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R14: *** WINNING TEAM *** SSS Team 2 - 2 for the Show
Denise wrote: "Friendly reminder that books must be started after the roll. :)"I missed that—thanks for the reminder. Imma check when I started it. It was definitely this morning.
Selection PostWeek 2, Roll 4, Spot 13
Book: Jamaica Inn
Author: Daphne du Maurier
Pages: 320
How it fits: Standalone
[*book:Jamaica Inn|18869967]
SELECTION POSTWeek 2, Roll 1, Spot 13
My Choice: Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg
Pages: 320
How it Fits: Openly Straight #1
[*book:Openly Straight|16100972]
Completion PostWeek 2, Roll 4, Spot 13
Book: Jamaica Inn
Author: Daphne du Maurier
Pages: 320
How it fits: Standalone
Date read: 2/6/23
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: This is a classic gothic mystery set in the late 19th century. I had read some books by Daphne du Maurier a long, long time ago and remembered them as being very suspenseful, my favorite being Rebecca. And I have to say this one was very suspenseful. Very gothic with atmosphere galore. Set on the Cornish coast, young Mary Yellan comes to Jamaica Inn to live with her aunt after the death of her mother. What she finds however is the wicked husband of her aunt who is landlord of the inn and the leader of a gang of smugglers. Not only smugglers, but wreckers, luring ships onto the rocks and killing and robbing the people on board. Mary is caught up in the middle of all this. Throw in a love interest with the landlord's younger brother and a vicar who seems to want to help and you have a interesting if somewhat predictable story. I enjoyed it, not as much as Rebecca, but well enough to read more by the author.
[*book:Jamaica Inn|18869967]
Selection post Spot 13Headstrong by Eden Finley
Pages: 252
How it fits #3 Vino and Veritas https://www.goodreads.com/series/3081...
[*book:Headstrong|56403168]
Sorry medical issues. Should have book done either today or tomorrow.
Completion PostWeek 2, Roll 4, Spot 13
Book: Dragonflight
Author: Anne McCaffrey
Pages: 347
How it fits: 1st in Dragonriders of Pern
Completion Date: 6 February
Rating: 2 stars
Beloved in childhood.
Dragons destroy thread, but not
the patriarchy.
There's so much good stuff in this book--world-building, dragons, strong heroine. But also dub-con, casual misogyny, all cis-het and white.
COMPLETION POSTWeek 2, Roll 1, Spot 13
My Choice: Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg
Pages: 320
How it Fits: Openly Straight #1
Date Read: 2/07
Rating: ★
Review: I hated Rafe. I get that he didn't want to be seen as his label and only his label but once he started flat out lying to his supposed friends he lost me. He kept insisting that he wasn't going back in the closet but that's exactly what he did. Every single time he felt guilty for lying to someone he cared about but didn't use that opportunity to come clean made me hate him even more. He just went way too far with his bullshit. I do not plan to read book 2
[*book:Openly Straight|16100972]
I'll go ahead and make our team's completion post
Completion:Week 2, Roll 1, Spot 13
Series #1 (standalone allowed), #3, #13 or Alternate Author F
Jackie: Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier - 2/6/23 - 3.5 stars - Review
Krissy: Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg - 2/7/23 - 1 star - Review
Roger: Headstrong by Eden Finley - 2/8/23 - 5 stars - Review
Kirsten: Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey - 2/6/23 - 2 stars - Review
We are fast, team! Krissy, sorry you hated your book. Sounds like a dud.
Jackie wrote: "Hope you're okay, Roger."I am fine. Just that my MS can fatigue me so I can't do things.
Completion post Spot 13Headstrong by Eden Finley
Pages: 252
How it fits #3 Vino and Veritas https://www.goodreads.com/series/3081... also Author F
Date read: 2/8/2023
Ratings: 5 stars
Review: a new-adultish romance. A college hockey Player falls in love with a former college star that had his promising NHL career fall apart because of a car accident. Rainn the injured older one believes he is straight, but work for an all inclusive bookstore/wine bar. He reads MM romance so he doesn't inadvertently come off as a homophobic prick. Leighton is a college hockey player that isn't interested in a pro hockey career but helping with his family's farm. The blooming romance is sweet.
