SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Archive: Past Team Challenges
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R25: Team #4 ~ Quirky Quad
I'll definitely give it a go :)
CONGRATULATIONS, Quirky Quad!You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'S'.
[Your updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
It does sound good and I grabbed bk1 as a freebie, too. Definitely another for the TBR list.
Congratulations on the stamp QQ!
Happy shelf day, y’all!Shelf #6 ~ 12 June: (Spring) "Forward" or fae
Requirement: Choose a book using one of the following options ...
* For "forward", read a book in a series you've already started (book #2+)
* For fae, read a book found on one of these shelves: GR fae or SOS fae
I’ll be reading
, which comes out 14 June. It’s bk 10 in a series I’ve already started.
Sandra wrote: "Congratulations on the stamp QQ!"Thx 😊
I'll read
It is #10 in the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency. Moving along in the series and it is needed for another challenge as well, so win, win
The Hitwoman and the Sacrificial Lamb by J.B. Lynn
#12 in a series already started. These are quite silly but the Dr. Doolittle aspect appeals to me. Not all are in kindle unlimited or at library but I think this is another series I started because of the SOS freebie thread. Several are too short for BINGO.
#3 and #4 are currently free for kindle.
Nice when a book fits multiple challenges, Linda C.👍🏼
Hi Debbie, I'm switching my 'F' choice to
. I finished book 1 last night and wasn't ready to stop, so on to book 2. Thx.
The Vampire's Redemption by Scarlett Chu
Series: Vampires of Vegas #2
Qualifier: a book in a series you've already started (book #2+)
Shelf #6: F - (Spring) "Forward" or fae
Read: 16 June
Rating: ✮✮✮✮☆
My Review:
“I can’t change the past, tesoro mio, but the future is not set in stone.”After reading The Vampire's Claim, I was interested to learn more about what led to the fallout between mates Felix and Gabby. The Vampire's Redemption tells their story while running parallel to the events book 1.
The Gathering is beginning in Vegas. The Council has summoned Gabby, requiring her presence under threat of annihilation of her House should she refuse, so her protector and second-in-command, Nikolas wakes her. Six hundred years ago, Felix let her go hoping she'd return. After some time apart not only did she not return but Gabby went aground. During that time, Felix has been suffering through their separation. He's determined to win back his mate now that she's awake. To help matters, he's made sure they are roomed together.
Throughout the book, we receive snippets of their time together before Gabby was turned, why she was turned and the impact those events had and continue to have on Felix. Sadly, one of the reasons for their prolonged separation is Gabby's failure to see how her initial death led to the characteristics of Felix she despises. Events throughout lead him to realize her strength as a vampire and her to see how his past pain has made him overprotective.
I was surprised to learn more about Alistair, the Vampire King. His story, what little we've received in this book, made me think of Dianne Duvall's Immortal Guardians. It's not the same, but similar-ish enough that fans of that series will likely enjoy this one.
This was another great installment in a new favorite series! I'm happy to see there's yet another book (The Vampire's Seduction: A Fated Mates Romance) to be read and a prequel ('The Vampire's Bite' received from BookFunnel after signing up for the author's newsletter), which I'm reading now. I look forward to much more in this world.
Completion PostShelf #6 ~ 12 June: (Spring) "Forward" or fae
Tea Time for the Traditionally Built - Alexander McCall Smith
Task: Read a book in a series you've already started (book #2+)
Series: No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency #10
Read: 6/16/24
Rating: 4 stars
Review:
There are three plots running through this volume of the series. The case involves a soccer team that is having a very bad season and whose owner thinks there is a traitor on the team. The second involves the white van that Mma Ramotswe drives. She wants it fixed and her husband wants her safely driving a better van. The third plot involves Mma Makutsi and her fiance Phuti Radiphuti. He has just hired her nemesis from secretarial school, a woman known for going after successful men underhandedly.
