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1101569026
| 9781101569023
| B006CUDFJ0
| 4.16
| 1,988
| Jul 03, 2012
| Jul 03, 2012
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really liked it
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Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2012/09/review-... Favorite quote: “There is much to fear in the dark. There are monsters under the bed and Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2012/09/review-... Favorite quote: “There is much to fear in the dark. There are monsters under the bed and in the closet, and now they walk aboard at will.“ Wind witch and owl shifter, Cicely Waters, rescued her lover, Fae Prince Grieve from the Indigo Court, but not before Myst, the Queen Of Winter, turned him. The rescue destroyed Cicely’s alliance with Lainule, the Queen of Summer and destroyed any hope of cooperation from the vampires. Cicely, in desperation, appeals to the Consortium for help. When the Queen Of Summer begins to fade, Cicely offers to find and bring back Summer’s heartstone. Cicely also has to find a way to change Grieve back and keep Lannan at arms length. As friends turn enemy and enemies become allies, Cicely will find herself standing on the edge of the precipice, her destiny unfolding before her as she fights for all she loves and believes in. Night Seeker, the third installment of Yasmine Galenorn’s dark and sensual fae fantasy, picks up right where Night Veil left off and blows it all out of the water. Well-plotted and cast with characters that are strong and personable, Night Seeker is filled with taut suspense, delicious betrayal, and dangerous antagonists. I consider Night Seeker the turning point in this series. It’s an emotionally captivating story that throws open the doors of previously unknown and tightly guarded secrets. It doesn’t promise us that everything will be fine but it does give us hope towards the future. A strong storyline with fascinating intertwining subplots drives this story opposed to the last two installments which spent more time laying the foundation of the arc and its key players. Ms. Galenorn’s exceptional insight into supernatural mythology is readily apparent and her added mixture of new lore produces a stunning urban fantasy world that first starts in Night Veil and continues it’s dark and dangerous journey in here. Instead of being overburdened by over detailed interpretation and world building at the sacrifice of story, or being heavy on story but leaving the world largely undefined, Night Seeker continues the arc’s perfect balance and hits all the right notes. The world building is a perfect blending of carnal passions, electrifying action, realistic characters, and stark betrayal. Well plotted and fast paced, it creates a satisfying development for the main characters and culminates in two very different sort of conflicts – one that threatens the lives of Cicely and Grieve and one that threatens their hearts. I have loved Cicely Waters since I first met her. Loyal, intelligent, and strong willed- she has made choices that many would balk at making yet she made them without batting an eye. She has a strong moral code that shines against the manipulations of those around her. Born to a drug user with no knowledge of her father, her survival on the streets made her into the warrior we see before us. She has matured so much as a character.. We share an intimate connection with Cicely as her pain, her sorrow, and her triumphs become our own. It has been an exciting ride as we have watched her grow from a solitary figure to having friends, family, and a lover. Her personality develops more and more with each book. She is still scared but she is learning how to trust in herself and others. Though still learning of her gifts and background, she now better understands from where she has come from and what is expected from her. Finally reunited with the love of her life but bound to a man who holds her life in his hands, Cicely again finds herself crippled by past decisions. Grieve and Lannan are the two men who are integral parts of Cicely’s life. Grieve, Fae Prince of Summer, has been a part of Cicely’s life since she was a little girl. Past installments show us that they are actually old souls who cheated death and found a way to reunite. Grieve’s love for Cicely is a physical entity. Their chemistry burns the pages with each small moment they are able to steal. With every word Grieve speaks, with every gesture he makes, you know he will do anything to be with her. Lannan, on the other hand is a distasteful, yet fascinating mixture of anger and cruelty. A sado masochist, he was able to trick Cicely into signing a contract with the Crimson Court and in doing so, now essentially owns her. He is seductively cruel in his demands of Cicely, celebrating the pain and humiliation he brings to her. His feelings for her have grown from tolerance to obsession and he is dangerously close to destroying them both. What I truly enjoyed in here was the solid support Cicely has at her back in regards to Lannan. When she first signed the contract, she was pretty much on her own. Now with her father, Grieve, and the other renegades in the war against Myst standing with her, Lannan soon learns that he may hold her contract, but there are bigger, badder entities than him who claim Cicely as their own and won’t hesitate to remove him permanently from the equation if need be. The cast of supporting characters are a vivid and dynamic group. Each one fully capable of holding their own story. I like that each have distinct, separate personalities and substories; ensuring they are never overwhelmed by our protagonists. The main conflict of the story is a whirlwind of intrigue, tension, and action as Cicely struggles to save Summer and find away to defeat Myst. If you enjoy noir urban fantasy that stretches all your boundaries, then Yasmine Galenorn is the author to buy and her Indigo Court is the series to read. I don’t recommend starting the series here. It has a long reaching arc and each new installment picks up at the end of the last one. Overall Rating: B+ Merged review: Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2012/09/review-... Favorite quote: “There is much to fear in the dark. There are monsters under the bed and in the closet, and now they walk aboard at will.