SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion

After much dithering -- take a break from all the paranormal/fantasy stuff or should I try to complete the cover hunt challenge (Sea of Monsters has "water" on the cover) -- I'm going with taking a break.

So, my pick for the favorite series shelf is:

GTK, Laura! I'm anxious to get my hands on it. :)

I just finished Blue Moon by Laurell K. Hamilton!

★★★★

Anita may be a lot of things, but one thing that she's definitely NOT is boring! Things kept happening and it may have felt like too much sometimes but whatever! It's a book, it's entitled to some unreality! Examples of which are the rate in which Anita's powers grow, the fact that every male seems attracted to her more or less and the way she manages to get herself in too deep and be in the center of messes too big to even begin unraveling.

Surprisingly, through all of these things I still enjoyed the book immensely and did not get annoyed - which is weird since I tend to get annoyed when a character is "too-kick-ass-for-words".

Will definitely read the next book, even though I was feeling reluctant to read this one. The series has its flaws, but I'm too curious to see where else it takes us to not keep reading!

Thenia wrote: "I just finished Blue Moon by Laurell K. Hamilton!

★★★★

Anita may be a lot of things, but one thing that she's definitely NOT is boring! Thin..."

I enjoyed that series up through the next book. Then it took a sharp turn and degraded rapidly for me and I stopped reading after book 12. But others still really enjoy the series, so you might as well.

All BINGO Cards


Free Space - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***completed April 7***

Part-Of-A-Series, G1 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced March 5 - completed March 12***

Shifters, I5 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced March 12 - completed March 27***

Paranormal, G3 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced March 19 - completed April 7***

YA-Fantasy, G2 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced March 26 - completed April 10***

Demons, N5 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced April 3 - completed April 15***

Urban Fantasy, O4 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced April 9 - completed April 18***

Paranormal Fiction, B5 - 7/8 completed
***announced April 16***
✔Laura Lulu The Sweet Scent of Blood finished April 21 ★★★★
✔Laurie City of Ashes finished April 19 ★★★★★
✔Diane The Witch Is Dead finished April 19 ★★★
✔Lili Lover Unleashed finished April 22 ★★★
✔Christina Darkness Dawns finished April 17 ★★★★
Sarah Destined for an Early Grave
✔Jen Pale Demon finished April 27 ★★★★★
✔Thenia Ill Wind finished April 20 ★★★

Favorite Series, G5 - 4/8 completed
***announced April 23***
✔Laura Lulu Enclave finished April 25 ★★★★★
✔Laurie Laid Bare finished April 25 ★★★★
✔Diane Changes finished April 25 ★★★★★
Lili Immortal in Death
Christina Secret Society Girl
Sarah Afterlight
Jen Hungry for You
✔Thenia Blue Moon finished April 27 ★★★★

For the Paranormal Fiction slot:

Pale Demon by Kim Harrison *****/5 04.27.11

Another great book in the Hollows universe, and I think it may be my new favorite for the series. I have always liked Trent, so to see so much of him was a real treat.

(view spoiler)[ And all signs point to Trent being a major part of the next book as well!

I'm also glad that Ivy seems to be actually happy and ready to move on, without spoiling the friendship she and Rachel have. (hide spoiler)]

There are a great deal of loose ends tied up in this book, while still leaving some for the next, but I'm definitely going to be sad to see the end of this series.

I'll be reading Hungry for You by Lynsay Sands for the Favorite Series slot.

For the Favorite Series slot:

Hungry for You by Lynsay Sands ***/5 04.28.11

This was a cute, quick PNR read. I really enjoy the Argeneau series even if things are getting to be a bit formulaic. Apparently I missed reading the one in the series directly prior to this book, but this one didn't seem to spoil anything for that one.

Jen (jlkish) wrote: "For the Favorite Series slot:

Hungry for You by Lynsay Sands ***/5 04.28.11

This was a cute, quick PNR read. I really enjoy the Argeneau series even if things are getting to be..."

I love that series for nice, light, fun reads. I think my favorites are Single White Vampire and The Accidental Vampire. In fact, I may have to start re-reading that series soon. :)

Early Shelf Announcement: Happy Early May Day!
Happy Reading, Everyone!

