The Challenge Factory discussion

Sorry ladies, I am trying really hard to get this book read so I can review it. Just been a hectic week. :(

You've got some time Stormi. If you don't think you'll get it done and online by 10:01 pm Pacific time, then let me know so I can go to bed and get up early tomorrow to roll instead.

Thanks!

Week 8, Spot 61


First in series
Read 5-14-15
Rating 4 stars

The Yard is a historical mystery set in the UK right after Jack the Ripper. It was when Ripper happened that they decided to put together The Murder Squad although that didn't help them catch the Ripper.

Now this same squad takes on all the murder cases and they are overbooked. Then they find a trunk at a rail station and inside it is one of their own. Detective Little who we find out sort of stumbles onto something that gets him killed.

Inspector Day is new to the Murder Squad and in charge of Little's murder, though not all agree he should be since he is new.

During the novel you know who the murder is and you are just waiting for the detectives to figure it out. Meanwhile there is a lot of other things going on such as a missing boy, a dead boy, The Beard Murders, etc. So there is a lot going on in this book.

I found the historic aspects of this novel to be pretty interesting. Their medical examiner was just learning about fingerprints and things like that and how they are all different.

Over all I really enjoyed the story and will continue the series to see what happens next.

Tonight I rolled an 11 (6+5) putting us on spot 72

Reading Options
~ Book 7 in a series
~ Book 2 in a series
~ Book 72 in a series
~ Book with midnight in the text.

★Text item - your book must contain the given word and need to include the sentence with it and location when posting your review. Plurals will be ok to use.

Roll 9
Spot 72

Paris: Review
Nichole: Review
Stormi: Review
Jamie: Review
Kme_17: Review

Spot 72
Text Item: Midnight

by Lisa Renee Jones
Rating: 3 Stars
Finished: 5/16/15

Midnight: At nearly midnight, I'm sitting in my bedroom by a huge window overlooking the lights of a never-sleeping Manhattan - Location 1126

Throughout this whole series, I have not been a big fan of Mark. He's just too much for me and a total jerk most of the time. When he met Crystal though, I started to change the way I looked at him. There was more to him than the overbearing jerk that screwed with Sara. This book showcased more of the likable dominating Mark and I liked seeing that.

But really my favorite part of this book is Crystal. She's really great. I love the way she stands up for herself with everyone, not just Mark. She hasn't let her past or her family money to make her vulnerable or soft. And it was great to see Mark find someone that was willing to not only stand up to him, but to force himself to really delve into his feelings.

I really enjoyed this series, although the absence of Chris and Sara made this book not as exciting for me. There was a bunch of craziness and suspense and some really touching moments. I like Mark now, which is something I never thought I'd be able to say.

I'm going to read (approved for the Midnight text, made sure since it was about a town called Midnight, Tx if that would work as Midnight is mentioned a lot they said yes. :)

I'll be reading , #7 in Guild Hunter series.

going with it has midnight in the text

Week 9: Spot 72
Guild Hunter #7
Book: Archangel's Shadows by Nalini Singh

Finished: 5/18/15
Rating:★★★★☆

Everyone is picking up the pieces after the battle with Lijuan in the last book. Meanwhile, there is a murderer on the loose and it looks to be a vamp. Ashwini and Janvier work together to solve the case.

I've been looking forward to this one for a while now. As much as I like Elena and Raphael, I'm ready to move on from their books. They still had plenty of air time in this novel but at least it wasn't their show.

I loved Janvier! He's been playing, or courting as he says, with Ashwini for ages now and we finally get a few more details on it. He made her laugh, flirted, and was protective without being overbearing. He brought her out of herself.

But my favorite part of the whole book was Naasir. I've been impatiently waiting for his book ever since he was introduced. Just 3 months and a few days to go. Woohoo!

Roll 9, Spot 72

Book: #2 in the series
432 pages / GR

Finished: 5/17/2015
Rating: 3 stars

I liked the setting, it was different. Stories from the Great Depression, particularly in Appalachia, are very moving and there is a lot of community and hope and spirit here even within such difficult times. The stories of the midwifery were fascinating and the discussion of the military camp and the nursing there was interesting too. But I just didn't about Becky that much. Her frustration with Blum didn't add up and her hesitation about being a midwife was annoying. And I really hated the Blum story. Blech, from his shock and catatonia to the actions he takes. And there is a lot of sadness in this story which wasn't that fun to read, particularly since I didn't care about the main characters that much.

I'm going out of town for the weekend. I'll make my selection post when we get back :)

Nichole wrote: "I'm going out of town for the weekend. I'll make my selection post when we get back :)"

Hope it's for fun!

Just visiting the in-laws. But we usually have a good time. Lake time, cook-outs, games...nothing special but still fun :)

Nichole wrote: "Just visiting the in-laws. But we usually have a good time. Lake time, cook-outs, games...nothing special but still fun :)"

Nice! Enjoy

Roll 9, Spot 72
midnight in the text
book: Every Fifteen Minutesby Lisa Scottoline




Finished: 5/18/15
Rating:★★★★★
Page 48 …amygdala is dark, black, and cold, like permanent midnight ...


Wow! This book reminded me how much I love Lisa Scottoline's writing. She has the amazing ability to draw very clear clever characters. In this case it is a little scary. One of main characters is a true sociopath. I love all the characters and the mystery. Just a wonderful book. Recommended for all mystery and thrillers lovers.

Nichole wrote: "I'm going out of town for the weekend. I'll make my selection post when we get back :)"

Have fun Nichole!

Roll 9
Midnight in the text


2.5 stars

I love mysteries and I really love this author so I was expecting a great read but it was totally boring. I was so disappointed.

The characters are interesting but it just drug on and on and then finally we get a dead body, it was Bobo's girlfriend who he thought had ran off. The police think he did it so those in Midnight have to try and solve the murder to help Bobo.

Midnight his full of strange characters just like you would think you would get from this author..vampires, witches, psychics, etc.

I have the second book in this series and I am now
dreading it, but maybe it will be better.

Tonight I rolled a 7 (2+5) putting us on spot 79

Reading Options
~ Book 7 in a series
~ Book 9 in a series
~ Book 79 in a series
~ Book with an Author with a name starting with A.

Roll 10
Spot 79

Paris: Review
Nichole: Review
Stormi: Review
Jamie: Review
Kme_17: Review

Spot 79
Author Name A

by Lynda Aicher
Rating: 4 Stars
Finished: 5/23/15

I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this book since I enjoyed the first one and I really like Lynda Aicher’s writing. But this book surprised me. I liked it more than I expected and on top of that, the subject matter was not what I was expecting. Of course the synopsis tells us that Scott takes pills, but I wasn’t expecting him to be as bad off as he ended up being. I never expected the hero to be a full on addict. When I realized that he was, I wondered how Lynda was going to redeem him and make him worthy of Rachel.

It was tough to watch him come to terms with how bad his dependency really was. It was tough to watch him break down, but I loved it. I loved Rachel for sticking with him and encouraging him, even though they had only known each other for a week. I really understood how Scott got to the level he was at. I understood the pressure that he was under and everything that he felt he needed to do and accomplish. He hid a lot from everyone and it took Rachel one week to figure out all of his secrets, which just shows what the right person can do for you.

Rachel was awesome. Reading about her here makes me realize that I really need to go back and finish Lynda’s Wicked Play series so I can see her in action in her brother Rock’s book. She’s so strong and sticks with what she feels and believes in. She knows what she doesn’t want and she tells Scott what her dealbreakers are and doesn’t let her own broken heart keep her from being true to herself.

Usually, I prefer a little more sports related action in my sports romances, but this was written so well, it didn’t bother me that there was very little ice time for Scott. This book was so very well written and the characters were easy to connect with. I felt for Scott and Rachel and I felt for Scott’s friends as well. I really look forward to continuing this series and reading more by Lynda Aicher.

Going to read Author Name A.

going with Author Name A.

I'm reading - Author A

Week 10: Spot 79
Alternate: Author A
Book: Wild Cat by Jennifer Ashley

Pages: 296
Finished: 5/26/15
Rating:★★★☆☆

This was my least favorite so far. Pretty boring actually. It could also be that it was in a new Shifter town and with new characters. That really threw me for a loop at the beginning. I was so confused for a minute!

