R20: Team #7 ~ Zeta Team

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Selection Post

For: Shelf #4 ~ 17 March: Shapeshifter(s) I will read:


Pack Challenge by Shelly Laurenston 213 Kindle pages
How it fits: found on "shapeshifters" direct link

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[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Pack Challenge is one of the first ebooks I ever read Art .... fond memories :)

[Allison Ann]

Selection Post

Shelf 6: Urban Fantasy

Fated by Benedict Jacka - 295 pages
Shelved 1321 times as urban-fantasy, page 3

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Completion Post - Shelf 5: Auto Buy
by Laura Bickle
pgs: 368
How It Fits: shelved as Auto Buy 1 time
Read: 3/31/21
Rating: 3 stars

Review: I give the book props for some unique ideas, Anya is a fire inspector and a Lantern (can see and "eat" ghosts) and has the best protector - Sparky. Her ghostbusting "team" is very dysfunctional and multiple people pay the price for that. She also (view spoiler)[slept with the enemy while her teammate she supposedly loved was in the hospital, which really annoys me (hide spoiler)].

All in all it was ok, but I'm in no hurry to track down the next one.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Selection Post - Shelf 6: Urban Fantasy
Grim Reunion by Amanda M. Lee
pgs: 286
shelved as Urban Fantasy 3 times

[Allison Ann]

Completion Post

SHELF #5 - Auto-Buy
The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton - 505 pages
How It Fits: Shelved 1 time as auto-buy, page 22
Read: 4/01/21
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Oh wow, this was such a good book and at the same time, a terribly confusing book. I found myself flipping back repeatedly to see if I was actually reading the same character as I thought I was, or if I had missed a jump. All in all definitely a unique experience, recommended.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Zeta Team!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'Sci-Fi Romance'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Greek Team!

[Thenia]

✦ Shelf #6 ~ 31 March: Urban Fantasy ~ ☑ 4/4

☑ Allison Ann - Fated - Benedict Jacka ~ ★★★★ (05/04/2021) - Review
☑ Art (aka Whistler Reads) - Touch the Dark - Karen Chance ~ ★★★★⁵/₁₁ (17/04/2021) - Review
☑ Diane ~Firefly~ - Grim Reunion - Amanda M. Lee ~ ★★★★ (03/04/2021) - Review
☑ Thenia - MacRieve - Kresley Cole ~ ★★★★ (16/04/2021) - Review

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Completion Post: Shelf 6 - Urban Fantasy
by Amanda M. Lee
pgs: 286
How It Fits: shelved as Urban Fantasy 3 times
Read: 4/3/21
Rating: 4 stars

Review: Spoiler territory if you haven't read the previous books. I'm still really enjoying the series as the family of Grim Reapers are hilarious in their interactions with each other.

(view spoiler)[Aisling's mom is back from the dead and refusing to answer any questions, which makes most of the family suspicious. Griffon and Aidan are conspiring and the family is totally dysfunctional but hilarious as always. Plus Angelina's new client is way to interested in Aisling. (hide spoiler)]

[Allison Ann]

Completion Post

SHELF #6 - Urban Fantasy
Fated by Benedict Jacka - 295 pages
How It Fits: Shelved 1321 times as urban-fantasy, page 3
Read: 4/05/21
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Really good start to a new series. Definitely got a Dresden Files vibe from the world and the background, but with a much more likable main character (it took me a long time to warm up to Harry). Can't wait to see where Alex goes and what he does next and it was great to see Luna growing in confidence, her curse is so weird and fascinating. Will continue and thank you to those who recommended the series.

[Allison Ann]

Selection Post

Shelf 7: Magic

Cursed by Benedict Jacka- 293 pages
Shelved 102 times as magic, page 21

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Selection Post: Shelf 7 - Magic
A Spell for Trouble by Esme Addison
pgs: 336
how it fits: shelved as Magic 7 times

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Completion Post: Shelf 7 - Magic
by Esme Addison
pgs: 336
How It Fits: shelved as Magic 7 times
Read: 4/9/21
Rating: 3 stars

Review: After her dad dies and she quits her job, Alex heads South to see her aunt and cousins she hasn't seen for 20 years and discovers they are all water witches. Then her aunt is accused of murder and she investigates while being pursued by two men (I hate love triangles and neither guy seems great).

