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Sucker Punch (Anita Blake #27)
Sucker Punch (Anita Blake #27)
Laurell K Hamilton | 2020 | Contemporary, Horror, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller
9
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
149 of 250
Book
Sucker Punch ( Anita Blake book 27)
By Laurell K Hamilton

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

My name is Anita Blake and I thought nothing could surprise me. But what if the wrong man is about to be executed?

When a fellow U.S. Marshal flies me in on an emergency consult, I know time is running short. Evidence is mounting against a young wereleopard who stands accused of killing his uncle in the most gruesome and bloody way possible.

In this tiny Michigan town, the pressure from the cops is escalating, the victim's family want retribution and a warrant of execution is already under way. But something feels off about the murder - the evidence doesn't add up.

With the locals up in arms and their fear of supernatural beings growing, I must race to uncover the truth. I cannot let the authorities kill an innocent man. But what if I'm already too late?
Now that was an Anita Blake book!! Thank god!!
The case was intriguing I even enjoyed the relationship/ sex stuff granted there wasn’t much but the scenes LKH wrote were just brilliant and fitting to the situation. This is what I needed to keep me wanting more from Anita! Olaf has completely creeped me the fuck out. I mean he has sort of humanised in a way and I think that’s more unsettling than the psychopath I’m praying to god that he gets a bullet soon. I absolutely adore her conversation with Micah he will always be my fav and I love the way LKH talks about him too. Edward and Anitas relationship was cemented even more in this I know they have saved each other numerous times but this one meant more also the fact he may now be one of the physical monsters! I’m genuinely so happy with this book and positive about the next. Thank you Mrs Hamilton!! Ooooo I nearly missed Nicky how I’ll never know that lion is just amazing and I love we got to see and hear him in this book.
  
Suvi's Revenge (Dark Warrior Alliance #6)
Suvi's Revenge (Dark Warrior Alliance #6)
Brenda Trim, Tami Julka | 2021 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
7
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
152 of 250
Kindle
Suvi’s Revenge ( Dark Warrior Alliance book 6)
By Brenda Trim and Tami Julka

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

Suvi is the youngest of the Rowan triplets and prefers high heels to combat boots and parties to battles. Unfortunately, lately, she finds herself fighting more than she does drinking martinis. If she isn't rebuilding the business she shares with her sisters, she's searching for their archenemy, Cele. The way Suvi sees it, they've done their part and it's time for a celebration, but that isn't in the cards for her. The moment she has dreamt of her entire life happens when she meets her Fated Mate, yet she isn't able to plan the party of the century. Instead, she and her sisters have seventy-two hours to investigate a murder, locate a rogue vampire, stop an evil witch from stealing their powers and save her mate from a death sentence. She wants nothing more than to spend her days and nights in sensual oblivion with her vampire, but the clock is ticking. Caine DuBray's world is upended when he wakes up next to a human female that has been drained dry. As the only vampire on scene, her death is immediately pinned on him. He believes he is innocent, but the problem is that he can't recall the details of their date. Rather than executing him immediately, the Vampire King takes pity on him and gives him three days to prove his innocence. He discovers that one of the witches he is directed to is his Fated Mate. Their passion sets him on fire and leaves him desperate for the chance to spend eternity with the sexy witch.


This was a pretty good short bordering 3.5 stars. It’s good to see the sister are now al mated. I’m a bit unsure the Cele is really dead though as she was planning a clone! I don’t think we’ve seen the last of her it seemed to easy! I do love our little visits to the realm!
  
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.
  
Bohemian Rhapsody - The Soundtrack by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody - The Soundtrack by Queen
2018 | Rock, Soundtrack
Freddie Freaking Mercury (2 more)
Live Tracks
Excellent Audio Quality
No dialogue tracks or pre-tracks (1 more)
Doing All Right is very meh
Fantastic Album; Mediocre Soundtrack
Preface: I received a copy through the Smashbomb giveaway contest. That said, I’m not going to hold back...

So, Queen...How could anyone ever go wrong with a Queen album? Ever... Truth is you cannot. This album is fantastic and sits proudly alongside the greatest hits albums I already owned. It’s a great compilation of their best studio tracks alongside some rarely released live tracks including nearly the entire Live Aid set.

