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R14: SS Team 2 - In it 2 win it
Completion post: week 5, spot 37
Book: Death Around the Bend by T.E. Kinsey
How it fits: #3 in the Lady Hardcastle series
Finished: 2/27/23
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Death Around the Bend is the 3rd book in the Lady Hardcastle Mysteries and is a very good follow-up to the first two. At first, the story was a little slow going for me, but once the mystery began, it picked up and I just flew through it. Lady Hardcastle and Florence are once again in fine form in this story. I love their unique friendship and the way they banter their way through the story is just perfect. The mystery was a good one and although I had guessed whodunnit and why before the end I was still entertained. All in all, a good book and I will be continuing on in the series.
Mod
Spot: 37
Book: The Last Nanny in Manhattan by K. Sterling
Qualification: Alternate: Pink
Pages: 334
Finished: 02 Mar 2023
Rating: ★★
Review:
Eh... I just wasn't invested in any part of this. I'm generally not a fan of children, though occasionally I come across child characters in fiction that I find somewhat endearing - definitely not these three, they were just an excellent reminder of why I don't want anything to do with the blasted creatures. The adult characters weren't much better, and the romance just did nothing for me. Added to that there's idiotic drama, lots of snobbish nonsense, and sex scenes that just felt awkward... this just wasn't for me.
Week 5 Spot 37
Book
Filthy Rich Vampires: Three Queensby Geneva Lee Qualifications: 3rd in series
Pages 332
Finished March 2nd 2023
Rating ★★★★★
Review
Three Queens starts right as the second book ended with Thea and Julian headed into city for the winter solstice where their relationship status is announced to the whole vampire community. However, they aren't the only surprise to show up that night. The past has come back to haunt them and Thea ends up kidnapped forcing Julian to risk it all for his mate.
Impossible to put down finished it in one session only to end with a cliffhanger and now I'm stuck waiting for the next installment to see what will happen next. I love Julian and Thea they are quickly becoming one of my favorite vampire romance couples. I loved every moment of Three Queens the author has done a amazing job creating a steamy action packed romance. I love this series and can't seem to stop recommending it to people who love vampire romance with a little Crazy Rich Asian meets Bridgeton.
Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Selection Post Week 5Spot: 37
Book: Just Say Yes
Pages: 330
How it fits: Alternative - Pink Cover"
Just checking in to see how it's coming along.
Mandy wrote: "Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Selection Post Week 5Spot: 37
Book: Just Say Yes
Pages: 330
How it fits: Alternative - Pink Cover"
Just checking in to s..."
Just finished!
Week 5 Spot 37
Book: Just Say Yes
Qualifications: Alternative - Pink Cover
Pages 330
Read: 3rd March
Rating ★★★★
Review:
Maxine Morrey is a new to me author, but I heard she does great things for the world or rom-com. So thought I would give it a go and especially as this book is set in Ireland.
The book was enjoyable and very easy to read. One of our MC's is Madeleine a wedding planner who is employed to help at an emergency wedding in Ireland. The bride is far too busy following her soon to be husband around that she leaves Madeleine to sort out the details with the best man. Lorcan is everything anti-wedding but agrees to help out for the sake of his best friend the groom.
I found the book to be very humorous, and the slow developing attraction between Lorcan and Madeline lovely to read. The book isn't going to win awards but it was a really nice way to pass a few hours. I will definitely look out for the authors other books.
Mod
Previous Spot: 37
Roll: 6 + 3 = 9
New Spot: 46
Reading options:
- #4 in series
- #6 in series
- #46 in series
- Alternate: Author 'H'
Week 5 - Spot 37Series 3rd 7th or 37th
Alternate: Cover Pink
Diane ~Firefly~ (Out of House and Home) ★★★★Review
Denise (The Last Nanny in Manhattan) 3/2/23★★Review
Jade Aka MrsTosh (Just Say Yes) 3/3/23Review
Anne (Death Around the Bend) 2/27/23 ★★★★Review
Mandy (Filthy Rich Vampires: Three Queens) 3/2/23★★★★★ Review
Selection Post Week 6 Spot 46
Hecate by Ariel DawnPages 268
How it fits 6th in the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld series
Selection Post Week 6Spot: 46
Book: The Galaxy, and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers
Pages: 325
Task: 4th, 6th, 46th in a series
How it fits: 4th in the Wayfarers Series
Selection Post: Week 6, spot 46
Delivering Evil for Experts by Annette Marie
pgs: 353
how it fits: Book 4 in The Guild Codex: Demonized
Selection Post: Week 6, spot 46Book: Romancing Mr Bridgerton
pgs: 370
how it fits: Book 4 in "The Bridgerton Series'
Completion post: week 6, spot 46
Book: The Galaxy, and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers
How it fits: #4 in the Wayfarer's Series
Finished: 3/05/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
I have meant to read the final book in the Wayfarers series since it was published in 2021, but I think what stopped me was that I love this series and didn't want it to be over. The Galaxy and the Ground Within reminded me why I love Becky Chambers so much. I love the worldbuilding she does throughout the series, for example, the way she writes aliens are so well done, they are all unique in their physicality and in their cultures. In this story four very different aliens find themselves stuck at a waystation for days rather than hours and have to interact. I loved the almost quiet/still nature of this book as these very different and decent people are forced to slow down and learn more about the others. This is not an action-packed book, instead, it is more of a character study of each person and how they bounce off each other. All in all, a great book. I highly recommend the whole series!