There were interesting parts, like the origin of their magic but other than that there wasn't much to differentiate it from other paranormal cozies.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Thenia, perhaps you should give Art a nudge. He's probably read the books but needs to add the reviews :)

[Thenia]

✦ Shelf #7 ~ 7 April: Magic ~ ☑ 4/4 ~ stamp pending

☑ Allison Ann - Cursed - Benedict Jacka ~ ★★★★ (11/04/2021) - Review
☑ Art (aka Whistler Reads) - His Majesty's Dragon - Naomi Novik ~ ★★★★ (18/04/2021) - Review
☑ Diane ~Firefly~ - A Spell for Trouble - Esme Addison ~ ★★★ (09/04/2021) - Review
☑ Thenia - Reclaimed - Jaymin Eve ~ ★★★★ (16/04/2021) - Review

[Thenia]

Sandra wrote: "Thenia, perhaps you should give Art a nudge. He's probably read the books but needs to add the reviews :)"

Done! Thanks for the reminder Sandra. I don't want to be pushy, especially since I'm a couple of reviews behind myself...

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Thenia wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Thenia, perhaps you should give Art a nudge. He's probably read the books but needs to add the reviews :)"

Done! Thanks for the reminder Sandra. I don't want to be pushy, especially..."

True, but he's further behind than should really be allowed :)

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

And Thenia, you should fix the Master List, its much easier to keep track for everyone, if you only need to go to one spot.

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Completion Post

For: Shelf #4 ~ 17 March: Shapeshifter(s) I read:


Pack Challenge by Shelly Laurenston 213 Kindle pages
How it fits: found on "shapeshifters" direct link
Read: 4/12 Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✩

Review:

When I saw Laurenston, I had vague pleasant memories... Upon further checking, I found I'd read most of the interrelated stories back in 2017... How did I miss this one? I jumped on it (and the other two, completing this sub-series) and the snark, craziness, violence, and occasional tenderness that I vaguely remembered, resumed.
Turns out, Magnus Pack was the first series in this "World". There's a 3.5 that goes back even farther, but I don't know when I'll ever get to it.
The plotting is brilliant, the action snaps right along, and stopping points for the three episodes are satisfying, with ...just enough... portent of what's to come.
As I said, I've already read the next two, and highly recommend the whole "Smith's World" collection to all.

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[Allison Ann]

Completion Post

SHELF #7 - Magic
Cursed by Benedict Jacka - 293 pages
How It Fits: Shelved 102 times as magic, page 21
Read: 4/11/21
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Another great Alex Verus story. I am supremely pleased with how the Alex/Luna relationship ended up, you had me worried for awhile Jacka, don't scare me so much. Also happy that Sounder seems to be gaining a larger role. History nerds for the win! Can't wait to see where things go next.

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Selection Post

For: Shelf #5 ~ 24 March: Auto-Buy(s) I will read:


Truthwitch by Susan Dennard 416 Kindle pages
How it fits: Shelved twice as autobuy

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[Diane ~Firefly~]

Selection Post: Shelf 8 - Kick Ass Heroine
To Handle A Hellcat by Jane Cousins
pgs: 289
how it fits: shelved as Kick Ass Heroine 1 time

[Allison Ann]

Selection Post

Shelf 8: Kick Ass Heroine

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews - 310 pages
Shelved 99 times as kick-ass-heroine, page 1

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Well team - we are one away from bingo if we can get our stamps. We are the only team with less then 5 stamps currently.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Thenia, I think you can request the Shapeshifter stamp :)

[Thenia]

✦ Shelf #8 ~ 14 April: Kick-Ass Heroine ~ ☑ 4/4 ~ stamp pending

☑ Allison Ann - Magic Strikes - Ilona Andrews ~ ★★★★ (19/04/2021) - Review
☑ Art (aka Whistler Reads) - What's Up, Buttercup? - Jane Cousins ~ ★★★⁶/₁₁ (28/04/2021) - Review
☑ Diane ~Firefly~ - To Handle A Hellcat - Jane Cousins ~ ★★★★ (17/04/2021) - Review
☑ Thenia - Grave Secret - Charlaine Harris ~ ★★★ (15/04/2021) - Review

[Thenia]

✦ Shelf #8 ~ 14 April: Kick-Ass Heroine

Grave Secret - Charlaine Harris ~ ★★★ (15/04/2021)
(306 pages - marked as kickass-heroine 1 time)

Review:


Grave Secret on Books On Track

The mystery of Harper's sister Cameron's disappearance is finally solved in this last book of the series and it's something I wasn't expecting...

