SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R20: Team #2 ~ Too Hot to Handle
Congrats on the stamps Hotties!And D.G. notifications have been wonky for about 3 or 4 days :(
Enjoy, Katharine! That's a fun series :)Yeah, same, notifications all f'd up :(
I finished my kickass heroine book. So good! Now to write the review...and then I'll find a book for magic!!
Shelf #8: Kick Ass heroine (shelved by 22 readers)
Date finished/Rating: 4/15 ★★★★½
Review: This book had everything you expect from I&G: intricate world building, action, a great plot, amazing characters and AWESOME leads. I totally love Arland - his mix of exquisite manners and barbarism is so exciting. The "I'm just a humble soldier" speech in the prior book is among my top love declarations.
Maud was great as well. After what she went through, her caution made so much sense. And I loved how she thought of her daughter first for everything. I'm only rating 4.5 stars because the love scene was fade to black (in a book this violent, sex is an issue? and yes, I know this is a free serial that I&G publish in their site...but still!!)
It took a while to get used to the new narrator - Natalie Naudus. She's good but her voice for Arland was a bit too fuzzy, which was a shame, because other male voices were ok.
Can't wait for the next book. I just hope that we get to see the faces of Maud's prior in-law's when they find out she married Arland!!
I also read the following book...too bad it doesn't fit the page requirements!!Now off to look for a book for the magic shelf.
I know, that series is so much fun! I 💗 Maud!
Dragons Don't Eat Meat by Kim McDougall
Series: Valkyrie Bestiary #1
Shelf #8: kick-ass heroine (shelved by 1 person)
Read: 15 April
Rating: ✮✮✮✮☆
My Review:
I was a humane pest controller, not a Valkyrie executioner.Dragons Don't Eat Meat introduces us to Kyra Greene who owns and operates Valkyrie Pest Control. She's a tender-hearted, sword-wielding critter wrangler and mythical beastie foster mom. She's a Valkyrie though she doesn't want the power available to her - the power of judge, jury and executioner. She's happy with her rescue menagerie, banshee roomie and business.
While out in the woods releasing a critter best outdoors than in, she witnesses a thunder of dragons. From there, things in Kyra's life take a major turn. She's reunited with Henry Mason, alchemist, Guardian and gargoyle, who, despite having not seen him in over a year, has filled her thoughts. The dragons are foraging in his back yard and one has taken something very important and very dangerous, especially in the hands of others. Together these two reconnect and work to stop that from happening.
The first rule for critter wranglers: when forest creatures stop moving, something bad is near.I really enjoyed this Scamander-like Valkyrie who has adorable rescues with colorful personalities of their own. I grabbed this as a Prime loaner and have already bought all the other books available. While I thoroughly enjoyed it, I understand the mixed feelings I've read in some of the other reviews. This book was a fantasy/UF+romance mix of rescuing and caring for fantastical creatures (pygmy kraken, fire dervish, ice sprite, basilisk, dragon, etc); fighting battles alongside gargoyles and fae; and budding relationship.
Rules for critter wranglers, number two: When scary things run away, something scarier is coming.
Critter wrangler rule number three: Never take on a two-headed beast that can spit fire with one end and bite your head off with the other.
Shelf #7: Magic (shelved by 140 readers)
Date finished/Rating: 4/21/21 ★★★★
Review: Wow! This book was so scary!! I don't know how Ms. Briggs comes up with these plots. The villains were terrifying - yes, plural. There were 3 HUGE threats facing Mercy and the Pack. I had my heart in my mouth the whole time.
The scariest thing for me was what was going with Adam. Looking back, it made sense this became a plot point, after this is something that Adam has been dealing with most of his life.. It was still scary as hell.
I thought this series was done but the last couple of books have been so good!! Totally looking forward to the next in the series.
:) Yay! Glad ya had some good reads!
Happy shelf day, yall!Shelf #9 ~ 21 April: Alpha Male
DIRECT LINK(s) ~ Alpha Male (+ SOS' alpha male)
I'll come back with my book choice :)
Ok, I just finished reading Montana Mavericks by Zanetti and found book 4 on the 'alpha male' shelf, so I'm going with that one. I'll be reading
Happy reading, Hotties!
Shades of Hate by K.N. Banet
Shelf 8: tagged Kick Ass Heroine 1 time
Date read: 4/21
Rating: ★★★★★
Review: This series keeps getting better. Jacky gets outted to the BPA as a supernatural, so they secretly install cameras on her property just before the full moon to get proof. Her fury at the violation to her privacy was completely reasonable. I was a little frustrated that there were no consequences for such a gross violation of her rights, but I was glad that she at least ended up with the upper hand in the negotiations that followed. Her relationship with Heath continues to get stronger, and I loved how supportive he was of her whether she needed advice, help in a fight, or just someone to listen to her without judging. I also liked the changes in Zuri's life that have made her adjust her worldview from judging Jacky for her relationship with Heath to accepting Heath simply because the relationship makes Jacky happy. I'm definitely sad that I'll have to wait until July for the next installment.