These plots logically work there way to a satisfying conclusion. Always enjoy these cozy mysteries and their solution discussed over a good cup of red bush tea.
I wonder how many of us are hoping tomorrow's shelf call fits Winter Lost?I'll post my review soon (my devicr somehow ate it) and request our F stamp.
F for Spring Forward or Fae , Forward
The Hitwoman and the Sacrificial Lamb by J.B. Lynn
Finished: June 16
Series: Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman #12
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Number of pages: 215
Review: This is still a fun series,generally shorter novels. Fun in a oh-shit-how-did-we-get-to-here story arc. Characters you root for or question with a lot of heart despite the ridiculous.
Last book had an injury temporarily stripping her power to speak to animals. Sort of a cliffhanger. This book didn't leave that unresolved. (view spoiler)
Enjoyed the read, start to finish until the ending. The title was a spoiler and I was unhappy with who got sacrificed (not literally as in an occult ritual but a needless death).
I didn't care for hints of love triangles that might lay ahead. I liked that she and Patrick had been progressing in a very caring if complicated relationship.
I wolfed through a few more in series. So I now know (view spoiler). I guess author is wanting to change things up and put in some twists. I'm taking a break from series before reading The Hitwoman Takes a Road Trip.
Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "I wonder how many of us are hoping tomorrow's shelf call fits Winter Lost?"Not me. I never buy a hardcover book. I don't mind waiting until the paperback comes out (for my personal copy) or my hold comes up at the library (for my earlier reading).
Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "I wonder how many of us are hoping tomorrow's shelf call fits Winter Lost?I'll post my review soon (my devicr somehow ate it) and request our F stamp."
memememememe
CONGRATULATIONS, Quirky Quad!We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'F'.
[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Good Job!! :D
Shelf’s up! 😊Shelf #7 ~ 19 June: J - "Jasmine" or jacket
Requirement: Choose a book using one of the following options ...
* For "Jasmine", read a book with a white cover; author or character named Jasmine; or jasmine in the title or series name
* For jacket, read a book found on one of these shelves: GR cover love or SOS cover-leather-lace
I’ll be reading
// white cover
I saw the announcement, still thinking about my read.
Congratulations on the stamp QQ!
*sigh* I know I recently was reading in a series with character "Jasmine" -- post-amazon goodreads no longer readily shows character names. My white cover book was shot down with the snow/ice considered gray. Most of SOS leather shelf that interested me would be a re-read. So still deciding. At this point, even though not in the mood for it I may read Dirty Magic from leather shelf or see if the even-less-in-mood-for-YA-angst Almost to Die For is considered a white cover.
I got approval as white cover for Balanced Luck so that's my J read ( despite it having even more gray to my eyes than the almost completely snow/ice cover with lots of brighter white sparkles that was rejected).Easier than a past round of BINGO when they said green cover but wouldn't allow spring, emerald, teal, aqua or jade greens.
Maybe for white they meant large areas blank, completely empty of cover rather than significant amount of cover in color white, but it would be helpful if they would specify that.
To me Venom in the Veins looks mostly blue & grey. Sorry I don't have the book to check my own copy, which I usually do.
I finished my book -- and ironically this was the series I couldn't remember had a character named Jasmine. She was only called Jasmine in one book when baptised then was only "Jaz" in the rest of them.
Sorry ‘bout the cover color issues, Debbie. I've finished my book and will write up & post my review before our next shelf announcement.
One Last Secret: A Secret McQueen Novel by Sierra Dean
Series: Secret McQueen #12
Qualifier: white cover
Shelf #7: J - "Jasmine" or jacket
Read: 21 June
Rating: ★★★★★
My Review:
I had been born a monster, with two halves of my soul each taught that violence and death were our only means of survival.Twelve years ago, I read a very short prequel about a ½ werewolf, ½ vampire hybrid who kills rogue vampires for the vampire Council. When I read the warning in the book's blurb, I couldn't resist checking it out and I'm so glad I didn't try.