“ Wind witch and owl shifter, Cicely Waters, rescued her lover, Fae Prince Grieve from the Indigo Court, but not before Myst, the Queen Of Winter, turned him. The rescue destroyed Cicely’s alliance with Lainule, the Queen of Summer and destroyed any hope of cooperation from the vampires. Cicely, in desperation, appeals to the Consortium for help. When the Queen Of Summer begins to fade, Cicely offers to find and bring back Summer’s heartstone. Cicely also has to find a way to change Grieve back and keep Lannan at arms length. As friends turn enemy and enemies become allies, Cicely will find herself standing on the edge of the precipice, her destiny unfolding before her as she fights for all she loves and believes in. Night Seeker, the third installment of Yasmine Galenorn’s dark and sensual fae fantasy, picks up right where Night Veil left off and blows it all out of the water. Well-plotted and cast with characters that are strong and personable, Night Seeker is filled with taut suspense, delicious betrayal, and dangerous antagonists. I consider Night Seeker the turning point in this series. It’s an emotionally captivating story that throws open the doors of previously unknown and tightly guarded secrets. It doesn’t promise us that everything will be fine but it does give us hope towards the future. A strong storyline with fascinating intertwining subplots drives this story opposed to the last two installments which spent more time laying the foundation of the arc and its key players. Ms. Galenorn’s exceptional insight into supernatural mythology is readily apparent and her added mixture of new lore produces a stunning urban fantasy world that first starts in Night Veil and continues it’s dark and dangerous journey in here. Instead of being overburdened by over detailed interpretation and world building at the sacrifice of story, or being heavy on story but leaving the world largely undefined, Night Seeker continues the arc’s perfect balance and hits all the right notes. The world building is a perfect blending of carnal passions, electrifying action, realistic characters, and stark betrayal. Well plotted and fast paced, it creates a satisfying development for the main characters and culminates in two very different sort of conflicts – one that threatens the lives of Cicely and Grieve and one that threatens their hearts. I have loved Cicely Waters since I first met her. Loyal, intelligent, and strong willed- she has made choices that many would balk at making yet she made them without batting an eye. She has a strong moral code that shines against the manipulations of those around her. Born to a drug user with no knowledge of her father, her survival on the streets made her into the warrior we see before us. She has matured so much as a character.. We share an intimate connection with Cicely as her pain, her sorrow, and her triumphs become our own. It has been an exciting ride as we have watched her grow from a solitary figure to having friends, family, and a lover. Her personality develops more and more with each book. She is still scared but she is learning how to trust in herself and others. Though still learning of her gifts and background, she now better understands from where she has come from and what is expected from her. Finally reunited with the love of her life but bound to a man who holds her life in his hands, Cicely again finds herself crippled by past decisions. Grieve and Lannan are the two men who are integral parts of Cicely’s life. Grieve, Fae Prince of Summer, has been a part of Cicely’s life since she was a little girl. Past installments show us that they are actually old souls who cheated death and found a way to reunite. Grieve’s love for Cicely is a physical entity. Their chemistry burns the pages with each small moment they are able to steal. With every word Grieve speaks, with every gesture he makes, you know he will do anything to be with her. Lannan, on the other hand is a distasteful, yet fascinating mixture of anger and cruelty. A sado masochist, he was able to trick Cicely into signing a contract with the Crimson Court and in doing so, now essentially owns her. He is seductively cruel in his demands of Cicely, celebrating the pain and humiliation he brings to her. His feelings for her have grown from tolerance to obsession and he is dangerously close to destroying them both. What I truly enjoyed in here was the solid support Cicely has at her back in regards to Lannan. When she first signed the contract, she was pretty much on her own. Now with her father, Grieve, and the other renegades in the war against Myst standing with her, Lannan soon learns that he may hold her contract, but there are bigger, badder entities than him who claim Cicely as their own and won’t hesitate to remove him permanently from the equation if need be. The cast of supporting characters are a vivid and dynamic group. Each one fully capable of holding their own story. I like that each have distinct, separate personalities and substories; ensuring they are never overwhelmed by our protagonists. The main conflict of the story is a whirlwind of intrigue, tension, and action as Cicely struggles to save Summer and find away to defeat Myst. If you enjoy noir urban fantasy that stretches all your boundaries, then Yasmine Galenorn is the author to buy and her Indigo Court is the series to read. I don’t recommend starting the series here. It has a long reaching arc and each new installment picks up at the end of the last one. Overall Rating: B+ ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Jul 05, 2012
not set
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Jul 05, 2012
not set
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Sep 20, 2024
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Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||
1497571499
| 9781497571495
| 1497571499
| 3.86
| 378
| Apr 14, 2014
| Apr 18, 2014
|
really liked it
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What a mind f*uck. A dark erotic PNR that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between good and evil. No one is who they say, nothing is what it seem
What a mind f*uck. A dark erotic PNR that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between good and evil. No one is who they say, nothing is what it seems, and everyone has an agenda. Merged review: What a mind f*uck. A dark erotic PNR that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between good and evil. No one is who they say, nothing is what it seems, and everyone has an agenda. ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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not set
not set
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Apr 05, 2014
not set
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Apr 25, 2023
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Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
B004P1J20E
| 3.64
| 2,970
| Nov 01, 2007
| Feb 22, 2011
|
really liked it
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Fans of subversive fairytales will love the twists and turns Sharp imagines into her version of Cinderella. Witches, stepsisters, curses, prostitutes
Fans of subversive fairytales will love the twists and turns Sharp imagines into her version of Cinderella. Witches, stepsisters, curses, prostitutes and some borrowed elements from other fairytales creates a story that is brimming with action, suspense, humor, romance, and a huge dose of feminism. I look forward to reading more from Sharpe in the future.
