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R15: SS Team 4 - 4ever Reading Books
Selection Post : Week 4
Book: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
How it fits: 2nd in Throne of Glass series
Pages: 361
Completion PostWeek 4
Spot: 27
Series: NA - Alternate option, debut novel
Book: Anna O. by Matthew Blake
Qualification: Debut novel
Read: 3/10/24
Rating: ✶✶✶✶
Review:
This book had an intriguing plot. A psychologist, who specializes in sleep disorders, is hired to waste a woman with ‘Resignation or Sleeping Beauty syndrome’. She allegedly killed her friends while sleepwalking and has been sleeping ever since, for 4 years. I got drawn in right away. The story was fast paced and kept my interest. The characters did have some depth. And there was a twist on the twist. So I enjoyed myself.
Week 4 ..completion post Spot 27
alternate of- 27. Debut Novel or Debut Author
Love is a Fire
E.G. Doddington
190 pgs
10 march
3 stars
This is a debut book by a new author to me , published 11 Feb 2024
This is YA and first person, neither which are my favourite .
Two 17yrs lads , both with 6 month old babies ( as mother signed off all rights) . The part i found strangest was they were allowed to take them in classes at high school ( put in creche for a nap) which completely baffled me and wouldnt happen over here . A lot of errors which i put down to being debut book but the author seemed to throw everything at these two and it was a bit much
Abandoned my first choice, trying a different book. :)
Completion Post Spot 27
Book: Glimmer of Hope (#2 The Other Realm)
Author: Heather G. Harris
Pages: 224
Date Read: Mar 14 ★★★★✰
How it fits: #2 Series
Review:
I enjoyed this book as Jinx is now established as having magic, she knows about the different realms and other magical beings. She is no longer the special snowflake from whom her parents kept all things magical. It is not really an urban fantasy, but it doesn’t have the full on romance usually associated with paranormal, may be urban fantasy lite, would be a good fit. This book was a lot of fun and Jinx as a PI is an enjoyable heroine and the mystery was engaging. 4 stars.
Completion Post Spot 27
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich
Pages: 326
How it fits: Stephanie Plum #2
Date Read: 3/14/24
Rating: ★★★★✰
Review:
What a fun reread for me. I've read every single Stephanie Plum book that is out. Tho at this point in the series its out of loyalty but, it was so fun to go back to the beginning. When Morelli was just Morelli and Ranger was just Ranger. Stephanie is learning how to be a bounty hunter still and trouble always finds her. I think my favorite part of this reread was the introduction of BIG BLUE! haha. This car makes its appearance in every book and still going. I absolutely love it. Stephanie's grandmother Mazer makes these books for what its worth. I read to see what funny and unpredictable things she does next. I absolutely recommend this series if you want a light, funny, quick read!
Week 4 | Spot 27 - Completion post
The Imperial by Shannon West
209p
How it fits: Bloodlines #2
Read: 3/14
ratings 3 stars
Review
I enjoyed this book most of the time until I realized that it was nearing its end and that no real progress was being made in the relationship. They seem to be in deep conversation with everybody but each other. Their interaction is only meant to highlight the physical attraction initially caused by an accident. I needed them to communicate with each other. I wouldn't say I like this kind of forced pairing. I DNFed the first book and counted this as a win for completing its one.
Week Four Spot 27Alternate: Debut Novel
Geri: Anna O. by Matthew Blake Review (Alternate)
Janeylou: Love is a Fire E.G. Doddington Review (Alternate)
Kayla: Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich Review (#2 in series)
lorii: Glimmer of Hope by Heather G. Harris Review (#2 in series)
Linda C: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas Review (#2 in series)
Taya: The Imperial by Shannon West Review (#2 in series)
Completion Post : Week 4
Book: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
How it fits: 2nd in Throne of Glass series
Pages: 361
Read: 3/15/24
Rating: 5 stars
Review: It took me a bit to get back into this since I read the first volume in 2020. However, despite the slow start it proved as good as the first volume. I’m usually not a fan of triangles but I am interested in all three of these characters, so I’m interested in seeing how this develops. Since there are many more volumes the triangle may change many times. Without giving things away to newbies to the series, I'll sort of overview the happenings. There are some sad things in this book, plenty of secrets revealed and a bigger position for the Fae and magic. There is lots of action, as one would expect, some betrayals, and greater depth and background to the main characters. Really need to get to the next one to see what happens next.
SS - Week Five - Spot #32 Previous Spot: 27
New Roll: (1,4) = 5 Timestamp: 2024-03-16 00:46:40 UTC
New Spot: 32
Alternate Task: MC has a pet
Geri: Murder at Keyhaven Castle by Clara McKenna Review (#3 in series)
Janeylou: Inside Out by Aimee Nicole Walker Review (alternate)
Kayla: Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich Review (#3 in series)
lorii: Magic Unleashed by K.M. Shea Review (#3 in series)
Linda C: Celebration in Purple Sage by Barbara Burnett Smith Review (#3 in series)
Taya: Spring Rains by R.J. Scott Review (#3 in series)
Selection Post : Week 5 - Spot #32
Book: Celebration in Purple Sage
Author: Barbara Burnett Smith
How it fits: 3rd in Purple Sage Mysteries series
Pages: 253
This is the 3rd of the 5 volume series I am going to try to finish for the bonus point
Completion PostWeek 5
Spot: 32
Series: Stella and Lyndy Mystery #3
Book: Murder at Keyhaven Castle by Clara McKenna
Qualification: book 3 in series
Read: 3/17/24
Rating: ✶✶✶✶
I enjoy this historical cozy mystery series set in England at the turn of the 20th century. Stella and Lindy are getting married in this installment. But right before the wedding, two murders occur that changes everything for Stella. I really do like Stella. She’s kind of a fish out of water, being an American in English society. And I’m invested in her relationship with Lindy. The mystery was interesting and there were some real surprises at the end. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Completion post Week 5
Alternative task ..MC has a pet
Inside Out
Aimee Nicole Walker
248 pgs
19 march
4.5 stars
Fits ..MC Rome has a pet Daschound called Dolly
Loved this book in the series , less angsty than the rest .
Romeo & Julius both work in the education sector and very easy going story as they navigate a new relationship and problems that crop up while doing the school play .
There were quotes from shakespeare at start of each chapter and one was an english teacher but i still didnt click about their names until the last chapter 🙄🙄
Ive made this book fit 3 different challenges ..love it when that happens 😁😁
Completion Post
Book: Magic Unleashed
Author: K.M. Shea
Pages: 331
How it Fits: #3 Hall of Blood and Mercy
Date Read: Mar 20 ★★★★✰
Review:
There was a lot to enjoy about this series, especially the slow burn of the HEA over the trilogy. Once we got over the special snowflake from whom her parents kept all things magical aspect, this series really worked. I liked the different take on vampire feeding, and the enemies to lovers aspect, that wasn‘t based on the usual doubt and miscommunications. My favourite aspect from this series is that it is one complete story across the trilogy, so the 900 pages or so enable the author include a great deal of depth in characterisation and world building. I will definitely be continuing the next series which is set in the same universe. 4 stars.
Janeylou wrote: "Ive made this book fit 3 different challenges ..love it when that happens 😁😁"Isn't great when that happens, because even though we would love to read three individual books, I for one, always seem to load myself up with challenges, and so double ups are always welcome.
Week 5 Spot 32 
Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich
How it fits- 3rd in Stephanie Plum series
Pages- 321
Read- 3/21/24
Rating- 3.5 stars
Review- I still can't get over Lula! Ive read this whole series and even starting over, she still cracks me up. Evanovich's books are always so easy and fun to read. This one was absolutely no different. Every character I love made an appearance. Lots of laughs and dead bodies in this one. 🤣
Week 5 | Spot 32- completion post
Spring Rains by R.J. Scott
295 p
How it Fits: Whisper Ridge, Wyoming #3
read : 3/22/24
4 stars
Review:
RJ Scott is an OG author for me. I've been reading books by them for over 10 years. I will almost say they are a comfort read author. This book was lovely. In most books I read, I rarely find characters just saying "I like you" and letting them marinate in it. Good vibes.
Completion Post : Week 5 - Spot #32
Book: Celebration in Purple Sage
Author: Barbara Burnett Smith
How it fits: 3rd in Purple Sage Mysteries series
Pages: 253
Read: 3/22/24
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Purple Sage is celebrating its Centennial and Matt is on the committee. The head of the committee is Vera Meece whose pet project is the POW camp that was active during WWII. When she is murdered at the site and the Sheriff is shot and left for dead Matt is suspected, being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Jolie gets involved since the Sheriff’s Dept. seems to be having problems without its leader. I have no issues with her investigation as a journalist and the plotting of the mystery. My problem with this is the personal side. Jolie and Matt have gotten back together just after their divorce was finalized but haven’t remarried yet. Her in-laws are in town for the celebration and Matt’s ex-wife and male friend are with them. Jolie is a mass of insecurities and whiny. I really felt sorry for Matt on all fronts. He has been working on his issues that helped cause the separation, but Jolie just whines. Her loyalty to Matt in solving the mystery is at first her only means of supporting him. I really hope her character issues improve in the next volume.
This is the 3rd of the 5 volume series I am going to try to finish for the bonus point
Team 4 - 4ever Reading BooksWeek Six
Previous Spot: 32
New Roll: (5,5) = 7 Timestamp: 2024-03-22 22:52:00 UTC
New Spot: 42
Alternate: Cover Item: Hands/Arms/Feet/Legs (no other body parts visible)
Loriidae wrote: "Team 4 - 4ever Reading BooksWeek Six
Previous Spot: 32
New Roll: (5,5) = 7 Timestamp: 2024-03-22 22:52:00 UTC
New Spot: 42
Alternate: Author "L""
Perfect..ive got 2 'L' s coming up 😁
Selection Post: Week Six - Spot 42
Book: Mistletoe from Purple Sage
Author: Barbara Burnett Smith
How it fits: 4th in Purple Sage Mysteries series
Pages: 275
This is the 4th of the 5 volume series I am going to try to finish for the bonus point
I messed up42. Cover Item: Hands/Arms/Feet/Legs (no other body parts visible)
Loriidae wrote: "I messed up42. Cover Item: Hands/Arms/Feet/Legs (no other body parts visible)"
No probs , ive found one
That's great Janeylou, thanks.
Completion PostWeek 6
Spot: 42
Series: Death by Chocolate Mystery #4
Book: Death by Chocolate Snickerdoodle by Sarah Graves
Qualification: book 4 in series
Read: 3/25/24
Rating: ✶✶✶
It was nice to get back to this series. This really is a comfort cozy mystery read for me. The Chocolate Moose in Eastport, Maine, would be a great place to visit, if it actually existed. LOL Jake and Ellie, the co-owners of the bakery, do their own investigation into the murder of a local man. As usual, there were some exciting moments. But the mystery itself didn’t really keep my interest like it has in the past. I’ll continue the series, though, because I’m invested in seeing what happens next.
Completion Post: Week Six - Spot 42
Book: Mistletoe from Purple Sage
Author: Barbara Burnett Smith
How it fits: 4th in Purple Sage Mysteries series
Pages: 275
Read: 3/25/24
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Jolie Wyatt has been invited to an anniversary party at the advertising agency where she previously worked and her husband has some business to handle in Austin, so they head there for the Christmas holidays, staying at Matt’s sister’s house. At the party Jolie finds the body of one of the employees and gets tangled up in the case by being asked to help write copy at the firm. There are also problems at Matt’s firm and some family problems where they are staying, so it is not a peaceful holiday. Better than the last volume. Jolie has got her whining under control.
This is the 4th of the 5 volume series I am going to try to finish for the bonus point
Week 6..alternative42. Cover Item: Hands/Arms/Feet/Legs (no other body parts visible)
Sixty Five Hours
N.R. Walker
174 pgs
25th March
5 stars
Fits ...
