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Week 9 - Roll 5; Space 69
Book: Cherry Bomb by J.A. Konrath
Series #6
Read: 9/14/16
Rating: ★★★★
Review
I love these books. So the last book, Fuzzy Navel, ended in the biggest cliff-hanger ever! And the VERY FIRST SENTENCE in this book ends that cliff hanger and kills you.
Jack and gang are still chasing damn Alex, only this time Jack is going off the book and risking her carrier. I actually started liking Harry in this one and of course I was always a fan of Phin.
Every book, a character has the book's namesake drink. But in this one:
"It's never too early to drink. Have a whiskey sour. Or a bloody Mary."
"Don't want one."
"Then a rusty nail. You used to drink those."
"That's too strong. I'll be passed out by dinner."
"Get a foo-foo drink then. Try a fuzzy navel."
"What's in it?"
"Orange juice and peach schnapps."
"That's too foo-foo. I'd have to drink ten of them to feel anything. Maybe I'll have a dirty martini."
"Good," I said. "I was running out of drink names."
But don't worry! Later on:
"We're having such fun! They make a drink called a cherry bomb. We've been drinking them all morning."
I love it! :-D
Mod
Review Posts
³§³Ü²Ô²õ³ó¾±²Ô±ð✰✰âœ� - (#6) Cherry Bomb - Post 152
Kay (Brigidsmomma) - (#9) Sweet Hide and Seek - Post 148
Shelby - (#) - Post ???
Do..."
I updated post 150 with my review.
I've read my book. I just got home though and I'm exhausted. I will post tomorrow for sure. :)
Completion Post (Original book did not come in on time, so I went with a Plan B book. :) )Week 9 - Roll 5; Space 69
{Read Series #6, #4, #64 OR Alt: Priority Read }
Book:
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Criteria: on the Priority Reads list
Pages: 246
Start Date: 9-13-2016
End date: 9-14-2016
Rating: 4*
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. There were some sad and dark times discussed that Maya Angelou went through. I can't even begin to imagine what growing up in her shoes would have really been like. I'm glad to see that she has overcome many of the problems she was dealing with. Maybe the main reason I loved this book so much was that I listened to the audio version read by the talented author herself. I have always loved her voice, her annunciations, her inflections, the ways she pauses at just the right time...I think it's like listening to the soft breezes that cross over Heaven's beautiful meadows.
On a sidenote - I didn't realize this was book #1 of her autobiography. I think there are 6 books altogether?!?
Shelby, just a reminder to post your review.
Week 9Starfish and Coffee by Kele Moon
How Fits: On Priority Reads List
Read: (9/11)
Rating: ★★★★�
I worried for a bit when this went into flashbacks that it was going to drive me nuts, but it actually really worked. Knowing these two's history was necessary for the story to move forward. This flowed really smoothly and took us along on the ride and how the past mistakes drove these men apart.
The story starts with Matt and Alex meeting again for the first time after six years. Both men are in the closet for varying reasons, and neither has come out in the years since their relationship ended, but neither have either of them moved on. It quickly rolls back in time to their first real encounter when Matt took a summer job at the dive restaurant that Alex works out of even though he's the cross island royalty and money to spare. Alex resents him at first for all that he has, and his deigning to come disrupt Alex's little world. But as Matt guts it out and really attempts to make the job work the attraction between them grows.
I liked this story a lot. There was a great sweetness to these characters and their relationship together, with some pretty sexy times thrown in. ;) These are two young men still struggling to find their way and unsure of their identities. Their past mistakes with each other haunt them for six years and push them to try to right what went wrong. I heartily enjoyed this story.
