The Challenge Factory discussion

Tamie-lee wrote: "Sorry, I stopped doing selection posts because I kept changing my mind and switching to different books, or I couldn't find a copy of the book I selected (I tend to choose a book on Goodreads first..."

Tami, you CAN change books as often as you need to. Just update your selection posts. I don’t want you to feel “tied” to a book that sucks. Life is too short, if you need to throw out a book and get a new audiobook, I say do so!

And “4” 😩😩😩😩

Tamie-lee wrote: "I'll try and stick to my selection posts from now on :)"

On a sidenote, your SS team would probably appreciate that as well... ;)

Ez - we can change to 45 or 46 if it's easier for you. I know sometimes those points get saved for the end, but really adding those numbers anywhere in the competition does the same thing, I'd think.

Yes please. Either 45

Ok! I'll post that in the Post your spot. :)

Thank you....

Have we earned the bonus point for a number and alternative read yet?
I’m considering listening to , Book 5, which also happens to be an LGBT book.
(Alternative Read)
Have we earned that bonus point yet?

I looked back through our thread, Suzanne earned that one for us already.

Denise wrote: "I looked back through our thread, Suzanne earned that one for us already."

Thanks

Selection Post
Spot: 45

Book: The Magpie Lord by K.J. Charles
Qualification: LGBTQ
Pages: 200

Thanks for looking that up, Denise. And Ezinwanyi - your question made me realize I need to track those in an accessible way - I'm sorry I didn't think of that before - not sure why I didn't. Anyway, I'll try to put the bonus point tracking into our weekly post, so it is easily accessible

Tamie-lee wrote: "Selection Post
Spot: 45
"

I hope you enjoy this one!

Week 6: Roll 1
Spot: 45

Book: The Midnight House by Alex Berenson
Qualification: John Wells #4
Pages: 384
Finished: 24 Oct 2020
Rating: ★★★★

Review:
Wells is summoned to Langley to participate in an off-the-books mission that is unusual even for him. It appears that someone is taking out members of a secret interrogation squad that was stationed at a black site in Poland dubbed the Midnight House (and we all know what "interrogation" and "black site" mean), and Wells and Shafer are charged with finding the killer. While revenge by a former detainee seems the most likely motive, the trail soon leads somewhere else entirely - somewhere a lot closer to home.

If ever there was a murder mystery in which the murder victims well and truly had it coming, this is it. Another gripping read, and the lack of irritating romance subplot made this a better read for me than the previous books.

SELECTION Post (Week 6)
Roll 1: Spot 45

Title: The Spiral Down by Aly Martinez
Qualification: LGBT
Pages: 303 pages

Completion Post - Week 6 Roll 1
Spot 45

Book: Age of Legend by Michael J. Sullivan
Qualification: Legends of the Lost Empire #4
Pages 361
Rating 4 stars
Review: This is the 4th book in the Legends of the First Empire series. Each of the first 3 came to a pretty good resolution, but this one ended on more of a cliffhanger (the author does warn about that at the start though). This story follows the years after the big battle, with all of the aftermath, and the continuing war. I'm really glad the next two books are published so I can finish the series. It's hard to review a middle book in the series because much has happened, some characters are gone, and some are still developing wonderfully. I especially liked two of the relationships. There isn't as much humor as in some of the previous books in the series, but I kind of think it wouldn't have fit in this one. I'm really interested in seeing what happens!

I hate to say it, but I'm just absolutely worn out and need to get to bed. If someone is around tonight or tomorrow morning when all our reviews are in, feel free to roll (and I can do the checkin stuff in the morning).

Otherwise, I'll roll tomorrow =)

COMPLETION Post (Week 6)
Roll 1: Spot 45

Title: The Spiral Down by Aly Martinez
Qualification: LGBT
Pages: 303 pages
Read: 10/24
Rating & Review: 4-stars
Evan the pilot got the gig of a lifetime to be the private pilot of a rock star Henry Alexander. Even though they were attracted to each other, they were both looking for something else. This is a book where what you want isn’t necessarily what you need.
Evan was a lot clearer on what he wanted because he didn’t want to give certain parts of his heart to anyone after his last love left him. Henry just enjoyed “flipping” straight men as a power trip. Their interaction forced them to re-examine what they were doing and what they should be doing.

The chemistry was great. Their past as interesting. The author added great supporting characters and lots of sexy scenes. Rockstars always get down dirty so Henry and Evan were hot. I enjoyed this story

I'm around, can roll if necessary. :)

Thx Ezi, that was fast! :D

Wow Ezi - that was for sure quick!

I'm around now and feel much better! These long work weeks are killing me. Whoever wants to roll is welcome to, but I'll keep an eye out for Tamie-Lee's post :)

Ha. I actually started listening to it after Denise reminded me that we already had credit for the bonus LGBT plus spot number. So I changed my book from .