...more
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Notes are private!
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1
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May 03, 2018
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May 03, 2018
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May 14, 2018
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Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||||
0356506002
| 9780356506005
| 0356506002
| 4.34
| 29,920
| Mar 06, 2018
| Mar 06, 2018
|
really liked it
|
Once again Patricia Briggs brings her A-game when Charles Anna are forced to defend the pack from a dangerous threat determined to destroy them all. B
Once again Patricia Briggs brings her A-game when Charles Anna are forced to defend the pack from a dangerous threat determined to destroy them all. Bold, unapologetic, and brimming with action and suspense, Burn Bright blows open some long-simmering storylines as it propels the arc to new fantastical heights. Grade: B+ ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 09, 2018
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Feb 11, 2018
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Apr 27, 2018
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Paperback
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1977398057
| 9781977398055
| 1977398057
| 4.26
| 6,425
| Dec 15, 2017
| Aug 21, 2018
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None
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Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 31, 2018
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Sep 05, 2018
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Apr 11, 2018
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Audiobook
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1985855437
| 9781985855434
| 1985855437
| 4.00
| 9,692
| Aug 19, 2017
| Aug 19, 2017
|
really liked it
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Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2018/04/review-... Favorite Quote: “That was more than enough to label me a pariah among my kind. Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2018/04/review-... Favorite Quote: “That was more than enough to label me a pariah among my kind. Not that I hadn’t already been branded. Liar. Thief. Murderer.” Reviewed by Tori Broken and scared, Grier Woolworth just wants to get her life back on track and heal from the trauma of her incarceration. An assistant necromancer, she lost everything when she was accused of killing her mentor and sentenced to life in prison without a trial. Kept drugged and cooperative while locked up, she is released by a mysterious benefactor when it becomes apparent that her style of necromancy is quite unusual and much in demand. With her sentient house, her childhood best friends, and a zombie parakeet, Grier seeks to rebuild her life but the paranormal society still wants their pound of flesh and they aren’t picky about how they get it. Edwards once again writes the beginning of an intriguing urban fantasy that takes readers on an adventure into the strange and fantastical. Choosing a new look at necromancy and vampirism, Edwards takes the unexpected route by using necromancers the creator of vampires… for a price. Interesting characters, a strong world with a layered base, and plenty of avenues for expansion assure me this will be series to watch. I liked meeting Grier; she grew on me quickly. Despite being orphaned at an early age and raised by her mentor whom she is then accused of killing, she doesn’t give off a “woe is me” vibe. She takes care of her business. Magically gifted, she is essentially broken from five years of drugs and torture during her incarceration. Released early, she discovers all her assets were seized by relatives upon her conviction and she is now doing haunted tours in order to survive. She is a shell of her former self and the reader instantly feels protective of her. She spends most of the book healing while trying to pick up the remnants of her old life though I admire her ingenuity and a healthy sense of self-preservation. I would have liked a little more age and fleshing out of her character. Edwards doles out Grier’s background sparingly, just enough to wet our appetite and the fact she’s only twenty one gives the story a faint NA feel to it. There are a plethora of fascinating characters who all seem to be hiding something. Various vampires, family members, etc…everyone wants a piece of Grier for one reason or another. Her best friends-twin siblings Amelia and Boaz-are an interesting duo and I feel there is much more to both of them then what Edwards is showing. Boaz comes off as a flirty serial dater yet there is a spark of more between him and Grier though they both know nothing is possible now. Especially after Boaz is drafted into being Sentinel; the group who runs the prisons and tortured Grier. Grier’s house, Woolly, made me chuckle the whole book. I love a house with attitude and this house has it in spades. The story starts out with a bang and continues on in that fashion till the end. The main conflict and its various plotlines are brimming with suspense, mystery, and horror as Grier tries to figure out who murdered her mentor and set her up while trying to understand why the vampires want her so bad they are willing to kidnap her. There is a lot going on and while I enjoyed the story, this was mainly a setup book. Edwards tosses a lot at us in the beginning and it takes a while for the pace to settle for easy reading. Even with the resolution of the main conflict, I was still left with questions that I’m hoping book two, How to Claim an Undead Soul, will answer. GRADE: B- ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Apr 09, 2018
not set
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Apr 10, 2018
not set
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Apr 11, 2018
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Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
B078LNW4P1
| 4.22
| 957
| Feb 20, 2018
| Feb 20, 2018
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None
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Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 21, 2018
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Feb 22, 2018
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Feb 12, 2018
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Kindle Edition
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052557848X
| 9780525578482
| B074DGVYMF
| 3.55
| 11,172
| Aug 10, 2017
| Jan 30, 2018
|
liked it
|
