ŷ������

Just an FYI. I won’t be posting our tracking post until the editing problem has been fixed.

Geri wrote: "Steph wrote: "I'll be reading Neanderthal Seeks Human
Geri rated it 5 stars"

That’s funny. I was just about to comment that I loved tha..."

Yeah I was going to add that it worked for the series option as well, but it wouldn't let me edit the post. 😐

Week 2 Tracking Post
Spot: 15

✔️Melissa’s Review Post
✔️Steph’s Review Post
✔️Talia’s Review Post
✔️Louise’s Review Post
✔️Plethora’s Review Post
✔️Geri’s Review Post

Week 2 Selection Post: Spot 15


Game Changer by Rachel Reid 334 pgs/GR
Book #1 Game Changers series


[ book:Game Changer|40601927]

Either going to read Sophia, Princess Among Beasts or Red Dirt Heart this week.

Completion Post

Week 2

Spot: 15
Book: Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor
Qualification: book 1 in Friday Harbor series
Finished: 9/28
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️

Review:

This was a sweet, family focused contemporary romance. It was a good introduction to the Nolan brothers. And to the island of Friday Harbor. I really loved the descriptions of the island, the events and the town. For me that was the best part of the book. Probably because I haven’t gone on a vacation this year, due to the pandemic. So it was like going on vacation without actually going on a vacation. LOL The romance was low key. Not a lot of drama or angst. But I am curious about the other books in this series. So I’ll definitely continue.

Completion Post
Week 2
Spot 15
Book: Neanderthal Seeks Human
Qualifications: 1st in the series & teammate rated 5 stars
Finished: 9/28/20
Rating: 5 stars

Review:
I wish I had nothing to do from the time I started this book until I finished it so I could've read it straight through. I couldn't believe how enticing Quinn and Janie's relationship was. My favorite part was the epilogue when Quinn's point of view came into play, I will definitely finish this series.

Steph wrote: "Completion Post
Week 2
Spot 15
Book: Neanderthal Seeks Human
Qualifications: 1st in the series & teammate rated 5 stars
Finished: 9/28/2..."

Glad you enjoyed it too! 🙂

Completion Post
Week 2 - Spot 15

Book: Above the Sky by Jenny Lynne
Qualification: Above the Sky #1
Date read: 09/29/20
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: Seven and her twin sister Six are anxiously awaiting Assignment Day when every 18-year-old in their society receives their assigned profession and mate or they are designated a warrior and shipped off to fight in The War raging in the skies above, never to return. I feel like if I say what happens on Assignment Day it would be a bit of a spoiler, so I’ll just say that this book had a lot of surprises that I was not expecting. That’s refreshing after reading so many dystopian novels. I can’t wait for us to roll into the 20s so that I can read book 2! I just stumbled upon this book in a list I needed to read from for another challenge, but it definitely deserves some more hype. I just hope the author keeps the surprises coming throughout all four books in the series.

Selection Post
Week 2: Spot 15


Book: Simply Irresistible
Author: Jill Shalvis
Pages: 311
Fits: # 1 of Lucky Harbor Series

Completion Post
Week 2: Spot 15


Book: Simply Irresistible
Author: Jill Shalvis
Pages: 311
Fits: # 1 of Lucky Harbor Series
Date Read: 09/28/2020
Rating: 3.5
Review: The "mouse" escapes an abusive relationship hoping to start over in an unexpected inheritances of a dilapidated inn with her sisters. The oldest "Steel Magnolia" sister has a secret that has made her harbor a secret that is costly to her sister's hope to make a go of the inn. Escaping an abusive relationship of course makes her skittish of all men and opening up to allow another in. Isn't that always when love tries to find you?

I have about 2 more hours on my audiobook that I will finish up later today and get my review up; so we will be good to roll :)

Completion Post
Space: 15

The Broken Girls by Simone St. James
Pages: 338
Date Read: 10/1
Rating: 4*
How It Fits: Standalone

Review
This is only the second novel I’ve read by this author it didn’t disappoint. Although tagged as horror it reads more like s thriller with a hint of mystery and a touch of romance. A story set in two time periods and multiple POV’s that blends seamlessly into a story that keeps you hooked to the last page.

