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R13: SSS Team 3 - Serial Slayers
Selection PostBook: Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener
How it Fits: #3 in the Agatha Raisin Series
D.L. wrote: "O.M.Goodness. I think our curse might finally be broken! We just rolled a six! Putting us on Spot 36! YASSSS!This means you can read:
- A series #3
- A series #6
- A series #36
- ALT: Author 'B'"
Excellent roll!
Ugh. I had a series that I've been working on for ✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. This week I was going to tackle book 3 of 5. The truth is, though, that I really, really don't like the series very much, even though it has a high average rating and very good reviews. I was forcing myself to read #3, and was hating it, so I bailed. I'm sorry it won't be me earning that point for us, at least not with that series. - I hope someone else has a series in mind. The point for three books in the same series won't be a problem, though - I'll get that finished when we get to the 40s.
SELECTION POSTWeek 5;Roll 10;Spot 36
Book: Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Pages: 378
How it Fits: Dresden Files #3
COMPLETION POSTWeek 5;Roll 10;Spot 36
Book: Grave Peril by Jim Butcher
Pages: 378
How it Fits: Dresden Files #3
Completed: 21/02/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Bonus: none
Review:
It finally looks like the series is starting to pick up. Probably my favourite book of the series so far...or may the last book just made my expectations drop. It continues the story of Harry Dresden, the wizard, in his battle against forces of evil. My favourite thing about this book is Harry's friendship with Michael who even helped him stop a ghost. I love the interplay within their relationship and how they influence each other. I feel motivated to read the next book. I pray I'm not let down.
Truitt_T wrote: "Ugh. I had a series that I've been working on for ✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. This week I was going to tackle book 3 of 5. The truth is, though, that I really, re..."I should have this covered with the Dresden files series.
Truitt_T wrote: "Ugh. I had a series that I've been working on for ✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. This week I was going to tackle book 3 of 5. The truth is, though, that I really, re..."Don't worry about it. No one should force themselves to read something they don't like. The aim of the game is to have fun :)
D.L. wrote: "Truitt_T wrote: "Ugh. I had a series that I've been working on for ✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. This week I was going to tackle book 3 of 5. The truth is, though, ..."Agreed, lol - that's why I bailed. The series has so many positive reviews I kept thinking it would get better, but no.
Olawuyi - I hope Harry keeps you entertained through 9 books!
Selection Post Week 5 - Roll 10
Spot 36
Book: Mahu Fire by Neil S. Plakcy
Pages: 308 per GR
How It Fits: It's the third book in the Mahu series.
Completion PostWeek 5; Roll 10; Spot 36
Book: Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener by M.C. Beaton
Date Read: 2/21/2022
How It Fits: Book 3 in the Agatha Raisin series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Hats off to M.C. Beaton for keeping me guessing until the very end. I thought I had the murder and the method all figured out and she served up a juicy twist. I really liked this book. Agatha is a trip, as the old saying goes. She's a colorful, fully realized character with a sailor mouth (a girl after my own heart!). The only downside to this book is I don't really care for her stodgy, indecisive love interest James. She needs to seriously trade up. Overall, though, this was quite a fun read and I'd like to read more in the series.
SELECTION POSTWeek 5 - Roll 10
Spot 36
Book: ArchEnemy
Pages: 370
How it Fits: #3 in The Looking Glass Wars
Week 5 - Roll 10Spot 36
ArchEnemy by Frank Beddor
How Fits: #3 in The Looking Glass Wars
Read: (2/22)
Rating: ★★★★
I can't believe I finally finished this series. I've been sitting on it for years, always meaning to get back to it and finish up the story. I was enjoying the series and just never got to finishing it. This final chapter was a fitting end to the series.
Alyss and Red's personal battle for Wonderland is put on hold as Arch has managed to overtake them both and leave the future at Wonderland and Imagination completely up in the air. This story is a three way battle that puts friends with enemies and spreads all our favorite characters out as things look dire more than once.
I enjoyed how this all worked out. It was a very satisfying conclusion to all of the previous actions taken to disrupt Wonderland. Even at the end I still wanted to spend more time in Beddor's version of Wonderland. While things conclude, I'd still love to know what happens next. There's always bound to be more adventures in Wonderland.
Week 5, Sunday Reviews Tracking ThreadD.L. - msg. 161
Olawuyi - msg. 156
Shelby - msg. 163
Truitt_T - msg. 165
Completion Post Week 5 - Roll 10
Spot 36
Book: Mahu Fire by Neil S. Plakcy
Pages: 308 per GR
How It Fits: It's the third book in the Mahu series.