NR Walker is one of my favourite authors, and i absolutely adored this book .everything she writes is perfect , but you can't read this without reading Sixty Five Hours: The Twelve Days of Christmas. .I was in heaven x
Completion Post Week Six Spot 42
Book: Crown of Moonlight
Author: K.M. Shea
Pages: 359
How it Fits: #2 Court of Midnight and Deception
Date Read: Mar 28 ★★★★✰
Review:
I really enjoyed the second book of this trilogy which is #5 in the Magiford Universe. I really like that there is a continuing villain from the first trilogy into this one. It was great seeing all my old favourite characters, but have the focus on Leila the fae queen and Rigel the assassin. This is a lovely slow burn so at the end of this book they are both beginning to realise that they have feelings for each other. The growth in Leila’s character from the beginning of book one was really well done with occasional glimpses behind the facade of the assassin. Looking forward to the final book in the trilogy and reading their HEA. 4.5 stars
Completion Post Week 6 Spot 42 
The Chase by Janet Evanovich
Read- 3/28/24
Rating- 4 stars
How it fits: #2 in Fox and O'Hare Series
Review: I waited to long to pick a book so I did another reread this week. I picked a Janet Evanovich because she is so easy and wonderful to read. This is the second book with Kate O'Hare a FBI agent paired up with the fugitive she is trying to find, Nick Fox. I absolutely love the banter between Kate and Nick. Just like Evanovich's other series, the tension between the two is unmatched.
He likes to tease her and she is trying not to enjoy it. In this book they are trying to catch an art collector who shouldn't have a lot of the rare pieces he has. The crazy ways they are going about it are just hilarious. I undeniably enjoyed this one. I will absolutely grab others for rereads!
Week 6 Reviews Spot 42 Geri - Death by Chocolate Snickerdoodle (#4 in series ) Review
Linda- Mistletoe from Purple Sage (#4 in series) Review
Janeylou- Sixty Five Hours (Alternate- Feet/Legs) Review
Loriidae- Crown of Moonlight (#2 in series) Review
Kayla- The Chase (#2 in series ) Review
Taya- Game Changer (#2 in series) Review
Week 6 Spot 42 - Completion Post
Game Changer by Amy Aislin
286p
Vancouver Orcas #2
3/29
Review:
This was an excellent addition to the series. I like that the main couple is dating and getting to know each other outside of the bedroom. Also, there is no over-the-top drama, and people actually communicate their feelings. Good Vibes. On to the next book.
Week 7- Spot 50 Previous Spot: 42
Dice Roll- 4 +4 =8
New Spot: 50
How it fits: 5th in a series, standalone, or the alternate: Fantasy
Selection Post: Week 7 - Spot 50
Book: Skeletons in Purple Sage
Author: Barbara Burnett Smith
How it fits: 5th in Purple Sage Mysteries series
Pages: 288
This is the 5th and last of the 5 volume Purple Sage Mystery series - author deceased, end of series
This week I’ll choose the alternate. And read Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands, which is MPG Fantasy.
WEEK 7 | SPOT # 50 - COMPLETION POST The Player by Felice Stevens
How it Fits: standalone
329p
4/2/24
3.5stars
Review
I feel like I rarely read standalone books anymore. The story is nice, but the drama is predictable. I tend to gravitate to romance books with older Mcs as I get older. Nice vibes.
Completion PostWeek 7
Spot: 50
Series: NA, Alternate Fantasy
Book: Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett
Qualification: MPG Fantasy
Read: 4/3/24
Rating: ✶✶✶✶
Review:
I was surprised how much I liked book 1. And this book didn’t disappoint! I really enjoy the characters and story. How matter of factly we get faerie facts. I find myself chuckling a lot at their dialogue and situations they get into. There is plenty of excitement and mystery. I’m also invested in Emily and Bambleby’s relationship. The book ends in a way that I really want to know where the series will go next.
