R25: Team #4 ~ Quirky Quad

[Linda C]

I'll read Bringing Down the Duke #1 in the League of Extraordinary Women series, which I added to my TBR 3/2/2021

[Steph, Serious series addict]

👍🏼 I’m a handful of books behind on that series tho I keep up w/Dory.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Quirky Quad!
We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'Q'. 

[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Yay!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congratulations on the stamp QQ!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Thanks :)

I've finished my shelf read & will get my review up before our next announcement.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

The Vampire's Accidental Wife by Kristen Painter
Series: Nocturne Falls #8
Qualifier: GR PNR shelf (shelved by 50 people)
Shelf #9: P - "Pruning" or paranormal romance
Read: 5 July
Rating: ✮✮✮☆☆-ish

My Review:

Over the course of the series, I've grown to like the trio of Ellingham brothers. But, the start of this one soured my opinion of Julian. I liked Des okay, but kept questioning if her fear (that was keeping her from committing) would've remained so strong after all that time had passed, especially after she'd gotten to know Julian and the depth of his feelings for her. Their's was not my favorite HEA storyline, but I always enjoy my trips into Nocturne Falls and look forward to more.

(view spoiler)[

“We’re married.”

Had her heart been beating, it would have stopped.“What?”

He frowned. “Do you really not remember any of last night?”

“I remember celebrating my television deal. And you ordering that magnum of champagne.”

[...]

“We drank three magnums of champagne?”

“I had half of one. The rest were all you.”

I don't like that at all. He knew she was drunk, married her and then is surprised by her confusion?

Of course, her stalker situation makes it easy for him to shuffler her off to Nocturne Falls "for her safety," and he eventually wins her over, as you'd expect. But, sadly, this start to the book and their story turned me off straight away and tainted my overall enjoyment of the book.

Oh, yeah, I'd almost forgotten this scene:
Des is snooping around and finds Julian's sunglasses. She knew he was somehow protected from the sun. When she spots the glasses, her thoughts are: "... it wasn’t Desi’s business. If he wanted to share, he would. If he didn’t, no big deal." Uh, what? Really? A vampire who has to beware of the sun for this long isn't at all curious how he's able to move around in it? NBD?! Nah. Not buying it. (hide spoiler)]

I also share Julian's love of gummies 🤣
wanna quick laugh? this is a must-watch :30 commercial ~ https://youtu.be/gzGHIO8e_xY?si=bOaBB...

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

The BINGO discussion thread shows a lot of teams -- not us unforunately -- could get a BINGO if tomorrow's call is A B C E H/I L K or X/Z.

I think something different nowadays when I hear "gummies."

I'm hoping "T" is called.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

P for Pruning or Paranormal , Pruning

Shatter the Earth by Karen Chance
Finished: July 6
Series: Cassie Palmer #10
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Number of pages: 519

Review: This is still a favorite series and an excellent read. But I have to space out the books because I get annoyed at Mircea and at the time travel jumping around with rules that do or don't apply to her and to others doing the jumping.

Still some great worldbuilding and beloved chatacters but the time traveling -- with way more than just Cassie messing with timelines again -- had "logic" that didn't hold together. Way too often it was doable for others to go back and wallip enemies or undo a defeat while it was supposedly useless for her to do so. All very plot convenient or murky.

The past few books were building up to a big battle. Which was disappointing, threw in too much new, and too many participants with future knowledge. Battle resolved nothing.

As always Cassie discovers more powers and more that folks supposedly allies were keeping from her. And she is guilty of keeping rather important reveals and happenings from others.

On the plus side, great story. Overall story moving along nicely. Many at her court are coming along. Cassie still takes on too much and can be too defeatist, but way less angst. Her ties to Mircea are still creepy and she's way too accepting of his abuses. But I really like the strength of her romance with Pritkin and how they are growing.

With bells ringing in her head whenever there's a risk to timeline, I wish she'd ditch the defeatism and not be bound by "rules" that others don't seem to follow.

I have every confidence the author eventually makes sense of some of the clues, breadcrumbs and time mess. Likely a few more books clarifies something. I'll still read the series -- but not back to back.