Harper and Tolliver's latest case takes them back to Texas and many unpleasant memories, as well as the unwelcome news that Tolliver's dad Matthew is finally out of prison and wants to reconnect.

Their case reveals something that the rich family was not expecting to find and someone is unhappy enough to (view spoiler)[shoot at them, which leads to Tolliver in the hospital (hide spoiler)]. Harper is on her own and in danger and she needs to find out who wants them dead and why before they succeed.

It turns out that (view spoiler)[their rich client Lizzie's long time boyfriend Chip and Lizzie's brother Drex had killed her grandfather and tried to hide the fact that Chip had a baby with their housekeeper and got rid of the baby so many years ago.

When they failed to keep the truth from coming out, and after Chip discovered that he was dying from cancer, he wanted the truth to come out and take his accomplish with him. He admitted that they were responsible for shooting Tolliver and killing their private investigator friend, as well as the police officer who was protecting Harper, and then Chip killed Drex before killing himself.

While they helped solve a part of the mystery, Harper and Tolliver still had to confront Matthew, who confirmed that they were right that he had swapped the babies in an ill-conceived scheme to blackmail the rich people at some future point. What none of them realized was that Mark also knew about the swap, and so did Cameron, who discovered the truth and confided in the wrong person before going to the police...

Mark, wanting to protect his father, killed her before she could, and had been keeping her body in a storage shed away from anywhere Harper could find it.

Harper finally found out what happened to her sister as well as her body, with the intervention of her psychic friend Manfred, since Mark refused to tell her where the body was. Mark and Matthew ended up in prison, while their sisters remained with their aunt, despite the truth regarding Gracie's true parentage (hide spoiler)].

It's not exactly an "all's well that ends well" story, but Harper and Tolliver do manage to finally put the past behind them and (view spoiler)[got married (hide spoiler)], before going back to their lives and unusual job.


Previous book reviews:
✦ An Ice Cold Grave (Harper Connelly, #1) ~ ★★★ (13/04/2021)
✦ Grave Sight (Harper Connelly, #1) ~ ★★★ (11/10/2019)

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Completion Post

For: Shelf #5 ~ 24 March: Auto-Buy(s) I read:


Truthwitch by Susan Dennard 416 Kindle pages
How it fits: Shelved twice as autobuy
Read: 4/13 Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✩

Review:

I feel guilty for continuing (i.e. binging) on in the Witchlands when I am so far behind...
but I couldn't help it...
The story is so well-written, with strong characters and a detailed world and magic system, all revealed slowly, your understanding expanding like ripples in a pool, beginning where you were thrown into the story.
Many other reviewers complain that the story is 'too slow', there are to many characters, too many POV. To them I recommend "Patience 🦗 Grasshopper", modernday readers expect things to be too easy. Nothing of value comes easily, and there is real value here if you will do the work...

I'll return soon to finish this magnificent series... I've already got them on my Kindle...

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[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Selection Post

For: Shelf #6 ~ 31 March: Urban Fantasy I will read:


Touch the Dark by Karen Chance 324 Kindle pages
How it fits: Shelved over 100 times as Urban Fantasy


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[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Thenia, you need to request Shapeshifter & Auto Buy stamps :)

[Thenia]

✦ Shelf #3 ~ 10 March: Series to Finish
Tamed - Tana Stone ~ ★★★ (27/03/2021)
(246 pages - marked as series-to-finish 1 time)

Review:


Tamed on Books On Track

An alien abduction story featuring Mandy, a shallow "social influencer" that I didn't particularly like, and Dorn, a warrior who is forced into mating if he wants his family line to continue.

The aliens need human women if they don't want their race to die out, and have a treaty in place with Earth that they will continue to provide protection from the enemy aliens hellbent on invading Earth in exchange for tribute brides.

