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R4: SS Crazy 8's (8)
Week 2: Spot 13 (1st In Series)
Finished: November 25th
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This was a really good book! It had a nice combination of historical fiction and paranormal romance. I really liked Winter's character and how much he cared for Aida! The ending was sweet. I'll definitely read the next one as the next one is going to feature another character and their story, but I hope that Aida and Winter will be in the background though!
for the second roll i will be reading 2nd in a series
finished this book for week 3
rating: 5 stars
review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Week 2:
3 stars
1st book in a series
This book was cute and an enjoyable gay version of 16 candles. I didn't love it but It was the kind of book you could read in one sitting I have read many other YA books that were better than this and so it definitely affe ted my rating. Lliked Sam and Mitch storyline and I will definitely consider reading the sequel when I have time.
Week 2: Spot 13 - (Series #1)
Mark Cooper versus America by Lisa Henry
Read: 11/21
Rating: ★★★★
This was fun and Mark was an adorable little angry ball of Australian temper. The patience and long suffering nature of Deacon was nice as well. He was a good balance to Mark. I liked the frat battles even if they were a little stereotypical. Still this was fun and definitely has me interested in reading the sequel.
Week 3:
Spot 21 - (Series #1)
Brothers In Arms by Kendall McKenna
Read: 11/23
Rating: ★★★★
Nobody writes military better in my opinion. At least not for the realism. I always feel like Ms. McKenna's stories really capture the nature of the military and what the men are dealing with. I liked the camaraderie in this story and the fact that neither man let go of the past. This story moved a little quickly for me as far as the relationship went, only because I wanted more time between these two and to see where things went. I really enjoyed my reading though.
Week 3: Spot 21 (1st In Series)
Finished: November 30th
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Overall, I really liked this book. It was slow and a little confusing in the beginning, but as I read on, it picked up, got interesting, and everything started to make sense on what was going on. There was a scene in this book that reminded me of Terminator 2 where this person on foot was running really fast and chasing them during a car chase. I'll continue this series for sure because I want to know what happens next and I love reading anything in the mythology genre!
Week 2: 1st in a series: Wicked Autumn by G.M. Malliet - book #1 in Max Tudor , Finished (11/30/14) - 2 starsThis was a hard book for me to finish. I'm a huge fan of cozy mysteries, but this one just dragged on and left me quite bored too often. The main character is an ex MI5 agent turned Angelican priest. Yep, wasn't too believable for me either. He didn't even seem to really know the people in his congregation and quaint village that well either. What bothered me most about this book was the long, drawn out descriptions. They far outnumbered the dialogue between characters. Thankful I completed it so I can get credit for a challenge, but definitely won't be revisiting this series.
Week 3:
Book 1 in Series3.5 stars
I really liked this book but I felt that we only got part of the story. We saw very little of Jake and Sawyer's childhood and the relationship they had then and I got really tired of hearing how most of the the band members were having sex with female fans.I felt that that detracted from Sawyer and Jakes relationship once they were reunited. I also felt it was very easy to figure out that Lauralin was involved it the threats against Sawyer.
Week 3: Murder, Plain and Simple by Isabella Alan, Book 1 in the Amish Quilt Shop mystery, Finished (12/4/14), 4 starsWhat a nice start to a brand new cozy series. I've always been a fan of reading Amish fiction. Throw in a good, light mystery and I'm hooked. The setting was great, the supporting cast was believable and I absolutley loved the main character, Angie, and her cute dog Oliver. Parts of the story were predictable, but I was still left guessing until the very end on who committed the actual crime and why. I'm looking forward to continuing the series and following a few storylines that were set up in this debut.
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.
alright everyone WTG!!! we are ready to roll tonight :)week 2 reviews:
Shelby-
shelby
amy-
amy Kimberly-
Kimberly Amy-
Amy Nan-
Nan WEEK 3:
Shelby-
Shelby Amy-
Amy Kimberly-
KimberlyAmy-
Amy Nan-
Nan
i rolled a 6 so we are on spot 27we can read the following:
2nd in a series, 7th in a series or the alternate cover item "tattoo"
i am going with the alternate and i am reading 
I'm reading
- Nothing Special # 2310 pgs
I'll post my selection in the morning. The Bookshelf Battle in the Crazy Challenge Group will post their shelf then and it could quite possibly be the final selection since so many teams are close to finishing. I have a few options depending on what's called that will work for both challenges!!