[Linda C]

Bringing Down the Duke - Evie Dunmore
Series: A League of Extraordinary Women #1
Finished: 7/9/24
Pages: 335
Shelf #9: P - "Pruning" or paranormal romance
How it fits: Pruning - added to my TBR 3/2/2021 - more than a year ago
Rating: 4 stars

Review:
Vicar's daughter, Annabelle Archer, receives a stipend to attend Oxford's new Women's College from the National Society for Women's Suffrage. She allows her cousin the current Vicar to believe the stipend is from the College. She is 25, unmarried and an unpaid maid in his house. She convinces him to let her go if she will earn money there tutoring to make up for her absence. She meets and makes friends with 2 other girls at the NSWS and works with them to try to influence the Lords to vote for amending the Married Women's Property Act to give women some control of their own property. They focus on Sebastian Devereux, Duke of Montgomery. After an unfortunate confrontation and an invitation to his estate obtained through his brother they arrive at a weekend house party. And so begins a match of wits and a slow building attraction between a Duke and a poor bluestocking commoner.

Really well done. I enjoyed watching Annabelle take on Sebastian and several other pompous arrogant Lords. Looking forward to future volumes in this series.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Requested our "P" stamp.

[Linda C]

There are a lot of teams with possible Bingos but many have several spots to finish. Our max is three so we have at least 2 weeks to go, so not looking good for a win. But it's fun and I'm polishing off a few series books.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "I think something different nowadays when I hear "gummies..."

Me too, but it’s what I’ve always called them and it’s stuck. That commercial scene cracks me up 😆

We’ll see. New shelf will be posted soon. But, like Linda said, there’s a bunch of outstanding stamps spread throughout several teams.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Shelf’s up and it’s a possible winning shelf for two, I believe, but they’re behind, so … 🤞🏼

C - "Clean" or cyberpunk

* For "clean", clean off your TBR shelves and read a book published 2 or more years ago

* For cyberpunk, read a book found on one of these shelves: GR cyberpunk or SOS cyberpunk

I’ll be reading: (older than 2 yrs)

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Shelf call is "C - Clean or cyberpunk" which will be a BINGO for Novel Ninjas according to discussions thread. It does look like they still need a stamp on S and O but experience says even the slowest teams put in for overdue stamps quickly when BINGO is at stake.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Wow, my last comment was slow to post.

I'll be reading 2016's Shadow of Victory by David Weber .

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "Shelf call is "C - Clean or cyberpunk" which will be a BINGO for Novel Ninjas according to discussions thread. It does look like they still need a stamp on S and O but experience says even the slow..."

Two teams have a chance, if they can catch up.

[Linda C]

I'll read My Sister, the Serial Killer. published 2018

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

I'm selfishly hoping the other teams don't catch up and that the next call is "D."

[Linda C]

My Sister, the Serial Killer - Oyinkan Braithwaite
Finished: 7/11/24
Pages: 226
Shelf #10: C - "Clean" or cyberpunk - For "clean", clean off your TBR shelves and read a book published 2 or more years ago
How it fits: Clean - book published in 2018
Rating: 4 stars

Review: The story begins with a frantic call from one sister to the other about the self-defense stabbing of her boyfriend. Ayoola is the stabber and Korede the one who is called. This is not the first time Korede has been called to the scene of a death. The sisters are extremely close and the term co-dependent fits. Korede is the elder plain one and Ayoola the beautiful killer.

While the plot unfolds we get flashbacks of the girls’ early childhood and violent father. We also feel Korede’s fear for her sister, guilt for her silence, and sympathy for the men she dates. The crux of the plot reaches its apex when Korede’s unrequited love meets and is bedazzled by Ayoola.

This is so different from any other thriller I’ve read. It is told by Korede and although I felt what she was going through I also did not like the direction or justifications she made at different points in the story. It is one of those books that you are drawn to because of the writing, the pacing and the plot but find that you can't totally like most of the characters. I find that that is something I personally need to have to come away with a 5 star read. Recommended.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Debbie's Spurts (D.A.) wrote: "I'm selfishly hoping the other teams don't catch up and that the next call is "D.""

🤞🏼 and 🤞🏼🤞🏼 Mr. R is good to us 😊

[Steph, Serious series addict]

The Reaper Rescues The Genie by Kristen Painter
Series: Nocturne Falls #9
Qualifier: "... book published 2 or more years ago"; pub date: 2018
Shelf #10: C - "Clean" or cyberpunk
Read: 11 July
Rating: ✮✮✮✮☆

My Review:

“Life is precious. Things can be replaced. Very little else matters.”