Week 2 Completion Post: Spot 15


Game Changer by Rachel Reid 334 pgs/GR
Book #1 Game Changers series

Finished 10/1/20
Rating 3.5 stars
Review: a new to me author that was recommended to me so I figured I'd give it a whirl. I listened to the audio and one of the MC's voices didn't gel with me ...but I figure that's on me and my ears :) Anyway, cute relatively low angst book that was kind of too long for how soon the MC's get together. Scott was trying to find his groove again on the ice when he happened into the smoothie shop where Kip is working. They start secretly dating as Scott is closeted and afraid to come out. Angst and drama from the secrecy of dating which is all fun and games at the start but gets old really quick for Kip. Super sweet how Scott goes about fixing it. I liked the secondary characters - not sure if we'll see them again in the next book as it appears it will be about players on different teams. I am looking forward to the next book as my friend really wanted me to read that one but my book OCD doesn't always allow me to read out of order, lol.

Week 3 dice roll is 9. Current spot 24. Alternate option cover: white.

I'll be reading The A-List

The cover looks more than 50% white to me but if it isn't I can pick another

I’m reading Return to the Sky (Above the Sky #2) or Unravel the Dusk (The Blood of Stars #2).

Steph wrote: "I'll be reading The A-List

The cover looks more than 50% white to me but if it isn't I can pick another"

Definitely white enough. :)

Pretty sure I'll be going with
[ book:Heated Rivalry|41735449] #2 in Game Changers series. I'll know for sure tomorrow after my MM Bingo call later today :)

Week 3 Tracking Post
Spot: 24

✔️Melissa’s Review Post
✔️Steph’s Review Post
✔️Talia’s Review Post
✔️Louise’s Review Post
✔️Plethora’s Review Post
✔️Geri’s Review Post

Week 3 Completion Post: Spot 24


Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
How it fits: #2 in Game Changers series

[ book:Heated Rivalry|41735449]

Finished 10/3/20 5 stars
Review: loved loved loved this one. I ended up reading instead of doing the audio. I couldn't put it down I stayed up way too late and my eyes were going blurry, lol. I finished this up this morning when I woke up. I really loved this enemy to lovers story. Ilya and Shane meet at the World Junior Hockey Championships when they are seventeen. Shane stays to meet Ilya after his practice. This one sentence sums up Ilya when his parents ask what he's like: "He is kind of a dick." They are both vying to be the number one hockey draft pick the following year. You can only have one number one pick. Shane is pissed when it is Ilya but he is impressed with his skill. They have a rivalry that is started from this and certainly played up in the news/media coverage as they are drafted by teams that will be playing against each other. This is very much a slow progression over many years and we have two characters who basically don't even really talk to each other- they hook up when they are in the same town and then immediately go back to their lives. They are both closeted - Shane more so as Ilya is bi and Shane realizes (over time) he is gay. In the beginning I was wishing we got more of Ilya's perspective but by the end I was glad that we didn't get so much of him. He definitely has a total dick personality but somehow when these two finally get together with feelings instead of just hate f*cking it was sweet. So many feels with this book. I loved it! I may even try to listen to the audio at some point as I've heard the narration for this one was good - I'd love to hear Ilya talking/ordering Shane around.

~Melissa~ wrote: "Week 3 Completion Post: Spot 24


Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
How it fits: #2 in Game Changers series

[ book:Heated Rivalry|41735449]

Finish..."

It’s great when you find a book to enjoy like this. 🙂

Going to be reading #2 Spindle cove

Week 3 - Spot 24

Book: Return to the Sky by J.W. Lynne
Qualification: Above the Sky #2
Date read: 10/04/20
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: Book 2 starts right where Book 1 ended, and we get to see Seven live the life that she had been assigned originally, living with Nine and working as a doctor. Meanwhile, things don’t go quite according to plan on Six’s end and she ends up being captured by the Outsiders before even making it back to the Warriors�� home base. It was interesting to see how Seven and Six adapted to their new environments, and a few more secrets were revealed. This was a fun, easy read, and I’m looking forward to reading more in the series.

Geri wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: "Week 3 Completion Post: Spot 24


Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
How it fits: #2 in Game Changers series

It’s great when you find a book to enjoy like this. 🙂..."

Totally but makes me nervous for book #3 though, lol

Completion Post

Week 3

Spot: 24
Book: Rainshadow Road - Lisa Kleypas
Qualification: book 2 in Friday Harbor series
Finished: 10/4
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️

Review:

I am enjoying this series. The MCs were sweet together. They made me laugh at times. But Lucy’s sister, Alice, was so annoyingly self centered. Fortunately, she wasn’t a big part of the book. The next book features the most interesting brother to me. I am looking forward to that!

Completion Post
Week 3
Spot 24
Book: The A-List
Qualification: White Cover
Finished: 10/5/2020
Rating: 3 stars
Review:
I was hoping this book would draw me in like Gossip Girl did with the drama and suspense of the lavish lives of the rich and famous. Unfortunately it wasn't anything special and it was beyond predictable. It was easy to get through which is where the 3 stars comes in.

