R1 TEAM THREAD: Team Red ~ Red Rum

[Steph, Serious series addict]

LOL! That's fine, as long as you didn't start reading it until after the categories were announced. :) Enjoy!

[Crystal S]

No, I just started it. :-)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

That works then. Enjoy!

[[deleted user]]

Hello! I will be re-reading for this one.

[Desperado]

I hope you enjoy DU, Crystal! I loved that one!

-★★★ 6/27

This book made me realize that Elves are AWESOMESAUCE-& that I really don't like witch protagonists. Every single freaking time Hannah & her witchy friends did their witchy thing, I rolled my eyes. Ooh! I just scryed in a bowl! Ooh! I just held hands with my sisters & we saved the world with GOOD magic! I think it's because witches seem kind of weak to me. Witches MAKE magic but vamps/weres/fae et cetera ARE magic. Most witches are humans that do their work with a cauldron or a wand. *yawn* Anyway, King of the Keebler Elves was sexy. The sex scenes were HOT. I could've done without reading about the bad guy getting a blow job but hey, I guess bad guys need love too.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Interesting Lethal, I've got all 5 of these but haven't bothered to pick up #3 yet. I didn't think this series was as well done as some of her others. So 3 stars doesn't surprise me.

And your summation of witches is exactly how I feel too!

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Welcome back Moss :)

[Alyssa]

I might suggest , Lethal. I've read three of the books in the series and liked them. Seph is a witch, but I don't think she's anything like the witches in the series you're talking about. I could be completely wrong though. I haven't read that series.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

LMAO Lethal! Your reviews always make me smile. :D

I'm 60% through - hope to finish tonight/tomorrow.

Welcome back, Moss. D'ya have a good time?

[Alyssa]

O.O

Ooooh, Steph. Enjoy! :-D

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Thanks, I am so far. :D

[[deleted user]]

Hi guys, thanks! Yes had a great time :)

Oh and I'm such an idiot, this is the book I'm reading, not the one I posted before. Sorry sorry. I get confused with the titles.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

That's great, Moss. I'm glad :) And, glad to have ya back.

No worries, I've edited the spreadsheet.

[Alyssa]

*bounds in*



Chloe Neill.

Click HERE for my link.

*bounces up and down*

GO NOW!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

LOL! Just commented, can't wait to finish HB and be able to take a peek.

[Desperado]

*Lethal blushes* Thanks, Steph! And thank you very much for the rec, Alyssa! Adding to my TBR as I type!

Have fun with MS, Moss!

[Alyssa]

I'M BAAAAAACK!! Missed me, didn't you?

***************BREAKING NEWS!!***************

I now interrupt your regularly scheduled programming with some Vampire Academy / Bloodlines news. For more information, click HERE to read my post!!

That is all. :-D Please enjoy the rest of your regularly scheduled program. (It better not be anything naughty! *wink*)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

@Lethal :D

@Alyssa, let us know how you like the first Ch.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Read: 29 June


This is another book where coming up with a coherent review is pretty difficult. I'll try my best. While there where things that I enjoyed in Hard Bitten, there were also things I did not.

WARNING: I'll do my best to keep this spoiler-free by using tags, but those spoiler tags are there for a reason. They contain major spoilers, as well as my thoughts on them. It's up to you if you read below this point.

In the beginning, we see Merit with Mallory offering some much needed "motivational magic", but then no more Mallory, only brief calls throughout and finally there at the end to support Merit. I was really hoping for more interaction between the two of them. (view spoiler)[Especially after we learn right off the bat that Mal's freaked by the type(s) of magic she's having to learn. Really hoping to learn more about that in the next book. (hide spoiler)]

I liked seeing more of Jonah. (view spoiler)[But, now I wonder, more so after Ethan's death, if Merit will decide to join the Red Guard or not. Chloe implied on several occasions throughout the book that not only was his respect for Merit growing, but his ... feelings ... were too. Hmmm, not sure how I feel about that, but I like him, so we'll see where she takes it. (hide spoiler)]