The main characters of this story were only peripherally mentioned in earlier installments, yet I found them incredibly charming and their romance was a delight to read. As a GR friend had hoped for me, it was the perfect NF pallet cleanser after The Vampire's Accidental Wife.

Lucien Dupree, "Lucy" as nicknamed by his grandmother, is the grim reaper. Due to his faulty power, he's been living a self-imposed, seclusionary life in Nocturne Falls as the owner/operator of the exclusive, supes-only nightclub Insomnia. The only person, other than staff, he regularly interacts with is his grandmother, Hattie. She's a delight, as well.

Lucien keeps his identity as grim reaper hidden from the majority of NF residents preferring to live out his life safely in the shadows. So, when Imari Zephara, a retired genie, approaches him one night in the club she doesn't realize to whom she's talking. Even more surprising, he accidentally touched her without the gloves he wears as protection; not only did he not reaper her soul, but also suddenly sees in color after a life of grey.

When a wish merchant comes after Imari, Lucien steps in to help her. Their forced proximity gives them the opportunity to learn more about each other and further explore their mutual fascination. His home with its bountiful library and his garage full of beautiful beauties sounded amazing! Lucien is open and honest, Imari is warm and compassionate. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story and was happy for their HEA.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Quirky Quad!
We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'P'. 

[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Yay!! :D

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

I finished my book; it was an all nighter. I'll review today when I'm more awake and put in stamp request.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congratulations on the stamp QQ!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Thx 😊

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

C for Clean or Cyberpunk, published 2016

Shadow of Victory by David Weber
Finished: July 11, 2024
Series: Saganami Island #4 (spinoff within Honor Harrington Universe)
Rating: ★★★★★
Number of pages: 1,042

Review: I was trying to space out the Honor Harrington spinoff series while waiting for new to publish. Happily I failed because this was absolutely a 5-star read.

It would not have been if hadn't read first three books in the spinoff and other Honor Harrington books -- at least up to Uncompromising Honor or the first mentions of the Mesan Alliance. There's just too much that's spoiler in this spinoff and too many characters you care about from the other books for this to be a standalone read.

“The Mesan Alignment has a plan—one it’s been working on for centuries. A plan to remake the galaxy and genetically improve the human race—its way.”

Saganami Island refers to the training grounds for the Star Empire of Manticore. Much of this series followed characters from the same training class on their snotty cruise but in David Weber's inimical way it's played against a complex universe where so many beloved characters still come out to play. We get up close to how Manticore moved from Kingdom to Empire. Lots of battles of course, this time the events on the Verge and the Talbot Quadrant. A much closer look at actions Admiral Gold Peak took and at the plots of the Mesan Alliance.

“Which won’t be a bad thing.” Gold Peak smiled coldly. “And God knows, sometimes you have to be just a little obvious to make Sollies pay attention.”

A much needed closer look. Chronologically in plot order this spinoff took place during events already briefly mentioned in the Honorverse, but it was fascinating getting more details and knowing the players beyond brief mentions of their name.

I got a cheap thrill out of a terrorist attack that avoided killing a dog because I have a pet peeve when books kill off pets for no reason.

“In fact, it sounds like her damned dog was the only survivor—the bastards just stun-gunned it!”

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

All caught up; last of our stamps to date requested.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

👍🏼 we all had good reads for C

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Quirky Quad!
We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'C'. 

[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congratulations on the stamp QQ!

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

I'm on and watching for shelf announcement. If it's D, I'll be checking our thread a lot since will be a race.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Running behind. It’s not winning shelf for us.
Shelf #11 ~ 17 July: U - "Umbrella" or UF
Requirement: Choose a book using one of the following options ...

* For "Umbrella", read a book with an umbrella on the cover or a title, series or author first or last name starting with U

* For urban fantasy, read a book found on one of these shelves: GR UF, SOS UF or SOS UF + romance

I’ll be sticking with NF and reading

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Shelf call is U. No chance of BINGO for us unless teams that had potential BINGO last call are still so far behind they won't be finished by next Wednesday's call.

[Linda C]

I'll read - #1 on GR UF list

[Steph, Serious series addict]

My husband really likes that series. Hope you enjoy it, too.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

The Detective Wins The Witch by Kristen Painter
Series: Nocturne Falls #10
Qualifier: Urban Fantasy (shelved by 11 people)
Shelf #11: U - "Umbrella" or UF
Read: 19 July
Rating: ★★★☆☆

My Review:

The Detective Wins the Witch tells the story of single mom to Saffron and green-witch Marigold and retired detective turned PI Wyatt West who's from out of town on a job. Marigold is a resident of NF and owner of the Enchanted Garden floral shop. She's busy prepping arrangements for her sister and friends' weddings. Everyone around her is finding their HEA and she's feeling stuck in singletown.

