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R15: SSS Team 1 - Kings of Anarchy
SELECTION & COMPLETION POSTWeek 4, Roll 2, Spot 30
My Choice: The Magician Murders by Josh Lanyon
Pages: 281
How it Fits: The Art of Murder #3
Date Read: 3/12
Rating: ★★★
Review: Probably my least favorite of the series so far mainly because the MCs spend a lot of time separated in this book doing other things. I prefer them working together ❤️. Plus it felt like there were a lot of characters in this one that you had to keep track of. I did enjoy the writing and the narration plus any scenes with the MCs together I absorbed like a sponge. Hopefully the next book has them spending more time together.
Reviews PostWeek 4, Sunday Roll, Spot 30
✔️Krissy: msg 101
●The Magician Murders, The Art of Murder #3
✔️Joeera: msg 100
●A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Thorns and Roses #3
✔️Denise: msg 99
●Josephine West & the Christmas Corpse, Alt: set in the 20th century
NEW ROLLWEEK #5, Thursday Roll
Previous Spot: 30
Roll: 3
New Spot: 33
●3rd in a series
●33rd in a series
●Alt: Four or More Words Title
Mod
Spot: 33
Book: All Tea, No Shade, and a Bit of Murder by Elliott Hay
Qualification: Alternate: Four or More Words Title
Pages: 211
[*book:All Tea, No Shade, and a Bit of Murder|204577446]
Mod
Week 5: Roll 1
Spot: 33
Book: All Tea, No Shade, and a Bit of Murder by Elliott Hay
Qualification: Alternate: Four or More Words Title
Pages: 211
Finished: 15 Mar 2024
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
I simply cannot put into words how much I adore this series.
The Vigilaunties - a formidable, fabulous and thoroughly fun quartet of elderly ladies given to needlework, gossip, and the occasional bit of murder when the situation calls for it - are back, looking into the disappearance of a local drag queen on behalf of an acquaintance. In the course of their sleuthing, they uncover that a series of queer immigrants have gone missing from their south-east London neighbourhood over the past several years. With the police useless as ever, it falls to Baz, Peggy, Carole and Madge to keep their community safe - by any means necessary.
Hugely entertaining, laugh-out-loud funny, and immensely enjoyable, just like the first book. I just love everything about these books: the complex, quirky, lovable characters, the found family and queer joy feels, the strong political stance, the vibrancy of the setting... I could go on. Suffice it to say, I hope Elliott Hay is planning on writing many, many more of these - I'd happily read another 20. Or 40, for that matter. I'll take as many as I can get.
Completion post #9 week #5 Thursday Book
The Ranger Monica McCartyHow it fits ( Guard #3 )
Read ( Mar 14-15 )
Rated 6 stars
Pages ( 398 )
Review
This book was awesome i loved the way she ( the author ) makes me feel when i was reading thjs book. I get the wanting, the tension, angst the wory about how it will even work out. I also love all the battle scenes, as well as all the action. Whzt i feel is that Monica McCarthy does well is character description, i love her paragraphs about how her heroes look. I applaude her for ending the boomand giving an ending that was satisfiying and beautiful.
SELECTION POSTWeek 5, Roll 1, Spot 33
My Choice: Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey
Pages: 144
How it Fits: Alt: 4 or more word title
[*book:Same Time Next Year|199334767]
COMPLETION POSTWeek 5, Roll 1, Spot 33
My Choice: Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey
Pages: 144
How it Fits: Alt: 4 or more word title
Date Read: 3/16
Rating: ★★★★
Review: I actually enjoyed this more than I expected. It has a lower rating mainly because readers have a problem with the green card aspect of the story. That did not bother me. I looked at it as just the initial reason this fake relationship had to happen in the first place. I didn't really care what happened with it after that. I just cared about the relationship.
I liked that it was the guy with the unrequited love instead of the girl. And the female MC had the commitment phobia. We don't see that nearly enough. FMC agreed to marry MMC so he could get his green card and stay in the country and work towards being picked up by a professional hockey team. MMC has been in love with her since introduction. After a traumatic childhood FMC doesn't believe in love or commitment. What follows is a quick and sexy and sometimes sweet love story.
The audiobook is available free via KU which is how I got my hands on it. The narrators did a great job. My only question/complaint is why is her half brother okay with their father? After what their father did to the FMC why was the brother still close with him? Did he ever confront him? Did the dad ever talk to FMC and apologize? I think that scene is what's missing to make the ending perfect.