I felt the who-done-it was too obvious. That surprised me. Past installments have had more suspense, more action that I felt this one lacked. (view spoiler)[I liked the V-drug storyline only in that the drug and its effects were interesting. But, I'm over Celine. Thank goodness Merit finally staked that bitch in the heart. Good riddance. (hide spoiler)]

Since so many people had referred to the ending of this book with loads of OMG! and WTH!, it was obvious before I started it that there would be some major occurrence or revelation towards the end. Knowing that going into the book, I found myself trying to guess what the big shocker(s) might be. That may or may not have taken away from the story a bit, no way to know for sure. But, I do know that my search lead me to guess, what I'm assuming was, one of the shocking revelations made. (view spoiler)[There were hints throughout the book that lead me to guess that Merit's sperm donor dad was somehow involved in her attack. While I find it hard to believe a parent could ever do that for business reasons, based on what Chloe's told us about him so far, it made sense. BTW - What a dick! I was happy to learn, and hope it's true, that Ethan really did refuse his offer. (hide spoiler)]

I'm looking forward to Drink Deep. I've read the first and part of the second chapters that Chloe posted on her site HERE . This spoiler contains my thoughts on those preview pages. If you don't want to read the sneak peek, don't open this spoiler! ---> (view spoiler)[The book opens with Jonah teaching Merit the excitement to be had by free falling. Oh how I'd love to be able to do that and not kill myself. And, as I suspected, there is more to Jonah's feelings for Merit, other than respect alone. Will they or won't they??

Jonah had been more than happy to act as Ethan’s replacement—professionally and otherwise. The messages we’d exchanged over the last few weeks—and the hope in his eyes tonight—said he was interested in something more than just supernatural problem-solving.

There was no denying Jonah was handsome. Or charming. Or brilliant in a weirdly quirky way. Honestly, he could have starred in his own romantic comedy. But I wasn’t ready to even think about dating again, I didn’t think I would be any time soon. My heart was otherwise engaged, and since Ethan’s death, mostly broken.

I'm looking forward to learning more about Malik, now Master of the house. He has the unfortunate job of dealing with Frank, the GP's receiver sent in to audit the house. Sounds like that is going to be as much fun as having Dolores Umbridge as head mistress at Hogwarts. He's shares her love of rules and has already started covering the walls with them. "...a stickler for rules I hadn’t even known existed to the exclusion of everything else. Of course, I was becoming pretty well acquainted with them; Frank had papered one wall of the House’s first floor with the new House rules and the punishments that went along with breaking them."

I'm also glad that Luc and Lindsey are making a go of it. She cracked me up in the preview.

“Deliberative, isn’t he?” I whispered to Lindsey.

She smiled too knowingly for comfort. “You have no idea how deliberative he can be. How . . . thorough.” She leaned toward me, nibbling on a bit of bacon from her burger. “Have I ever waxed poetic about the glory that is the fuzzy-chested vampire wearing nothing but cowboy boots?”

Midbite, I squeezed my eyes closed, but it was too late to block the image of Luc wearing nothing but his birthday suit and sassy, red boots. “That’s my former boss you’re talking about,” I whispered. “And I’m trying to eat.”

“You’re thinking about him naked, aren’t you?”

“Unfortunately.”

She patted my arm. “And to think—I was actually hesitant about dating him. Oh, and speaking of which. Chaps. Enough said.”

“Enough most definitely said.” Lindsey was becoming my new, in-House Mallory, complete with conquest details. Sigh.

“In that case, I’ll leave you to your imagination. But I strongly recommend the therapeutic application of fuzzy-chested vampire to grief. It works miracles.”

“I am sincerely glad to hear that. But if you keep talking, I will poke your eyes out with a toothpick.” I shoved a handful of napkins in her general direction. “Shut up and eat your burger.”

