R4: Team #4 ~ Four Leaf Clovers

[Heather ~ Marceline]

Blueyes -- Leah -- wrote: "What movie?????"

A friend and I went to see This Means War, it was hilarious. I love Reese and Chelsea Handler was just as funny as on her show so it was great.

[Heather ~ Marceline]

So I decided to go with a series I am already in a few books so I can try to wrap up some of my existing ones, especially for books I have on hand. I am going to read for the demons shelf.

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

★★★★★
✔


Week 3: 18-19 Feb 12
I8: Favorite Series - 5/5 - TBD
Note: This is a personal shelf
✔ Amanda - Fate's Edge - 25 Feb 12 - ★★★★★ - Review
✔ Christina - Shadow Touch - 20 Feb 12 - ★★★★★ - Review
✔ Heather - Go Fetch! - 19 Feb 12 - ★★★★ - Review
✔ Kate - Lover Avenged - 22 Feb 12 - ★★★★ - Review
✔ Leah - A Perfect Blood - 24 Feb 12 - ★★★★ - Review



Week 4: 25-26 Feb 12
O22: Demons - 4/5 - TBD
✔ Amanda - Hex Hall - 28 Feb 12 - ★★★★ - Review
✔ Christina - Seduced By Shadows - 29 Feb 12 - - pending...
✔ Heather - Sins of the Flesh - 28 Feb 12 - ★★★ - Review
Kate - Ecstasy Unveiled -
✔ Leah - Shadowfae - 27 Feb 12 - ★★★ - Review

[AmandaG]

Read Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews on 2/25/12 for the Favorite Series shelf.
5 Stars


This is the third book in Ilona Andrews' Edge series. There is the Weird where magic lives and there are nobles called bluebloods and flying dragons. Then there is the Broken. In the broken, there is no magic and people there don't even know magic exists behind an invisible boundary. Between the two is a thin ribbon called the Edge. In the Edge, people are usually scraping to get by. They don't fully belong in either of the two worlds. It's kind of hard to explain (I know I didn't get it when I read the summary on the author's website the first time after I'd glommed up all of the Kate Daniels series and then found that there was this different series and read it and was bummed that it wasn't another Kate) but you get it when you read the books. Anyway, if you like the Kate Daniels series, I think you'll like the Edge series too.

In this book we follow Kaldar, who is an excellent thief, liar and all around conman. He has been sent by his country's version of the CIA to retrieve a sensitive item that was stolen from a place that no one thought it could be stolen from. Audrey grew up a grifter and has the ability to open any lock. Audrey and ran from that life a long time ago. But when her past comes looking for her, she does one last heist and has no idea what events she has sent in motion.

Kaldar is amazed when he meets Audrey as he had no idea that there was woman out there who was as gifted as he in the arts of conning people.

I love the way the characters are written. I think they stay true to themselves, and of course, the writing is witty and poignant at times . I love the secondary characters, as they are all in her previous books, so I love getting to catch up with them. I haven't read anything from Ilona Andrews that I don't love and I eagerly await the next book in the series.

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

AmandaG wrote: "Read Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews on 2/25/12 for the Favorite Series shelf.
5 Stars


This is the third book in Ilona Andrews' Edge series. There is..."

Great review! :D I'm holding off on this one, mostly because it took me awhile to read the Bayou Moon -- I don't want to take a month to read something for Bingo!

**Off to request our Favorite Series stamp!**

[Kate]

I'm back :)

And already to start my demon read. I'll read Ecstasy Unveiled. It's always good when the category fits in with a series I'm wanting to continue with :)

[AmandaG]

Kate wrote: "I'm back :)

And already to start my demon read. I'll read Ecstasy Unveiled..."

Love the Demonica series!

[Leah]

Kate wrote: "I'm back :)

And already to start my demon read. I'll read Ecstasy Unveiled. It's always good when the category fits in with a series I'm wanting to continue with :) "

I'm midway through this book right now :) so far, so good.

[Kate]

I started reading the Lords of Deliverance series and there were all these references to characters and events that I didn't know so I had to start the Demonica series. I'm enjoying it so far :)

[AmandaG]

Looking for recs for this one. Choosing between:


Hotter After Midnight by Cynthia Eden


Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn


When Darkness Comes by Alexandra Ivy


The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

All these books will satisfy another challenge I'm in too. Any favs from this list?