Our Next Shelf is: 'vampires'
DIRECT LINK: 'vampires'

I will be reading Friday Night Bites for the Vampires Shelf.

I will be reading Friday Night Bites as well for the Vampires Shelf :)

WOW! A very fortuitous shelf for us...and Team Sixie Chicks. Both teams will have 4-in-a-rows, diagonally.

I will be reading one of these (I want to give it some more thought):

Babbling AKA Christina wrote:
I will be reading one of these (I want to give it some more thought):

[bookcover:Dead ..."

Ooo!! Ooo!! I vote for Halfway to the Grave. Bones....

That's my vote, too, Christina!

I'm not starting my book until tomorrow, May 1st, so I can use it for my May challenges. So that gives me a dilemma. I could either read which I have sitting here, waiting to be read, or I can wait until Tuesday when Amazon sends me my much awaited on it's release day.

Either way, I'll probably finish my book around the same time, whether I start Department 19 on Sunday or wait til Tuesday for Hard Bitten, as Dept 19 has 540 pages. :)

Oh, decisions, decisions.

Oh, and with this shelf, we have 4 in a row in THREE places. We had it in two places after the last shelf. And (without going to look to make sure) I think team 4 has one 4 in a row and team 6 also has one.

But....right now, we really have NO 4 in a rows, until we finish our Paranormal Fiction and Favorite Series shelves. We'll have two 4 in a rows then, and another with the finish of the Vampires shelf.

So we have to make sure we get those back shelves finished, Oneders. Even if a shelf is called that will give us Bingo, it doesn't mean squat if we don't have the stamps. :)

For the Vampires slot, I'll be reading Cross Your Heart by Michele Bardsley

I'll probably read one of these starting tomorrow.

Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb 04/30*****

I love this series... it was interesting reading about Eve working on a case that involved her best friend, it was good 'cause it made her realize she does have friends who love her and accept her just as she is.
And Roarke... oh my... isn't he just the perfect man?, so smart and funny, and sexy as hell.

I can't wait to read about them as a married couple.

For the vampire shelf I'll be reading One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

All BINGO Cards


Free Space - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***completed April 7***

Part-Of-A-Series, G1 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced March 5 - completed March 12***

Shifters, I5 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced March 12 - completed March 27***

Paranormal, G3 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced March 19 - completed April 7***

YA-Fantasy, G2 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced March 26 - completed April 10***

Demons, N5 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced April 3 - completed April 15***

Urban Fantasy, O4 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced April 9 - completed April 18***

Paranormal Fiction, B5 - 7/8 completed
***announced April 16***
✔Laura Lulu The Sweet Scent of Blood finished April 21 ★★★★
✔Laurie City of Ashes finished April 19 ★★★★★
✔Diane The Witch Is Dead finished April 19 ★★★
✔Lili Lover Unleashed finished April 22 ★★★
✔Christina Darkness Dawns finished April 17 ★★★★
Sarah Destined for an Early Grave
✔Jen Pale Demon finished April 27 ★★★★★
✔Thenia Ill Wind finished April 20 ★★★

Favorite Series, G5 - 6/8 completed
***announced April 23***
✔Laura Lulu Enclave finished April 25 ★★★★★
✔Laurie Laid Bare finished April 25 ★★★★
✔Diane Changes finished April 25 ★★★★★
✔Lili Immortal in Death finished April 30 ★★★★★
Christina Secret Society Girl
Sarah Afterlight
✔Jen Hungry for You finished April 28 ★★★
✔Thenia Blue Moon finished April 27 ★★★★


Vampires, B4 - 0/8 completed
***announced April 29***
Laura Lulu Department 19 OR Hard Bitten
Laurie Friday Night Bites
Diane Lover Eternal OR Frostbitten OR The Better Part of Darkness OR Come Hell or High Water
Lili One Foot in the Grave
Christina Dead Until Dark OR Some Girls Bite OR Kiss of Midnight OR Halfway to the Grave
Sarah Friday Night Bites
Jen Cross Your Heart
Thenia

{Team Stats Updated}

Laurie (Laurielu) wrote: "Babbling AKA Christina wrote:
I will be reading one of these (I want to give it some more thought):

[bookcover:Dead ..."

Ooo!! Ooo!! I vote for Halfway to the Grave. Bones...."


