R14: SS Team 4 - 4cing me to finish series

[Melanie]

Week 6 Reviews: Spot 45

Melanie: Romantic Suspense #4.5
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Ariel: Plays & Penalties #4
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Celia: Alternate - RV on cover
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Shannon: Torus Intercession #5
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Shan ~A~: The Edens #4
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Melanie]

Here's our roll.

Week: 7
Previous Spot: 45
Roll: 4 + 5 = 9
New Spot: 54

You can read any of the following:
- 4th book in a series
- 5th book in a series
- 54th book in a series
- Alternate task 54. Cover Item: Dress

[Celia]

Selection post: I'll either read or (dress on cover)

[Shan ~A~]

Week 7 ~ Selection Post
Roll: 9
New Spot: 54
Task: 5th book in a series
Book/Author: The Brawl by Willa Nash
Pages: 322
How it fits: 5th book in Calamity Montana series

[Shannon]

Week 7 Selection Post
Space: 54


Distraction by Kelly Fox
Pages: 277
Qualification: #4 in Mobsters + Billionaires series

[*book:Distraction|62592955]

[Celia]

Completion post

Spot: 54
Book: by Mary E. Twomey
Date read: 3/14/23
Rating: 4 stars
How it fits: dress on cover

Review: I liked this one a lot. It didn't follow the pattern of most of the Sleeping Beauty retellings I've read, and it gives Aurora a life well before (and after) her curse. Cordray was great too, a lot better than the prince Sleeping Beauty knew for (maybe) a day. I'd definitely be interested to read the next one, especially with the way we left Rory's relationship with Adam. I'd hope they can repair that in his story as he breaks his own curse.

[Shannon]

Week 7 Completion Post
Space: 54


Distraction by Kelly Fox
Pages: 277
Qualification: #4 in Mobsters + Billionaires series
Read: 3/15/23
Rating: ★★★★ 1/2

This book was pure entertainment. Hop was just the craziest, sweetest man. Sure he killed people but it was his special talent. Poor Liam did have a time of it with him but he came around eventually! Just a fun read about serious things. This author is an expert at this. Loved it!

[*book:Distraction|62592955]

[Melanie]

Completion Post: Week 7 - Spot 54



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.

[Shan ~A~]

Week 7 ~ Completion Post
Roll: 9
New Spot: 54
Task: 5th book in a series
Book/Author: The Brawl by Willa Nash
Pages: 322
How it fits: 5th book in Calamity Montana series
Finished: 03/16
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I think this may be my favorite of the series.

Ronan stole my heart from the beginning. When he sets his eyes on Larke for the first time and does everything he can to get her attention. Then his interactions with Wren & Ember just solidified my feelings.

I already had an affinity to Larke, and was looking forward to her story, and I'm so glad I wasn't disappointed. I think a lot of people will relate to Larke, especially anyone who has dealt with all the emotions of being a new mother. The fears and worries that you have because you want your children to be safe and happy. I also think that people will relate to the claustrophobic feeling of having to deal with everybody being in your business when you are in any type of small community (small town, small office, etc...).

My favorite thing of all, is how honest they were with one another. That made the progression into love seem so seamless.

I figured "Asshole Abbott" would get his own story, and I'm looking forward to it, but I also hope Ember gets a story of her own.

[Ariel]

Week 7 Completion Post:

Task: 4th book in series
Book/Author: The Mystery at Lilac Inn by Carolyn Keene
Pages: 202
How it fits: #4 in Nancy Drew series
Finished: 3/17
Rating: 4 stars
Review:

Nancy Drew stories will forever be one of my favorite series of novels. They are the first stories that truly got me into mystery based novels (right next to The Boxcar Children books). I am going through and reading books from my childhood and in some reasoning, I did not read this one.

This was a relatively quick read with lots of action. It was definitely a positive that I wasn't able to immediately guess the plot line/ending like I have in the past with these stories. I always have a soft spot in my heart for Nancy Drew so even though there were a lot of characters to keep up with in this particular story, I thought it was fun.