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Welcome back, Kate! :D

Amanda - Sorry, can't help. I haven't read any of them myself either. I have Ivy's and Galenorn's in my pile though.

[Leah]

I can't help either, haven't tried any of them...

How was your trip Kate??
Hope you had good weather to travel in, here in Edmonton we got 20 cm of snow over the weekend (that's just under 8 inches for any non-metric users) so I left the house as little as possible.

[Kate]

I've not read any of them either, Amanda. But the Summoning is on my to-read list.

Thanks Christina.

That sounds like a lot of snow, Leah! I've never seen snow.
I had really good weather for my drive :)Just some light rain.

I took a detour though Sydney so I could visit my brother and I got to meet his girlfriend :) I've never meet anyone he's dated before so it was rather exciting.

[Heather ~ Marceline]

Good luck Amanda, I haven't read those either. I have a Galenorn at home to read, but not that one. I have to be sure to read some books with Y for the author's name or title this year for a days of the week challenge I am doing so I will be interested to see what you think of it if you go with that one.

Kate, I loved Demonica and can't wait for the next Lords of Deliverence to come out. Enjoy your book!

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, Four Leaf Clovers!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'favorite series'.

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

Good Job!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Clovers!

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Heather wrote: "Good luck Amanda, I haven't read those either. I have a Galenorn at home to read, but not that one. I have to be sure to read some books with Y for the author's name or title this year for a days..."

That's also why I need to read to read Galenorn's book. Been slacking on my other challenges...well, updating them, anyway.

Steph wrote: "CONGRATULATIONS, Four Leaf Clovers!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'favorite series'.

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

Good Job!! :D"

Thanks, Steph and Sandra. :D

Ooo. Our bingo stamps look like a sideways face :oO

Or the beginnings of a sideways Y.

[AmandaG]

Ok, have completely changed my mind and decided to read for the demons shelf.

[Leah]

Hey ladies, I finished my demon book. This was a really quick read for me. Review is below:


Book: Shadowfae by Erica Hayes
Date Read: 27-Feb-12
Rating: ★★★

Overall this book is a low three star read for me. I was leaning towards two, but I decided to be generous.
The main character is Jade, a succubus who is enslaved by a demon. She is incredibly lonely and longs for her 400 year thrall to end so that she can die in peace. I found Jade likeable, but it was hard to believe she was still so dumb after living over 140 years. There were some parts of the book where she was unreasonably naive.
I liked the love story between her and Rajah (a male succubus), it was a nice change to have a book where the couple is actually both able to admit to themselves that they are in love. Right off the bat Jade admits that she has the hots for Rajah, none of this ‘i-hate-him-so-much-it-makes-me-passionately-argue-with-him-all-the-time' that is so popular in books lately.
This book was probably over 70% sex scenes, which I suppose is to be expected when the main character is a succubus, but it did get a little repetitive.
The main reason I wasn’t happy with this book was because I didn’t feel like the writing made me get invested with the characters. The worst example of this was when (view spoiler)[ we meet Nyx, Jade’s fairy best friend, who we are ‘told’ is Jade’s only friend who treats her good and views her as something other than a succubus. Then, literally immediately afterwards Nyx is killed off. There was no time to get to know Nyx’s character or feel any emotional investment in him (hide spoiler)].

I don’t think I will continue with this series. Not enough substance for me in the character development.

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Blueyes -- Leah -- wrote: "Hey ladies, I finished my demon book. This was a really quick read for me. Review is below:


Book: Shadowfae by Erica Hayes
Date Read: 27-Feb-12
Ra..."

Sorry you didn't enjoy the book much :-/

[Leah]

Babbling AKA Christina wrote: "Sorry you didn't enjoy the book much :-/ "

No worries, you win some you lose some :)
Besides, it wasn't all bad and I'm sure there are some people that would love this book.

I'm the type of reader that can imagine all the settings and worlds without much help from the author, but I need a fair bit of dialogue from the characters in order to warm up to them. I think this is why my fav characters are sassy, sarcastic characters like Kate Daniels (Magic Bites) who you really get to know throughout the series.

