SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R22: Team #1 ~ First Ladies
This week has been better than last week. I finished my witches book last night. I hope to get the review in today.
Completion PostShelf 2: WITCH(ES)
Hell's Bell Keri Arthur
Tagged 31 times as witches
Read: 10.18.22
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I woke abruptly, my heart hammering and a scream dying on my lips.
This second book in the Lizzie Grace series opens with a bad omen of a church bell ringing at midnight and leading Lizzie and Belle to find a body which has been killed by a soul eater.
I really enjoyed getting to know more about Lizzie, Belle, Aiden, and the rest of the crew. I like the slow burn with Lizzie and Aiden although I would like to see them progress a bit more. I think Aiden will need to relax some of his feelings about dating outside of the pack for that to happen..
The wild magic of the reservation has been left unattended for a year and now there is a second area of magic that could present a problem.
The Council finally admits they need help from the RWA and a witch arrives to investigate. Unfortunately, he may uncover the secrets that Lizzie and Belle have crafted in order to stay in hiding.
I enjoyed learning more about the vampires, their blood servants, and their thralls.
The characters and storyline are well done. I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the knowledge of local yore. There is plenty of action and I was happy to see that Aiden had Lizzie's back. I'm looking forward to a bit more romance from them in the next book. I alternated between reading and listening to this book. The narrator did an excellent job and I could picture the characters.
I look forward to continuing this series.
Completion PostFree Space
The Veil by Chloe Neill
by Chloe Neillis found on the bookshelf 2015-rls
Read: Oct 19 2022
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I really enjoyed the story. Author is a new to me author. Story flowed well. Setting is in a dystopian New Orleans after a supernatural war has decimated the city and state. Everyone is getting use to living with erratic electricity and food shortages. The characters were enjoyable, the pacing of the story was suitable. I would have liked more development of the main characters - Claire & Liam and their relationship. Claire is a sensitive who is able to manipulate magic and is trying to stay under the radar and not draw attention to her or her store. I enjoyed it enough to read the sequel right away.
So Ive updated posts and requested our Free Space stamp.How is the blackout bingo going? Which group was this in? Thats alot of work, will you do it again?
CONGRATULATIONS, First Ladies!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'vampire(s)' and 'free space'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congrats on the stamps FL of Bingo!
Rosina wrote: "So Ive updated posts and requested our Free Space stamp.How is the blackout bingo going? Which group was this in? Thats alot of work, will you do it again?"
Blackout Bingo is on Cozy Mystery Bingo Challenges. No, we will not do it again. We are going into week 21. Thankfully I am not on a team this round. We have an alternate lounge where you can play along without being on a team. I’m three reviews behind right now. I hope to get caught up with them this weekend.
Witches shelf
Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn
Finished: October 18, 2022
Series: Otherworld / Sisters of the Moon #1
Rating: ★★½☆☆
Number of pages: 276
Review: Turns out I had DNF'd this one once before. Since then, I enjoyed other books by the author so gave it another go in case more background from other series improved it.
"I’d questioned why anybody would want to catch flies unless you were a goblin and used them for croutons."
It was still pretty meh. With a side of annoyance with all the men and not particularly fond of main character.
Story had potential. Three worlds -- human, fae, and underworld. Three cohabiting sisters, half-fae and half-witch, m.c. has often misfiring magic, one sister a shapeshifter (cat) and one a vampire. The fae are jaded with internal politics in turmoil and ignore the danger of a demon wanting to break through and steal the seals separating world. Add in "suitors" for m.c. in the firm of ex-lover dark fae, a kitsune, and a dragon. Action and some mystery figuring out it was a demon behibd murders.
It just never got me interested. Even sexy scenes read bland. From what I know of series, next books switch which sister is main character so potentially are better -- but I am not interested in continuing the series. A shame because usually I enjoy this author.
Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "Witches shelf
Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn
Finished: October 18, 2022
Series: Otherworld / Sisters of the Moon #1
Rating: ★★½☆☆
Num..."
I struggled with this one as well.
finally got caught up on all reads....now just reading the book for Witches shelfbeen a busy week training new staff and fighting a sore throat and cough...
Moondance thats crazy doing that bingo blackout.....congrats for staying sane...
Debbie I read that book 10 years ago gave it a four star rating ....didnt continue with series...Now I read more gritty and dark stories....
Rosina wrote: "finally got caught up on all reads....now just reading the book for Witches shelfbeen a busy week training new staff and fighting a sore throat and cough...
Moondance thats crazy doing that bing..."
Ugh to the cough and sore throat. I hope you feel better.
Sane? Some days I’m not so sure about that. Lol!
