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Michelle
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Mar 24, 2023 08:38PM
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SELECTION POSTWeek 9, Roll 7, Spot 69
My Choice: Dearest Milton James by N.R. Walker
Pages: 228
How it Fits: Alt - set in Australia
[*book:Dearest Milton James|58851852]
Selection Post
Book 6 in Hidden Legacy
Week 9Spot: 7
Book and Author:
Seeing a Large Cat, Elizabeth PetersQualification: #9 in the Amelia Peabody series
Finished: 03/27
Rating: 5*
Amelia Peabody, Emerson, and their family are back in Cairo, primed for an archaeological dig in the Valley of the Kings. While getting settled, she dreams of a large cat, which the Egyptians believe means good luck. This is oddly soon followed by an anymous message warning them away from a tomb numbered 20A. Which, of course, intrigued them so much that they decided to search for it. In the meantime, they meet a pompous, wealthy American and his spoiled daughter, Dolly, who are visiting the area. Soon teenage son Ramses, his best friend David, and foster sister Nefret are tangled up with this twosome, who swear that Dolly is being stalked.
Emerson locates tomb 20A and a dig starts in earnest. Before too long they discover a mummy, but instead of it being an ancient royal it is a modern woman in fancy underclothes. So starts a new mystery with evil undertones that ensnares their whole clan and leads to an awesome climax.
This was a great addition to one of my all-time favorite historical mystery series, one that I've been stretching out and am almost halfway through. Thankfully I still have several more to go because I'll hate for it end.
COMPLETION POSTWeek 9, Roll 7, Spot 69
My Choice: Dearest Milton James by N.R. Walker
Pages: 228
How it Fits: Alt - set in Australia
Date Read: 3/28
Rating: ★★★★
Review: Super cute! I was worried the Milton letters were going to take up the majority of the story. I'm so glad they didn't. There weren't that many and they were pretty short. I enjoyed all the secondary characters and I think the dead letter job sounds pretty cool. I'd love to do something like that! I'm not surprised I liked it since this author is pretty consistent.
[*book:Dearest Milton James|58851852]
Week - 9Spot: 69
Book and Author: Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews
Qualification: Hidden Legacy #6
Finished: 3/30/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I had a lot of fun listening to this book on audio. So many secrets came out that directly affected the Baylor Clan. We get to find out who their Grandfather is, why Allesandro's mother seemed weak minded, & why Victoria Tremaine is an evil bitch. They finally fight their greatest enemy Arkan and we also discover what kind of powers Nevada's and Connor's son has. There was quite a bit of closure, but it was left open enough that if the author's wanted to they could continue on with Arabella's story.
Completion Post - Week 9 for Super SixSpot 69
MEG
Book - Seeing a Large Cat
Author - Elizabeth Peters
Qualification: #9 in the Amelia Peabody series
Finished: 03/27
Rating: 5*
Amelia Peabody, Emerson, and their family are back in Cairo, primed for an archaeological dig in the Valley of the Kings. While getting settled, she dreams of a large cat, which the Egyptians believe means good luck. This is oddly soon followed by an anymous message warning them away from a tomb numbered 20A. Which, of course, intrigued them so much that they decided to search for it. In the meantime, they meet a pompous, wealthy American and his spoiled daughter, Dolly, who are visiting the area. Soon teenage son Ramses, his best friend David, and foster sister Nefret are tangled up with this twosome, who swear that Dolly is being stalked.
Emerson locates tomb 20A and a dig starts in earnest. Before too long they discover a mummy, but instead of it being an ancient royal it is a modern woman in fancy underclothes. So starts a new mystery with evil undertones that ensnares their whole clan and leads to an awesome climax.
This was a great addition to one of my all-time favorite historical mystery series, one that I've been stretching out and am almost halfway through. Thankfully I still have several more to go because I'll hate for it end
KRISSY
Book - Dearest Milton James
Author - N.R. Walker
Pages: 228
How it Fits: Alt - set in Australia
Date Read: 3/28
Rating: ★★★★
Review: Super cute! I was worried the Milton letters were going to take up the majority of the story. I'm so glad they didn't. There weren't that many and they were pretty short. I enjoyed all the secondary characters and I think the dead letter job sounds pretty cool. I'd love to do something like that! I'm not surprised I liked it since this author is pretty consistent.
