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Merissa (13023 KP) rated Her Avenging Angel (Her Angel: Eternal Warriors #4) in Books
Apr 10, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Nevar has been through hell, quite literally. He has spent what seems like an endless amount of time trying to find ways in which to defeat his master, Asmodeus. He made a mistake though when he tried to exploit Liora as Asmodeus' weakness and ended up nearly killing her. This in turn leads to a series of events which sees him on guard duty, bored and hungry. So he decides to create a portal which takes him to Cloud 9 so that he can eat and drink. While he is there, a dark-haired beauty catches his attention, along with every other male there. Unfortunately, whilst she can understand most languages, she can only speak in one and no else seems able to. Apart from Nevar that is, and Asmodeus when he turns up looking for Nevar.
This story is about growth, friendship and personal responsibility inasmuch as it is a love story. All our males grow upon finding their female and none so much as Nevar. He has quite the learning curve to go through but with Lysia by his side, he is convinced that he can do it. Of course, their path doesn't run smoothly but Nevar finds a family that he never before acknowledged, prepared to help him and fight beside him.
All of our favourites are still here and still as brilliant as ever. Asmodeus and Veiron remain my favourites, especially in one of the last scenes where they are making fun of Nevar (but I won't say more than that so that I don't spoil anything!)
There are some interesting leads made in this story which makes me believe that the following stories in this series will continue with the smexiness, action and humour that makes them so enjoyable. Definitely recommended for all fans of PR.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 26, 2016
This story is about growth, friendship and personal responsibility inasmuch as it is a love story. All our males grow upon finding their female and none so much as Nevar. He has quite the learning curve to go through but with Lysia by his side, he is convinced that he can do it. Of course, their path doesn't run smoothly but Nevar finds a family that he never before acknowledged, prepared to help him and fight beside him.
All of our favourites are still here and still as brilliant as ever. Asmodeus and Veiron remain my favourites, especially in one of the last scenes where they are making fun of Nevar (but I won't say more than that so that I don't spoil anything!)
There are some interesting leads made in this story which makes me believe that the following stories in this series will continue with the smexiness, action and humour that makes them so enjoyable. Definitely recommended for all fans of PR.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 26, 2016

graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Bring Her Home in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Bring Her Home is...fine. It's a perfectly serviceable summer read that moves briskly. The plot is interesting and I did want to know how everything turned out. There are plenty of twists, some more easily guessed than others, although the last(-ish) one starting around page 355 and continuing until near the end was a bit much. While I don't expect the story to be realistic, it still stretched my plausibility meter for the book. <spoiler>I just find that two major events concurred one the same day at basically the same time is extremely unlikely.</spoiler> I would have liked a tighter, less convoluted answer to everything, plus another character's viewpoint besides Bill, Summer's dad, maybe Paige or Detective Hawkins. The book is told through Bill the whole time, all 425 or so pages, and it could be tiring as he has next to no impulse-control. I understand some of what he did, but at the same time, I found him irritating and felt like the police should just lock him up until they solved the case. Also, characters who should be keeping facts confidential (a guidance counselor and a pastor), just spout off for what they think is the greater good or something. I'd be pissed if something I had said or done in confidence was told without my say-so, I don't care what the case should be, I'd never trust those people again. There are a few other things that raised my eyebrows and made me think "as-if!," but nothing I can divulge without spoiling so I'll keep my trap shut. Anyway, overall, the book is entertaining and diverting, just don't expect it to blow your mind.
Received through Goodreads Firstreads giveaway.
Received through Goodreads Firstreads giveaway.

KarenRC (6 KP) rated The Box: Puppets and Puppeteers in Books
Jul 23, 2018
I don’t even know where to start… Wow!
First off, the little recap of the story from the first book at the start is brilliant. I was lucky enough to read the books back to back, but if you didn’t, this meant that you could go in without having to be trying to remember what was going on!
It continues straight on from book one and very soon you are drawn into what I can only describe as one of the best pieces of descriptive writing that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Every part of The Diamond Ball is utterly sublime. I don’t want to spoil the experience for anyone else so all I will say is that it felt like I was there and I would give anything to see it on-screen one day.
The story has moved away a little from the rest of the students and is now focused on Axel, ‘The Box’ and how they plan to destroy The Academy. They are still being vague with Axel about their plans, but maintain that he is the lynchpin of it all. He was already conflicted as to whether to trust them, but after the events at The Diamond Ball are his allegiances being pulled in another direction entirely?
