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R14: SSS Team 3 - From Page to Page


Book: Fatal Floss by A.C.F. Bookens
How it fits?: #8 in Stitches In Crime series
Date finished?: 3/2/2023
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
I picked up Fatal Floss on a whim as I needed an eighth book in a series and I ended up really enjoying it. We follow Paisley Sutton who is a salvage expert and a historian which was a neat profession for a MC. In this book she is tearing down an old chicken coop for a friend and after removing everything she ends up finding some bones buried underneath. From there that leads to Paisley searching for info about previous property owners and a lot of history is unearthed about a few women who lived on the property and their impact on history. Eventually someone tries to stop Paisley's search and I enjoyed the direction things went from there. Overall a really enjoyable mystery that was fairly low stakes and a fun read from start to finish.

Melanie: Stitches In Crime #8
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Louise: Seaside #3
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Namita: Fallen Empire #3
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Joeera: The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #8
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Week: 6 - Thursday
Previous Spot: 38
Roll: 5
New Spot: 43
You can read any of the following:
- 3rd book in a series
- 4th book in a series
- 43rd book in a series
- Alternate task 43. Europe

Rolled 43
Read ( Mar 3-4 )
Rated 5 stars
BOOK:

Pages 384
Review:
I was totally spellbound from the beginning of this exciting story. The book was filled with things like: mishief, humor, diceit,jealously, honor, death, and sacrifice. The stunning characters will have you caught up in their story Nd you fell as if you are living it with them

Spot: 43

If She Hid by Blake Pierce
Date Read: 3/5
How It Fits: #4 Kate Wise Mysteries
Rating: 4*
Review
This was better than the previous books in the series probably down to there being less focus on Kate’s age and more focus on the mystery. Kate is called in to solve the murder of a couple and the disappearance of their 15 year old daughter. She is teamed up once again with De Marco and together they uncover secrets that eventually lead them to solving the murder and disappearance, not before Kate puts herself in danger again.


Book: Dirty Secrets by Karen Rose
How it fits?: #4.5 in Romantic Suspense series
Date finished?: 3/5/2023
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Dirty Secrets was a quick read with a great romantic suspense plot. I really enjoy second chance romances which this story had elements of with Chris being in love with Emma back in high school. I really enjoyed them reconnecting and thought their romance was very well done. The suspense plot was great with a lot of twists and the author did a great job keeping you guessing on what would happen next. I thought the ending was well done with Emma being a complete badass and saving herself and Megan. Overall a solid story and I would definitely recommend it.



I remembered during the day but come evening, it totally slipped my mind.
I’m sorry ladies.

Spot: 43
Book/Author: Realm Of Shadows by Shannon Drake
Date Read: 3/5
Rating: 3 ★
How It Fits: #4 in Alliance Vampires series
Review:
I do understand these are older books and Heather's writing style is different.
I did like it but it's a all over the place in certain parts.
The characters were good enough. I like the world so I will most definitely be reading more.



Week: 7 - Thursday
Previous Spot: 43
Roll: 2
New Spot: 45
#4 in Series
#5 in Series
#45 in Series
Alt: Cover Item: Animal

Spot: 45

If She Fled by Blake Pierce
Date Read: 3/9
Rating: 3*
How It Fits: #5 Kate Wise Mystery
This is the 5th in the Kate Wise series which is an easy to read series. Kate is still struggling to juggle her work life with her personal life with Alan and her role as a mother and grandmother. There is a lot of emphasis in this book of her age and the author has returned to the plot of having her pulled from the case after 2 days of no results only for her to go Rogue.
Louise wrote: "I’m on vacation until next Friday so I may not be able to finish a book for Sunday’s roll"
Ok. Enjoy your vacation! :)
Ok. Enjoy your vacation! :)

rolled 45
Read ( Mar 10-11 )
Rated 4 stars
Book:

Pages e21
Review:
The story was absolutely perfect it was combined with elements of supence, and mystery. I found the characters to be well written and nicely developed. The style. Plot devices, were done just the way ilke and the romance was super satisfying.

Spot: 45
Book/Author: Swamp Spook by Jana Deleon
Date Read: 3/11
Rating: 5 ★
How It Fits: Alt Task: Animal on the cover
Review:
I am so glad for this series. These are phenomenal books with good mysteries and a lot of laughs.
Quirky small town characters and senior citizens who brew and sell moonshine as cough syrup.
A real stress buster.



Book: Holding Holly by Julie Brannagh
How it fits?: #4.5 in Love and Football series
Date finished?: 3/11/2023
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
Holding Holly was a cute romance set at Christmastime and I loved the holiday aspects of this one. The letters to Santa were a fun idea and I liked how Holly was helping her grandmother out with those. Plus Derrick getting involved after he found out was a great way to bring him and Holly closer together. I liked the connection between Holly and Derrick although I will say that because I haven't read the other books in the series, I was missing out on how the two got to know each other. I also thought their romance developed really quickly but again that was likely because I didn't see the backstory between them. Overall though, this was a cute holiday romance and I'll have to check out the other books in the series in the future.