[Heather ~ Marceline]

I finished on 2/28/12 for the demons shelf and give it 3*'s. I always enjoy the Otherkin series. This was the story of Mal, a soul reaper, and Calliope, both characters we had seen in the previous stories. In this book we get closer to Sutekh's three sons finding their brothers remains to try to bring him back to life. Calliope, like the mates of his two brothers, is also a daughter of Aset, who has grown up with an immense hatred of the soul reapers. As the two of them get wrapped up in finding clues and witnesses to Lokan's death, they begin to feel a connection that neither expected. I previously thought there were never any great suprises in this series, but this third installment did just that. The obstacles both characters faced, with success was fun to read. The Otherkin books are an enjoyable read. With only one book left of the series, I will definitely finish it out to see how everything turns out for Lokan.

[AmandaG]

Read Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins on 2/28 for the demons shelf.
4 Stars

Sophie is a witch who is being sent to a "reform" school for Prodigum (shifters, witches, fairies, warlocks, etc.) who have done something that risked humans finding out about them. I couldn't help thinking about Harry Potter while I was reading this book, with the classes, and living arrangement and all that. Although, this is nothing like Harry Potter.
This was my first time reading a book by this author. It was a quick read for me. I enjoyed the character's voice (done from her first-person perspective) and it actually sounded like a teenager (and not one that was TSTL). I thought it was funny and will definitely continue with the series.

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Blueyes -- Leah -- wrote: "I'm the type of reader that can imagine all the settings and worlds without much help from the author, but I need a fair bit of dialogue from the characters in order to warm up to them. ..."

I'm like that too. The book I'm reading isn't wowing me -- it's missing that little something. There's a lot I like and I'll probably continue the series though. It might just be the 1st book in series curse. We'll see.

Amanda and Heather -- glad you enjoyed you books!

Go, team! :D

[Leah]

Babbling AKA Christina wrote: " It might just be the 1st book in series curse

It's always so hard to tell if it's just first-book curse or if the series just isn't right for you. I didn't really like the first book in KMM's Fever series, but then I loved the rest of the series so much!!

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Blueyes -- Leah -- wrote: "Babbling AKA Christina wrote: " It might just be the 1st book in series curse

It's always so hard to tell if it's just first-book curse or if the series just isn't right for you. I didn't really..."

I agree! I'm so glad I didn't give up on the Psy-Changeling...I wasn't blown away with by the first book.

[Kate]

I think the second book is often cursed too. There are times when a second book can't live up to the hype of the first one. Like sequels in general....

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

*cough storm's heart cough*

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Sandra wrote: "*cough storm's heart cough*"

Hey! I liked Storm's Heart. ;-)

Now, the 3rd book....

Here's hoping Oracle's Moon is better.

[Leah]

Sandra wrote: "*cough storm's heart cough*"

LOL I love the subtlety here

I liked Storm's Heart, but not nearly as much as the first in the series (cue girly sigh 'Dragos...')

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Hey I found out a couple of hours ago that my copy of Oracle's Moon was posted by BD on the 28th. Yay!

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Christina & Blueyes -- Leah -- wrote: "Sandra wrote: "*cough storm's heart cough*"

LOL I love the subtlety here

I liked Storm's Heart, but not nearly as much as the first in the series (cue girly sigh 'Dragos...')"

Hey, I liked it too, just no where near as much as #1.

[Kate]

Finished my Demon book:


Book: Ecstasy Unveiled by Larissa Ione
Read: March 1, 2012
Rating: ★★★★.5 (that's 4 and a half. I didn't know how to make a half star)

And I thought I liked the first three of this series? Whoa...
At the end of Wraith's book I didn't think I would like a book about Lore. But I am so glad I was wrong. He's so delightfully broken. But then again there's probably not a demon around who isn't. Regardless. I loved the story of this book and the characters. Idess (I love that name too. I'm just too full of love today. Probably cause I have had no sleep because I was up till 5am finishing this book...)
...

Where was I? Oh yes. Idess. I loved that she was an angel who wasn't what I expected. She was not as wholesome and pure as angelic characters often are. The relationship between Lore and Idess was lovely.

The sub story of Sin and Con interested me. Sin is a character I didn't really see myself liking but I found her cheekiness with the bet and other moments rather amusing. I can't wait to read the fifth book.
Lastly, I liked the other Sem brothers and their mates still being prominent characters.