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2018/01/review-... Grade: C- M.A. Bennett’s debut YA coming of age thriller is set against the bac Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2018/01/review-... Grade: C- M.A. Bennett’s debut YA coming of age thriller is set against the background of a prestigious religious boarding school-St. Aiden the Great School aka S.T.A.G.S. Heavily character driven, the driving force of this story is Greer McDonald. Greer, a Manchester girl with a snarky attitude and a public school education, decides on a lark to apply at the very prestigious school rather them be forced to stay with an aunt while her father is away on an extended business trip. Surprisingly, she is accepted and begins her journey only to discover that there are those who don’t want her there and will do anything to get her to leave. S.T.A.G.S. is interesting enough to hold your attention without bringing much to the table. Think of Heathers meets Lord of the Flies meets Gossip Girl. A rather straightforward horror style plotline that offers little in anticipation as it’s fairly easy to figure out the intent from the beginning. Bennett pretty much kills the suspense with the first line of the book. A fair majority of the story’s appeal has to do with the heroine. Told exclusively from her own point of view, Greer’s inner monologue and sarcastic exchanges with those around her amuses the as the reader follows her on her adventure as she deals with classism, the dangers of an overly technological society, and her own prejudices. The premise behind S.T.A.G.S. is nothing new. The old war of the classes between the scholarship, minority, and the nouveau riche students (referred to as savages) whom the elites (referred to as Medievals) feel don’t belong at their posh private school and who are singled out and broken either in spirit or body. Or both. Centuries-old traditions inbred into the education of spoiled rich kids whose boredom with life creates a vacuum of sorts where each generation attempts to excel beyond those that came before them. The story starts out slow and unremarkable as Bennet sets the stage with an in-depth analysis of the school, its faculty and the students. Greer is a chatty girl who tends to go off on tangents when it comes to the mundane while staying remarkably reserved on what I deemed important. Bennett keeps the story flowing on an even keel while indiscriminately flashing us with bits of the outrageous and ridiculousness. “The servers, likely women from the village, are referred to as dinner bags.” An invite to a weekend of ‘huntin, fishin, and shootin’ from Greer’s crush (and tormentor) is where the real story begins. Like every 80s/90s horror movie, everyone must have shouted out DON’T GO when reading this scene. We know what is going to happen and Bennett makes sure we know as Greer channels a 19th century English Lit teacher and begins to describe her feelings and the trip. Plenty of purple prose and atmospheric descriptors paints a dramatic picture as she and her two fellow outcasts, Chanel and Shafeen, travel to Longcross Hall, home of the very wealthy de Warlencourt family. As the story progresses, the pace picks up considerably as does the acts of violence but none of the drama we were promised. Our villain offers Greer an explanation for his actions and while you can certainly understand pieces of it (I refer to the overabundance of technology that commands our lives) the main takeaway is that the rich do as they please because they can. The predictability of the motivations and subsequent results is disappointing. While Greer holds her own against the Medievals despite some of her more oh so teenage moments it’s not because Greer is exceptionally brilliant or crafty, but more because Bennett has written it this way. The ending leaves us with more questions than answers and the feeling there may be a sequel to come. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 23, 2018
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Jan 25, 2018
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Jan 25, 2018
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ebook
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1626497168
| 9781626497160
| 1626497168
| 4.15
| 3,848
| Feb 26, 2018
| Feb 26, 2018
|
really liked it
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review to come
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Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 19, 2018
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Feb 20, 2018
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Jan 01, 2018
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ebook
| |||||||||||||||
0451488512
| 9780451488510
| 0451488512
| 4.17
| 10,157
| Jan 23, 2018
| Jan 23, 2018
|
really liked it
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Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2018/01/review-... Feehan’s latest adventure revolves around a Russian outlaw Motorcycle Club who Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2018/01/review-... Feehan’s latest adventure revolves around a Russian outlaw Motorcycle Club who has settled right outside of Sea Haven in a small town called Casper. If you are familiar with her Sea Haven Sisters series, you will recognize this group from the last book-Bound Together. In Bound Together, we learn that president of the Torpedo Ink MC, Viktor Prakenskii, aka Czar, married and abandoned Blythe Daniels in order to finally take care of the human trafficking ring once and for all. He comes back five years later, they find their HEA, and the MC settles down to start building a life and heal. Like the Sea Haven series, this series is based on a group of people who call each other family and are tied together by blood, pain, and survival. Kidnapped as children, they are trained to be the ultimate assassins. Upon escaping and eventually destroying the school and those who hurt them, the group formed an MC and are now attempting to live free.Though not into drugs, guns, and woman like most clubs, this club does operate outside the law as mercenaries/vigilantes for hire. Reaper, an enforcer for the club, is one of the most dangerous members. Also one of the more damaged. He has suffered things that no one, not his fellow brothers/sisters or even his president know about. He needs complete control and hates being touched. He truly believes he has no soul; that he is dead inside. The latest hire at Torpedo Ink sends him into a spiral as he struggles to understand the raging need that blasts through him, breaking all his control. Anya Rafferty is on the run and is lucky enough to secure a post with the Torpedo Inc MC. Raised on the streets and shuttled between shelters as her mother chased her drug habit, Anya knows how things can change in the blink of an eye. Always prepared, she just wants to a place to feel safe but in the deepest recess of her heart, she wants to settle down and build a family. The MC could be her new family but the one they call Reaper doesn’t want her around. As Anya struggles to find her place, she and Reaper start down a dark and dangerous path filled with pain, love, loss, revenge, and redemption. Judgement Road is an emotionally dense storyline filled with action-packed mystery, suspense, intrigue, and