[Melanie]

Week 7 Reviews: Spot 54

Melanie: The MacKade Brothers #4
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Ariel: Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #4
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Celia: Alternate - Dress on cover
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Shannon: Mobsters + Billionaires #4
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Shan ~A~: Calamity Montana #5
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Melanie]

Here's our roll.

Week: 8
Previous Spot: 45
Roll: 4 + 6 = 10
New Spot: 64

You can read any of the following:
- 4th book in a series
- 6th book in a series
- 64th book in a series
- Alternate task 64. Title 'C'

[Celia]

Selection post spot 64 - for title C

[Shannon]

Week 8 Selection Post
Space 64


Hiding the Moon by Amy Lane
Pages: 216
Qualification: Fish Out of Water #4

[*book:Hiding the Moon|41061823]

[Celia]

Completion Post

Spot: 64
Book: by Nova Nelson
Date read: 3/18/23
Rating: 5 stars
How it fits: title C

Review: This was so good! Probably my favorite cozy mystery yet. I loved the feminism and the unpredictability because of completely logical reasons that actually made sense and weren't far fetched. Honestly a breath of fresh air.

[Shannon]

Week 8 Completion Post
Space 64


Hiding the Moon by Amy Lane
Pages: 216
Qualification: Fish Out of Water #4
Read: 3/20/23
Rating: ★★★★

Probably a little less that 4 stars but still a good read. I didn't love it as much as the other books in the series or even the first book in the secondary series but I did like the MCs quite a bit. Especially Ernie. That guy was just the sweetest. A little bit too much militaryesque intrigue type stuff for me but the romance was still there. Glad I read it so I can move on with the series.

[*book:Hiding the Moon|41061823]

[Shan ~A~]

Will post selection post today. Sorry for the delay, narrowed down my choices

[Shan ~A~]

Week 8 ~ Selection Post
Roll: 10
New Spot: 64
Task: 4th book in a series
Book/Author: Sneaking Around With #34 by Piper Rayne
Pages: 249
How it fits: 4th book in Hockey Hotties series

[Ariel]

Week 8: Selection Post
Roll: 10
New Spot: 64
Task: Title 'C'
Book/Author: Crazed and Confused by Tiffany Ryan
Pages: 215 (per Amazon)
How it Fits: Title starts with C

[Ariel]

Week 8: Completion Post
Book: Crazed and Confused
Author: Tiffany Ryan
Pages: 215 (per Amazon)
How it Fits: Title starts with C
Rating: 5 stars
Review:

Need something light, sarcastic, and hilarious? This book is definitely for you. Tiffany Ryan does such a wonderful job at telling the story of the Jenkins family - from the daughter, Addie's point of view. The story of this dysfunctional and funny family is relatable which only adds to the desire to keep reading to find out what happens in their day to day life.

It's a laugh out loud kind of book - I know I did.

I highly suggest you check this book out if you are in need of something entertaining because you will definitely enjoy the Jenkins adventures.

[Shan ~A~]

Week 8 ~ Completion Post
Roll: 10
New Spot: 64
Alternate task 64. Title 'C'
Book/Author: Christmas at Copper Mountain by Jane Porter
Pages: 158
How it fits: Title starts with C
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Harley's story is so heartbreaking and I completely understand her need to go somewhere where people don't know her story to have a semblance of peace.

Then she has to contend with Brock, who is a complete dick to her from the beginning. I wondered how he would turn it around, and it didn't seem likely since he was still an ass to Harley and his kids once they came home from school.

Eventually, things changed and I somehow softened toward Brock, but the driving force of this story is Harley with Molly & Mack bringing up the rear. (

[Melanie]

Just checking in to let you all know I'll have my book done later tonight and will roll as soon as I'm done.

[Melanie]

Completion Post: Week 8 - Spot 64



Book: High Risk by Carolyn Keene
How it fits?: #4 in Nancy Drew: Girl Detective series
Date finished?: 3/24/2023
Rating: 3 Stars

Review:
High Risk is the fourth book in the re-launched series of Nancy Drew and the first book I read in the series. At first, I struggled to get into this as the Nancy Drew in this series is a lot different than the one in the original series. I get trying to update her for a modern audience but I personally think the original Nancy is great as is and I wish they hadn't changed her character so much. Aside from that, I did find this to be a fun story. The mystery was entertaining and I found myself engaged in the story despite my issues with the main character. Overall an interesting take on a classic character but I'm not sure I'll pick up other books in this series.