Oh gosh, I totally forgot yesterday was shelf day!! Off to look for a book that works!
From the top of my TBR, I have 3 that work. I'll decide which one to read once I finish the book I'm reading now.
@Katharine - Let us know how you're doing. Please let us know if you can catch up by next Wednesday - it's likely we don't much to go in the game and we'd like to be ready if our winning shelf - First in Series - is called next week.
I read
today, which is tagged alpha male 6 times. I'll post a review tomorrow when I get my laptop back from my DD. A few sentences is my limit for typing on my kindle.
Hi Steph - Are we allowing Alpha-Male(s) too? I got this book from the library and it's tagged only once but with Alpha Males instead of Alpha Male. :)
Sorry D.G., only what's called is allowed, so nope on Alpha Males.
Sandra wrote: "Sorry D.G., only what's called is allowed, so nope on Alpha Males."Oh I thought we were doing plurals too? (All the other shelves in the "character" theme allow for plurals.)
No worries, I found another book.
You only get plurals if its in the shelf announcement :)Glad you found another book!
Shelf #8: Alpha Male (shelved by 8 readers)
Date finished/Rating: 4/25 ★★
Review: I have a love-hate relationship with secret baby plots. Really like them when they're well done but when they aren't, they make me so mad. For this plot to work, there must be a good reason for the heroine to keep a child from their father, otherwise, there's no way that the reader (or the hero) can forgive the heroine. KEEPING A CHILD FROM THEIR FATHER FOR NO GOOD REASON IS A REALLY BIG DEAL.
It's clear here that Lauren kept the truth out of spite. She doesn't come out and say it - in fact, when Nick asks her multiple times "why", her answer is to keep her mouth shut. But what other reason could there be for her to deprive a son from his father when said father is successful, talented, creative, funny, charming and a good person. Simply put, she wanted to punish him for choosing his career instead of her.
Finally...
Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
Series: Song of the Lioness, #1
Shelf: Magic
finished 4/10/21
Rating: 4 stars (3.75)
Review:
Tomboy twin Alanna of Trebond becomes Knight Alan of Trebon and thus starts her rises and falls to knighthood. begins the journey to knighthood. Alanna does this not initally for some noble reason but because she is jealous of her brother's "boys only" activities and daring-dos.
It wasn't a GREAT book, but definitely a good one and a nice bite of change of pace from the intense vamps/weres/shifter books (not that I don't enjoy those; it's just, for some reason, find it easier to review books like this one). IDK. I'm weird.
and another...GASP!
Here Be Sexist Vampires by Suzanne Wright
Series: Deep in Your Veins #1
Shelf: Kick-Ass Heroine
finished: 4/18/21
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Fantastic read. I don't know if I've seen (read) a better blend of comedy and surprise action. HIlarious.
Sam Parker, a Svente vampire is recruited to a be a part of a misogynistic team of vampires under the control of Antonio, the HIgh Grand Master Vampire Poohbah. She has to prove herself over and over again until she makes it (I wouldn't want to be a part of such misogyny, just sayin'.). She is pretty bad-ass though and I'm not so that could be part of it. When she meets arrogant and cocky Jared, romance flares...boy does it ever.
I hope book #2 is on another one of our lists.
Katherine, well done on 2 reviews ~ both of them need a rating & Here Be Sexist Vamps needs a shelf name :D
I'll PM Katharine to correct her posts...
D.G. wrote: "I'll PM Katharine to correct her posts..."Sorry, ladies. Fixed now.
Thanks, Katharine! Stamps have been requested for Magic & Kick Ass Heroine.
Hotties - I'll be out of the country from Wednesday-Sunday morning and very likely won't have access to internet. Not sure if we should have a backup while I'm out.Our winning shelf is First in Series and we're the only ones that win with that shelf. Even if it's called, we can wait until I'm back for me to submit stuff - assuming you all catch up. ;) I'll take a first in series book and try to read it while I'm traveling.
Please let me know if that plan looks good to you!
D.G. wrote: "Hotties - I'll be out of the country from Wednesday-Sunday morning and very likely won't have access to internet. Not sure if we should have a backup while I'm out.Our winning shelf is First in S..."
Have fun! Where are you going, if I may ask?
CONGRATULATIONS, Hotties!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'magic' and 'kick ass heroine'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Over the Top by Rebecca Zanetti
Series: Maverick Montana #4
Shelf #9: Alpha Male (shelved by 8 people)
Read: 22 Apr
Rating: ✮✮✮½
My Review:
Over the Top tells Dawn Freeze and Hawk Rain's story. It's been a long time coming. They've been friends since childhood and both harbored feelings for the other. Dawn is Hawk's best friend's lil sister and he's been active duty military so he's never made a move. Dawn was never shy about making her feelings known to Hawk, but since he recently put the kabosh on that she's been busy living her life.