Diego and Cassidy are both grieving the loss of loved ones. They work together to find the killers and fall in love. Let's see, they fight the feral shifters, they fight the Fae, they do the dirty, they mate claim each other. That pretty much sums it up. I just didn't feel the chemistry between them and so the rest of the story fell kind of flat for me. I'm ready to get back to the Austin shifters! Heck, even the little romance between Eric and Iona was more interesting. I didn't hate it but I'm feeling very lukewarm about it.

Week 10: Spot 79
Alternate: Author A
Book:The Trapby Steven Arntson


Pages: 256
Finished: 5/26/15
Rating:★★★☆☆


I enjoyed this one. I enjoyed the concept of time travel especially the way it is handled in this book. I liked the author's writing style. It is extremely readable. I also liked the way the author deals with issues those include racism. All in all a good read.

Roll 10, Spot 79


by Andrew Grey, 304 pgs/GR

Alternate: Author A
Finished: 5/27/15
Rating: 3 stars

Typical Andrew Grey, this book was fine, I just didn't feel any real emotional attachment to it. The MCs are pleasant and I loved reading about the Netherlands. I think it's because the characters seem so level headed and unemotional even when there are really emotional things going on. Getting harassed by your boss isn't pleasant and that was the main plot here, but... it just had no spark.

Paris, I hate to hold everyone up but I probably won't get a review up till tomorrow morning. I was so busy this week I never really got a chance to read so I am going to cram tonight in hopes of finishing.

This is a cool challenge but I don't think I am cut out for it as I seem to always have to cram at the last minute. :(

Thanks for letting me know Stormi. I will try to check Goodreads from my phone tomorrow while I'm at work, unless someone else wants to roll. Please let us know as soon as possible, if you aren't going to be able to post and we'll use our free pass.

Totally understand. Unfortunately, not all challenges work for everyone, but you don't know if you don't try. We're almost done, thanks for hanging in there until then. We appreciate it!!

Roll 10
Author A

Rating: 4 stars

I love British crime novels and this is the first in the Helen Grace series.

What would you do if force to make a choice of kill or be killed? That is what this sadistic serial killer is doing to his victims. He/she gathers up two people and then after they have been there awhile lets them know that there is a gun and one bullet..use it on yourself or the other person but only one is coming out alive.

Helen Grace is the Inspector on the case and it's a troublesome one. Just when she thinks she has a suspect she starts to doubt herself and her team.

Eeny Meeny was a gripping crime novel that I really enjoyed. It's a bit disturbing to know that I found it interesting in seeing which person would come out alive. I learned something though if I am ever in that situation..don't hesitate or your could die.

Like most crime novels the Inspector seems to have had a bit of a hard life leading up to her being a copper.

Overall I thought this was a good one and can't wait to see what else happens with Helen.

Tonight I rolled a 7 (4+3) putting us on spot 86

Reading Options
~ Book 8 in a series
~ Book 6 in a series
~ Book 86 in a series
~ book with a moon on the cover.

Roll 11
Spot 86

Paris: Review
Nichole: Review
Stormi: Review
Jamie: Review
Kme_17: Review

~ book with a moon on the cover.

I'll be reading - moon on the cover.

I'm either going to read for the alternate or for book 6

I am going to go with though it's hard to see it has a moon. :)

Roll 11, Spot 86

Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich
#8 in series
Finished: 6/1/15
Rating: 3 stars

Another Stephanie Plum, boy these things are formulaic but they are entertaining. Our usual cast of characters is here with some new fun with sister Valerie and Arthur Kloughn the lawyer. I'm glad we didn't get dragged back to the funeral parlor with Grandma. Lots of tension with Ranger, then it fades to black so... Fluff that basically goes nowhere but fun enough for plane reading.

Roll 11, Spot 86



Hour of the Beast
moon on cover
June 01, 2015
Rating: 3 stars

This was a very action pack book. Definitely a solid werewolf read. I enjoyed that the characters did grow in the story. A fun read. However just a stranded werewolf book. I would defiantly read more of this author.

Week 11: Spot 86
Alternate: Moon on the cover

Book: Lone Wolf by Jennifer Ashley
Pages: 159
Finished: 5/30/15
Rating: 3 Stars

This novella features Ellison and Maria. Maria is a human that was kidnapped by rogue shifters and then rescued by Diego and Cass. Her friends and family won't have anything to do with her now and she's trying to put her life back together, alone. Being single an unclaimed makes her appealing to some of the shifters, but she only trusts Ellison. He's just a good ole boy and he makes her feel safe. Meanwhile, someone is kidnapping cubs to sell as pets.

