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R6: SSS BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) (4)
Spot 56Read:
Finished: 5/2/15
Rating: 4 stars
Review: In the penultimate book of the series, the battle that could end human life is almost at hand. There's a lot of jumping around as everything is being set up: in the past on Danu Talis with familiar faces and new, with Josh, Dee, and Virginia Dare running around San Francisco trying to avoid capture, with Sophie, Niten, Prometheus, and the Flamels trying to come up with a plan to save humanity, when Nicholas is on his deathbed and they are greatly outnumbered, with Machiavelli and Billy the Kid on Alcatraz, and in even more locations, with even more characters. Michael Scott has woven a richly populated story with amazing worlds and a lot of adventure.
Spot 56:
Read:4/30
Ratings:4 stars
Review: I am super happy Dario got his book. As always with SGD books it's always about the amount of smut she delivers. I like her characters, and it's usually not alot to work with, but it was okay. Ramos is getting use to being an amputee, on top of staying sober. I like his explanation of being attracted to people not gender. Tiernan was such a bigot in the other two books, I didn't know if I was going to tolerate him at all. Of course with most books by this author it all about the instant love. Throw in a little suspense, a couple pages a drama, and rolling your eye moments and you have a SGD book.
Spot:56Read:
Finished:5/1/2015
Rating:*****
Review: I love this series and can't wait to read the next book....
Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.
In The Fiery Heart, Sydney risked everything to follow her gut, walking a dangerous line to keep her feelings hidden from the Alchemists.
Now in the aftermath of an event that ripped their world apart, Sydney and Adrian struggle to pick up the pieces and find their way back to each other. But first, they have to survive.
For Sydney, trapped and surrounded by adversaries, life becomes a daily struggle to hold on to her identity and the memories of those she loves. Meanwhile, Adrian clings to hope in the face of those who tell him Sydney is a lost cause, but the battle proves daunting as old demons and new temptations begin to seize hold of him. . . .
Their worst fears now a chilling reality, Sydney and Adrian face their darkest hour in this heart-pounding fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where all bets are off.
Mod
Spot: 56
Read:
Blood Lance by Jeri Westerson (Crispin Guest #5)Finished: 02 May 2015
Rating: ****
Review:
In the fifth book of this excellent historical mystery series, Crispin begins an investigation into the murder of an armorer during the course of which he runs into an old friend in need of his help and finds himself embroiled in the search for yet another powerful religious relic. Numerous other parties on the hunt for the same item complicate his task - including another old friend, Geoffrey Chaucer whom Crispin had only recently encountered again for the first time after losing his station. A great read as always - looking forward to Crispin and Jack's next adventure.
We're all set for our next roll. See you in the morning!
Theo you might have to roll in the morning. I'm super beast, and can't keep my eyes opened.
Week 7: Roll 2Spot 58
Read a #5 in a series, a #8 in a series, or a book with a black cover
Team Choices
Denise: The Blooding (#5) Denise's Review
Mika: Scandalous (Black Cover) Mika's Review
Sue: Deadly Sting (#8) Sue's Review
Theo: Ice Cold (#8) Theo's Review
Spot 58Read:
Finished: 05/06/15
Rating: 3 stars
Review: This installment in the Rizzoli and Isles series focuses mostly on Dr. Maura Isles as she travels to Wyoming for a conference. Things are growing sour in her secret romance with Father Daniel Brophy, and when she runs into an old acquaintance, she makes the rash decision to join him, his daughter, and some friends on a ski trip. However, on the trip to the resort, they get stranded on a seasonal road during a snowstorm. Finding refuge in a deserted community that may have a sinister story to tell, Maura will have to struggle to survive. In the meantime, Detective Jane Rizzoli is leading the charge to rescue Maura, even when everything seems to suggest there’s no hope. Twists and turns abound, but this one wasn't as thrilling as some of the earlier books.
Going with black cover,
Mod
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Spot 58:
Read:5/5
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review: I enjoyed this book, but as much as book one. I really enjoyed Natasha she was assertive and knew what she wanted. I do wish she could have got out of her head. I like Stephen, I wanted to know what he did that was so bad as a young adult for him to be so uptight now. I thought them together was extremely hot together. Ms.Alexander knows how to bring the heat been her couples. I'm looking forward to Brady and Ken's book.
Spot 58Read:
Finished:4/6/2015
Rating:****
Review: I am loving this fast paced series, one I can't put down...
Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me— Gin Blanco, aka the Spider—it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’s priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.
Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.