Week 10Selection Post:
Criteria: Book 7 of the Libby Sarjeant Series
Pages: 334
Start Date: 9/16/16
End Date:
Rating:
Final Thoughts:
Week 10 Selection PostAlt: 2009 ~ Shelved 194 times as 2009
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Week 10Completion Post:
Criteria: Book 7 of the Libby Sarjeant Series
Pages: 334
Start Date: 9/16/16
End Date: 9/18/16
Rating: 4 stars
Final Thoughts:
I liked this one. I really enjoy the books in this series as they are all British and rather intellectual in how they are written. I love all the investigating and the weird way things seem to crop up that are all inter-related. It was nearly halfway thru the book before Fran got involved this time, and by then, I'd already figured out part of the mystery, although not the whole thing. There are a lot of different things all going on at once, but all are inter-connected in ways that just don't seem possible at first. A really good read, and another one in the plus column for this series...
Mod
Read Series #7, #5, #75 OR Alt: 2009
The Maze Runner
Criteria: published in 2009
Pages:386
Date Read: 9/22/16
My Rating:4 star
Review:
Wow! This book was definitely interesting. It is fast paced and keeps you guessing about what is really going on. It is apparent that these poor kids have no idea what is in store for them. I am really interested in what happens next. The little hint at the end of the book has me intrigued.
Donna wrote: "Week 10 - Roll 6; Space 75Read Series #7, #5, #75 OR Alt: 2009
"
I was thinking of reading that! It's a toss up between that and
. :-)
Looks like it wont be much longer team. This coming week's roll will probably be the last one. Team 12 is on Spot 92, so they are right by the finish line
Mod
Read Series #7, #5, #75 OR Alt: 2009
"
I was thinking of reading that! It's a toss up between that and [bookcover:Fr..."
ooh I love the vampire academy books! I chain read them all in 1 week. I was sad when I finished all of them and had no more to read- LOL.
Completion PostWeek 10 - Roll 6; Space 75;
Read Series #7, #5, #75 OR Alt: 2009
Book:
The Thirteenth Taleby Diane Setterfield
Criteria: Shelved 194 times as 2009
Pages: 406
Start Date: 9-18-2016
End date: 9-19-2016
Rating: 4*
Final Thoughts: I thought this was a great book! The author really drew me in and kept me wanting more and more. The notion of twins has always been interesting to me and The Thirteenth Tale has them in spades. You do need to really keep up with who's who up to the very end. I did find myself doing a double take even though I thought I was doing a good job of paying attention. I loved the author's writing style and word choice. It really flowed well. I would recommend this one to anyone!
Week 10Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs
How Fits: List: 2009
Read: (9/22)
Rating: ★★★★�
So there were a lot of things I really liked about this book, but it didn't quite step up to the wowing me love. I'll round up for GR purposes, but this was 4.5 stars overall for me.
I do really love Mercy's characterization in this series. I love that she recognizes her own weakness, yet is determined to rise about them and triumph. She doesn't back down from a challenge, but is smart about how she handles it. She's daring and a bit reckless, but never to the detriment of another, at least if it's within her control. One tough woman, and exactly the type of female lead I really enjoy. This book starts with her still reeling (understandably) from the events of the previous book. Mercy's not one hundred percent mentally stable, nor should she be. I liked that she acknowledged the weakness in herself but never let it control her. She was going to find a way to triumph over it.
I think one of my favorite parts of this book was the movement that was made between Mercy and Adam in their relationship. Adam is patient and inpatient all at the same time. He understands Mercy's PTSD and doesn't want to push, but his alpha side is demanding he claim his mate. He's incredibly tender with her at times, but still manages to never really step on her independence. Adam really appreciates the fire that lives inside Mercy. He's just doing his damnedest to get her to admit that asking for help isn't a bad thing.
So Marsilia is back and she isn't very happy with Mercy. She's discovered what Mercy's done and is out for revenge. Now it's not just Mercy under threat, but any of Mercy's friends. Stefan is still the ambiguously gray area vampire that we know and love. He likes to think he's a lot more bad than he really is. But he's determined to protect Mercy at all cost. In the midst of it all one of Mercy's old college friends shows up on her doorstep claiming that after seeing her in the news she remembered that Mercy once talked of being able to see ghosts. It seems that her house is haunted and she wants Mercy to come and help.
