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R12: SSS Team 2 - Love 2 Read
I've heard great things about that book/series. Thanks for the review!If you get a chance you may want to change the how it fits to purple cover.
I'm hoping to have my book done tonight.
Suzanne wrote: "I've heard great things about that book/series. Thanks for the review!If you get a chance you may want to change the how it fits to purple cover.
I'm hoping to have my book done tonight."
Oops! Changed it to purple cover!
Do read the series! It's very much needed to broaden our perspective about money.
Completion Post - Week 2Spot 78
Book: Big Little Spies by Krista Davis
How it qualifies: #7 in Paws and Claws
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I love all the Krista Davis books, and have read them all. I think its the ambiance - I want to visit each place (and boy would I love to live in Wagtail!) and eat all the food and bask in all of the "themes".
Wagtail has set itself up to be an extremely dog and cat friendly place. In this book, there is an animal rescue fundraiser happening, and, of course, a murder. I liked the mystery, and had multiple guesses as to what was going on as different clues were uncovered. I would have loved to see more of the cute shops and restaurants in town, but the gala itself was great, and the picture on the cover is accurate :)
Mod
Spot 78
Title: Three Weeks With Lady X by Eloisa James
Qualifications: Desperate Duchess, Book 7
Pages: 376
Mod
Spot 78
Title: Three Weeks With Lady X by Eloisa James
Qualifications: Desperate Duchess, Book 7
Pages: 376
Read: 12/28
Rating & Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
I have really enjoyed this series. All the women aren’t the usual simpering ladies of the ton. Each one has unconventional ideas and behaviors that makes them “improper” but I like it. Lady Xenobia was like an interior designer. She visits people’s homes and gives ideas and suggestions to enhance the appearance of the home. It is “work” in the same way a governess is regarded.
Thorn Dautry, illegitimate son of the Duke wants to marry so he hired Xenobia to fix up his castle that hasn’t been tended to in almost a year. No one will marry him until he has a home fit for a future duchess. But these two were opposites and the banter becomes showcases an attraction that carried throughout the novel.
I won’t give it away but it is similar to the other books in this series and I enjoyed it as much as I did the rest. I am a fan of the unruly gentleman who has a young child and attempts to woo a female. The kids always add an “awwwwww” factor to the story.
Week 11 Roll (Sunday)Roll: 4
Previous Spot: 78
New Spot: 82
Task:
#2 in series
#8 in series
Alternate: 82. Cover Item: Building
Reviews
Suzanne Upon the Midnight Clear
Pallavi The Boy Next Door
DeniseThe Counterfeit Agent
Ezinwanyi When a Rogue Meets His Match
Total Bonus points earned: 4
Bonus points this week:
Bonus points used: 1
Bonus Point Tracking
(view spoiler)
Mod
Spot: 82
Book: The Counterfeit Agent by Alex Berenson
Qualification: John Wells #8
Pages: 385
Completion PostSpot: 82
Book: Upon the Midnight Clear by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Qualification: Dream Hunters #2 (it is also Dark Hunters #12)
Pages: 288
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This was actually more holiday-themed than I expected, which was a good thing! Aidan O'Connor has become totally disillusioned with people, after his brother, girlfriend, and various employees and friends seemed to betray him. When his brother summons a demon to kill him, and Leta (a Greek goddess) comes to protect him, Aiden has to decide if he can trust again.
This was a quick read (good for finals week) and I enjoyed it! I've totally not read books in this series in order, but it's ok. I can't usually take many in a row anyway :)
Mod
Spot 82
Title: When a Rogue Meets His Match by Elizabeth Hoyt
Qualifications: Greycourt, Book 2
Pages: 496
Completion post: week 11 roll 1Book:The Boy Next Door
Author:Meg Cabot
How it fits: Cover-Building
Pages: 379
Rating: 2 stars
Review: The book was alright. I wanted to read a light romance with a hint of thriller.
I used to enjoy Meg Cabot before. But not anymore.
It was funny and I loved the way the author manages to convey the plot through emails. Most of the story focuses on the main characters discussing with their friends and family about how much they like the other person
Mel, a gossip columnist, admits her old neighbour into an ICU courtesy of an accident. She takes care of her pets as well. Finding it difficult to manage 3 pets and her job, she contacts the neighbour's relative, her nephew Max.
Max, a selfish and shallow is busy enjoying on a beach with his supermodel girl-of-the-month.
He calls in a favor from his fraternity buddy, John, to impersonate him and take care of the pets.
Things are going well and good until John falls for Mel.
Will she except him after she finds out he is lying to her?