Ch2's bitty bit is another one of Merit's dreams about her and Ethan. Like the dream she had at the end of HB, I'm really wondering where exactly Chloe plans on taking that storyline. Is their connection alive after death? Is he really trying to tell her something or is she just missing him so much that she thinks he is? She stopped him mid-sentence when he started to tell her that he loved her. Maybe, but probably not, he's just finishing that sentence and she's ??? what, I don't know, not ready to hear it even after his death? I have no idea, but I'm hoping it's something that is explained fully in the next book and not something that lingers over several.

And ... that's where it ends. And now, we wait! :\ (hide spoiler)]

View all my reviews

[[deleted user]]

Read: 29/6
Rating: 4 1/2 ★

(view spoiler)[ I enjoyed this book on lots of different levels, and have to acknowledge the effort it must take to try and keep things fresh when the protags have achieved their HEA. The authors must have been dreading this book - a lot of momentum in past books has centered around Kate and Curran's clashes, and while this book has those, they're obviously in a different context.

I like Julie as a character, I think her story is going to be very enjoyable to watch as it develops. Like lots of other people, I missed Raphael, and it felt extremely odd to have Andrea figure so prominently in the book without even a glimpse of him.

The plot in this book is without equal. The authors are masters of multi-species confrontations; I love how they grow all sorts of potential story arcs through them. Their continual exploration of magic, and its status as a force to balance technology is the other thing they do incredibly well.

Highly, highly recommended, as always. (hide spoiler)]

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Great review, Moss! I completely agree with all of it. :D

[Steph, Serious series addict]

So, ladies ... 1st chip now or later? ;)

[Alyssa]

Love your review, Steph. I think I'm liking Jonah too. He already sound better than Morgan, IMO.

I'm sure I would love your review too, Moss, but I can't read cuz I'm only on the second book.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Thanks, Alyssa. (view spoiler)[I like him. I'm just not sure how I feel about a potential thing between him and Merit yet. We'll see. He seems like a decent guy though, so far. I kinda liked Morgan, but they've been avoiding each other whenever possible since the split. So, it's hard to know what I think of him at this point. LOL! That plus she felt like he'd betrayed her in this book, so don't guess they'd reconcile anytime soon. (hide spoiler)]

[Alyssa]

The whole clicking on the spoiler thing makes me feeling like we're passing notes, even though I know they're not just to me. Lol.

I should probably get to sleep. I'm getting a little weird.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

LOL! Nite!

[Desperado]

Great review, Moss! I didn't read yours since I haven't read book #1 yet but WTG finishing your read, Steph!

Peanut Butter Jelly time!

[Alyssa]

*sighs* Now I want a sandwich. It's unfortunate, because I have no bread....

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Thanks :D

[Crystal S]

★★★★1/2. Finished 06/29. Actually I can't remember if I finished it last night before bed or this morning before work. LOL. Anyway I enjoyed it a lot. I think I probably liked it more than the first book in the series. It has been awhile since I read the first one so I had to play a little catch up and suffer a bit of confusion at the beginning with trying to remember all the past events. I really liked Runa and Shade both. I'm very much looking forward to Wraith's book and more in the series. I'm still down a computer so this is on my phone so thats all I'm going to say for now. Pardon any typos. LOL

[Desperado]

Alyssa wrote: "*sighs* Now I want a sandwich. It's unfortunate, because I have no bread...."

LOL! I had Jiff with peach preserves. Mmmmm.

Yay for enjoying DU, Crystal! You're in for a treat when you read Wraith's story!

[Desperado]

Fourth Categories 4/4 !!!!


√Crystal S: Desire Unchained (Cover Image: Dagger/Knife/Sword)-★★★★½
√Moss: Magic Slays (Cover Image: Dagger/Knife/Sword AND Title/Series Word: Magic)-★★★★½
√Steph: Hard Bitten (Cover Image: Dagger/Knife/Sword)-★★★★
√LethalLovely: Shadow Magic (Title/Series Word: Magic)-★★★

[Steph, Serious series addict]

WTG, guys! :D Glad you enjoyed it, Crystal. You're sure to enjoy Wraith's book. ;)

Lethal, I'm eatin' my PB&J now, you made me want one too. :D Yum!