We also go back 4 years to follow the fate of another ex-student and how they had tried to escape The Academy, but what is their connection to ‘The Box’ and how will their experiences with them influence Axel in the present day?
The writing is again perfectly paced with the tension building brilliantly and all the characters a pleasure to read about. I literally cannot wait for the next book!
First off, the little recap of the story from the first book at the start is brilliant. I was lucky enough to read the books back to back, but if you didn’t, this meant that you could go in without having to be trying to remember what was going on!
It continues straight on from book one and very soon you are drawn into what I can only describe as one of the best pieces of descriptive writing that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Every part of The Diamond Ball is utterly sublime. I don’t want to spoil the experience for anyone else so all I will say is that it felt like I was there and I would give anything to see it on-screen one day.
The story has moved away a little from the rest of the students and is now focused on Axel, ‘The Box’ and how they plan to destroy The Academy. They are still being vague with Axel about their plans, but maintain that he is the lynchpin of it all. He was already conflicted as to whether to trust them, but after the events at The Diamond Ball are his allegiances being pulled in another direction entirely?
We also go back 4 years to follow the fate of another ex-student and how they had tried to escape The Academy, but what is their connection to ‘The Box’ and how will their experiences with them influence Axel in the present day?
The writing is again perfectly paced with the tension building brilliantly and all the characters a pleasure to read about. I literally cannot wait for the next book!

Merissa (13023 KP) rated The Society (A Broken World #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.
This is the first installment of Dean Murray's Dystopian series that is absolutely chock-full of action and adventure too. There are enough broken bones in here to shake a stick at. In this, we meet Skye, a 17-year-old girl who is set to become a spy in a 'grubber' city. She lands at night, under the cover of a bomb attack on the city. It is action all the way as she has to make a landing, find her way to where she needs to go, avoiding detection from any and all. As she does, she meets a few people who make her realise that everything isn't always black and white as they act far differently to what she had been led to believe.
I won't say anything further about the story as I don't want to give away any spoilers and, believe me, you really need to read this book for yourself to appreciate it. Dean Murray has written Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Dark Fantasy and now he can add Dystopian to his bow too. As far as I am concerned he is proving himself to be a Jack of all Trades, Master of his Craft.
Absolutely enthralling, full of action, a splash of romance and plenty of time to think for yourself. Completely brilliant and highly recommended. I will give you a cliffhanger warning though. I was so wrapped up in the story I didn't realise I had reached 100% and carried on pressing my kindle, wondering why it wasn't going to the next page!
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is the first installment of Dean Murray's Dystopian series that is absolutely chock-full of action and adventure too. There are enough broken bones in here to shake a stick at. In this, we meet Skye, a 17-year-old girl who is set to become a spy in a 'grubber' city. She lands at night, under the cover of a bomb attack on the city. It is action all the way as she has to make a landing, find her way to where she needs to go, avoiding detection from any and all. As she does, she meets a few people who make her realise that everything isn't always black and white as they act far differently to what she had been led to believe.
I won't say anything further about the story as I don't want to give away any spoilers and, believe me, you really need to read this book for yourself to appreciate it. Dean Murray has written Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Dark Fantasy and now he can add Dystopian to his bow too. As far as I am concerned he is proving himself to be a Jack of all Trades, Master of his Craft.
Absolutely enthralling, full of action, a splash of romance and plenty of time to think for yourself. Completely brilliant and highly recommended. I will give you a cliffhanger warning though. I was so wrapped up in the story I didn't realise I had reached 100% and carried on pressing my kindle, wondering why it wasn't going to the next page!
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated The Adventures of Pugalugs: A Christmas 'Furry-Tail' in Books
Jan 9, 2020
The Adventures of Pugalugs: A Christmas Furry Tail by Jessica Parish is the heartwarming story of all the fun Pugalugs and his siblings have on Christmas day with their family.
The fun all starts on Christmas Eve with decorating the tree and singing Christmas Carols. Then it is off to bed where Pugalugs thinks he hears Santa in the house. On Christmas morning the Pugs get presents and enjoy a wonderful Christmas dinner of turkey and gravy. After a busy day, everyone relaxes in the living room while Pugalugs is already thinking about all the fun to be had next Christmas.
What I liked best about this book is that I enjoyed seeing Pugalugs and his siblings taking part in all of the fun Christmas activities. The pugs are included in everything just like the rest of the family. The rhymes also make this such a fun book to read. What I liked the least about this book was trying to pry it away from my daughter so that I could flip through it while wringing my review. Im kidding, but in all seriousness, I have nothing negative to say about this book. I love this series.
