R4: Team #2 ~ Second to None

[SandyC]

Lady Jaye, I also never understood the fuss over the Fever series. Barrons did absolutely nothing for me, and Mac was mostly annoying.

[Lady Jaye]

I agree Sandy. Small wonder Alina was killed if she was anything like Mac. Even bigger wonder is Mac survives even though she's so annoying and not very bright. As for Barrons, the least said, the better.

[Lady Jaye]

Hi team! 'Sup??

[Audrey]

Sorry I haven't been on here in awhile. I have to change my Magic Shelf book. I have been in a reading slump and The Iron Knight I was reading for the self expired! AARRGGG!!!! So, I will be reading something else ASAP.

Although I did finish for the (PNR - UF) self - 3/29. I gave it ★★★
Melissa De La Cruz has an interesting concept about the vampires. At the age of 15, they go through a transformation. The start to develop blue marks from the top of their arms to their wrist, their blood turns blue and they start to have memories of their past lives. They are literary the same person, but in a different "shell". Every 100 years the vampires give a drop of the blood to the people that guard the blood (I can't remember their name) so that they can "expire", their shell can pass on, but they will always have their memories. Then they will be "born" again in another "shell", when they are needed, and start the whole process over. They all have memories as far back as the Mayflower. I will continue to read the series.

[Lady Jaye]

Aww, bummer Audrey. Was it for kindle or epub. When I have an overdue book, I switch off the wifi on my kindle so i can finish reading before it vanishes. in Feb that was 13 books. I didn't put the wifi on til 27th March, lol!!!!!!

[SandyC]

New shelf is Reader's Choice...personal shelf do basically a freebie. :-)

[Rachel-RN]

Updated teams that need 1 more:

#1 "New 2 You Series"- 4th row
#2 "Angels" bottom row or
"New 2 You Author" 4th row or
"Post-apocalyptic" diagonal
#3 "2011" middle row
#6 "New 2 You Series"- B column or
"5 Stars" 3rd row
#7 "New 2 You Series 1st row
#8 "Alpha Male" diagonal
#10: "2011"- diagonal
#12 "Post-apocalyptic" 3rd row or
"2011" B column
#13 "5 Stars" 1st row
#14 "New 2 You Series" 2nd row or
"Fantasy" diagonal
#15 "Fantasy" O Column or
"2011"

[Rachel-RN]

Will post choice later once I decide.

[SandyC]

Thanks for the stats, Rachel!

[Lina]

Hmmm, I'll let you know soon.

[Lady Jaye]

I am going to read next. It's releasing Tuesday. I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited for it, and Sharon Shinn NEVER, EVER disappoints. Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

[Lina]

bugger, just realised that I hadn't posted my PNR-UF shelf read.

I finished on 28.03.12 and gave it 5 stars. This book was it's own special brand of awesomesauce. I could not put it down and ended up staying up til the wee hours of the morning to finish it. I was intrigued from the last book as to how Bella and Zsadist interacted, and then the cliffhanger at the end of the book was a fantastic emotional catalyst for the beginning of this book. I think one of the things that J.R. Ward seems to do well is to balance the angst with the action so it doesn't feel too emotionally overwhelming, nor does the pace feel like the story lacks depth. Just a perfect mix of the two! I hope the rest of the series can live up to this!

[SandyC]

I agree that one of Ward's greatest stengths as a writer is how she causes the reader to be so emotionally involved in the story. I just bought the latest BDB book, Lover Reborn, and plan to start it soon!

BTW I am having Internet issues (posting on phone) . I did finish my PNR UF choice but I don't want to type out review on the phone.

[SandyC]

Shelf: PNR-UF
Book:
Rating: ★★★

Maybe I'm a dummy, but this book confused the heck out of me. I had a hard time keeping the different factions straight (who belonged to which group, etc.) I wasn't sure what was going on as far as magic surges, who knew what (i.e., non-magical people knew about magic), and how this society came to be. (I read some other reviews and was at least gratified to see I wasn't alone in my confusion.) I also prefer my vampires to be more human-like...these were just brainless monsters. So many questions were left unanswered: Why was Kate so against joining the Order? What was the truth about her parentage (this was strongly hinted at but no answers)? Why did she have such a huge chip on her shoulder? I also didn't understand why Crest was so offended at being labeled a suspect. I really liked him and was disappointed that he didn't return to the story. Granted, many of these questions are probably answered in later books in the series, but I'm not sure I care enough to keep reading to find out.

I will note that I was also re-reading at the same time, so it was difficult to focus on Kate when I kept thinking about Jamie and Claire.

[SandyC]

I've just requested our stamp for PNR-UF!

[Lady Jaye]

Aww, bummer Sandy! I hope you do keep reading sometime. It took me about three books to finally figure out completely what the heck was going on, but I once i did, I enjoyed the heck out of the books and reread them often. It's truly a wonderful series - one of the best. But you're right it's hella confusing at first. And there are really good reasons for all the concerns you mentioned.

