R5: Team #10 ~ X-treme Readers

[Steph Ann]

*sigh* the randomizer has not been kind to us lately. The next shelf is Series Catch-Up, which doesn't help us really. On the bright side, no team will win this week, so we still have a shot!

[Steph Ann]

I'm going to read . Looking forward to some more Terrible!!

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

Series catch up is not a bad shelf but dangit, I have three new series screaming my name right now. Oh well...

I've got it narrowed down to
or .

[Lisa P]

So what kind of book do we need to read for this shelf...just a book from a series we are working on?

[Steph Ann]

Lisa, if I understand correctly, you can pick any book from a series you've already started.

[Daffodil]

Yes, that's correct. Anything but a stand-alone or book 1 in a series. No re-reads.

[Lisa P]

Oh no...that means I have way to many books to choose from then ha ha...thanks!

[Daffodil]

I know, I know. I was debating a quick read like or ?

But, I've been dying to get into . So, I'm pretty sure that is the route I'm going to take.

[Lisa P]

Forgive me if I've asked this before...but are we allowed to read a non-PNR/UF for this challenge?

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Yes. PNR/UF is preferred but not compulsory ;)

[Kerstin]

Shelf: Urban Fantasy
Date Read: 5/8/12
Rating: ★★★★★

Review: This book was a great addition to the Kate Daniels world. Andrea is a kick ass heroine in her own right and it was interesting to find out more about her. She's had an incredibly sad past that has shaped her personality, and it was good to see her grow and overcome some of her issues in the course of this book. She also has to deal with her position in the pack, and decide if she even wants to be a part of it. Raphael, of course, is still a very hot and sexy bouda but their relationship has to go through quite a few rough patches, while they try to understand the other ones decisions and motivations.
The story is fast paced and action packed with a good bit of humour. And of course we also get to meet a lot of old favourites. There are Kate and Curran (yay!), Ascanio and Roman (two of my favourites this time round), Dr. Doolitle... .
All up a great book, that deserves a spot on my favourites list.

[Kerstin]

Sorry for the late review guys, but I didn't get on the computer for most of the weekend.
For this weeks shelf I'll be reading .

[Lisa P]

Sandra wrote: "Yes. PNR/UF is preferred but not compulsory ;)"

Thanks again Sandra...the only reason I asked is because 2 of my library hold books came in and they are not PNR/UF but I really need to read them soon. So I guess for series catch-up I will read

[Daffodil]

Great review, Kerstin. I have to get that book! LOL.


Whoo Hoo! Another stamp! I'll be making the request here in a few minutes.

[Daffodil]

G19 - Urban Fantasy: 5/5
Stamp Received: Requested

Kerstin Gunmetal Magic, 5 stars, Review
Steph Ann City of Souls, 3.5 stars, Review
Daffodil Archangel's Blade, 5 stars, Review
Cristina Mind Games, 4 stars, Review
Lisa At Grave's End, 4 stars, Review

[Daffodil]

G18- *Series Catch Up: 1/5
Stamp Received: Still Reading

Kerstin Better Off Undead
Steph Ann Sacrificial Magic
Daffodil Alien Diplomacy, 5 stars, Review
Cristina Death Blows
Lisa Gone Too Far

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

I just started for this weeks shelf.

[Steph, Serious series addict]

CONGRATULATIONS, X-treme Readers!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'urban-fantasy'.

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

Good Job!! :D

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Congrats on the stamp Xtreme!

Daffodil, you definitely have to grab it, it was fabulous!

[Daffodil]

*Series Catch Up
Alien Diplomacy, Gini Koch, 8-6-12
Rating: 5 stars
Review: I absolutely love this series and I loved this book. I cannot wait for December's arrival of Alien vs. Alien, book #6.

Kitty's decidedly quirky sense of humor is one of my favorite things about this series. As a villain remarked in this book, her propensity for funny nicknames (Operation Fugly, Operation Drug Addict, Cabal of Evil) doesn't stem from immaturity or an inability to remember (i.e. lack of intelligence). Rather, Kitty has a unique world view and she calls 'em like she sees 'em. That view is an asset in trying to figure out plots and schemes against the Alpha Centaurians. She can often see (or talk) her way to the heart of the matter given enough clues and time. This book had Kitty handling two big life altering events. First, she has to handle dangerous situations when her baby daughter has to be considered. Secondly, having to work as a diplomat and letting others take over the action is difficult for her and the rest of the new diplomatic team.

Another great thing about the series are the secondary characters. Old favorites (Reader, Angela Katt, Chuckie, Paul) were present and a few more were added to the mix this time around. Of course, one drawback is some favorites did not have as big a presence this time around. And with so many characters, I sometimes felt like a needed a cheat sheet of names to remind me who was who.

Overall, a great addition to the series.



Quote (Just for Steph Ann):
Welcome to My Super Secret Life, where people try to kill us on a regular basis, and we thwart bad-guy schemes for breakfast. We’re almost like a reality show, only without the alcohol and hot tubs.

