R12: SSS Team 2 - Love 2 Read

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

SELECTION POST
Spot: 32

Book: The Egyptian Antiquities Murder by Sara Rosett
Qualification: High Society Lady Detective #3
Pages: 221

[Suzanne]

Thanks you so much for rolling Denise! I got to sleep in for the first time in ages, which was wonderful since I was exhausted.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

No problem!
Nothing better than getting to sleep in. :)

[Suzanne]

Week 4 Roll 2 (Sunday)
Roll: 5
Previous Spot: 27
New Spot: 32

Task:
#2 in series
#3 in series
#32 in series

Alternate: 32 Set in a Fictional Location/Universe

Reviews
Denise The Egyptian Antiquities Murder
EzinwanyiHooked
Tamie-LeeArtificial Condition
SuzanneMiss Frost Saves the Sandman


Total Bonus points earned: 1
Bonus points this week: 0
Bonus points used: 0

[Suzanne]

Selection Post
Spot: 32

Book: Miss Frost Saves The Sandman: A Nocturne Falls Mystery by Kristen Painter
Qualification: # 3 in Jayne Frost series
Pages: 270

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

SELECTION Post (Week 4)
Roll 2: Spot 32

Title: Hooked by Elizabeth Hunter
Qualification: 7th & Main, Book 2
Pages: 282 pages

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Week 4: Roll 2
Spot: 32

Book: The Egyptian Antiquities Murder by Sara Rosett
Qualification: High Society Lady Detective #3
Pages: 221
Finished: 11 Oct 2020
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
Olive is back in London for her next case. Rumours swirl about an ancient curse having caused a hobby Egyptologist's death, and his niece wants Olive to put an end to them by proving the man was murdered. Soon she discovers all kinds of suspicious clues in the household, but as usual, there are too many rather than too few potential killers at hand.

This series has yet to disappoint - Olive's jaunts have all proven highly entertaining so far, and I have no doubt they'll continue to do so.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

COMPLETION Post (Week 4)
Roll 2: Spot 32

Title: Hooked by Elizabeth Hunter
Qualification: 7th & Main, Book 2
Pages: 282 pages
Read:10/13
Rating & Review: 3.5 stars
Jeremy & Taylor were cute. I actually think opposites work best since they give the other partner some balance in interests.
I like they Taylor wasn’t flighty or dumb just because she was a fashion influencer. Jeremy was a nice guy who wasn’t pushy but patient in waiting for the woman he liked.
Really cute story.

[Tamie-lee]

COMPLETION Post (Week 4)
Roll 2: Spot 32

Title: Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
Qualification: The Murderbot Diaries #2
Pages: 159 pages
Read: 10/15
Rating & Review: ****
This was better than the first book, and I thought the first book was pretty great.
I love hearing Murderbot's perspective on the human race, and the interactions between Murderbot and ART were so much fun and had me giggling quite a bit. Overall the series is quite serious and a bit dark, but Murderbot itself lightens the mood and adds plenty of humour with their snarky commentary.
The writing is good and flows nicely, with a lot of detail put into the character's personalities.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Suzanne]

Completion Post -
Roll 2 Spot 32

Book: Miss Frost Saves The Sandman: A Nocturne Falls Mystery by Kristen Painter
Pages: 270
Qualification #3 in Jayne Frost
Rating: 3 stars
Date Read: 10/14
Review:
I've read the other books in the series already, so this one completes it. I have enjoyed the visits to Nocturne Falls. The Jayne Frost books focus a bit more on the mysteries and a bit less on the romance aspect, and who wouldn't like to visit a Christmas Shop run by Santa's niece.

In this book, the Sandman is doing a book tour. He has written a children's book that guarantees they fall asleep in just a couple of pages. Of course, it is an instant best seller. But then his spooky ex appears and trouble starts happening in town.

The things I didn't really love: well primarily the love triangle - they annoy me in general, so I don't have much patience for them. That said, at least this one isn't at all angst-filled, since the story is way more focused on mystery. But still..annoying! I also thought Jayne wasn't always smart about personal safety (polite way of stating the "too stupid to live" trope.) But she was mostly smart enough to live :)

[Suzanne]

Week 5 Roll 1 (Thursday)
Roll: 5 again
Previous Spot: 32
New Spot: 37

Task:
#7in series
#3 in series
#37 in series

Alternate: 37 Number in the title

Reviews
DeniseThe Silent Man
EzinwanyiKostya
Suzanne Murder and Metaphors *Bonus Point - 3rd book in this series read this challenge*
Tamie-Lee Rogue Protocol **Also 3rd book in series read this challenge**


Total Bonus points earned: 2 (including this week)
Bonus points this week: 1
Bonus points used: 0

[Suzanne]

I was surprised to see a 5 again - guess I had to "copy" Denise's roll.

