SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R21: Team #1 ~ First Ladies Are One in a Million
Christina (AKA Babbling) wrote: "changing my favorite couple read toHeart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh"
updated. thanks!
CONGRATULATIONS, First Ladies!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
Congratulations on the stamp Flotus!
Christina, how are things coming along with your alternate reality book (week 2)?
I'm going with A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet from the magic listhttps://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
I'm going to have to pick later. Using the ap, I'm only getting the first page to look at for options. I do have a book in mind (its one that should fit, but may not be on the shelf, because that's just how it is sometimes!), but need to check when I'm back. Also done with Fav couple, review to come next week when I'm back home.
Shelf: Alternate Reality/UniverseEtched in Bone by Anne Bishop February 16, 2022 ★★★★★
A little sad to have to say goodbye to the Lakeside Courtyard gang, as the Author moves the series focus away from Meg and company. I love how the leaders of the courtyard are still willing to help humans find employment in other areas controlled by the terra indigene, by holding a job fair at Howling Good Reads. I loved how the Elders who are "visiting" the courtyard "purchase" some paper and a pen so they can leave a note for Meg, demanding cookies. Meg, assuming that the rude request came from puppies or juveniles, scolds them. So they add "pleeze" to the note. There are more moments.
Requesting Stamp Shelf #2 ~ Alternate Reality/Universe
Christina | Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop | ★★★★★ | Feb 16th | Review
Rachel | Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews | ★★★★ | Feb 16th| Review
Shan | The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger | ★★★★★ | Feb 16th | Review
CONGRATULATIONS, First Ladies!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'alternate reality'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congratulations on the stamp Flotus!
For magic I'm reading Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs. Shelved 208 times.Favorite couple review to come tomorrow.
favorite coupleHeart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh February 21, 2022 ★★★★★
This is a re-read for me. The series is one of my favorites. I started the series after was several book in. I had wanted to be caught up before the release of Kiss of Snow in paperback, but that didn't happen. However, I was determined to read this one on its HB release. I was anxious for this book, I wanted to know if Kaleb was the Ghost. I figured he was, but I knew there would be more than that. I was not disappointed. So far this is my favorite book of the series
Favorite coupleThe Duke's Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley
4*, finished 2/20
Eleanor and Hart have a history. They were engaged when both were younger (it's been about 10 years since their breakup). Hart was an arrogant man and expects people to obey him. They reconnect after Eleanor receives a naked picture of Hart.
This was a nice second chance story. Both Hart and Eleanor are more mature and know what they want. They compliment each other well. There are some slight suspense moments as this deals with the Irish wanting home rule and has violence associated with that. Nice mystery as to who was behind the pictures (it makes sense). Other members of the MacKenzie appear in this one, Ian has a strong rule in this one.
Magic/Magic UserStorm Cursed by Patricia Briggs
3* finished 2/28
This picks up where the last left off. Christy and the Pack's treatment of Mercy is mentioned (again). Luckily, at the beginning and I was able to move on. I get so pissed at how the Pack treated Mercy but adored Christy. Just no. The setup for this was a meeting with the Fae and the US government. Adam's security company gets roped in. But before that can happen, Mercy and Co need to figure out the cause behind multiple zombie animals, the torture and murder of Elizaveta's family. The Hardesty witches are in this one (they were mentioned in a previous book(s), but I couldn't tell you which one anymore). The Pack does lose someone they've called on in the past. Zee and Tad have nice moments in this one. Wulfe might be an ally in future books. Maybe.
I do think this series needs to end soon. It's lost some of it's magic.
(view spoiler)
I'm going to try to get on as much as possible, but my internet is down until Friday (hopefully, they can figure out the problem) and after work I'm still moving things to our new house. If not I'll post my favorite couple book as soon as my home internet is back up and I can actually use my tablet instead of my ipad.
I changed my favorite couples book. Posting now
Completion PostShelf #3 ~ Favorite Couples
Book: It Ain't Me, Babe
Author: Tillie Cole
Finished: 03/04
How it fits: Favorite Couples List:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This book. I initially thought it would end up being a 5 star read because the scenes with Mae making her escape had my heart pounding. Tillie Cole definitely knows how to pull the reader in.
Everything to do with Mae and where she came from had me on the edge of my seat.
Styx and the Hades Hangmen? I have a bit of an issue with reading out the "hero" in the romance I'm reading having sex with someone that isn't the heroine. Were they together when the sex happened? No. And I realize that people are going to have a life before their loves enters their lives, but that doesn't mean I want to read about it. It really only bothers me because it's almost always the man who gets to move on, and usually the woman is left pining or a virgin during this process.