PS: I liked Crest too, until I discovered how awesome Curran can be - and what a wuss Crest is :D.

[Rachel-RN]

Finished 4/3/12 4* for Reader's Choice
I almost gave 3* just because you can easily figure out who the villain is early on. However, I really liked it, I'm sticking with the 4*. I enjoyed Finley and liked how she was able to mesh her dual personalities together. I loved Emily and her brain! Enjoyed all the characters in this one.

[Audrey]

Ok Ladies. Sorry for the the hold up. I think I am coming slowly out of my reading rut.

I am reading (I am almost done) for the Magic shelf.

I am done with [Reader's Choice] (Sorry I didn't tell ya'll what I was reading until now) - 4/2 and 4 ★s.

This is the second book in the Blue Bloods series. It is getting really interesting with all the twists and turns. I really wish Schyler would like Oliver the way her likes her. He would be great for her, but noooo she has to like Jack that has had a "bond" with Mimi for centuries. I am actually felling sorry for Mini after reading her flash backs about her and Jack. How much in love they have always been in though every life/cycle. Jack seems to make Mimi a better person.
Well, there were a lot of question that need to be answered. So, I will continue on the this series to find out what they are.

[SandyC]

Lady Jaye wrote: "Aww, bummer Sandy! I hope you do keep reading sometime. It took me about three books to finally figure out completely what the heck was going on, but I once i did, I enjoyed the heck out of the boo..."

I'll try out the next one at some point. Maybe I just needed to be in a non-Jamie and Claire mood. :-)

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Second to None!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'PNR/UF'.

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

Good Job!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Seconds!

[Lady Jaye]

Thanks, Sandra!

[Audrey]

Done with (Magic Shelf) - 4/3 and 4★s.

I don't know why I waited to start this series. I like Merit and Ethan, but I fill sorry for Morgan .... as of right know. I would hate to see the he is back with his evil Master. There was diffidently some major twist at the end and I can't wait to get a hold of #3 to see what happens. I sure hope Ethan wasn't involve with the attach on Merit in any way. Maybe not, but he sure seems to know more then he is letting on.

[Lady Jaye]

I am done with today 4th April. ★★★★. I enjoyed it very much. It's very slow-paced, but it fit with the tone of the novel. I really felt for Maria, but at the same time, she chose this life with Dante, this life of having to keep his secrets. And I felt for Dante and how complicated his life was. I didn't see any of the many little twists coming, they were good. I loved the final few scenes when Dante and Maria realize they can make a new life together that was better than the one they'd had for the past fifteen years. Really enjoyed this one.

[Audrey]

YAY! I am caught up now. Bring on the next shelf!!! LOL

[SandyC]

Ladies, I just requested our Magic stamp! :-)

[Lady Jaye]

Yay. We are on a roll. Now all we need is one of those shelves that only our team needs to complete this challenge, LOL!

[Audrey]

I know right?? I am worried the New2You Author shelf is going to be called next and then the REAL race will be on. There are several teams that need that shelf to have a BINGO. I need to have a book picked out and ready for that shelf and the angel shelf. So, COME ON ANGELS SHELF! LOL

[Rachel-RN]

New Shelf

[Lady Jaye]

Of course, we couldn't just get an ANGELS or NEW2YOU authors shelf. Dabnabbit!

[Lady Jaye]

After this shelf, we'll be in competition with team 12 to take the prize with the post-apocalyptic shelf!

[Rachel-RN]

Updated with current shelf:

Teams that need 1 more:

#1 "New 2 You Series"- 4th row or
"Fantasy" top row
#2 "Angels" bottom row or
"New 2 You Author" 4th row or
"Post-apocalyptic" diagonal or
"New 2 You Series N Column
#3 "2011" middle row
#6 "New 2 You Series"- B column or
"5 Stars" 3rd row
#7 "New 2 You Series 1st row
#8 "Alpha Male" diagonal
#10: "2011"- diagonal
#12 "Post-apocalyptic" 3rd row or
"2011" B column
#13 "5 Stars" 1st row
#14 "New 2 You Series" 2nd row or
"Fantasy" diagonal
#15 "Fantasy" O Column or
"2011"

[Rachel-RN]

One of these: or

[SandyC]

I finished my Reader's Choice book, The Winter Palace: A Novel of Catherine the Great.

★★★★

Interesting historical novel about the early years of Catherine the Great told through the eyes of Varvara, a girl who begins working in the palace as a seamstress and rises to be Catherine's closest companion. Varvara comes to court by the good graces of the empress Elizabeth, who had been impressed by Varvara's bookbinder father. When Princess Sophie (later Catherine)arrives to be betrothed to the Empress's nephew Peter, the Empress asks Varavara to spy on Sophie and tell her everything she sees and hears. Varvara's loyalty, however, is to Catherine, and she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue to see who will be the next ruler of Russia. As usual, this work of historical fiction made me want to read the real story, so I am looking forward to reading .

