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R14: SS Team 5
Completion Post-Week 6Spot: 41
Book: If She Hid
Read: 3/6/23
Rating: 4
Review: I listened to the audiobook this time around and really enjoyed it. I could not figure out how the story was gonna end until the moment it actually happened. I think this book has been my favorite of the series so far. Still liking the way that Kate and DeMarco work together and how they also work off of each other. I like how Kates mind works and seeing her try to figure out not only the case but how to deal with everything happening in real life too
Y'all! I'm so sorry! I'm on vacation and totally lost track of what day it is. Post coming up.
Team 5 -- Week 7Previous Spot: 41
Roll: 5 + 5 = 10
New Spot: 51
Options:
Standalone
#1 in series
#5 in series
#51 in series
Cover: Red
Stacey -- The Final KO -- Review
Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) -- Stacey's Ex-Best Friend -- Review
Laura -- Murder at Haven's Rock -- Review
Donna -- Harley Merlin and the Broken Spell -- Review
Cindy -- If She Fled -- Review
Week 7 Selection Post
Stacey's Ex-Best Friend by Ann M. Martin
How it fits: Book #51 in 'The Baby-sitters Club' series
Stacey wrote: "Y'all! I'm so sorry! I'm on vacation and totally lost track of what day it is. Post coming up."I hope you are having a fabulous vacation!
Week 7 selection, spot 51
Fits: # 1 in series
Stacey just a heads up it was Donna not me that completed the bonus last week
Oops. Thanks. I'll fix it in the morning.
Mod
#5 in series
Week 7, Spot 51
Stacey's Ex-Best Friend by Ann M. Martin
Date Read: 3/11/23
How It Fits: #51 in 'The Baby-sitters Club' series
Pages: 160
Rating: ★★★
Review: A fine installment but not a favorite. I liked the plot of Stacey’s best friend from New York coming to visit and having some tension but the resolution was lackluster. Lainey was incredibly rude and unpleasant the entire time to Stacey and all the other girls so there should’ve been a big moment but there wasn’t. Other than that missed opportunity this was just okay.
Week 7, spot 51
Murder at Haven's Rock by Kelley Armstrong
Pages: 352
Read: March 12
Fits: book 1 in series
Rating: 3.5
Review: I was super happy to see this spin off series. Book 1 was a lot of set up and I enjoyed being back in Casey and Dalton's world and figuring out the killer but I missed the secondary characters. We have a sneak peek of a few of the secondary characters(not a surprise) but it will be fun to read book 2 and see how Haven's Rock exists and deals with their new neighbors!
[*book:Murder at Haven's Rock|60784588]
Week 7-Completion PostSpot: 51
Book: If She Fled by Blake Pierce
Read: 3/12/13
Fits: 5th book of series
Rating: 3
Review: I enjoyed this book of the series, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the previous book. I definitely couldn't figure out how the book was gonna play out and who was committing the murders. I think I was getting a little annoyed with how repetitive things can get in the book, like with Kate trying to balance work life with real life and things like that. I thought it was kind of crazy that they ended up catching a serial killer with 23 murders under his belt instead of just the 3 they knew. I would have liked to see more about all those murders and more of the killers background. Seems like a big thing to just come upon and not delve into any deeper.
Completion Post -- Week 7Spot: 51
Book: The Final KO
Completed: 3/16/23
How it Fits: #1 in Final Love
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I wasn't sure about this one as its an author I haven't read but is going to be at a signing I'm going to at the end of April. I found the writing to be choppy, and abrupt at times with little transitions. But I also enjoyed the heck out of the two main characters, and the MCs best friend who is the MC in the next book. I should mention there were a ton of formatting errors in the KU copy I read.
Laura wrote: "Week 7, spot 51Murder at Haven's Rock by Kelley Armstrong
Pages: 352
Read: March 12
Fits: book 1 in series
Rating: 3.5
Rev..."
I just finished the last of the previous series and am waiting for this at the library. I'm so happy that the characters (at least some of them) are continuing!
Stacey wrote: "Laura wrote: "Week 7, spot 51Murder at Haven's Rock by Kelley Armstrong
Pages: 352
Read: March 12
Fits: book 1 in series
R..."
I splurged and bought it for my Kindle app
Mod
Harley Merlin and the Broken Spell by Bella Forrest
Date:3/16/23
Fits: #5 in series
Rating: 5 stars
Review: There was a lot to unwrap in this book. I can't even imagine how Harley felt about Nomura and his actions. Although he did what he did for his son, there were still other options that were not quite as backstabbing. I loved when she met with Echidna. Echidna was far better than I imagined for the Mother of all Monsters. Quite sassy & fun. Levi is getting even more annoying if that is even possible. I could do with less of him which is unlikely with him being the new director. I felt bad for Steven Price. It takes courage to sacrifice yourself for the greater good, not knowing if they will even win in the end. I am totally invested in this series and I can't wait to see what happens next, especially with that ending!!