Ugh. These no notifications is killing me....

Completely forgot to pop in here for what I needed.

But lucky me. I am working on a #2 so I'm covered...

Completion Post
Space: 24


A Week to Be Wicked bybTessa Dare
Pages: 430
Date Read: 10/7
Rating: 3*
How It Fits: Spindle Cove #2

This was quite a fun light hearted read although not of the same caliber as Erica Ridley or Julia Quinn. I found Minerva to be a refreshing heroine brought out of her shell by the rake Colin. The tales Colin weaves on their journey to Scotland were amusing and often had me thinking that they will be found out. I’ll need to go back to the beginning of this series so as to enjoy it in its entirety

Completion Post
Week 3: Spot 24


Book: Witches' Secrets
Author: Morgana Best
Pages: 288
Fits: # 2 in the Witches and Wine series

Date Read: 10/08/2020
Rating: 4
Review: I'm having fun with this new cozy series I found. The MC had just learned in book 1 she is a vampire by blood and has no idea what the paranormal world has to offer. As she tries to navigate finding out about Vampires and Shifter Wolves from her aunts who don't like to be forthcoming with information there is yet another murder to solve at the B&B she is helping her aunts revive.

Week 4 dice roll is 10. Current spot 34. Alternate option seasonal theme like Christmas or Halloween.

I know The Haunting of Hill House is horror, but would that qualify for Halloween?

Steph wrote: "I know The Haunting of Hill House is horror, but would that qualify for Halloween?"


Yep - here are the rules for Halloween
�� Halloween Bonus: One point can be earned for reading a Horror/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book for the roll on 10/30

I’ve seen the call and am going with #3 Game Changers series Tough Guy


[ book:Tough Guy|51838143]

~Melissa~ wrote: "I’ve seen the call and am going with #3 Game Changers series Tough Guy


[ book:Tough Guy|51838143]"

Melissa - Are you trying to earn the read 3 books in a series or read an entire series?

I will be reading book 3 in the Friday Harbor series. There are 4 books in the series. And I plan to read them all. So I can earn the read a complete series or 3 books in a series bonus point. Hopefully, I got that right. That a complete series bonus point can be earned for reading at least 4 books.

~Melissa~ wrote: "Steph wrote: "I know The Haunting of Hill House is horror, but would that qualify for Halloween?"


Yep - here are the rules for Halloween
�� Halloween Bonus: One point can be earned f..."

Awesome, thanks!

I’ll be reading Part of the Sky (Above the Sky #3).

Geri wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: "I’ve seen the call and am going with #3 Game Changers series Tough Guy


[ book:Tough Guy|51838143]"

Melissa - Are you trying to earn the read 3 bo..."

I was planning on doing all four in the series to earn the series point for us. I plan to read a PNR book for week of Halloween as well (as can anyone else on the team - I just always try to read a horror or PNR book the week of Halloween every year 😊)
I know that I won’t be able to do the over 500 pg book during the challenge.

Omg - the beginning of this book totally cracked me up 🤣 (which makes me feel kind of bad because I’m not sure that is what the author was going for)

Geri wrote: "~Melissa~ wrote: "I’ve seen the call and am going with #3 Game Changers series Tough Guy


[ book:Tough Guy|51838143]"

Melissa - Are you trying to earn the read 3 bo..."


Sorry - I missed the second part of your question when I answered above.


Here are the ways to earn the bonus points you were asking about..

�� One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series.

�� One point can be earned for starting and finishing a series. There must be at least 4 books in that series. Series + spin-off totalling ��4 books also counts. For series with >9 books, point will be awarded for reading books 1-9. For still ongoing series, all books published to date (OR up to #9 in longer series) must be read.~ No re-reads on this one.


If both of us read our 4 book series - we can use one for one of the points and the other series for the other one. The full series read has to be at least 4 books. The other one has to be (3) in the series and I don’t think it matters what 3 - like they don’t have to be in a row. Hopefully that made sense

Yes, that makes sense. So either way we earn a point. It doesn’t matter to me which I claim. We’ll earn the 3 in a series next week.

I agree it will be fun to read a paranormal for Halloween.

