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R14: SS Team 2 - In it 2 win it
Completion Post: week 8, spot 59
Book: Through the Liquor Glass by Sarah Fox
How it fits: #5 in the Literary Pub Mystery series
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
This was another great addition to the Literary Pub Mystery series. I love the main character Sadie and the life she lives in Shady Creek, Vermont. In this story, Sadie's boyfriend Grayson gets accused of murder when an old acquaintance comes to town and gets killed. One of the things that I most appreciate, other than the fact that this series always has a good mystery, is that the author writes about Sadie's whole life. We actually see Sadie running her pub and working with the employees and waiting on customers. In a lot of cozies, the protagonist is never at their job, and yet they still remain gainfully employed. (I'm always like how you have not been fired yet?!?!? Maybe that is the true mystery. lol)
All in all, I am still really loving this series and can't wait for the next one.
Sorry I haven't out my selection post in yet this week ladies. My Mum was rushed into the hospital on Friday so I haven't been home much. She is back home now so I will post my book shortly.hope everyone else is ok :)
Selection Post Week 8Spot: 59
Book:The Words We Whisper
Pages: 351
Task: 3 word title (The, excluded)
How it fits: 3 word Title
Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Sorry I haven't out my selection post in yet this week ladies. My Mum was rushed into the hospital on Friday so I haven't been home much. She is back home now so I will post my book shortly.hope ..." No Worries! I'm so glad your mom is back home now.
Jade - glad your mom is back home and hope everything is ok
Completion Post: week 8, spot 59
Cast the First Crone by Amanda M. Lee
finished: 3/22/23
how it fits: book 9 in Spell's Angels
rating: 4 stars
review:
A lot happens in this book which is weird as it is mostly setup for the final battle. Scout finds her parents and gets back in touch with Poet. She sees the prophecy Yolanda saw. There are some murders that they determine were the bad guys looking for Scout's parents.
(view spoiler)
Overall it was a good read, although I could do with less of the Winchesters - let them stay in their books instead of being in all the latest ones in this series.
Thank you. She is home now. She had a stroke last year so every little infection send back in to the hospital, sadly.
Mod
Spot: 59
Book: Proof of Life by R.J. Ellory
Qualification: Three Word Title (excluding articles like A, An, The)
Pages: 331
Finished: 23 Mar 2023
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Former war photographer Stroud becomes caught up in a dangerous web involving various intelligence agencies when he is sent to Istanbul in search of a friend who supposedly died six years ago but has now apparently been spotted there very much alive.
A gritty thriller that kept me guessing. The ending is quite intriguing and hints at a potential sequel - if so, I'd certainly be inclined to read it.
Completion Post Week 8 Spot 59Book
Moonlit CitrineBy Emmy Dee Qualifications: 5th in seris
Pages 270
Finished: 3/23/23
Rating 4 Stars
Review
Citrine has lost her grandmother her only family, thankfully she finds a cat to love Mr. Mistoffelees. After an incident she couldn't control she finds herself fired from her job but she decides it's time to do something she loved and starts her own business Mystic Thrift. When fate brings her just what she always wanted she didn't expect to find her mates. When one of her mates ends up kidnapped they all rush to rescue him and she finally figures out what's going on with her hair.
Citrine is a fast paced cute reverse harem fated mates story. This whole series is all centered around the Moonlit falls each book by a different author. I enjoyed the story our girl is a little obsessed with chicken nuggets but sometimes that's just what you need something to hold onto. The guys are steamy perfect complement to Citrine the whole why choose concept works and the guys all work well with each other.
I've not read a book by the author before but have had it on my kindle for ages and decided now was the perfect time to check it out. The characters are quirky, easy to connect with you can't help laughing through the story at the misadventures keep coming. This was a quick fast paced story that I was able to finish in a few short reading sessions. Perfect for fans looking for a quick cute romance.
Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Thank you. She is home now. She had a stroke last year so every little infection send back in to the hospital, sadly."I'm glad to hear she's home. I hope everything is going well for you.
With everything you've had going on this week did we want to use the free pass?
Completion Post Week 8 Spot 59Book: The Words We Whisper
Qualifications: 3 word title (the) excluded
Pages: 351
Finished: 23/03/23
Rating: *****
Review:
The book is set over dual time periods. Firstly, we start in a war torn Rome in 1943 then it flits back to the present day.
Zara a palliative care nurse is called home by her sister to take care of her ailing grandmother who 98. When she arrives back home, it transpires that it is actually her Sister, Gina who is dying after being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
Zara settles back into the childhood home that she loves and is made to promise by her grandmother that she will help he clear through the attic as she wants to find somethings from her past before she leaves this earth. In the attic Zara finds a diary taking her back to 1943 and reads the heartbreaking story of Isabella and Mia, two very brave Italian women who tried to help both their country and their fellow countrymen and women when the Germans took up occupation in their city.
This is such a beautifully written book, which has taken me on an emotional roller coaster and made me ugly cry. It is filled with very brave and determined women who made a difference to many lives.
Whilst the book is very sad and heart wrenching in places, it is filled with humour and not at all doom and gloom. Zara turns up at her Nonnas with 3 dogs in tow and a van. She also finds love where she least expects it, and gets a happy ever after.
Mandy wrote: "Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Thank you. She is home now. She had a stroke last year so every little infection send back in to the hospital, sadly."I'm glad to hear she's home. I hope everything is go..."
Thank you. I have just posted my spot. Apologies there was something wrong with my Goodreads and it kept timing out without posting!
Mod
Week 9
Previous Spot: 59
Roll: 6 + 2 = 8
New Spot: 67
Reading Options:
- #6 in series
- #7 in series
- #67 in series
- Alternate: Cover: Blue
Selection Post Week 9Spot: 67
Book: The Secret of the Lost Pearls by Darcie Wilde
Pages: 396
Task: 6th, 7th, or 67th book in a series
How it fits: 6th in the Rosalind Thorne Mystery series
Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Mandy wrote: "Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Thank you. She is home now. She had a stroke last year so every little infection send back in to the hospital, sadly."I'm glad to hear she's home. I hope ev..."
Goodreads seems to do that to me half the time. I just wasn't sure with everything going on at home if you needed to skip. Hopefully the new week will be more relaxing.
Mandy wrote: "Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Mandy wrote: "Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Thank you. She is home now. She had a stroke last year so every little infection send back in to the hospital, sadly."I'm glad to h..."
Thank you. It's been doing it all day to me for some reason ;(
Week 8 Spot 59Series 5th, 9th or 59th Alternate: Three Word Title (excluding articles like A, An, The)
Diane ~Firefly~ (Cast the Forest Crone) 3/22/23 ★★★★ Review
Denise (Proof of Life) 3/23/23 ★★★★ Review
Jade Aka MrsTosh (The Words We Whisper 3/23/23 ★★★★★ Review
Anne (The World We Whisper) 3/23/23 ★★★★ Review
Mandy (Moonlit Citrine) 3/23/23★★★★ Review
Selection Post Week 9 Spot 67
Book
Bastetby Laura Greenwood Pages 220
How it fits: Speed Dating with the Denizens of the Underworld Book 7
Mandy wrote: "Week 8 Spot 59Series 5th, 9th or 59th Alternate: Three Word Title (excluding articles like A, An, The)
Diane ~Firefly~ (Cast the Forest Crone) 3/22/23 ★★★★ Review
Denise (Proof of Life) 3/23/23 ★..."
Hey just to let you know this post is incorrect, definitely something odd going on with Goodreads today. I read 'The Words We whisper' 'just say yes' was a few weeks ago :)
Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Mandy wrote: "Week 8 Spot 59Series 5th, 9th or 59th Alternate: Three Word Title (excluding articles like A, An, The)
Diane ~Firefly~ (Cast the Forest Crone) 3/22/23 ★★★★ Review
Denise (Proof of L..."