Team 5 -- Week 8Previous Spot: 51
Roll: 2 + 3 = 5
New Spot: 56 (Finally a 6!)
Options:
#5 in series
#6 in series
#56 in series
56. Re-read
Stacey -- Encore in Death -- Review
Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) -- Perfect Rivalry -- Review
Laura -- Lie To Her -- Review
Donna -- Harley Merlin and the Cult of Eris -- Review
Cindy -- If She Feared -- Review
Mod
Fits: #6 in series
Yay!!! Week 8 selection post, spot 56
Fits: # 6 in series
Week 8 Selection Post
Perfect Rivalry by Radclyffe
How it fits: #6 in the 'A PMC Hospital Romance' series
Week 8, Spot 56
Perfect Rivalry by Radclyffe
Date Read: 3/18/23
How It Fits: #6 in the 'A PMC Hospital Romance' series
Pages: 236
Rating: ★★★★
Review: This was such a lovely and low angst read. Dani and Ren are both such charming and likable characters. I loved their chemistry and how they genuinely had a great connection with each other from the start. The romance between them is so sweet and there’s no big drama between them. All of the conflict has to do with their jobs at the hospital which I liked.
The writing was great and I loved a lot of the side characters as well. I know that Honor and Quinn’s book is the first in the series and since I was really intrigued by them I definitely plan on going back and starting this series from the beginning. This was a great and comforting type of read and I could definitely see myself reading it again.
Mod
Harley Merlin and the Cult of Eris by Bella Forrest
Date: 3/19/23
Pages:402
Fits: #6 in series
Rating: 5 stars
Review: This was an action-filled book. From Finch & Harley's undercover investigation to that explosive ending. It was nonstop chaos & danger for their team. Again, Levi annoyed me. I honestly wish they would just take him down already. I love how I am just pulled into this story and I can't put it down. It is 2 AM and I read straight through the book in one sitting. Now it is time for some sleep...
Week 8, spot 56
Lie To Her by Melinda Leigh
Read: March 19
Pages: 300
Fits: # 6 in series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Another great book in this series. It was worth waiting for to read. I love how Bree and her brother Adam are becoming closer. Adam was targeted by the killer in this story which added another layer of suspense. I always enjoy the breakdown ,watching Bree and her team solve the murder. Looking forward to the next book which features Dana instead of her usual minor role!
[*book:Lie To Her|56944121]
Week 8- Completion Post Spot: 56
Book: If She Feared by Blake Pierce
Read: 3/20/23
Pages: 187
Fits: 6th book of series
Rating: 2
Review: I’m not sure how I really feel about this book. I know I didn’t love it but I also didn’t hate it. I think I just feel like most of it is just repetitive. Like her being 55-56, coming out of retirement, choosing the job over her family, getting an ultimatum from a loved one. Maybe I just felt like the book was slow for me. Just didn’t seem to interesting to me. The ending was shocking and pretty much plays out how the 7th book will be and how it’s all gonna end. I just really wasn’t feeling this one
Completion Post -- Week 8 Spot: 56
Book: Encore in Death
Completed: 3/23/23
How it Fits: #56 in In Death
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I feel like I should be getting tired of this series by now, and while some of the tropes are getting old, the characters keep me coming back and most of the times, the murder case is pretty interesting. I'm not sure I bought the motive in this one - I imagine it becomes challenging to come up with new spins on murder. Highly recommend the audio version of this series.
Team 5 -- Week 9Previous Spot: 56
Roll: 5 + 1 = 6
New Spot: 62
Options:
#2 in series
#6 in series
62. Cover Item: One person
Stacey -- Unravel Me -- Review
Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) -- Claire and the Lady Billionaire 6 - Review
Laura -- If She Saw - Review
Donna -- Never Trust a Demon - Review
Cindy -- Murder Girl - Review
Mod
Fits: #2 in A Daughter of Eve series
Week 9 Selection Post
Claire and the Lady Billionaire 6 by Giselle Fox
How it fits: #6 in the 'Claire and Camille' series
Week 9 selectionSpot 62
Fits: book 2 in series
Week 9, Spot 62
Claire and the Lady Billionaire 6 by Giselle Fox
Date Read: 3/25/23
How It Fits: #6 in the 'Claire and Camille' series
Pages: 168
Rating: ★★★
Review: This really felt like a filler book in the series up until the last 15% or so and then everything started happening at once. I liked all of the melodrama that ended up happening in the end but it took entirely too long and I was genuinely bored.
Claire and Camille’s relationship has gotten a bit stale for me so I’m hoping that the next installment kicks up the drama more because I feel like I’m still waiting for something big to happen between them. Three stars for the ending being pretty good.