MICHELLE
Book and Author: Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews
Qualification: Hidden Legacy #6
Finished: 3/30/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I had a lot of fun listening to this book on audio. So many secrets came out that directly affected the Baylor Clan. We get to find out who their Grandfather is, why Allesandro's mother seemed weak minded, & why Victoria Tremaine is an evil bitch. They finally fight their greatest enemy Arkan and we also discover what kind of powers Nevada's and Connor's son has. There was quite a bit of closure, but it was left open enough that if the author's wanted to they could continue on with Arabella's story.
NIKKI
Book - The Joy of Hex
Amanda M. Lee
Qualification: Moonstone Bay #9
Finished: 3/29/23
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Review:
This book was mostly a fun read. It crossed over with another one of Amanda M. Lee's series, Wicked witches of the Midwest, and seeing Bay, landon and Aunt Tillie in this setting was a lot of fun. However I felt like this was a bit of cover for the fact that the mystery was very very similar to one that took place in one of the author's other series'. It wasn't completely identical and a slightly different spin was added but enough that there was little "mystery" to the mystery, at least in my opinion. This might have have been an attempt at some more crossover humor since two fo the writer characters were present for both lots of the mystery also includes the author's alter ego Lily Harper Hart but I don't feel like it did enough to separate itself from the previous mystery so left me feeling a little dissatisfied. That being said, I read these books as much for the characters and their interactions as the mystery itself so I still did enjoy the read over all and i very much enjoyed the crossover
PALLAVI
Book - The Dry
Author - Jane Harper
How it fits: Alternate:Oceania
Page: 336
Ratings: 3.5/5
Review: An intriguing read.
Federal Agent Falk returns to the small Austrian town he and his father ran away from, almost 20 years ago.
He was accused of murder. And this small backward town did not let his family forget for a single moment.
Murder drove him away and murder brought him back.
His old friend Luke, his wife and boy were shot dead. The distraught parents force Falk to look into the murders. What slowly unravels are the secrets the town is desperate to hide. A secret is what ruined Falk, a secret is what got Luke and his family killed.
A secret is what bleeds the town dry.
A page turning thriller.
Recommended for mystery lovers
I finished my book yesterday but works been really busy so will post my review shortly
Week - 9Spot: 69
Book and Author: The Joy of Hex by Amanda M. Lee
Qualification: Moonstone Bay #9
Finished: 3/29/23
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Review:
This book was mostly a fun read. It crossed over with another one of Amanda M. Lee's series, Wicked witches of the Midwest, and seeing Bay, landon and Aunt Tillie in this setting was a lot of fun. However I felt like this was a bit of cover for the fact that the mystery was very very similar to one that took place in one of the author's other series'. It wasn't completely identical and a slightly different spin was added but enough that there was little "mystery" to the mystery, at least in my opinion. This might have have been an attempt at some more crossover humor since two fo the writer characters were present for both lots of the mystery also includes the author's alter ego Lily Harper Hart but I don't feel like it did enough to separate itself from the previous mystery so left me feeling a little dissatisfied. That being said, I read these books as much for the characters and their interactions as the mystery itself so I still did enjoy the read over all and i very much enjoyed the crossover.
Week 9Spot:69
Book:The Dry by Jane Harper
How it fits: Alternate:Oceania
Page: 336
Ratings: 3.5/5
Review: An intriguing read.
Federal Agent Falk returns to the small Austrian town he and his father ran away from, almost 20 years ago.
He was accused of murder. And this small backward town did not let his family forget for a single moment.
Murder drove him away and murder brought him back.
His old friend Luke, his wife and boy were shot dead. The distraught parents force Falk to look into the murders. What slowly unravels are the secrets the town is desperate to hide. A secret is what ruined Falk, a secret is what got Luke and his family killed.
A secret is what bleeds the town dry.
A page turning thriller.
Recommended for mystery lovers.