Mod
Spot: 82
Book: The Counterfeit Agent by Alex Berenson
Qualification: John Wells #8
Pages: 385
Finished: 02 Dec 2020
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
A tip coming from a seemingly trustworthy source to a case officer at Istanbul Station warns of the impending assassination of a CIA Chief of Station in an unknown location. At the same time, a former off-the-books contact of Vinny Duto's contacts the CIA director turned senator with a similar warning, prompting Duto to send Wells to South America for a meeting. When the Manila CoS turns up dead shortly after and the Istanbul source comes back with a new warning, this time involving a potential nuclear threat to the US, Wells is on the move investigating clues across continents while the US government prepares for a war it doesn't realize it's being goaded into through an elaborate false flag operation.
This was one of the weaker books in the series for me. Too convoluted, and took too long to get going - but even so, still a solid enough read. Hopefully the next book, apparently a direct sequel tying up loose ends from this one, will ramp up the pace a bit.
Ezinwanyi, feel free to roll if you feel like it once you're done with your book. I'm happy to roll later too - but for now, it is bedtime :)
Mod
Spot 82
Title: When a Rogue Meets His Match by Elizabeth Hoyt
Qualifications: Greycourt, Book 2
Pages: 496
Read: 12/2
Rating & Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A tale of two halves. The beginning was Messalina, the highborn lady who could barely stand the sight of Gideon. when she is forced to marry Gideon by her scheming Uncle, Messalina only dreamt of when she would escape with her little sister Lucretia.
Slowly, she began to see Gideon isn’t the dumb thug she thought he was. In fact, she found evidence of his kindness and enterprise from servant to servant in her new home. Who was this man Gideon?
The chemistry was undeniable. They were equally matched in that they were learning from each other. Her uncle was so slimy and gross. I couldn’t stand him at all. Gideon was a character that I liked because he evolved as the novel went on. This journey was very interesting
Week 11 Roll (Thursday) Roll: 5
Previous Spot: 82
New Spot: 87
Task:
#7 in series
#8 in series
Alternate: 87. Cover Item: Sun/Moon
Reviews
Suzanne: Review
Pallavi: Review
Denise: Review
Ezinwanyi: Review
Total Bonus points earned: 4
Bonus points this week:
Bonus points used: 1
Bonus Point Tracking
(view spoiler)
Suzanne wrote: "Ezinwanyi, feel free to roll if you feel like it once you're done with your book. I'm happy to roll later too - but for now, it is bedtime :)"I hope you don't mind I rolled.
Of course I don't mind - thanks for doing that!
Selection Post Spot 87
Book: Tik-Tok of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Pages 272
Qualification: Oz #8
I have hours and hours of finals to grade, so this seemed like a good fit for the last part of this week :) Magic & wonder :)
Mod
Spot: 87
Book: Rialto by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott
Qualification: Unbreakable Bonds #8
Pages: 259
Mod
Spot 87
Title: Bound to Shadows by Keri Arthur
Qualifications: Riley Jenson Guardian, Book 8
Pages: 346
Mod
Spot: 87
Book: Rialto by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott
Qualification: Unbreakable Bonds #8
Pages: 259
Finished: 05 Dec 2020
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Newly married, about to open a second restaurant and taking steps to become a foster parent, Ian has left the past behind and found happiness. But ghosts from his past rear their ugly heads once more when an escalating series of attacks first on Rialto's reputation and then on its staff disturb the newlywed bliss and professional success he's worked so hard on building. A little help from his very resourceful friends is needed to solve this latest set of troubles.
Has it really been five years since the start of this series? Feels like I've known these characters forever. The last loose ends are tied up and the last wrinkles ironed out of everyone's HEAs in this conclusion to the Unbreakable Bonds series - it's been a long and deeply satisfying journey. I admit a little of the spark got lost for me over the past few books when everyone started going crazy about having kids because, y'know, just so not my thing... Still enjoyed it a lot, though.
Mod
Spot 87
Title: Bound to Shadows by Keri Arthur
Qualifications: Riley Jenson Guardian, Book 8
Pages: 346
Read: 12/5
Rating & Review: ⭐️⭐️
I used to enjoy this series 7-8 years ago. But I’ve read so many more UF books and series that my tastes have evolved.
I keep reading hoping that Riley and Quinn will finally be the end game but this book has her soulmate Kye front and center. I’ve always hated him and he proved in this book how self-serving he is and that the wolf bond with Riley was not a love match.
Riley, in her capacity as a guardian, was investigating Murders and beheading of vampires. Her investigation lead her to a wraith that was a shapeshifter but also implicated was Kye.
I hate that Riley is held hostage to physical lust and succumbs to sex even with people she hates. But the wolf needed the physical gratification a lot.
The good thing about this book was that a path to happiness became clearer for Riley and I look forward to see how the author concludes her journey.
