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Selection Post - Spot: 82Book: Living Dead in Dallas
Qualification: Alternate: Cover Item: Sun/Moon
Pages: 291
Completion Post: week 11, spot 82
Book: The Infidel Stain by M.J. Carter
How it fits: 2nd in the Avery & Blake series
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
This is the second book in the Avery & Blake series. I absolutely loved the previous book, The Strangler Vine. So, I had high expectations for The Infidel Stain, and although I don't think it was as stellar as the first book it was still a five-star for me. This book opens three years after the end of the last one and instead of taking place in India Avery and Blake meet again in London. I thought the mystery was interesting, with a few twists I did not see coming. You can tell the author did their research because they brought 1800s London to life throughout the novel. I love Blake and Avery's interactions and their relationship. They have a unique friendship (with definite Sherlock Watson vibes), and I was kind of bummed that they once again went their separate ways at the end of the story. But never fear there is at least one more book in the series, which I can't wait to read.
Mod
Spot: 82
Book: Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly
Qualification: Alternate: Cover Item: Sun/Moon
Pages: 394
Finished: 11 Apr 2023
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
Damn, this was gorgeous. There's just so much to love about this book - it's funny and sweet and sad and sincere and tugs on one's heartstrings in the most visceral, genuine way. A book filled with laughter and friendship, with love and learning to trust, with family and grief and finding new paths, with the kindness and the wonders of nature... I could go on. What an exquisitely beautiful journey.
I'm writing my review. It's been spring break here and my kiddo has been super needy lol
Completion Post: Week 11 Spot 82Book:
Dirty Truths by Tate James & Jaymin EveQualifications: 2nd in series
Pages 440
Finished 4/13/23
Rating ★★★★★
Review
Dirty Truth starts off just after Poison Rose ended. Billie is living with Angelo, the boys are struggling to survive with her gone. Gray is sure she’s being held as a prisoner, Jace things she left like she always done, and Rhett thinks she went running back to her abusive boyfriend. When fate brings them all together they will be tested as the truth starts to come out things unravel.
I love Billie she’s not perfect but she’s real and feels very authentic as a character. I loved Rhett and Gray right off the bat both guys know they found someone special who needs them as much as they her. Jace I get it he has issues but I keep hoping he figure it out before it’s too late. As for Angelo the more we learn about him the more I like him.
This is one emotional action packed steamy ride. I just loved every moment of it as it was impossible to put down. I actually finished it in one afternoon, and already have the third one ready to go next. I can’t wait to see how it plays out. I have some pretty big expectations and hope that they all work out. Love this series even if it does cliffhanger and leave me all in my feels.
Just sending some luck! I need a 3 in our roll I need to read the next book lol
Sorry guys posted last night and just realised it hasn't loaded!! Will do it again now ;(
Completion Post: Week 11 Spot 82Book: Living Dead in Dallas
Qualifications: Alt Sun or Moon on cover
Pages: 291
Finished: 13/04/23
Rating ★★★★★
Review
This is the second book in the Sookie Stackhouse series.
Sookie is still falling head over heels for Vampire Bill and getting more and more involved in the world of vampires and the supernatural.
She has caught the attention of Eric Northman, Sheriff of area 5 and Bills boss. After helping Sookie survive a vicious attack. He invites her or rather summons her in return, to accompany them to Dallas, in an attempt to use her psychic skills to location a missing vampire. She goes reluctantly and ends ups making herself even more indispensable to Mr Northman, without even realising it. And making more enemies in their world.
I just love the humour in these books. I opted for the audio version and the narrator Johanna Parker is excellent. She just sounds like she is from the swamps of Bon Temps. And never fails to entertain me.
My favourite quote from this book has to be:
“Sookie, my little bullet-sucker"
Eric, my big bullshitter”
― Charlaine Harris, Living Dead in Dallas
Oh! how I love Sookie and Eric, even more than I thought I loved Sookie and Bill. This book just ticks all the boxes for me, looking forwards to the next instalment.
Mod
We're past 90, so we get the last two bonus points and have all 6 available to use if anyone wants a particular spot to end the game on. (Mandy?)
Week 12
Previous Spot: 82
Roll: 3 + 6 = 9
New Spot: 91
Reading Options:
- Standalone
- #1 in series
- #9 in series
- #91 in series
- Alternate: Asia
Aww darn. We are kicking butt I had hoped we would have a chance to win this round. Next one maybe. I'm fine with 1st in the series. I've enjoyed playing with you all!!!
Mod
I'm good with any spot.
I'm fine with any spotIt has been fun playing with you all.
Week 10 Spot 82Series 8th, 2nd or 82nd
Alternate: Cover: Sun & Moon
Diane ~Firefly~ (Sugar Plum Spies) 4/8/23 ★★★★Review
Denise (Something Wild & Wonderful) 4/11/23 ★★★★★ Review
Jade Aka MrsTosh (Living Dead in Dallas) 4/13/23 ★★★★★ Review
Anne (The Infidel Strain) ★★★★★ Review
Mandy (Dirty Truths) 4/13/23 ★★★★★ Review
I had so much fun!Thanks so much, you guys
.