I'll do the checkin thread tomorrow.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

SELECTION POST
Spot: 37

Book: The Silent Man by Alex Berenson
Qualification: John Wells #3
Pages: 418

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Suzanne wrote: "I was surprised to see a 5 again - guess I had to "copy" Denise's roll."

By all means, keep 'em coming! :D

[Suzanne]

Selection Post
Spot 37

Book: Murders and Metaphors by Amanda Flower
Qualification: Magical Bookshop #3
Pages: 320

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

SELECTION Post (Week 5)
Roll 1: Spot 37

Title: Kostya by Roxie Rivera
Qualification: Her Russian Protectors, Book 7
Pages: 329 pages

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

COMPLETION Post (Week 5)
Roll 1: Spot 37

Title: Kostya by Roxie Rivera
Qualification: Her Russian Protectors, Book 7
Pages: 329 pages
Read: 10/16
Rating & Review: 3 stars
It’s been a long time since I’ve read this series. This book didn’t really hit the spot the way the other ones did.

Kostya lives next door to Holly and he has been a godsend to her. He helps her with security, plumbing issues, language translation etc. Of course we later find out Kostya is the cause of all of Holly’s issues. He’s gaslighting her in order to have her be fearful enough to be dependent on him.
Kostya does care for Holly and wants to be with her but he’s worried about his connection to the Russian bratva would make her a target. So Kostya concocts a convoluted plan to get Holly to fall for him and to throw the mob men looking for Holly off. I liked it but I am bothered by the gaslighting. The author should have taken more time to build them up as their chemistry felt weak to me.
I wish I had this one on audiobook.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Week 5: Roll 1
Spot: 37

Book: The Silent Man by Alex Berenson
Qualification: John Wells #3
Pages: 418
Finished: 16 Oct 2020
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
The third book in this series puts Wells on a quest for revenge after an arms dealer he pissed off arranges an attack on him and Exley that lands her critically injured in the hospital. Meanwhile, a small group of well-funded and ambitious terrorists are attempting to assemble a nuclear weapon to deploy within the US.
One of the things I like about this series is that it gives its villains some complexity, depicting them as actual human beings with personalities and understandable motivations. I also can't say I'm unhappy about where this book leaves Wells and Exley's relationship...

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

I've now read 3 books from that series, but I'm aiming for the full series bonus point. :)

I've got another one of the High Society Lady Detective books lying around, so that'll cover the 3 or more in a series bonus of noone else gets there first.

[Suzanne]

Oh that's great!

I'm going to try to get hold of book 4 in the series I'm reading now, which will complete it (I picked it because it only had 4 books and I owned the first 3).

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

That'll get us that bonus point a lot earlier, so that'd be perfect!

[Suzanne]

Hmm sorry I wasn't reading as clearly as I needed to - I've been sick and I'm super brain-fogged!

I'm pretty content if I don't read book 4 of this series if you are planning on finishing yours! Then I can wait until it is cheap to buy it! Are you ok with finishing that series, Denise? I don't think that bonus point is a super rush - seems like most people use them at the end?

[Suzanne]

Lol the more I foggily think about it, the more I'd rather not finish if you are planning to read yours. I could use my 3 (once I finish this one) for that bonus point, and read other book 4s I'm more interested in.

However, if you think it'll be a slog to get through 9 series books (you overachiever), I can certainly continue and buy that last book.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

I don’t think I read all the ways we can get bonus points I should do that now

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

I usually pick a long series for SSS on purpose so I'm guaranteed to have at least one book for each number. :D These are pretty entertaining so far, so I'll keep going. No need for you to go buy that #4 if you have something else you'd prefer reading. :)

[Suzanne]

Awesome Denise - thanks!! That would be terrific.

