R14: SS Team 11 - One By One

[Karen ♐]

I'll be reading - #3 in series

[Severina]

I'll be reading A Case of Possession by KJ Charles, the second book in the Charm of Magpies series.

[Amy]

Week 3
Spot 23

Book: Four Aunties and a Wedding
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Qualification: Number in the Title & series 2 book
Rating: ***
Review: Ahhhh I wanted to love this book but it just fell flat for me. I loved the first in the series so much that I wasn't sure about this one living up to the first. I do love the characters so much that that was the saving grace, I wished there would've been a little more to the story though. It did tie up nicely in the end though. I feel like they set it up for a third book so I will probably binge that one if it comes out hahaha

[Karen ♐]

COMPLETION

Week 3


Turbulent Waters Melody Anne
Pages: 288
How It Fits: #3 in Billionaire Aviators series
Rating: ****
Review: I really enjoyed this book. Nick is a helicopter pilot for the Coast Guard and during a rescue, he loses his entire crew. He is badly injured and requires therapy for his recovery. Chloe comes to live with him so that he can have intense therapy. She keeps it a secret that her brother was one of Nick's crew. Her father wants her to find incriminating evidence on Nick because he believes he was at fault. This entire series has been good and this book was no exception. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Geri]

Completion Post

Week 3
Spot: 23

A Fatal Grace
Qualification: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache book 2
Finished: 2/15/23
Rating: ✶✶✶✶
Review:
The first two episodes of Three Pines on Prime Video cover book 2 in this book series. And since I watched them before reading this book, I did think about skipping book 2. But I’m so glad I didn’t skip it! The book was much more detailed and interesting. The investigation of CC’s death was well done. But mostly I enjoyed the residents of Three Pines. They are a colorful, quirky bunch. I laughed at some of their conversations. And Gamache has interesting moments too. Looking forward to reading more.

[Severina]

Completion Post

Week 3 / Spot 23

Title: A Case of Possession
Author: KJ Charles
How It Qualifies: 2nd book in the Charm of Magpies series
Date Finished: February 14, 2023
Rating: 5 stars
Review:

The second book in the Charm of Magpies series manages to be even more delightful than the first. Crane still hasn’t left to return to China, and he may just have to admit that his relationship with Stephen means more to him than he expected. Meanwhile, there’s a case with links to Crane’s past in Shanghai that also involves giant rats.

I was completely enamored with this tale (perhaps as much as Crane is enamored of Steph.) The mystery is interesting and I love Crane and Stephen’s relationship, and it all works because the setting is so beautifully rendered. The 19th century setting is the foundation through which it all works – Crane’s bossiness and his snark, Merrick’s loyalty and bluntness and sense of humour. And I loved Crane’s old friend Leonora, a badass woman in her own right – there’s a great throwaway line about how, in China, she “had once killed a cobra with her bare hands.” Definitely looking forward to the next book.

[Megan]

Completion Post
Week 3 - Spot:23

Title: Majesty
Author: Katharine McGee
Qualification: American Royals #2
Date Finished: 2/16/23
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
This book picks up six weeks after the last book. The story is told from the same 4 POVs (Beatrice, Samantha, Nina, and Daphne). Seeing Beatrice navigate being queen was probably my favorite part, though the reason she's queen is sad. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

[Geri]

Week 4 dice roll was 9 (6 + 3). Current spot 32. So you can read a series 3 or series 2 book. Same as last week. 🙂 Alternate option is Mystery/Thriller.

[Karen ♐]

I'm going to read - Series #2

[Severina]

Question: are two books considered a series? I was thinking about reading Wayward, which is listed as Wanderers #2, but at this point there are only 2 books written.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Severina wrote: "Question: are two books considered a series? I was thinking about reading Wayward, which is listed as Wanderers #2, but at this point there are only 2 books written."

Yes, as long as it's listed as #2 in a series here on Goodreads, it'll count as such.

[Severina]

Denise wrote: "Severina wrote: "Question: are two books considered a series? I was thinking about reading Wayward, which is listed as Wanderers #2, but at this point there are only 2 books written..."

Thanks, Denise!

[Megan]

I'll read , #3 in series.

[Geri]

I’ll read book 3 in Gamache series.

[Amy]

Week 4
Spot: 32

Book: Death on the Nile
Author: Agatha Christie
Qualification: Mystery/Thriller
Finished: 2/20/2023
Rating: *****
Review: Holy buckets! This was my first Agatha Christie book and I don't know why I've waited this long. The beginning was a little fumbly trying to remember who all the characters were and what it was setting up but once they set sail on that ship it was non stop action trying to figure out who did it! I did guess myself about 2/3rds of the way through AND was correct but the book still ended unexpectedly for me which was great!! I am now hooked and looking forward to diving into many more Christie books.

[Karen ♐]

COMPLETION

Week 4


The Wolf and His Wife Penelope Sky
Pages: 278
How It Fits: #2 in Wolf series
Rating: *****
Review: This is a continuation of the story from book 1. I really love this couple and everything they're going through. Kamikaze continues to be a problem for Maverick and Arwen. And his father is horrible. I wasn't really expecting the cliffhanger twist which of course means I have to immediately read on.

[Geri]

Completion Post

Week 4
Spot: 32

Book: The Cruellest Month
Qualification: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #3
Finished: 2/21/23
Rating: ✶✶✶✶
Review:
Book 3 is set during the Easter holiday. But this book could have been a good Halloween story. With a visiting psychic and seances at the ‘haunted’ Hadley house. The murder investigation kept my interest. And we also get more information about Gamache’s troubles at work. There were definitely some surprises and excitement at the end. I really enjoyed this one!

[Severina]

Completion Post

Week 4 / Spot 32



Title: Wayward
Author: Chuck Wendig
How It Qualifies: Book #2 of Wanderers
Date Finished: February 21, 2023
Rating: 5 stars
Review:

When last we left the Flock and their Shepherds in Ouray, Colorado, the wanderers of the first book had awakened from their 5-year sleep to discover that Black Swan had no intention of letting them go. Here, we discover that most of them are a-okay with that, leaving Shana, Benji, and Pete to find a way to stop the sentient AI. Their quest takes them across the country.

I loved this book. It’s about the journey, rather than the ending (which works out well, since the ending is quite anticlimactic considering all the build-up), and I adored seeing these characters grow, especially Pete, my favourite character. This is also one of those books where you sit back in awe at the diversity of the character voices, where each of them feels alive and real. The story also fills in some gaps about what happened to Ed Creel and his cronies during those five years, a time that he spent in a super-bunker for the rich, which was perhaps a bit over-the-top but I had to snicker at the dark humour in the confrontation scene. A long book, but well worth the time investment!

[Megan]

Completion Post
Week 4 - Spot:32

Title: Rivals
Author: Katharine McGee
Qualification: American Royals #3
Date Finished: 2/23/23
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
I enjoyed the friendship developing between two unexpected characters. Beatrice still has a lot to learn about navigating the political side of being queen. I'm excited there's going to be a fourth book, but sadden I have to wait until August for it.

[Geri]

Week 5 dice roll was 6 (5 + 1). Current spot 38. So you can read a series 3 or series 8 book. Alternate option is Published 2001-2010.

[Severina]

I am going for the alternate this week. Going to read Lost Boy Lost Girl by Peter Straub, published in 2004

Once again I have changed my mind. Going to read Flight of Magpies by KJ Charles, the third book in the Charm of Magpies series.

[Karen ♐]

I'm going to read - #3 in the series.

[Geri]

Completion Post

Week 5
Spot: 38

Book: Death by Chocolate Frosted Doughnut
Qualification: Death by Chocolate Mystery #3
Finished: 2/28/23
Rating: ✶✶✶✶
Review:
I enjoy this cozy mystery series. Like a lot of cozies, it’s set in a small tourist town (island off the coast of Bangor, Maine). And the MC owns a bakery chocolate shop. A town and shop I’d really love to visit. 🙂 But unlike some cozies, this series isn’t too sedate or boring. There are always some suspenseful and exciting moments in the books. In this book, bakery owner, Jake, is implicated in the murder of a visiting food writer. So she and her bakery partner, Ellie, begin their own investigation. This was a fun and entertaining read!

[Severina]

Completion Post

Week 5 / Spot 38


Title: Flight of Magpies
Author: KJ Charles
How It Qualifies: Book #3 in Charm of Magpies series
Date Finished: February 27, 2023
Rating: 5 stars
Review:

The third and sadly last book in the series finds Crane and Stephen facing a nemesis from their past as well as a new adversary. Stephen is overworked, underpaid and at the breaking point. Crane is struggling not to interfere. And Merrick may have fallen in love!

This was another really great installment. What I think I love the most about these books is that Crane and Stephen argue, but they also listen to each other. There’s no miscommunication or many of the other romance tropes. They’re adults. Same with Crane and Merrick’s friendship. The banter is once again top notch (especially between Merrick and Crane) and the mystery was okay, if a little truncated. Some interesting new implications on the magpie magic, and one of the magical villains had a truly gory way of offing his enemies. *shudder*

[Karen ♐]

COMPLETION

Week 5 - Spot 38


The Lone Wolf Penelope Sky
Pages: 276
How It Fits: #3 in Wolf series
Rating: *****
Review: This book is the conclusion to the series. Maverick and Arwen have split up but of course, work their way back to one another. There is a lot of conflict with his father which needs to be resolved. I really love this author and how she makes us love her anti heroes.

[Amy]

Week 5
Spot: 38

Book: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Qualification: Published between 2001-2010 (2009)
Finished: 2/2/2023
Rating: ****
Review: I have had this on my TBR for years and I am so glad I finally read it. The story is based on a dystopian future, following these young boys that have had their memories wiped clean and have to find their way through a maze full of surprises. The book itself ends on a high cliffhanger so naturally I will be continuing on with this series to find out the who what where why's of it all.

[Megan]

Completion Post
Week 5 - Spot:38

Title: Yours Forever
Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Qualification: Christy Miller #3
Date Finished: 3/2/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
In this book Christy and her family spend Christmas at Marti and Bob's and then Christy and her brother stay with them through New Year's.

Todd and Christy have a picnic on the beach and then later in the week she gets together with the group, though neither occasion goes how Christy was hoping.

The ending was sweet, (view spoiler)[with the bracelet being given! (hide spoiler)] Looking forward to the next book.

[Geri]

Week 6 dice roll was 8 (4 + 4). Current spot 46. So you can read a series 4 or series 6 book. Alternate option is Author ‘H’.

Have fun reading!

[Geri]

I’ll be reading

This will be the 3rd book in the same series. So we can claim that bonus point next week.

[Severina]

I'll be reading the 4th book in the Spellbound series, Lucky Charm.

[Karen ♐]

I’m reading - author H

[Amy]

Week 6
Spot: 46

Book: Horrorstör
Author: Grady Hendrix
Qualification: Author H
Finished: 3/6/23
Rating: ***
Review: This was fun and entertaining and spooky. As someone that has worked in retail my whole life also believing some places are haunted i enjoyed the story plot. The audio was good too. Quick read. It is set in an Ikea-esque store where the staff believes it is haunted so they stay the night and host a seance. Things turn bad very very quickly.....

[Geri]

Completion Post

Week 6
Spot: 46

Book: A Rule Against Murder
Qualification: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #4
Finished: 3/7/23
Rating: ✶✶✶✶
Review:
This installment was a little different. We spend a lot of time with Gamache and his wife as they vacation and celebrate their wedding anniversary in an isolated inn near Three Pines. Clara and Peter, residents of Three Pines, show up for a family reunion. Where there was plenty of family drama and dysfunction. And then someone is found dead. A murder for Gamache to investigate, of course. 🙂 The ending did surprise me. This was another interesting mystery by Penny.

[Karen ♐]

COMPLETION

Week 6 - Spot 46 - Alternate-Author H


Cherished Helen Hardt
Pages: 300
How It Fits: Author's name
Rating: ****
Review: This is book 2 in this 3 book part of the series. Dale and Ashley have fallen in love while she is working as an intern at the family's winery. Dale is very closed off and hasn't told her about what happened to him as a child. I love how this author has now taken us years forward from the beginning of this series to the children of those characters now as adults. I loved Dale as a child and it's great to see him find someone who understands him. I'll definitely be reading the next book soon. Can't wait to see what happens.

[Severina]

Completion Post

Week 6 / Spot 46


Title: Lucky Charm
Author: Annabel Chase
How It Qualifies: 4th book in the Spellbound series
Date Finished: March 07, 2023
Rating: 4 stars
Review:

The fourth book in the Spellbound series finds Emma dealing with a spell that’s mentally reverted the town council back to childhood, working on a new case, learning about her history, and dealing with her feelings for Daniel. It was a quick light-hearted read, and I enjoyed finally meeting Markos the minotaur, who seems to be a sweetheart and who got the Gareth sign of approval. There was some good movement forward on Emma’s relationships with friends and foes in the town, and a satisfying mystery. I wasn’t particularly happy with the ending however, and am interested to see if there will be a reveal that it’s not what it seems to be in a future book.

[Megan]

Completion Post
Week 6 - Spot:46

Title: Surprise Endings
Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Qualification: Christy Miller #4
Date Finished: 3/6/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
In this book Christy is most concerned about two things, going to prom and making the cheerleader squad.

Rick annoyed me so much in this book, but so did Christy. (view spoiler)[She knew her parents aren't allowing her to date until she's sixteen, so why did she assume going to prom would be okay? It may have seemed mean, but I understand her parents viewpoint. (hide spoiler)]

The ending was kind of predictable, (view spoiler)[with Christy giving up her spot so Teri could have it (hide spoiler)], but I loved the moment - so nice and kind! I'm loving rereading these books and am looking forward to the next one.

[Geri]

Week 7 dice roll - 5 (4 + 1). Current spot 51. So you can read a series 5 or series 1 book. Alternate option is Cover: Red.