But what is lacking, most of all, and what I want in a film soundtrack is something I cannot get anywhere else...dialogue snippets from the film that place the tracks with the film itself. The film was a smash success, earring Rami Malek the Best Actor Oscar and rightly so. However, this album is simply that, a Queen album. We don’t get the Rami/Freddy mixes used in the film, we don’t get the sound bytes that tie a song to a moment in the film. So while it’s an awesome album and one I will rock out with in my car often, it’s not any different than a Queen compilation album tied around the film loosely. It may not be a drawback to you, but to me, it’s not worth calling it a soundtrack. It could just as easily been one of those “songs inspired by the film: Bohemian Rhapsody” instead of Official Soundtrack.

Now all that said, it’s a fantastic compilation album. The live tracks especially, are excellently mixed, and through listening, we are once again reminded why Queen and Mercury himself were so amazing... the live tracks demonstrate that despite his crazy moves on stage, the heat of the lights and all, Queen always sounded great. Unlike many modern bands, their live tracks are nearly identical in quality to the studio versions. Even though I knew this going in, I was still amazed.

And no track demonstrated this fact more than the We Will Rock You (Movie Mix) track that seamlessly blended the studio version into the live version used in the film.

Queen’s sound was and is iconic and unique to this day, and this album highlights why so perfectly. I’m just disappointed that the soundtrack didn’t have more throwback to the film itself.
  
Wolf Reborn (The Westervelt Wolves #3)
Wolf Reborn (The Westervelt Wolves #3)
Rebecca Royce | 2021 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
107 of 250
Kindle
Wolf Reborn ( Westervelt Wolves book 3)
By Rebecca Royce

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

A lone wolf is a dangerous creature, until he meets his mate. Then he'll become lethal to protect her. Faith Shatner never asked to be a wolf shifter but one strange encounter with the Westervelt Wolves and she suddenly has a past she knows nothing about and a future wrought with danger. No one is more disappointed than she to discover that the island does not hold a mate for her, that is until she collides with Theo Kane, the missing prince of the Westervelt Wolves who has chosen isolation to save his pack from what he believes are his insane tendencies. Theo couldn't imagine anything worse than the near death experience that left him scarred and forever changed. That is until he thinks of the same things happening to Faith. Now he will have no choice but to face what he has avoided for over a year if he doesn't want the past to repeat itself, this time taking Faith along for the ride. Together they will battle demons, invisible wolves, and worst of all his father to find their eternal love. But if the price is eternity, are they willing to risk it all? PLUS a special bonus of Wolf's Valentine - a Westervelt Holiday Short Story Jana thought she was through with Westervelt. Fleeing for her life thirty years ago, she's hidden as a human ever since. But a strangely worded Valentine delivered to her desk at work has given her pause. Malcolm never expected to find his mate working for a crooked company he was sent to investigate in New York City. But there she is. Now, on Valentine's Day, the two will battle their attraction for each other while taking down a conglomerate built for the sole purpose of destroying the Westervelt Wolves. Will love win the day?


Another enjoyable book in this series and from Rebecca Royce. Not sure how I feel about the invisible wolves yet but I’m hoping for some explanation in the next books as it’s called Wolfs Magic. Nice car hoo up with gang again and seeing more mated wolves. The boys still have some major daddy issues to work through!
  
Gypsy Freak (All the Pretty Monsters #2)
Gypsy Freak (All the Pretty Monsters #2)
Kristy Cunning | 2019 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
183 of 250
Kindle
Gypsy Freak ( All the Pretty Monsters book 2)
By Kristy Cunning

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

What's it like to be a monster in a town full of monsters, who don't know you're a monster?
Complicated and a little scary, but doable.

What's it like to be the girl who can't die...that everyone seems to always want to kill?
Frustrating as hell.

What's it like to accidentally raise psychotic alpha vampire everyone fears, who drops a lot of bodies on his first day out as a 'gift' for your troubles?
Terrifying, if I'm being honest.

What's it like when that crazed vampire tells you he wants you to be the happy little intermission, during an ongoing ancient story, and expects you to use your vagina to draw in a werewolf alpha, a Van Helsing alpha, and a sexual deviant alpha, so he can have his old friends back?
That's when a girl has to stop, look around, and question her life choices.

I really don't know how this stuff keeps happening to me. Life was simpler when it was just me accidentally blowing myself up while trying to create potions and shampoo.

I've lived my life in such secrecy that I've spent most of it lonely. So lonely, in fact, that my best friend is a delusional ghost. I'd rather focus on her than all the crazy things happening in my life at current. Ever since coming to this town, I've had my throat slit by vampires, attracted way too much attention from some powerful alphas, and did a lot of regrettably stupid things because...I'm too gullible for shady monsters.