[Suzanne]

Completion Post
Spot 37

Book: Murders and Metaphors by Amanda Flower
Qualification: Magical Bookshop #3
Pages: 320
Date Read: 10/17/20
Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Well, I think the love triangle is disappearing, FINALLY. This was pretty similar to the first two books, as the magical shop helps Violet solve another murder - this time it's an author who is killed. I still like the bookshop concept, and I liked that the "helper book" was Little Women. I love Grandma Daisy and Sophie and Emerson too. The thing I disliked (and it happens in quite a few cozy mysteries) is the over the top mean person that people just accept and don't squelch. I guess it happens in real life too - I just hate mean people.

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

I don't think Tami-Lee has even posted a Selection Post. Did I miss anything?

[Suzanne]

Nope. I sent her a message a few minutes ago. I'll stay up til midnight but then I'm getting to bed, so if I don't get the roll in then, whoever is around when we have all our check-ins feel free to roll!

[Tamie-lee]

Completion Post
Spot 37

Book: Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
Qualification: The Murderbot Diaries #3
Pages: 150
Date Read: 10/18/20
Rating: 4 stars
Another great book! I'm loving this series!
More adorably snarky commentary from Murderbot about those damned pesky humans and their shenanigans, a few laughs, some anger and some feels.
ART is gone, and I miss them already. But a new AI character was introduced in the form Miki who starts out pretty damned annoying, like a bot programmed to act like an adorable anime girl. But they grew on me and certainly caused a few tears.
I'm still hoping for a Murderbot & Dr Mensah reunion before the series ends, and maybe Murderbot will even make some permanent friends. Guess I'll have to read the rest of the series to find out ;)

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Former Spot: 37

I rolled a “3” for Week 5, Roll 2
NEW Spot: 40
Books that are standalone, 0, 4th or 40th in a series

Alternative Read ~ 40. Cover Item: Food/Drink

[Suzanne]

Thanks for rolling Ezinwanyi!

And nice review Tamie-Lee - I really love Murderbot - I missed ART too in this one!

[Suzanne]

Selection Post Week 5, Roll 2
Spot: 40

Book: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Pages: 336
Qualification: stand alone

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

SELECTION POST
Spot: 40

Book: Each Little Universe by Chris Durston
Qualification: Standalone
Pages: 357

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

SELECTION Post
Week 5, Roll 2: Spot 40.

Title: Bully King by Andi Jaxon
Qualification: Standalone
Pages: 345 pages

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Week 5: Roll 2
Spot: 40

Book: Each Little Universe by Chris Durston
Qualification: Standalone
Pages: 357
Finished: 20 Oct 2020
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
This novel begins when two hapless inventors, not overly burdened with success, encounter a girl who is really a star, which is just as silly and absurd as it sounds. Just go with it. If you do, you'll find that Chris Durston turns this intriguing yet downright preposterous premise into a wildly entertaining ride replete with lighthearted geeky humour, casual diversity (oh, how I love the casual diversity!), and lovable quirky characters which every so often slips in moments of sincerity, tenderness and profound sadness. Beneath all the outrageous, colourful, sparkly fun stuff, this is really a heartfelt story of friendship, love, and being human. A wonderful and very promising debut.

[Suzanne]

Completion Post Week 5, Roll 2
Spot: 40

Book: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Pages: 336
Qualification: stand alone

Finished: 21 Oct 2020

Rating 5 stars

Review. I have absolutely loved every one of Fredrik Backman's books, and this was no exception. He beautifully articulates so many of my inner feelings about being a parent and a human being, he is funny, and I love how he shows people connect and find support and meaning.
The basic plot of this book (and the least important part) is the story of a bank robbery that turns into a hostage situation. But really, getting to know and understand the characters with their needs and pasts and imperfections was the true plot of this book. I loved it.

[Suzanne]

Week 5 Roll 2 Reviews:

Denise Each Little Universe
Suzanne Anxious People
Tamie-Lee Exit Strategy
Ezinwanyi Bully King

[Suzanne]

I still have a lot of student emails to respond to, and I've been working 12 hours today - bleh. Anyway, I'm just not up/alert enough to PM reminders tonight, so here's hoping! I'll send psychic reminders ;)

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

COMPLETION Post
Week 5, Roll 2: Spot 40.

Title: Bully King by Andi Jaxon
Qualification: Standalone
Pages: 345 pages
Read: 10/21
Rating & Review: 2.5 stars
Great premise but the writing and character development was lacking in this book. Jonah and Roman just didn’t elicit tender feelings or sympathy from me.
There were so many issues with this book. Jonah is a preachers kid and his prologue sounds almost suicidal yet Jonah in this book just Came off as curious and worried about discovering. But not as emotionally tortured as I assumed. Roman was a character that was hard to like. It was sad that he was being abused along with his mother at the hands of his father, but his treatment of Jonah was deplorable. I just didn’t understand why he was cruel one minute, and the next minute he was all over Jonah.