New RollCurrent Spot: 69
Roll: 1 + 3 = 4
New Spot: 73
●3rd in a series
●7th in a series
●73rd in a series
●Alt: Fantasy
SELECTION POSTWeek 10 Roll 4 Spot 73
Book:
The Diva Frosts a CupcakePages: 305p
How it Fits: #7 in the Domestic Diva mystery series
Selection Post
How it fits - # 3 in Sunshine Vicram Series
Completion postWeek 10 roll 4 spot 73
Book
Secret History by Brandon Sanderson
Page:160
How it fits: #3.5 Mistborn triology series
Rating: 5/5
Review:He is back. He is resurrected. Well not really. Atleast in spirit if not in a physical form.
Kelsier's was one of the most painful death I experienced. Exactly like Dobby's or Dumbledore's death in Harry Potter. There are some deaths you cannot get over.
Many loop holes that were present in Mistborn trilogy were filled. Kelsier's ability to not give up is remarkable. Even when faced against forces of nature, he holds his ground. Battered and broken, he doesnt stop helping Vin and the world.
The most beautiful ending to this fantastic series.
SELECTION POSTWeek 10, Roll 4, Spot 73
My Choice: Broken Heat by Wendy Rathbone
Pages: 186
How it Fits: Alt - Fantasy
[*book:Broken Heat|61880783]
Week 10Spot: 73
Book and Author: A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones
Qualification: Sunshine Vicram #3
Finished: 4/4/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review: Like all of her other books, Darynda Jones made me LMAO in this one. I was sitting in the car at work, drinking some coffee before I went in while listening to the audio version when the MC started talking about "sin caves" and I lost it. I shot coffee out of my nose and mouth. Luckily I was wearing all black and most of it landed on the dash, the steering wheel, and the black hoodie I was wearing at the time.
We have Sunshine, our MC who is the town sheriff and a merry band of unusual residence. We have a love interest she describes as grumpy, her daughter Aurora who is 15 and does not know when to stay out of police business, and her merry band of police officers. Throw in some murders, bad guys, and ex sheriff who is out for revenge and you have entertainment for the next day or so. I'm hoping this is not the last book in the series.
We have 2 bonus points. Do we want to use them for the next roll or save them for another week?
I'm open to whatever everyone decides...
Week 10Spot: 73
Book and Author:
The Diva Frosts a Cupcake, Krista DavisQualification: #7 in series
Finished: 04/02
Rating: 4
Another one of my favorite series!
Sophie and best friend Nina are involved with Cupcakes and Pupcakes, which is a fund-raising event to help animal shelters. While this is going on, a sweet bakery employee in town is killed. Along with this tragedy, a dog is stolen from the event, a high-priced item from a previous home burglary is found in someone's car, and entries to a cupcake competition is sabotaged. Suspects and suspicions abound, and Sophie finds herself firmly involved in sorting things out.
One thing still bugs me, as it has in the previous books. I think MC Sophie is still too soft (i.e., too nice and too quick to forgive) around Natasha, her nemesis. (FYI, Natasha plays another leading role in the books, and is very condescending.) Other than this, I totally enjoyed this one!
SELECTION POSTWeek 10, Roll 4, Spot 73
My Choice: Broken Heat by Wendy Rathbone
Pages: 186
How it Fits: Alt - Fantasy
Date Read: 4/05
Rating: ★★★★
Review: These books are quick and low angst and easy to read. I love Omegaverse and mpreg stories. This series is about Omegas that need help with their heat due to different issues. In this book Elon hadn't had a heat since his mate died. So he was hoping an Alpha surrogate would help him. Even though it is a little insta lovey I still enjoyed it.
[*book:Broken Heat|61880783]
Completion Post - Week 10 for Super SixSpot 73
KRISSY
Book - Broken Heat
Author - Wendy Rathbone
Pages: 186
How it Fits: Alt - Fantasy
Date Read: 4/05
Rating: ★★★★
Review: These books are quick and low angst and easy to read. I love Omegaverse and mpreg stories. This series is about Omegas that need help with their heat due to different issues. In this book Elon hadn't had a heat since his mate died. So he was hoping an Alpha surrogate would help him. Even though it is a little insta lovey I still enjoyed it.
