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LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated The Guardians (The MORE Trilogy, #2) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
I have to be honest when I say I abso-freaking-lutely LOVE this author, her style, and her books. SheÕs just absolutely amazing, and I really, really cannot sing her praises highly enough. That said, IÕd best give some justification for my gushiness ;)
Firstly, there is an amazing transition from the first book, with the drama and tension carrying over perfectly and just, well, seamlessly if IÕm honest. I read a lot of series (theyÕre like good shoes, you find a good one and you just keep going with it) and this is most definitely one of the best I have seen for a long while. This is all linked in with an absolutely incredible plot line. The twists and turns are immense, well developed and truly amazing from start to finish. The perspectives of the different characters are always completely crystal clear, showing a very good grasp of the craft.
Characterisation, as with in the first story, is incredibly well written and just, quite frankly amazing. They are all so enigmatic and developed slowly to make sure you really do invest and get to know them. It was great to see more of Tiernan and Emma is such a dark horse! I shanÕt say more so as not to spoil it, but she is most definitely a good addition to the character lists! Caleb and Ava are, as always, a delight to read and are perfect for each other, even if outside events are trying to meddle in that. Throw in the brilliant intrigue and mystery surrounding Ava and you have exceedingly compelling reading.
To conclude, I can do nothing more than repeat my words from my first review Ð EPIC, PHENOMENAL, AMAZING (capitals most necessary!) and I loved it. I devoured this book, reading in every available minute (even lulls in conversation in the staff room) and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I honestly could not wait to read the final installment and I was truly gripped by the book from start to finish.
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
Firstly, there is an amazing transition from the first book, with the drama and tension carrying over perfectly and just, well, seamlessly if IÕm honest. I read a lot of series (theyÕre like good shoes, you find a good one and you just keep going with it) and this is most definitely one of the best I have seen for a long while. This is all linked in with an absolutely incredible plot line. The twists and turns are immense, well developed and truly amazing from start to finish. The perspectives of the different characters are always completely crystal clear, showing a very good grasp of the craft.
Characterisation, as with in the first story, is incredibly well written and just, quite frankly amazing. They are all so enigmatic and developed slowly to make sure you really do invest and get to know them. It was great to see more of Tiernan and Emma is such a dark horse! I shanÕt say more so as not to spoil it, but she is most definitely a good addition to the character lists! Caleb and Ava are, as always, a delight to read and are perfect for each other, even if outside events are trying to meddle in that. Throw in the brilliant intrigue and mystery surrounding Ava and you have exceedingly compelling reading.
To conclude, I can do nothing more than repeat my words from my first review Ð EPIC, PHENOMENAL, AMAZING (capitals most necessary!) and I loved it. I devoured this book, reading in every available minute (even lulls in conversation in the staff room) and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I honestly could not wait to read the final installment and I was truly gripped by the book from start to finish.
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
Break Me (Make or Break, #2)
8.0
Rate It
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Break Me is the second book in Amanda Heath’s Make or Break series. It can be read as a...
Awix (3310 KP) rated Peter Rabbit (2018) in Movies
Mar 19, 2018 (Updated Mar 23, 2018)
Almost wholly ghastly bastardisation of Beatrix Potter's charming, gentle tales. Starts off with Peter Rabbit essentially killing Mr McGregor (not before contemplating sticking a carrot up his rectum) and goes on from there. 'Hilarious' jokes about Asbestos poisoning and anaphylactic shock ensue, plus a sight gag where Mrs Tiggy-Winkle walks into an electric fence.
Made all the more indefensible by a lovely fully-animated segment which completely captures the style of the original stories. Film-makers clearly not interested in that, though: not nearly 'contemporary' or 'irreverent' enough for them. Often resembles a mean-spirited parody of Beatrix Potter, twisted so it can make knowing jokes about rom-coms and so on. Very nearly completely horrible; scrapes one point for the animation sequence, another for Rose Byrne (what can I say, I'm sentimental).
Made all the more indefensible by a lovely fully-animated segment which completely captures the style of the original stories. Film-makers clearly not interested in that, though: not nearly 'contemporary' or 'irreverent' enough for them. Often resembles a mean-spirited parody of Beatrix Potter, twisted so it can make knowing jokes about rom-coms and so on. Very nearly completely horrible; scrapes one point for the animation sequence, another for Rose Byrne (what can I say, I'm sentimental).
Grumpy Goblin (123 KP) rated Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of Ashardalon Board Game in Tabletop Games
Mar 27, 2018
Can be expanded with other games in this series. (3 more)
Is set in the world of D&D
Can be played as 1 player
Easy to learn
Not much depth to the game itself (3 more)
No real character progression
Badly moulded miniatures
1 Player mode is very tedious
Good but not great.
This is the first "standalone" tabletop game I have bought from Wizards of The Coast.
I am a D&D fan, so was quite looking forward to playing this, the packaging and content of the game really caught my attention when the game arrived, I was definitely very excited to start playing.
I read through the rules fairly quickly and set the game up ready to play, the first run through was OK although I messed up the rules a little and felt it would be better to start again, after a quick re-read I was ready to go again. Just bare in mind, the rules are easy, but there are a few things you end up forgetting, so it is handy to read them through a couple of times and have them handy when playing.
I carried on through the game a little longer and soon realised it was quite a tedious process, as I was playing on my own and not with others the game needed to keep me entertained, and it really didn't do that.. I was actually starting to wish it would end (I am someone who has to finish a game and can't stop half way through) and when I finally died, I was actually quite relieved.
I ended up putting it away and not coming back to it for a while.. until one day when a couple of friends were over and we weren't in the mood for a really intense style game, I decided to pull it out and see how it played with others. It was certainly a much different experience, it seemed to flow better and just having the others there to have a bit of fun with definitely made the game much more enjoyable.
I would say it is worth buying the game to play with your friends but as a solo game, I really wouldn't bother.
I am a D&D fan, so was quite looking forward to playing this, the packaging and content of the game really caught my attention when the game arrived, I was definitely very excited to start playing.
I read through the rules fairly quickly and set the game up ready to play, the first run through was OK although I messed up the rules a little and felt it would be better to start again, after a quick re-read I was ready to go again. Just bare in mind, the rules are easy, but there are a few things you end up forgetting, so it is handy to read them through a couple of times and have them handy when playing.
I carried on through the game a little longer and soon realised it was quite a tedious process, as I was playing on my own and not with others the game needed to keep me entertained, and it really didn't do that.. I was actually starting to wish it would end (I am someone who has to finish a game and can't stop half way through) and when I finally died, I was actually quite relieved.
I ended up putting it away and not coming back to it for a while.. until one day when a couple of friends were over and we weren't in the mood for a really intense style game, I decided to pull it out and see how it played with others. It was certainly a much different experience, it seemed to flow better and just having the others there to have a bit of fun with definitely made the game much more enjoyable.
I would say it is worth buying the game to play with your friends but as a solo game, I really wouldn't bother.
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated A Fall of Light in Books
Sep 9, 2023
only ONE thing knocked that star off!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Greg appears as a side character in a series by Greene. I have not read those books, but I don't feel I missed out on anything by not doing. I'm intrigued by this group, though, and may well go back and read them. *if I can find the time*
I gave this 4 stars, and one thing ONLY knocked that star off.
Single person point of view.
Only Greg gets a say here, and I wanted, so desperately wanted to hear from Louis, at many key points along the way and I don't get him.
That said, it's the only fault I can find with this book.
I loved that Greg knew, deep down, that he wasn't a casual person, and he could never be casual with Louis. Yet he jumped right in with everything. I loved that Greg let Louis keep his secret for as long as he wanted to. He knew it would come out in the end, he just had to bide his time. I hated what Greg's brother was doing to him, I really did. Said brother does get his comeuppence though.
Greg's past is dark and shocking, being made homeless at 16, he did what he had to do to survive. Loved that Louis did NOT hold it against him, even if his own flesh and blood did. Loved that the band supported him doing the solo stuff, to appease his brother, and also that they stood by him.
It's not especially explicit for a MM romance, but I liked that here, it's more about the emotions going through Greg (since we don't get Louis!) than anything else.
Some difficult topics dealt with: religious intervention, conversion therapy, street life and doing what you need to do to survive. Triggers for some, be mindful.
This is the first I've read of Greene's work. Like I said, I'd like, *time allowing* to read the series that Greg first appears in, but if not, I will absolutely read any future books by this author.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Greg appears as a side character in a series by Greene. I have not read those books, but I don't feel I missed out on anything by not doing. I'm intrigued by this group, though, and may well go back and read them. *if I can find the time*
I gave this 4 stars, and one thing ONLY knocked that star off.