[Lina]

Books:
Shelf: Reader's Choice
Finished: 08.04.12
Rating: ★★★★
Review: Nalini Singh does it again! Although I've always liked her writing style, there's no denying that the plot lines in Archangel's Kiss and Archangel's Consort were not as compelling to me as most of Ms Singh's work I've had the pleasure to read. Here, Dmitri's story was a fantastic puzzle piece to have put in place, and a welcome change from Elena and Raphael's relationship. While dark in content, the romance aspect offers a contrasting lightness and another side to Raphael's right-hand man. This book has me fired up for the next in the series!

[Lina]

My choice for Popular Goodreads Author will be or

[SandyC]

Week 9 - April 1, 2012
Shelf: Reader's Choice

Audrey: Masquerade Finished 4/3/12 ★★★★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
Lady Jaye: The Shape of Desire Finished 4/4/12 ★★★★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
CaroB: Archangel's Blade Finished 4/8/12/ ★★★★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
Rachel: The Girl in the Steel Corset Finished 4/3/12 ★★★★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
Sandy:The Winter Palace: A Novel of Catherine the Great Finished 4/7/12 ★★★★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...

Week 10 - April 8, 2012
Shelf: Goodreads Author

Audrey:Daughter of Smoke and Bone Finished 4/14/12 ★★★★ ★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
Lady Jaye:Some Girls Bite Finished 4/15/12 ★★★★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
CaroB:Magic Burns Finished 4/12/12 ★★★★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
Rachel: Steamed Finished 4/8/12 ★★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
Sandy:Blameless Finished 4/14/12 ★★★ 1/2 href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...

Week 11 - April 15, 2012
Shelf: Favorite Supe

Audrey:The Wolf Gift
Lady Jaye: Magic Bleeds Finished 4/21/12 ★★★★★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
CaroB:Hour of the Lion Finished 4/23/12 ★★★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
Rachel: Burn the Night Finished 4/15/12 ★★★★★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
Sandy:Lover Reborn Finished 4/21/12 ★★★★★href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...

Week 12 - April 22, 2012
Shelf: 2011

Audrey:
Lady Jaye:Magic Slays Finished 4/22/12 ★★★★ href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...
CaroB:
Rachel:
Sandy:Heartless

[SandyC]

I've just requested our stamp for Reader's Choice.

You ladies are AWESOME!

[Rachel-RN]

Goodreads author Read 2* 4/8/12
I almost put this on my DNF shelf, but I thought to myself, "this is so ridiculous it's hilarious." So of course I kept on going.
Underneath the title it tells everyone it is "A Steampunk Romance." I guess we are all stupid because "steampunk" appears quite often in the text. A couple of examples: "-how we got on board an airship in what is evidently a steampunk world." -and- "Steampunk sweetheart."
The characters:
Hallie AKA shit for brains (I've been wanting to use that phase forever in a review). Stupid, selfish(need I say more?)
Jack- he is supposed to be this bright, intelligent guy. He comes across as a possessive jackass who can't keep his penis in his pants. Really.
Octavia- She's a captain (I assume she was smart to rise to level of captain) whose orders are consistently ignored and doesn't do anything about it. She meets Jack and becomes all about THE sex (and at inappropriate times).
1.5 stars, nicely rounded up to 2* because I got to say shit for brains!

[Lady Jaye]

LOL, Rachel. Your review gave me a good laugh.

[Lina]

ROFL! Loved it Rachel :-). That's one I'll stay away from.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Great review Rachel, and you're not the first to not like this one :D

[Steph, Serious series addict]

B>CONGRATULATIONS, Second to None!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'magic' and 'reader's choice'.

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

Good Job!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Double congrats on the stamps Seconds!

[Lady Jaye]

Thanks Steph and Sandra. Our card looks beautiful :D!!

[Lina]

Books:
Shelf: Goodreads Author
Finished: 10.04.12
Rating: ★★★★
Review: Is it wrong to start drooling over a character when all he does is feed a girl soup? Loved it, though at times it did seem almost too fast-paced with so much going on. I liked Kate's protective side, liked Julie's and Andrea's characters and especially the cheeky Bran. Sad at times, action-packed and somehow the combination worked a treat.

[Lady Jaye]

To think a few scant weeks ago, you hadn't read the series, CaroB! So glad you like it!!!!!

[SandyC]

Rachel- Goodbye Borders wrote: " Goodreads author Read 2* 4/8/12
I almost put this on my DNF shelf, but I thought to myself, "this is so ridiculous it's hilarious." So of course I kept on going.
Unde..."

Thanks for the laugh and the warning!

[Audrey]

I will be reading either or for the Goodreads Author shelf.

[Audrey]

I just read your review Rachel .... LOL it is so funny!