MEG
Book - The Diva Frosts a Cupcake
Author - Krista Davis
Qualification: #7 in series
Finished: 04/02
Rating: 4
Another one of my favorite series!
Sophie and best friend Nina are involved with Cupcakes and Pupcakes, which is a fund-raising event to help animal shelters. While this is going on, a sweet bakery employee in town is killed. Along with this tragedy, a dog is stolen from the event, a high-priced item from a previous home burglary is found in someone's car, and entries to a cupcake competition is sabotaged. Suspects and suspicions abound, and Sophie finds herself firmly involved in sorting things out.
One thing still bugs me, as it has in the previous books. I think MC Sophie is still too soft (i.e., too nice and too quick to forgive) around Natasha, her nemesis. (FYI, Natasha plays another leading role in the books, and is very condescending.) Other than this, I totally enjoyed this one!
MICHELLE
Book and Author: A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones
Qualification: Sunshine Vicram #3
Finished: 4/4/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review: Like all of her other books, Darynda Jones made me LMAO in this one. I was sitting in the car at work, drinking some coffee before I went in while listening to the audio version when the MC started talking about "sin caves" and I lost it. I shot coffee out of my nose and mouth. Luckily I was wearing all black and most of it landed on the dash, the steering wheel, and the black hoodie I was wearing at the time.
We have Sunshine, our MC who is the town sheriff and a merry band of unusual residence. We have a love interest she describes as grumpy, her daughter Aurora who is 15 and does not know when to stay out of police business, and her merry band of police officers. Throw in some murders, bad guys, and ex sheriff who is out for revenge and you have entertainment for the next day or so. I'm hoping this is not the last book in the series.
PALLAVI
Book - Secret History
Author - Brandon Sanderson
Page:160
How it fits: #3.5 Mistborn triology series
Rating: 5/5
Review:He is back. He is resurrected. Well not really. Atleast in spirit if not in a physical form.
Kelsier's was one of the most painful death I experienced. Exactly like Dobby's or Dumbledore's death in Harry Potter. There are some deaths you cannot get over.
Many loop holes that were present in Mistborn trilogy were filled. Kelsier's ability to not give up is remarkable. Even when faced against forces of nature, he holds his ground. Battered and broken, he doesnt stop helping Vin and the world.
The most beautiful ending to this fantastic series
NIKKI
Book - A Score to Kettle
Author - Erin Johnson
How it Fits: Vampire Tea Room Magical Mystery #3
Finished: 4/6/23
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Review: This was a cute and clever mystery. I felt like it was crafted well by the author. The characters still seem a little over simplified and one dimensional but they are growing on me. I'm enjoying this eries more than i expected to so will definitely cotinue with it
Completion PostWeek 10
Spot: 73
Book and Author:A Score to Kettle by Erin Johnson
How it Fits: Vampire Tea Room Magical Mystery #3
Finished: 4/6/23
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Review: This was a cute and clever mystery. I felt like it was crafted well by the author. The characters still seem a little over simplified and one dimensional but they are growing on me. I'm enjoying this eries more than i expected to so will definitely cotinue with it
Week 11Previous Spot - 73
New Roll - 1 + 5 = 6
New Spot - 79
# 7 in a series
# 9 in a series
Alternate - Set anytime between 1600-1837
What a craptastic roll..ughSelection Post
How it fits - Zombie Fallout #7
SELECTION POSTWeek 11 Roll 6 Spot 79
Book:
Wed or AlivePages: 230p
How it Fits: #9 in Annabelle Archer series
Can we use our bonus points?That would land us on 81.
#1 helps me avail another bonus point for finishing a series
Pallavi wrote: "Can we use our bonus points?That would land us on 81.
#1 helps me avail another bonus point for finishing a series"
Not this week since I already posted.