Mod
Spot: 58
Read:
The Blooding by James McGee (Matthew Hawkwood #5)Finished: 06 May 2015
Rating: *****
Review:
Stranded in America after his escape from France at the end of Rebellion, all Matthew Hawkwood wants is to get home to England. Easier said than done, however, as England and America are at war and he finds himself stuck behind enemy lines. And when he spots an old friend among a group of English prisoners, all attempts to keep his head down and unobtrusively makes his way towards British lines are moot: Resourceful and unwilling to leave a friend in danger as ever, he engineers a prison break, drawing a lot of unwanted attention that leads to wanted posters, a price on his head and a massive manhunt. A second storyline unfolds in a series of flashbacks, in which a young boy takes his first steps towards becoming the man we met as a Bow Street Runner in Ratcatcher. Every bit as intriguing and fascinating as the character himself, Hawkwood's origin story made for a great addition to series. James McGee has once again delivered an outstanding, action-packed historical adventure - I can only hope there'll be many more to come!
Another great job! Two hours until the next roll.
Going with a 2# in the series.
Mod
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Week 8: Roll 1Spot 62
Read a #2 in a series, a #6 in a series, or a book with fire on the cover
Team Choices
Denise: Magic in the Blood (#2) Denise's Review
Mika: Death's Mistress (#2) Mika's Review
Sue: The Ruby Circle (#6) Sue's Review
Theo: City of Ashes (#2) Theo's Review
Spot 62Read:
Finished: 5/9/15
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Set in an alternative present-day Manhattan, City of Ashes balances a world of angels and demons with regular old teenage angst. While the evil Valentine gets his hands on another Mortal Instrument, his children are trying to keep the peace between the various Downworlder factions and fighting the affection that blossomed between them before they knew they were related. Throw in more instances of love, betrayal, and lots of confusion and you have an urban fantasy that’s a fun read.
Spot 62:
Read:5/7
Rating: 5 stars
Review: This was so much better than book one. Of course Dory was amazing. I done feel in love with this Dhampir. She continues to amaze me. I think she grows with each book. I liked her and Mircea growing relationship. Hopefully in the future books they came come together truly like father and daughter. Louis Cesare is one fine man. I really liked his possessiveness over Dory this book. That damn Fey was going to be the death of me, he got on my nerves. Ugh. I loved Ray he was so funny!
Spot 62Read:
Finished:5/8/2015
Rating:****
Review: I loved this series and hate to see it end....but I'm sure there will be a spin off....
Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives.
Their forbidden romance exposed, Sydney and Adrian find themselves facing the wrath of both the Alchemists and the Moroi in this electrifying conclusion to Richelle Mead’s bestselling Bloodlines series.
When the life of someone they both love is put on the line, Sydney risks everything to hunt down a deadly former nemesis. Meanwhile, she and Adrian becomes enmeshed in a puzzle that could hold the key to a shocking secret about spirit magic, a secret that could shake the entire Moroi world and alter their lives forever.
Don't miss their unforgettable final chapter...
LOVE WILL CONQUER ALL
Mod
Spot: 62
Read:
Magic in the Blood by Devon Monk (Allie Beckstrom #2)Finished: 08 May 2015
Rating: ****
Review:
It's been quite a while since I read Magic to the Bone, the first book in the series, but I easily found my way back to the magic-infused streets of Portland and the vividly drawn characters populating them that Devon Monk so expertly conjures up. In this one, Allie has a heap of trouble on her hands: an ex-con wants her dead and is blackmailing her with blood magic, the police needs her help with a magical crime, she meets an eclectic bunch of fellow Hounds, Zay is back in town... and then there's the ghosts. Not only does she see her murdered father's ghost haunting her and spouting cryptic messages, there's also an ever-growing number of apparently far from friendly and potentially dangerous other ghostly beings popping up whenever she uses her magic. Fast-paced, lots of action, a bunch of interwoven storythreads that flow together perfectly and characters that keep on growing on me - this was a great read and I'm fairly sure this time it'll take me far less time to pick up the next book in the series.
Going with a 5th in a series.
Mod
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Week 8: Roll 2Spot 65
Read a #5 in a series, a #6 in a series, or a book set in Australia
Team Choices
Denise: Shadow of the Alchemist (#6) Denise's Review
Mika: Best Laid Plans (#5) Mika's Review
Sue: Seduced by Crimson (#5) Sue's Review
Theo: The Enchantress (#6) Theo's Review
Spot 65Read:
Finished: 5/13/15
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This is the end, for the series, and for the world. Well, one world anyway. Will it be the world that we humans have built, or the ancient realm of the Elders, who were once worshipped as gods? We finally come to understand Abraham's prophecy: "The two that are one must become the one that is all. One to save the world, one to destroy it." And the author has thrown in some unexpected twists, so if the reveal of who the twins 'parents' were at the end of the last book was shocking, you'll be excited to find out what other characters may be more than they appear. It's quite a task to weave together all the storylines, as they take place across time and geography, as well as encompassing dozens of characters, but Michael Scott does a tidy job of concluding this epic series.
I will read
5th in series
Spot 65Read:
Finished:5/10/2015
Rating:***
Review:I liked this book but this is not a series that I am in a hurry to read...Each book is written by another author but the story revolves around Crimson City.