Single person point of view.
Only Greg gets a say here, and I wanted, so desperately wanted to hear from Louis, at many key points along the way and I don't get him.
That said, it's the only fault I can find with this book.
I loved that Greg knew, deep down, that he wasn't a casual person, and he could never be casual with Louis. Yet he jumped right in with everything. I loved that Greg let Louis keep his secret for as long as he wanted to. He knew it would come out in the end, he just had to bide his time. I hated what Greg's brother was doing to him, I really did. Said brother does get his comeuppence though.
Greg's past is dark and shocking, being made homeless at 16, he did what he had to do to survive. Loved that Louis did NOT hold it against him, even if his own flesh and blood did. Loved that the band supported him doing the solo stuff, to appease his brother, and also that they stood by him.
It's not especially explicit for a MM romance, but I liked that here, it's more about the emotions going through Greg (since we don't get Louis!) than anything else.
Some difficult topics dealt with: religious intervention, conversion therapy, street life and doing what you need to do to survive. Triggers for some, be mindful.
This is the first I've read of Greene's work. Like I said, I'd like, *time allowing* to read the series that Greg first appears in, but if not, I will absolutely read any future books by this author.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated Filtration Play (Leather and Lattes #4) in Books
Sep 25, 2025
steamy and emotional
I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Leather and Lattes series, but you can read it as a stand alone book. Reading the other books will give you the bigger picture of Whipped and the people who work/live/play there and their kinks and the relationships between them, but it's not necessary. HOWEVER! I loved them and I think you should, if only cos I said so!
Ollie is newly single, and a bit in the closet about his bi-sexaulity. He finds himself dragged by his brother to Whipped, and is smitten immediately by Fin, who gives him an offer he cannot refuse. There follows a wonderful story about two people finding their own place in the world, not in anyone's shadow or on anyone's coat tail.
I really enjoyed this, I can't quite love it and I hate that I cann't say why! (insert wailing!)
I liked that Fin and Ollie get a say. I loved the immediate and powerful connection between these two. It burns bright and hot from their very first meeting, and does not let up. It sets the page on fire at points and I lovevd that Fin was able to let themself go with Ollie and just BE, you know? They needed someone like Ollie in their life, their bed and most importantly, in their heart.
I loved that Ollie walks into that first playnight knowing full well what might happen, and it does, but with Fin at his side, he revels in the attention. Ollie loved that Fin and ONLY Fin would be taking him that night: Ollie know and Fin knew it and I think that's why they both enjoyed themselves so much.
The emotioanl connection comes fast and furious, but it's Fin who runs when things get tough. Having their business trashed by a bitter excuse of a woman was almost what broke their relationship with Ollie but it's Ollie who says the magic words to Fin and they make their way HOME, to Ollie.
What didn't work, I've no idea so I'm leaving it at that, but I will continue with this series, cos I love the whole set-up at Whipped and I *LOVE* the people in it!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Leather and Lattes series, but you can read it as a stand alone book. Reading the other books will give you the bigger picture of Whipped and the people who work/live/play there and their kinks and the relationships between them, but it's not necessary. HOWEVER! I loved them and I think you should, if only cos I said so!
Ollie is newly single, and a bit in the closet about his bi-sexaulity. He finds himself dragged by his brother to Whipped, and is smitten immediately by Fin, who gives him an offer he cannot refuse. There follows a wonderful story about two people finding their own place in the world, not in anyone's shadow or on anyone's coat tail.
I really enjoyed this, I can't quite love it and I hate that I cann't say why! (insert wailing!)
I liked that Fin and Ollie get a say. I loved the immediate and powerful connection between these two. It burns bright and hot from their very first meeting, and does not let up. It sets the page on fire at points and I lovevd that Fin was able to let themself go with Ollie and just BE, you know? They needed someone like Ollie in their life, their bed and most importantly, in their heart.
I loved that Ollie walks into that first playnight knowing full well what might happen, and it does, but with Fin at his side, he revels in the attention. Ollie loved that Fin and ONLY Fin would be taking him that night: Ollie know and Fin knew it and I think that's why they both enjoyed themselves so much.
The emotioanl connection comes fast and furious, but it's Fin who runs when things get tough. Having their business trashed by a bitter excuse of a woman was almost what broke their relationship with Ollie but it's Ollie who says the magic words to Fin and they make their way HOME, to Ollie.
What didn't work, I've no idea so I'm leaving it at that, but I will continue with this series, cos I love the whole set-up at Whipped and I *LOVE* the people in it!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I am giving this first book a 4.5 stars, because, while I really enjoyed reading it, there were a few points where if got a bit too much for me. If you have read it, you'll understand what I mean. Also, like always, this is a spoiler alert as there will most likely be a bunch of spoilers in this review. So you have been warned.
I can honestly say that I loved the relationship between the two main characters. They have such a deep love for one another and it is refreshing to see. They also have a pretty healthy relationship for the circumstances they are under.
It was cool to start the series in the middle of so much chaos, just like how the characters are in their lives at that time. I like how they set up the rules of the world by explaining it through the daughter as if she is telling us the story.
All the characters, in general, are very compelling and multifaceted, something I (obviously) appreciate a lot.
This was a very good exposition graphic novel that is setting up the rest of the story and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
The artwork is phenomenal. I cannot express enough how amazing it is! Props to the artists who worked on this, because I feel like they don't get enough credit. So if you're reading this, very well done!!
I can honestly say that I loved the relationship between the two main characters. They have such a deep love for one another and it is refreshing to see. They also have a pretty healthy relationship for the circumstances they are under.
It was cool to start the series in the middle of so much chaos, just like how the characters are in their lives at that time. I like how they set up the rules of the world by explaining it through the daughter as if she is telling us the story.
All the characters, in general, are very compelling and multifaceted, something I (obviously) appreciate a lot.
This was a very good exposition graphic novel that is setting up the rest of the story and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
The artwork is phenomenal. I cannot express enough how amazing it is! Props to the artists who worked on this, because I feel like they don't get enough credit. So if you're reading this, very well done!!
Joe Jonas recommended track Da Ya Think I'm Sexy? by Rod Stewart in Greatest Hits by Rod Stewart in Music (curated)
Rodney Barnes (472 KP) rated Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) in Movies
Mar 11, 2019
Another Good Anthology
Contains spoilers, click to show
I must say despite the protest for this movie for the last...well you know; I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. The characters were spot on. Donald Glover did the best job in my opinion. The story was good, Han looking for his lost love may have been a little stretch at that point in his career but it worked. The one thing I didn't like was the way Han and Chewy met. I know they wouldn't do it like the old canon, which would have been hard to do but I wish it could have been done a little different. Aside from the this movie met my expectations, as a Star Wars fan. I even liked the way they incorporated Lando's sidekick droid into the Falcon. We can now understand it's really a she. The part that excited me most was the ending. That was very unexpected for me. One of my favorite Sith Lords of all time made a showing. Darth Maul!! I hope this story arc continues with him in future anthology movies. This movie is a solid 8 for me. We will see what the future holds for more movies like this
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Always Watching (Elite Guardians, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Can I just say...Listening to this was creepier than if I had read it...Especially when I was in the car, alone, at night...in the middle of no where....Maybe not one of my smartest ideas.
That being said...this was a great story. Interesting characters, intense story line, and a healthy dose of creepy-stalkerness. Heart pounding scenes, swoon worthy kisses, and the leading woman is totally my hero! Olivia is a member of a team of body guards. And all the women on the team are incredible. I can't wait to read the rest of their stories now. Olivia's past has things that haunt her, that have changed her, shaped her into the protective, intelligent, woman that she is. I loved watching her grapple with her faith, her feelings for Wade, and letting God heal the broken areas of her life.
If you are looking for a different and unique book, this should hit the mark for you! And don't forget to check out the rest of the series.
I borrowed the audio version of this book from my local library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
That being said...this was a great story. Interesting characters, intense story line, and a healthy dose of creepy-stalkerness. Heart pounding scenes, swoon worthy kisses, and the leading woman is totally my hero! Olivia is a member of a team of body guards. And all the women on the team are incredible. I can't wait to read the rest of their stories now. Olivia's past has things that haunt her, that have changed her, shaped her into the protective, intelligent, woman that she is. I loved watching her grapple with her faith, her feelings for Wade, and letting God heal the broken areas of her life.
If you are looking for a different and unique book, this should hit the mark for you! And don't forget to check out the rest of the series.
I borrowed the audio version of this book from my local library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.