Reviews PostWeek 5, Thursday Roll, Spot 33
✔️Krissy: msg 109
●Same Time Next Year, Alt: 4+ word title
✔️Joeera: msg 107
●The Ranger, Highland Guard #3
✔️Denise: msg 106
●All Tea, No Shade, and a Bit of Murder, Alt: 4+ word title
NEW ROLLWEEK #5, Sunday Roll
Previous Spot: 33
Roll: 1
New Spot: 34
●3rd in a series
●4th in a series
●34th in a series
●Alt: LGBTQ+
Mod
Mod
Spot: 34
Book: The Black Coast by Mike Brooks
Qualification: Alternate: Tagged LGBTQ 44x
Pages: 643
[*book:The Black Coast|52758545]
Completion post #10 week #5 SundayBook:
Slightly Scandalous Mary Balogh How it fits ( Bedwyn Saga #3 )
Read ( Mar 18-19 )
Rated 5 stars
Pages ( 374 )
Review:
I loved everything about this book i was really intristed in seeing in the author would not only write the story but develop it ad welll and how it was different from the pervious books. I loved the charm and the higher level of heat that she uses and i this book we see a story that just has this grirry feel to it with the same level of charm.
SELECTION POSTWeek 5, Roll 2, Spot 34
My Choice: The Monuments Men Murders by Josh Lanyon
Pages: 201
How it Fits: The Art of Murder #4
[*book:The Monuments Men Murders|45428586]
Mod
Week 5: Roll 2
Spot: 34
Book: The Black Coast by Mike Brooks
Qualification: Alternate: Tagged LGBTQ 44x
Pages: 643
Finished: 20 Mar 2024
Rating: ★★★★★
Review:
How is this trilogy so comparatively little known? I was hooked on this one from the very first page. The worldbuilding, with its various different cultures developed with wonderful attention to detail, is simply fantastic and has all the complexity one could wish for. The author succeeds in handling a wealth of different POV characters with aplomb and uses them to lay out a riveting story as complex and intriguing as the world it is set in. Guess I need to put in an order for some books, because I absolutely need to know where it all goes from here!
COMPLETION POSTWeek 5, Roll 2, Spot 34
My Choice: The Monuments Men Murders by Josh Lanyon
Pages: 201
How it Fits: The Art of Murder #4
Date Read: 3/20
Rating: ★★★★
Review: While I kind of didn't care about the mystery aspect of the story I soaked up the romance like a sponge. We only get Jason's POV but I never felt like I was missing anything. I felt I could understand his reactions to Sam more seeing it all thru his eyes. Sam does come off as hot and cold. It's difficult to see if he really even wants to be with Jason. The only time it's certain is during sex. So I get why Jason feels the way he feels. I can't wait to get to the next book.
Best and most relatable quote:
"Why didn’t you call me when you knew what you were going to do?”
"Sam, I’ll never ask you for help again as long as I live. I’d die first.”
(burn me once and that's it)
Reviews PostWeek 5, Sunday Roll, Spot 34
✔️Krissy: msg 118
●The Monuments Men Murders, The Art of Murder #4
✔️Joeera: msg 115
●Slightly Scandalous, Bedwyn Saga #3
✔️Denise: msg 117
● The Black Coast, Alt: Tagged LGBTQ 44x
NEW ROLLWEEK #6, Thursday Roll
Previous Spot: 34
Roll: 6
New Spot: 40
●standalone
●4th in a series
●40th in a series
●Alt: Set in the future
Mod
Spot: 40
Book: The Wrong Stars by Tim Pratt
Qualification: Alternate: Set in the future
Pages: 396
[*book:The Wrong Stars|34409335]
Mod
Week 6: Roll 1
Spot: 40
Book: The Wrong Stars by Tim Pratt
Qualification: Alternate: Set in the future
Pages: 396
Finished: 22 Mar 2024
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Sometimes a riveting, action-packed and highly entertaining space opera is exactly what I need - and this one certainly fulfilled all those criteria. The story had me hooked from the start and I loved the diversity in the cast of characters I'm definitely looking forward to spending more time with this crew. This series is off to an excellent start - and I've promptly grabbed the next couple of books to see where it goes.
SELECTION POSTWeek 6, Roll 1, Spot 40
My Choice: How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
Pages: 419
How it Fits: standalone
[*book:How to Sell a Haunted House|59414094]
Completion post #11 week #6 Thursday 
A Court of Silver Flames Sarah J. Maas.
How it fits ( a court of thorns and Roses #4 )
Read ( Mar 21-23 )
Rated 6 stars
Pages ( 757 )
Review:
I absolutely adored this book. It centered around Nesta and the other characters that were around her. The story was very interesting. This character in thee pervious books was likeable a d other times not. And so i certainly intrigued as to howa book with 757 pages was going to make me change my miind her but bg the end it did.
