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R13: SS Team 13 - 13 Going To 1st
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Also, I believe I can win us a bonus point, as the cover to When Life Gives You Lululemons is about 75% red, do you think it fits for..."
Looks red enough to me!
Week 1, Spot 3
That Night in Texas by Joss Wood
Date Read: 1/25/22
How It Fits: #3 in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Houston series
Pages: 224
Rating: ★★★★
Review: The writing, the angst, the romance, the chemistry between the main characters were all top notch. Cam and Vivi are both such damaged and stubborn people. I loved them both. My heart hurt for both of them and things that they had to overcome in life. Vivi with her gaslighting and emotionally manipulative mother and Cam and all of the terrible things he had to endure as a child growing up poor. It’s easy to understand why they are the way that they are. I thought they were great together though and I loved that Vivi was never afraid to call Cam out on his nonsense. She’s a badass and I adored her. Cam made me want to smack him a lot of the time but I also wanted to give him the biggest hug. Poor guy.
Also, their two year old daughter, Clem, was so adorable but underutilized. I wanted more scenes of her and Cam bonding.
Overall, loved this and I will definitely be going back and reading the first two books in this series and continuing on from there.
Denise wrote: "Bouchra wrote: "Thanks, Meg, I will post tomorrow as I’m not on my laptop ATM.Also, I believe I can win us a bonus point, as the cover to When Life Gives You Lululemons is about 75% red, do you t..."
Thanks, Denise, I felt it must be but wanted to make sure. Red is my favorite color and that's one of my favorite covers.
Week 1, Spot 3
One Potato, Two Potato, Dead by Lynn CahoonDate Read: 01/25/22
How it Fits: #3 in the Farm to Fork series
Rating: ****
Pages: 237
Review: Angie Turner and her partner own and operate a restaurant outside Boise, Idaho. One of Angie's chefs (Hope) attends a local college and has a crush on her professor. One night Hope gives her professor a ride home on the way to meet a friend at a school soccer game. The professor turns up dead and Hope is the primary suspect. Angie fears that law enforcement will fail to seek other suspects as Hope was in the professor's home and her finger prints were found on a wine glass, so she sets out to prove Hope innocent. Add in the discovery that the professor has no history prior to coming to Idaho, a mysterious stranger who keeps turning up at the wrong time, a married woman involved in an affair with the professor, and a sheriff bent on discouraging Angie's participation.
Week 1, Spot 3
When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger
Date Read: 01/23
How it fits: #3 in series, red cover (claiming 2 in 1 bonus point)
Pages: 343
Rating: ****
Review: This was a really interesting read. I like the light-heartedness of Lauren Weisberger's writing and with all the references to modern culture and everyday things that people in higher tax brackets have, it really feels like stepping into a world of luxury and comfort.
One thing I really like about Emily as a character is her no-nonsense approach to drama and business, despite the fact that her income is highly dependent on how celebrities' personal drama plays out in the media. As a business owner who has close relationships with the PR industry myself, I really enjoyed looking into the extreme end of the PR industry - namely celebrity PR management. It was fascinating while at the same time being a mediumweight read - not too heavy like industry books, not too light like novels that don't touch on the jobs of the characters and how they affect their personal life.
I definitely will read Weisberger again soon, and I'm glad I got to finish this series.
Denise wrote: "Bouchra wrote: "Thanks, Meg, I will post tomorrow as I’m not on my laptop ATM.Also, I believe I can win us a bonus point, as the cover to When Life Gives You Lululemons is about 75% red, do you t..."
Thanks Denise for confirming!
Thanks, Bouchra. The master list has been updated.
Just a quick reminder that Friday is coming up soon. And hoping that you're enjoying your reads!
Week 1, Spot 3
The Secret StaircaseDate Read: 1/27/22
Rating: 4 stars
How it fits: 3 in series
Review: This is the third book in the Victorian Village Mysteries series and I still really like this series. Kate Hamilton is a really fun MC and I love the fact this series is set in Maryland, where I spent much of my life. This time Kate stumbles across a dead body in a hidden staircase, and then another body turns up when she starts investigating what happened. I love the town and Kate's efforts to continue to turn the economy around for this little village. I look forward to reading more in this continuing story.
Whoo hoo, we're getting there!Your review has me really wanting to read this one, Jammin J. I've been reading her County Cork series and stretching it out so I don't run out yet. Unfortunately the author passed away in 2020 so these series may be done, unless another author takes them on. I'm not sure how that works, tho...
Week 1, Spot 3
Clockwork Princess
Date Read: 27.1.2022
How It Fits: #3 in series
Pages: 594
Rating: 5
Review: This is final book in this thrilogy. I know some thing what will happend because I accidentally spoil myself but it was still such a book read.I really like how story progres and ofc I love love triange between Jem and Tessa and how did that eneded. Character development for mostly charcter too was good like with Gabriel Lightwood.