an erotic based romance. It is a dark story and I would be remiss in not warning readers of the explicit scenes of violence and mentions of sexual assault and torture. Strong plotting and the conversational style narrative helps to combat the somewhat weak characterization. Feehan does a good job of introducing us to the protagonists and integrating their backstories into the narrative. The paranormal aspects are far more subtle but they are apparent as you go deeper into the story (they appear are more instinctual in nature). Feehan takes her time building the tension of the main conflict, allowing us to participate in the story as we follow the MC into the fray. The various other MCs and the common denominator that brings them together offers readers the excitement and suspense we expect from her series. The barely civilized manner they all possess just adds to the sense of danger and anticipation. The romance balances nicely against the main conflict. While it has a definite strong foothold with multiple explicit sex scenes, there are enough everyday scenes and various subplots that serve as nice counterpoints. It doesn’t overwhelm. Feehan digs deep into Reaper’s issues and does not offer Anya or their falling in love as an instant cure-all. Allowing them to spend time together helps them both to learn to trust and fall in love but we aren’t ever fooled into thinking Reaper is cured. Anya and Reaper aren’t an easy couple and there were some scenes that made me question whether they would make or if they even should. This is established almost from the beginning. Reaper is dangerous and Anya is not all that safe with him. Though Reaper is dominant to the point of offensiveness at times, Anya is more than able to handle herself against him and knows when to bend and when to break bad. The ending comes at you hard, wrapping up the main conflict while opening the door for much more to come. I’m looking forward to each of the members getting their HEA. There is seventeen total (2 down-15 to go) so that tells us this series will be quite a few books. I foresee a couple threesomes. ;) Future plotlines and a possible romantic connection already in the works is touched upon in though it’s not going to be an easy ride for any of them. Now, I won’t lie and say there weren’t some issues. On three separate occasions, Feehan uses almost the same setup and descriptive terms to open a scene featuring the two female members of the MC. Some of Reaper’s and the MC’s actions left a nasty taste in my mouth but at least Feehan explains the reasons behind it and it’s not mere lip service. Regardless, I enjoyed this new venture and fans of Feehan are sure to enjoy also. Grade: B- ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Jan 18, 2018
not set
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Jan 19, 2018
not set
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Nov 15, 2017
|
Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
1492648191
| 9781492648192
| 1492648191
| 3.68
| 274
| unknown
| Nov 07, 2017
|
it was ok
|
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/11/novembe... The world has undergone an environmental disaster, humanity is becoming more t Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/11/novembe... The world has undergone an environmental disaster, humanity is becoming more technologically dependent, and TX is its own separate entity. Two young lovers are separated by lies and end up on the opposite sides of a war (I think). Angela is a continental senator and the war minister. Her goal is to help re-elect her mentor as the president-no matter what it takes. His control over her life from childhood has warped her to some degree. Kellon has loved Angela all his life but she sent him away and he never forgave her for that. Years later, a series of circumstances bring them back together to save the world. I’m not even sure how to describe this book. It somehow managed to overwhelm and underwhelm at the same time. We are buried in technologic terms with a world too weak to support it. Our two leads are polar opposites and while that should guarantee a nice tension-filled reconnection romance, I felt almost no chemistry between them. Angela goes from cold and methodical to sex-starved and clingy while Kellen’s “good old boy” persona grew tedious. We are told he is an outlaw but I don’t see much rebellion in this story. Clunky dialogue and random scene/character placement left me trying to hurry towards the end. It’s only once I figure out exactly what was going on was my interest snagged, but by then, it was too late. I was at the end and relieved to be done. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 30, 2017
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Nov 03, 2017
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Oct 30, 2017
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Mass Market Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
1633758842
| 9781633758841
| B06Y5GDJRV
| 3.80
| 732
| Nov 07, 2017
| Nov 07, 2017
|
really liked it
|
Originally posted at SmexyBooks -http://smexybooks.com/2017/11/review-... Favorite Quote: “We all hold a beast inside. The only difference is what form Originally posted at SmexyBooks -http://smexybooks.com/2017/11/review-... Favorite Quote: “We all hold a beast inside. The only difference is what form it takes when freed.” Aaron (Rain) Ryland has spent his whole life on the streets due to his mother’s drug addiction. When his mother dies from an overdose, he is sent to live with an aunt he’d never met before in the small town of New Wurzburg, TX. Right off, Rain senses things aren’t right in this town. He soon finds himself drawn to a group of outsiders at the high school. Particularly their leader, Friederike (Freddie) Burkhart. Freddie isn’t your normal teenager. She tries to warn Rain away as others seek to draw him in deeper but he refuses to back down. He has finally found something-someone- he’s winning to fight for. When Rain learns exactly what is happening in this sleepy little town, he has to ask himself if Freddie is worth dying for. Because someone wants her dead and Rain may be the only one who can save her. Haven is a young adult paranormal romance that borrows from Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series and Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s Beauty and the Beast but with some gender swapping and much needed modernization. Lindsey takes the old classic trope of beauty saving the beast and twists new life into it, introducing us to a whole new paranormal world of wolves, witches, and magic with two outcasts who are determined to solve a series of murders while making sure they don’t lose their own lives in the process. The similarity to Twilight is strong in the tone and initial setup. Rain Ryland is obviously Bella while Freddie Burkhardt is an interesting combination of Edward and Jacob. Rain is sent to the small town filled with