Mod
Selection Post
Spot: 46
Book: Assassins of the Turquoise Palace by Roya Hakakian
Qualification: Alternate: Author 'H'
Pages: 320
Completion Post: week 6, spot 46
Delivering Evil for Experts by Annette Marie
finished: 3/8/23
how it fits: Book 4 in The Guild Codex: Demonized
rating: 3 stars
**started and finished this series for the bonus point
review:
This series never hooked me the way the Spellbound one did. Part of it is never being that fond of Robin and not being invested in her romance with the demon Zylas.
Zylas, however, is a great character and it was nice to see the wrap up of the story, even if I had seen a majority of it in the last Spellbound book. (view spoiler)
Completion Post: Week 6 Spot 46
Hecate by Ariel Dawn
Finished 3/6/23
Rating 4 stars
Review
Cate's been hurt before and sworn off on finding love she's very happy running her animal rescue and living alone in the woods. When her friend ropes her into attending speed dating she has no intention of finding Gunner a grumpy werewolf who has yet to shift and his time is running out. It's almost as if there meeting was fate because they are just what the other needed.
First off look at the stunning cover it's what first captured my attention plus it's in the Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld which I have been devouring. I love Cate (Hecate) she's the sweet caring animal loving girl who enjoys her quiet life in the mortal world. I think Gunner is a perfect counter part to her. I'm a sucker for a happy ever after and this one checked that box. A captivating whirlwind story that I didn't want to end. I would love another book of Cate and hope to see her in other books of the series.
This is my first book by the author but I have several of her books on my TBR list that I hope to get to in the near future. Her storytelling is beautiful it flows from start to finish. I actually had a hard time putting it down and had to finish it in one reading session. I had to get that happy ever after from Cate and Gunner.
Mod
Spot: 46
Book: Assassins of the Turquoise Palace by Roya Hakakian
Qualification: Alternate: Author 'H'
Pages: 320
Finished: 08 Mar 2023
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
This case must have been all over the news in Germany in the 90s, but I have no recollection thereof - not surprising, perhaps, given that I was all of five years old in September 1992, when four members of the Iranian and Kurdish opposition were murdered in a Berlin restaurant. This book tells the story of those murders, the investigation, and the four-year-long trial that followed. Along the way, Roya Hakakian delves into the minds and backgrounds of many of those involves, based on extensive interviews. A compelling, very well written piece of narrative nonfiction.
Will pop my completion up shortly
Week 6 Spot: 46
Book: Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Book:
Qualification: 4th in 'The Bridgerton Series'
Pages: 370
Finished: 10 Mar 2023
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
This is definitely my favourite book so far in the series and my most favourite of all the characters in the books. I have admired Penelope from afar since the first book. She has always been there in the background with an abundance of wit and fortitude but happy to hide in the background and watch what happens around her in the ton. She is a wallflower, dressed often by her mother in garish colours that don't suit her pale skin and red freckled hair. Also on the plump side and not the most handsome of ladies. She is often overlooked by the eligible bachelors and finds her pleasure in spending time at the Bridgerton house with her friend Eloise and her Mother, Violet.
In this book she comes in to her own and everyone gets to see the wonderfully bright, funny and clever lady who only usually appears when she is around close friends or fields comfortable. No long on the marriage mart, having succumb to the conclusion she will be a spinster her Mother has left her alone and allowed Penelope to do her own thing and dress as she wishes.
One thing we find out about her from the first book is that she is head over heels in love with Colin Bridgerton, he is somehow totally unaware of this and realises that he actually rather likes Penelope and choses to be in her company quite often despite himself.