Warning: This book contains a sword-wielding assassin whose barbs are sharper than her blade, a vampire with serious brooding issues but a skilled tongue, and an A-lister with a bad habit of eating his fans. This novella takes place approximately one year prior to the events of "Something Secret This Way Comes".I loved Secret's story, what little we learned in this brief start, and fell for Holden.
Over the next two years, I quickly read through books #1-8. Then, for whatever reason (likely new and shinies), I lost track of Secret even though I always bought the new books when they came out. Slowly, but surely, I reunited with Secret and her merry gang, each time remembering why I enjoyed this series so much.
“... you have always lived a life in between. Your entire existence has been a tightrope walk between worlds. [...] Are you a monster, or a monster hunter? A vampire or a werewolf. A leader or a follower. A lover or a wife.”One Last Secret is different because it's the finale. One final trip and Sierra Dean sent us (and Secret) on a wild one. The way in which she did so was part Dark Matter and part 'It's a Wonderful Life'. Through this creatively constructed predicament Secret finds herself in, Sierra offers the readers and her main character a wonderful way of revisiting the impactful events, loved ones throughout Secret's life and the series. She's grown and changed (in more ways than one) over the course of the series. She's learned when some of her choices were selfish instead of self-caring and vise versa. She's taken the guidance from those in her life who have her best interests at heart and she's fought fiercely to protect them.
“Tick-tock. Tick-tock.”Now, she must decide if the choices she's made, those that ended with her being where, who, what she is and who she's with right now. Were they the right ones, the ones that make her the happiest, is she living her best life? As with everything in Secret's life, there's risk to asking and finding the answers to these questions.
From the start, I knew this would be a series I'd stick with till the end. This is that end and I hope fans enjoy the finale as much as I did. I highly recommend this series to all who haven't started it
Favorite quotes and moments:
“Jesus Christ, McQueen. Can’t one thing be normal with you?”I love Harry! I'm so glad he remained a big part of Secret's life. His calling the Devil “Basement Daddy” had me snort laughing.
“Normal? Well, my demon partner just rolled up to give me a ride, and the victim said she was murdered by death, so I think you can probably toss normal out the window on this one.”
I was so glad we (and Secret) were able to reconnect with characters who had either a small(er) or no part in the later installments. Thanks, Ms. Dean!
Holden & Secret: (view spoiler)
Completion Post
The Thursday Murder Club - Richard Osman
Series: Thursday Murder Club #1
Qualifier: white cover
Shelf #7: J - "Jasmine" or jacket
Pages: 374
Read: 6/26/24
Rating: ★★★★
Review: Coopers Chase Retirement Village is an upscale community in Kent. Four villagers, Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim, and Joyce (who recently replaced Penny) make up the membership of the Thursday Murder Club. They review cold cases of the local police to see if they can see any solutions. Documentation that was previously obtained by Penny a retired Kent Inspector is now no longer available to them. When an actual murder happens in the area to the developer of their Village they want to be in on the investigation, this time from the start. How they get involved and the methods they use can only be described as creative. Each member has unique qualities that they take advantage of - some of which are quasi-legal or not. These are not your typical retirement home characters. This was hilarious in parts and also sad in others as you learn about their private lives and families. This would make a great movie for some older actors. Great dialogue. Looking forward to the next
J for Jasmine or Jacket , White Cover plus character named Jasmine
Balanced Luck by Mel Todd
Finished: June 21
Series: Twisted Luck #8
Rating: ★★★★☆
Number of pages: 431
Review: This seems like the series finale because existing plots and character paths are wrapped up. Definitely everything moved to a big resolution. How the magical leaks and surges are resolved -- ugh. Not happy with the ending.
While I loved this whole series outside of a few grim plot points where mages like our heroine Cori were conscripted and given no choice, this book was definitely an edge of your seat read. I could have used more of everyone and everything but it all came together very well.