That wasn't the case here as Mae was part of a cult and didn't have a choice in what happened in her life, until her great escape.
Anyway, all of Mae's scenes were 5 stars for me because here is the young woman who 1st escapes this life that didn't have her best interest at heart, and then end up in this world that she has been taught is immoral and she has to learn how to navigate it. Through her I was able to learn to like the others.
Then the twist is revealed, and I realized that Tillie was giving us clues, in my opinion, the entire time. It was just too hard to believe.
Requesting StampShelf #3 ~ Favorite Couples
Christina (AKA Babbling) | Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh| ★★★★★ | Feb 21st | Review
Rachel- Goodbye Borders |The Duke's Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley | ★★★★ | Feb 20th | Review
Shan ~A | It Ain't Me, Babeby Tillie Cole | ★★★★ | March 3rd | Review
CONGRATULATIONS, First Ladies!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'favorite couples'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congratulations on the stamp FLOTUS!
magic usersA Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas March 3, 2022 ★★★
Didn't hate it, but all who's who and who's allied, or against who was hard to keep track. I know there are more books in the series but I feel like the major story line was wrapped up. don't know if I will read the rest of the series
ShifterHow to Date Your Dragon by Molly Harper March 6, 2022 ★★★
Shifters are my favorite paranormal sub category. This didn't seem like one because there was much of that in the book. In fact the main character doesn't learn the species of the sheriff until well into the book and not because he shifted. The romance seemed very sudden, even for paranormal romance with its tendencies toward destined mates. The story is told from both POVs and there wasn't much of a build up. One minute they are trekking through the bayou and the next they are having sex on his hoard. I had zoned out. I thought I missed more than did.
For urban fantasy I will be reading Spells and Scones by Bailey Cates.Thanks to the 4 people who shelved it as urban fantasy!!
Completion PostShelf #4 ~ Magic/Magic Users
Book: A Promise of Fire
Author: Amanda Bouchet
Finished: 03/09
How it fits: Magic List:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Rating: 4 stars
Review: My first book by Amanda Bouchet, but not my last.
From the beginning I was pulled into this story and it kept getting better and better.
I love books with strong heroines who can hold their own in most situations. Cat can definitely do that. A woman like deserves a man who will bend over backwards for them, and that is definitely Griffin.
I loved the premise of this story, and I think it was executed very well. A fantasy romance with a mythology twist.
Requesting StampShelf #4 ~ Magic/Magic Users
Christina (AKA Babbling) | A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas | ★★★ | March 3rd | Review
Rachel- Goodbye Borders | Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs | ★★★ | Feb 28th | Review
Shan ~A | A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet | ★★★★ | March 9th| Review
Shifter(s)Midnight's Temptation by Donna Grant
4* Finished 3/9
*Possible spoilers for series*
So glad to read Aisley's story (and of course Phelan's). Phelan has always held himself apart from the rest of the MacLeod's and their chosen families. Phelan was kidnapped (by Isla) as a child (500 something years ago) and has been unable to forgive Isla for it (she was under duress). Aisley was also made to do things she didn't want under duress. Her cousin Jason (the new Big Bad) forced her to become a drough (a Druid who embraces evil and Satan). The Warriors have made it their mission to hunt droughs and evil. In the last book Jason was maybe defeated and they were dealing with a vampiric supernatural entity that feeds on magic (the Selmyr).
I liked that this showed intent does matter. Phelan and Aisley fit well together. It does turn out that Wallace is stronger than ever. It takes Phelan the whole book to stop living in the past and find forgiveness. Aisley and Phelan's story is complete in this, but there is a bit of a cliffhanger to lead into Malcolm's book. The big events in the spoiler.
(view spoiler)
Completion PostShelf #5 ~ Shifter(s)
Book: Dark Instincts
Author: Suzanne Wright
Finished: 03/13
How it fits: Shifter list:
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I have been enjoying the connection that's been developing over time between these two packs (Phoenix & Mercury), and now they have an added layer of connection with Marcus and Roni becoming an item.
I liked that Roni made Marcus work for her time and attention, even though she wasn't doing it in a bid for him to want her, just that she was being herself and he loved it and couldn't get enough.
As for the rest of the story, I wanted to knock some heads (mainly Marcus) when it was clear that the "seer" whom he had some type of superficial relationship with, lied about her vision for his future. He never questioned that it could be wrong. She may be a seer, but she is still a woman. A woman who wanted a man no matter what.
