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On The Ice ( Stick Side '#1)
On The Ice ( Stick Side '#1)
Amy Aislin | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Sport & Leisure
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
kinda creeps up on ya!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Mitch is working two jobs to put himself through college, and get himself in the NHL league. He puts on a front for everyone and anyone who pays him any attention. But Alex sees Mitch, like SEES him, as he really is and Alex wants more. But both young men are fully aware that coming out might jeopardize both the positions in the league.

I made a new shelf, just for books like this! It's title?? Kinda-creeps-up-on-ya!

Because that is just what this book did! It creeps along, slow, slow, fast, fast, slow. The emotions build along the same, and then, THEN?? I ran out of book!

You get sucked in so far, you can't see a way out, except to keep on going and see how it all turns out!

I loved Mitch, with all his fronts and faces he presents to everyone else. I loved that Alex saw, immediately, past those fronts and faces. Loved that Alex makes it clear to Mitch, while he finds him attractive, there can be nothing between them without the EMOTIONAL connection. And Mitch would rather take the nothing, and have Alex in his life, than just the sex, and lose Alex along the way.

I find myself: me, a middle aged English woman, connecting with Alex on a much deeper level than I expected to. Alex is demisexual: he loves people, not genders. But he won't have sex with just anyone, he needs that emotion connection that Mitch is chasing with Alex. And I think THATS what I connected to, the fact he needs that emotional connection.

I did love the epilogue! Loved that, even though these guys could have lost their league places, they followed their hearts!

There is a little bit in the front of this book, that tells you Mitch and Alex pop up in another book by Aislin. They are already married for 6 years in that book, and this is the story of how they got together. I'd like to read that one too.

From what I can see, the first I have read of Aislin, another new to me author who blew me away.

5 stars, that creep up ya!!

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
Half a War (Shattered Sea, Book 3)
Half a War (Shattered Sea, Book 3)
Joe Abercrombie | 2016 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
My poor little heart! I think this is my favourite book in the trilogy. It's going to be hard to do a spoiler-free review so just in case: Might contain LIGHT SPOILERS

Things I liked:

-In book two on of my complaints was that the base of the story plot resembled a lot the story plot of the first one. Well, this one was completely different. This one is about different kingdoms coming together to defeat the enemy.

-I loved how the characters evolve in this book, more than the previous two. I love seeing Skara turned into a powerful Queen, I love seeing other character falling from hight. And Yarvi. Although it's not one of our main POV we see a lot of him and how much he has changed since book one.

-What I like in Abercrombie writing is that he right the relationship between characters in a way that they feel true to life. If two characters are not meant to be together for X or Y reason he will not come up with a plot or excuse to pair those characters just because this is what our heart wants. And I always appreciate that no matter how much it hurts.

-Raith! I loved this character so much. I have a sweet spot for bad boys that deep down are good. Especially when we get to see this side of them come out naturally.

-I rarely cry when reading books or watching movies, and I still didn't while reading this book but it did manage to make my heart feel sad. Well done!

-Raith and Skara. Oh, my little heart. I loved those two together.

-We got to see even more magic than book two!

-They where a couple of big twists that I didn't see coming. Especially the one with the traitor. Kept me guessing throughout the book and when we learn how it was I wasn't expecting it.

Things I didn't like

It was very hard to find things that I didn't like but here some nitpicking

-So you know how I said that I loved the plot twist with the traitor. I did I'm not taking it back but... If you look closely I feel like maybe there are some tiny plothole that I can't really discuss without spoiling everything.

-The elves. Although we see way more elf-magic we still don't really get a lot of information about them. At the end of this trilogy, a still feel that I wanted to know more about them.
  
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    World of SUVs: Online

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    Hello Friend! Ready for an adventure? Cool! Sit behind the wheel of your SUV and get ready for fun...

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
2018 | Thriller
Great Mystery
A strange mystery unfolds at a seedy motel that resides on the border of California and Nevada.

Acting: 10

Beginning: 10

Characters: 10

Cinematography/Visuals: 10
The cinematics of Bad Times At the El Royale are both vibrant and dark at the same time. The El Royale hotel itself is captured in a nostalgic sense where you get the feel that it’s full of history and not all good history either. There is a seedy undertone that’s unshakeable throughout. I love how director Drew Goddard plays with different elements like rain and close spaces. The two-way mirror scenes definitely increase the intensity of the film. There is so much to appreciate here, I will probably have to watch this again to get the full grasp.

Conflict: 7
While the film definitely could have used more action, the scenes that do exist are pretty solid. It leaves you guessing as you have no idea how things are going to play out. Who will die next? Will this person find what they’re looking for? The conflict is not always driven through direct action, but tension as well. There is one scene in particular involving Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, and Dakota Johnson that is easily my favorite in the entire movie.

Genre: 9
The characters really contribute in making this a strong mystery. Most times, it’s hard to tell up from down and you get just a little bit closer as you learn the backstory of each of the motel residents. From beginning to end, you wonder how things will ultimately play out amongst the group. Clever twists and turns along the way help to give the film life.