I’m trying to get all my Audible Escape books out of the way since it’s ending in November 1

That's such a good idea. I feel like most of them arent showing up on that other 'unlimited' plan they started.

I did send Tamie Lee a message a couple hours ago. but it's the middle off the night there so I am not sure when we will hear back.

Ezinwanyi wrote: "I’m trying to get all my Audible Escape books out of the way since it’s ending in November 1"

I've been doing some of that too, with the result that I've now kinda overdosed on random romance audios and am eyeing the few I have left with a bit of an "Oh, must I?" feeling. XD

Completion Post -
Week 6 Roll 1
Spot 45

Book: The Magpie Lord by K.J. Charles
Qualification: LGBTQ
Pages 210
Rating 4 stars
Review:
This was an entertaining read. Crane originally comes off as a bit of an arrogant douchebag, so basically your typical rich victorian lordling, while Stephen struck me as the boring businessman type to begin with, neither of them very likeable. The way they work together though made the story, they're both so at odds and have such different personalities, but their differences work together so well. I also liked the power dynamic, or lack of, in that Crane comes across as the dominant personality, but it never seemed like Stephen was just a side-kick.
Overall, even though this is rated romance with erotica/explicit sex warnings, that was a smaller part to a much larger plot that reads more like a cozy fantasy mystery than an erotic romance. The sex is minimal and could easily just be skipped if that's not your thing. The relationship dynamics were believable and well done, a pleasant change from the borderline/outright mental abuse of a lot of romance genre relationships.

Phew I thought I was going to miss the deadline because the Goodreads site stopped working for me and wouldn't let me post my review, but it's working now (Yay!) I can finally go to bed!

Oh yay! yes - get some sleep. You are such a champ to keep trying! Thanks Tamie-lee! You really went the extra mile

Week 6 Roll ` (Sunday)
Roll: 5
Previous Spot: 45
New Spot: 50

Task:
#5 in series
Standalone

Alternate: Cover blue

Reviews
Denise Light a Penny Candle ** Long Book bonus point
Suzanne Heart-Shaped Box
Ezinwanyi Love and Let Die
Tamie-LeeFahrenheit 451

Total Bonus points earned: 2
Bonus points this week: 1 for Denise's LONG book
Bonus points used: 1

Bonus Point Tracking
(view spoiler)[
✸ One point can be earned for reading three or more books in a series. Earned by Suzenne Magical Bookstore series and Tamie Lee - Murderbot
✸ One point can be earned for reading a book with >500 pages.
✸ 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. Denise is working on this one
✸ 2 in 1: One point can be earned for reading a book that fits both the series number and the alternate for the spot you are on.
Earned Week 1 - earned week 1
✸ One point can be earned for never picking a book from the alternate lists. This point is awarded when your team rolls past 90.
✸ Halloween Bonus: One point can be earned for reading a Horror/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book for the roll on 10/30.

(hide spoiler)]

SELECTION POST
Spot: 50

Book: Light a Penny Candle by Maeve Binchy
Qualification: Standalone
Pages: 832

Wow Denise - you're amazing. That's a giant book!

Is this the week we have to earn our Halloween bonus?

Suzanne wrote: "Wow Denise - you're amazing. That's a giant book!"

I'll start it tomorrow and see how quickly I get through it, might have to switch to something a little less ambitious if it turns out to be slow going! XD

Ezinwanyi wrote: "Is this the week we have to earn our Halloween bonus?"

Yep, with the Thursday roll though.

SELECTION Post (Week 6)
Roll 2: Spot 50

Title: Love and Let Die by Lexi Blake
Qualification: Masters and Mecenaries #5 AND it's Blue~Alternative choice
Pages: 324 pages

Week 6: Roll 2
Spot: 50

Book: Light a Penny Candle by Maeve Binchy
Qualification: Standalone
Pages: 832
Finished: 27 Oct 2020
Rating: ★★

Review:
Eh, this was a waste of time. I don't mind the occasional bit of chicklit, and Maeve Binchy is such an immensely popular author I figured I might as well give her a try. Turns out that either her debut novel was very much the wrong place to start or, if it's indicative of the entertainment value of the rest of her work, I'd be well advised to stay away from it. Longwinded, predictable, and unspeakably dull - the tale of two decades of friendship between two whiny, useless, annoying women and their various romantic entanglements with even more useless, annoying, waste-of-space men. I was bored out of my mind. The best I can say for this book is that for this huge a brick, it was a fairly quick read despite being so interminably tedious.

* Bonus point earned: 500+ pages

Wow you really took one for the team there! Sorry it wasn't enjoyable for you!!