Changed my book to
2nd in Series
4.5 stars
Absolutely loved the continuation of Theo and Wills story. This is an author I discovered during last years SH and I am really glad I did. I am drawn into the story immediately and hate the people I am supposed to hate and love the good guys. I see what Wills and Theo have been through in their past and if there are two people who deserve a HEA it is those two. Really hoping there will be a continuation of this series !
After finishing up Easy this morning, I'm anxious to continue the story. So I'm switching my selection to Breakable by Tammara Webber Book 2 in Contours of the Heart.
Week 4Spot 27 - Series #2
Heartsong by S.W. Vaughn
Read: 12/7
Rating: ★★★★★
I actually think I liked this book more than the first one. I appreciated how gruff Uriskel is with all of the trouble he's had in his life. He's such a loyal soul even if no one knows it but himself. He would defend his brothers to his grave though they have no clue. I thought Trystan was perfect for him. As much as I didn't like Braelan to start he began to grow on me and I could finally see through the spoiled rotten brat to the potentially awesome prince underneath. The fae elements in this story really work for me. I like the way this urban fantasy is presented very much. :)
Week 4: Breakable by Tammara Webber Book 2 in Contours of the Heart, Finished: (12/11/14), 3 starsAfter devouring Easy, I immediately snatched up this book hoping to continue the story. However, this book is not a sequel. It is Lucas's POV from Easy and Landon's past before coming to college. I loved Lucas in the first book and it was great going through those favorite scenes again - seeing his thoughts and reactions. The author surprisingly managed to keep it fresh and interesting. The thing I loved so much about his character in Easy though, was the mystery and that's taken completely away in this book. He is defintiley more vunerable and less confident in his actions. I was more interested in Landon's past. It was heartbreaking and intriguing to see what shaped the young man into the protector that I quickly fell in love with in book one. By reading about his past, you learn more about his relationship with his dad and Dr. Heller's family, the awful death of his mother and how it hurt Landon both physically and mentally. Talk about a complex character! It's a good companion book to read AFTER book one. I really like this author's storytelling and will look into her other series.
Spot 27 (7th In Series)
Finished: December 11th
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
Darynda Jones has done it again! This was an amazing book just the previous ones in the Charley Davidson series! I really loved how much Reyes really loves Charley and at what lengths he goes to protect her from the evil that is always after her! After reading the summary on what book 8 is going to be about, I seriously can't freaking wait for it to release in May 2015!
Hey guys sorry. I feel asleep I am leaving work now and will post my review and roll!
i went with the alternate
5 stars
finished: 12/8/14
this story was a great story. It was about a teenage girl who found out that she was a reaper, but not just any reaper. she was destined to save the world. She found out about her other family and was told she had to leave everything and go to a special school. while she was at this school she had to overcome a lot of drama because of who her family was. She will be put in a difficult situation when her boyfriend mysteriously shows up!!!
i rolled a 7 and now on spot 34 we can read the following3rd in a series, 4th in a series, or the alternate is a cover item of fire
Changing my book!Week 5:
Spot 34 - Series #3
Unforgiven by S.W. Vaughn
Read: 12/14
Rating: ★★★★½
This was a really satisfying conclusion to this trilogy. I really liked Braelan after the way he came through in the last book and the changes he was making in his own psyche. This story was a great growth from that as well. He's still growing up and finding his place after being such a spoiled prince. His hearts in the right place though. I liked River as well. He's had a tough life thrown at him wrongly convicted of the murder of his partner. Of course the attraction was instantaneous, but figuring each other out took a little time. There were some fun cantankerous moments in this one. Really loved this entire series! It's a lovely urban fantasy series with a fun take on the fae. :)
Week 5: Rack & Ruin3rd in a Series
4 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Thirds Series and I am enjoying each book more than the previous book. Thirds is a group of law enforcement officers that live in the world where there are humans and Therians. Therians are shifters of all kinds and even though I usually don't like Shifter stories, Charlie Cochet and Sandrine Gasq-Dion both write series that I have really come to enjoy. Charlie Cochet knows how to grab your attention and her characters are ones you become emotionally involved with as the story goes on.
