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Matching Bloodlines (The Princeton Allegiant #3)
Matching Bloodlines (The Princeton Allegiant #3)
Deborah Garland | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
MATCHING BLOODLINES is the third book in The Princeton Allegiant series, and trust me when I say this series just keeps on getting better and better! Although I would say you "could" read this as a standalone, the better question would be "why?"

At the end of the last book, Francisco (and us) found out that Sophia was alive and also got a location. The start of this book takes us to that location. Poor Francisco. That's all I'm saying. And what the hell is Loren thinking? He's got his mate so he should have some idea of what it is he's saying!!!

I am sincerely loving this world. It gets more amazing with every book. Francisco really shines in this, showing the reader just how caring (and possessive) a vampire can be about his mate. Charlotte has a hard choice to make. Well, hard for her, at any rate. The attraction between them is off the charts and I loved every moment of it. Sophia is playing a game and I really don't like her. Just saying!

If I could do half stars, this would definitely be a 4 1/2, but I can't so it's not. Do NOT let that put you off though. I sincerely recommend this book and the series, and I really can't wait to continue. But who is next? Is it Reese or Victor? Either way, I'm ready and waiting.

A fantastic story and highly recommended by me.
  
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Sarah (7800 KP) created a post

Feb 4, 2020  
Last night I went to watch We Will Rock You at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, and I had such a fantastic night.

It really is a genius marketing idea to announce a tour of this show not long after the release of the hugely successful Bohemian Rhapsody film. And boy is it a good show. I knew nothing about this other than it was Queen music, and I'm not sure what I had been expecting from the actual story but this wasn't it! The plot centres around a futuristic world where rock music is banned, and whilst the actual story element isn't particularly strong, it more than makes up for this by being downright hilarious. You can tell this is a Ben Elton written musical. The script is so funny and clever, and I love how it's obviously been updated over the years to still be relevant with modern pop culture. The acting and singing too are very strong. The two leads have stunning voices and whilst Ian McIntosh isn't quite Freddie, he still has an amazing voice. Although for me the two standouts were Adam Strong as Khashoggi (who really needed even more stage time) and Michael McKell as Buddy. McKell especially was amazing, really embracing the camp Jack Sparrow-esque Buddy and bringing the house down with his delivery on the jokes.

Whilst the plot may not be the strongest, this more than makes up for it in sheer fun and entertainment. 9/10
     
The End of Hatred (Etherya's Earth #1)
The End of Hatred (Etherya's Earth #1)
Rebecca Hefner | 2018 | Paranormal, Romance
10
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The End of Hatred is the first book in the Etherya's Earth series and we are introduced to a world that co-exists within our own, that we are (up until now) unaware of. This world is roughly split into three - the Slayeras, the Vampyres, and the Deamons. They have been at war for centuries and Miranda, the Slayera Princess is tired of it. She comes up with a solution to end the war but she needs the help of the Vampyre King to do so, even if she is ostracised by her father.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! From Miranda to Sathan, Lila to Latimus, Darkrip to Arderin, these characters all came to life. They are individual enough to remain in my mind whilst holding true to the characteristics of their races. I found the pacing to be perfect and there was never a dull moment. I also loved the pop references that I found, in particular, those about 'Buffy', for obvious reasons.

This is the start of the series and one I will be continuing with. It was a fantastic story and there are many more couples yet to come that I want stories for. Absolutely recommended by me.
 
* 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!
  
Hidden Agenda
Hidden Agenda
2017 | Action/Adventure
Casting, story & quick time events. (0 more)
Very short story, perma-death style system & game can only be played via downloadable app?! (0 more)
An unfortunate let down
Hidden agenda is a story about detective marney (katie Cassidy) who 5 years after capturing and arresting the infamous serial killer "the trapper killer" is thrown after the announcement that she may have arrested the wrong man...who is on death row with only 48 hours left...she has to be sure.

This game genuinely looked like a hit, with its dark, gritty tone, detective based story & quick time scenarios but was quickly derailed due to only being able to play by downloading a companion app and using a portable device (providing your device was able too - fyi old fire tabs don't 😕)

Once you have it, you will be prompted to add you name & choose a colour? As you can have friends join in too, but still need to if it's just you?

The story is incredibly short, even shorter if you make a wrong choice or are too slow to move your device pointer to a specific moving target, which from a I can assure you, can become rather infuriating.

Answering a phone call or video call WILL disrupt your game and you will be sent back to start all over.....Including adding your name and colour again.

Aside from that- great casting, great story, great graphics and this would make and absolutely fantastic live action movie.
  
My Fair Latte
My Fair Latte
Vickie Fee | 2020 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Body on Opening Night
Halley Greer has just inherited an Art Deco movie palace in the touristy town of Utopia Springs, Arkansas. She’s decided to turn it into a classic movie theater that features coffee and wine as part of the snack bar options. After weeks or hard work restoring it, she is ready to feature My Fair Lady on opening night. However, during intermission, one of the patrons is found dead in his seat. The police think Halley is a good suspect even though she is new to town. Can she clear her name?

