R15: SS Team 5 - Serial Readers

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Completion Post

Week 2
Spot: 14
Task: #1 in series

Book: Charlie's Doctor by Jocelynn Drake
Qualification: Shadow Elite #1
Pages: 264
Finished: 28 Feb 2024
Rating: ★★★

Review:
From reading the prequel novella to this series, I had a pretty good idea that I might not love the first full novel in it all that much, largely because I could already tell that Charlie was a type of character I dislike. Within the first few chapters of this book, the dislike had settled in quite thoroughly. The domineering asshole act, the overbearing bullshit, smug attitude, endless smirking and taunting? Oh boy. The moment he pulled that handcuff stunt, I was just done with trying to get invested in the romance. This being a second chance romance and the reader really only getting the bitter end of the first round in brief flashbacks, there wasn't really any build-up to the initial relationship, and it all went a bit fast from years of bitterness to HEA. But while I didn't really care for the romance in this one, the action and banter were entertaining enough and since I liked the rest of the team a lot more than Charlie, at least from what I've seen of them so far, I do however have high hopes that I'll enjoy the next book more.

[Tory]

Completion Post

Week 2
Spot: 14

The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver
Qualification: Colter Shaw #1
Pages: 416

Finished: 29 Feb 2024
Rating: ***

Review:
A thriller this was not. I decided to read this after starting the show based on it, Tracker. Both the show and the book are pretty slow, but at least the show has some action. I didn't feel it in the book and I had a hard time getting into it. Though there are some good ideas, they just didn't come to fruition. I didn't much care about the main character. He has more personality in the show. The author has done his research and let's you know it. Too much info dumping. I didn't hate the book, but I probably won't be continuing with the series.

[Shan ~A~]

Team 5: Serial Readers ~ Week 3
Dice Roll: 1+6=7
Previous Space: 14
New Space: 21

Task Options:
Series: #1, #2, #21
Alternate: Europe

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Selection Post - Week 3

Spot: 21
Task: #2 in series + Alternate: Europe

Book: Kairo's Billionaire by Jocelynn Drake
Qualification: Shadow Elite #2 + Set in Greece
Pages: 304

* Qualifies for 2-in-1 bonus

[Steph]

Selection Post week 3
Spot 21
Task -- Europe
Book: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Qualification: main character travels to Europe

[Laura]

Selection Post
spot 21
by Catherine Bybee
pages: 312
qualification: 2nd in series
fits: book 2

[Shan ~A~]

Week 3 ~ Selection Post
Task: Series book #2
Book/Author: Things We Hide from the Light by Lucy Score
How it fits: 2nd in the Knockemout series
# of pgs: 594

[Tory]

Week 3 ~ Selection Post
Task: Series book #1

Book/Author: The Mark of Zorro by Johnston McCulley
How it fits: Zorro #1
Pages: 311

[Heli]

Week 3 - Selection Post
Task: Series book #1
Book/Author: The Legacy by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
How it fits: Children's House #1
Pages: 466

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Completion Post

Week 3
Spot: 21
Task: #2 in series + Alternate: Europe

Book: Kairo's Billionaire by Jocelynn Drake
Qualification: Shadow Elite #2 + Set in Greece
Pages: 304
Finished: 02 Mar 2024
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
As expected, I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first book. From what I've seen of these guys so far, Kairo is definitely the team member I like the most (though who knows, Ed and West might grow on me in their respective books) and he and Isidore make for a very cute couple - and one with far less annoying, overblown drama than Charlie and Will, too. Gotta say, though... While I loved the setting in Greece, I have my doubts as to whether Jocelynn Drake has ever actually set foot in the country (or anywhere in the Euro zone for that matter) given that she seems to have no idea how much 500€ will buy you there.

* Bonus earned: 2-in-1

[Heli]

Completion post - Week 2
Spot: 21
Task: #1 in series

Book: The Legacy by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
Qualification: Children's House #1
Pages: 466

Finished: 3/4/24
Rating: 4 stars

Review:
This was really good. I love nordic noir. The stories are usually so deliciously dark and convoluted.

A woman is killed in her own home and her daughter is the only witness. Child psychologist Freyja helps the police, and inspector Huldar, with the traumatized little girl. Of course there are more murders and the killer also leaves them messages. I liked the two main characters. They both had some kind of baggage, but not the usual alcohol, drugs and divorce kind. The story is long, violent and has plenty of characters to keep track of, but I kept turning pages wanting to know what happens next. The ending was a total surprise. I'm definitely going to read more books from this author.

[Steph]

Completion Post week 3
Spot 21
Task -- Europe
Book: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Qualification: main character travels to Europe
Finished: 3/5/24
Rating: 3 stars

Review:
Most of the reviews that I had read before starting the book stated how unrealistic is was. While it IS unrealistic, its a fun read and a good story. I enjoyed the idea behind the book and how it eventually lead to where it did. I look forward to readong the endnin the sequel.

[Tory]

Completion Post
Week 3
Spot: 21

The Mark of Zorro by Johnston McCulley
Qualification: Zorro #1
Pages: 311

Finished: 07 Mar 2024
Rating: ***

Review:
This is the original Zorro who, as it turns out, is the Mexican Scarlet Pimpernel. I can't believe I've never made that connection before. It's a pulp western that started life as a magazine serial. As such, the story and characters are pretty thin. But it's ultimately an enjoyable ride and surprisingly funny.

[Shan ~A~]

Week 3 ~ Completion Post
Task: Series book #2
Book/Author: Things We Hide from the Light by Lucy Score
How it fits: 2nd in the Knockemout series
# of pgs: 594
Finished: 03/07
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I am deeply invested in these characters and the town of Knockemout, so I was ecstatic to get to Nash and Lina's story. And just to say, as soon as they interacted, I knew they were going to be an item, just not the how.

Nash is a good guy, brother, friend and grandson, although he has a bit of a feud going on with Knox. Then he was attacked and that affected him more than anyone knows.

Now we're here and he's just going through the motions and not really preset in his life. That is until he is interacting with Lina.

Lina is in town to visit Knox, but also for work. Work that she hasn't been exactly honest about.

She ends up being there for Nash when he needs someone the most and things steadily progress in their relationship from there.

With each story I get more invested in the lives of not just the featured characters, but all of them. With this story and this series (so far) we get romance and a bit of action.

There was a point in the story where Nash was a bit of an ass to Lina, which I didn't expect, but he got his crap together. I'm just glad Lina was a strong, kick-ass woman who has no problem standing up for herself and the people she cares about.

I also want to say that the epilogue in this one, especially the first one, was so good I felt like I was there.

[Shan ~A~]

Week 3 Completion Post
Laura (2) | Home to Me | Catherine Bybee | Creek Canyon #2 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Steph | 13 Little Blue Envelopes | Maureen Johnson | Alternate: Europe | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Tory | The Mark of Zorro | Johnston McCulley | Zorro #1 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Denise (mod) | Kairo's Billionaire | Jocelynn Drake | Shadow Elite #2 + Alternate: Europe | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Heli | The Legacy | Yrsa Sigurdardottir | Children's House #1 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Shan ~A~ | Things We Hide from the Light | Lucy Score | Knockemout #2 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...


Bonus Earned: 2-in-1 bonus by Denise

[Laura]

Completion post
Week 3
Spot 21

Pages: 312
Task: : 2nd in series
Fits: 2 in series
Review: Bybee writes another great book. I really liked book one and book 2 is no different. I enjoyed Erin's character and watching her grow and seeing the strength she showed in an awful situation that no person should have to endure. I really hope that book 3 is about Grace and can't wait to read it.

[Shan ~A~]

Team 5: Serial Readers ~ Week 4
Dice Roll: 1+3=4
Previous Space: 21
New Space: 25

Task Options:
Series: #2, #5, #25
Alternate: Book with a wedding in it

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Selection Post - Week 4

Spot: 25
Task: #2 in series

Book: The Emperor's Bone Palace by Hailey Turner
Qualification: Infernal War Saga #2
Pages: 637

[Steph]

Selection Post - Week 4
Spot 25
Task - book wirh a wedding in it
Book - The Wedding Season by Katy Birchall

[Laura]

Selection post
week 4
spot 25

qualification: #2 in series
pages: 346

[Shan ~A~]

Week 4 ~ Selection Post
Task: Series book #2
Book/Author: Make Me Your Villain by Lani Lynn Vale
How it fits: 2nd in the Battle Crows MC series
# of pgs: 269

[Heli]

Selection Post - Week 4
Spot: 25
Task: Series book #2

Book/Author: The Reckoning by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
Qualification: Children's House #2
Pages: 416

[Steph]

Completion Post - Week 4
Spot 25
Task - book wirh a wedding in it
Book - The Wedding Season by Katy Birchall
Rating - 4 stars
Review
I thought that the story was well done and sends a great message to get back out there after a bad breakup. The tasks that the main character had to complete were clever and funny and i enjoyed reading about how she completed all of them!

[Laura]

completion post- week 4
spot 25

task: # 2 in series
fits: # 2 in series
pages: 346
rating: 3 stars
review: I enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I enjoyed the romance between North & Aria and enjoyed how their relationship developed and grew. Great cast of secondary characters. I'm looking forward to book 3!

[Shan ~A~]

Does anyone have the ability to send Tory a message?

[Shan ~A~]

Week 4 ~ Completion Post
Task: Series book #2
Book/Author: Make Me Your Villain by Lani Lynn Vale
How it fits: 2nd in the Battle Crows MC series
# of pgs: 269
Finished: 03/13
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Meeting Haggard and then being introduced to his brothers in the previous book definitely made me want to know more about the siblings in the Crow family. Haggard's book was an emotional rollercoaster in a bittersweet way. I was in tears, and that doesn't happen often.

Now we have Shine's book, which has less of the emotional impact that the first book did, but the relationship between him and Iris was fun. I enjoyed their interaction immensely.

My problem with this particular book has nothing to do with the characters, at least the main two, but more to do with the writing. Parts felt choppy, and there seemed to be continuity problems. Ex. Iris says she doesn't have any ass or tits, but later she's talking about showing off her nice ass in her leggings. Then it was in one scene she said she had to go to work the next morning, but the next day Shine asks if she has plans and she says no. Another is when she's talking about her cat and during this conversation she says the cat's name, but when they actually get to the apartment, Shine asks if the cat has a name. Dude, she already told you. The last one I noticed was she didn't work, but the following day she has the thought that maybe because she had to work yesterday, go home, and grab a spare change of clothes.

At this point whoever is editing for her should be catching these types of things.

My other problem was with the way the family treated Dorcas. No one can say one thing that she has done wrong to Bram, but they all treat her like she's not a part of their family. And I also didn't like how Shine and Iris did Lindy. I didn't experience her do enough to make me dislike her enough for their behavior, especially as adults, to be okay.

Lastly, what was the point of that prologue when it didn't go anywhere and wasn't brought up again until the end. Plus, we never find out the why of Abby's behavior toward her sister and that just sucks.

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Shan ~A~ wrote: "Does anyone have the ability to send Tory a message?"

I do. I'll check in with her.

[Heli]

Completion post - Week 4
Spot: 25
Task: #2 in series

Book: The Reckoning by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
Qualification: Children's House #2
Pages: 416

Finished: 3/14/24
Rating: 4 stars

Review:
When a school's time capsule is dug up after ten years, inside is a note giving the initials of six people that will die. Soon after bodies start piling up. Huldar has been demoted since the last book and Erla is the boss now. Huldar wants child psychologist Freyja in on the case, since the note was written by a child.

This book was truly dark and disturbing. It takes time for the story to start making any sense, but when it does it's quite horrifying. I like Freyja and Huldar, but their personal lives feel almost tragicomic. Looking forwart to the next book.

[Shan ~A~]

Denise wrote: "Shan ~A~ wrote: "Does anyone have the ability to send Tory a message?"

I do. I'll check in with her."

Thank you!

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Completion Post

Week 4
Spot: 25
Task: #2 in series

Book: The Emperor's Bone Palace by Hailey Turner
Qualification: Infernal War Saga #2
Pages: 637
Finished: 14 Mar 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Review:
You know what's better than a brilliant series opener that sends your expectations for its sequel sky high? A sequel so relentlessly riveting and awesome all the way through that it blows those sky high expectations out of the water!
Much as I enjoyed Hailey Turner's previous works, this series is undoubtedly the uncontested best thing she's written to date. With its second volume, she delivers another fast and furious thrillride, as complex, immersive, gripping and epic as the first. I got sucked right back into this magnificently crafted world the moment I turned the first page and remained so until I turned the last. Absolutely can't wait for the next book.

[Tory]

Completion Post

Week 4
Spot: 25
The Unusual Suspects by Michael Buckley

Qualification: The Sisters Grimm #2
Pages: 292

Finished: 14 Mar 2024
Rating: ***

Review:
I don't know. Probably more a 2.5 star, but I liked it enough to round up.

The main character, Sabrina, is insanely dislikable. Because puberty, I guess? I really like some of the minor characters though (Mr. Canis, Sheriff Hamstead, Prince Charming, Principal Hamelin, Mirror), so it evens out. More of them, less of her. I'm hoping the school counselor(?) comes back as a secret Everafter.

The story ended up being pretty good. It took way too long to get there though. For me, it was a decently clever set up. And what a cliffhanger.

The writing is strange. The dialogue tends to be pretty juvenile, but then you have graphic death scenes. I guess the author is just better at one than the other? Actually, I think the descriptions tend to be the best parts of the book. Take Puck's lair.

There are a lot a good ideas. I remember liking the first book and I'm hoping the following books are better. This one was okay with a couple of great moments.

[Tory]

So sorry. It took me forever to figure out a book this week, then I forgot to post when I found one.

[Shan ~A~]

Tory wrote: "So sorry. It took me forever to figure out a book this week, then I forgot to post when I found one."

Thank you!!

Same problem I'm having in another challenge. Then I start mixing them all up.

[Shan ~A~]

Week 4 Completion Post

Laura (2) | Among the Heather | Samantha Young | The Highlands #2 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Steph | The Wedding Season | Katy Birchall | Alternate: Book with a wedding in it | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Tory | The Unusual Suspects | Michael Buckley | The Sisters Grimm #2 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Denise (mod) | The Emperor's Bone Palace | Hailey Turner | Infernal War Saga #2 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Heli | The Reckoning | Yrsa Sigurdardottir | Children's House #2 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Shan ~A~ | Make Me Your Villain | Lani Lynn Vale | Battle Crows MC #2 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Shan ~A~]

Team 5: Serial Readers ~ Week 5
Dice Roll: 1+6=7
Previous Space: 25
New Space: 32

Task Options:
Series: #2, #3, #32
Alternate: MC has a pet

[Shan ~A~]

Week 5 ~ Selection Post
Task: Series book #3
Book/Author: Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score
How it fits: 3rd in the Knockemout series
# of pgs: 592

Bonus: One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series

[Steph]

Week 5 Selection Post
Task - MC has a pet
Book/Author - Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns
Hiw it fits - MC inherits a Mastiff as a pet

[Laura]

Week 5 selection post
Space 32
Task: 2 nd in series
by Kelley Armstrong
Fits: 2nd in series

[Heli]

Selection Post - Week 5
Spot: 32
Task: Series book #3

Book/Author: The Absolution by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
Qualification: Children's House #3
Pages: 369

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Selection Post - Week 5

Spot: 32
Task: #3 in series

Book: Edison's Professor by Jocelynn Drake
Qualification: Shadow Elite #3
Pages: 298

[Tory]

Selection Post
Week 5 - Spot 32
Task: Series book #3

Book/Author: The Problem Child by Michael Buckley
How it fits: The Sisters Grimm #3
Pages: 320

[Denise, Manufacturing Director]

Completion Post

Week 5
Spot: 32
Task: #3 in series

Book: Edison's Professor by Jocelynn Drake
Qualification: Shadow Elite #3
Pages: 298
Finished: 17 Mar 2024
Rating: ★★★

Review:
While I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in this series, with this one we're back in "Eh... it's fine, I guess" territory. The plot, while a little extra farfetched (a few too many coincidences in this one, even for a series that generally requires one to suspend one's disbelief), was entertaining enough, but I wasn't overly invested in the romance. Both protagonists remained a little too flat for me, and Max's hysterical outbreaks just got on my nerves. Also, may I just say that "If I were a woman, I would be begging to have your babies right now" is one of the most unsexy and thoroughly offputting sentences anyone could come up with in my books... Yikes. Just no.

