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Legacy (Legacy, #1)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
It's unfortunate that the publishers insisted on making Cayla Kluver's age known. I see it mainly as a disheartening marketing ploy that is unfair to her and detracts from her talent. The whole time reading, I thought of her age and wish I hadn't known how young she was. I want her work to speak for itself, not her age, so I've tried to write a fair and accurate review reflecting that.

Miss Kluver has a good grasp of pacing and her imagination is very good. She shows promise and I'm sure her future books will only improve the more she writes. The beginning is a bit shaky, mainly due to detailed descriptions that halt the flow of the book (what I would call "stop and go" writing) and suffered extraneous words and adjectives. This occurs off and on throughout the book, but if you can get past the first sixty to seventy pages, both of these greatly decrease. After that, I got more into the book and was entertained throughout the rest of the story. Princess Alera has a nice balance of contrasts to her and she does well as the main character. Male characters, such as Narnian, London, and Destari, shine more than anyone else and I couldn't help but become fascinated by them. Despite my initial trepidation, I find myself looking forward to the next book featuring these characters and this world. I sincerely hope the sequel delves more into the Cokyris and their side of the story, for I can't help but feel the need for more equality and not the typical "good vs. evil" concept.
3.5 stars
  
VP
Vanishing Point (Nikki Boyd Files #4)
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is my second Nikki Boyd novel and I loved it every bit as much as the last one I read. Ms. Harris is a talented author who knows what to bring to her readers. She blends the heart pounding suspense, the breathtaking twists and the epic chills that make up a perfect suspense novel. The characters she throws into the story really bring it to life, making it play out more like a movie on the big screen than simply a thrilling novel.

Nikki, Garrett and Jordan come together in a wonderfully researched, well thought out novel. This is the back story of Nikki's sister Sarah and what happened to her. Each page turn truly captivated me, wrapping me up in the investigation and the shivering suspense that goes on behind the lines of duty. Throw in to the mix a little romance between two characters, God's unending glory and it rounds it out beautifully.

Ms. Harris takes a topic that isn't easily handled, the disappearance of a loved one, and creates a carefully woven, intricately pieced novel. This book is beyond 5 star worthy, and is one that will be at the top of my recommendation list for many months to come. This book will take you on a highest of high roller coaster ride, twist your gut, squeeze your heart, and the sudden stop at the end.....well, just grab a copy of this book now to see what I'm talking about.
 
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
Chili has grown and changed over the years. But one simple fact remains. Chili is a dish that continues to bring us warmth and comfort.

Robb Walsh not only gives us 60 delectable recipes for the ever favorite dish. But he also dives into the history and the evolution of chili. The book is divided into four parts: Chili's Family Tree, Tex-Mex Traditions, Chili Road Trip and Modern and Vegetarian Chilies (Because vegetarians have to eat, too - pg. 1). There are many vibrant pictures, so that your mouth begins to water just by flipping through the pages. Walsh not only instructs us on the main course, but how to roast green chiles, make fresh corn tortillas and stone ground cornbread. There is also a detailed guide to peppers and chili powders that I found very helpful. With dishes like Lobster Chili, Three-Bean Chipotle Chili and Old-Fashioned Tex-Mex Enchiladas, there is no doubt that this will be my go-to cookbook as the winter months quickly approach.

Chili...Need I say more? I love making chili, but also enjoy a variety of styles. The Chili Cookbook has such a wide selection of chili to choose from that I don't think I will ever tire of it. I enjoyed reading about the history of chili. From the Aztecs to the Chili Queens. Ready your taste buds for the ride of their lives as you dive into this delicious cookbook from beginning to end.

I received a free copy of The Chili Cookbook from the publisher, through Blogging for Books, in exchange for my honest review.
  
The F**k-It List (2020)
The F**k-It List (2020)
2020 | Comedy
3
3.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Something explodes, but we don't see what it is. Teenagers are stood watching, one doesn't even flinch so obviously had something to do with it, but what did he do and why? As we are thrown back 24 hours earlier, we are about to find out.
To be honest not much happens leading up to the event. Brett's friends throw a party in his garden without his prior knowledge whilst his parents are away, and afterwards finds out he is accepted into 7 colleges, oh and he accidentally blows up the school when a senior prank goes wrong,which is what we saw at the start of the movie.
Around half an hour in he creates a video which lists everything he wants to do and accidentally publishes it for everyone to see worldwide which attracts hundreds of likes and comments. Coupling this and the explosion, Brett is told he would not be graduating from school thus ruining his chances of attending college. As a rebellion he invites everyone to burn their school books in the shape of a certain gesture and shares it online gaining him thousands of followers. He is eventually contacted by someone who wants to turn his fame into a money making scheme, the more followers he can get, the more money he will receive.
All this dragged out for a whole hour of the movie and I felt the storyline was pretty rubbish. I expected it to be a guy attempting to tick off things on his list with the help of his friends, but the list was only really mentioned once or twice. Very disappointing.
  
TU
The Unforgettables
G.L. Tomas | 2016
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<b><i>I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
Meet Felicia, AKA a piece of fictional me out in the bookish world: awkward, anti-social, and kind of an outcast. It is no wonder why I immediately beeline towards cute contemporary novels (I always make a point to mention <a href="http://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-imperfect-chemistry-by-mary-frame"><em>Imperfect Chemistry</em></a> by Mary Frame because that book! Is! Cute! Cue exclamation points and squealing.).

Side note: I haven't reviewed in months. I will probably be as boring and undirectional as 15-year-old me.

<i>The Unforgettables</i> is a story of two fabulously adorable nerds who find out they are neighbors and bond over a set of comic books. Paul and Felicia click over a chance encounter in the summer over the comic books that they’re huge fans of, thus beginning a friendship that wouldn’t be forgotten. At least until it becomes more than friendship.

<b>What I Liked:</b>
<i>Cliches can have nerds and outcasts too! Also nerds can be well-liked.</i> - One of the big reasons why I’m always weary of contemporary novels is how I somehow never relate to the characters. There is always something off about them - they all fit in, they’re popular, yada yada yada. (And sometimes there is something off... period.) <i>The Unforgettables</i> has both. Felicia is none of those. She isn’t popular, she doesn’t fit in - in fact, she’s the outcast and basically keeps to herself. Paul is well liked - he fits in, and he’s certainly not an outcast.

Another side note: Can Paul be an actual human being? I feel like we can be best friends, even if I’m not a comic book fan. (Plus, if most guys I come across were as decent as Paul is, the world would be better for awkward me.)
<i>
</i> <i>The serious amount of diversity involved.</i> - Felicia is Haitian. Paul is biracial. There’s an interracial relationship. I am a happy little reader. That is not the only reason why I am a happy little reader.
<i>
</i> <i>Helloooo reality.</i> - The relationship life is as awkward as it is heartbreaking, and I love how those obstacles are portrayed throughout the book instead of making it seem like a cakewalk. The amount of awkwardness involved as Paul and Felicia venture into territory beyond friendship just makes it all the better. (I am all for awkward within reason.) Plus, it’s reassuring to find that I’m not the only one awkward in the romance department. All the other books make it seem heartbreakingly easy.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">A crush equaled no assembly required. There were no broken promises or hurt feelings outside of the fact you weren’t with them. And if you didn’t let them in, the mere thought of them made you smile.</blockquote>
<i>The Unforgettables</i> is the classic story of girl meets boy next door with perks and bonuses that will even capture the attention of the cliche-disliker.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">A little geekery never hurt anyone.</blockquote>

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-unforgettables-by-gl-thomas/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>