I think my biggest problem with this story comes because of exactly that description, the two competing storylines didn't seem to mesh well together. Sure some of the events were utilized to move things along, but those transitions felt forced. The blending of the two storylines never felt organic to me. I could appreciate both plots for what they were and where they took Mercy, but together in the same book they felt disjointed.
I do think though that Mercy's interactions with one little deaf boy struggling with a ghost were brilliant. I loved him as a character, Chad's vulnerability called to Mercy, but underneath he had a core of steel to handle everything he does. Their ghost hunting scene in the book was just brilliant. I would love to see him become a reoccurring character. I just really loved their interactions.
The growth for Adam and Mercy, and for Stefan as well were the best parts of this book (outside Chad ;)). The mystery style plot points fell a little flat for me, but still moved the story along in an admirable way. Definitely will keep reading this series. :)
Week 10 - Roll 6; Space 75
Book: Frostbite by Richelle Mead
Alt: Pg 3
Read: 9/23/16
Rating: ★★★★
Review
I really like this series. Granted, this is only book 2 but I couldn't put it down. Rose is a little more grown up. There wasn't as much of Lissa and I felt she came off as meak & weak in this one. I hope she shines more in the next book. Rose had so much she was dealing with, with her mother, Dimitri, Mason, and Lissa. No wonder the poor girl has so much drama!
Week 9 - Roll 5; Space 69Review Posts
³§³Ü²Ô²õ³ó¾±²Ô±ð✰✰âœ� - (Alt) Frostbite - Post 170
Kay (Brigidsmomma) - (#7) Murder Imperfect - Post 163
Shelby - (Alt.) Bone Crossed - Post 169
Donna - (Alt) The Maze Runner - Post 164
~Michelle~ - (Alt.) The Thirteenth Tale - Post 168
New Roll:Week 11 - Roll 7; Space 82
Read Series #8, #2, #82 OR Alt: Cover: Yellow/Gold
Team 12 Steps to the Top has rolled a 10 putting them on spot 102 this week
I take that back team....maybe.Team 12 used their free pass this roll. You are not allowed to use your free pass if you roll past spot 100. So they have to wait until they get all their reviews in and reroll. So we could possibly get another week in!
We DO get another week, and I think this knocks Team 12 out, period. Regardless, there are now a number of other teams who are within striking distance, so this will most likely be our last week. Still, we get to continue reading together, for which I am thankful!
Week 11, Spot 82Completion Post:
Criteria: Alternate Selection: Cover: Yellow/Gold
Pages: 191
Start Date: 9/23/16
End Date: 9/23/16
Rating: 4 stars
Final Thoughts:
This was an interesting read. Not something I would normally choose; it's set in the 1940's - 50's and the main character is a 14 year old boy. Still, it was well written, and well thought out, and the protagonist has a mind like like a steel trap, and a good set of little grey cells, even if he does have a bad ticker. I'll give it a solid 4, but not a 5 as it really did feel a bit out of reality for a 14 year old to be solving a murder that the adults had no clue about.
Mod
Read Series #8, #2, #82 OR Alt: Cover: Yellow/Gold
Bookcover:
Title:The Scorch Trials
Criteria: book 2 in the maze runner series
Pages:368
Date read:9/28/16
My rating:4 stars
Review:
This series really just messes with your head. It draws you in and keeps you hanging in there waiting for the next disaster to strike. The things that are done to these kids is extreme but you just can't stop reading. I honestly can't pinpoint what it is that I like about this book. It is twisted and full of surprises and cliffhangers. What else can they possibly put these kids through? I will definitely be reading on to find out what happens next.
Week 11 - Roll 7; Space 82
Book: Hatshepsut's Collar by A.W. Exley
Series: #2
Read: 9/26/16
Rating: ★★★★
Review
So, now, Nate and Cara are a couple. But it's easier to love someone then it is to live with them. Especially when they have a secret that changes the whole scope of the relationship. I understand Nate's motives and even applaud. I also understand Cara's anger and hurt, but really? Considering how their relationship has been, I think running away would be a little over dramatic.