Completed: 2/21/2022
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Mahu Fire is the third book in a very good mystery series set in Hawaii. Unlike many mysteries for which the setting could be anywhere with little change to the plot, Plakcy makes the most of his chosen location, which is fascinating.
While this third book isn’t quite as good as the first two, it still had no trouble holding my interest. Detective Kimo Kanapa’aka, who was reluctantly outed in the first novel, continues to solve crimes while coming to terms with his somewhat altered place in his family, the police force, and society at large. He also gets a bit of romance, this time, that doesn’t end badly by the end of the book. The next book is one of two I have planned for the 40s!
Great work, Serial Slayers! Our reviews are in super early. Fabulous job!!
Hey, friends. I'm sorry to report we only rolled a three this week, putting us on Spot 39.You can read:
- A Series #3
- A Series #9
- A Series #39
- ALT: Title 'G'
Have at it :)
Selection PostBook: The Case of the Ill-Gotten Goat
How It Fits: #3 in The Casebook of Dr. McKenzie series
It's sad to realize I still have plenty of 3 books to read, lol. So many series, so little time.
Selection Post Week 6 - Roll 11
Spot 39
Book: Shadow and Light by R.J. Scott and V.L. Locey
Pages: 212 per GR
How It Fits: This book is #3 in the Arizona Raptors series.
Truitt_T wrote: "It's sad to realize I still have plenty of 3 books to read, lol. So many series, so little time."Surprisingly, I am getting low on 3's so I am glad we'll be into the 40's next time for sure lol I do have an abundance of almost every other number under the sun though. As you said so many series, so little time.
Oh man I have a million 1, 2, & 3's. Some in all of the higher numbers, but surprisingly no 9's. Figure my game plan is to always read the lower of the two numbers and churn out a few more of those 1, 2, & 3's. ;)
Selection Post Week 6 - Roll 11
Spot 39
Book: Shadow and Light by R.J. Scott and V.L. Locey
Pages: 212 per GR
How It Fits: This book is #3 in the Arizona Raptors series.
Completed: 2/24/2022
Rating: 4 stars
Review: For some reason, the description of Shadow and Light didn't appeal to me at all and I had not been looking forward to reading it. But given that it's the 3rd book in the Raptor's series and the 16th book overall in the Scott & Locey Hockey Universe, I knew I'd read it sooner or later.
Perhaps it helped that my expectations were low, but I really enjoyed this rather gentle romance between a physically and mentally wounded hockey player and the spitfire who comes to care for him for six months of his recovery. It was great to get glimpses of the other couples and hints of what's to come.
Completion PostWeek 6, Roll 11, Spot 39
Book: The Case of the Ill-Gotten Goat by Claudia Bishop
Date Read: 2/26/22
How it Fits: #3 in The Casebook of Dr. McKenzie series
Rating: 1 stars
Review: This is the second book I've read by Claudia Bishop and I have to say, I don't really like her writing style. It seems she tries too hard to be clever and witty and it just comes off sounding forced. In this particular book, there were soooo many characters I could hardly keep them all straight. There were confusing passages and plot twists that left me feeling out of sorts. Oh, and did I mention it was boring as heck too? It was just not a very good book and it's sad because I wanted so much to love it. I LOVE animals and this sounded like it would be right up my alley. Alas, it was not. I think Ms. Bishop and I are on a break.
Week 6, Thursday Reviews Tracking PostD.L. - msg. 174
Olawuyi - msg. 179
Shelby - msg. 177
Truitt_T - msg. 173
SELECTION POSTWeek 6 - Roll 11
Spot 39
Book: Hardwood
Pages: 205
How it Fits: #3 in Four Bears Construction
Week 6 - Roll 11Spot 39
Hardwood by K.M. Neuhold
How Fits: #3 in Four Bears Construction
Read: (2/27)
Rating: ★★★★
There's something just so charming about this series. I love the whole collection of grown construction workers all best friends and all absolutely gay. Well all but Ev, as least as far as his friends know. His life has been his daughter and coming out has never been a priority. It was easier to not explain to his ex, to keep that part of himself locked away. Well at least until he met Watson.
These two were charming together and Ev's inner turmoil about telling his ex dragged out longer than I would have liked, but at the same time it's the only real "conflict" in the story so the elongated angst over coming out completely. But I loved how cute Watson and Ev were together. They really were a lovely couple. I can see how happy these two will be for many years together.