Completion PostWeek 12, Roll 1
Spot 87
Book:
Tik-Tok of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Pages: 232
Rating: 3 stars
Read: 12/5/20
Review:
I probably should have chosen differently this week, because although this book was fun and imaginative, it didn't engross me.
A group with various quests is traveling together. Ann and her army from Oogaboogah that want to take over the world, Betsy and her mule who were lost at sea, the Shaggy Man who is searching for his kidnapped brother, Tik-Tok, and 2 fairies. They have to go to the Nome king, meet a dragon, and take a trip to the other side of the world. The things I liked best were the little things- especially the trees that grew all sorts of things from three course meals to weapons.
Completion post:week 12 part 1 Spot 87
Book:Moon Called
Author:Patricia Briggs
Page:289
Stars:3 stars
Review:
I used to live for vampire/werewolf romance thriller.
Not anymore. What's wrong with me!
Now, I want my female leads to be strong, independent and mature unlike the childish protagonist.
Mercy, a were coyote is a mechanic living in Tri state area.
Her ex-boss is a fae, her friend is a vampire and her neighbour is a werewolf. Living amongst male dominated and powerful species, her stubbornness gets her through in tough situation.
Her banter with werewolves is priceless.
One time read
Week 12 Roll (Sunday) Roll: 3
Previous Spot: 87
New Spot: 90
Task:
#9 in series
#0 in series
Alternate: 90: Cover Item: Orange
Reviews
Suzanne: Review
Pallavi: Review
Denise: Review
Ezinwanyi: Review
Total Bonus points earned: 4
Bonus points this week:
Bonus points used: 1
Bonus Point Tracking
(view spoiler)
Thanks for rolling Pallavi! Wow and you linked reviews too - that is very helpful.
I checked us in and asked about that last bonus point. That would give us 5, so we are getting close to the end - which is exciting and sad at the same time.
Mod
Thanks Denise. Wow it is getting so close!
Mod
Spot 90
Title: Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O'Connell
Qualifications: Stand-alone
Pages: 418
Mod
Spot: 90
Book: Twelve Days by Alex Berenson
Qualification: John Wells #9
Pages: 422
Finished: 09 Dec 2020
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Twelve days to stop a war - Wells, Duto and Shafer may know that a false flag operation is behind the recovery of highly enriched uranium of supposedly Iranian origin that has the US on the brink of declaring war, but without proof noone is willing to listen to them. As the clock ticks down on the president's deadline, the three of them are racing across the globe in search of concrete evidence sufficient to have the impending attack called off.
Better than the previous one in that it didn't take so long to get into gear and serve up some action. This one was noticeably longer than the previous books - and it felt longer too, not necessarily in a good way. Did the story really need to take quite so many extraneous twists and turns before finally getting us some pay-off? Still, kept me entertained, so I'm not really complaining.
*** Bonus point earned: Full series (Read books #1-#9) ***
Mod
lol yeah fingers crossed for sure! either way, it has been so fun!
Completion PostSpot: 90
Book: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
Qualification: Stand alone
Pages 334
Date Read: 12/9/20
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
For the first part (not very long), I thought I might not like this book, but I then got pretty into it, and it was hard to put down! Maelyn is WAY into the family / friend Christmas traditions that have gone on her whole life. But in her 20s, the holiday doesn't go quite as she planned. And we get into a Groundhog Day situation. The romance was sweet, and Maelyn learned important things about herself before the end.
I'd recommend this to people looking for a romance, especially a holiday romance!
Completion post: Spot 90Book:Chain of Gold
Author:Cassandra Clare
Pages:672
Ratings:4 stars
Review: Will and Tessa have two children, James and Lucie. Born out of a shadowhunter parent and a warlock, both James and Lucie have usual abilities than others.
Cordelia Carstairs, Lucie's would be parabatai and her family leave Idris to settle in London.
London which has had no demon attack for years which is a little odd, is suddenly attacked by demons that are not affected by sun.
James, Lucie, Cordelia and their friends come together to solve the mystery and to save their friends and family.
As any other book by the author, this book has the masala of romance, mystery, pain, hurt and shadowhunters. The first half is dull but the end makes up for it.
Is anyone feeling super lucky about rolling skills and wanting to roll? Lol otherwise I can roll at midnight (or if Ez's book is later than that, one of you can roll while I sleep :)
Week 12 Sunday Roll ReviewsDenise Twelve Days
SuzanneIn a Holidaze
PallaviChain of Gold
EzinwanyiEyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold
Mod
Spot 90
Title: Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O'Connell
Qualifications: Stand-alone
Pages: 418
Read: 12/9
Rating & Review: 4-Stars.