Memorability: 8
Never quite seen anything like it which makes Bad Times memorable in and of itself. It all goes back to the one scene I mentioned above, a scene that paralyzed me and had me on the edge of my seat. It was masterfully crafted and I can think of about three other scenes (at least) that come almost as close. Much discussion was had on the drive home.

Pace: 7
Although the twists keep things interesting the movie does get slow in some spots. It’s almost like it’s lulling you to sleep before picking up the pace yet again, like a car shifting gears. Some may have balked at the singing interludes, but I welcomed them. Erivo’s voice is captivating and heartwarming.

Plot: 10
Great storytelling here filled with intrigue and misdirection. From beginning to end, I felt pretty entertained for the most part. Watching everything unfold and all the stories collide was a definite treat.

Resolution: 10

Overall: 91
Great beginning that hooks you immediately. A shady cast of characters. Solid performances from the likes of Bridges and Chris Hemsworth. Solid ending. Bad Times At the El Royale is an awesome movie that is well worth your time.
  
    reFinder outdoor

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    reFinder is the outdoor activities app for people who love to collect and spend time in a natural...

The Assassin's Blade: The Throne of Glass Novellas
The Assassin's Blade: The Throne of Glass Novellas
Sarah J. Maas | 2014 | Children
8
8.6 (21 Ratings)
Book Rating
Seeing the roots of celaenas character (1 more)
Seeing the continent and lands in more depth
I didn't much like sam and celaenas relationship (1 more)
Celaenas an idiot
A rather enjoyable backstory
Contains spoilers, click to show
Overall I liked this prequel, I love the cover I love the characters (most of them anyway). Now I do profess I feel I may have read the prequel at the wrong time as it may have spoiled a few things for me but I don't think it will make too much of a difference.
Anyway,I loved the stories, the catalyst causing the dominoe effect beginning in the first story with the tensions being built beautifully through the next 3 stories until the climax in the last one. I loved each story's arc, Ansel and the mute master, Arobynns betrayal and her downfall.
The book is crafter well through the build of all this tension and dram without staying in the same place or there necessarily being constant drama,sometimes just reflection.
However, celaena, Sam and all the rest of them are bloody idiots. The way in which their characers had been built would lead you to believe they were smart individuals but apparently we were lead astray and it is infuriating to see them behave like such buffoons when even throughout he prequel it's clear they wouldn't behave in that manner. For example celaena not going after sam when he didn't return because of a possible breach of trust. Yeah no. I feel like towards the end celaenas character was dumbed down too mich to make ends meet etc, but if her character needed to be dumb to make it flows into the first book then atleast make it clear throughout that she makes these dumb mistakes. Off the top of my head I can't remember any point where she made any overly stupid mistakes.
Furthermore I'm not a fan of celaenas and Sam's relationship, I love and adore sam but him and celaena? It didn't work it was too artificial and built too quickly for it to feel like a natural progression for the two characters.
Despite all that the book is good,the stories are gripping and lovely to read, if you ignore the bits that make you want to rip out your hair.
  
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Yorgos Lanthimos recommended Uncut Gems (2019) in Movies (curated)

 
Uncut Gems (2019)
Uncut Gems (2019)
2019 | Comedy, Crime, Drama

"With “Uncut Gems” Ben and Josh Safdie have utilized all the elements I have loved in their previous films and brought them to a higher level, resulting in a unique cinematic experience. There is a suspenseful plot, there are complex characters, there are high stakes, but the most important thing is the sense that you are watching something which is one of a kind. The rhythm is relentless, the sound too, I would even dare say that it’s like watching a Robert Altman film that was dipped in acid. But all that can’t describe the film accurately either. Ben and Josh have created their own complete world — as they usually do — within a real world, that of Diamond District in New York. The balance they achieved between the naturalistic and the heightened elements is masterful. I was always impressed — frankly jealous — by their casting skills and instincts. They manage to create a seamless cast of characters by working with people that have never acted before all the way to veteran actors that in the end seem that they were meant to be part of the Safdies’ universe. It’s one Adam Sandler’s best performances — along with “Punch Drunk Love” and “The Meyerowitz Stories” — proving once more he’s a truly great actor but also the perfect choice to play this character. Because from within Ben and Josh’s unique style and cinematic voice, it’s the human element that stands out and makes everything fall into place, the flawed characters that we love, even in their most embarrassing moments."

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Renegades
Renegades
Marissa Meyer | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.3 (19 Ratings)
Book Rating
a superpower roller coaster
Damn where to even start when it comes to this book the characters were all amazing they really felt like real people the plot was great it kept me interested the entire time even when I kind of figured where it was going I didn't actually mind it at all I'm actually kind of red faster cuz I wanted to see if I was right. I will admit I'm a huge Marissa Mayer fan I love all her books she truly isn't talented writer and with Renegades she just continues to get better her World building is amazing and holy crap that ending just kept me hugs and I cannot wait for the second book.

One of my favorite things about the book is just how diverse the cast is and she did it in a way that didn't feel forced like a lot of authors work does. I love how it does switch point of views and you do get to see the internal struggle that's the two main characters are going through. I really can't wait to get in even deeper in the next book.