I second that!!
Bones... indeed... *sighs*

I have no idea what to read! Too many options! O.o

Maybe I should just wait for Hard Bitten...

I'm about halfway finished with Secret Society Girl. Either tonight or tomorrow, I should have it finished.

My former co-worker/supervisor in Virginia (she became the supervisor when we re-organized) is a big paranormal/urban fantasy reader. She's a huge Sookie fan (Faye's from Mississippi and she says that's one of the reasons she's drawn to Sookie). I promised Faye, last summer before I moved, that I would read Sookie.

I've been putting in off long enough. So, no matter how much I'd rather read one of the others, I'm going with:

Oh Christina, they're great. I really think you'll like them. Especially #4. :)

Laura Lulu wrote: "Oh Christina, they're great. I really think you'll like them. Especially #4. :)"

That's what Faye kept telling me. Except..she never mentioned #4 specifically. :D

I should also point out that Faye's also the reason the Night Huntress books are in my TBR. Though, I never made a promise about them. ;-)

Oh, and I finished Secret Society Girl (1 May). I'll write something up later. Time for bed.

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost 05/01
how many stars?... oooohhhh... this book was so GOOD!!, off-the-charts good so I give it ************ stars!


I clearly remember that about a month ago I had no idea who this "Bones" character was and couldn't really understand what was the big deal with him... well... I know now!

Frost's writing is so easy to read, you don't even realize you've gone through half the book until it's too late. The plot was pretty interesting, the dialogues quite funny and witty, and the new characters were wonderful, even those we hate.

Cat was a bit too stupid in this book, her jokes and internal dialogue were smarter and funnier in the first one.
But then I guess it's hard to out-shine Bones... oh my... what a character indeed!, he's so sweet and sexy and funny and smart, always with a clever come back to keep you on your toes. How can you not fall head-over-heels in love with him after he told Cat what his life was before and after he met her?

I must admit I was surprised by the sex scene after that, I wasn't really expecting something so explicit and naughty 'cause it's not what I've read in Frost's books before, and she should because it was oh-so-very-very GOOD!!!
Yes, it was a bit raunchy but nothing you don't read ALL the time in Lora Leigh's books... the big difference for me was how Frost developed the whole thing. The love between Cat and Bones was always there and you really got that it wasn't just sex for the characters but a intimate experience that brought them closer to each other so, for me, it wasn't cheap or nasty but erotic as hell.

Last book I read with a scene like this had the characters screaming "I'm gonna f*** you!", "yes, f*** me!", "I'm coming, I'm coming!", "yes, yes, YEEEES!!!"
Now that was just stupid and ridiculous, it made me roll my eyes until I could see my brain think how awful that book was.

Anyway, I can't wait to see what'll happen on the next book!

Great review Lili!

I want a Bones of my own .... yum ....

Sandra wrote: "Great review Lili!

I want a Bones of my own .... yum ...."

...mmmm my heart flutters when I think about that smexy alpha vampire that knows how to love his woman body and soul.

Secret Society Girl - 1 May 11 ★★★★

This story is told from Amy's point of view. She's a junior at a fictional Ivy League school (Eli). It's late April, the school year is winding down, students are preparing for final exams, summer internships, and commencement. It's also the time when the campus's secret societies "tap" the rising juniors they wish to fill their ranks. Amy, as the editor of the campus literary magazine, knows she's a shoo-in for the Quill & Ink. It's tradition. So when she's tapped by a member of the Rose & Grave, she's suspects that maybe someone is playing a prank. The R&G NEVER taps women. It's a "good old boys" society, reputed to be very powerful (CEOs, presidents, politicians, etc. can claim membership).

The current crop of seniors has decided to get with the 21st century and has tapped several females. Amy, after seeing her new brothers and sisters can't figure out why she was tapped. She's got good grades, but she's not nearly as smart as some of the new members. Nor is she from a "legacy" family, or from a wealthy or politically powerful one, nor is she famous in any other way. It puzzles her, but bigger things are taking place to occupy her mind. Though the graduating class of Diggers has decided to be progressive, the board of directors and "old school" alumni aren't happy with the decision. They are determine to force Amy and her fellow females out of the Rose & Grave and punish the seniors.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked Amy. I liked the author's writing style and the book had it's funny moments. When I started reading the book, I didn't know exactly what to expect. Despite it's funny moments, the book has a serious point -- accepting others not because of their sex, race, sexual orientation, social and economical background, or religion, but who they are as a person. Amy and her sisters may have won this first battle but, from the looks of it, they're not completely out of the woods yet.