Completion Post - Week 6 Roll 2
Spot: 50
Book:
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
Qualification: Stand Alone
Pages: 389
Date Read: 10/27/20

Rating 4 stars

Review:
Another scary Halloween read. Josh is a former rock star who is still famous and rich. He's known to connect dark memorabilia, and when his assistant points out a ghost up for bid, Josh has to have it. The story immediately takes a dark turn. The ghost is scary and malicious, and as Josh discovers how they are connected, the tension increases. as does the damage. Josh's girlfriend "Georgia" is also involved, and I liked her character - I thought she'd be a total side character/arm candy at first, but she turned out to be really brave and involved. It was a good story, but I'll need to read some happy stuff so that I can sleep :)

Suzanne wrote: "Wow you really took one for the team there! Sorry it wasn't enjoyable for you!!"

Ah well, the occasional bad book just makes one appreciate the good ones more! :D

SELECTION Post (Week 6)
Roll 2: Spot 50

Title: Love and Let Die by Lexi Blake
Qualification: Masters and Mecenaries #5 AND it's Blue~Alternative choice
Pages: 324 pages
Read: 10/28
Rating & Review: 3.5 Stars
Ian, the master Dom of Sanctum, finally gets his day of reckoning with his "dead" wife Charlotte.
Charlotte "Charlie" was forced to betray her husband Ian in order to save her little sister. Charlie let Ian believe she was dead for five years but now she is ready to beg for his forgiveness and get him back. This battle to regain his trust took the whole book because Ian didn't want anyone to make a fool of him again. This book was a good addition to the series because it involved all of the other couples, friends and siblings. They all had to work together to protect Ian, Charlie and their whole network from Lawson.

Unfortunately I wasn't in a headspace to enjoy the BDSM aspect of this story and it is an integral part of this series. I do like that Ian made Charlie work to prove that she would chose him if she had to do it all over again. If you love stories with special agents, double agents, spies and international intrigue, this series continues to give the reader that and more.

I sent Tamie-Lee a message before I went to bed last night. Hopefully we'll hear from her early today. I do have class today 3 pm to 9 pm, so if it is during that time, one of you can feel free to roll. Otherwise, I'll roll when I get back.

Oh, and is there a time we should use the free pass (if needed)? Like when I get home at 9 (which is 10 central) Or should I wait til almost midnight? I mean, hopefully it's a non issue, but just in case :)

Midnight central is about when I get up, so doesn't matter to me. :D So far, Tamie-lee always had her review in on time, and I think the deadline's some time in the late afternoon for her if I remember correctly, so might as well wait.

Good, glad its fine to wait - I am pretty sure she'll get it in or tell me if it isn't happening.

Completion Post
Week 6 Roll 2
Spot: 50

Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Qualification: Stand Alone
Pages: 190
Date Read: 10/29/20
Rating: 5 stars
Review:
My only issue with this book is how many years it took me to get around to reading it. I can certainly see why this classic is on so many necessary reading lists.
The premise is fairly simple - in a dystopian future (or alternative present these days) free thinking is deemed detrimental to happiness, so books are banned and everyone is force-fed mindless TV and radio 24/7. But it gets a lot deeper and more complicated than that. Exploring freedom of thought, intellectualism, knowledge, awareness, and what our lives and relationships could be like without those things.
It's a book that makes you think. Now please excuse me while I go hug my bookcases..

Week 7 Roll 1 (Thursday) Rolled: 2 (Previous Spot: 50)
New Spot: 52

Task:#2 or #5 or #52 in series

Alternate Read: Cover Item: One person

Thanks for posting Tamie-Lee - and for rolling Ezinwanyi! hmm...if you rolled 1, our new spot is 51. If our new spot is 52, then you rolled 2? Let me know and I'll get us checked in.

Suzanne wrote: "Ezinwanyi! hmm...if you rolled 1, our new spot is 51. If our new spot is 52, then you rolled 2? Let me know and I'll get us checked in."

I rolled a 2. Sorry if I wasn't clear

Oh I think YOU were clear and my head is messed up - I'm so sorry. Now that I read it again, it is perfectly clear. Thanks for helping my poor head along.

(Somehow I saw Roll 1 (Thursday) and thought the roll was 1 - dur.)

See good thing you rolled instead of me - I doubt I could have counted the dots! Much less performed the addition and found the alternate read. So thank you!!

Selection Post: Spot 52


Looking for a Cowboy by Donna Grant
Pages: 368
How it fits: #5 in Heart of Texas series

This is the roll with which we can earn the Halloween bonus by reading a Horror/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book. Anyone planning on picking a book that works for this? I can if noone else has anything available, though it's not my preferred option for this spot.

Denise wrote: "This is the roll with which we can earn the Halloween bonus by reading a Horror/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book. Anyone planning on picking a book that works for this? I can if noone else has anythin..."

I should be able to, I'll have a look through my library's catalog and see if they have something that fits.