Week 4 Tracking Post
Spot: 34

✔️Melissa’s Review Post
✔️Steph’s Review Post
✔️Talia’s Review Post
✔️Louise’s Review Post
✔️Plethora’s Review Post
✔️Geri’s Review Post

Week 4: Spot 34 Completion Post

Tough Guy by Rachel Reid
#3 Game Changers series
262 pgs/GR
Finished 10/10/20 4 stars

Review: third book in the series is Ryan Price's story. It was nice that nobody was closeted in this book. I've read a few too many of those recently. He is the huge, muscular enforcer for the Toronto Guardians. He is shy and quiet and is dealing with the aftermath of a meltdown from his previous season. He rarely becomes friends with his teammates.
He reconnects with Fabian Salah, the son of a family he stayed with during high school. Fabian is an aspiring musician who doesn't follow hockey at all. This was an extremely sweet story after all the tension from Ilya and Shane's story. These two were cute together. We deal with Ryan's anxiety, parts of Ryan dealing with his anxiety in the beginning of the book cracked me up. It was sweet to see how Fabian helps Ryan deal with his anxiety. Ryan figures out that he really hasn't been enjoying hockey for a while now. We get a glimpse of Ilya and Shane as well. It appears (so far) all books overlap in timing - so we hear about Ilya and Shane's foundation announcement during this one. Looking forward to the next book that appears to be about the bartender, Kyle, we met during the first book.


[ book:Tough Guy|51838143]

Completion Post

Week 4

Spot: 34
Book: Dream Lake
Qualification: book 3 in Friday Harbor series
Finished: 10/11
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️

Review:

Alex Nolan was definitely the brother most troubled by his past. And he was haunted, both literally and figuratively. Specifically by a ghost named Tom. So this book worked on several levels for me during the month of Halloween. The romance was sweet. And there was more angst due to Alex’s drinking and low self esteem. And not feeling like he deserved a good relationship. But I did enjoy this romance.

Completion Post
Week 4
Spot 34
Book: The Haunting of Hill House
Qualification: Halloween
Finished: 10/13
Rating: 2 stars

Review
Im not sure if I had too high of expectations or what, but to me this was definitely a 2 star book in regards to the horror genre. I understand the psychological aspect of the book, but I was just expecting more. I wanted to feel even a little scared or creeped out while reading, and I just didn't feel anything except bored. 2 stars because it wasn't too hard to get through, but it just wasn't that good.

Selection Post
Week 4: Spot 34


Book: Latte Trouble
Author: Cleo Coyle
Pages: 243
Fits: # 3 of Coffeehouse Mystery Series

Completion Post - Week 4
Space: 34

Can't Help Falling in Love by Bella Andre
Pages: 200
How It Fits: The Sullivan’s #3

Review:
This is the 3rd installment in the Sullivans series this time is the story of Gabe and Megan. Gabe is a firefighter who rescued Megan and her daughter from an apartment fire. Megan is a young widow with a 7 year old daughter whose fighter pilot husband died in a tragic accident. As they both battle their growing attraction to each other we see them battling their own demons to realize that love means taking risks. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.

Just a quick update. I'll be reading my book a lot tonight but I might not finish until tomorrow morning. I'll post an updated ETA tomorrow morning if I haven't posted my completion post by then.

Completion Post
Week 4: Spot 34


Book: Latte Trouble
Author: Cleo Coyle
Pages: 243
Fits: # 3 of Coffeehouse Mystery Series
Read: 10/14/2020
Rating: 3.5
Review: Another solid entry into this series. This is an earlier one, I've read much later in the series as well. I always wish Madame would play a bigger role, as she just cracks me up. This one still has her just flittering with the local detective and trying to break from the ex that likes to throw on the charm that snagged her to begin with. As always Claire finds herself trying to clear someone's name that she knowns has to be innocent and finds herself skirting around danger.

Talia wrote: "Just a quick update. I'll be reading my book a lot tonight but I might not finish until tomorrow morning. I'll post an updated ETA tomorrow morning if I haven't posted my completion post by then."

No problem. Thanks for letting me know!

Completion Post
Week 4 - Spot 34

Book: Part of the Sky by J.W. Lynne
Qualification: Above the Sky #3
Date read: 10/15/20
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: In the third installment of this dystopian series, Seven is trying to get back into warrior mode, having to go to physical therapy and counseling sessions to help her recover from the kidnapping that the Commander thinks she underwent. Ten hacks further into the security system and discovers a secret meeting that several warriors are covertly attending. Meanwhile, there seems to be a crackdown on spies going on, (view spoiler)[so Jackie is worried she’ll be caught (hide spoiler)].

As with the first two books in this series, there were twists and revelations here that I wasn’t expecting, so the book held my interest. However, I did find myself getting a tad bored with it as I think I’m just ready to move on to another story. I’m glad there is only one more book in this series. I’ll read it as there were some curious points in this book that I hope will be clarified or explained in the next book.