supernatural beings to live with his aunt Ruby who is on the police force and finds himself unnaturally drawn to the mysterious Freddie and her cousins despite their overt antagonism towards him. There are even motorbikes involved. Lindsey expands on a small scene introduced in Twilight, one that hinted at the werewolves being controlled by vampires in the past. This is the base of the conflict but that is where the similarities end. Neither Rain nor Freddie are waiting to be saved There are no attempts to pretty everything up for the sake of love and acceptance. These strong-willed, intelligent, curious teenagers with raging hormones, mercurial emotions, and the survival skills who work together to save themselves. ‘He’d never feared losing something before because he’d never had anything worth keeping. ‘ The theme of witches controlling wolves is not new. Various authors have alluded to it in their stories but Lindsey succeeds in making it her own with her creation of Watchers, Weavers, and their dark history that she painstakingly records. The weavers are witches who use their magic to help the wolves. In return, the Watchers aka the werewolves protect the witches. Over time, this relationship has become warped becoming more slave/slave owner as the weavers decide who lives, who dies and uses deceptive means to introduce fresh blood into the packs. “You’re romanticizing the monster.” “And you’re vilifying it.” Heavily character driven, the large and individualized cast helps to set the story and keep it in motion. I enjoyed experiencing the story through the eyes of a male protagonist. Lindsey does an excellent job building Rain’s character and creating a unique person more than able to handle what is coming his way. Freddie is just as unique and Rain’s perfect match though she maintains her autonomy in all aspects. Rain’s aunt Rudy is an interesting character and does her best to be parent his mother should have been. Lindsey builds Haven with a steady hand, confident narrative, and lots of organic detail; creating a world filled with potential and brimming with action, suspense, intrigue, and romance. Vampires, zombies, and more decorate this multi-layered fantasy. The addition of murder, mystery, and general mayhem helps to ground the story in reality while elevating it beyond the confines of the stereotypical YA paranormal romance. ”I’ve never had a friend before. I’d like that friend to stay alive.” The romance has the sweet blush of first love with strong sexual undertone that definitely makes this a more mature YA. Lindsey does an excellent job of using the insta love romance as a way to further explain her leads personalities. These are teenagers who have each experienced extreme trauma in their lives so it makes sense they would connect with little fanfare. Lindsey does speed it up the romance as the story reveals but it makes sense due to the mature nature of the conflict and its subplots. Though vocal in their passion, the actual sex fades to black. ‘She all but consumed him, wrapping her arms around his neck and digging her nails into his skin. Hot. Demanding. Perfect’ Haven is a breath of fresh air in YA paranormal fantasy and sure to appeal to readers young and old. I truly hope Lindsey chooses to expand on this world and turns this into a series. Grade: B ...more |
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Nov 17, 2017
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Nov 19, 2017
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Oct 20, 2017
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Kindle Edition
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0062674528
| 9780062674524
| B07H58V1MM
| 3.76
| 12,495
| Jan 30, 2018
| Jan 30, 2018
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liked it
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Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2018/01/review-... Favorite Quote: “Be careful with them-the brothers. They’re not…they’re not go Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2018/01/review-... Favorite Quote: “Be careful with them-the brothers. They’re not…they’re not good guys, okay?” Julia Hughes decides to take life by the horns and hires on to be a traveling nurse after a failed marriage. Her first assignment is to be a caretaker for a troubled young lady. Her last night in town finds her in the arms of a sexy stranger for an amazing one night stand…only to discover he is one of her bosses. Angry and humiliated, Julia attempts to leave but is convinced to stay and take the position. She agrees as long as no mention is ever made of the incident and it is never repeated. Lucian de Vincent, a renowned playboy, and womanizer, never meant to hurt the new nurse. He merely wanted to see her for himself and make sure she was what his sister needed. He wasn’t prepared for her beauty or the strength of his attraction to her. His grandfather always said, when a deVincent falls, they fall hard and destroy all they touch. With his father’s recent suicide and his brothers’ increasingly odd behavior, Lucian can’t afford to lose sight of what’s important. Even if that means losing who matters most. Moonlight Sins in the first in a romantic suspense series by Jennifer Armentrout. Set in the languid heat of the Louisiana bayou with its gothic-like atmosphere and drenched in southern charm, we are introduced to the uber-wealthy de Vincent family and the three brothers who now control it all-Lucian, Devlin, and Gabe. Nicknamed Lucifer, Devil, and Demon, the de Vincent brothers are why tabloids were invented and their scandals are the stuff of legends. Plagued by tragedy from their mother’s unexpected death to the disappearance of their sister, the de Vincents isolate themselves with their wealth and protect with their power. Choosing the ever popular jaded millionaire boss and the refreshingly earnest and stunning employee, Armentrout twists this trope from the predictable by creating two protagonists who, despite their economic and social differences, manage to create the illusion they are equals. Heavily character driven, their romance takes a center stage with a plethora of secondary characters and plot lines orbiting around them. Armentrout uses their passions and fears to help them find their way at their own pace, without resorting to the usual contrived misunderstandings or conflicts. Julia is a nurse whose marriage to a controlling man slowly eroded her self-confidence. Even after the divorce, she is forced to change her number multiple times to stop her ex-husband’s intrusive calls and demands for her attention. Finally sick of having to hide and watch her step, she gathers her courage, sells everything off and accepts a job out of state. She finds the de Vincents intimidating in the beginning but slowly comes to understand the family’s dynamics and finds herself reluctantly charmed by Lucian’s attention. Lucian is the youngest son of a wealthy family whose dysfunction