.
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Finished:12/31/14
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
Twilight was one of the first books I read featuring Vampires. I wasn't familiar with all the 'myths' or 'superstitions' about Vampires. I enjoyed this book because it made me feel like a teenager in love again.
Bella moves to Forks to live with her father. She isn't keen on moving there but does it for her mother. Many of the students are eager to be friends and more with Bella.
Bella sees Edward from across the cafeteria. Edward is not your typical teenager and Bella intrigues Edward.