They have a whole set up for the new brides, trying to ease them into their new lives, but Mandy will have none of that and throws lots of tantrums that Dorn can thankfully handle.

She eventually realizes that she doesn't have to remain the same person even she herself didn't like, and intends to reinvent herself, becoming a lot more likable.

The two fight a lot and make up a lot and in the end make a pretty well-matched couple in love, but (view spoiler)[before they can even get married the enemy aliens attack and war breaks out (hide spoiler)].

I am curious to see what happens next, and see Bridget, the former ballerina and (view spoiler)[the enemy alien commander's target (hide spoiler)], get her happily ever after with Dorn's older brother Kax in Seized.

[Thenia]

✦ Shelf #7 ~ 7 April: Magic
Reclaimed - Jaymin Eve ~ ★★★★ (16/04/2021)
(360 pages - marked as magic 41 times)

Review:


Reclaimed on Books On Track

Mera's story continues right where we left off in the first book, with Mera believing that (view spoiler)[Shadow betrayed her and was responsible for the death of her friend. (hide spoiler)].

It turns out that that wasn't the case, but Mera's reaction (view spoiler)[brought her in touch with the Shadow World once again and this time, she managed to break the spell that was blocking the door.

Mera and Shadow, along with Angel and Mera's new companion, a mist like Inky that she named Midnight, embark on a journey in a world that is far from what Shadow remembered. Someone had been exploiting the world's spirit to the point that the world was nearly destroyed, and our heroes have to stop them before it's too late.

During their journey they meet Shadow's mate, who I could tell from the start that was the main villain and got impatient with everyone for not suspecting her sooner and allowing her to nearly succeed in destroying the world before they finally stopped her (hide spoiler)].

Mera finally discovers what she is, Shadow (view spoiler)[is back in his rightful place and got his revenge, and the two of them have succumbed to the intense attraction between them and have admitted their feelings for one another.

Unfortunately, and in a twist I did not see coming, the person who helped them save the world, aka Shadow's mother/Mera's missing friend lost her marbles and took their memories of the last year away, sending her back to her idiot true mate and the pack that tormented her for years! (hide spoiler)]

I wish the audiobook for the next book, Reborn, was out already (view spoiler)[so that I could see how Mera deals with being back in her old pack, and how they will find their way back to each other and if they recover their memories or end up falling in love again (hide spoiler)].

[Thenia]

✦ Shelf #6 ~ 31 March: Urban Fantasy
MacRieve - Kresley Cole ~ ★★★★ (16/04/2021)
(360 pages - marked as urban-fantasy 122 times)

Review:


MacRieve on Books On Track

MacRieve, a tortured Lykae ready to give up, unexpectedly meets his mate Chloe, a human who is being auctioned off to whichever monster wants to kill her most for being spoiler>the daughter of General Webb, the mastermind behind the torture of so many of the Lore.

Chloe had no idea the Lore even existed before (view spoiler)[her senses went into superdrive and her dad thrust a book full of information on different creatures of the Lore at her and disappeared (hide spoiler)].

MacRieve saves her from the auction, but the road is less than smooth between them, with Chloe (view spoiler)[trying to figure out what sort of creature she is but hesitant to ask MacRieve's help, while MacRieve tries to be patient and give her time to acclimate to her new world before claiming her for good.

Unfortunately her hesitation to trust him proves to be warranted, since the moment they discover that she is a succubus, he immediately hates her and treats her abominably, still suffering from the tortured that cost him most of his family many years ago (hide spoiler)].

Eventually MacRieve has to decide if he can get over past issues and prejudices, and Chloe has to decide if it's worth forgiving him and giving him another chance, but they have plenty of adrenaline fueled adventures that help them make up their minds.

Another great addition to the Immortals After Dark world that continues in Dark Skye next.

[Thenia]

Well done team ~ our Series to Finish, Shapeshifters and Auto-Buy stamps are on the way!

I've finally managed to get caught up both with my books and reviews, and with updating our lists and requesting our stamps.