Lol I did it five times it was being wonky the whole time. It must have reset from one of my many copy and past attempts.
Mod
Spot: 67
Book: The Desert of Souls by Howard Andrew Jones
Qualification: Alternate: Cover: Blue
Pages: 400
Selection Post: week 9, spot 67
Beauty Expos Are Murder by Libby Klein
pgs: 370
how it fits: book 6 of Poppy McAlister Mystery series
Mandy wrote: "Jade aka MrsTosh wrote: "Mandy wrote: "Week 8 Spot 59Series 5th, 9th or 59th Alternate: Three Word Title (excluding articles like A, An, The)
Diane ~Firefly~ (Cast the Forest Crone) 3/22/23 ★★★★ ..."
Something weird going on..... I tried to post on another page and kept getting an error message.
Completion Post: week 9, spot 67
Book: The Secret of the Lost Pearls by Darcie Wilde
How it fits: #6 in the Rosalind Mystery Series
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
This was another awesome entry into the Rosalind Thorne Mystery series. Rosalind is such a great main character. She is smart, pragmatic, and kind. The mysteries are always very well done, and I love the side characters that are introduced in each book. The Secret of the Lost Pearls is no exception. I especially love Rosalind's relationship with Adam in this book, so sweet. The author writes the regency period so well that you can lose yourself in the story. All in all, I highly recommend the series.
Completion Post Week 9, Spot: 67Book: Chasing the Italian Dream
Qualifications: Alternative - Blue Cover
Pages: 342
Finished: 30/03/23
Rating: ****
Review:
This is the perfect, transport me to sunnier climes from my arm chair book. The author Jo Thomas always manages to let you experience the sounds and smells of the place she is writing about.
We follow Lucia from a cold and grey Wales in the UK, as she takes her annual trip, from her stressful job as a lawyer. She goes to stay with her grandparents in Italy. Her Nonna's are aging and want to retire from their very busy pizzeria and Lucia is torn between the two worlds. She worked really hard to become a lawyer and gave a lot up to succeed, but she also want to keep the restaurant in the family as it has been for many years. Her Nonna thinks he has found the perfect solution and has someone who can take over. Here we are introduced to Giacomo, who just happens to be Lucia's ex husband. Who it happens is still her husband as she never actually got around to sorting out the divorce.
This is quite a predictable story but filled with lovely characters, and amazing descriptions of food and pizza, so much so I was constantly hungry reading the book. It is a perfect way to chase away those winter blues.
Mod
Spot: 67
Book: The Desert of Souls by Howard Andrew Jones
Qualification: Alternate: Cover: Blue
Pages: 400
Finished: 30 Mar 2023
Rating: ★★★
Review:
Historical fantasy that combines classic sword & sorcery with Thousand and One Nights flair. Jones takes his reader to 8th century Baghdad and into the desert that lies beyond, where his characters chase thieves and contend with undead creatures, a Greek spy, and a fire wizard bent on destruction.
Well rendered settings and an entertaining enough adventure, but the characters could have been more complex. A pleasant read, though I can't say I was exactly glued to the pages.
Completion Post: Week 9, spot 67
Beauty Expos Are Murder by Libby Klein
finished: 3/29/23
how it fits: book 6 of Poppy McAlister Mysteries
rating: 4 stars
review:
Love triangle is finally gone!!! (view spoiler) And Poppy's best friend is suddenly lying to her about things and she has to bake paleo treats for the beauty expo and then help solve two murders (one helping her high school nemesis prove her innocence).
The mysteries were good. Nice wrap up after the surprise ending last time. Cat Figaro trying to entice visiting Portia was adorable. And Ginny putting Gia's mom in her place was awesome.