Mod
Spot: 91
Book: Real World by Natsuo Kirino
Qualification: Alternate: Asia
Pages: 208
Mod
Had a great time playing with you all! :)
Week 12
Spot: 91
Book: Real World by Natsuo Kirino
Qualification: Alternate: Asia Set in Japan
Pages: 208
Finished: 15 Apr 2023
Rating: ★★★
Review:
I keep hoping to find another Natsuo Kirino book as indeliby memorable and viscerally disturbing as Out, but so far, no luck. Which is not to say this novel, following five teenagers - a rather deranged boy on the run after killing his mother and four high school girls who end up, each to a different degree, involved with him instead of turning him in, isn't intense and disturbing, but it didn't have me glued to the page and I never felt all that invested in the fates of its characters. The writing feels a little lacklustre, though that might be the fault of the translation. (On which note, "Barbie girl" is one of the stupidest translations I have ever come across... maybe don't let adult white men translate novels about Japanese teen girls?)
Selection Post Week 12Spot: 91
Book: Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope
Pages: 372
Task: 9th, 1st, 91st in a series
How it fits: 1st in the Earthsinger Chronicles
Selection Post: Week 10 Spot 91
Sleep No More by Jayne Ann Krentz
pgs: 332
how it fits: book 1 of Lost Night Files
Completion Post: week 12, spot 91
Book: Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope
How it fits: 1st in the Earthsinger Chronicles
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
I greatly enjoyed this book. I loved the two main characters Jasminda and Jack both individually and, in their relationship, together they were so compelling and well-written. I loved the magic system of the Earthsingers and the worldbuilding in general. The plot was fast-paced and very intriguing. I especially loved the journey Jasminda and Jack go on as they grow into their new roles while having to deal with the prejudice of the people around them. I can't wait to read more in this series!
Wow that's come around quick! been great to play with you all :)
Selection Post: Week 10 spot 91Just a Little White Lie by Melody Sweet
Pages: 364
1st Haven Hallways series
Completion Post Week 10 Spot 91 
Vicious Heir by Bella AshPages 308
Finished4/19/23
How it fits 1st in series
I Received Vicious Heir in return for an honest review from NetGalley.
It was supposed to just be a delivery Emma never expected that one delivery would change her life when she saved Angel from the shooter. Angel forced to honor the life debt does exactly as his father asks and marries her. This way she's safe no one would go after his wife it would be war, and his debt is paid.
They can't deny the chemistry between the two of them and as much as he fights it Angel find himself developing feelings for Emma. While Emma is trying her best to be the good wife as she will be the matriarch of the family eventually. As they both find themselves getting along the connection grows but not everyone is happy about them falling for each other and danger is looming. Danger is around every corner will they survive?
I adore Emma she takes being forced to marry Angel the future leader of the family in stride, working hard to find her place as she can't deny her attraction to the brooding man. I knew after the first kiss that I loved Angel she's exactly what he needs and complements him well. The chemistry between the two is steamy, and who doesn't love a strong alpha male.
I loved the characters I found myself cheering the on as they made leaps and bounds in there relationship. The author did an amazing job creating a captivating story that I found hard to put down. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next and ended up staying late to finish the book. This book is a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next one I need to know how it all plays out. This is my first book by the author and I'm looking forward to the next. I honestly loved it all the feels a great first installment.
Completion Post: Week 10 Spot 91
Sleep No More by Jayne Ann Krentz
finished: 4/19/23
how it fits: book 1 of Lost Night Files
rating: 3 stars
review:
JAK is one of my favorite authors but this one didn't grab me. It started very slow and I never cared that much about the main characters. It was interesting to have one of them be a podcaster. The over-arching mystery for the trilogy got interesting in the last chapter so I will check out the next one.
Completion Post: Week 10 Spot 91Just a Little White LieMelody Sweet
Finished: 20/04/23
How it fits: 1st Haven Hallways series
Rating: ***
Review:
This is a new to me author, to be honest I judged the book by it cute cover and thought I would give this series a go.
The cover matches the book, the characters are both very loveable and the book it told from both perspectives which added more depth to the story. Party girl Lauren returns home to New Zealand after her lavish lifestyle partying in London, finds her broke. She moves in with her brother and has to start living by his rules and grow up. Also sharing her brothers home is his best friend Jack, who Lauren happens to have had a crush on since she was a teenage. You can feel the tension and the sparks about to fly.
Having previously been an English teacher which she hated, she gets a job at the elite Haven Academy teaching dance to privileged children who are there on scholarships. As per the title, she might have told a few white lies about her skill set. She enlists the help of champion dancer, Jack and the rest is history.
The pair obviously have lots of chemistry from the off. She has crushed on him forever and he begins to realise that his best friends sister is all grown up. It is a sweet rom-com, perfect to pass a few hours and leave a smile on your face.
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Just a Little White Lie (other topics)Sleep No More (other topics)
Vicious Heir (other topics)
Just a Little White Lie (other topics)
Song of Blood & Stone (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Melody Sweet (other topics)Melody Sweet (other topics)
L. Penelope (other topics)
L. Penelope (other topics)
Natsuo Kirino (other topics)
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Sugar Plum Spies by Jennifer Estep
finished: 4/8/23
rating: 4 stars
review:
Charlotte and Desmond crash a fancy Christmas party in Germany hoping for leads to find Henrika. But things quickly go wrong when mercenaries take over while they are split up. Luckily Gabriel also attended and Charolotte is super smart. (view spoiler)[ Charlotte changes the code on the vault which ultimately leads to her taking out the ballerina in charge while Desmond and Gabriel save the guests. The ending was intriguing, learning an anonymous caller prompted Gabriel to be there to help. (hide spoiler)]
This is an enjoyable spies with a little something extra series. The character complement each other's strengths and weaknesses and make a good couple. I'm looking forward to more stories.