[Melanie]

Week 8 Reviews: Spot 64

Melanie: Nancy Drew: Girl Detective #4
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Ariel: Alternate - Title starts with C
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Celia: Alternate - Title starts with C
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Shannon: Fish Out of Water #4
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Shan ~A~: Alternate - Title starts with C
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Melanie]

Here's our roll.

Week: 9
Previous Spot: 64
Roll: 1 + 6 = 7
New Spot: 71

You can read any of the following:
- 1st book in a series
- 7th book in a series
- 71st book in a series
- Alternate task 71. Favorite Author

[Shan ~A~]

Week 9 ~ Selection Post
Roll: 7
New Spot: 71
Task: 1st book in series
Book/Author: Deadly Night by Heather Graham
Pages: 389
How it fits: 1st in Flynn Brothers series

[Celia]

Selection post: I'll either read - series 1 OR - series 1

[Shannon]

Week 9 Selection Post
Space: 71


Devil's Dance by Garrett Leigh
Pages: 416
Qualification: Rebel Kings MC #1

[*book:Devil's Dance|59723078]

[Celia]

Completion Post

Spot: 71
Book: by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Date read: 3/28
Rating: 5 stars, surprisingly
How it fits: Last Survivors #1

Review: This was a lot better than I expected since it's a genre I don't read generally, and kind of stay away from. Everything was so realistic and it was terrifying.

I definitely want to continue on with the series. I have so many questions about how (and if) they get back to some sense of "normal." I feel like living in the years after COVID, this resonates even more.

[Shan ~A~]

Week 9 ~ Completion Post
Roll: 7
New Spot: 71
Task: 1st book in series
Book/Author: Deadly Night by Heather Graham
Pages: 389
How it fits: 1st in Flynn Brothers series
Finished: 03/29
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I haven't read a book by Heather Graham in a long time, but I'm glad I decided to now.

Once I started this one, I realized that I read it or started reading it years ago, but I didn't remember the outcome, just bits and pieces.

Anyway, I love how alive parts of New Orleans feels in this book. I love all of the mystery surrounding Flynn plantation. Add to that the paranormal aspects and I was completely hooked.

I just wish there had been more communication between Aidan and Kendall. She was so afraid he would judge her for the things she was experiencing that she wasn't sharing until it was almost too late.

[Shannon]

Week 9 Completion Post
Space: 71


Devil's Dance by Garrett Leigh
Pages: 416
Qualification: Rebel Kings MC #1
Read: 3/30/23
Rating: ★★★★

This book was intense and pretty violent. I don't mind that but just a warning. Really enjoyed Alexi and Cam's sexy times but not sure how Saint is going to fit in all this. That's what the next book is for. Loved that Alexi was such a badass. So hot! Interested to see where this goes.

[*book:Devil's Dance|59723078]

[Ariel]

I will have my book posted by this afternoon. I got called into work. Lol

[Melanie]

I'll have mine up later tonight.

[Melanie]

Completion Post: Week 9 - Spot 71



Book: Without a Trace by Carolyn Keene
How it fits?: #1 in Nancy Drew: Girl Detective series
Date finished?: 3/31/2023
Rating: 2 Stars

Review:
After picking up the fourth book in this series, I decided to read the first book to see how it was in comparison. I ended up having the same problems with this one that I did with High Risk in that I don't like the changes made to Nancy's character. I guess I just expect Nancy Drew to be a certain way and the changes made here to update her for a modern audience don't really work for me. The mystery itself was entertaining and the best part of the book in my opinion. Overall this book was fine but at this point I don't think this series is for me.

[Melanie]

How's your book coming along Ariel? We have 5 hours until the deadline.

[Ariel]

Completion Post: Week 9 - Spot 71

Book: Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin
Date Finished: 3/30/2023
Rating: 5 stars
How it Fits: #1 in the BSC
Review:

The BSC was my first true introduction into the escapism of reading. I remember checking them out at the school library and truly becoming engaged into the town of Stoneybook.