[Steph Ann]

lol, yay for quotes! :)

I think I've said this before, but I really need to move that series up on my TBR list!

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

I just love Kitty Katt ;)

[Steph Ann]

Finished last night before I went to bed. I'll post my review over my lunch hour when hopefully my brain will be a bit more awake! :)

[Daffodil]

Sandra wrote: "I just love Kitty Katt ;)"

She always make me laugh like a loon. LOL.

I kind of rushed my review and didn't nearly say all the things I wanted too. But as an indicator of how much I love the series, I would buy these books even if they were only available in hardcover. SHHHH! Don't tell the publisher!

[Steph Ann]

Shelf: Series catch-up
Read: 8/8/12
Rating: *****

Review:

*sigh* Is it wrong of me to want my own Terrible? Minus the whole enforcer for a drug lord occupation of course.

This was another great installment in the Downside Ghosts series. For me, the mark of a great series is one that makes me feel completely connected to the characters, and that is definitely the case here. There were multiple times I just wanted to give Chess a hug and tell her everything would be ok, while at the same time, I just had to shake my head at how self-destructive she is in her relationships and how little she thinks of herself. A good example of this is when (view spoiler)[she and Terrible had that fight that led her to think they had broken up. I felt like my heart was breaking right along with hers, but I also just wanted her to stop and just listen to what Terrible was trying to say rather than putting words in his mouth (hide spoiler)]. Sorry, I'm rambling. Like I said, I feel connected to the characters. :)

I'm intrigued to see what will happen now that (view spoiler)[Slobag's dead and Lex is in charge (hide spoiler)]. This could get very messy! I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series, although I might wait awhile (if I can) because once I read it, I'm all caught up and will have to wait anxiously for the next book.

Quote:

So she took a deep breath, glad she wasn't speeding so much anymore, glad she could look him in the eyes and really feel it. "Even if it's not what you want, I'm yours." Now she did see the change in him, saw the slow smile start, the one that always made her feel so good because she could make it appear. "Always want you, Chessiebomb. Always."

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

Shelf: Series Catch Up
Rating: ****
Date Read: 08/09/12



Review: (As spoiler-free as possible)
It was much the same as the first in the series as far as pacing and humor goes. Jace has really begun to find her niche in her new world, although there are still times that she feels overwhelmed. She says she wants to go home but I don't believe it. Maybe I'm just projecting. I absolutely don't want her to go back home. I get the feeling that she really doesn't have much to go back to. Her job, definitely but she never mentions or even thinks about, anyone she has left behind. She may be an endangered species here but I think she'd be happier here overall.

This book is less about Stoker and more about new bad guys. It starts out with a horrible crime scene that looks like a scene out of a comic book. Problem is "kamic" books have been outlawed in this world since 1958 and Jace is the only one at the crime scene who recognized the victim's costume.

We learn a lot about the other characters and their back stories. I love how much Jace cares about Charlie, her Golem partner, and how obvious it is that he likes her too.

I kinda was looking forward to more John Dark in the series, he had potential. *sigh*

Oh and Tair and his 'wrappers'... don't get me started on that little development. I've still got some hope that it's not what it seems to be.

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

Steph Ann wrote: "

Shelf: Series catch-up
Read: 8/8/12
Rating: *****

Review:

*sigh* Is it wrong of me to want my own Terrible?"


I have thought the same thing while reading that series. There's just something about him. OK A LOT about him that makes us want him for our own. (criminal profession aside)

[Daffodil]

G18- *Series Catch Up: 3/5
Stamp Received: Still Reading

Kerstin Better Off Undead
Steph Ann Sacrificial Magic, 5 stars, Review
Daffodil Alien Diplomacy, 5 stars, Review
Cristina Death Blows, 4 stars, Review
Lisa Gone Too Far

[Steph Ann]

Cristina wrote: "She says she wants to go home but I don't believe it. Maybe I'm just projecting. I absolutely don't want her to go back home."

I don't want her to go home either! I sincerely hope that whenever the series ends (hopefully not anytime soon), Jace decides to stay. Who'd want to leave a world where Charlie exists? :)

[Sandra, Kindle Operator Licence Required]

Daffodil wrote: "Sandra wrote: "I just love Kitty Katt ;)"

She always make me laugh like a loon. LOL.

I kind of rushed my review and didn't nearly say all the things I wanted too. But as an indicator of how muc..."

*hush, hush* So would I. ROFL.

[Kerstin]

Shelf: Series catch-up
Read: 10/8/12
Rating: ★★★

Review:
Unfortunately this was my least favourite in this series so far. Don't get me wrong, there was still a lot I really enjoyed: I actually quite like Jace and her big mouth, even though she makes a few strange decisions, I love Charlie and the uniqueness of the world. I like the werewolf pack and Gretchen and yeah, Tair intrigues me too, but all up this book just didn't quite do it for me. The story was fast paced but a bit out there and I had to shake my head at the plot at times. My main issue though was with the last part of the book. Things were resolved a bit too quickly and the change in relationship status with a certain someone seemed to be very fast just didn't feel natural.