The pacing, storytelling and plot was off and I didn’t get what I had hoped for. I didn’t feel love and romance for the boys and I wish it wasn’t focused in sex and one dimensional.

[Suzanne]

You got my psychic message! Sorry you didn't like the book =(

[Tamie-lee]

Darn I finished my book, but I was listening to the audiobook on Scribd and when I finished & wrote up my review I saw the page count was just below the cutoff.. so I'll have to do another one :'(

[Ezi, Factory Superintendent]

Tamie-lee wrote: "Darn I finished my book, but I was listening to the audiobook on Scribd and when I finished & wrote up my review I saw the page count was just below the cutoff.. so I'll have to do another one :'("

That has happened to me back in the day but i read the wrong spot number and that sucked.
What was the book? Did you check the page count on goodreads?

Please post your new book selection as soon as you decide what you are going to read/listen.
Posting your selection as soon as you choose your book allows the Captain (and your teammates) the chance to point out if your book to doesn’t meet the requirements.


*crossing my fingers and legs that you finish in time

[Tamie-lee]

Completion Post
Week 5, Roll 2: Spot 40.

Title: Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
Qualification: The Murderbot Diaries #4
Pages: 172 pages
Read: 10/23
Rating & Review: 4 stars
Like the rest of the series this was really well written. The characters are believable and interesting, and the author made Murderbot seem so human and relatable, almost more human than the actual humans sometimes.
Murderbot's internal struggles with who it is and what it wants to be/do have been a big part of the series, but it's relationships and interactions with the humans and other AIs are also a huge part. Sure, there's plenty of action and all the cool techy things and world-building that makes sci-fi great, but it was the very human struggles and interactions that made it such a good read.
I thought this was the last of the series, and reviewed it as such (the blurb at the back of my book said it was the fourth & final installment) but I see the series actually continues from here. I'm pleased to find out I'm not saying goodbye to Murderbot just yet..

[Tamie-lee]

Sorry, I stopped doing selection posts because I kept changing my mind and switching to different books, or I couldn't find a copy of the book I selected (I tend to choose a book on Goodreads first, and THEN try and find a copy at the library or on Scribd or Amazon.. which is a bit backwards..).
I'll try and stick to my selection posts from now on :)

[Suzanne]

Thanks for the review Tamie-lee! Sorry you had to read two books!

I change selection posts often too because of book access I thought I had but didn't, etc., so I know how that is.

Going to roll now :)

[Suzanne]

Week 6 Roll ` (Thursday)
Roll: 4
Previous Spot: 40
New Spot: 44 + 1 (from bonus point)

Task:
#4 in series
#5 in series
#45 in series

Alternate: 45 LGBTQ

Reviews

Denise The Midnight House
SuzanneAge of Legend
Tamie-LeeThe Magpie Lord
EzinwanyiThe Spiral Down
Total Bonus points earned: 2 (including this week)
Bonus points this week: 0
Bonus points used: 1

Bonus Point Tracking
(view spoiler)[
✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series. Earned by Suzenne Magical Bookstore series and Tamie Lee - Murderbot
✸ One point can be earned for reading a book with >500 pages.
✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series. Series + spin-off totalling ≥4 books also counts. For series with >9 books, point will be awarded for reading books 1-9. For still ongoing series, all books published to date (OR up to #9 in longer series) must be read.~ No re-reads on this one. Denise is working on this one
✸ 2 in 1: One point can be earned for reading a book that fits both the series number and the alternate for the spot you are on.
Earned Week 1 - earned week 1
✸ One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate lists. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
✸ Halloween Bonus: One point can be earned for reading a Horror/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book for the roll on 10/30.

(hide spoiler)]

[Suzanne]

So a lot of 4s! If that'll be a problem for anyone - since you pretty much have to read a 4 in series, speak up and we could use a bonus point to make it a 45.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

I'm good with #4, reading this either way:

SELECTION POST
Spot: 44

Book: The Midnight House by Alex Berenson
Qualification: John Wells #4
Pages: 384

[Suzanne]

Selection Post
Spot 44

Book: Age of Legend by Michael J. Sullivan
Pages: 361
Qualification: #4 in The Legends of the First Empire