This is a really nice match and it is lovely to read about the realisations both characters come to as they become more acquainted. Penelope learning who she is and Colin realising that she is what he didn't know he was looking for all along. And not forgetting Penelope's secret ;)
Mod
Previous Spot: 46
Roll: 4 + 4 = 8
New Spot: 54
Reading options:
- #4 in series
- #5 in series
- #54 in series
- Alternate: Cover Item: Dress
Selection Post: Week 7, spot 54Book: To Sir Phillip, With Love
pgs: 372
how it fits: Book 5 in "The Bridgerton Series'
Week 6 - Spot 46Series 4th 6th 0r 46th
Alternate: Author H
Diane ~Firefly~ (Delivering Evil for Experts) 3/8/23 ★★★ Review
Denise (Assassins of the Turquoise Palace) 3/8/23 ★★★★ Review
Jade Aka MrsTosh ( Romancing Mister Bridgerton) 3/10/23 ★★★★★ Review
Anne The Galazy, and the Ground Within) 3/5/23★★★★★Review
Mandy (Fallen Mate) 3/6/23 ★★★★★ Review
So question this is the 4th book in the series once finished so would I qualify for the points. They aren't in order but it's 4 books in the 26 book series. ✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.
Mod
Selection Post Week 7Spot: 54
Book: Murder Makes an Entree by Amy Myers
Pages: 279
Task: 5th, 4th, 54th book in a series
How it fits: 5th book in the Auguste Didier series
Mod
Spot: 54
Book: Milady by Laura L. Sullivan
Qualification: Alternate: Cover Item: Dress
Pages: 383
Selection Post: Week 7, spot 54
Waxing & Waning by Amanda M. Lee
pgs: 296
how it fits: book 4 in Covenant College series
Completion Post: week 7, Spot 54
Book: Murder Makes an Entree by Amy Myers
How it fits: #5 in the Auguste Didier series
Finished: 3/12/23
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This is the fifth book in the Auguste Didier series and I for the most part enjoyed it. Auguste is a French chef who now lives in England and occasionally solves crimes. In Murder Makes an Entree Auguste is in charge of cooking a formal dinner for a club that is celebrating Charles Dickens. Unfortunately, one of the guests ends up dying from being poisoned and Auguste and his students are being blamed so Chef Didier decides to help his old friend Inspector Rose of Scotland Yard find out whodunnit. Overall, I had a fun time with this story, Auguste is a character and a half, although sometimes I fear he strays into being more of a stereotype, than a real person. The mystery was an interesting one and I loved the setting of an English seaside vacation. I would read more in this series.
Mandy - did you request our bonus point for starting and finishing a series - post 117?
Completion Post, week 7, spot 54
Waxing & Waning by Amanda M. Lee
finished: 3/13/23
how it fits: book 4 in Covenant College series
rating: 3 stars
review:
Zoe is depressed after (view spoiler) and Aric dating someone, so she's lost her snark and interest in anything.
However, she can't stay out of things as she finally joins The Academy and worries even more about their mission. And when Aric gets taken, all bets are off (view spoiler)
Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Mandy - did you request our bonus point for starting and finishing a series - post 117?"I knew I was missing something but it was a crazy morning. I can update them right now if that's okay
Denise Totally forgot the bonus points for Diane ~Firefly~ do I need to update the current or can i put it on the new week to make it easier?
Mod
Totally forgot the bonus points for Diane ~Firefly~ do I need to update the current or can i put it on the new week to make it easier?"
You can put it on the new one if you prefer, just note that it was earned last week. :)
Denise wrote: "Mandy wrote: "Denise Totally forgot the bonus points for Diane ~Firefly~ do I need to update the current or can i put it on the new week to make it easier?"
You can put it on the new one if you ..."
Thank you. When it gives me error after error trying to get it posted and i did it a few times it slipped my mind
Completion Post Week 7 spot 54 Book
Azazel by A.L. KesslerHow it fits: 5th in series
Finished 3/14/23
Rating 4 stars
Review
Sybil been hiding for a long time and just when she started to feel like she was safe she's forced to hide in DeLux Cafe and into the speed dating that night. It's there that she encounters a fallen angel Azazel who's struggling with his own demons. The connection is instant as Sybil just happens to be a witch that was blessed with her powers from Azazel himself. When he learns that he's the reason she's been hiding the whole time and his gift has caused her to lose someone she loved. Will they be able to stop who's hunting Sybil and realize they are mates?
I love Sybil she's a sweetheart who's just trying to survive after everything she's had to overcome. Azazel has his own personal demons but he see's that Sybil needs him and is willing to do anything to help her. They have this steamy sizzling chemistry that started at the cafe and continues through the whole story.