[*book:Headstrong|56403168]
Kirsten wrote: "Completion PostWeek 2, Roll 4, Spot 13
Book: Dragonflight
Author: Anne McCaffrey
Pages: 347
How it fits: 1st in Dragonriders of Pern
Completion Date: 6 February
Rating: 2..."
Hmm read this as a teen before I knew of MM loved it then, but wonder how I would feel about it now that I am more evolved in my lgbt journey.
Roger - president of NBR United - wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "Completion PostWeek 2, Roll 4, Spot 13
Book: Dragonflight
Author: Anne McCaffrey
Pages: 347
How it fits: 1st in Dragonriders of Pern
Completion Date: 6 Fe..."
Roger, I remember that even as a teen (you and I are roughly the same age), I was sure that the White Dragon was going to be an explicitly queer book, and so excited for that (and so disappointed when it wasn't).
I hope you're feeling a little better, Roger
Will roll after midnight as we are all done.
Current spot 13Die Roll 2
New spot 15
#1 (or Standalone), #5, #15, or alternative set in space
Selection post Spot #15: Of Secrets and Wolves by Alice Winters
345 pages
How it fits: #1 in Winsford Shifters https://www.goodreads.com/series/3089...
[*book:Of Secrets and Wolves|56689609]
Selection PostWeek 3, Roll 1, Spot 15
Book: Furies of Calderon
Author: Jim Butcher
Pages: 688
How it fits: Codex Alera #1
[*book:Furies of Calderon|29396]
Selection PostWeek 3, Roll 1, Spot 15
Special Delivery by Heidi Cullinan
Pages: 398
How it fits: 1st of Special Delivery series
Completion PostWeek 3, Roll 1, Spot 15
Special Delivery by Heidi Cullinan
Pages: 393
How it fits: 1st in Special Delivery series
Completion Date: 10 February
Rating: 2.5 stars
Liked the characters,
but their kink is not my kink.
Too dirty, too shamed.
I have a pretty high tolerance for kink, and for PWP. But this didn't work for me. I liked Sam and Mitch, but Randy kinda creeped me out (I will NOT be continuing the series, as he's in the next 2). And the sex was just too... raw? brutal? and we spent a lot of time in Sam's very ashamed head. And the MCs didn't talk enough.
But--worked for another challenge with bonus points.
Completion PostWeek 3, Roll 1, Spot 15
Book: Furies of Calderon
Author: Jim Butcher
Pages: 688
How it fits: Codex Alera #1
Date read: 2/10/23
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I have long been a fan of Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series but this is the first epic fantasy book by him that I've read. The book was actually very good and not nearly as predictable as I thought after reading the GR description. The characters were very likable and I liked the way the story followed each of them in the difficult situations they found themselves in. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
[*book:Furies of Calderon|29396]
SELECTION POSTWeek 3, Roll 2, Spot 15
My Choice: Twisted by Susi Hawke
Pages: 186
How it Fits: Alphabits #5
[*book:Twisted|45455781]
Completion post Spot #15: Of Secrets and Wolves by Alice Winters
345 pages
How it fits: #1 in Winsford Shifters https://www.goodreads.com/series/3089...
Date read:2/10
Ratings: 4 stars
Review: Rowan is seemingly 'human', a tracker who hunts escaped criminals. Quinn is an Alpha wolf shifter that doesn't fit the stereotypical Alpha, young twink scrawny and flamboyant. They are brought together in a case to track escaped 'low threat' prisoners that are actually shifters who were genetically modified. Lots of side plot distracting from the story but it is even clear to the phobe in charge of the hunt that they have been given false info.