Xiao Fei, the Phoenix Tear, must become one with the Draige-Uisge, using her ecstasy to save Crimson City from the demons who have returned to rule this glittering metropolis. Original.
Spot65:
Read:5/10
Rating:3.5 stars
Review. I really like this series alot. This is my go to smutty goodness series! Grayson & Xander found their mates in this book. I liked that since both groups of brothers were close that they had books together. I love the Quinton boys a ton.
Mod
Spot: 65
Read:
Shadow of the Alchemist by Jeri Westerson (Crispin Guest #6)Finished: 12 May 2015
Rating: ****
Review:
Jeri Westerson's Crispin Guest series never disappoints. In book 6, Crispin encounters yet another intriguing historical figure: alchemist Nicholas Flamel, who hires the Tracker to find his missing wife. The case rapidly becomes more complicated than it seems at first glance as it turns out that Perenelle Flamel has been abducted, the alchemist's apprentice turns up brutally murdered and it appears that Henry Bolingbroke, Crispin's old friend and son of his former patron the duke of Lancaster, might be involved. Taut suspense from start to finish - another great read. Looking forward to the next one!
Another one down! We're all set for the next roll.
Woo hoo, rolled a 6! Spot 71!!
Week 9: Roll 1Spot 71
Read a #1 in a series, a #7 in a series, or a book with an author whose first, middle, or last name starts with an L
Team Choices
Denise: Murder Most Unladylike (#1) Denise's Review
Mika: Two Steps Back (Author L) Mika's Review
Sue: Wicked Games (#1) Sue's Review
Theo: Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption (Author L) Theo's Review
Mod
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Mod
Spot: 71
Read:
Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens (Wells and Wong #1)Finished: 14 May 2015
Rating: ****
Review:
Girls' boarding school tale reminiscent of Enid Blyton meets murder mystery, set in 1930s England: When Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong form their super secret detective agency, little do they suspect that soon they'll have a real murder on their hands. But when Hazel finds the dead body of Science mistress Miss Bell which tgen disappears without a trace before she can show it to anyone else, it's clear that foul play was involved in her death - and with no proof that there was a crime, noone is going to investigate unless Wells and Wong take on the case themselves. A delightfully entertaining read.
Spot 71Read:
Finished: 5/16/15
Rating: 4 stars
Review: By now pretty much everyone has heard the basics of Louis Zamperini's remarkable story, Olympic athlete turned POW during World War II, what with this best-selling book and a feature film as well. What struck me the most when reading his story, was the amazing resilience of the human spirit. In 1940, all Louie wanted was to run a 4 minute mile and win an Olympic medal, but a world war was what he got instead. Before his capture by the Japanese, he survived over a month floating across the Pacific in an ill-equipped life raft, and then came the atrocities that he endured and witnessed as a prisoner of war. It is truly amazing that he, and others like him survived at all, much less with the tenacity that pervades Zamperini's story. The author uses a gentle touch that is easily readable and highly compelling.
Spot 71:
Date Read:5/16
Rating:2.75 stars
Review: This is a bit of a let down for me. Lyn Gala usually brings the heat. I ed just bored by this one. It took so long for me to get into it. I didn't connect the two mc's until 60% of the book. I feel indifferent about each guy. William was cold and closed off. Dallin just got on my nerves. He seemed so ungrateful about what William was offering him. I was very glad for it to be over with.
Hey Mika (or anyone else not already playing SS) would you like to be a fill in player this week for one of our SS teams?
Awww thanks Mika :)It's team 16, they've rolled and it'll need to be done by next Friday
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Thanks again!
Spot:71 Read:
Finished:5/16/2015
Rating:****
Review: I am looking forward to read more of this fast paced series.
Abby Lewis never pictured herself on the survival game show, Endurance Island. She's just not the survival type. But when her boss offers her a spot on the show and the opportunity of a lifetime, she packs her bags and heads to the tropics to be a contestant. Once in the game, though, it's clear that Abby's in over her head.
No one's more competitive than sexy, delicious and arrogant Dean Woodall. Sure, he's clever, strong, good at challenges, and has a body that makes her mouth water. He also hates Abby just as much as she hates him. That's fine with her; she'll just ignore the jerk.
But the rules of Endurance Island are working against them. Abby and Dean are teamed up & alone on the beach. It's either work together, or go home. Stuck with no one's company but their own, they learn they might just make a good team after all. And Abby learns that with just a little bit of kindling, the flames of hate can quickly turn to flames of passion.
This book features enemies, lovers, enemies who become lovers, and lots and lots of tropical heat.
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The Challenge Factory
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Spot 56
Read a #5 in a series, a #6 in a series, or a book with the word 'thunder' in the text
Team Choices
Denise: Blood Lance (#5) Denise's Review
Mika: A Healing Man (#5) Mika's Review
Sue: Silver Shadows (#5) Sue's Review
Theo: The Warlock (#5) Theo's Review