When frequent customer, Newt Mathers, offers to pay her to attend an auction as his proxy, she accepts. There she meets Wyatt. While Wyatt's past has made him leary of relationships, he can't help but be drawn to Marigold. They soon realize they're bidding on the same item.

An incident after the auction leads to more time shared between the two. They both realize their feelings are growing and when her sister tries to set her up with a wedding date, Marigold blurts Wyatt will be her date. He's nervous about the prospect of being a part of such a closeknit family's celebration, but excited about spending more time with Marigold.

An action taken later by Wyatt puts their budding relationship to the test very soon after the two decide to further explore their feelings for each other. Marigold is faced with a decision that will change her life forever, but she doesn't hesitate. Later, Wyatt takes a chance to return to Marigold what was given so freely.

The love story in this installment felt a bit rushed to me, as did the choice Marigold made and as quickly as she made it. It's sweet though and, after all, this is fantasy. I look forward to more visits to Nocturne Falls.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

For "U" because shelved as Urban Fantasy, I'm reading Venom in the Veins by Jennifer Estep

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Linda C wrote: "I'll read - #1 on GR UF list"

My friends all had a "you'll be addicted by book #" number for this series. For me, it's good but I never got hooked.

There's also a decent tv series "Dresden Files."

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

U for Umbrella or Urban Fantasy, GR UF shelf

Venom in the Veins by Jennifer Estep
Finished: July 21, 2024
Series: Elemental Assassin #17
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Number of pages: 356

Review: I don't have anything really new to say about this series. A well-written fast paced read. It's Gin, family and loved ones and regular life mixed in with still yet a new enemy, violence, murky clues, angst-y self doubts, some dire straits then in last one to five percent of book a major revelation.

“At what point did fighting against monsters turn you into one yourself? At what point did the venom in your veins drown out everything else?”

Honestly, despite being a good book, I think this one isn't likely important to the series except for final revelation. A lot of filler. The ending did let them finally glimpse and tentatively identify (view spoiler)[Mason (hide spoiler)].

[Steph, Serious series addict]

ETA: I did watch the TV show, which was okay. Hubby thought they did an "okay, nothing great" job on the show (he's read the series).

I'll avoid the spoiler b/c I'm just up to book 4 😊

[Linda C]

Shelf #11: U - "Umbrella" or UF - completed


Storm Front - Jim Butcher
Finished: 7/22/2424
Series: Dresden Files #1
Rating: 3 stars
Number of pages: 355
How it Fits: #1 on GR UF list

Review:
Harry Dresden, Wizard, is a consultant for the Chicago PD on cases involving the paranormal, though he has a tense relationship with them. He is also being watched by the White Council for possible use of dark magic. When a case of magical murders pits him against another would be Wizard and also the local mafia he has lots of ways he could die before solving the case. This was fantastical but not in the way Kate Daniels or Mercy Thompson. They are much better. This has a sort of noir feel to it. I will have to give this another volume or so to see if it’s worth a continuence.

I am on vacation and the place has a broken router so no WiFi for computer. Using phone app and not good. It is so much easier on the laptop. Hope this is good enough for submission this week.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

We'll pass it Linda, especially as its the last shelf, dodgy routers are the devil.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

No worries; updating everything and will request the U stamp.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Stamp requested; all caught up.

Let me know if there are any mistakes or broken links.

Thanks!

[Linda C]

I'm at the Belfast, ME library using their wifi to update my GR stuff.
I corrected the completion post above.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Quirky Quad!
We now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'U'. 

[Our updated BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Linda C wrote: "I'm at the Belfast, ME library using their wifi to update my GR stuff.
I corrected the completion post above."

Sorry you're having wifi issues. That's the WORST!

T11 has won this round. Thanks for being our captain, Debbie. Thanks for sharing all the great reviews, ladies. As always, my TBR has grown. 😆

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congratulations on the stamp QQ!

As you've read all the shelves, you'll be getting the badge later today.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Thanks & yay, team! 😊

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

I figured the potential winners would manage stamp requests before new shelf called.

I had fun ladies; great team.