Favorite quote:
I stood there, alone in the Calvin courtyard, and began to question the veracity of Brandon's ongoing Hopelessly-Devoted-to You act. The man had just ditched me for intramural badminton.

I finished for the vampires shelf on 5/2/11 and gave it 4 stars. I'm not sure why it was on that shelf as there isn't a vampire in sight.

My review: (spoilers if you're way behind on the series)


I had been avoiding this book even though I love Clay and Elena because the back cover said something about one of them being chosen to become the new Alpha and I'm perfectly happy with Jeremy as the Alpha. Well, I shouldn't have let that get in my way as I loved the story. Clay and Elena have a very good working marriage that is rare in books and great to read.

What I enjoyed:
* Clay and Elena.
* Their twins.
* The rest of the pack (even though they were barely in this one).
* The Alaskan legends.

What could have been better:
* Elena is right, it is getting old having her as bait.

Good review, Diane. I can't wait for more Elena & Clay. Guess it'll be a while since Savannah has the next book (again). :\

I just finished Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost!

Sorry it's taken me so long, finals are coming up and it's the end of the semester so I'm sorta lagging on my extracurricular reading!

I gave it 4 stars!

Wow! There was so much going on in this one but there were things I knew for sure. I hated Gregor!! Ewww what an evil, evil person... well I guess vampire. I was so shocked by so many things that I can't name because I know there are some people in here who haven't read it yet! Eeek I can't wait to start the next book!

Yay! Stamp! :D. I will get to this series (soon, I hope).

Steph wrote: "Good review, Diane. I can't wait for more Elena & Clay. Guess it'll be a while since Savannah has the next book (again). :\"

Yeah, Clay and Elena are my favorite from the series. I hope they get the next book after that one.

Yay! Steph, we're ready for our Paranormal Fiction stamp. :)

Once we get Favorite Series finished, we'll have 4 in a row 2 different ways. Gooooooooooo Sarah! ;)

All BINGO Cards

Free Space - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***completed April 7***

Part-Of-A-Series, G1 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced March 5 - completed March 12***

Shifters, I5 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced March 12 - completed March 27***

Paranormal, G3 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced March 19 - completed April 7***

YA-Fantasy, G2 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced March 26 - completed April 10***

Demons, N5 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced April 3 - completed April 15***

Urban Fantasy, O4 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Awarded!
***announced April 9 - completed April 18***

Paranormal Fiction, B5 - 8/8 completed - Stamp Pending!
***announced April 16 - completed May 3***
✔Laura Lulu The Sweet Scent of Blood finished April 21 ★★★★
✔Laurie City of Ashes finished April 19 ★★★★★
✔Diane The Witch Is Dead finished April 19 ★★★
✔Lili Lover Unleashed finished April 22 ★★★
✔Christina Darkness Dawns finished April 17 ★★★★
✔Sarah Destined for an Early Grave finished May 3 ★★★★
✔Jen Pale Demon finished April 27 ★★★★★
✔Thenia Ill Wind finished April 20 ★★★

Favorite Series, G5 - 7/8 completed
***announced April 23***
✔Laura Lulu Enclave finished April 25 ★★★★★
✔Laurie Laid Bare finished April 25 ★★★★
✔Diane Changes finished April 25 ★★★★★
✔Lili Immortal in Death finished April 30 ★★★★★
✔Christina Secret Society Girl finished May 1 ★★★★
Sarah Afterlight
✔Jen Hungry for You finished April 28 ★★★
✔Thenia Blue Moon finished April 27 ★★★★

Vampires, B4 - 2/8 completed
***announced April 29***
Laura Lulu Department 19
Laurie Friday Night Bites
✔Diane Frostbitten finished May 2 ★★★★
✔Lili One Foot in the Grave finished May 1 ★★★★★
Christina Dead Until Dark
Sarah Friday Night Bites
Jen Cross Your Heart
Thenia

Laura Lulu wrote: "Yay! Steph, we're ready for our Paranormal Fiction stamp. :)

Once we get Favorite Series finished, we'll have 4 in a row 2 different ways. Gooooooooooo Sarah! ;)

..."