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.
Week 5: The Goodbye Witch by Heather Blake Book # 4 in the Wishcraft Mysteries, Finished: (12/18/14), 5 starsThe Wishcraft mysteries are quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite cozy series to read! Blake is so good at drawing you straight into an incredibly enchanted setting full of wonderful characters. I even love all of the magical, charismatic familiars. I would move into the Enchanted Village in a heartbeat. This book focuses mainly around Starla, who has been a wonderful friend to Darcy from the very first book. Starla's abusive ex-husband, Kyle, has mysteriously been "spotted" around town causing everyone to wonder about his sudden reapperance. When he turns up dead a few days later, Darcy and her friends/family are quick to stand by Starla and figure out what is truly going on. There is an overall goodbye theme, a notion that things aren't always what they appear to be and a couple subplots woven throughout the story including an upcoming birthday and a heartbreaking revelation of a very sick friend. I loved every minute of this book and will definitely look forward to continuing this wonderful series.
Spot 34 (3rd In Series)
Finished: December 18th
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
I didn't like the way the second book ended so I couldn't wait to finish this series with this book! That sister's betrayal was so uncalled for! Overall, this series was okay. There were some parts that kept me interested and there was some that didn't. I think that everything came together well in the end. I'm so glad this series is over!
finished: 12/19
rating: 5 stars
this are a great series. Alice is trying to fit in, and without a mom it is hard. she decided she was going to make a group and tell everyone that they are joining the sisterhood. bc if she could not have a mom she could have lots of sisters. Alice is trying to find herself and she joins lots of groups. She gets her ears pierced because everyone else is doing it. This will start a problem with her best friend elizabeth.
things start to get weird when her English teacher is dating her dad. She might actually get a mother! Now alice feels obligated to help her brothers girlfriend lester because of the sisterhood and that is filled with laughs of their own
ok for this week i rolled an 8 so we are on spot 42 we can read the following:4th in a series, 2nd in a series, or author with an A
then Christmas week we rolled a 7 and on spot 49 so we can read the following
4th in a series, 9th in a series or Author S
Here are my selections:Week 6: The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen Author with an "A"
Week 7: Some Enchanted Éclair by Bailey Cates Book #4 in Magical Bakery mysteries
Been a really, really rough week and a half, but I managed to finally get through one book. One to go!! Week 6: The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen Author with an "A", Finished: (12/28/14), 3 stars
After reading Garden Spells, I quickly became a new fan of this author and was anxious to read some of her other works. This one fell a bit short for me, but there were several things that made it a cute, quick read. Allen again created some really lovable characters. My favs were Win, Julia, Sawyer and Vance the gentle giant. The magical elements were great too. The secret behind the Mallaby lights, the sweet sense and the changing wallpaper were all great ideas that left me wanting to know more details about them. I was disappointed when certain secrets were revealed yet it never really changed the dynamic of the story or left the reader shocked. I wish the book would have been a tad longer. I felt it ended rather quickly. It almost seemed like two seperate books as well. You had a light chick lit with Julia and Sawyer and a young adult romance with Emily and Win. I'm still anxious to read more novels by this author. I love her poetic descriptions, fantastic characters and hints of magic.
Week 6Spot 42 - Author: "A"
Black Ice by Anne Stuart
Read: (12/20)
Rating: ★★★
I had some real problems with this book though it did get a little better towards the end. A lot of the action seemed really ridiculous and I didn't get the connection between the romantic leads. Everything Cloe did made me want to smack her for being stupid despite being told repeatedly she was a smart person. The last quarter is the only thing that saved this from being a 2 or 2.5 star read.
Week 7
Spot 49 - Author: "S"
London Calling by E.S. Skipper
Read: 12/26
Rating: ★★
I really didn't like this story at all. It made little to no logical sense and there was no chemistry between the characters. The choices were random and didn't seem to be that well written either. Everything was very arbitrary and made the characters seem flat and not identifiable.
Not a good duo of books for me. :-p
Finished both of my books and will post my reviews in the next few days when I have access to my computer again. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas
Week 6 - Semper FiAuthor - A
4 stars
Usually I don't love when an author keeps jumping back and forth between two different time periods but in this case I think it really made the book. Cal and Jim first meet in boot camp and managed to come home alive after the war against Japan during WWII. They were best friends and fought side by side and saw many of their friends killed.