This is the sort of feel good stories that I needed at the moment. It just had me smiling, even as I was shaking my head at Ev's fears about telling his ex. You knew it wouldn't be anywhere near as bad as he was fearing in his head. They were too good of friends for it to ruin things between them.
I can't wait to finally read Ollie's story. It definitely needs to happen soon. Poor Ollie's had to wait through all of his friends finding their HEA's, he needs his now.
SELECTION POSTWeek 6;Roll 11;Spot 39
Book: Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie
Pages: 219
How it Fits: Hercule Poirot #9
COMPLETION POSTWeek 6;Roll 11;Spot 39
Book: Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie
Pages: 219
How it Fits: Hercule Poirot #9
Completed: 27/02/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Bonus: none
Review:
This is a beautiful book, narrated by Hastings. I talks about the death of Lord Edgware, which is obvious from the time. It does not help that his wife Jane Wilkinson mentioned that she'd like him dead. Then two more people die after that. I like the dynamics of the book and how it kept putting me at the edge of my sit. And it's awkward how Hastings always wants to question and put down Poirot. Anyways, it's an awesome book.
Bad news/good news here. Bad news? We rolled a two again :( Good news, at least we're finally in the 40's. Yes, we're at Spot 41. This means, you can read:- A standalone
- A series #1
- A series #4
- A series #41
- ALT: Title 'L'
Happy reading, team!
D.L. wrote: "Selection PostBook: Anxious People
How It Fits: Standalone"
I'll be curious to see what you think of this one DL. I read it recently and it was a bit different than most of his other books. I still really enjoyed it though. I know some people have struggled with this one more than others.
SELECTION POSTWeek 6;Roll 12;Spot 41
Book: A Bit of Difference by Sefi Atta
Pages: 222
How it Fits: A Stand alone
CONPLETION POSTWeek 6;Roll 12;Spot 41
Book: A Bit of Difference by Sefi Atta
Pages: 222
How it Fits: A Stand alone
Completed: 02/03/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Bonus: none
Review:
This book is about a certain Deola Bello, a woman who misses Nigeria when she’s in Britain, and misses Britain when she’s in Nigeria. This book tells a story or her life - her relationship with family, her romantic life and her friendships. It will appear that Sefi Atta likes book set around major historical times in Nigeria, like the Nigerian Civil war and various coups. Overall, it's an enjoyable book.
Completion PostWeek 6, Roll 12
Spot 41
Book: Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Charlie Adhara
Pages: 323 per GR
How It Fits: This is the 4th book in the Big Bad Wolf series.
Completed: 3/2/2022
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I'm not a huge fan of shifter / werewolf books - or, perhaps, it's just that I'm very picky about them. Whichever it is, I love the Big Bad Wolf series by Charlie Adhara. I'd been aware of them for a while, but only began the series this year and am wondering why I waited so long to give them a try. Werewolves, mysteries, excellent character and relationship development all make for an excellent series, and a particularly good entry with Wolf in Sheep's Clothing.
Shelby wrote: "D.L. wrote: "Selection PostBook: Anxious People
How It Fits: Standalone"
I'll be curious to see what you think of this one DL. I read it recently and it was a bit different than ..."
I'll let you know. I am still in the middle of it. I had to pick another book for this challenge though because I kept getting distracted for some reason whenever I tried to read Anxious People.
Completion PostWeek 6, Roll 12, Spot 41
Book: Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley by M.C. Beaton
Date Read: 3/2/22
How It Fits: #4 in the Agatha Raisin series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I really enjoy reading all about Agatha's (mis)adventures. She is such a spitfire of a character! I liked this book every bit as much as the one that came before it, although I felt the mystery was somewhat less tautly constructed this time around. My main complaint continues to be that the love interest character of James Lacey exists. What a stick in the mud! Am I really supposed to root for him to be with Agatha? I mean, really? He's such a tool.
Week 6 - Roll 12Spot 41
Good Bones by Kim Fielding
How Fits: #1 in Bones
Read: (3/2)
Rating: ★★★★
I liked this story. Dylan and Chris were an interesting couple. Dylan is dealing with his werewolf nature in the best way he knows how, by getting away from people and telecommuting for his work. His one neighbor though makes that a bit of a problem, especially when he's falling for him too.
There's a lot of two guys not talking to each other about things in this one. As the story is from Dylan's perspective we really don't get to know Chris as well as I would have liked. He has a lot of feelings about things, but we only see them through Dylan's perspective and he doesn't always interpret Chris well.
Still this was a sweet story with just enough drama to keep it interesting with Dylan's ex and the trouble he was bound to cause. I'm curious to see where things develop with these two in the rest of the series.