I was at first worried that she'd wear herself out, that all the plot points and worldbuilding with the other world "denizens" would stay murky, that the government would use weapons of mass destruction, mages or denizens would be enslaved past the already bad draft, the leaks/surges would destroy whole worlds, ...
I should have been worried about what the actual ending turned out to be. It made sense and wrapped up the series nicely. I'm glad I read this series, look forward to more from author, but I really did not like how it ended. Cori (view spoiler) at least.
I think I've caught everything up before today's shelf call. Let me know if anything needs correcting.
Hey guys, new shelf 😊Shelf #8 ~ 26 June: Q - "Quicken" or queen
Requirement: Choose a book using one of the following options ...
* For "Quicken", read a recently released book you've been waiting for impatiently or a quick, light read (a book with 200-299 pages)
* For queen, read a book found on one of these shelves: GR fantasy royalty, GR paranormal royalty or SOS fairytale
I'm gonna read
(impatiently waiting -- released this month)
Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "I think I've caught everything up before today's shelf call. Let me know if anything needs correcting."Thanks for taking care of us :)
The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine by Heather G. Harris is releasing Friday so that's my pick. If for some reason it doesn't release as scheduled, I'll read Winter Lost.
👍🏼 I’ll be interested in your review. I’m a book behind ya.
Steph wrote: "👍🏼 I’ll be interested in your review. I’m a book behind ya."In this one, her mom's supposed to visit.
I will read
It is 212 pages - quick read
downloaded on schedule!
Completion Post
Littered with Trouble - Eryn Scott
Series: Whiskers and Words Mystery #1
Qualifier: quick read
Shelf #8: Q - "Quicken" or queen
Pages: 212
Read: 6/28/24
Rating: ★★★
Review:
Louise Henry, recently widowed, uses her husband’s life insurance money to purchase a book store in Button, WA where her best friend lives and moves across the country from NYC. She is a former editor, and he was an English literature professor. Ownership of a book store was a dream she and her husband shared for their future. Unfortunately, the former store owner was involved in some shady business and disgruntled former customers are harassing her without knowing the store has changed hands. Then one of those people is killed at her back door. Willow, her friend, helps her try to sort out the mystery of the former owner’s dealings and the identity of the victim. Willow’s neighbor is the police detective.
There is a side story involving fostering cats. I enjoyed the mystery but not so much the cats, especially the one who attacks people by jumping on their head and likes to shred books. A store mascot is one thing but a herd of five cats and possibly more in the future seems like it might be off-putting for many customers. I would be one of those, not to mention all those allergic to cats. Not really interested in continuing with this series. Sorry to all those cat lovers out there.
Hey team, I finished mine as well, but won't get my review up until this week. Hope y'all have a good weekend!
CONGRATULATIONS, Quirky Quad!We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'J'.
[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]
Yay!! :D
Congratulations on the stamp QQ!
Scarred Resolve by K.N. Banet
Series: Jacky Leon #10
Qualifier: ... a recently released book you've been waiting for impatiently
Shelf #8: Q - "Quicken"
Read: 27 June
Rating: ★★★★★
My Review:
Family. Always accepted. Always loved. No exceptions.
I've enjoyed this series from the start and every installment since. As with any series, I liked some more than others. This one was a favorite for several reasons.
😻 Jacky and Heath are an amazing couple! His temperment is a perfect balance for Jacky's and vise versa. His love for her is palpible on the page. They support each other beautifully.
🐺 Landon and Dirk 💕
😻 After the events and changes that occured in Secrets and Ruin, Subira plays a much larger role in book 10 and I'm loving it! From the get-go, she's been an mysteriously intriguing character. She is a powerful, sensitive, loving matriarch and she's a badass. I can't wait to learn more about her.
😻 Hasan has stayed in his place while still being helpful, which was a joy to read, and offering some fatherly support, which was a bit surprising. Again, Subira is a badass!
