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KittyMiku (138 KP) rated Playing Games in Books

May 23, 2019  
Playing Games
Playing Games
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Playing Games by Liliana Rhodes is a romance novel that is short and quick to read. Cassie Monroe needs a job and when her roommate helps get her into her dream job, she finds herself falling for her boss. Torn between her dream and her heart, Cassie has to find a happy medium to get all that she wants, but will it be as easy as that? Especially since there is another woman already in his life, will Cassie be able to overcome that or will she have to back down? Cassie will have to realize that love is unpredictable and sometimes has a few strings attached.



Rhodes is able to give the reader a great romance story that won’t take forever to read. However, I found it very anticlimactic and would have loved the extra drama that could be introduced but never was. Though the book was short and only a couple hours if that of reading and lacked the drama most good romance novels have, it does introduce characters that seem to be a part of Rhodes Billionaire novels that she has created and released as a series. If this book is any foreshadowing, I feel that the other books will be a bit disappointing.



I believe I found the part revolving around the other woman and the situation the Cassie’s lover is in to be extremely relatable. After all not, not everyone can enter a relationship without something for the past being there. To see how hard it is to trust someone else with something that means the world to you, made the book feel like it was speaking from the heart. Then you get to see how something that could seem so major to others would not be a huge deal to the person who loves you. I would have loved to read more about the family Cassie adopts as her own instead of it ending only to move onto the next couple in the series. I believe that there could be more added onto this book by adding some additional details and maybe adding a little more conflict to the characters instead of having that love at first sight situation.



The details in the book were well enough that it was able to be easily followed, however with lack of a major conflict and drama that could have kept it completely entertaining; I would not recommend this book to many people. In fact, I believe the book only made 2 stars on my 4 star rating lists. Yes it satisfied my weird need of romance, but it also left something to be desired. I really would have loved more in the book and feel that maybe it was rushed or not well thought about. The idea was great, but the execution wasn’t all that it could have been. I am even now finding it difficult to write this review as the review itself isn’t as long as I would like it to be.



However, even with these flaws, that make it low in my own tastes, I believe Playing Games could be a good book to those who don’t like to read for long session. If you are looking for a quick book to read that has that romantic air to it, the Playing Games is right up your alley. It doesn’t take more than a couple hours to read, has the romantic gestures and the idea of love being unpredictable, and pretty straightforward without the drama. If this sounds like the perfect book to you, please feel free to go grab it. I got my copy on Amazon for my kindle.
  
DO
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>
The first book in Kelsey Ketch's <em>Descendants of Isis</em> series is a book with very heavy romance.

Of course, I was highly aware of that upon reading the synopsis.

But I'm an absolute sucker for mythology of all kinds (This is why I am highly interested in debut author Heidi Helig's <em>The Girl From Everywhere</em>. I mean, <em>Hawaiian</em>. Saucer eyes RIGHT here! I intend on waiting until the book is published, though.) and I simply couldn't resist myself. So instead of moping about the possibility of a heavy romance, I replaced my "NUUU ROMANCE" hat with my "TOLERABLE ROMANTIC" hat (the caps are intentional), sat back with my tablet (after transferring the review copy from the computer), and just hoped Ketch would take me on an unforgettable journey.

Natti has just moved from London to a small town in California after her Grandmother's death, with her only clue in a necklace she inherited. Since the first day Natti starts at her new school, Seth O'Keefe starts pursuing her in the hopes of seducing her.

Plus, Tolerable Romantic (I'll stop capping my hats now) hat says it's not exactly love at first sight – Natti is completely resistant to Seth's attempts at charming her from the beginning, even though she sort of succumbs to his charms eventually. At that point in time, however, I know each of the characters well enough and have a particular fondness for each of them (for the first in a series) that it isn't awkward at all.

Ketch writes the book in two views: Natti's and Seth's. Natti's comparison of British life to American life and big city to a small town is mildly hilarious (we totally do everything backward). Even though she would rather remain in England, she smoothly transitions into her new life after meeting Wanda, Kevin, and Jen and being tucked under their wings.

Also, she has a fire in her I kind of like.

I honestly feel having Seth's view works out in the book's favor; hearing from his point of view makes him a lot more human than he comes out as with the other Sons of Set: someone who worships the Egyptian god Set and spreads chaos in the world on his behalf, hoping to eventually come across a secret from the past. They also sound insane and just want to take over the world one woman at a time.

It basically puts him in an entirely different perspective for readers than simply reading what Natti thinks of him.
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<em>Daughter of Isis</em> is one of those books where I'll probably keep my Tolerable Romantic hat on for the entire series because the romance between Seth and Natti fits the story really well. The world Kelsey builds in a small town California where nearly everyone is under the thumb of the Sons of Set captivated me by the end of the book – I can't wait to see what trials the couple will face in the future of the series.

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-daughter-of-isis-by-kelsey-ketc/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
  
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Book Divas (227 KP) rated Her Sweetest Downfall in Books

Dec 12, 2017 (Updated Dec 12, 2017)  
HS
Her Sweetest Downfall
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received an eARC when I signed up to host the book tour. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.

Before you sit down to read this historical romance I highly suggest you gather some tissues as this gut wrenching and heart breaking story will have you crying just as it made me cry. This read will hold you in its captivating story line from beginning to end. The story and characters are simply amazing and you will ride an overwhelming roller coaster full of love and heartache.