Completion Post: Week 9 spot 67
Bastetby Laura Greenwood Finished 3/27/23
How it fit: 7th in series
Rating 4 star
Pages 220
Review
Bastet has been hiding away in her cat sanctuary but her sister seems determined to bring her back into the dating world in the form of speed dating. When she shows up she encounters her ex who she's not seen in a very long time. Phat was at the speed dating but wasn't planning to join in till he saw Bastet was taking part in. That was all the needed to reconnect and this time fate seems to be on their sides. However, Phat suddenly goes missing but only Bastet is looking for him. Will she find him before it's to late?
I really like Bastet right from the start she was easy to connect with you couldn't help liking her as she has her cats all around her. I wasn't sure about Phat because they had issues in the past but he ends up having changed so the timing was just right. They have this sizzling connect that just works after all they were fated mates who now can focus on their relationship.
This isn't my first book by the author so I knew I would enjoy her storytelling which I did. This is a sweet little steam romance with a little kidnapping and an adventure that changes both of their lives. I've always found the Egyptian gods interesting and feel like the author did a great job telling their HEA. A quick fast paced story that I devoured in just a few short hours. I can't wait to read more of the Speed Dating of the Denizens of the Underworld series.
Mod
Previous Spot: 67
Roll: 5 + 1 = 6
New Spot: 73
Reading Options:
- #3 in series
- #7 in series
- #73 in series
- Alternate: Fantasy
Week 9 Spot 67 Series 6th, 7th, 67th
Alternate: Cover: Blue
Diane ~Firefly~ (Beauty Expos Are Murder) 3/29/23 ★★★★ Review
Denise (The Desert of Souls) 3/30/23 ★★★ Review
Jade Aka MrsTosh (Chasing the Italian Dream) 3/30/23 ★★★★ Review
Anne (The Secret of the Lost Pearls) ★★★★★ Review
Mandy (Bastet) 3/27/23 ★★★★ Review
Selection Post: Spot 73
Book
Chosen by the Alien Prince by Kyla Quinn Pages 218
How it fits: 3rd in series.
Selection Post Week 10Spot: 73
Book: The Dagger Dance by Elizabeth Bailey
Pages: 341
Task: 7th, 3rd, 73rd in series
How it fits: 7th in the Lady Fan Mystery series
Completion Post: week 10, spot 73
Book: The Dagger Dance by Elizabeth Bailey
How it fits: #7 in the Lady Fan series
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This was another good addition to the Lady Fan series. I am still enamored with Otillia and her husband Francis. I love their dynamic and how he trusts her enough to go along with her on some pretty out their mysteries. There is a lot of love and respect between them, which is great to see. The mystery was a good one. It had enough twists and turns to keep me interested and wanting to see what happened next. I still love Hemp and I am glad that his lost love Doro was introduced into the series and can't wait to read more about their burgeoning relationship further on in the series. My one quibble would be that I could have done without the familial drama at the beginning, other than that it was very good. Currently, there are two more books in the series, and I can't wait to get to them.
Mod
Spot: 73
Book: Prince and Assassin by Tavia Lark
Qualification: Alternate: Fantasy
Pages: 283
Selection and Completion Post: week 10, spot 73
Selkies Are a Girl’s Best Friend by Molly Harper
pgs: 178
finished: 4/2/23
how it fits: book 3 of Mystic Bayou series
rating: 4 stars
review:
Sonja is the extremely capable human who is basically running the League's research center. She meets the new town doctor, Will, who just moved back into town and after getting off on the wrong foot, they quickly grow to like each other.
Sonja is a great heroine as she is super capable and knows her own worth. As Sonja discovers something strange with the money, she stumbles onto another plot involving the rift.
This was a fun read that my biggest complaint is I would have liked more and the villain was stupid.