The town is full of well-intentioned meddlers who enjoy pushing together couples they believe are meant to be. Hawk and Dawn are no different. The Lady Elks are aggressively involved in this pair up, with rules and all.
I really like Dawn. She knows what she wants, goes for it, but when Hawk pulls the friends-only line she's sad but not destroyed over it.
“I stopped chasing you a long time ago, Hawk. You want to be here? Then be here. You want to run away, feel free to get those legs pumping. But know this—I’m not waiting for you to figure out what you want.”Hawk doesn't want to expose her to his dark time in the military. But, like all the women in these stories, she quickly shows him how well she can take care of herself and help when needed. Eventually, as with all the stubborn men, he comes around and realizes she's the one for him, always has been and he's not letting her go.
“For years, you’ve done whatever you wanted… sometimes dangerously and often foolishly. I’ve tried reason, I’ve tried friendship, and I’ve even tried asking nicely. Now…now we’re gonna try something else.”I'm not sure if this is the end of the series. I'll continue on if it's not. I like the Lodge-Freeze family, their friends and the Montana town.
Favorite quote: Jake Lodge strode through the doorway. “What the holy fuck of a holy fuckup of a fuck were you two fucking fuck-ups fucking doing?”
Katharine wrote: "and another...GASP!Here Be Sexist Vampires by Suzanne Wright
Series: Deep in Your Veins #1
Shelf: Kick-Ass Heroine
f..."
All of her series are such fun. This one was recommended and I really enjoyed it too. :)
How's work going? Any better?
D.G. wrote: "Hotties - I'll be out of the country from Wednesday-Sunday morning and very likely won't have access to internet. Not sure if we should have a backup while I'm out.Our winning shelf is First in S..."
Have a fun, safe trip! That works for me.
D.G. wrote: "Hi Steph - Are we allowing Alpha-Male(s) too? I got this book from the library and it's tagged only once but with Alpha Males instead of Alpha Male. :)"Sorry I missed this - crazy week and I wasn't online at all. Thanks to Sandra for jumping in! :)
Deanna wrote: "Shades of Hate by K.N. Banet
Shelf 8: tagged Kick Ass Heroine 1 time
Date read: 4/21
Rating: ★★★★★
Review: This series keeps g..."
LOVE that series :) Have I said that already? LOL!
Congrats on the stamps Hotties!
Katharine wrote: "D.G. wrote: "Hotties - I'll be out of the country from Wednesday-Sunday morning and very likely won't have access to internet. Not sure if we should have a backup while I'm out.Our winning shelf ..."
I'm going to the Dominican Republic to visit my family there. I'm really looking forward to it!
Thanks!Enjoy, DG!
Shelf #10 ~ 28 April: Vampire(s)DIRECT LINK(s) ~ Vampire -OR- Vampires (+ SOS' vampire)
Today’s shelf is a winning shelf for Watch Your Six Team 6 and one shelf away for Teams 12 & 13, Twelve Glazed Dacquoises and 13-4 the Win.
Up next for me
.
Purely vamp books aren't usually my thing, but I'll give
a try.
For Fox Sake by Emma Dean
Shelf 8: tagged Aplha Male 6 times
Date read: 4/22
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Kenzie needs to steal a potion to restore her sister's magical powers. Her heist was going smoothly until she tries to leave with her prize and runs into three fox shifters, who are determined to steal the potion from her. When the foxes realize that Kenzie is their mate, they make a deal with her to give her the potion if she helps them with another job.
The heist and Kenzie's magical tech were my favorite parts of the book. I loved Kenzie's character. She had survived so much by being the only non-magical witch in her family. Despite that she managed to make a place for herself in the human world and found a way to partner with her sister to create magical tech for the supernatural world. The foxes come across as an odd blend of crafty and reckless, and the first book really only introduces one of them in depth. Good start to the series and intriguing enough that I continued with the other books. 4 stars.
For week 10, I'll read
with MPG Vampires.
Flashback :) I enjoyed that series, Katharine. Hope you do too. Enjoy, Deanna. Your alpha male read sounds interesting. Just checked and I'd grabbed it as a freebie a few years ago - I'll have to check it out.
D.G. wrote: "Katharine wrote: "D.G. wrote: "Hotties - I'll be out of the country from Wednesday-Sunday morning and very likely won't have access to internet. Not sure if we should have a backup while I'm out...."
Sounds like a blast. I've always wanted to go there.
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Steve Higgs (other topics)
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Are notifications not working again? I didn't get notified for any updates this afternoon!!