Young children and toddlers will enjoy having this book read to them, especially during the Christmas season. Slightly older children will enjoy reading this book both on their own and to family members. I rate this book 4 out of 4. It is an extremely cute Christmas book that I can see being read by families during the holidays all over the world. It is also very bright and full of Christmas fun.
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https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/adventures-pugalugs-christmas-%E2%80%98furry-tail%E2%80%99
The fun all starts on Christmas Eve with decorating the tree and singing Christmas Carols. Then it is off to bed where Pugalugs thinks he hears Santa in the house. On Christmas morning the Pugs get presents and enjoy a wonderful Christmas dinner of turkey and gravy. After a busy day, everyone relaxes in the living room while Pugalugs is already thinking about all the fun to be had next Christmas.
What I liked best about this book is that I enjoyed seeing Pugalugs and his siblings taking part in all of the fun Christmas activities. The pugs are included in everything just like the rest of the family. The rhymes also make this such a fun book to read. What I liked the least about this book was trying to pry it away from my daughter so that I could flip through it while wringing my review. Im kidding, but in all seriousness, I have nothing negative to say about this book. I love this series.
Young children and toddlers will enjoy having this book read to them, especially during the Christmas season. Slightly older children will enjoy reading this book both on their own and to family members. I rate this book 4 out of 4. It is an extremely cute Christmas book that I can see being read by families during the holidays all over the world. It is also very bright and full of Christmas fun.
https://nightreaderreviews.blogspot.com/
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https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/adventures-pugalugs-christmas-%E2%80%98furry-tail%E2%80%99

Rob Zombie recommended A Clockwork Orange (1971) in Movies (curated)

Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated 8 1/2 (1963) in Movies
Jan 28, 2021
Fellini has six or seven movies that are considered genuine masterpieces, as well as many other perfectly decent efforts in a 40 year career. I love the idea of him and knew I would love his work, but to my shame it took this film for me to finally lose my Fellini cherry, aged 47. I can only begin by saying I adored it – loving each moment as a piece of art in itself, and the whole as a thing of true joy and wonder that has only grown in my imagination since seeing it. It made me laugh, made me sad, made me long for places and people from my past, made me think about my own identity and personality and place in the world. It also very much entertained me; I didn’t find it hard work like some on this list in any way.
Marcello Mastroianni is effortlessly cool and stylish, as is everyone in this semi-fantastical world of memories, dreams and fears. He lounges through the film in a way so naturally relaxed and interesting that you are drawn to every detail of his bizarre adventures. The presence of Claudia Cardinale and Anouk Aimée don’t hurt know bringing some Italian chic to affairs either. Visually, I lost count of the amount of times my jaw hit the ground! Freeze this rich and resplendent film in any moment and it will probably be an image worth framing. The black and white photography is so sharp, using light and dark in astonishing ways. What director since 1963 would not look at this and say “I am stealing that!”? Not a film you could watch every day, but one I know for sure will be amongst my favourites of this period forever. I can’t wait to watch his others!
Marcello Mastroianni is effortlessly cool and stylish, as is everyone in this semi-fantastical world of memories, dreams and fears. He lounges through the film in a way so naturally relaxed and interesting that you are drawn to every detail of his bizarre adventures. The presence of Claudia Cardinale and Anouk Aimée don’t hurt know bringing some Italian chic to affairs either. Visually, I lost count of the amount of times my jaw hit the ground! Freeze this rich and resplendent film in any moment and it will probably be an image worth framing. The black and white photography is so sharp, using light and dark in astonishing ways. What director since 1963 would not look at this and say “I am stealing that!”? Not a film you could watch every day, but one I know for sure will be amongst my favourites of this period forever. I can’t wait to watch his others!

Heal Me (Love in the Pacific Northwest #5)
Book
A lawyer and an architect walk into a bar… Jocelin: What do you do when your boss’s pushy...
Contemporary MM Romance

Debbiereadsbook (1463 KP) rated Obessed #2: Meik & Sebastian in Books
Sep 1, 2018
awesome follow up!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book direct from the authors.
This is part two of Meik and Sebastian's story, and you MUST read part one first. MUST!! And I strongly recommend you wait til you have all four parts in your possession, cos you will hate having to wait for the next one! I am!!
Again, this is so bloody short! 99 pages, poof, gone, just like that!