I really enjoyed this series debut. The characters are fantastic. We are making friends along with Halley, and they are a varied lot. I felt we got to know them, and I look forward to spending time with them in future books. The plot was a little slow to get started, but once it did, I was hooked on that as well. I thought I had a couple of things figured out, but I was still surprised by some twists. The suspects are just as strong as the series regulars, and kept me guessing until Halley figured it out. While I’m not much of a coffee or wine drinker, I was drooling over some of the food talked about in the book. The book gives some hints about things to be explored in future books, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit with these characters.
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Mar 12, 2020  
Today on my blog, author Amanda Cabot stops by for a fantastic interview where she discusses her writing as well as her new historical Christian romance novel OUT OF THE EMBERS. Check it out, and enter the GIVEAWAY to win a $25 Barnes & Noble or $10 Starbucks GIFT CARD as well as a copy of Hill Country Sweets Cookbook and Out of the Embers. https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2020/03/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-out-of.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents' murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don't include a family of his own.

At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?

Suspenseful and sweetly romantic, Out of the Embers is the first in a new series that invites you to the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, when the West was wild, the men were noble, and the women were strong.
     
Murder on Waverly Place
Murder on Waverly Place
Victoria Thompson | 2009 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder at a Séance
Midwife Sarah Brandt is surprised when her mother, Mrs. Decker, begs Sarah to join her at a séance. Mrs. Decker is hoping to reach Maggie, Sarah’s older sister, and obtain forgiveness for something that happened before she passed. Sarah goes, but nothing she experiences convinces her that it is at all real. However, Mrs. Decker goes back a second time, and one of the group members is murdered. They quickly call in Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy. The lights were out, and everyone was holding hands, so how was the victim killed?

Between the how and the who, I was pulled into this story and couldn’t put it down. There are some great twists along the way, and the climax is logical, although one part bothered me. It’s a very minor complaint. Sarah and Frank continue to be strong leads, ably sharing the view point of the story in a way that is easy to follow. They even made me laugh a few times as I was reading. While we don’t see Frank’s family, we do get to see more of the people in Sarah’s life, and I love spending time with them. The new characters are fantastic, and help bring New York City of 1897 to life. I always get lost in Sarah and Frank’s world, and this book was no exception. If you are looking for a historical mystery, I highly recommend this book.
  
The Songstress (Records of the Three Realms #1)
The Songstress (Records of the Three Realms #1)
Joshua Killingsworth | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Songstress is the first book in the Records of the Three Realms series and the reader travels to a bygone age very similar in nature to China or Japan. It starts in a tearoom where Kari is trying to protect the young girl she sees as a sister from being taken as part of the Emperor's harem. Kari ends up going too and has to learn how to bend but not break as things are thrown at her that she had absolutely no comprehension about.

This is a rich and intricate tale, woven with skill, to make each scene come alive. Each word is used to the best of it's capability. The world-building is outstanding and the characters help to bring this world to life. Although this is a long book, it doesn't feel that way, as I found myself fully invested in the characters and what was happening to them now.

This is book one in a series so don't expect everything to be tied up neatly. It does finish nicely... for now, although if you are like me, you will definitely want the second book as soon as it becomes available.

This was a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed and was engrossed in from start to finish. With a hint of magic all the way through, this is a book to be savoured. Absolutely recommended by me.
  
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Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated the Xbox 360 version of Red Dead Redemption in Video Games

Feb 24, 2020  
Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead Redemption
2010 | Action/Adventure
Game's control & mechanics (0 more)
too much desert (yeah I know) (0 more)
Grand theft old west
With the release of Red dead redemption 2 and plenty of praising the game received I decided to give this a go.
Although the game's story suffered the old "do this or your family gets it" story it was dealt with nicely.

Playing as a character who's trying to leave his criminal past behind (again, another rinse & recycle) the plot does include some nice closure to the protagonists past & some interesting characters to sell plenty of side quests through the 'stranger' options.

A vast open world experience with some fantastic detail was a nice input, but I felt that although it's set in the old west, definitely should have had more areas to visit/explore, as it lacked this, it did at times feel empty (through personal experience).

The short relationships between the characters felt unnecessary which if hadn't have happened would have made up for this rather empty sand box.

Definitely not a bad experience overall, but was happy with the main plots ending not having the "villain" explain in mind numbing detail why as it was fairly obvious but was also quite a weak ending at that, would've been better to have a shoot out before being caught off guard.

Still, I recommend this to anyone with a GTA addiction (that's why I'm recommending it to my brother).
  
    Canabalt

    Canabalt

    Games and Entertainment

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    "Fantastic... Super-simple, pixel-perfect, great music and sound." - daringfireball.net "Canabalt is...