Week 9-Completion PostSpot: 62
Book: Murder Girl by Lisa Renee Jones
Read: 3/30/23
Pages: 274
Rating: 4
Review: I think Lilah is such a badass with her take no shit attitude. Even with what happened to her she doesn't let it define her or dictate how she lives her life. Her and Kane are hot and she should just realize that he's the one for her. He's really the only one she can trust and he will give it to her straight everytime. It was a fast paced read. Cant wait to see what will happen next with Lilah and Kane
Mod
Never Trust a Demon by J.D. Brown
Read:3/30/23
Pages: 429
Rating: 3
Review: I struggled a bit to remember what was happening because it was so long since I read book 1. Once I remembered it a little bit, it got easier. I am not a huge fan of Lyn. She seems a bit stubborn but she is really clueless. The hints are there but she ignores them. I will probably continue the series because it does have potential and it is entertaining.
Week 9, spot 62
If She Saw by Blake Pierce
Read: March 30
Fits: #2 in series
Pages: 169
Rating: 3 stars
Review: I like Kate's character. She is smart, loves her family and her job; not necessarily in that order. Kate struggles with balancing her work and family and a love interest. I like the working relationship between her and Demarco. It was no surprise that she was given the option to be reinstated. Looking forward to more mysteries with Kate & Demarco.
[*book:If She Saw|42932554]
Completion Post -- Week 9Spot: 62
Book: Unravel Me
Completed: 3/31/23
How it Fits: #2 in Shatter Me
Rating: 4 stars
Review: I somehow missed this series when it came out near the height of Hunger Games/dystopia craziness but I'm glad for booktok for getting me back to it. This book continues the growth in confidence and independence of the MC although it didn't really go develop the "powers" of the other characters as much as I would have liked. The writing style is distinctive -- at least for this series which I know is off putting to some, but seems to match the character growth so I'm good with it.
Team 5 -- Week 10Previous Spot: 62
Roll: 1 + 5 = 6
New Spot: 68
Options:
#6 in series
#8 in series
Alternative: Author "I"
Stacey -- Rock Chick Revolution -- Review
Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) -- Clean Sweep -- Review
Laura -- Forever and a Day -- Review
Donna -- City of Shadows -- Review
Cindy -- River Marked -- Review
I'd be able to do the Alternative. I don't have a book 6 or 8.
Mod
Fits: book 6 of Time Riders series
Week 10 Selection Post - Alternative
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
How it fits: Author's first name starts with I
Week 10, Spot 68 - Alternative
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
Date Read: 4/1/23
How It Fits: Author's first name starts with I
Pages: 225
Rating: ★★★★
Review: A pretty solid start the series. It’s not my favorite by Andrews but it was still good. I liked the world building even if it was a bit murky in the beginning and the characters are very interesting.
I will say though that Dina took a bit to grow on me. She was a bit annoying at first but I ended up really liking her by the end and I loved her chemistry with Sean. They had great chemistry so I’m looking forward to continuing on with the series and see where their relationship goes. Overall, this was fun and I hear that the books get better from here so I’m excited.
Week 10, spot 68
Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis
Pages: 324
Read : April 1
Fits: #6 in series
Rating: 3 stars
Review: Its been a while since I read a book from this series and I picked a good one to jump back into. I'm a serious chocaholic so I very much enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter which of course were all about chocolate. This one made me laugh, Tank, the dog had some funny antics, Toby was so cute and Grace, herself had a few moments.
Quick, easy, fun romance. Need an escape for a few hours? Then I 'd recommend
[*book:Forever and a Day|13111756]
Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) wrote: "Week 10, Spot 68 - AlternativeClean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
Date Read: 4/1/23
How It Fits: Author's first name starts with I
Pages: 2..."
Love this series!
Laura wrote: "Love this series!"My library has the audiobooks with the full cast and I hear those are fantastic so I think that's how I'm going to continue this series. I'm excited!
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
If She Heard (other topics)It Had to Be You (other topics)
Scars (other topics)
Harley Merlin and the Detector Fix (other topics)
Going Up (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Blake Pierce (other topics)Bella Forrest (other topics)
Jill Shalvis (other topics)
A.E. Radley (other topics)
A.E. Radley (other topics)
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Harley Merlin and the First Ritual by Bella Forrest
Read: 3/7/23
Fits: # 4 in Harley Merlin series
Rating: 4 stars
Review: Harley & Wade finally admitted they liked each other and then it was just brushed off like yesterday's news! UGH! Frustrating as those two are, there are some other characters that were equally frustrating. Astrid needs to talk to her boyfriend more about her dad (and his control issues) then maybe he wouldn't be so frustrated with her all the time. This book seemed more like things were just happening to this crew and they were letting them. They didn't seem to have the same fight as they did in the other books. It was still good just not quite the same.
*This is the 4th book I read from this series. I plan to read more but there is no way that I am completing the series during this challenge (over 20 books). If you want to use it for the bonus (or not), it's up to you.