stems from a supposed curse. Growing up with a tyrannical father, Lucian masked his pain with indifference. When their mother died suddenly, Lucian’s twin, Madeline, disappeared and just recently returned after ten years, seemingly so traumatized she is unable to interact with the world. He comes off predictable in the beginning with his posturing and strong sexual innuendos but Armentrout slowly peels back his protective shell to show us the vulnerability and insecurity that live inside him. His family’s secrets, the worry he has for his twin, and his increasing feelings for Julia seem to pull him in all directions and no matter how hard he tries, he can’t help but feel he will eventually disappoint everyone around him. Lucian and Julia clicked like two peas in a pod from the beginning even after she discovers his duplicity. The slow-burning chemistry gains in strength as both of them try to understand the attraction that has captured them. Like fine barbed wire, the sexual tension pokes at them with each new encounter. Julia challenges Lucian in ways no woman has before and we begin to see a change in both of them as Julia gains in confidence and Lucian finds someone willing to fight for him and their love. Armentrout sets her stage with a firm hand and engaging narrative as she feeds her readers hints and clues to the tension that boils beneath the surface while building an opposite attraction/forbidden romance that tantalizes and amuses. Though this is touted as an adult romance, there is a curious new adult feel to it despite knowing this couple is between the ages 28-30 and well out of college. A slow steady pace keeps the story moving along though Armentrout skimps on much-needed background and characterization information that would help the reader to understand the motivation behind certain scenes and dialogue. Various plotlines are introduced but either disappear or fade into the background with hints that more may come in the next book(s). The faint supernatural element felt manipulative. While Jennifer Armentrout’s fans are sure to enjoy her newest romantic suspense, some may find the lack of energy and purpose underwhelming for someone of Armentrout’s caliber. Grade: C+ ...more |
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Jan 20, 2018
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Jan 22, 2018
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Oct 18, 2017
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Kindle Edition
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0451489764
| 9780451489760
| 0451489764
| 3.98
| 14,872
| Sep 25, 2018
| Sep 25, 2018
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it was amazing
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Once a year, the Empire requires the local villages to send a young woman to burned alive for the amusement of the Emperor and his queen. One village
Once a year, the Empire requires the local villages to send a young woman to burned alive for the amusement of the Emperor and his queen. One village has sent the same young woman for five years; a young woman whose magic protects everyone in her village. Only this year, something has changed. Azarion, the Empire’s most famous gladiator and the son of a chieftain is determined to escape his slavery and reclaim his birthright. But he needs Gilene and will use whatever possible to get her help. Now on the run, Azarion and Gilene will overcome extreme obstacles to get what has been taken from them. But in the end, in order to be free, Gilene will have to burn one more time. Grave Draven’ lyrical voice soars in her latest fantasy endeavor filled with love, loss, retribution, and redemption. Emotionally plump and mastery written, Draven creates seemingly impossible odds for our protags to overcome and overcome they do, using their wits and skills. Told from dual POVS, the narrative expands the story, creating a rich sense of intimacy that gives readers insight into Azarion’s ingrained hero complex and the growing resentment Gilene feels as she is once again forced into a situation beyond her control. A slight power imbalance only sweetens the pot as Draven weaves in dark themes that are used to build this compelling world and character dynamics. A rich slow burn romance kept this reader on edge as Draven takes her time building the embers of friendship and trust into a burning inferno that inflames the mind, body, and soul. Though the main conflict is resolved to satisfaction, Draven leaves enough open to easily usher us into book two, title and release date to be announced. Once again Draven proves she is on her way to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the arena of high fantasy romance. Grade: A ...more |
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Sep 17, 2018
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Sep 17, 2018
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Oct 18, 2017
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ebook
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1942432291
| 9781942432296
| B074T1MTL4
| 4.52
| 464
| Oct 24, 2017
| Oct 24, 2017
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really liked it
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Dallas and Lex-the King and Queen of Sector Four-haven’t always been the power couple we see before us today. Once upon a time, Dallas was just starti
Dallas and Lex-the King and Queen of Sector Four-haven’t always been the power couple we see before us today. Once upon a time, Dallas was just starting to build the O’Kane name and Lex was a runaway Orchid turned thief. This couple took years to craft their relationship; to mold, tame, and understand the dynamics that brought them together and almost destroyed them. The 2nd in Rocha’s spin-off of their bestselling Beyond series, it not only takes us back into the world we all adore, keeping us abreast of current news but also gives us more insight into the relationships of our favorite couples. I love digging deeper into Lex and Dallas’ beginnings. Beyond Control gave us their story…this gives us their courtship and answers some questions about Lex's attitude in the beginning. Fast, fun, and furious, this novella is 100% pure O’Kane. WARNING: This novella contains spoilers from the Beyond series. Grade: B+ ...more |
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Oct 14, 2017
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Oct 14, 2017
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Oct 13, 2017
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ebook
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1538727323
| 9781538727324
| B01N4WEBJM
| 3.96
| 49,012
| Oct 17, 2017
| Oct 17, 2017
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liked it
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Mia Sheridan's latest release is an angst-driven story that brings together two survivors of abuse and shows them that everyone deserves to be loved.