Chips, chips, where to put the chips ...

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, RedRum!
Our chips have been placed in our requested spots.

[The updated game board can be viewed on here ]

Good Job!! :D

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Happy Early 4th of July Weekend! Hope everyone, who celebrates it, has a safe & happy holiday!

This Week's Categories Are:
1. Character Type: Fae/Fairy
2. Genre: Young Adult

Happy Reading!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

(See list of fae/fairy examples here)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

I'm not a big fae fan. So I'm trying to find a YA book to read this week. Any suggestions from these options?




Or I could just read this one (which I have in challenges and fits both categories) ... eh



Decisions, Decisions ... probably should read Darkest Mercy. Dunno. I'll think on it and be back later w/my choice. Any votes for one of the above welcome :D

[Cindy (eclecticfirefly)]

Steph - read Darkest Mercy, then send it to me!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Thanks :) I still can't decide.

LOL! Sorry darlin', but post from here to Tx is quite pricey.

[[deleted user]]

Anyone have any fae suggestions for me? I really don't like YA. I'll go that way if I have no other choices, but I'd rather not.

I have waiting to be read. Does that have the fae in it?

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Moss, don't know if that one has any fae but it might be a bit long. LOL

I just finished Karen Chance's yesterday, and that has fae and being UF I'm sure you'd love it. Don't know if you can get your hands on it quickly though.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

I haven't read any of those books, Moss, so I'm no help there. But, if you have or can get Midnight's Daughter - LOVE it.

Some other fae - YA options:
I have read these

Any of the Fever series by KMM; Mercy Thompson has some fae too;



I haven't read all of these, just some options



Hope that helps

[Crystal S]

I think I'm going to read . I haven't started it yet or anything and may change my mind later today. :-) I'm off today for the first time in 12 days so I'm finally going to take my computer back to the store. No more typing on tiny screens and running down my phone's battery! Errr, assuming they fix my computer quickly. Which now that I've though about it, I bet they won't. :-p

[Laura Lulu]

Mossy, no fae in Game of Thrones. Sowwy. :(

[Crystal S]

Well I went and jinxed myself (above). I'm computer-less for the next 3 to 5 weeks!!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! I am not sure I'll survive. I am Soooo glad that I got this phone with Internet capabilities though.

[[deleted user]]

Laura Lulu wrote: "Mossy, no fae in Game of Thrones. Sowwy. :("

I shake my fist at Game of Thrones.

Crystal, hope the phone keeps the DTs away.

I'll try and get ahold of the Karen Chance, may as well give her a go for a challenge.

[Cindy (eclecticfirefly)]

Crystal - that sucks!

Moss - I haven't read it, but I LOVE Vivi Anna! Anya Bast is always great, and Crystal Jordan is good too. Gotta tell ya - the Crystal Jordan and Vivi Anna are probably pretty smutty, if you like that kind of thing. I know I do!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

Ah, Crystal, that sucks! Do your finger exercises so you don't end up with phone thumbs. LOL!

I'm not feelin' any of my YA choices right now. So, I think I'm going to read .

[Crystal S]

I will research thumb exercises promptly Steph. LOL

Finished just now (07/02/11). I'm giving it ★★★ I think. I liked it pretty well. It was easy to read (obviously it took me less than a day to read), but it did get a little too long and draggy in the middle. At the same time though, the ending was very abrupt. I'm not sure if there are sequels, but that might explain why it ended so quickly. I thought that Lucius acted way older than his age most of the time. It was jarring and odd. There were conflicts that were dropped or never resolved. Jessica had a fight with her best friend towards the end of the book and that's all we hear of the BFF. Overall, if there are sequels I'll probably read them and I'll intend to read more from this author. Especially when I'm in the mood for brain candy. :-)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

LOL :D