Week 6, Roll 12 Reviews Tracking ThreadD.L. - msg. 187
Olawuyi - msg. 184
Shelby - msg. 189
Truitt_T - msg. 185
Good news, Serial Slayers! The book fairies have smiled upon us lol Or whatever. We rolled a Six!! Yes, a 6. This puts us on Spot 47! You can read:- A series #4
- A series #7
- A series #47
- ALT: Africa
Have at it :)
Selection Post Week 7Spot 47
Book: Sugar and Ice
Pages: 176 per GR / 212 per amazon
How It Fits: It's book #4 in the Arizona Raptors series.
Completion PostWeek 7, Roll 13, Spot 47
Book: Katia's Promise by Catherine Lanigan
Date Read: 3/5/22
How It Fits: #4 in the Shores of Indian Lake series
Rating: 2 stars
Review: The best thing about this book is the town it's set in. It's the kind of small-town you see in Hallmark movies that you wish exists and would love to visit or preferably, live in. Everyone knows you there and loves you, quirks and all. I personally wanted to live in Indian Lake. The worst thing about this novel was the hero and heroine, particularly the heroine who I thought was self-serving and dare I say, manipulative. Certainly, she was undeserving of a happily ever after and all the goodness that comes with it. It made me resent the hero for putting up with her endless shenanigans. I get the heart wants what it wants, but come on, Katia (the titular character) had few redeeming qualities. Other than being mind-numbingly beautiful, what was to really love about her? Not much, in my opinion. I also didn't like the endless misunderstandings and petty arguments between the couple. The back and forth was exhausting. I was honestly glad when the book was over. I felt the writer was trying to accomplish a redemptive story that was never quite fully realized.
Week 7, Thursday Reviews Tracking ThreadD.L. - msg. 194
Olawuyi - msg. 199
Shelby - msg. 200
Truitt_T - msg. 196
Selection Post Week 7Spot 47
Book: Sugar and Ice
Pages: 176 per GR / 212 per amazon
How It Fits: It's book #4 in the Arizona Raptors series.
Completed: 3/4/2022
Rating: 3 stars
Review: The books of Scott & Locey's hockey universe can be so uneven. Sugar and Ice is ok, but not great. Tate's ex-finacee and Vlad's reluctance to being out due to his family in Russia provide most - maybe all - of the complications in the relationship and it just didn't work for me. Why on earth does Tate put up with the horrible things his ex says and does? How long is Vlad supposed to hide who he is? Has he even discussed the situation with his family in a frank manner? I enjoy ice hockey novels, so I'll keep going, but with the full knowledge that some of these books are better, or worse, than others.
SELECTION POSTWeek 7 - Roll 13
Spot 47
Book: Happy Ever After
Pages: 333
How it Fits: #4 in Bride Quartet
SELECTION POSTWeek 7;Roll 13;Spot 47
Book: Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
Pages: 446
How it Fits: Dresden Files #4
COMPLETION POSTWeek 7;Roll 13;Spot 47
Book: Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
Pages: 446
How it Fits: Dresden Files #4
Completed: 06/02/2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Bonus: none
Review:
The Winter Queen of the Sidhe, Mab purchased Dresden's debt from his fairy godmother, Leanansidhe. To earn his freedom, he has to carry out 3 tasks, but of course Harry is stubborn till the White Council steps in. In this book we also see an appearance from his now bloodthirsty girlfriend, Elaine. I must admit that this series is starting to pick up and I might actually stick with it.
Week 7 - Roll 13Spot 47
Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts
How Fits: #4 in Bride Quartet
Read: (3/5)
Rating: ★★★★½
I do so love Mal. He's just the right amount of bad boy with such a good heart and soul. He's hardworking, but he also knows how to relax and have fun which is something Parker needs. He reminds her to put down the job occasionally and just enjoy life. I adore how he is with Mrs. G too. They have such a cute relationship. Parker is such a type A driven woman. She's never one to rest on her laurels. She may have been born into privilege, but she's worked and made a success of her business for both herself and her friends.
These two were such fun to watch. Mal sets Parker spinning. She doesn't know what to do with him. But he intrigues her as well. Mal for his part finds himself quickly in deeper than he expected, but he's the type to roll with it all. His nerves were a cute little bump in their road.
This was a lovely conclusion to this series and it was fun to get to see one of the four finally get to enjoy the fruits of the business they've all worked to develop.
The Challenge Factory
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This means you can read:
- A series #3
- A series #6
- A series #36
- ALT: Author 'B'