To them, I'm the fool.
To them, I'm the naive girl in over my head.
To them, I'm the pawn on a worn chessboard, while the seasoned players knock me around.

Meanwhile, I'm still left to figure it all out on my own, because, just like me, no one wants to share their secrets.


I’m really liking this series. It’s a shame to lose Anna d at o soon I absolutely loved her character. The story is good and it’s written so well! We see Violet learning more about herself and the alphas surrounding her.
  
Kink (Vixen Bluff #2)
Kink (Vixen Bluff #2)
Catherine Black | 2018 | Romance
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
99 of 250
Kindle
Kink ( Vixen Bluff book 2)
By Catherine Black

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

Molly I haven't been with a man in over five years. Yeah, yeah, I know what you're thinking. You're wondering if I have a couple dozen cats or if I have to sweep the cobwebs out before getting a Brazilian. But, ladies, I wanna let you in on a little secret... There is money to be made in what us working girls at White Light Sirens like to call 'non-penetrative fantasies'. That's right. You want me—Molly Wilder—to parade around the room dressed like a giant teddy bear while you touch yourself? Sure. You want me to paint your naked body, turning you into an impressionist's wet dream? I'm on it. But if you even think about sliding between my legs, I'll rip our contract to shreds and kick you out the door so fast your manhood won't have time to soften. Barrett Molly makes a snap judgment about me the second I walk through her studio door, but I'm used to it. Women take one look at this body, this face, and immediately label me. I can see the flashing sign above their heads every time. “Danger! Danger!” If they only knew... Molly thinks I'm a client—just another John—and that's fine. I'm content to play her game because when I break her rules, when I expose her secrets and have her on her knees, vulnerable and afraid, then she'll understand. But until then, I have a job to do, and my first order of business is to make Molly realize I'm a man worth breaking for. Whether she knows it or not, her dry spell is about to come to an end. Make it rain, Miss Wilder. Make it rain.

Haha this was just pure filth! I usually skip most sex scenes in some of these books but if I did that I would have about 50 pages to read! The only difference being this one I didn’t as it was well written! The only reason I haven’t gone with a 4 star as I think it lacked a little depth, I know it’s only a short book it took just over an hour to read I just can’t figure out what was missing. Not sure I’ll ever look at a jar of peanut butter the same way again though 😂.
  
Dragged Across Concrete (2019)
Dragged Across Concrete (2019)
2019 | Action, Crime, Drama
What a thrill ride!
So to say director S. Craig Zahler is one of my favorites working today is an understatement. I was a HUGE fan of his first two films, Bone Tomahawk and Brawl in Cell Block 99 (read my reviews on both on Smashbomb) so I was really looking forward to this one. Of course the film did not play at a cinema local to me, so I had to wait until Blu Ray to give it a watch and I was enthralled.

Two cops on suspension for using excessive force against a drug dealing hoodlum leave very different lives off the job. One is prone to violence living in a bad neighborhood desperate for better for his wife and child and the other just wants to marry the girl of his dreams and is now worried she will no longer have him.

Out of desperation, the men decide to participate in a criminal enterprise to better their own personal situations and end up inside something much bigger. The decisions they make within the context of the second act of the film will have profound repercussions throughout the remainder of their lives.The two cops do what they have to do to try and make their lives better and help their families through hard times.

I don't want to sound like a movie snob here, but after viewing the film I checked out the MANY 1 star reviews this film received on IMDb and was not surprised. I am not making fun of the modern movie going public at all. I enjoy explosions and superheroes as much as anyone; however, for some time I have strived to find the different, unusual, deeper film where its heroes don't wear spandex and everything is not just black and white. Those films have their place.

This film was kind of "Tarantino-esque" in the way the story was told, the way the characters conversed with each other and even the fact that the characters were multilayered and very interesting. There were also several stories going on simultaneously at the beginning and didn't combine until well into the film. One could argue the 2 hour and 40 minute film "dragged" (no pun intended) at times or had unnecessary scenes, but no one complained when Marge Gunderson had lunch with Mike Yanagita, so that didn't bother me here.

Both of Zahler's previous films were violent and had that one squeamish scene you could hardly believe happened as did this film.

I can safely say this movie isn't for everyone and its slow pace will turn off some modern moviegoers who expect non stop action. Having said that, I still highly recommend this movie and would love to know your opinion once watching it.