Anne is a 27 year old spinster and her father has been trying unsuccessfully to marry her off. Anne decided to run away to Chicago where her aunt has a home. Her aunt is off so Anne is hoping to have the home to herself while she’s plotting her next move away from the old pervs that father keeps promising her hand to.
Anne was unfortunately discovered in the barn of Cord Bennet, a half Native American man who is the town pariah and all hell breaks loose. Her father insisted that Cord marry Anne since he must have ruined her but no one expected Cord and Anne to make a go of the marriage.
This book is their journey towards learning each other and finding their place within a community that shunned them. Him because of racial prejudices against native Americans and her, because she’s sullied by association.
I like this story because Cord and Anne are very similar. They don’t care what others think. They are hard workers who value what they are already have. They have chemistry and they just fit. The way both families treated Anne and Cord disgusted me but they kept trucking along with their newly found relationship. Slowly they began to win people over and began to earn some modicum of respect.
This was a reminder of how far we have come as a nation but then again how much we haven’t in social prejudices
Mod
Previous Spot: 90, I Rolled: 5
Current Spot: 95
Book To Read: #5, #9 or #95 in series
Alternate Read #95: Cover Item: Dress
Mod
Lets use the points now..That way reach 100
No reason not to use the bonus points. And thanks for rolling Ezinwanyi!Its funny because this semester seemed to take forever, but this challenge during it seemed to speed by. Time is such a strange thing.
Mod
Spot: 100
Book: Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell
Qualification: Kurt Wallander #1
Pages: 280
SELECTION POSTSpot: 100
Book: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Qualification: One of us is Lying #1
Pages 360
Mod
Spot: 100
Book: Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell
Qualification: Kurt Wallander #1
Pages: 280
Finished: 11 Dec 2020
Rating: ★★★
Review:
I read a few of Mankell's Wallander books ages ago when they were first published in German translation and promptly climbed all the bestseller lists, but I can't for the life of me remember whether this was one of them. Wallander's first case involves the brutal murder of an elderly couple on their farm, which in turn leads to violent attacks on immigrants when it is leaked to the press that the only discernible word one of the victims uttered before her death was "foreign". The pace was at times glacially slow, making the book feel longer than it is. That this was originally published almost 30 years ago is noticeable not just when Wallander writes reports on a typewriter but also in some of the distinctly dated attitudes and the lack of female detectives and police officers. Can't say I cared much for some of the views the protagonist holds. Still, decent entertainment, and I'll probably pick up the next book at some point.
Mod
Spot 100
Title: Black Rainbow by J.J. McAvoy
Qualifications: Rainbows, Book 1
Pages: 325
Mod
Spot 100
Title: Black Rainbow by J.J. McAvoy
Qualifications: Rainbows, Book 1
Pages: 325
Read: 12/11
Rating & Review: 3.5 stars.
At the beginning of this story, I thought this story would be too fluffy and mostly about sex, boy was I wrong. While there was a fair amount of canoodling, there was a good story and the characters had a lot more depth to them as we got to know their purpose and desires.
Thea wanted one last fling before she started law school and so she agreed to a week sex marathon with bartender Levi whom she had been flirting. After an amazing week of sex, she is just gobsmacked when she shows up to class to find out her “bartender” is her Professor.
The book is about their attraction, and also what drove Thea to go to law school and how she was trying to raise her little sister without the help of her mom and dad.
I enjoyed the evolution of Thea because she was very determined and clear to what she wanted. She was the one who made this story turn.
I was pleasantly surprised.
Well, I'm almost done with my book but I guess I don't need to post a review now :) Congratulations to Team 1.And Denise - thanks so much for the fun game!! I'm really glad I got to play.
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Black Rainbow (other topics)Black Rainbow (other topics)
Faceless Killers (other topics)
One of Us Is Lying (other topics)
Faceless Killers (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
J.J. McAvoy (other topics)J.J. McAvoy (other topics)
Henning Mankell (other topics)
Karen M. McManus (other topics)
Henning Mankell (other topics)
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Book:Rich Dad, Poor Dad 2: Cash Flow Quadrant - Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom
Author:Robert T. Kiyosaki
Page:320
How it fits: Purple cover
Review: Spectacular book!
It changed many of my core concepts about financial investment and made me re-think about my approach.
From a young age, we are told to study, get good grades and secure a job. What does that job provide us: security.
We should lead our life towards financial freedom but most of us are stuck in achieving financial security.
Another misconception most of us have is we value others' opinion and blindly follow it, especially, in finance.
Facts, not opinions, is the way for investment!
Instead of "play it safe. Don't take risk" strategy, we should focus on "play it smart. Learn to manage risk."
I recommend this book to everyone who wants to manage their finance.
4 stars!