Double ugh to cough and sore throat. I'm staying inside and reading this weekend; we have an "unhealthy" air quality due to dust storms.
Off to pick my book for haunted house.
For Haunted House shelf (has house on the cover) I'll be reading Ghostly Charms by Lily Harper Hart.
It's coming up for me in a kindle unlimited series I've been binging. Basically just a cozy mystery with a bit of ghosts thrown in; prolific author I probably shouldn't binge because characters and plots recycle in her books. But enjoying.
Shelf #3 ~ 22 Oct: Haunted HouseDIRECT LINK(s) ~ haunted, sentient or otherwise magical house; house on cover
We had a dusting of snow this morning. Winter is on its way...Off to find a book.
Feeling so much better today. At least getting a good nights sleep.
I found these 2 not sure which one yet
or
My theme for blackout bingo today is paranormal. I’m looking for a book that will work for that and this shelf.
Looked at card and once we cover Haunted then we only need Equinox
Moondance wrote: "My theme for blackout bingo today is paranormal. I’m looking for a book that will work for that and this shelf."You can probably find a cozy paranormal series on KU or Kindle freebies....sometimes you can find a good series that way....
Good luck
Rosina wrote: "Moondance wrote: "My theme for blackout bingo today is paranormal. I’m looking for a book that will work for that and this shelf."You can probably find a cozy paranormal series on KU or Kindle fr..."
Lol! I have about a hundred paranormal cozies either in my Kindle or on my bookshelves. I’m looking at covers for a house.
lol.....the one I posted is a freebie on kindle
Completion Post Shelf 2: WITCH(ES)
by Chloe NeillThe Sight
Tagged 1 times as witches
Read: 10.24.22
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I enjoyed this second story more. There was more character development and the romance is a slow burn. Claire finds a deed to a property that her father owns. She and Liam go to see what is there and she finds an old gas station but inside it is a bunker - storage of food, & magic items. There is a group of people - actually a cult that follows a man called Ezekiel - who doesnt like people who practice magic or the prarnormals. They cause riots and are out to destory those on Devil's Isle - the containment camp. I enjoyed the secondary charaters and their involvment in the story. Will read the third in the series.
CONGRATULATIONS, First Ladies!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'witch(es)'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Congrats on the stamp FL of Bingo!
Completion Post Week 3: Haunted House
by Bobbi HolmesThe Ghost of Marlow House
House on Cover, ghost haunting a house
Read: 10.26.22
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review:
I did enjoy this cozy mystery about Walt Marlow who died but his ghost still is in his house. Dani inherits the house and wants to transform it into a B and B. The story has a couple of mysteries that do get solved. Was good writing and characters. Not sure if I will continue the series there are 31 books. I would if it was KU.
Rosina wrote: "Completion Post Week 3: Haunted House by Bobbi HolmesThe Ghost of Marlow House
House on Cover, ghost haunting a h..."
Someone on my cozy group recommended this series. She just read the latest book. I found the first book on scribd.
I’ll get my review posted tomorrow. I worked 44 hours in three days. I left today with a GI bug. I slept most of the day. Tomorrow is a clinic day so hopefully less than 9 hours. We are losing two more nurses next week and we are down three clerical staff. The extra work is stressing us all out.
Moondance wrote: "I’ll get my review posted tomorrow. I worked 44 hours in three days. I left today with a GI bug. I slept most of the day. Tomorrow is a clinic day so hopefully less than 9 hours. We are losing two ..."Hopefully you will get some time off in the coming weeks to just chill....I recently quit a job where I was working 50 plus hours a week and got a job thats 30 hours/week.....has made a big difference in how I feel....My job isnt as stressful as yours for sure....Hope you get time this weekend to chill....I am busy with organizing a dinner for 60+ people on Sunday...gonna be a busy weekend....today is grocery shopping....tomorrow prep day...
Rosina wrote: "Moondance wrote: "I’ll get my review posted tomorrow. I worked 44 hours in three days. I left today with a GI bug. I slept most of the day. Tomorrow is a clinic day so hopefully less than 9 hours. ..."Oh my goodness!! That’s a lot of people to feed! I’ll be thinking of you.
Completion PostShelf 3: Haunted House
Be My Ghost Carol J. Perry
Read: 10.24.22
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Maureen Doherty stood at the window of her corner office on the top floor of Boston's William G Bartlett Building.
Maureen recieves a letter that she has inherited an inn in a small Florida town on her last day as a buyer for a family owned department store in Boston. She decides to move to Florida to explore this new adventure in her life. Soon after her arrival, a noted ghost hunter dies on the front porch of the inn and Maureen works to clear her name.