  
Killing for Company: Case of Dennis Nilsen
Killing for Company: Case of Dennis Nilsen
Brian Masters | 1995 | Biography
6
6.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
64 of 250
Book
Killing for Company: The Case of Dennis Nilsen
By Brian Masters

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

__________________
Dennis Nilsen, who died in May 2018, admitted to killing at least 15 people before his arrest in 1983. This ground-breaking criminal study of his killings was written with Nilsen's full cooperation, resulting in a fascinating - and horrifying - portrait of the man who worshipped death.

In February 1983, residents of Muswell Hill had been plagued by blocked drains. When a plumber was called to investigate, he discovered a large blockage of biological material. To his horror, it appeared to be formed of human flesh and bones.

The next day, local resident Dennis Nilsen was arrested.

'Are we talking about one body or two?' a detective asked. Nilsen replied 'Fifteen or sixteen, since 1978. I'll tell you everything.'

Within days he had confessed to fifteen gruesome murders over a period of four years. His victims, mostly young gay men at a time when society cared little for them, had been overlooked. Killing for Company is a unique study of a murderer's mind, essential reading for true crime aficionados.
__________________



This is a seriously hard book to read and review! I grew up loving true crimes and British serial killers and a bit later American serial killers and although I knew this case as I’d read lots about it growing up I found this book hard going, not because it was poorly written but by the content and knowing Nilsen had a lot to say to Masters. I have read Masters book on Jeffery Dahmer and it was a decent retelling but to me it always seemed so far away! This however was in the UK and only 100+ miles down the motorway, he was in the army the same time as my dad and the fact he on paper seemed so bloody normal! He held a steady job and campaigned via the union for people under discrimination, he loved pets he didn’t have all the common markers as your typical serial killer! It’s only when he was on remand you start seeing how mentally ill he really was! It’s always hard to say you enjoy these types of books I tend to find them fascinating not enjoyable this one really hit home I cried and felt physically sick at several points. I want to know how it can suddenly change from being the person he was before the first murder to that monster ( the only word to describe him). Reading his reactions to how one victims parents would hopefully forgive him is chilling! Also the illustrations at the end of the book are just shocking! Worth a read and I would recommend but this left me asking so many questions!
  
Inseparable (Rise of the Iliri #4)
Inseparable (Rise of the Iliri #4)
Auryn Hadley | 2016 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
17 of 250
Kindle
Inseparable ( Rise of Iliri book 4)
By Auryn Hadley

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

 
DISASTER! THE BLACK BLADES DISBANDED, AN ALLIANCE IN TURMOIL...

The intersecting worlds of the iliri, grauori, and men collide when an alliance is declared, and the humans renege. In the midst of offering an olive branch to other races, they seem secretly hellbent on destroying them all - and they begin by putting Sal on trial and disbanding the Black Blades. Auryn Hadley offers up deft commentary on racism between communities - melded with fantastical action-adventure in a world at war, and passionate erotic romance in this fourth installment of the Rise of the Iliri.

True to its title, in Inseparable, on the world of Ogun, it's the connections between all beings - human and otherwise - that will save or destroy them.

Her recent mission a success, fearless (and irresistibly arousing) iliri warrior Lieutenant Salryc Luxx gets thanks in the form of imprisonment by the Conglomerate of Free Citizens. Sal's not even sure what she's accused of, but she suspects it's the color of her pale skin - not her actions - that's really on trial.

Kinetry, an old comrade and ally of the Black Blades now forced to hold Sal, warns her that a rash of anti-iliri sentiment is sweeping Parliament and the military. In fact, it seems men don't care for any race but their own. But Kinetry doesn't know that the King of Anglia is on his way to the military stronghold. Nor does he know the King is bringing with him thousands of grauori soldiers, members of a race of formerly hidden human-like wolves whose hunting and battle skills are unmatched.

If the King arrives before Sal's trial is resolved, he'll learn something in the courtroom that may destroy all hope of the intended alliance. Torn between truth and treason, Sal must navigate political sensitivities to hold the three races together. And just when she seems to get somewhere, the Conglomeration disbands the Black Blades.


Been a while since I caught up with the blades this book was the best so far and yes I say that after every book! Sal is brilliant. My first yay moment was Dom and amAnglia turning up with the army to pull Sal out of jail! Then finally Zep got the job done! I almost squealed when she got her crown finally in place!! The book is just ram packed with moments of about time and thank Gods! Those pups are just out of control cute too!! It almost got me at the end almost I’m so glad she pulled it back! Looking forward to the next book!