Meg wrote: "Whoo hoo, we're getting there!Your review has me really wanting to read this one, Jammin J. I've been reading her County Cork series and stretching it out so I don't run out yet. Unfortunately th..."
That's a shame. I really do like the Victorian Village Mysteries series.
Congrats, Darkness,, on reading almost 600 oages! I've finished up the Master List and submitted it.
Week 2 roll: 44 + 3 = 7, so our read this week is series #7 or alternate.
Hope everyone finds something they enjoy! Go team!
Meg, I need some advice. I have two possible choices of books, but I am wondering if the cover of the one is orange enough. The choices are:The Lions of Lucerne (544 pages and ?Orange cover; or Maui Madness, a Zoe Donovan Bk. #7 and an orange cover). I've had Lions on my TBR list for awhile and this would be a good excuse, but I'm afraid that the cover may be questionable. (I have Kindle Unlimited addition, but I am afraid the cover looks more red than orange). What do you think?
Honestly I think they're both orange, but, I agree with you, the Lions of Lucerne is borderline red. The Zoe Donovan is definitely orange. I can ask Denise, though, if you'd like.
That would be great. As Lions doesn't meet this week's 7th book criteria, I would hate to read a 500 page book that didn't count.
Jeanne wrote: "That would be great. As Lions doesn't meet this week's 7th book criteria, I would hate to read a 500 page book that didn't count."Seriously. That would be heartbreaking!
I forwarded the question to Denise.
Master List: Week 2 Meg - Cajun Kiss of Death review 5*
Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) - Finding Jessica Lambert review 3*
Bouchra - United as One review 4*
Darkness - The Duke Heist review 4*
Jeanne - Maui Madness review 4*
Jammin Jenny
This one was kind of tough. Had to look through my tbr shelves but I finally found one. I'm going to read for the alternative - orange cover.
by Clare Ashton
Yea, not an easy one this time. I was happy to find a #7 in the tbr. I'm glad you found something orange; looks perfect.
Here's a list that may help with orange covers! Some aren't predominantly orange but many are.
I will read an alternate cover. Boo for that will be The Duke Heist. I found find any book who I am on the seventh book in series and not of fan of reading out of order.
I guess I will save Lions
for a different alternate and go ahead and read Maui Madness
. It is the 7th book in the series and also has an orange cover yielding a bonus point for us.
Darkness wrote: "I will read an alternate cover. Boo for that will be The Duke Heist. I found find any book who I am on the seventh book in series and not of fan of reading out of order.[bookcover:..."
Let me make sure that it's considered orange, k? I'll ask Denise. I'd hate for you to read it then find out it's not going to be acceptable.
Good deal, Jeanne. Maui is always a good idea! 🌴I'll check into the bonus point; we got one last week for cover color so this could be a duplicate. Good find, tho!
If anyone is having trouble finding books with orange covers, or even series #7 books, and you read on a Kindle, I have some on my Kindle tbr that I can loan you! Let me know and we'll work it out. I don't think it's against the rules to borrow a book?
Week 2 Spot 7Book Read: Maui Madness by Kathi Daley
Date Read: 01/29/22
How it Fits: #7 in the Zoe Donovan series
Bonus Point: Orange Cover
Rating: ****
Pages: 208
Zoe Donovan and three of her friends (Zak, Ellie, and Jason) are given two weeks in Maui, Hawaii at the luxurious home of one of Zak's friends. They meet and befriend several Hawaiians and go snorkeling, treasure hunting, diving on old wrecks, and an engagement luau for Zak's friend's sister. The luau features suspicious attendees, bountiful tables of food and flowers, and a pig roast on a spit. When the pig is removed from the spit and the seaweed unwrapped, the pig has been replaced by the body of the potential groom.
Zoe and Zak stumble into clues and ultimately identify the culprit for the authorities.
The book was short and cute, held my interest, and had a couple of unexpected twists that made it worthwhile.
Jeanne wrote: "Week 2 Spot 7Book Read: Maui Madness by Kathi Daley
Date Read: 01/29/22
How it Fits: #7 in the Zoe Donovan series
Bonus Point: Orange Cover
Rating: ****
Pages: 20..."
That was fast! It's a good, enjoyable read; I read it a bit ago.
I've updated the master list.
Darkness wrote: "I will read an alternate cover. Boo for that will be The Duke Heist. I found find any book who I am on the seventh book in series and not of fan of reading out of order.[bookcover:..."
Ok, I heard from Denise and she's agreed that it's orange! Happy reading!
How is everyone else doing with finding books for this week?