The person that I loved the most throughout this story was Roni. She never tried to be anyone different than who she is. She was strong, both mentally and physically, and she didn't take any shit (from most people).
Requesting Stamp Shelf #5 ~ Shifter(s)
Christina (AKA Babbling) | How to Date Your Dragon by Molly Harper | ★★★ | March 6th | Review
Rachel- Goodbye Borders | Midnight's Temptation by Donna Grant | ★★★★ | March 9th | Review
Shan ~A | Dark Instincts by Suzanne Wright | ★★★★ | March 13th | Review
CONGRATULATIONS, First Ladies!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'magic/users' and 'shifter(s)'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congratulations on the stamps FLOTUS!
For swoon-worthy I'm choosing Devil in Disguise by Lisa Kleypas shelved once. Thanks to the 1 person who did so!And gives us 4 in a row!
Urban FantasySpells and Scones
4 *, 3/18
This starts out a bit slow (there is the reminder of Katie's move, magical abilities, etc). It does pick up. Katie's bakery is catering an author signing at the bookstore next door. This takes a turn when the author, a bit of a "relationship guru," is murdered.
Katie's familiar, Mungo, used to belong to someone else. It turns out he belonged to another witch and left her after she gave up being a witch. Angie, the ex-witch, is accused of murder and Mungo lets Katie know she didn't do it. So, it's up to Katie to figure out who the guilty party is, because, of course, the police are only focused on Angie.
Katie does get a new friend/ally with Angie. I like how Katie has grown into her abilities. They are a part of her and she accepts them and as a result is stronger. Her relationship with Declan changes in this and they go to the next level. She also has realizations about Steve. Angie might be a possible love interest for him (we will have to see). Anyway, murder solved and all nicely tied up.
Completion PostShelf #6 ~ Urban Fantasy
Book: Year One
Author: Nora Roberts
Finished: 03/20
How it fits: Urban Fantasy list
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I don't know if I have the words to adequately describe how amazing this story turned out to be from beginning to end.
In the beginning I just kept thinking how similar the Doom was to our own experience with the Coronivirus. I had to look at the date of publish to see if maybe that's where Nora Roberts got her inspiration from, but no this was published before we had to go through what we went through.
The only similarities were in the beginning though. This book took so many twists and turns, in a good way. I kept wondering how all of our characters: Lana & Max, Arlys, Fred, Jonah, Rachel, Katie, etc... were going to meet up. They all had to make their way out of New York (at the ones I actually listed) with varying degrees of obstacles along the way.
I'm giving this story 5 stars, even though when Lana, Max, and Eddie found the original circle of dark magic, I knew exactly who it was. Maybe it was meant for the reader to guess, not sure, but I wished it had been more suspenseful.
Still, the gang they were with didn't know or didn't want to see, and got the surprise of their lives.
All of this leading up to the gang (listed above) finding each other, and then a tragedy that I didn't see coming.
Hopefully, after that ending, we get to see everyone again.
Newest shelf call gets us another 4 in a row! Finished Series and Paranormal Mystery are potential winning shelves for us.For Kindle Freebie I will be reading Enchant: Beauty and the Beast Retold by Demelza Carlton.
Shelved 3 times, and it's still free if there is interest.
Rachel- Goodbye Borders wrote: "Newest shelf call gets us another 4 in a row! Finished Series and Paranormal Mystery are potential winning shelves for us.For Kindle Freebie I will be reading [book:Enchant: Beauty and the Beast R..."
Awesome!
Christina, how is your urban fantasy book coming along?
Urban FantasyDaring by Elliott James March 16, 2022 ★★★★
It has been awhile since I read book one (2015), I remembered that the main character was an ex Knight Templar, who are charged to protect the non-magical from finding out about the supernatural world. I did forget he was also a werewolf. This book had several flashback scenes, showing us John’s past. The Knights Templar want him to infiltrate the werewolf clan in Wisconsin because the new leader’s actions are threatening the Pax Arcana.
Requesting StampShelf #6 ~ Urban Fantasy
Christina (AKA Babbling) | Daring by Elliott James | ★★★★ | March 16th | Review
Rachel- Goodbye Borders | Spells and Scones by Bailey Cates | ★★★★ | March 18th | Review
Shan ~A | Year One by Nora Roberts | ★★★★ ★ | March 20th | Review
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
The Spanish Love Deception (other topics)Storm Crossed (other topics)
The Darkest King (other topics)
Storm Crossed (other topics)
At Any Price (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Elena Armas (other topics)Gena Showalter (other topics)
Dani Harper (other topics)
Brenna Aubrey (other topics)
Christina Lauren (other topics)
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Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh