The Challenge Factory discussion
♦SS Archives♦
>
R14: SS Team 11 - One By One
Completion PostWeek 8 / Spot 58
Title: Better than Hex
Author: Annabel Chase
How It Qualifies: Book 5 in the Spellbound series
Date Finished: March 18, 2023
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
Emma’s now dealing with a werelion found in possession of deadly nightshade and the murder of a building inspector. What I really like about these books, though, is that even though they’re light and frothy, the characters still progress and grow through each book and there are repercussions or results from their actions. Emma receives the key to the city for her actions in the previous book, for example, and she’s still trying to deal with Daniel’s inexplicable attraction to Elsa. She makes a new friend in Markos while also struggling with information learned about her source of magic in the last book. I love the multiple storylines.
The book falls down a little in that it sometimes skips ahead too quickly. A poker night was hyped as a big deal, then we weren’t even shown what happened there. Even the confrontation with the Big Bad of the novel was truncated. On the plus side, Emma’s gay vampire ghost roommate gets better and better with each novel. More Gareth, please!
Completion PostWeek 8
Spot: 58
Book: The Brutal Telling
Qualification: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #5
Finished: 3/20/23
Rating: ✶✶✶✶
Review:
Book 5 is set back in the small village of Three Pines. The murder happens quickly, a homeless man found dead in the local bistro. Like the other books, it was entertaining reading about the residents of Three Pines. I enjoy the colorful, quirkiness. The ending was a surprise. I am thinking that it will spill over into other books. I’m interested in finding out.
Completion PostWeek 8
Spot: 58
Book: Wild Like the Wind Kristen Ashley
Finished: 3/22/23
Qualification: #5 in series
Rating: *****
Review: Hound has been in love with Keely since she and Black got together years ago. Black was killed 18 years ago and Hound has been there for her and her sons knowing he could never have her. (Brother's code) However, they do get together, of course, but try to keep it a secret. Other things happen that the Club has to deal with throughout the story. I love this series, even though K. Ashley goes into such detail about everything! Lol I really loved Hound and Keely together. And as a side story, Bev was hilarious.
Week 8Spot: 58
Book: Kindred
Author: Octavia E. Butler
Qualification: Author 'B'
Finished: 3/23/23
Rating: ****
Review: Wow!! This was nothing like I have ever read. I cannot believe this book originally came out in the 70's. It is no wonder why Butler is a pioneer of books. This is a mix of sci-fi and historical fiction with a strong female POC as the main character. Dana jumps timelines in order to save a white man who is important to her existence in this world. She must overcome slavery, gender disequality, culture differences, and her own personal feelings to accomplish this task. This book was a whirlwind that I couldn't stop. I needed to know what was going to happen and how it was going to end. It was beautifully written.
Completion PostWeek 8 - Spot: 58
Title: Without a Doubt
Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Qualification: Sierra Jensen Series #5
Date Finished: 3/23/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
Sierra goes on camping trip with some friends and her brother, Wes. Paul is in Scotland though Randy in still around, but there another guy in the picture - Drake. Now Drake and Randy seem to be vying for Sierra's affection, though they behave more like friends right now. Excited to read the next book - it's Doug and Tracy's wedding!
Hey Team! Week 9 dice roll was 9 (3 + 6). Current spot 67. So you can read a series 6 or series 7 book. Alternate option is Cover: Blue.
I'm going to continue with the Chaos series. I'll read #6 -
I’ve been debating over a book 6 or 7. I think I’ll read a book 6 now. 7 later if we are in the 70s next week. Very likely!
Geri wrote: "I’ve been debating over a book 6 or 7. I think I’ll read a book 6 now. 7 later if we are in the 70s next week. Very likely!"That's exactly what I did, Geri. Couldn't decide and then realized I'll have a chance to read the 7 book! Lol
Completion PostWeek 9 / Spot 67
Title: Cast Away
Author: Annabel Chase
How It Qualifies: Book 6 in the Spellbound series
Date Finished: March 25, 2023
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
Book 6 in the Spellbound series was a disappointment. There is finally a resolution to the Daniel/Elsa debacle and Emma’s true powers, but everything was so rushed that it ended up being such an anticlimax.
Why is Ms. Chase rushing through these books? Yes, I realize they have low page counts, but the decisions on where to focus those words are so abstract. We get a page of Emma thinking about Rochester’s kitten mug and musing about him being mayor, but the major plot points like a wedding and the repercussions about Emma’s abilities are brushed over. There were also several formatting issues that started in the last book and have returned in this one, so that a new scene starts without any page breaks and the reader just suddenly goes from one scene to a completely new one. This ended up just being a frustrating, if quick, read.
Completion PostWeek 9
Spot: 67
Book: Dating-ish
Qualification: Knitting in the City #6
Finished: 3/27/23
Rating: ✶✶✶✶✶
Review:
I read this years ago. It was my first Penny Reid book. And it was just as good the second time around as the first. This was a smart, funny contemporary romance. I liked the friendship and conversations between Marie and her knitting friends. The romance between Marie and Matt was refreshingly real, humorous and hot. I love a sexy, nerdy hero. 🙂
Do you guys think The Selection
will work for a blue cover? It is on the goodreads list for blue covers, just sometimes it looks blue to me and sometimes not. Just want to make sure before I start it.
I saw on the Q & A Denise said the book works. 🙂
Week 9Spot: 67
Book: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Qualification: Blue Cover
Finished: 3/29/23
Rating: ****
Review: The Bachelor meets Hunger Games?! I don't know if i loved it but I'm invested now so i must keep going.... just like a bad reality show. You don't really want to keep going but you can't stop now.
Completion PostWeek 9
Spot: 67
Book: Free Kristen Ashley
Qualification: Chaos #6
Finished: 3/30/23
Rating: ✶✶✶✶✶
Review:
This book is a continuation of the previous one. Villanueva and Chew are still causing a big problem for the MC. Tack's son, Rush, takes the lead in this book meeting Rebel and bringing her into his world. Her brother, Diesel comes to town finding out Rebel is in trouble. And Rebel's landlady, Essence, was a stitch. I'm definitely reading on in this series.
Completion PostWeek 9 - Spot: 67
Title: Open Your Heart
Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Qualification: Sierra Jensen Series #7
Date Finished: 3/24/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
Christy travels to Switzerland to check out a schooling opportunity with her aunt Marti and Sierra. Marti is very moody on this trip, more than usual. I don't know if this is because she's traveling without her husband, (view spoiler) or other reasons.
On the train, Sierra and Christy meet a young man Alex (view spoiler)
We finally learn more about Marti and it is so sad!
I'm hoping to read the rest of the series soon.
Week 10 dice roll was 11 (5 + 6). Current spot 78. So you can read a series 7 or series 8 book. Alternate option is Cover Item: Weapon.
Ooh, nice high roll. I'll be continuing with the Spellbound series and will be reading book #7, A Touch of Magic. I hope it's better than the last one!
I’ll be reading
boo 7 in Chicago Stars series.
I'm reading
- #7 in the Beneath series.
Completion PostWeek 10 / Spot 78
Title: A Touch of Magic
Author: Annabel Chase
How It Qualifies: Book 7 in the Spellbound series
Date Finished: April 01, 2023
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
The 7th book is back on track with some fun banter and friendship with our apprentice witches, a murder at Speech Night as Spellbound moves to elect a new mayor, and some fun with the owl and cat familiars. I particularly enjoyed the witches' challenge to make their own spells, and the focus more on friendship and found family and less on mooning over the fallen angel. (Not that I mind Daniel, but Demetrius and Markos are right there.) The last couple of books felt more like a wacky romance novel that just happened to have some paranormal characters. This one has got the mix right again.
Completion PostWeek 10
Spot: 78
Book: Natural Born Charmer
Qualification: Chicago Stars #7
Finished: 4/4/23
Rating: ✶✶✶✶
Review:
Like a lot of other SEP books, this was full of snarky humor and lovable MCs. I chuckled a lot at Dean and Blue’s witty banter. Plain Jane, Blue, and hot hunk, Dean, made an interesting pair. There was some family drama here as well. It added to the enjoyment of the book for me. I haven’t read an SEP book in awhile. I should definitely read another one soon.
Completion PostWeek 10 - Spot: 78
Title: Macaroons and Mayhem
Author: Agatha Frost
Qualification: Peridale Cafe #7
Date Finished: 4/4/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
The opening scene is Julia attempting to teach Barker how to bake, and having a very difficult time of it. Later Julia was asked to make the one baked good that has always given her trouble - Macaroons. I liked the parallel between the two.
The mystery this time involved members of the gardening club being murdered, but made to appear as accidents. No one probably would've realized they were not if the killer didn't send an obituary to the newspaper before the death.
There were several possible suspects and it wasn't obvious who the culprit was - always more enjoyable when that happens!
CompletionWeek 10
Spot 78
Beneath the Truth Meghan March
Read: 4/5/23
Qualification: Beneath #7
Rating: *****
Review: I have waited for Rhett's story and it was great! Rhett and Ariel have been in love with each other for years without the other person knowing. Finally, they get together after Rhett comes back to New Orleans to attend his father's funeral. Ariel's ex causes some problems for her and there are a lot of issues for them to work out. I loved this book and the epilogue gave us updates on the other characters from the previous books in this series.
Week 10Spot: 78
Book: Strawberry Shortcake Murder
Author: Joanne Fluke
Qualification: weapon on cover
Finished: 4/6/23
Rating: ****
Review: I just dove into these cozy reads that I've had on my TBR for ages. I am so hooked! I identify with so many characteristics of the main character. This particular story was super entertaining and I really had no idea who the killer was which I love! I plan on moving on with more and more of these, also I want to make a few items from the recipes included in the book!
Hey Team! I used our bonus points this week since this may be our last week before teams read for the win. Week 11 dice roll was 8 (6 + 2). Plus bonus points, 3. Current spot 89. So you can read a series 8 or series 9 book. Alternate option is Cover Item: Book
I'll be reading the 8th book in the Spellbound series
I'll be reading
- #8 in the Blueberry Lane series
I'll read
, #8 in the Peridale Cafe series.
Completion PostWeek 11
Spot: 89
A Fatal Chapter by Lorna Barrett
Qualification: Booktown Mystery #9
Finished: 4/8/23
Rating: ✶✶✶
Review:
This was just a comfort read, a small town cozy mystery, light and fluffy. As usual, Tricia discovers a body while walking her sister’s dog. I do wish the author would change this up a bit. LOL Then of course, Tricicia investigates when she finds out her friend, Pete, was murdered. There was plenty of town gossip and a surprising revelation. The murder had a surprising and sad resolution. This was a quick, light read.
Hi Team! I have a dental procedure scheduled for Thursday. Not sure how I’ll feel after. So I have asked Karen to roll the dice for us, if I haven’t done it by Friday morning. Thank you, Karen! 🙂Week 12 may be our last week before the game ends!
Ugh, going to the dentist is the worst. Hope everything goes smoothly and painlessly, Geri.Geri wrote: "Hi Team! I have a dental procedure scheduled for Thursday. Not sure how I’ll feel after. So I have asked Karen to roll the dice for us, if I haven’t done it by Friday morning. Thank you, Karen! 🙂
..."
Completion PostWeek 11 / Spot 89
Title: A Drop in the Potion
Author: Annabel Chase
How It Qualifies: Book 8 in the Spellbound series
Date Finished: April 11, 2023
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
We’re heading into the home stretch in the 8th book of the Spellbound series. This time around, Emma stumbles onto a murder victim at the nursing home, someone may be trying to poison her, the first steps are taken to end the curse that keeps the residents stuck in Spellbound, and there’s various romantic shenanigans afoot. It’s a lot to squish into 190 pages, and that’s where the trouble lies. Everything seems rushed and there’s no time for the characters to breathe, and the mystery is an afterthought. This one is only average.
Week 11Spot: 89
Book: People We Meet on Vacation
Author: Emily Henry
Qualification: Cover item Book
Finished: 4/10/23
Rating: *****
Review: I have had this on my tbr for years. Emily Henry is probably my favorite romancey type writer and this may just be my absolute favorite book of hers (so far) It had big time When Harry Met Sally vibes that I absolutely loved. It was the right amount of mush and humor and sadness and happy. I actually may do a re read of this sometime this summer. All in all super happy about this book.
Week 11Spot: 89
Proposing to Preston Katy Regnery
Qualification: Blueberry Lane #8
Finished: 4/12/23
Rating: 2 stars
Review: So far this is my least favorite couple. I just couldn't really connect with them. It seemed to be more about Elise's career than about their relationship. The last half of the book was better but the other books in this series really held my interest more than this one.
Completion PostWeek 11 - Spot: 89
Title: Fruit Cake and Fear
Author: Agatha Frost
Qualification: Peridale Cafe #8
Date Finished: 4/13/23
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
The story begins with Julia's birthday, unfortunately she didn't get to celebrate much because a huge storm happened and caused damage...which ended up revealing a 20+ year dead body. Was it foul play? Julia tries to stay out of it, but eventually she decides to help.
I knew part of the story, (view spoiler), but didn't figured out with how everything else happened. The ending explained it all, but wow was it crazy! (view spoiler)
The final part, after the solving of the crime, was so sweet! I'm looking forward to continuing with this series.
Amy-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...Geri-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Karen - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Megan-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Severina-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Previous Spot: 89 + (4+4) = 97Current Spot: 97
Can read a #9 or #7 or Alternate: 97. Published the year you were born
Thanks, Karen!I’ll read
book 7.I know 1 team is reading for the win this week. Possibly another. I’ll check later to see when the winner is announced.
We got close to the finish line! I really love this challenge. I had a fun time. I hope everyone on our team did too! 🙂
I had a great time too, Geri. Thanks for being an awesome leader!I'll be reading the 9th book in the Spellbound series, Hemlocked and Loaded by Annabel Chase.
I had a great time too! I love this challenge. Thanks for being captain, Geri!I'm going to read
- #7 in the series
Team 3 was announced as the winner!We have the option to keep playing. That would mean 1 more week to cross the finish line. I will still be reading my book for this week. If anyone wants to continue for another week, let me know. We got close, so I’m fine either way.
Geri wrote: "Team 3 was announced as the winner!We have the option to keep playing. That would mean 1 more week to cross the finish line. I will still be reading my book for this week. If anyone wants to cont..."
I'm fine with continuing. Actually, either way is okay. We did get really far.
Geri wrote: "Team 3 was announced as the winner!We have the option to keep playing. That would mean 1 more week to cross the finish line. I will still be reading my book for this week. If anyone wants to cont..."
Congrats to them! I've finished my book for this current week. If everyone wants to keep going to get over 100, I'm fine with that. If not, I'm fine too. It's been lovely playing with you all!
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Devil’s Lair (other topics)Skyhunter (other topics)
The Good Lie (other topics)
Devil’s Lair (other topics)
Skyhunter (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Anna Zaires (other topics)Nicole Edwards (other topics)
Agatha Frost (other topics)
Katy Regnery (other topics)
Emily Henry (other topics)
More...
My last few books have been meh. I need a good read! LOL