Mod
Spot: 73
Book: Prince and Assassin by Tavia Lark
Qualification: Alternate: Fantasy
Pages: 283
Finished: 05 Apr 2023
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
"High fantasy gay romance, with secret identities, hurt/comfort, and magic tigers with attitude"? Why hello, irresistable book description... and, it turns out, equally irresistable book that I had serious trouble putting down! I just adored this from start to finish. Both the court intrigue and the romance had me quite thoroughly hooked, and I loved the worldbuilding. Glad to see there's plenty more to come in this series!
Completion Post Week 10 spot 73
Book
Chosen by the Alien Prince by Kyla Quinn Pages 218
Finished 4/2/23
Rating ★★★★
Review
Hope gets kidnapped by large blue Aliens who want to use her as well as the other women that they kidnapped to produce children. She doesn't have long in the holding facility before she's rushed off to be offered to the prince. While he's determined not to make hybrids it seems fate has other ideas when they learn they are mates. Suddenly they aren't as safe as they thought and Tor has to do everything to protect her.
This is my first Alien romance so I didn't know what to expect but I had some ideas. I liked Hope she's sweet and Tor while a little arrogant has some redeeming qualities. I love that the courting seems to find hope in awful outfits of the 80s. This is a new concept but I think it was a great choice to dip my toes in with.
This is my first book by the author but it won't be my last as I feel like I need to read the whole series. I loved the sweet story but I feel like it needed to be longer. I have so many questions that aren't answered but I hope reading the rest will give me more info. The romance between the two was steamy but not unbelievable when they get to the bedroom. The story was quick fast paced a little whirlwind but captivating.
Week 10 Spot: 73
Dead Until Dark
Qualification: Alternate: Fantasy
Pages: 272
Finished: 06 Apr 2023
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
I just love this book, it got me hooked on the series and the TV series which unfortunately took a very big detour from the books.
I listened to the audio version this time and I have to say that Johanna Parker the narrator is amazing! Sookie Stackhouse, meets Bill the first vampire in the bar where she works in Bon Temps and finds herself intrigued that he is the one person whose thoughts she can't hear as she is a telepath. A frankly naive Sookie finds out that the world is actually very different than she first thought and so is she. She goes on a personal journey of discovery and questions everything she though she knew.
I just love everything about this series, especially this the first book.
Are we ready to roll for the week?
I'm working on my post but we have reviews from everyone so sure
Mod
Week 11
Previous Spot: 73
Roll: 5 + 4 = 9
New Spot: 82
Reading Options:
- #2 in series
- #8 in series
- #82 in series
- Alternate: Cover Item: Sun/Moon
Week 10 Spot 73Series 7th 3rd 73rd
Alternate: Fantasy
Diane ~Firefly~ (Selkies Are A Girl’s Best Friend) 4/2/23 ★★★★ Review
Denise (Prince and Assassin) 4/5/23 ★★★★ Review
Jade Aka MrsTosh (Dead Until Dark) 4/6/23 ★★★★★ Review
Anne (The Dagger Dance) ★★★★ Review
Mandy (Chosen by the Alien Prince) 4/2/23 ★★★★ Review
Selection Post: week 11, spot 82
Sugar Plum Spies by Jennifer Estep
how it fits: book 2 of Section 47 series
pgs: 193
Selection Post Week 11 Spot 82
Dirty Truths By Tate James and Jaymin EveHow it fits: Book 2 in the Boys of Bellerose
Pages 440
Selection Post Week 11Book: The Infidel Stain by M.J. Carter
Pages: 417
Task: 8th, 2nd, 82nd in series
How it fits: 2nd in the Avery & Blake Series
Mod
Spot: 82
Book: Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly
Qualification: Alternate: Cover Item: Sun/Moon
Pages: 394
The Challenge Factory
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Spot: 59
Book: Through the Liquor Glass by Sarah Fox
Pages: 352
Task: 5th, 9th, 59th book in a series
How it fits: 5th book in the Literary Pub Mystery series