I read it for the first time in like 2002ish and even now in 2023, it still holds up. This is one of those series that I find I don't dislike truly any one character. Ann M. Martin does such a good job at making you want to know more about each of the main girls and the only builds throughout the story and the series.

I can't wait to dive into some of my favorite BabySitter Club books as I reread some of the ones that I have stuck with me throughout the years.

[Melanie]

Week 9 Reviews: Spot 71

Melanie: Nancy Drew: Girl Detective #1
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Ariel: Alternate - The Baby-Sitters Club #1
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Celia: Alternate - Last Survivors #1
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Shannon: Rebel Kings MC #1
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Shan ~A~: Flynn Brothers #1
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Melanie]

Here's our roll.

Week: 10
Previous Spot: 71
Roll: 4 + 1 = 5
New Spot: 76

You can read any of the following:
- 6th book in a series
- 7th book in a series
- 76th book in a series
- Alternate task 76. Set in the future

[Celia]

Selection post: I'll probably read - series #6 or - set in the future

[Shan ~A~]

Week 10 ~ Selection Post
Roll: 5
New Spot: 76
Task: 7th book in series
Book/Author: My Scorned Best Friend by Piper Rayne
Pages: 256
How it fits: 7th in the Greene Family series

[Shannon]

Week 10 Selection Post
Space: 76


Learning Curve by NR Walker
Pages: 246
Qualification: Franklin U #6

[*book:Learning Curve|61367886]

[Melanie]

Completion Post: Week 10 - Spot 76



Book: Die for Me by Karen Rose
How it fits?: #7 in Romantic Suspense series
Date finished?: 4/2/2023
Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
Die for Me was a fantastic book and I really enjoyed this one. Sophie is a wonderful character and I found myself loving her more as the book went on. Her romance with Vito was great and I liked the build up between them. The murder investigation was incredibly interesting. The inclusion of medieval torture methods and whatnot made this quite unique and I liked following Vito and the other cops as they searched for the killer. Overall, a very solid read and one I would definitely recommend.

[Shan ~A~]

Week 10 ~ Completion Post
Roll: 5
New Spot: 76
Task: 7th book in series
Book/Author: My Scorned Best Friend by Piper Rayne
Pages: 256
How it fits: 7th in the Greene Family series
Finished: 04/04
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I'll never say no to learning more about the Greene family, but this was just okay for me. Friends to lovers is one of my jams, but Xavier was an ass and I just wish that Clara had actually moved on from him for real.

After what he did and the way he acted, he should have had to work harder to get back in her good graces.

Still, the thing I love about this series was there...the love that this family has for one another. It doesn't matter that it is a blended family, they love each unconditionally.

[Celia]

Hoping to have my book done by tonight but I might not get to it until tomorrow. I'm a little under halfway through and I've got a lot going on IRL right now.

[Ariel]

Week 10 Completion Post
It's Not Easy Being Mean by Lisi Harrison
Pages: 193
How it Fits: #7 in The Clique series
Finished: 04/06
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
Update: 3 stars (4/7/23) I remember being absolutely obsessed with this series when I was younger. I decided to reread some as an adult and I...I don't know what I found so fantastic about them. I didn't hate it as it was very cheesy but entertaining. I think some of the other books in the series have much more engaging plots and the pretty committees return to school was a little underwhelming.

One thing I want to note is that when I was younger, the girls always seemed so much older but as an adult, they are in middle school!

[Celia]

I'll have my book done tomorrow.

[Melanie]

Thanks for the update Celia!

Shannon, how is your book coming along?


We have just over 12 hours until the deadline for checking in this week.

[Celia]

Spot: 76 - set in future
Date read: 4/7/23
How it fits: most of the story is set 700 years after the beginning of the story
Rating: 3.5
Review: This one confused me a lot at first but it grew on me. I'm not sure whether it makes me happy that I have the next one in the series. I definitely didn't feel like this one necessarily needs a sequel.

[Melanie]

We will have to sit out the next roll as we did not get Shannon's check in for the week.

[Shannon]

Fuuuuudge! You guys! I'll just drop the challenge and you guys can keep going. I guess I don't have the bandwidth to do challenges and have a job. Who knew?

I'll let Denise know.