Completion post Week 7 ..Spot 50
Alternate list ..MPG Fantasy
Snuggle Season
Amy Bellows
140 pgs
2nd April
Fits ..MPG Fantasy
Two fox shifter snuggle up for a month hoping to bond .Both were very easy to connect to ,but
basically it was one long sex scene !!!!, but we did have some adorable fox cubs ar the end of it 🦊🦊
Completion post: Week 7- Spot 50 
Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don’t Want to Forget to Remember by Lauren Graham
Date Read- 4/1/24
Pages: 183
How it fits- Standalone
Rating- 4 stars
Review: I have not always been a fan of Gilmore Girls. I actually didn't watch it til maybe 5 years ago for the first time and now its in my regular rewatch rotation. But I also enjoy reading about actors lives before, after, and a bit during their run in their famous tv shows. So I picked this one up a week or two ago. This week was the perfect week to pick it up. I absolutely loved reading the stories that Lauren Graham wrote. Stories I had not hear/read yet. This was such a quick book and so easy to follow along to.
Completion Post: Week 7 - Spot 50
Book: Skeletons in Purple SageSkeletons in Purple Sage
Author: Barbara Burnett Smith
How it fits: 5th in Purple Sage Mysteries series
Pages: 288
Rating: 3 stars
Read: 4/4/24
Review: Jolie is hosting a retirement reception for Dr. Bill and a welcome back to town for a friend, Bev, when a major storm and busted pipes makes it necessary to move the party next door. After the party, Bev's father disappears. He is located but seems to be having dementia problems. Then Dr. Bill is found dead under mysterious circumstances. There are some back stories involving the families involved. When another person is found dead also suspiciously Jolie can't help getting involved.
There is a side story involving Jolie's relationship with her mother also. This ends the series but I was getting a bit put out with Jolie's insecurity and whining again, so may not have read more if there had been any.
Bonus point earned - Read v.1-5 of the 5 volume Purple Sage Mystery series - author deceased, end of series
Week 7 Spot 50 Reviews Taya- The Player (Standalone) Review
Geri- Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands (Alternate- Fantasy) Review
Janeylou- Snuggle Season (Alternate: Fantasy) Review
Kayla- Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don’t Want to Forget to Remember (standalone) Review
Linda- Skeletons in Purple Sage (5th book in a series) Review
Loriidae- Leave No Trace (5th in a series) Review
✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.
✸ One point can be earned for reading a book with >500 pages.
✸ One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series. Series + spin-off totalling ≥4 books also counts. For series with >9 books, point will be awarded for reading books 1-9. For still ongoing series, all books published to date (OR up to #9 in longer series) must be read.~ No re-reads on this one. Linda Earned 4/4
✸ 2 in 1: One point can be earned for reading a book that fits both the series number and the alternate for the spot you are on.
✸ One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate list. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
✸ One point can be earned for always picking a book from the alternate list. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
I keep forgetting about the 2 in 1 ..will take a look next roll
Janeylou wrote: "I keep forgetting about the 2 in 1 ..will take a look next roll"My goal is to find a 500+ pages one this week. I have a few options.
Quick question.. it's almost 5pm CST is there a certain time that we would want to use our free pass if we need to use it? I should have asked that the beginning of the game. lol
Completion Post
Book: Leave No Trace
Author: Sara Driscoll
Pages: 304
How it Fits: #5 FBI k9
Date Read: Apr 5 ★★★★✰
Review
Meg and her k9, hawke are sent to track a killer that is using a bow and arrows to kill. Added to this they encounter some angry local wildlife in the mountainous region. These very dangerous situations add to the suspense in their search for the villain. The background stories tumble along quietly in the background without intruding on their mission which I appreciated. A good addition to the series. 4 stars.
The Challenge Factory
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Previous Spot- 22
Dice Roll- 3 + 2 = 5
New Spot 27
How it fits: 2nd in a series, 7th in a series, 27th in a series, or the alternate of- 27. Debut Novel or Debut Author
Happy Reading Y'all