[Laura]

completion post
week 5- spot 32

read: March 18
pages: 339
task: #2 in series
fits: book 2 in series
rating: 4 stars
review: I loved the Rockton series and this new spin off by Armstrong is just as great. I enjoy the mystery (this time a disappearance) the relationship between Casey and Dalton, the dog and the glimpses into northern living in an isolated community. I can't wait for book 3

[Steph]

Week 5 Completion Post
Task - MC has a pet
Book/Author - Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns
Hiw it fits - MC inherits a Mastiff as a pet
4 stars
Review:
This cozy mystery was a quick and fun read. Who can resist baked goods, murder, and an adorable loveable dog? I was entertained the whole way through and i enjoyed the fact that rhe recipes mentioned throughout the book are at the end of the book

[Heli]

Completion post - Week 5
Spot: 32
Task: #3 in series

Book: The Absolution by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
Qualification: Children's House #3
Pages: 369

Finished: 3/19/24
Rating: 4 stars

Review:
Another great book in this series. I had a hard time reading it, though. The topic is bullying, and reading how social media has made bullying easier and more cruel was heartbreaking. Fortunately the relationships of Huldar, Freyja and the rest of the police served as comic relief, and at times I could not help but giggle despite the heavy topic.

The writing style is awesome and these characters are so well written. I've loved every book in this series and would not wan it to end. I guess I've found a new favorite author.

[Tory]

Completion Post

Week 5
Spot: 32

The Problem Child by Michael Buckley
Qualification: The Sisters Grimm #3
Pages: 320

Finished: 21 Mar 2024
Rating: ***

Review:
I liked this one better than the second. There was some decent action. I still hate the main character. These books would be significantly better without her. I'm also kind of fed up with her sister who rarely sounds her age, even though we're repeated told she's "only seven."
I was glad to see Prince Charming have his moment. He's been a fairly consistantly solid character. Uncle Jack is a nice addition.
I wish the book would have ended 8-10 pages earlier on a cliffhangar and that storyline played into the next book. Boy did that have potential that was ultimately lackluster.

[Shan ~A~]

Week 5 ~ Completion Post
Task: Series book #3
Book/Author: Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score
How it fits: 3rd in the Knockemout series
# of pgs: 592
Finished: 03/20
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Lucian and Sloane were friends once upon a time and now they don't like each other. There is a thin line between dislike and love.

Sloane may think Lucian hates her, but she learns throughout the course of this story, that even though he didn't necessarily want to be around her all these years he, at the very least, still treasured the friendship they once had and what her parents did for him in his youth.

The main thing I loved was finally finding out what caused the riff between them, and it was not something lite.

However, I wasn't completely surprised by one of the villains. He was already on my radar.

Bonus: One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series

[Shan ~A~]

Week 5 Completion Post

Laura (2) | The Boy Who Cried Bear | Kelley Armstrong | Haven's Rock #2 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Steph | Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder | Valerie Burns | Alternate: MC has pet | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Tory | The Problem Child | Michael Buckley | The Sisters Grimm #3 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Denise (mod) | Edison's Professor | Jocelynn Drake | Shadow Elite #3 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Heli | The Absolution | Yrsa Sigurdardottir | Children's House #3 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Shan ~A~ | Things We Left Behind Lucy Score | Knockemout #3 | https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... | Bonus: One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series

[Shan ~A~]

Team 5: Serial Readers ~ Week 6
Dice Roll: 1+5=6
Previous Space: 32
New Space: 38

Task Options:
Series: #3, #8, #38
Alternate: Title 'Y'

[Steph]

Week 6 Selection Post
Task - Title Y
Book/Author - Yes, Please by Amy Poehler