[Steph Ann]

Kerstin wrote: "the change in relationship status with a certain someone seemed to be very fast just didn't feel natural"

I would agree here. I kinda always felt that there could potentially be something between those two, but it seemed to come out of left field with how quickly it happened in the book.

[Daffodil]

G18- *Series Catch Up: 4/5
Stamp Received: Still Reading

Kerstin Better Off Undead, 3 stars, Review
Steph Ann Sacrificial Magic, 5 stars, Review
Daffodil Alien Diplomacy, 5 stars, Review
Cristina Death Blows, 4 stars, Review
Lisa Gone Too Far

[Lisa P]

Hi all...just checking in. I am knee deep in move stuff right now, so not reading as much lately. I forgot to mention Daffodil (sorry) that I changed my Series Catch Up book to . Decided to just keep on with the series I have been reading. Hopefully I will have my review up in the next day or two.

[Kerstin]

Steph Ann, I suspected something between those two eventually as well (though I'm not a great fan of the guy), but with how slow things had been going so far, that big bang was just too much for me.
Have you read the next one yet? The blurb sounds interesting enough.

[Steph Ann]

Kerstin, I haven't read the next one yet. I thought about reading it for this shelf, but ended up choosing Sacrificial Magic instead. I'm hoping to read it soon though!

[Steph Ann]

Good luck with all the move stuff, Lisa! That does take up so much time!

[Steph Ann]

Next shelf is up!

angels

[Steph Ann]

I think I'm going to be reading

[A book away from an episode of hoarders]

I think I'll read either or for this week's shelf.

[Lisa P]

Steph Ann wrote: "Next shelf is up!

angels"

What's up with these shelves? We started off so good and then nothing! At least no other teams have five in a row yet...so we get to read more books!

[Steph Ann]

Lisa wrote: "What's up with these shelves? We started off so good and then nothing! At least no other teams have five in a row yet...so we get to read more books!"

I know! Things are just not going our way!

I'm already changing my book. Someone found on the angels list. This is what I was really wanting to read this week, but didn't think to check the angels shelf for it because there are no angels that I can think of in the series. I'm excited to read it though! :)

[Kerstin]

I'm having a hard time figuring out what to read for this shelf.

[Daffodil]

At first, I thought I would have to start a new series. is sitting at home. However, I was delighted to find sitting on this shelf. I've been wanting to read this and this happens to be one of the books I brought out of town with me this weekend.

[Lisa P]

For the angels shelf I think I will read . I have been wanting to read this series for a while now.

[Daffodil]

G18- *Series Catch Up: 4/5
Stamp Received: Still Reading

Kerstin Better Off Undead, 3 stars, Review
Steph Ann Sacrificial Magic, 5 stars, Review
Daffodil Alien Diplomacy, 5 stars, Review
Cristina Death Blows, 4 stars, Review
Lisa Destined for an Early Grave




G15 - Angels: 0/5
Stamp Recieved: Still Reading

Kerstin TBD
Steph Ann Biting Cold
Daffodil Raven Cursed
Cristina Eternal Rider or Under Wraps
Lisa Covet

TBD or

[Steph Ann]

I really need to get back to reading the Jane Yellowrock series, Daffodil! I've read the first 2 and enjoyed them, but with all the series on my TBR list, I keep forgetting to grab book 3.

[Lisa P]

Shelf: Series Catch Up
Read: 8/12/12
Rating: 4 stars
Review: This is the fourth installment of the Night Huntress series and another hit with me. I think one of the things I like best about this series is that each book adds new characters and new elements to the story, which keeps it interesting and fresh. In this book we meet Gregor who is a Dreamsnatcher with some past history with Cat. Also, Cat develops some interesting new talents of her own that she must deal with. The relationship between Cat and Bones goes through some bumpy roads along the way, which I think were unnecessary. But I guess some think perfect relationships are boring to read aout, so the author felt the need to messy it up a bit. There is a lot more action again in this one which always makes me happy. Overall, I enjoyed this book and will definitely be moving on to the next in the series.

[Daffodil]

G18- *Series Catch Up: 5/5
Stamp Received: Requested 8-13-12

Kerstin Better Off Undead, 3 stars, Review
Steph Ann Sacrificial Magic, 5 stars, Review
Daffodil Alien Diplomacy, 5 stars, Review
Cristina Death Blows, 4 stars, Review
Lisa Destined for an Early Grave, 4 stars, Review

[Daffodil]

Good Grief! It's going to be one of those days!

So I created message 399 and went and requested the stamp on the stamp thread.

I came back went to the first page and updated the master list. Only after closing the edit did I notice I had changed the picture of Lisa's book to Early Grave, but the title by her name was still for the Suzanne Brockmann book. Reopened and fixed.

Came back to this page and noticed the count still read 4/5. Fixed it and went back to fix the master list.

Came back and noticed it said "still reading" instead of "requested" in the stamp field. Fixed it and went back to fix the master list.

All that back and forth ... I feel a little dizzy (or is that ditzy). Hope this isn't an indicator of how my day is going to go.