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The Scarlet Empress (1934)
The Scarlet Empress (1934)
1934 | Classics, Drama
(0 Ratings)
Movie Favorite

"Scarlet Empress, with Marlene Dietrich, directed by Josef von Sternberg. That’s also pre-Code, just barely, I think, and it’s the greatest of their collaborations. Morocco is amazing, too, and I love Blue Angel. Morocco has that incredible ending where she can’t resist but follows him off, and you hear the wind sound and all that. Anyway, Scarlet Empress is so singular; there’s nothing like it. It’s almost like a new cinema is being created; he’s creating a new language for cinema. Not just the way that it looks, but the light, the use of light, and the use of production design becomes, almost, a sensory part of the experience and informs her character. It’s all about her character’s sensuality, and he uses all these other elements beyond just herself to sell that. The way the film looks, the way the film feels, and it’s where the style completely informs her identity, which is an amazing idea."

Source
  
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Aurora recommended track Suzanne by Leonard Cohen in Back in the Motherland by Leonard Cohen in Music (curated)

 
Back in the Motherland by Leonard Cohen
Back in the Motherland by Leonard Cohen
2011 | Rock
1.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Favorite

Suzanne by Leonard Cohen

(0 Ratings)

Track

"May he rest in peace, the lovely little angel. I love this song. Musically we only heard Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Enya when I was a child, there was nothing else as we didn’t have a radio. I love Enya as well, especially the way she just stays the same and doesn’t change her sound. She knows what she’s here to do and she does it. ""This was one of the songs that I really loved when I was unable to understand what he was saying, because I didn’t know English then, or at least I didn’t know these lyrics yet, because they were so complicated. I ended up learning my English mainly from online gaming or computer games like World Of Warcraft. “’Suzanne’ is my childhood, safety, my mother, discovering music and English and falling in love with a song again and again the more that I grow. It’s like a forever growing song, because it grows with you while you grow.”"

Source
  
HG
His Game: The Woods
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
196 of 235
Kindle
Book sirens arc
His Game: The woods
By Tirzah M.M. Hawkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️

John returns for another game. Only this time he passes himself off as Luke, a former army medic, living alone in the woods with his dog.
Sandra is a romantic. Her idea of a good time is curling up with a love story and her cat. When she's kidnapped, tortured, and left for dead in a forest, Luke looks like the closest thing she's ever seen to a guardian angel.
But the game is still going. And she doesn't realize she's playing.

This was a decent quick read. I didn’t realise at the time it was the second of a series so I will have to go back and read the first. This is a cruel way to play a game especially when it’s not going to end well.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
  
Set in an alternate season three, SINS OF THE FATHER features two interesting, although slightly competitive, plots. The first one has Pike (featured in the movie Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the comic, [b:Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Omnibus, Vol. 1|271365|Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus, Vol. 1|Joss Whedon|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348752850s/271365.jpg|263081]) coming to town for Buffy's help with a stone demon, while the second deals with Giles and his past. Quite obviously, demons of all kinds are the theme of the book.

This is my first foray into the Buffy novels and I have to say it was a pretty good one to start with. The characterizations were well-done, most notably Willow and Xander (I could just hear their dialogue and see their expressions), with the exceptions of Cordy, who sounded like herself about half the time, and Giles, who just seemed off somehow. The plot moves well enough along and the action was well-written. I especially liked their new vampire equipment that you can't help but think, "Why didn't anyone come up with this before?" The banter was great and definitely had the feel of the show, it made me laugh quite a few times. The only thing I had a problem with was Buffy's indecision about Pike and Angel. While I get the part about Pike being a 'normal' guy who knows that she fights paranormal crime and isn't put off, but why does she have such strong feelings for him still? It's been two, two-and-a-half years since she even saw him, I just don't see it. Also, the 'impossible love' between Buffy and Angel was redundant. If anyone has ever seen the show (and how many are going to read the books if they aren't a fan?), they already know all the angsty melodrama on the subject. One remark on the subject was all we needed, not repeatedly using just about the same two phrases a million times. With those two quibbles said, this was an entertaining book that took me back to my favorite time of the show, the high school years.
  
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TJ Creque (3 KP) created a post

Jun 28, 2019  
In my opinion, the Devil's Heir was one of the best books I have read by Author Angel Nyx. This page-turner had me on the edge of my seat mostly with anticipation of what was going to happen next and it just kept getting better and better for me. I was really impressed with the style of writing and intrigued by the whole style and subject manner of the book itself.
The Devil's Heir begins in New Orleans where Kaiya is trying to perfect her powers by trying to create a hurricane as she is trying to perfect her powers. She is interrupted by the High Commander Maddox who brings word that she is summoned by her father the Devil to return to hell. She has a love-hate relationship with Maddox and she has no qualms of telling him off. As she returns home she is greeted by her Mother. As she prepares to meet her father the devil, her maidservant is dismissed as Kaiya wants to be alone to prepare to meet her Father. When she sees her father, she is told she is to marry Maddox that this was decided upon when she was born. Kaiya is beyond pissed off at the fact that her decision to wed whoever she chooses to wed was taken from her and she doesn't take it lightly. She decides to leave hell and that is when the story starts to really become a page turner and the adventure begins. This story will take you through many trials and snares as you continue to read it and it is a must follow all the way through to the end. What will happen to Princes Kaiya and will she ever be able to trust Maddox? Will she fulfill her father's request to marry Maddox and take her place on the throne? These questions and more are answered, and this story will have you awed by the time you've finished it.
This book was gifted to me by Author Angel Nyx and I am very blessed to have the opportunity to read it and tell you all a little about it. This is a 5-Plus Star Read.
     