😻 I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with the siblings: Jacky, Davor and Niko. She's not had alone time with both of them prior and the stressful mission provides an opportunity for them to bond, as I'm sure Subira intended. That and they'll need one another if they're to survive this undertaking. I can't say I had many feelings about Davor before this book, but after it, I see him in different light.
I enjoyed the family aspect a bit more than the hunt, but it's never a dull moment with Jacky. I'm hoping in the next installment she'll be able to finally talk with the pack and together they can grieve their loss.
The author mentioned there'd be 5 more books. Sounds like it'll be intermingling more with her spin-off series Kaliya Sahni and her Cambions, who were mentioned in this installment. As always, I'm once again impatiently awaiting the next installment, which will be a nice bday pressie for me: War Games @ 17 Jan 2025.
Q for Quicken or Queen , recently released book you've been waiting for impatiently
The Vampire and the Case of the Cursed Canine by Heather G. Harris and Jilleen Dolbeare,
Finished: June 28
Series: The Portlock Paranormal Detective, #4
Rating: ★★★★½
Number of pages: 471
Review: This definitely fit the shelf call; I can't wait for the next to publish.
Everything is moving along and more is being revealed about her family, her turning, the beast and the barrier, her parents, her "pets," ... writing a review without a ton of spoilers is tough.
For me, the case wasn't the important part of the story. And the "curse" issue of the resolved case was not the same as the curse on her dog (which also gets resolved, an unexpected source and unecpected resolution). It was pivotal for the barrier and the stones.
Her mother -- whom past books showed as scheming and rather uninvolved/unfeeling and this book's synopsis calls "overbearing" -- visits as scheduled. A visit she's been dreading. I was expecting slapstick comedy, sappy gooey mushy stuff, bullying or an evil stepmother (despite being biological mom) type of situation. I was braced for trope, but like rest of this series was far more original and unexpected.
The maternal visit was definitely a scheme (although a completely unexpected but logical once revealed reason) and I still think mom is cold, selfish, abusive, and manipulative. But she handled it well, got some answers about her powers and turning, and wasn't bamboozled although saddened that clearly this visit wasn't exactly maternal concern or desire for better relationship despite dear old mom trying to gaslight her into thinking past abuses/ neglect/ schemes were love and for her own good. She does gain a bit of respect for mom because no longer sees her as just a socialite.
She actually sees the beast clearly in this book. A not completely unexpected twist but one that should get very interesting in next books. Some twists and reveals on her dog and her lynx.
I just really love these books! Which can make writing a review that's not just endless gush difficult. I know this rambled and didn't say much but hopefully avoided outright spoilers. Like rest of series, there's an overall story arc and worldbuilding where you know there is more to come while the current case does get resolved.
The book description can really stop saying "slow burn romance" though. The romance is full fledged -- and a good one -- just not the focus of the story nor the only part of her life and relationships.
I requested our "Q" stamp so everything's caught up for upcoming shelf call.
Great review, Debbie. I'm anxious for all that one reveals, but I'm behind a book.I'll stamp later this week, till then YAY, team!
Shelf up in a bit.
New shelf, y’all …Shelf #9 ~ 3 July: P - "Pruning" or paranormal romance
Requirement: Choose a book using one of the following options ...
* For "Pruning", read a book in a series you've started, but let get away from you (more than 3 books in the series left TBR) or a book you put on your TBR list a year or more ago
* For PNR, read a book found on one of these shelves: GR PNR or SOS PNR
I’ll be reading,
@ GR PNR shelf (50 people)
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Storm Front (other topics)Venom in the Veins (other topics)
Storm Front (other topics)
Storm Front (other topics)
The Detective Wins The Witch (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Jim Butcher (other topics)Jennifer Estep (other topics)
Jim Butcher (other topics)
Jennifer Estep (other topics)
Kristen Painter (other topics)
More...
Definitely. I think I originally downloaded first one from this group's freebie thread and got hooked. Unlike her Mudbug books, it doesn't have any paranormal elements.