COMPLETION POSTWeek 6, Roll 1, Spot 40
My Choice: How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
Pages: 419
How it Fits: standalone
Date Read: 3/24
Rating: ★★★★
Review: This author can certainly write some graphic scenes. I physically gagged in some areas. I'm especially not good with anything pertaining to eyeballs lol. Though written really well these characters..... god I hated them. Both Louise and Mark got on my fucking nerves. I'm not sure if we are even supposed to like them. If not then mission accomplished. Louise was especially annoying. Mark unloaded a gun into an evil puppet, tearing it to shreds and it lived. So how does this bitch think that 5 seconds later she can kill it with a tennis racket???? Then as soon as it comes to what I thought was the ending I look up and realize I still had 3 hours of the audiobook left. Wtf. I loathe unnecessarily overly long books. It might sound like I hated the book but actually I thought it was written well and it was definitely horror. Plus I was never bored so I'd call that a win 🏆
Reviews PostWeek 6, Thursday Roll, Spot 40
✔️Krissy: msg 125
●How to Sell a Haunted House, standalone
✔️Joeera: msg 124
●A Court of Silver Flames, A Court of Thorns and Roses #4
✔️Denise: msg 122
● The Wrong Stars, Alt: Set in the future
NEW ROLLWEEK #6, Sunday Roll
Previous Spot: 40
Roll: 2
New Spot: 42
●2nd in a series
●4th in a series
●42nd in a series
●Alt: fantasy
Mod
Spot: 42
Book: Daughter of Redwinter by Ed McDonald
Qualification: Alternate: Tagged Fantasy 396x
Pages: 345
[*book:Daughter of Redwinter|59417795]
SELECTION POSTWeek 6, Roll 2, Spot 42
My Choice: Mister Magic by Kiersten White
Pages: 295
How it Fits: Alt: tagged fantasy 135x
[*book:Mister Magic|63331415]
Mod
Week 6: Roll 2
Spot: 42
Book: Daughter of Redwinter by Ed McDonald
Qualification: Alternate: Tagged Fantasy 396x
Pages: 345
Finished: 25 Mar 2024
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
McDonald's second series is off to a strong start, introducing a unique, well-crafted world and an engaging female protagonist. While it feels a little more YA, a little less grimdark and a little slower overall than Blackwing, which had me hooked faster and more firmly, the story did draw me in after a while and kept me engaged. By the last few chapters, I was properly glued to the page.
Completion post #12 week #6 Sunday Book:
A Summer to Remember Mary BaloghHow it fits ( Bedwyn Saga #2 )
Read ( Mar 24-25 )
Rated 5 stars
Pages ( 356 )
Review:
I loved this book r8ght from the beginning. Mrs Balogh's writing Enchanted me ( i can't think of a better word than that ). L loved both Kal and Lauren.
This wax not your normal romance where you have action, escapess,mysteries to be solved. I didn't have a roller-coaster of emotions that left me feeling drained at the end. It was pure, and simplle a love story about two people who at first seemed ill-suited but couldn't have beem more perfect for each other. The characters, th eroman e, the pace, everything was simply perfect.
COMPLETION POSTWeek 6, Roll 2, Spot 42
My Choice: Mister Magic by Kiersten White
Pages: 295
How it Fits: Alt: tagged fantasy 135x
Date Read: 3/26
Rating: ★★
Review:
I honestly had trouble following the ending of this book. I am pretty sure I got the gist of it but I'm still not 100% sure. It was a little muddy. I have never enjoyed stories that are supposed to have a fantasy aspect to it and yet you don't even get a hint of it until the very end. Almost like the author couldn't figure out how to explain what all happened in a realistic way. I did love the narrator though. I've listened to her before and keep forgetting to make note of her name because I think she's an amazing narrator. Plus this was supposed to be horror? I shouldn't have read it so close after finishing How to Sell a Haunted House. The horror aspect just does not compare. I was just not impressed 😕
Finishing up washing my dishes then I'll make our reviews post and roll the die.
Reviews PostWeek 6, Sunday Roll, Spot 42
✔️Krissy: msg 132
●Mister Magic, Alt: tagged fantasy 135x
✔️Joeera: msg 131
●A Summer to Remember, Bedwyn Prequels #2
✔️Denise: msg 130
●Daughter of Redwinter, Alt: Tagged Fantasy 396x
NEW ROLLWEEK #7, Thursday Roll
Previous Spot: 42
Roll: 5
New Spot: 47
●4th in a series
●7th in a series
●47th in a series
●Alt: Published 2021
Mod
Spot: 47
Book: The Locked Door by Freida McFadden
Qualification: Alternate: Published 01 Jun 2021
Pages: 313
[*book:The Locked Door|57795665]
Mod
Week 7: Roll 1
Spot: 47
Book: The Locked Door by Freida McFadden
Qualification: Alternate: Published 01 Jun 2021
Pages: 313
Finished: 28 Mar 2024
Rating: ★★★★
Review:
Been a while since I last picked up a proper pageturner of a thriller that had me so thoroughly hooked I read it from start to finish in one go. Great premise, and a cleverly constructed story that kept me guessing. This may have been my first book by this author, but I'm pretty sure it won't be the last.