Melanie: Love and Football #4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Louise: Kate Wise #5
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Namita: Alternate - Animal on cover
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Joeera: Vanza #4
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I will check us in and roll as soon as it hits midnight CST.

Week: 7 - Sunday
Previous Spot: 45
Roll: 4
New Spot: 49
You can read any of the following:
- 4th book in a series
- 9th book in a series
- 49th book in a series
- Alternate task 49. Book with a funeral in it

Spot: 49
Book/Author: One Little Mistake by Casey Hill
Date Read: 3/13
Rating: 3 ★
How It Fits: Alt Task: Funeral in the book
Review:
This was a pretty good read. Instead of the current mystery, I rather enjoyed the cold case of CSI Jack Gorman's missing daughter. It was such a relief when they finally had the answer. 9 years later but closure was much needed.
The funeral was very emotional.
Chris is such a great character. I enjoy his and Kennedy's banter. What a great bunch of detectives.
I didn't enjoy Reilly's conflict, it was simply annoying.


Space: 49

Dirty Martini by J.A. Konrath
Date Read: 3/15
Rating: 3*
How It Fits: #4 Jack Daniels Mystery
Review
This is the 4th in the Jack Daniels mystery which sees Jack on the trail of a ruthless poisoner who is targeting the city apparently at random. This is a good series with light hearted moments amongst the graphic description and fast pace of the novel. Can’t wait to read more of Jack’s escapade and her developing relationship with her father

Read
Rated 5stars
Book

Pages 403
Review:
This is a absolutely incredible and fascinating world that Duvall has created. It was filled with breathing taking action, hot and steamy romance, awesome characters, and a brilliantly devised plot. The supernatural power play is a big part of this seriesand that is what makes this so intriguing.


Book: The Fall of Shane MacKade by Nora Roberts
How it fits?: #4 in The MacKade Brothers series
Date finished?: 3/16/2023
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Finally picked this one up to finish my reread of the series that I started last summer. I've looked forward to Shane's book as he was the most adamant in the other books that he wouldn't marry or fall for someone, so I was looking forward to him finally falling. The chemistry between him and Rebecca is fantastic and I loved their scenes together. Shane really doesn't know what hit him with Rebecca as she doesn't fall for him charms the way women usually do. Their romance builds nicely and I really enjoyed their pairing. Overall another fantastic installment in the series I would definitely recommend these books.

Melanie: The MacKade Brothers #4
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Louise: Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels Thrillers #4
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Namita: Alternate - Funeral in book
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Joeera: Immortal Guardians #4
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Week: 8 - Thursday
Previous Spot: 49
Roll: 6
New Spot: 55
You can read any of the following:
- 5th book in a series
- 55th book in a series
- Alternate task 55. Debut Novel or Debut Author

Spot: 55
Book/Author: The Experiments by Bill Thompson
Date Read: 3/18
Rating: 4 ★
How It Fits: #5 in the Bayou Hauntings series
Review:
If you enjoy reading horror, I’d recommend this series. These are all set in Louisiana. Small towns and the horror that went on is astounding.
Bill Thompson does a great job bringing it all to life. Ghosts and much combined to make for a really great spooky read.


Space: 55

Fuzzy Navel by J.A. Konrath
Date Read: 3/18
Rating: 5*
How It Fits: #5 Jack Daniels Mystery
Review
This is the 5th in the Jack Daniels mystery series which starts off with Jack at the scene of a sniper shooting. This quickly progresses into Jack fighting for her survival and that of her mother and fiancé when not only does a lone criminal from her past hunt her down but also the sniper group that she is tracking. Both parties want Jack dead and she has to use her wits to keep herself and those that she loves alive. This fast paced thriller is peppered with humorous scenes that adds a little light relief to the intensity of the action. However despite Jack’s efforts the the killer escapes and kills one of Jack’s loved ones but their identity is not revealed. Next in the series is queued up and ready to go.

Rolled 55
Read ( Mar 17-18 )
Rated 5 stars
Book;

Pages: 432
Review:
This was another fast paced, action packed , funny, touching, and romantic story. It was set against a fantastically devoted paranormal world. I loved the dynamic between Sam and Zach and i can't Waite to see how ii will continue in the next book. The awesome thing about these loves stories in these books are that the characters are open and honest with each other.


Book: Christmas at Sugar Sand Inn by Leigh Duncan
How it fits?: #5 in Sugar Sand Beach series
Date finished?: 3/19/2023
Rating: 2 Stars
Review:
Christmas at Sugar Sand Inn was an ok contemporary read that doesn't really work if you haven't read the previous books in the series. This is definitely a book that relies on you knowing prior events which meant I was completely lost reading this as I hadn't read the other books. Aside from not knowing what was going on, the book was well written and the characters were nice enough. Ultimately this book wasn't for me though but that was mostly my fault as I jumped in late in the series.