[*book:Of Secrets and Wolves|56689609]
Jackie wrote: "Completion PostWeek 3, Roll 1, Spot 15
Book: Furies of Calderon
Author: Jim Butcher
Pages: 688
How it fits: Codex Alera #1
Date re..."
Love this series, characters are great
COMPLETION POSTWeek 3, Roll 2, Spot 15
My Choice: Twisted by Susi Hawke
Pages: 186
How it Fits: Alphabits #5
Date Read: 2/11
Rating: ★★★
Review: This series is pretty consistent. Easy listening not a lot of angst. Mates and mpreg just what I like. Audiobooks are available on Scribd which is why I'm able to binge listen this series. This book mixed things up a bit making the Omega a little more dominant than the Alpha. Spankings and all. I enjoyed it and can't wait to move into the next book
CompletionWeek 3, Roll 1, Spot 15
Jackie: Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher - 2/10/23 - 4 stars - Review
Krissy: Twisted by Susi Hawke - 2/11/23 - 3 stars - Review
Roger: Of Secrets and Wolves by Alice Winters - 2/10/23 - 4 stars - Review
Kirsten: Special Delivery by Heidi Cullinan - 2/10/23 - 2.5 stars - Review
Week 3, Roll 2Current spot: 15
Die Roll: 5
New spot: 20
#2, #20, Standalone, or Alternate 20. Title 'O'
Selection PostWeek 3, Roll 2, Spot 20
Book: Injustice for All
Author: J.A. Jance
Pages: 217
How it fits: J. P. Beaumont #2
[*book:Injustice for All|127754]
SELECTION POSTWeek 3, Roll 5, Spot 20
My Choice: The Wolf at Bay by Charlie Adhara
Pages: 262
How it Fits: Big Bad Wolf #2
[*book:The Wolf at Bay|39675787]
Selection post week 3 Spot 20:Heartscape by Garrett Leigh
Pages: 236
How it fits: #2 Vinos & Veritas https://www.goodreads.com/series/3081...
[*book:Heartscape|56403162]
Bonus point 3 or more books in series
C1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
C2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
C3:
Selection post week 3 Spot 20:Heartscape by Garrett Leigh
Pages: 236
How it fits: #2 Vinos & Veritas https://www.goodreads.com/series/3081...
Date read: 2/13/2023
Ratings: 4 Stars
Review: Jax is a videographer having a bad time in Vermont, the hostel he was staying in burned down. So all his regulaer clothing other than what he was wearing is ashes. Fortunately his video equipment and hiking gear are at his job hq. Tanner is the manager at the wine bar in V & V. He is asked by a friend to put Jax up until he can find a new place. They fall in love and comforts the others hurts.
[*book:Heartscape|56403162]
Bonus point 3 or more books in series
C1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
C2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
C3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Selection PostWeek 3, Roll 2, Spot 20
Sidelined by Becca Steele
Pages: 274
Completion Date: 14 February
How it fits: #2 in LSU series
Rating: 2 stars
So predictable.
So easy. I need to read
books with more to them.
I was so looking forward to this! And, whilst it was easy and pretty fun, it was just such a nothing book with nothing characters. On the other hand, I was also reading an 800+ page high fantasy novel at the same time, so this gave me a needed break.
Completion PostWeek 3, Roll 2, Spot 20
Book: Injustice for All
Author: J.A. Jance
Pages: 217
How it fits: J. P. Beaumont #2
Date read: 2/13/23
Rating: 2 stars
Review: This book was a disappointment. The story was okay once it got going but the beginning just really turned me off. The MC, a police detective, is on vacation. He hears a woman screaming and goes to her aid, finding her with a dead man on the beach. She has just found the body of her friend and is naturally frantic. The MC takes her to his room where she ends up staying for the next couple of days and in which time they fall madly in love. Oh yeah, and the MC has been mourning the loss of his love from the first book, but this new beautiful woman has helped him move on. Oh brother! Anyway, the story does improve from there with more murders and a halfway decent story. Just don't know if I'll read more of this series.