Mod
Denise wrote: "Krissy, just a quick reminder that Joeera's on vacation, so it's just the two of us for this one and the next couple of rolls. :)"Thanks for reminding me because I 100% forgot lol
Is there something special I should do with her being gone? Until you can read and answer this I'll just do everything normally and change it later if I have to
SELECTION & COMPLETION POSTWeek 7, Roll 1, Spot 47
My Choice: Advanced Chemistry by A.J. Truman
Pages: 280
How it Fits: South Rock High #4
Date Read: 3/29
Rating: ★★★★
Review: I really enjoyed this entire series. This one could have been a 5 star if there wasn't that initial jealousy. When reading MMM or more I prefer everyone involved to be all in together. But that is just a personal preference. Still loved the 2 jocks + nerdy teacher pairing ♥️
Reviews PostWeek 7, Thursday Roll, Spot 47
✔️Krissy: msg 141
●Advanced Chemistry, South Rock High #4
✔️Joeera: excused
●xxxxxxx
✔️Denise: msg 137
●The Locked Door, Alt: Published 2021
xxxx
NEW ROLLWEEK #7, Sunday Roll
Previous Spot: 47
Roll: 4
New Spot: 51
●standalone
●1st in a series
●5th in a series
●51st in a series
●Alt: MC travels by airplane
Mod
Sorry, I was asleep!
All you need to do is put a note that Joeera's absence is excused, so exactly what you did. :)
Mod
Spot: 51
Book: Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie
Qualification: Alternate: MC travels by airplane
Pages: 336
Denise wrote: "Sorry, I was asleep!.."Oh, I know! I just added that instead of waiting around for an answer before I rolled. I knew you wouldn't be able to see it until you were up and I figured instead of waiting I'd just continue as normal and if it was wrong I could fix it later. Thanks 🙂
Mod
Oh, I know! I just added that instead of waiting around for an answer before I rolled. I knew you wouldn't be able to see it until you were up and I figured ..."
Worked out just fine. :)
Mod
Week 7: Roll 2
Spot: 51
Book: Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie
Qualification: Alternate: MC travels by airplane
Pages: 336
Finished: 01 Apr 2024
Rating: ★★★
Review:
The murder of a woman by means of a poisoned dart aboard an airplane occupies Poirot in this one. A decent enough mystery, though the pace dragged a bit. Some attitudes expressed by the characters are distinctly unpleasant and hard to swallow for a modern day reader - it's very much a product of its time.
SELECTION & COMPLETION POSTWeek 7, Roll 2, Spot 51
My Choice: Take Care of You by Gianni Holmes
Pages: 350
How it Fits: Taking Care #1
Date Read: 4/03
Rating: ★★
Review: This was just okay but had a pretty abrupt ending. I liked the premise of the Daddy in the relationship was the younger, smaller guy. While his boy was 20 years older and physically bigger. Unfortunately it wasn't executed very well. Plus the mom annoyed me. As a mother myself I don't understand how you could walk away and leave your children and not once get in touch for DECADES. I don't care what the reason was. Then we never got answers to what the daughter decided. Then the whole cancer scare was stupid because the MC was literally willing to die this horrible painful slow death rather than see his doctor. THEN we get all this talk and worry about how the kids would react when meeting Declan and the book just ends! We don't get to see them meet at all. This author has done better.
Reviews PostWeek 7, Sunday Roll, Spot 51
✔️Krissy: msg 149
●Take Care of You, Taking Care #1
✔️Joeera: excused
●xxxxxxx
✔️Denise: msg 148
●Death in the Clouds, Alt: MC travels by plane
xxxx
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
A Walk to Remember (other topics)Yours Until Dawn (other topics)
A Poisoning in Piccadilly (other topics)
Disrupted Engagement (other topics)
Jasmine Paradise (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Nicholas Sparks (other topics)Lynda Wilcox (other topics)
Penelope Neri (other topics)
Maureen Jennings (other topics)
Maureen Jennings (other topics)
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Sure thing! Just let your SS team know it's officially approved and all. :)