Melanie: Sugar Sand Beach #5
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Louise: Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels Thrillers #5
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Namita: The Bayou Hauntings #5
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Joeera: Immortal Guardians #5
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Week: 8 - Sunday
Previous Spot: 55
Roll: 5
New Spot: 60
You can read any of the following:
- Standalone
- 6th book in a series
- 60th book in a series
- Alternate task 60. MC travels by train

Rolled 60
Read ( Mar 20 21 )
Rated 5 stars
Book:

Pages 411
Review:
It started right from the first chapter whis was thrillingly gripping. This sets up the mood for the strong suspense, and tension that is wound throughout the story. This story kept me not only glued to the book, but to my seat as well. The chemistry of the fwo characters was there right from the very start. This series is funny romantic, sexy, exciting, and full of paranormal awesomeness.

Louise & Namita - how are your books coming?


Book: Serving Up Trouble by Jill Shalvis
How it fits?: Standalone
Date finished?: 3/23/2023
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
I've slowly been working my way through Jill Shalvis's older titles and while they've been pretty hit or miss, Serving Up Trouble is one of the better ones I've read so far. It's definitely not up to par with her current works but it was a pleasant enough read. Angie and Sam have great chemistry and I liked their immediate connection. The suspense storyline was lacking a bit but I mostly expected that going in as it's outside of the author's usual writing sphere. Overall a cute, quick read and one I would recommend if you're planning to read one of the author's older books.

Completion Post - Week 8 Sunday
Space 60

If She Feared by Blake Pierce
Date Read: 3/23
Rating: 3*
How It Fits: #6 Kate Wise
Review
This is the 6th in the Kate Wise mystery although an enjoyable read it wasn’t as well put together as others in the series. Kate is called out of retirement once again to assist in the case of a serial killer who is targeting realtors in upmarket neighbourhoods. She is once again teamed with Del Marco who is leading the investigation who I would have liked to see more of. This latest case also threatens the blossoming relationship between herself and Alan who is on an important work trip. There are a few false starts in the course of finding the killer before Kate finds herself yet again alone with the killer in need of saving, inevitably by Del Marco.
Once again Kate’s age is a major factor in the story, which is very disconcerting. There is an implication that a woman in her mid-fifties shouldn’t do certain things and it should be left to the younger generation. When Kate achieves certain things or injures herself in the line of duty her age is brought up.
I have now read the complete series.
#7 If She Heard
#1 If She Knew
#2 If She Saw
#3 If She Ran
#4 If She Hid
#5 If She Fled
No good news for the team today, I'm afraid. Looks like you'll have to sit out another roll.
If I'm seeing this correctly, both Louise and Namita missed the deadline on this one. (Would someone in a US time zone please doublecheck the time stamp on this one?)
In Namita's case, this is unfortunately the second time, which in accordance with the rules means she's disqualified.
I don't have a record of you earning the free pass. Let me know if you did and I missed it!
If I'm seeing this correctly, both Louise and Namita missed the deadline on this one. (Would someone in a US time zone please doublecheck the time stamp on this one?)
In Namita's case, this is unfortunately the second time, which in accordance with the rules means she's disqualified.
I don't have a record of you earning the free pass. Let me know if you did and I missed it!
Then I did miss it, sorry about that! >.<
In that case, you can of course use it and roll. It can cover several missing reviews at once if needed.
For Namita, this rule applies: If the player whose review the free pass is covering for has already previously missed a deadline, they must submit the missing review within one day after the deadline if they wish to retain their place on the team.
In that case, you can of course use it and roll. It can cover several missing reviews at once if needed.
For Namita, this rule applies: If the player whose review the free pass is covering for has already previously missed a deadline, they must submit the missing review within one day after the deadline if they wish to retain their place on the team.


Using Free Pass
Melanie: Standalone
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Louise: Kate Wise #6 - Bonus: Start & Finish 4+ Book Series
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Namita: N/A
Joeera: Immortal Guardians #6
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Books mentioned in this topic
Spare (other topics)The Reluctant Viking (other topics)
Where the Drowned Girls Go (other topics)
Swine and Punishment (other topics)
One Perfect Rose (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Prince Harry (other topics)Seanan McGuire (other topics)
Ellen Riggs (other topics)
Carolyn Keene (other topics)
Ellen Riggs (other topics)
More...
Spot: 38
Shatter by Rachel Van Dyken
Date Read: 3/2
Rating: 4*
How It Fits: #3 Seaside
Review
This was the 3rd installment in the Seaside series which follows shorty after the end of book 2. Cameras are following Demitri and Alec as they film a reality tv show and while Nate and Alec are searching for their happy ever after a secret threatens to jeapordize everything. We see more of Alec in the book as he struggles with keeping his secret threatening to return to drugs and alcohol. A good solid story with plenty of character development. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.