I really liked the concept for this one as I've heard about Azazel over the years and wanted to see how this would play out. The characters are easy to connect with you can't help loving all of them. I enjoyed the authors storytelling it's a captivating action packed story from start to finish. I actually finished Azazel from start to finish in one reading session it was hard to put down. This is my first book by the author and I look forward to reading more of the authors stories.
*Bonus Points ✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series
Mod
Spot: 54
Book: Milady by Laura L. Sullivan
Qualification: Alternate: Cover Item: Dress
Pages: 383
Finished: 16 Mar 2023
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
I've always loved the story of The Three Musketeers, from childhood on, in every incarnation in which I've encountered it. However, when it comes to the treatment of its female characters, that classic is very much a product of its time. Laura L. Sullivan's concept of concocting an origin story for the Musketeers' iconic female antagonist Milady de Winter, casting her in the central role of a take on Dumas's novel that turns heroes and villains on their heads, is a brilliant idea, very well executed. She even managed to turn Constance into a far more interesting character, which is quite the feat. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Week 7 Spot: 54
Book: To Sir Phillip, With Love
Qualification: 5th in the Bridgerton Series
Pages: 372
Finished: 17th March
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
This is the fifth installment of the Bridgetons and I have to say I have been looking forwards to Elouise's story. She has featured in the previous books, and more in the last one as Penelope Fetheringtons best friend. I think we only truly in the last book started to get a taste of her tenacious personality and especially towards the prospect of marriage. And how intelligent, sociable and fun she is.
I really enjoyed this unlikely match. On the death of her cousin, Eloise starts to write to her husband to offer her condolences on his loss. Sir Philip, being ever the gentleman writes back to thank her and a friendship forms. He then proposes marriage.....
Whilst this is a love story it is one of necessity rather than love so it is a slow burner but worth every page. It reminded me a little of Jane Eyre.
Mod
Previous Spot: 54
Roll: 3 + 2 = 5
New Spot: 59
Reading Options:
- #5 in series
- #9 in series
- #59 in series
- Alternate: Three Word Title (excluding articles like A, An, The)
Mod
Spot: 59
Book: Proof of Life by R.J. Ellory
Qualification: Three Word Title (excluding articles like A, An, The)
Pages: 331
Week 7 Spot 54Series - 5, 4, 54, Alternate Dress
Diane ~Firefly~ (Waxing & Waning) 3/13/23 ★★★ Review
Denise (Milady) 3/16/23 ★★★★ Review
Jade Aka MrsTosh (To Sir Philip, With Love) 3/17/23 ★★★★ Review
Anne (Murder Makes an Entree) 3/12/23 ★★★★ Review
Mandy (Azazel) 3/14/23 ★★★★ Review
Bonus Points:
Diane~Firefly~ **started and finished this series for the bonus point - The Guild Codex: Demonized Series
Mandy ✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series -Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld
Grrrrr I already read 5 & 9 for the speed dating series. Time to find something new.
Selection Post: week 8, spot 59
Cast the First Crone by Amanda M. Lee
how it fits: book 9 in Spell's Angels series
pgs: 306
Mandy wrote: "Week 7 Spot 54Series - 5, 4, 54, Alternate Dress
Diane ~Firefly~ (Waxing & Waning) 3/13/23 ★★★ Review
Denise (Milady) 3/16/23 ★★★★ Review
Jade Aka MrsTosh (To Sir Philip, With Love) 3/17/23 ★★★★..."
So have we earned all the points we can until we are high enough for the only series and only alternatives ones?
Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Mandy wrote: "Week 7 Spot 54Series - 5, 4, 54, Alternate Dress
Diane ~Firefly~ (Waxing & Waning) 3/13/23 ★★★ Review
Denise (Milady) 3/16/23 ★★★★ Review
Jade Aka MrsTosh (To Sir Philip, With Love..."
Just these 2 left.
✸ One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate list. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
✸ One point can be earned for always picking a book from the alternate list. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
I've got never picking from the alternate when we pass 90
Mod
The Challenge Factory
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Out of House and Home by Drew Hayes
pgs: 420
how it fits: book 7 in Fred, The Vampire Accountant series
rating: 4 stars
review:
I always enjoy hanging out with Fred and his clan. They face plenty of difficulties - Charlotte Manor is attacked, supernatural mall has crazy things happening, ski slopes have a beast attacking and House Turva escalates things, but luckily Fred manages to find a solution he can live with.
I would have liked to see more Krystal, especially since they just got married. Also I think the whole mall escapade could have been deleted.