Week 2, Spot 7
Cajun Kiss of DeathDate read: 01/30
How it fits: #7 in series
Pages: 320
Review: A pair of deaths, underhanded restaurant tactics, and heartwarming family moments and celebrations are the highlights of the 7th book in the Cajun Country series. Great secondary characters populate Maggie's world, forming a supportive and caring community. A lively triple wedding starts off the action that rolls until the final conclusion of both this story and, unfortunately, the series itself. One of the culprits was a surprise; the other, slimier, one I began to suspect after awhile.
The final chapter is an epilogue that gives a satisfying look into the future lives of our characters, 20 years down the road. Satisfying yet bittersweet. I'll miss spending time with them all in Pelican, Louisiana.
Thanks, Bouchra, I've added it to the list.
Week 2, Spot 7 - Alternative
Finding Jessica Lambert by Clare Ashton
Date Read: 2/1/22
How It Fits: Orange cover
Pages: 436
Rating: ★★★
Review: I love Ashton but this one didn’t hit the mark for me and I’m honestly shocked. This book is so loved and I just knew for sure that I would be amongst those who adore it but I never did connect with it unfortunately. It also didn’t help that there is so much unnecessary miscommunication. Also, while I was able to empathize with Anna she drove me nuts. The way she reacted to finding out about Jessica was total overkill. Jessica was wonderful though. The romance between them was great when they would actually talk but other than that I found myself more annoyed than anything.
Week 2, Spot 7
The Duke Heist - Erica Ridley
Date Read: 1.2.2022
How It Fits: Alternative Prompt - Orange cover
Pages: 353
Rating: 4
Review:
I heard about this book last year by lost of people. They love this and I was okay I think I will like it. Which was true. I did like it. It's a pretty funny historical romance about a family of adopted children. They lost their family legacy. No not, lost somebody stole it and they want it back. So Chloe needed to get close to the duke of Faircliffe. I did like them together and starting to know each other and their connecter passion. There were huge misunderstandings but it end up being good. I like how they finally got what they always wanted and be happy. He really was a good man after all he didn't want to get married to Philipa because he doesn't want unloved marriage don't want to force himself on her which was yess. I did like Chloe's family and I am just waiting for their book. Tommy's book is next and it's f/f romance so yes I am in.
Great, thanks! I've added links to the master list for both of your reviews.I hope Jammin Jenny is okay. Her previous illness is worrisome.
Hi guys, I ended up out of town to help a friend. I'm keeping track of Goodreads via my Kindle (definitely a different way from a laptop) and it looks like we're currently missing two reviews? I should be home tonight or tomorrow morning and will check then. We have until the late evening to roll anyway.! Hope everyone is doing well!
Hi everyone,Sorry I’m a bit behind, but I’m going to finish today and post my review.
Thanks! I'll look for it when I get home.
Week 2, Spot 7
United as One by Pittacus Lore
Date Read: 02/04
How it fits: #7 in series
Pages: 449
Rating: ****
Review: This was a great conclusion to the Lorien Legacies series. I would love to read more adventures with John, Marina, Six, and Sam, and I especially would be interested in learning more about what the next generation of Garde (human or Lorien) would have to face in the future, but for now, I'm happy with this ending that was quite fitting for everyone.
I see that the creator of the series has another series written under his real name, and I will definitely look into it and might read it soon.
Bouchra wrote: "Week 2, Spot 7United as One by Pittacus Lore
Date Read: 02/04
..."
I've added the review to our Week 2 master list.
I'll get back to everyone re: our next roll as our reviews aren't complete yet.I rolled but I can't post it until I hear back from Denise.
Mod
Unfortunately, with one review still missing and the deadline for this week having passed, you'll have to sit out this week. :(
Okay, gang, I'm checking to see if we can use one of our free passes from last week. Hang on, k? I should hopefully be able to let you know by tomorrow.
Darn, I got "free pass" mixed up with "bonus points". We have the latter but not the former. Here is Denise's nice, clear explanation:✸ Teams will have a chance to earn 1 Free Pass to roll. To earn your free pass your team has to complete their reads a day before the next roll (i.e. 11:59pm Thursday). Once your team has done this you will have 1 free pass. The free pass will allow a team to roll if they are missing a review(s) before the cutoff. Once you've used it, you can't earn another one. It's a one-time shot.
What you were talking about are bonus points, two of which you earned during the first week:
✸ Bonus points can be added to your roll to move you further along the board. Each bonus point can only be earned once and spent once.
So we have bonus points but not free passes.
We have to sit out the game this week, team. Let's rest up for next week!
The Challenge Factory
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Also, I believe I can win us a bonus point, as the cover to When Life Gives You Lululemons is about 75% red, do you think it fits for..."
Great! Can't wait to hear what you thought of the book. I have it on my WL.
The bonus point would be awesome. We'll double check with Denise but I feel that the cover is definitely red (3/4 of it, anyway).