[Severina]

I think I'm going to go with the first book in the Land Fit for Heroes series, The Steel Remains by Richard K. Morgan.

I started the one above, got about 75 pages in and gave it up. Moving on to When Darkness Comes, first book in the Guardians of Eternity series, to see if I like it any better. If I'm not happy there, I'll go with to Book 5 of the Spellbound series!

[Karen ♐]

I'm going to read - #5 in the series

[Geri]

I had a lot to choose from. But I finally decided on . Book 1.

[Severina]

Completion Post

Week 7 / Spot 51


Title: When Darkness Comes
Author: Alexandra Ivy
How It Qualifies: Book 1 of the Guardians of Eternity series
Date Finished: March 11, 2023
Rating: 4 stars
Review:

Abby is struggling paycheque to paycheque working for an eccentric wealthy woman who suddenly finds herself in the midst of the paranormal when she’s inhabited by a force against darkness… and also discovers that a handsome centuries-old vampire is bound to protect her. Do I need to tell you that there’s some sexual chemistry here?

It goes a little a lot overboard with the “lover” and the making out in the middle of running from demons and Abby’s “honey curls”, but ya know what? Sometimes I just want to feel all gooey about that drop-dead (hah, see what I did there) gorgeous guy with the long hair and the leather pants who vows to love and protect the wise-cracky mortal forevah. And this? Absolutely fit the bill. There’s also a fun side vamp and some interesting demons that we get glimpses of that will probably show up more in later books. Because yes, this is book one of 20. (eep.) Vampires, here I come.

[Geri]

Completion Post

Week 7
Spot: 51

Book: The Next Always
Qualification: Inn Boonsboro Trilogy #1
Finished: 3/12/23
Rating: ✶✶✶✶
Review:
I enjoyed this low key, romantic read. It reminded me some of a cozy mystery. It’s set in a small town, where the Montgomery brothers are renovating a historic hotel in Boonsboro, and the focus centers mainly around family. The romance was sweet and slow burn. There was a little bit of paranormal with a resident ghost. And a little suspense at the end. This was a very relaxing, nighttime read!

[Geri]

Severina wrote: "Completion Post

Week 7 / Spot 51


Title: When Darkness Comes
Author: Alexandra Ivy
How It Qualifies: Book 1 of the Guardians of..."

LOL I have read some of the books in this series. I know what you mean, these books can be a guilty pleasure. Enjoy! 🙂

[Karen ♐]

Geri wrote: "I had a lot to choose from. But I finally decided on . Book 1."

I loved that series.

[Geri]

I’m definitely going to read the other 2 books, Karen. 🙂

[Amy]

Week 7
Spot: 51

Book: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Qualification: Red Cover
Finished: 3/11/23
Rating: *****
Review: This was a reread for me but I will always love it every time. I listened to the audio this time and it sucked me into the universe. I can't wait to read on as I haven't read any others yet in the series. I don't really know what to write about this book, it is just what it is. I honestly am never a big fan of high fantasy or romance fantasy but this series just hits different!

[Karen ♐]

COMPLETION

Week 7
Spot 51


Lover Unbound J.R. Ward
Read: 3/15/23
How It Fits: #5 in Black Dagger Brotherhood series
Rating/Review: *****
This is Vishous' story. He meets Jane, a surgeon, after she operates on him when he is shot. Jane is kidnapped so that she can continue to care for Vishous. As always, there are other stories which tie into this one. John's continuing story, Phury and his love for Bella. I love this series.

[Megan]

Completion Post
Week 7 - Spot: 51

Title: The Haunted Heart
Author: Cherie Bennett
Qualification: Enchanted Hearts #1
Date Finished: 3/16/23
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Gina Otis's parents are writers, paranormal mystery fiction, and they needed a boost to help them get their inspiration back. So they decided to rent a haunted mansion in Virginia for a year, which just so happens to be Gina's senior year.

The house is actually haunted by Thomas, an eighteen-year-old man who was executed for his wife's murder but claimed innocence and revenge of the family of Canterville - the owners of the mansion. Thomas tries to get the Otis family to leave, but is shocked that his attempts at scaring them not only don't work but are mocked.

Thomas is searching for something, though he doesn't say what, every sliver moon. He's frantic in his searching and it seems very important. (view spoiler)[When he finally shares what he's searching for and gets help it's found - just in time! I loved that he wrote a will to gift the house to the finder, as long as they weren't a Canterville. (hide spoiler)]

A fun and entertaining read.

[Geri]

Week 8 dice roll was 7 (2 + 5). Current spot 58. So you can read a series 5 or series 8 book. Alternate option is Author 'B'.

[Karen ♐]

I'm going to read - #5 in the series