Hellbound Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance #8)
Hellbound Warrior (Dark Warrior Alliance #8)
Brenda Trim, Tami Yulka | 2016 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
188 of 250
Kindle
Hellbound Warrior ( Dark Warrior Alliance book 8 )
By Brenda Trim and Tami Julka

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

Rhys O'Morda finds himself at the mouth of Hell after swearing he would never go back. When the archdemon, Kadir, steals the Goddess' powerful Triskele Amulet, Rhys is left with the fate of the world resting on his shoulders. Cursing his birthright, he sets out to tackle the nine circles of the Underworld. Facing rivers of fire, freezing rains, soul-sucking creatures and his inner weaknesses is nothing compared to coming face to face with his Fated Mate. His biggest challenge isn't passing the tests of each circle in Hell, but trying to win his mate's heart. In a cruel twist of fate, his other half isn't bound by the same force and has to consciously choose him. Problem is she loathes demons. Will he be able to win his angel over or be forced to let her go and live for eternity without her? Illianna has every reason to despise everything related to demons and the Underworld. Once an angel of happiness, she has been a prisoner in Hell for a hundred years, forced to perform vile acts that leave a dark stain on her soul. Her prayers fall on deaf ears day after day and she is on the cusp of giving up when the sexy, impossible and arrogant cambion, Rhys, rescues her from his father's clutches. She will do anything to get back to heaven and her wings, even partner with Rhys and his fellow warriors. Yet, her attraction to the exquisite Dark Warrior challenges every barrier she has set. Having the passion she craves comes with a high price tag, including complete and unconditional surrender.

I really enjoyed the boys trip to Hell and I think Illianna is my favourite mate yet! I love her and can just picture those beautiful wings!
This series is great if you like Dark Hunters crossed with the Black Dagger brothers.
We are on book 8 and can’t wait to see what book 9 brings.
  
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Book Divas (227 KP) rated A Bit Witchy in Books

Dec 12, 2017  
AB
A Bit Witchy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received an eARC via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

I felt a bit mislead by the title of this book but in all honesty I have no one to blame but myself as I didn't read the synopsis however, this book about guardian angels was an enjoyable read.

Lena is the school loner and her peers have labeled her a witch which she isn't but she is indeed very special as she can see guardian angels. I love how the author wrote the Lena character; a bit of a foul mouthed teen with just the right amount of spunk. The story line moved quickly and it is humorously written. I look forward to seeing these characters once again.

My two personal favorite quotes:

" I cannot think of anyone I'd rather breathe with."

" You can only see the moral scars when there's a good guardian angel to show you. For whatever reason shmuck here doesn't have one of those."
  
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
2016 | Action, Sci-Fi
New characters (0 more)
I love the xmen as a small kid i used to read the comics over and over .ive seen all the xmen movies this one is not that great not terrible but not awesome apocalypse is one of there most powerful characters .the last few movies with the new cast i really liked .first class and the one where they go back n forth in time.i really liked psylocke storm and death angel .but honestly they could have done better.the special effects were good.idk it needs something new .dark phoenix should be good .i dont rember seeing wolverine rouge (who is my fav)ice man .but just like the comics they constantly come and go.if u like xmen you will like this movie.i wish i could write a xmen movie team up with say spiderman and a crazy villian like mestphito (spelt wrong sorry)and throw in a love story gambit and rouge collousis and kitty pryde.some thing to give the movie character and feeling.cant wait for the next one
  
Wings on Fire: Complete Collection
Wings on Fire: Complete Collection
Ann Omasta | 2018 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wings on Fire ~ Falling, Blazing, and Soaring (Complete Collection) by Ann Omasta
Wings on Fire is the complete collection of three novellas, telling the story about a guardian Angel, Daniel, and his accident-prone charge, Kerry. It starts off with her in hospital, and Daniel lamenting to himself that he hasn't done a good job of keeping her safe.

This is an easy read, with no major angst, although there is plenty of drama. The characters are well-rounded, and mostly believable. This is a story, that although it has a contemporary setting, you will need to suspend any disbelief until you've finished it. It was a smooth read, with very good pacing. I am glad that I read this as a complete collection though, as I'm not too good with novellas!

For a quick and easy read, then I can definitely recommend this book.

* 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!
  
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themaxdog (14 KP) rated Aidan in Books

Jul 17, 2019  
Aidan
Aidan
Elizabeth Rose | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
History and Cultural References (0 more)
Characters (0 more)
I have mixed feelings about Aidan, the last book in the collection. Starting with the positives, I loved the history and rich cultural significance behind the concept, with the Stone of Destiny featuring so prominently. All throughout this collection, I have enjoyed the fact that the writing is so heavily informed by the author’s historical research, and even though the characters and plots are fictitious, it’s nice that their world is grounded in reality and historical events that (to a degree) actually did take place.

On the flipside, I found the characters in this book a little lacklustre. Aidan and Effie are the main characters, yet they lacked any real depth and emotion which was a real shame. Similarly, the whole concept of Effie being Aidan’s ‘Dream Angel’ was overwhelmingly cliché and sickeningly sweet. I’m all for romance, but this just took it a step too far!

All in all, the positives and negatives add up to create an enjoyable, light-hearted, historical read – in fact, providing the perfect way to sum up this collection.