Meik is still obsessed with Sebastian, so much so, that he pulls Sebastian off the streets and into his home, to be HIS. But having Sebastian in his home is bringing up memories, long buried memories and Meik doesn't know how to deal with those memories, so he does what he does best, lashes out.
Something is wrong with Meik, he reckons he is sick. It's the only way he can explain his total and utter obsession with Sebastian! Personally, I think the poor man is simply deluded about what's up with him. But Meik, being Meik, he'll get there under his own steam, he's just gonna hurt a few people first.
As soon as Sebastian decides he is staying at Meik's, Meik goes all out to make him HIS, to mark him, inside and out. And oooeeee! Do these boys get up to some serious marking!
Meik's memories are surfacing though, and we don't get all of the whole story and they come at you out of order and out of left field. But you know, you just KNOW when it all comes out, and it does HAVE to come out, and we get the whole sorry story, its gonna be painful, it really is. He is unraveling, quickly, and I don't know where this is going, but its going really fast and you gotta keep up!
It is again only told from Meik's point of view. I knew that going in, but I STILL wanted to hear from Sebastian! It doesn't affect my star rating, this time, because I knew. But I'm just greedy with my books, and I ALWAYS want more.
How long do I have to wait for part three?? I dunno, I'm gonna be waiting, waiting, waiting, WAITING!
Oh just gimme already, okay?? I can't wait!
So, even though its so bloody short, and even though only Meik has his say, and because I can see some of his memories playing out and I don;t want them to play out the way I see it, but I really do (and if THAT makes any sense to you, you is good!) and BECAUSE it's such a cliff hanger...
5 full stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is part two of Meik and Sebastian's story, and you MUST read part one first. MUST!! And I strongly recommend you wait til you have all four parts in your possession, cos you will hate having to wait for the next one! I am!!
Again, this is so bloody short! 99 pages, poof, gone, just like that!
Meik is still obsessed with Sebastian, so much so, that he pulls Sebastian off the streets and into his home, to be HIS. But having Sebastian in his home is bringing up memories, long buried memories and Meik doesn't know how to deal with those memories, so he does what he does best, lashes out.
Something is wrong with Meik, he reckons he is sick. It's the only way he can explain his total and utter obsession with Sebastian! Personally, I think the poor man is simply deluded about what's up with him. But Meik, being Meik, he'll get there under his own steam, he's just gonna hurt a few people first.
As soon as Sebastian decides he is staying at Meik's, Meik goes all out to make him HIS, to mark him, inside and out. And oooeeee! Do these boys get up to some serious marking!
Meik's memories are surfacing though, and we don't get all of the whole story and they come at you out of order and out of left field. But you know, you just KNOW when it all comes out, and it does HAVE to come out, and we get the whole sorry story, its gonna be painful, it really is. He is unraveling, quickly, and I don't know where this is going, but its going really fast and you gotta keep up!
It is again only told from Meik's point of view. I knew that going in, but I STILL wanted to hear from Sebastian! It doesn't affect my star rating, this time, because I knew. But I'm just greedy with my books, and I ALWAYS want more.
How long do I have to wait for part three?? I dunno, I'm gonna be waiting, waiting, waiting, WAITING!
Oh just gimme already, okay?? I can't wait!
So, even though its so bloody short, and even though only Meik has his say, and because I can see some of his memories playing out and I don;t want them to play out the way I see it, but I really do (and if THAT makes any sense to you, you is good!) and BECAUSE it's such a cliff hanger...
5 full stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**

Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Coconuts in Tabletop Games
Jun 12, 2019
I usually like to create some fanciful intro to my reviews to get you in the setting of the game and in the mood to be entertained and educated about the game in question. I have failed this time.
You’re a monkey trying to throw coconuts into cups.
This is not a very theme-heavy role-playing game where you need to get into the heads of the characters and base your actions on what they would do. Instead, you are grabbing a monkey shooter action figure, placing a rubber Milk Dud (not a sponsor) in its hands and making the figure fling said forbidden delicious treat into yellow and red plastic cups. Should you make a basket into a yellow cup, you take that cup and place it in front of you in a vertical bowling pin assembly. Make a red cup shot and you not only get the cup to add to your collection, but you take another turn. The first player to amass six cups in front of them is the winner!
This sounds so stupid. Why am I reviewing this?? This is a kid’s “game.” You are right. This is incredibly childish. But it’s also INCREDIBLY fun. Have you read our review of Happy Salmon? This fills a similar role in that you break this bad boy out when you need a mental break between heavier games, or when you want the children to be involved in your game night. There is no real thinking involved. Player interaction? Sure. Some. Whether you choose to shoot your coconuts into the middle area of unclaimed cups, or into your opponents’ collections and take their hard-earned cups is up to you (I approve and encourage this cutthroat behavior).