[*book:Injustice for All|127754]
COMPLETION POSTWeek 3, Roll 5, Spot 20
My Choice: The Wolf at Bay by Charlie Adhara
Pages: 262
How it Fits: Big Bad Wolf #2
Date Read: 2/15
Rating: ★★★★★
Review: I still am not a fan of the audio narrator but at least I'm getting used to him. I liked this book even more than the first book. I am happy with the direction the relationship went in this one. I also liked seeing Cooper repairing his relationship with his family. I'm glad his father didn't turn out to be an asshole. The mystery aspect was also good. I pegged the wrong person as the killer. I am really liking this series so far
I will go ahead and make our completion post
Completion PostsWeek 3, Roll 5, Spot 20
Jackie: Injustice for All by J.A. Jance - 2/13/23 - 2 stars - Review
Krissy: The Wolf at Bay by Charlie Adhara - 2/15/23 - 5 stars - Review
Roger: Heartscape by Garrett Leigh - 2/13/23 - 4 stars - Review Bonus: 3+ from same series
Kirsten: Sidelined by Becca Steele- 2/14/23 - 2 stars - Review
*Bonus Earned: One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series
NEW ROLLCurrent Spot: 20
Die Roll: 4
New Spot: 24
▪︎2nd in series
▪︎4th in series
▪︎24th in series
▪︎Alt: title 'R'
Selection PostWeek 4, Roll 1, Spot 24
Book: A Stab in the Dark
Author: Lawrence Block
Pages: 180
How it fits: Matthew Scudder #4
[*book:A Stab in the Dark|76765]
Selection post spot 24Face Offs & Cheap Shots by Eden Finley and Saxon James
302 pages
How it fits: #2 CU Hockey
[*book:Face Offs & Cheap Shots|54866923]
SELECTION POSTWeek 4, Roll 4, Spot 24
My Choice: Turn Me On by Lauren Blakely
Pages: 368
How it Fits: Winner Takes All #2
[*book:Turn Me On|63261166]
Completion PostWeek 4, Roll 4, Spot 24
I forgot to do a selection post!
A Deeper Blue by S.E. Harmon
Pages: 392
Completion Date: 17 February
How it fits: #2 in The Rules of Possession
Rating: 3.5 stars rounded up
Blue's still closeted;
Kelly's still frustrated. But
snarky, sexy, sweet.
So much better than The Blueprint. Blue and Kelly are together, and the whole implausible bi-awakening is settled. Instead, they struggle to keep each other happy and safe.
Blue is a much more interesting character—we get more of his story—and Connor and Kelly’s family are back.
All in all, a satisfying read.
Selection post spot 24Face Offs & Cheap Shots by Eden Finley and Saxon James
302 pages
How it fits: #2 CU Hockey
Date read: 2/17/2023
Ratings: 5 stars
Review: College hockey team Captaincy at stake. Who will win Beck, rich boy party boy and D-man or Jacobs, poor talented responsible scholarship Forward. the rest of the team propose 5 challenges with the victor becoming the captain. During the summer of challenges they fall in love. Beck wins the last challenge but realizes that Jacobs is the better choice so tells the coach that. Beck becomes the first alternate in CU history.
[*book:Face Offs & Cheap Shots|54866923]
COMPLETION POSTWeek 4, Roll 4, Spot 24
My Choice: Turn Me On by Lauren Blakely
Pages: 368
How it Fits: Winner Takes All #2
Date Finished: 2/17
Rating: ★★★
Review: This is the perfect example of amazing narration on just an okay story. The story itself was nothing spectacular. Pretty forgettable. It makes you think it's gonna be really kinky but then just stays on the light side. And the whole turn your phone off for 12 hours? It was so out of character that I had a hard time believing. But they needed some drama in the story so I get it. I like this author so i will just put this down as not my favorite of hers
The Challenge Factory
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I missed that—thanks for the reminder. Imma check when I started it. It was definitely this morning.