I have many favorite quotes from this book but I must say that this one is truly my favorite of all: "I guess we're both birds with broken wings, unable to fly away."

I highly recommend this emotional read and I give it 5 Stars.
  
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight (2008)
2008 | Action, Crime
Heath Ledger as the Joker.... amazing! Dark, twisted, hilarious, wonderful depth to the character, no one could have done it better. (2 more)
It has everything you want in a movie..drama, suspense, romance, explosions, bank robberies and so much more
Brilliant casting..Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Morgan Freeman!
Why So Serious Son? Best Joker ever!
I wasn't expecting to like this movie as I'm not really a big Batman/superhero fan. However, I took my son to see it in the theater and was instantly enthralled by Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker. The rest is history! I can (and have) watched this over and over again and I can only say that about a handful of movies. Quoting the Joker's lines became a thing in my home for months after we saw it.
"Y’see, madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little…push."
  
The Hidden Blade  (2004)
The Hidden Blade (2004)
2004 | Action, Drama, Romance
Masatoshi Nagase (3 more)
Takako Matsu
Cinematography
The Hidden blade/Demons Claw technique.
........ (0 more)
Subtle but brilliant
A brilliant samurai drama/romance that has some quality katana (sword) action.
We follow the path of Munezo, a samurai of a rural clan set in the early 1860's. Whilst Japan is changing with the times, Munezo show us how crucial his qualities of loyalty, respect, courage and self control and really are. Although not all of the Samurai are as moral as himself, Munezo has the fortitude to carry out his duties by his own standards. The relationship between Munezo and his once house keeper Kei is a beautiful and subtle thing, showing the world of film that kissing and sex scenes are unnecessary. The action scenes are intense and emotionally complex. And then there's the Demons Claw but, I'll let you find out about that yourself..... Enjoy.
  
Passengers (2016)
Passengers (2016)
2016 | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Casting (1 more)
Effects
Slightly Predictable (0 more)
A space Titanic
This is basically Titanic set in space, albeit a much better film than Titanic will ever be.

Let's get it straight, this is not a full blown sci-fi epic. This is a romantic love story set in space, with some sci-fi elements thrown in. As long as you can accept that, then this is a really good film. Yes the romance part of the story is pretty predictable, but for me this didn't matter due to the sheer likeability and chemistry between Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. They did get a great job of holding a film virtually all on their own, although Michael Sheen was a delight in all of his scenes too. The special effects too were very impressive and this is definitely one of the better films I saw in the new year.
  
Farewell to Paris (Legend of the White Snake #2)
Farewell to Paris (Legend of the White Snake #2)
Martin Chu Shui | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Farewell to Paris (Legend of the White Snake #2) by Martin Chu Shui
This is the story of Caitlin and Charlie's son, as he grows up and becomes a man. You stay with him as he trains with Alice, as he meets and trains with the Grandmaster and how his whole life has revolved around him saving his mum from the ICSC. As this is Sean/Shilin's story, there is not a lot going on with Alice or Charlie and definitely not with Caitlin but even so, this book follows seamlessly. It is full of action with many a twist and turn to keep you attentive. There is romance with a question but it doesn't overpower the story.

I was looking forward to reading this book and haven't been disappointed.

* Verified Purchase ~ February 2013
Reviewed on Goodreads ~ February 2013 *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Absolute Power
Absolute Power
David Baldacci | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
"If I told you who did it you wouldn't believe it." The book was a definite page turner for me. At about 30% in, I wanted to find out how it was going to end. There were a few twists and turns along the way, but the outcome was inevitable. This was the second Baldacci book I had read. I am a big fan of James Patterson and I must say that this book was better than any Patterson book I have read in a long time. I would love to see this made into a movie...it would definitely be a hit. This book has everything you need. Action, drama, multiple murders, a touch of romance, and a bit of rough sex. What else could you ask for? I would recommend this to anyone who likes controversy and crime. P.S. Just found out, this is a movie!
  
SL
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Definitely my favorite of the series thus far. Nell was a practical, yet stubborn and light-hearted match for the tortured (and nummy ;P) Adrian. <i>Sex, Lies, and Vampires</i> is a slightly more serious entry into <b>The Dark Ones</b> series. Seems to me that Katie MacAlister's writing has gotten better through the years (as one would hope) and I hope to see more Dark Ones in the future! She's the only one that could have thought up Mummy followers. :P I love the zaniness and cheesiness, along with more serious moments within the romance. The only gripe I have is that I have no clue what Nell looks like. Besides her left side being either weak or slackened, the only other clue is that she's tall(ish). I do like to have a picture in my head as I read. Oh well, I'll live. :)
4.5 stars
  
TR
The Raging Ones (The Raging Ones, #1)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is my first sci-fi read for awhile and it was a doozy. The plot, characters, and setting were interesting and new but the book felt disconjointed. I felt the first part while they were on the planet was one book and then when they reached space it became another book.
I enjoyed the three characters together and the quips they had. The relationship was well thought out and well done. It felt like a love triangle but it wasn't. I don't think there really was any romance? A touch? I am not sure.
I really wanted to enjoy this book and I am sure if I was a bigger fan of sci fi at the moment I might, but I found myself confused and just not interested about 60% of the way through. Hopefully the second will bring answers and put the story all together.