[Leah]

Kate wrote: "(I love that name too. I'm just too full of love today. Probably cause I have had no sleep because I was up till 5am finishing this book...)"


LOL Sometimes I write my reviews after I finish my 5 AM reads, and I feel like they come out like yours :) so full of love.

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Kate wrote: "Finished my Demon book:


Book: Ecstasy Unveiled by Larissa Ione
Read: March 1, 2012
Rating: ★★★★.5 (that's 4 and a half. I didn't know how to mak..."

Yay, team <-- non-jumping up and down. Twisted my ankle on the way to work this morning. Hobbling around.

Didn't feel like doing anything more than putting my foot up and finishing The Restorer -- loved it. I hope to get my review of Seduced By Shadows written tomorrow so we can get our stamp.

==============================

Week 4: 25-26 Feb 12
O22: Demons - 5/5 - TBD
✔ Amanda - Hex Hall - 28 Feb 12 - ★★★★ - Review
✔ Christina - Seduced By Shadows - 29 Feb 12 - - pending...
✔ Heather - Sins of the Flesh - 28 Feb 12 - ★★★ - Review
✔ Kate - Ecstasy Unveiled - 1 Mar 12 - ★★★★½ -Review
✔ Leah - Shadowfae - 27 Feb 12 - ★★★ - Review

[Heather ~ Marceline]

Babbling AKA Christina wrote: Yay, team <-- non-jumping up and down. Twisted my ankle on the way to work this morning. Hobbling around..."

Hope you feel better Christina!

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Heather wrote: "Babbling AKA Christina wrote: Yay, team

Hope you feel better Christina!"

Thanks! :)

The review might not make it up tonight. I'm in Kentucky and we've been having TERRIBLE weather. I'm in Elizabethtown -- so far, only very severe T-storms. I have a nice basement, so I'm okay as far as that's concerned. My cell and wi-fi gets really good reception, even in the storm (even the cable reception improves -- weird). The temporary set up here in the basement isn't the most comfortable for typing.

I hope everyone else who might be in the path of these storms are safe.

[Kate]

I hope you survive the storms, Christina. And get some rest for your foot.

[AmandaG]

Christina, hope everything fared well with you and those storms last night.

[Heather ~ Marceline]

Hope all went well Christina!


Woo hoo new shelf is up! http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/p...

[Heather ~ Marceline]

I will be reading for the paranormal romance shelf.

[Leah]

I will read for the paranormal romance shelf. I just finished a pnr so I'm not really in the mood for another, so this book is pretty urban fantasy with just an element of romance.

Lucky for me though, 9 users shelved it as paranormal romance so it's eligible. Woo!

[AmandaG]

I will read for the paranormal romance shelf.

[Kate]

I'll read Succubus Blues.

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Thanks, ladies. :) At the time I last posted, we (my area anyway) were already in the clear, so it was a quiet night -- started Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingos and wrapped my foot in a heating pad. Today, I stayed in the basement, washing clothes. The weather was nice, but I stayed so I wouldn't have to climb up and down stairs all day.

Heather -- thanks for posting the link. :)

I'll be reading

=======================
Week 5: 3-4 Mar 12
O24: Paranormal Romance - 0/5 - TBD
Amanda - Embrace the Night Eternal -
Christina - Flashfire -
Heather - Here Kitty, Kitty! -
Kate - Succubus Blues -
Leah - Unclean Spirits

[Leah]

Kate wrote: "I'll read Succubus Blues. "

This series really grew on me!!! Hope you like it :)

[Heather ~ Marceline]

Okay, just keep staring at my book and not reading, I am going to switch to one I just bought that I can't wait to read. Plus, it lets me finish catching up on this this series, added bonus! I will be reading instead for Paranormal Romance.

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Heather, that is probably the best loved of the Magnus Pack books, enjoy!

[Christina (AKA Babbling)]

Heather wrote: "Okay, just keep staring at my book and not reading, I am going to switch to one I just bought that I can't wait to read. Plus, it lets me finish catching up on this this series, added bonus! I wi..."

Love the title. ;-)

[Heather ~ Marceline]

Sandra wrote: "Heather, that is probably the best loved of the Magnus Pack books, enjoy!"

Good to know, I love these books! I can't wait for Bear Meets Girl to come out at the end of the month.