I love everybody in this book. Nate, Cara, Loki, Miguel, Jackson.... and Natalie. I'm glad Cara actually has a friend who gets her. I hope she shows up more. You can really see the loyalty, respect and sense of family they all have. Can't wait for the next adventure!
Completion PostWeek 11 - Roll 7; Space 82
Read Series #8, #2, #82 OR Alt: Cover: Yellow/Gold
Book:
The Front Porch Prophetby Raymond L. Atkins
Criteria: Yellow Cover
Pages: 308
Start Date: 9-27-2016
End Date: 9-28-2016
Rating: 4*
Final Thoughts: I found a little hidden gem this week! As a Georgian myself, how have I never heard of this book...or even this author? Atkins could rank right up there with the best of them in my opinion. He has a wonderful style!
The story itself is funny and sad - sometimes being both at the same time. Two friends are dealing with the death of one of them and with the other trying to help him along with it. You meet quite a group of characters along the way!
If you are from Georgia or have ever spent any time in the North Georgia Mountains, you will immediately recognize the picture being painted for you in The Front Porch Prophet. This one hits the nail on the head.
Hi Team. I am leaving super early tomorrow morning to drive to Maryland for a competition my husbands in this weekend (we live in Vermont). Therefore I won't be able to do our check in and roll. If someone can please do that for us. As of right now, it looks like we just need Shelby's review. :-)
Just finished my book. I've just got to write my review. Should have it posted shortly.
Week 11An Eye for an Eye by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
How Fits: Series #2
Read: (9/29)
Rating: ★★�
I find this series really strange to read after the Assassin/Shifter series. Knowing that the author actually wrote this series first makes sense with the style of the writing. But it's published after having been immersed in the author's later writings, where her style solidifies and improves. The style here is much more simplistic than even her other series' and the soap opera style it's modeled after is incredibly apparent. It works better on screen than it does in novel form. While I know these have been edited from those early manuscripts, I don't feel like a lot of stylistic, content changes happened in those edits, and these feel like earlier writings.
This book is a mishmash of characters alright. Having every single one of the Youngblood children hooking up (sometimes with several different people) over the course of one book is enough to make your head spin. It was hard to remember at times who everyone was and what their standing with the family was. But ultimately the only relationship I really found myself caring about in an sort of deeper way was Heath and Caleb. There's a lot of jumping around from couple to couple, both MM and MF, and it felt more like short vignette's at times rather than one smooth flowing story.
The external plot was mildly interesting, but wasn't that big a part of the book as a whole. I did enjoy the way the kids all dove in and kicked butt when their Dad's were threatened. But all in all this isn't my favorite book in the Gasq-Dion pantheon of books. I will continue to read the series, because I just can't help myself, but I do hope the next book has a little more substance to it.
Did we roll for week 12? The game is not over until the winning team posts their reviews... and we need to post reviews as well...
I posted asking if someone could do it this week. I'm currently 6 hours in on a car ride to MD and only have access on my phone so can't do links.
Mod
I was just dropping by to check that out too, Donna. I looked at the Post Your Spot thread and there's a congratulations post for Team 12 on 9-29 and nothing after that. So I guess that means they won?I'll be in New Orleans this week and needed to know if I was going to have to plan time to get in a quick read and review or not.
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
An Eye for an Eye (other topics)An Eye for an Eye (other topics)
The Front Porch Prophet (other topics)
Hatshepsut's Collar (other topics)
The Scorch Trials (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Sandrine Gasq-Dion (other topics)Raymond L. Atkins (other topics)
A.W. Exley (other topics)
Richelle Mead (other topics)
Patricia Briggs (other topics)
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Review Posts
³§³Ü²Ô²õ³ó¾±²Ô±ð✰✰âœ� - (#6) Cherry Bomb - Post 152
Kay (Brigidsmomma) - (#9) Sweet Hide and Seek - Post 148
Shelby - (Alt.) Starfish and Coffee - Post 158
Donna - (#6) United We Spy - Post 150
~Michelle~ - (Alt.) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Post 155