Let’s go back to the children playing this with you thought. The box says ages 6+. I wholeheartedly disagree, but it may just be my situation. I have played this with my 2-year-old son and he had an absolute blast just flinging the coconuts everywhere while we adults were trying to play the game correctly. But the final score doesn’t matter. In a game like this I rarely care about winning or losing. My kid “wins” every time. It’s just plain fun to fling coconuts. I also rarely play with the included disadvantage cards to screw with my opponents because honestly, it’s hard enough to get those things in the cups.
Yes, he also shot one into my water cup so I let him score it on his mat. It’s only fair…
Components. I have good news and bad news. Good news: the monkeys, coconuts, and cups are of amazing quality. Amazing, I say! Bad news: the cards and the player mats. They are just of entry level acceptable quality. But like I said, I really don’t care much about using the cards, and the player mats are really just there to create a solid surface to put your score cups on anyway. So I’m ultimately good with that.
Now, I Kickstarted this game (as well as the Coconuts Duo project that was made for 2 player games or as a 6 player expansion for Coconuts). I got all the fancy pink and green coconuts too. They officially add nothing mechanically to the game (but you can home-brew house rules for them), but they are easier to find on the floor when you inevitably fling too far. That is, if you can find them before your dogs decide that you have given them little brown treats…
There is really not much else to say about this game except that it is super fun, takes literally 10 seconds to explain, and kids can play with you as well. We love it, and so our rating reflects that. Purple Phoenix Games gives this little game a Whopper (see what I did there?) of 18 / 24.
https://purplephoenixgames.wordpress.com/2019/05/07/coconuts-review/
You’re a monkey trying to throw coconuts into cups.
This is not a very theme-heavy role-playing game where you need to get into the heads of the characters and base your actions on what they would do. Instead, you are grabbing a monkey shooter action figure, placing a rubber Milk Dud (not a sponsor) in its hands and making the figure fling said forbidden delicious treat into yellow and red plastic cups. Should you make a basket into a yellow cup, you take that cup and place it in front of you in a vertical bowling pin assembly. Make a red cup shot and you not only get the cup to add to your collection, but you take another turn. The first player to amass six cups in front of them is the winner!
This sounds so stupid. Why am I reviewing this?? This is a kid’s “game.” You are right. This is incredibly childish. But it’s also INCREDIBLY fun. Have you read our review of Happy Salmon? This fills a similar role in that you break this bad boy out when you need a mental break between heavier games, or when you want the children to be involved in your game night. There is no real thinking involved. Player interaction? Sure. Some. Whether you choose to shoot your coconuts into the middle area of unclaimed cups, or into your opponents’ collections and take their hard-earned cups is up to you (I approve and encourage this cutthroat behavior).
Let’s go back to the children playing this with you thought. The box says ages 6+. I wholeheartedly disagree, but it may just be my situation. I have played this with my 2-year-old son and he had an absolute blast just flinging the coconuts everywhere while we adults were trying to play the game correctly. But the final score doesn’t matter. In a game like this I rarely care about winning or losing. My kid “wins” every time. It’s just plain fun to fling coconuts. I also rarely play with the included disadvantage cards to screw with my opponents because honestly, it’s hard enough to get those things in the cups.
Yes, he also shot one into my water cup so I let him score it on his mat. It’s only fair…
Components. I have good news and bad news. Good news: the monkeys, coconuts, and cups are of amazing quality. Amazing, I say! Bad news: the cards and the player mats. They are just of entry level acceptable quality. But like I said, I really don’t care much about using the cards, and the player mats are really just there to create a solid surface to put your score cups on anyway. So I’m ultimately good with that.
Now, I Kickstarted this game (as well as the Coconuts Duo project that was made for 2 player games or as a 6 player expansion for Coconuts). I got all the fancy pink and green coconuts too. They officially add nothing mechanically to the game (but you can home-brew house rules for them), but they are easier to find on the floor when you inevitably fling too far. That is, if you can find them before your dogs decide that you have given them little brown treats…
There is really not much else to say about this game except that it is super fun, takes literally 10 seconds to explain, and kids can play with you as well. We love it, and so our rating reflects that. Purple Phoenix Games gives this little game a Whopper (see what I did there?) of 18 / 24.
https://purplephoenixgames.wordpress.com/2019/05/07/coconuts-review/