**joins in cheering*** Go, SARAH! :D

Friday Night Bites read for the Vampires Shelf.

4.5 stars

In this installment of the Chicagoland Vampire series by Chloe Neill, Master Vampire Ethan and Merit must try to keep vampire raves from being discovered by humans because of the bad press that would be peppered against the vampires who have recently disclosed their presence among humans. To aid in keeping the raves under wraps, Merit must re-enter the circle of Chicago's affluent circles by reconnecting with her family and their powerful connections.

While on this campaign, a family of shifters plays a pivotal role in forcing Merit and Ethan to discover a plot orchestrated by their vampiress arch nemesis who carries a deep seeded animosity toward Merit for interfering in her previous diabolical plans. Along the way, Merit and Ethan's attraction heats up another notch while Merit tries to balance out her relationship with another vampire, Morgan. Merit's relationship with her best friend Mallory becomes more frayed as they both try to assimilate into the world of the supernatural.

The Chicagoland Vampire series offers a great view into an original urban fantasy where the vampire heroine is more human than monster. Chloe Neill has a snarky, comedic way of relating the tale through Merit's point of view. The author's portrayal of her heroine pulls the reader into a very imaginative world of the supernatural and has the reader pulling for Merit every step of the way. The only complaint I have is that Merit and Ethan's potentially smokin' hot relationship is not moving along fast enough for me. I am starting to tire of Ethan's hot and cold attitude toward Merit.

Great review Laurie. And don't forget this series is hardcore UF--you can never expect relationship stuff in only book 2 of a UF. :) But that's why I prefer UF, I like the slow simmer. I'm a glutton for punishment. ;)

And my copy of was just delivered by the nice UPS lady about an hour ago. YAY!

But, why oh why can't there be more UF like the Night Huntress series? Chloe could add (potentially) another "Bones" in the supe world...

Because Night Huntress isn't UF. It's UFR, Urban Fantasy Romance. Kinda like Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series or Diane Sylvan's Shadow World series.

Basically, if each book is a different couple with their own HEA, it's PNR. If the book has one main couple (or a dreaded love triangle), but the first 4 or so books are full of lots of sexual tension & flirting/fighting, but no true relationship, that's UF. And if it's a combo of the two--one main couple who falls in love in the first book, but continue to be the main characters in subsequent books, then it's a UFR. Voila. ;)

Laura Lulu wrote: "Because Night Huntress isn't UF. It's UFR, Urban Fantasy Romance. Kinda like Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series or Diane Sylvan's Shadow World series.

Basically, if ..."

Ooo. I like that explanation. :)

I still have no idea what to read for the vampire shelf...

I just got Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris so I just might read that.

Congrats for our new stamp ONEders!

For the Vampires slot:

Cross Your Heart by Michele Bardsley ****/5 05.02.11

Another cute, quick PNR read. When it comes to PNR, I tend to prefer ones with a humorous angle, and this series definitely fits the bill. Also, unlike the Argeneau series, each book in the series stands alone without seeming formulaic.

Laura Lulu wrote: "Because Night Huntress isn't UF. It's UFR, Urban Fantasy Romance. Kinda like Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series or Diane Sylvan's Shadow World series.

Basically, if ..."



oooooohhhh... right... I had no idea!

Congrats on the new stamp ONEders!

Laura Lulu wrote: "Because Night Huntress isn't UF. It's UFR, Urban Fantasy Romance. Kinda like Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series or Diane Sylvan's Shadow World series.

Basically, if ..."

Yup, spot on. But now I have a dilemma with 'Guild Hunters'. The fourth one isn't about Raphael and Elena, I think it's Dmitri. So is it swaying more towards PNR? Is this his only book? Or will the fifth one have another character again (or back to Raphael/Elena)? *sigh* Now look how muddy the waters are!

(You've probably been chatting about this in the Nalini Singh section but I haven't read Archangel's Consort. Sorry!)

CONGRATULATIONS, The ONEders!
You now have an updated BINGO card with a stamp on 'paranormal-fiction'.

[Your new BINGO card can be viewed on page 1]

Good Job!! :D