Week - 11Spot: 79
Book and Author: For the Fallen by Mark Tufo
Qualification: Zombie Fallout #7
Finished: 4/9/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review - Very few authors can make the zombie apocalypse hilarious, but Mark Tufo certainly can. It's not all hilarious, in fact there is some really nasty scenes, but the banter between the characters is super funny most of the time. Even when they get in trouble and are fighting for their lives the characters still make me laugh.
Michelle, can someone roll for me this week? I have a medical procedure on Thursday afternoon and don't know what shape I'll be in after. Figured better safe than sorry. My book is done and I'll have the review in tonight or tomorrow.
I'll do it. I'm quite active on Goodreads.
Meg wrote: "Michelle, can someone roll for me this week? I have a medical procedure on Thursday afternoon and don't know what shape I'll be in after. Figured better safe than sorry. My book is done and I'll ..."
It's covered, Hope everything goes well with your procedure.
Pallavi wrote: "I'll do it. I'm quite active on Goodreads."Thanks!
Michelle wrote: "Pallavi wrote: "I'll do it. I'm quite active on Goodreads."Thanks!"
Thanks, Pallavi. Hoping it won't be very long before I'm back online.
Thanks, Michelle, hope to be back fairly quickly.
COMPLETION POSTWeek 11
Spot: 79
Book and Author:
Wed or Alive, Laura DurhamQualification: #9 in series
Finished: 04/10
Rating: 4.5
A fun and funny addition to the series. Wedding planner Annabelle Archer and her assistant Kate are once again teamed up with series favorites Richard (best friend and caterer), Fern (hairstylist extraordinaire), Mac and Buster (florists and Christian bikers), as well as go-to baker Alexandria. Today's over-the-top wedding is themed after Carnival in Venice, with, oddly, penguins included, on one of the hottest days of the season. During the preperations the bride is kidnapped along with Kate, and the hunt is on. Along the way there is an attempted murder and a missing entertainment director. Secrets are revealed involving the bride's family, and Anabelle's significant other arrives undercover when the ransom demand forbids police involvement. Loved this entertaining caper!
SELECTION & COMPLETION POSTWeek 11, Roll 6, Spot 79
My Choice: Rough Terrain by Annabeth Albert
Pages: 384
How it Fits: Out of Uniform #7
Date Read: 4/12
Rating: ★★★★
Review: Good story with an excellent audio narrator. Unfortunately it lost a star for the weird reaction Renzo's mom had when meeting Canaan for the first time. I hate it when the parent acts like they are okay with their son being bisexual but then is disappointed when they don't settle down with a woman. But don't worry, she'll be okay with it cause she only wants him to be happy 🙄 Plus the "I'm breaking up with you for your own good" trope is the worst! So 4 stars it is.
[*book:Rough Terrain|41121276]
SELECTION & COMPLETION POSTWeek 11, Roll 6, Spot 79
My Choice: Muse of the Witch by Deanna Chase
Pages: 217
How it Fits: Witches of Keating Hollow #9
Date Read: 4/12
Rating: ★★★
Review:
I enjoyed this instalment. We had met Wanda previously in earlier instalments and it was nice to learn more about her. In this instalment, Wanda's step-sister comes to live with her just as she has started a new relationship. I liked the romantic story the author weaved and enjoy the characters the author writes. Definitely a series I will be continuing with.
Completion Post - Week 11 for Super SixSpot 79
NIKKI
Book - Muse of the Witch
Author - Deanna Chase
Pages: 217
How it Fits: Witches of Keating Hollow #9
Date Read: 4/12
Rating: ★★★
Review:
I enjoyed this instalment. We had met Wanda previously in earlier instalments and it was nice to learn more about her. In this instalment, Wanda's step-sister comes to live with her just as she has started a new relationship. I liked the romantic story the author weaved and enjoy the characters the author writes. Definitely a series I will be continuing with.