This was a fun introduction to Haven, Florida and the haunted Haven House Inn. We don't discover why Penelope Josephine Gray left her inn to Maureen, but I hope more will be revealed in future books.
Mauren scoffs at the idea of ghosts until her suite's resident spirit appears. Lorna is an actress that died in 1975 while doing a play in Haven. She becomes Maureen's connection to the spirit realm and educates her about the afterlife. (view spoiler)
The characters are well written, and I enjoyed getting to know each of the residents of Haven House and the town. Quirky characters are always a plus in a good cozy.
I love Finn! He was trained as a guide dog but failed because he was too friendly. Penelope's cats, Bacall and Bogie are a nice addition as well.
The mystery was a bit obvious, but I enjoyed how it unfolded in the story.
This was a quick fun read that fits perfectly for this time of year with Halloween just around the corner.
Moondance wrote: "Completion PostShelf 3: Haunted House
Be My Ghost Carol J. Perry
Read: 10.24.22
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Maureen Doherty stood a..."
Good review....I'll have to check that series out.
Shelf #4 ~ 29 Oct: PNRDIRECT LINK(s) ~ https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/...
I don't think it's not a winning shelf for anyone
Rosina wrote: "Moondance wrote: "Completion PostShelf 3: Haunted House
Be My Ghost Carol J. Perry
Read: 10.24.22
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Maure..."
It was cute. I enjoyed the variety of ghosts. Some famous people showed up.
So I got excited that I would use a book to finish off a series Ive been reading.....checked and it is not listed as paranormal romance....grrr...oh well off to find another read....Started snowing today and expected by tomorrow afternoon is 8 inches....good thing Im working from home tomorrow...
I just started my book last night. It good I just haven’t had time to read or listen. Brrr to snow!
Just a quick check-in. I'll post review of my haunted house book and pick my PNR book.I loved
and the entire series.
Selection Post Shelf 4: Paranormal Romance
Shelved 130 times
Haunted House shelf
Ghostly Charms by Lily Harper Hart
Finished: October 31. 2022
Series: Harper Harlow, #14
Rating: ★★★½☆
Number of pages: 216
Review: The multiple series from Lily Harper Hart (and those under her other pseudonym Amanda Lee) are fun for me because so prolific and all free to binge in kindle unlimited--deespite recycling cast of characters and even plots where I could practically write exact same outline for most. I have had beloved series end and other series excruciatingly slow to publish next book where this author is delightfully productive.
M.C. Harper Harlow really just wants to finish planning her wedding despite interference from relatives and friends. But ghosts and paranormal hijinks interrupt.
In this one over-the-top gay best friend Zander really got on my nerves being a self-involved, selfish, high maintenance, invasive drama queen. I get they are lifelong best friends and severely codependent but in real life, his antics would have ended his own relationship with his super-understanding fiance and would have forced Harper to choose between him and her fiance. Zander, to me, was deliberately bullying and degrading.
You'll notice I'm not dwelling on the mystery. It's never really central to this book or the series arc other than M.C. growing in skill and power. I could have used more of the other characters and less Zander. Harper's fiance, Jared, was awfully accepting of Zander and oddly passive in this one.
This series is actually complete. That's not a maybe-author-will-write-more teaser, she's forthright on announcing series finish or how many books left to publish in a series. Characters from a finished seties often have guest spots in other of her series.
Despite kvetching about Zander, I enjoyed the book enough that I have now binge read the entire rest of the Harper Harlow series.
Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "Just a quick check-in. I'll post review of my haunted house book and pick my PNR book.I loved
and the entire series."Me, too!! I’m alternating between reading and listening to it. I’m really enjoying the narrator.
Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "Haunted House shelf
Ghostly Charms by Lily Harper Hart
Finished: October 31. 2022
Series: Harper Harlow, #14
Rating: ★★★½☆..."
I think I have this on my Kindle. I’ll have to give it a try.
Completion PostShelf 4: Paranormal Romance
Shelved 130 times
Book: Running Hot
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Date Read: Nov 5 2022
Rating 4✮
Review: I really enjoyed this story. Glad to be returning to a series that I had put aside for quite awhile. I really enjoy reading about psychic powers. This book hits all the storylines I like, mystery, spy/secret agency, romance, and history. Luther and Grace are the H/h. They meet while working on a case together in Maui. Both have high level special psychic powers. I really enjoyed the secondary characters. I wished there was more about Arizonia - the eccentric landlady. I will definitely be continuing with the series.
I’ll get my review in shortly. I volunteered at a craft fair earlier today and now I’m running errands.
oh fun at the craft fair....im driving in a prairie blizzard for a family dinner.....
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
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hope the week is going well...