After they made it home Jim goes back to his wife and two children and his apple farm. Cal comes to help him out after Jim's wife dies. Cal has always loved Jim but has never told Jim he was gay and I loved how the relationship grows even though Jim's daughter makes it difficult. This book also takes place during a time period where being Gay is totally unacceptable. It was also interesting to see how two totally different men form a bond while in the war and when Cal comes to live with Jim
Week 7: In Too Deep
Author - S
4 stars
The MCin this book couldn't have been more different and that is what caused the tension between them. Cade is working his way through college inspite of his alcoholic parents. He has all his goals in mind and knows exactly what he has to to to reach these goals.
Aiden is a golden boy from a wealthy family who has no idea what he wants to do with his life and doesn't take his studies seriously. He is a member of a frat and enjoys parties and has everything handed to him on a silver platter.
For some reason Cade has caught Aiden's attention and Aiden pursues him almost to the point of being a stalker at time.
As the book progresses we see both boys start to change. Cade is a good influence on aiden and Aiden starts to take his studies more seriously while Aiden starts to draw Cade out of his shell and gets him to spend some of his time going out socially.
Things seem to be going well and yet Cade has one big secret about his past that he keeps from Aiden and it almost ruins their relationship.
Finished up last night. Happy New Year!! Week 7: Some Enchanted Éclair by Bailey Cates Book #4 in Magical Bakery mysteries, Finished: (12/31/14), 4 stars
After reading this book, I understand where the mixed reviews are coming from. I actually really enjoyed this addition to the Magical Bakery Mysteries, but I also read fantasy and paranormal books quite often as well. This cozy is unique because it includes a good mixture of all of those genres. The mystery was good, well paced and kept me guessing until close to the end, the magical aspects are always charming and delightful and the touch of paranormal was a shocking surprise. Defintiley didn't see that one coming, but the author tied it in well by making the point that once you start believing in magic, just where do you draw the line on those beliefs. I really love the main character, Katie, and the reaccuring cast of quirky characters. The setting it quite cute too. I would love to visit the Honeybee Bakery and see what charmed treat the ladies would suggest for me.
Spot 42 (Alternate: A author)
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Finished: January 1st
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review:
This book is basically a boy whose family just moved to California from Arizona and meets this girl who he can only see because she's a ghost. She is stuck and can't move on so the boy agrees to help by returning stuff she stole from people thinking that it is her unfinished deed. Once everything is returned, the ghost still can't move on so basically they both have to figure out what else is keeping here from moving on. Overall, I liked this book. It wasn't anything I expected. There was so much drama happening that sometimes it got on my nerves! I couldn't believe at some of the hurtful things that was said to between the characters too! I've seen this book categorized under retellings as one of the genres, but I have no clue what the actual tale is that this book is a retelling of!
Sorry guys I have to pull out of this game. I am still horribly sick and they put me on bed test
Sorry to hear that Amy! Hope you feel better soon !!Does anyone else want to step in and be captain?
I think Jenne said we could still roll even if everyone wasn't completely done and if Amy is dropping out we are only missing one review from Amy ~Lover of Books~.
We need to roll by 11:59 tonight or we will have to wait until next week. If no one can be captain I will step in if necessary but for this week I will roll If you don't mind and report books reviewed.
Week 6 - Space 42Nan -
- ReviewKimberly -
- ReviewShelby -
- ReviewAmy ~Lover of Books~ -
- ReviewWeek 7 - Space 49
Nan -
- ReviewKimberly -
- ReviewShelby -
- ReviewAmy ~Lover of Books~
Rolled a 6+3. Was on Space 49 and now on space 58.Read 5th book in a series or 8th book in a series
Alternate: Book with a Black Cover
Updated everything that needed to be updated.
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The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (other topics)A Broth of Betrayal (other topics)
Snow White Red-Handed (other topics)
Snow White Red-Handed (other topics)
Solitude (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
J.K. Rowling (other topics)Connie Archer (other topics)
Maia Chance (other topics)
Maia Chance (other topics)
Neal Shusterman (other topics)
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Week 3:1st in a series: Murder, Plain and Simple by Isabella Alan - book #1 in the Amish Quilt Shop Mystery