KRISSY
book - Rough Terrain
Author - Annabeth Albert
Pages: 384
How it Fits: Out of Uniform #7
Date Read: 4/12
Rating: ★★★★
Review: Good story with an excellent audio narrator. Unfortunately it lost a star for the weird reaction Renzo's mom had when meeting Canaan for the first time. I hate it when the parent acts like they are okay with their son being bisexual but then is disappointed when they don't settle down with a woman. But don't worry, she'll be okay with it cause she only wants him to be happy 🙄 Plus the "I'm breaking up with you for your own good" trope is the worst! So 4 stars it is
MEG
Book - Wed or Alive
Author - Laura Durham
Qualification: #9 in series
Finished: 04/10
Rating: 4.5
A fun and funny addition to the series. Wedding planner Annabelle Archer and her assistant Kate are once again teamed up with series favorites Richard (best friend and caterer), Fern (hairstylist extraordinaire), Mac and Buster (florists and Christian bikers), as well as go-to baker Alexandria. Today's over-the-top wedding is themed after Carnival in Venice, with, oddly, penguins included, on one of the hottest days of the season. During the preperations the bride is kidnapped along with Kate, and the hunt is on. Along the way there is an attempted murder and a missing entertainment director. Secrets are revealed involving the bride's family, and Anabelle's significant other arrives undercover when the ransom demand forbids police involvement. Loved this entertaining caper!
Michelle
Book and Author: For the Fallen by Mark Tufo
Qualification: Zombie Fallout #7
Finished: 4/9/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review - Very few authors can make the zombie apocalypse hilarious, but Mark Tufo certainly can. It's not all hilarious, in fact there is some really nasty scenes, but the banter between the characters is super funny most of the time. Even when they get in trouble and are fighting for their lives the characters still make me laugh.
Pallavi
Book - Emma
Author - Jane Austen
How it fits: Alternate: Set between 1600-1837
Rating:2.5/5
Review: The book did not meet my expectations. After reading P&P and Sense and sensibility, I expected alot from this novel. However, it was extremely plain. The events was repetitive and plot, negligible. Most of the characters, especially the main lead, are not likeable.
Emma is quite loathesome. Constantly meddling, controlling and too assertive, she makes life of those around her miserable. Especially her closest friend's, Harriet.
Poor Harriet, born of lower stature, bears it all. When Emma's plans fail, which happens quite often, she pretends that she meant no harm and casually brushes the incident off.
She has broken her friend's heart with her unnecessary meddling and eventually sent her away because 'she could do nothing to ease her misery' which I might add was Emma's doing.
Her love interest, Mr. Knightly calls her a brat and childish. But ends up marrying her, claiming he fell for her when she was 13. Wtf.
Only redeemable quality about the book was the beautiful writing and noteworthy profession of love.
Left a bad taste.
Should we use our two points for this weeks roll?
Michelle wrote: "Should we use our two points for this weeks roll?"Yes!
Completion postWeek 11 spot 79
Book:Emma by Jane Austen
How it fits: Alternate: Set between 1600-1837
Rating:2.5/5
Review: The book did not meet my expectations. After reading P&P and Sense and sensibility, I expected alot from this novel. However, it was extremely plain. The events was repetitive and plot, negligible. Most of the characters, especially the main lead, are not likeable.
Emma is quite loathesome. Constantly meddling, controlling and too assertive, she makes life of those around her miserable. Especially her closest friend's, Harriet.
Poor Harriet, born of lower stature, bears it all. When Emma's plans fail, which happens quite often, she pretends that she meant no harm and casually brushes the incident off.
She has broken her friend's heart with her unnecessary meddling and eventually sent her away because 'she could do nothing to ease her misery' which I might add was Emma's doing.
Her love interest, Mr. Knightly calls her a brat and childish. But ends up marrying her, claiming he fell for her when she was 13. Wtf.
Only redeemable quality about the book was the beautiful writing and noteworthy profession of love.
Left a bad taste.
Week 12Previous Spot - 79
New Roll - 5+ 6 = 11
New Spot - 90 (79+11)
Bonus points:2
New spot:92 (90+2)
# 9 in a series
# 2 in a series
Alternate - MC is in their 20s
We did good, team! It was fun playing the game with you, hope to see you at the next SS challenge.
Shall we continue till we cross 100?
I just read the book I had chosen for the next round, and I'm reading another #2 now. If everyone is game to continue I'm ready.
The Challenge Factory
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