If you take a look at the Master List, we are missing the following books for the 4 shelves we still have pending:
✦ Free Space - Art
✦ Urban Fantasy - Art
✦ Magic - Art *
✦ Kick-Ass Heroine - Allison Ann, Art and Diane

* As Diane mentioned, we are one of the teams that are one shelf away from bingo if we can finish our shelves - if "Series Read" is called, we'll need to have our Magic stamp, so read your Magic book first if you can Art.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

All books must be read to win Bingo, not just the winning line :)

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Completion Post: Shelf 8 - Kick Ass Heroine
by Jane Cousins
pgs: 289
how it fits: shelved as Kick Ass Heroine 1 time
finished: 4/17/21
rating: 4 stars

review: So excited to finally get Darcy's book as she is super scary and it was going to take a special man to win her well-hidden heart. Declan was up to the task. Although finding out he was the vessel for a love god was a surprise. Their courtship was very unconventional and fun and Darcy's interactions with family were great. Looking forward to seeing glimpses of them in future stories.

[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Completion Post

For: Shelf #6 ~ 31 March: Urban Fantasy I read:


Touch the Dark by Karen Chance 324 Kindle pages
How it fits: Shelved over 100 times as Urban Fantasy
Read: 4/17 Rated: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁵/₁₁✩

Review:

Gripe....grumble....too slow...NOT!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe it! Two shelves in a row! This is why I play bingo...

Another author who throws you into the middle of the pond with a splash, requiring you to sink or swim, introducing strong characters, providing them interesting times and places to contend with as the ripples spread.

It's gotten to the place that I hit the link on the 'shelf call' page, and page down 'til i find something I marked as 'want to read'... There are so many authors suggested on amazon pages that I've never heard of... Maybe I've just become an old fuddy duddy, I'm always picking new-to-me series and authors that started 10 or more years ago...

I'm glad there are series out there to inspire binging! I know I'll follow up on this one as soon as this round of SOS BSB is over.


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[Art (aka Whistler Reads)]

Selection Post

For: Shelf #7 ~ 7 April: Magic I will read:


His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik 384 Kindle pages
How it fits: Shelved 38 times as magic




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[Allison Ann]

Completion Post

SHELF #8 - Kick Ass Heroine
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews- 310 pages
How It Fits: Shelved 99 times as kick-ass-heroine, page 1
Read: 4/19/21
Rating: 4 stars
Review: For a series that started so slowly for me, the improvement is astronomical. A fantastic installment, nice to see Kate interacting with so many people. I love Kate. I don't yet love Curran, but we shall see what happens. So many people love the future relationship and you were right about how good this book was, so I will withhold judgment. :D

[Diane ~Firefly~]

@Allison Ann - book 3 is where I got addicted the first time round and the books keep getting better. Plus there is an actual end for this series (although books in the universe are still going).

[Allison Ann]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "@Allison Ann - book 3 is where I got addicted the first time round and the books keep getting better. Plus there is an actual end for this series (although books in the universe are still going)."

That's what most people have told me, so I am looking forward to the series going forward. I do hope I like it as much as most do. :D

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Zeta Team!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'series to finish', 'shapeshifter(s)' and 'auto buy'. 

[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamps Greek Team!

[Allison Ann]

My least favourite shelf call by far. Not sure what I will read. I'll figure it out tomorrow.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

I agree

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Selection Post: Week 9 - Alpha Male
Leverage in Death
pgs: 379
how it fits: shelved as Alpha Male 2 times

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Allison Ann wrote: "My least favourite shelf call by far. Not sure what I will read. I'll figure it out tomorrow."

I think the next Kate Daniels book qualifies if you are still looking

[Thenia]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Completion Post: Shelf 8 - Kick Ass Heroine
by Jane Cousins
pgs: 289
how it fits: shelved as Kick Ass Heroine 1 time
rating: 4 stars

revie..."

Diane could you please add the date you completed the book?

Thanks!

[Thenia]

✦ Shelf #9 ~ 21 April: Alpha Male ~ ☑ 4/4 ~ stamp pending

☑ Allison Ann - Cry Wolf - Patricia Briggs ~ ★★★ (24/04/2021) - Review
☑ Art (aka Whistler Reads) - Shadows in Death - J.D. Robb ~ ★★★★★ (27/04/2021) - Review
☑ Diane ~Firefly~ - Leverage in Death - J.D. Robb ~ ★★★★ (24/04/2021) - Review
☑ Thenia - After Sundown - Linda Howard ~ ★★★ (23/04/2021) - Review