This was pretty good for such a short book. There's still that 'something' missing but I'm not sure what it is yet. I'm hoping Tiger's book has the spark! An enjoyable read but not a favorite.

Soooo, I wrote something about Stephanie Plum in response to Jamie's review and I have no idea where it is. I thought I posted it here, lol! I'm hoping that I just forgot to hit post and lost it rather than a random Stephanie Plum comment floating around out there. Haha!!

Nichole wrote: "Soooo, I wrote something about Stephanie Plum in response to Jamie's review and I have no idea where it is. I thought I posted it here, lol! I'm hoping that I just forgot to hit post and lost it ra..."

Ha, that is a weird feeling

What was your comment??

Nothing important :) I was just saying that I've listened to the in between books this week (8.5, 12.5, 13.5). It's a go to series when I need something fast and entertaining. Because let's face it, it's pure silliness!

Nichole wrote: "Nothing important :) I was just saying that I've listened to the in between books this week (8.5, 12.5, 13.5). It's a go to series when I need something fast and entertaining. Because let's face it..."

Yes, they are silly but I do like her internal voice

Roll 11, Spot 86
Moon on Cover
Rating: 2.5



The Darkest Frost sort of reminded me a bit of a beauty and the beast type novel at first and then it just seem to hit a stand still.

At first I was really interested in it and then things happened that I am not impressed with and I was like blah..then it got better but then it just seemed like I was reading about the characters day to day life and you could skip some and still not feel like you missed anything.

Parts of it is interesting because Dr. Frost can't touch people or they die so he wears gloves. He is really rude to Danielle but she brings him out of his shell. He likes her but he can't really be with her because he is an immortal being and it just doesn't happen. He has a twin brother but he is not really a twin but the other half of one being. Yeah it's strange.

Over all it had great potential but just sort of died and because this is vol 1 it pretty much just ended right in the middle of the story.

Spot 86
Moon on cover

by Kelley Armstrong
Rating: 3 Stars
Finished: 6/4/2015

It was really fun to revisit the world of Kelley Armstrong’s Otherworld series. I really enjoyed this series, up until the end and I am loving the show Bitten on SyFy which is based on Kelley’s work. Somehow I had missed these previously released novellas back when I was in the middle of reading this series and I’m kind of glad for that. Having them all in one place was a lot of fun. I will definitely check out the other two volumes that Kelley plans on putting out next.

I think my least favorite of the stories was Twilight. I just could not care about Cassandra and her life or possible death. I was bored and couldn’t wait to move on. I also wasn’t as in to Karl and Hope’s story as I would have liked to be, although I did like the end. I did, however, liked that the book started with an Adam story and ended with an Adam story. I loved Adam in the series, although Nick and Clay will always be my favorite of the Otherworld men. Just like Elena will always be my favorite of the women…she’s so freaking awesome. So it was really nice to have three different Elena and Clay stories in this collection. It was also great to see Nick in the collection as well…although a Nick-centric story would be nice.

I really loved Chivalrous. That one was probably my favorite of the novellas. It was intense and not what I was expecting. Then I realized that I didn’t remember Reese and it made me want to go back and revisit the series. I do have to say that it was a little strange to have all these really short novellas and then to get one really long one kind of in the middle of everything. Even though I liked beginning and ending with Adam, I might have ended the anthology with Hidden since it was so long and kind of threw me when I got there and then finished it and had two more short novellas to read.

Overall, I enjoyed this group of stories and I really look forward to visiting this world again when the other two collections are published. Someday when I have time, I might have to start the series over from the beginning.

Tonight I rolled a 6 (5+1) putting us on spot 93

Reading Options
~ Book 9 in a series
~ Book 2 in a series
~ Book 92 in a series
~ book from the Priority Reads Shelf.

Roll 12
Spot 92

Paris:
Nichole:
Stormi:
Jamie:
Kme_17:

I'll read one of these

Well ladies, there are 3 teams that rolled over 100 today, so the game is essentially over. It is completely up to you if you want to finish out this roll and read and review a book. I probably will.

I've had a great time playing with you all, I'm sorry the die were not working in my favor.

Thanks Paris, this was fun!