Mia Sheridan's latest release is an angst-driven story that brings together two survivors of abuse and shows them that everyone deserves to be loved. Bittersweet and hopeful, Sheridan delivers a heartfelt romance.
...more
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Oct 14, 2017
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Oct 15, 2017
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Sep 28, 2017
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1420131648
| 9781420131642
| 1420131648
| 4.32
| 4,086
| Aug 29, 2017
| Aug 29, 2017
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it was amazing
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Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/09/review-... Grade: A Aiden the Divine is just that… divine. A berserker in the Dragon Queen Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/09/review-... Grade: A Aiden the Divine is just that… divine. A berserker in the Dragon Queen’s personal army and a member of the Foulkes de chuid Fehhan , Aiden is gorgeous, charming, humorous, intelligent, and very rich. A royal in his own right, he is ready to allow Branwin the Awful full and unfettered access to his body. But only after she stops laughing. Branwen (Brannie) the Awful of the Cadwaladr Clan, Captain of the First and Fifteenth Companies of the Dragon Queen’s Armies, Colonel of the Ninety-Eighth Regiment of the Southland Armies, daughter of Ghleanna the Decimator and Bram the Merciful (Dragon on Top), has much more important things to tend to other than Aiden the Divine’s ego. Like saving a nation from a vengeful God who seeks to destroy them all. Of course, once this war is over and they emerge triumphant, who knows what could happen. Bring the Heat picks up with Aiden the Divine, whom we first met in Feel the Burn. He has come back to the Southlands and reunited with his beloved Queen, the Mì-runachs, and his best friend, Brannie. He joins Brannie on the field as she leads her companies against some of Chramnesind’s zealots. When the mountains become sinkholes due to magic, Aiden rushes to save Branwen from being buried alive and expects some gratitude. “Aren’t you going to thank me?” “No.” “Not even a thank you kiss?” “What about a thank you punch to the face?” “Is that my only option?” Brannie and Aiden soon find themselves not in the thick of battle as expected but playing babysitter to Brannie’s cousin, Keita- the Red Viper of Death and Despair, as she plots, poisons, and pouts her way towards the Eastland dragons. Brannie’s not happy to have been pulled from the battlefield and her displeasure has her judging every move Keita makes. “Oh, Keita.” “What? What is that tone?” ‘Why did you kill them? Are you just bored?” “Of course not.” “If you’re that bored, there’s a whole battlefront where you can kill to your heart’s desire.” “Ugh. Stop, Branwen. I killed those people because they had to die.” “Because you’re bored? Or do the voices tell you to do things? Evil things?” G.A. Aiken brings back her irresistibly humorous, snarky, action packed, violent and outrageously larger than life dragons and their human mates in the ninth book of her epic adventure fantasy series-Bring the Heat. Add in the Black Bear Riders of the Midnight Mountains of Despair in the Far Reaches of the Steppes of the Outerplains (God, I love these names) and a comfortable friends to lovers romance and you will be belly laughing till the very last page. Readers who have felt that the last few books haven’t done much to advance the arc will rejoice in the amount of acreage covered in here. “You went to one of the hells and you came back with an army. That’s impressive.” The continuously evolving world and multi plotted storyline keeps readers on their toes as Aiken gathers all the loose threads through the series and begins to wrap them up, putting the finishing touches on the larger picture as she brings this particular arc to a climatic finish. I love the massive reunion of characters. Almost everyone we’re ever met in this series makes an appearance as the Southland Empire and their allies all come together to interfere, insult, threaten, offer useless advice, and annoy each other to distraction as they each play their part in the war against Chramnesind. Their antics keep the story moving along at a rapid pace. “There’s nothing wrong with a little crazy…never forget that. Hold on to that. It may save your life.” “That’s really sweet. But we both know I’m way more crazy that a little crazy.” Friends to lovers is a favorite trope of mine and Aiken perfects it with this couple. I absolutely loved Brannie and Aiden. Intelligent, witty, and loyal, these two are born warrior protectors. Some readers may be disappointed to see this couple isn’t as volatile as some of the other couples; therefore creating a more laid back and slow burning romance. Delightful banter and steamy sex scenes further solidifies this couple’s compatibility as they accept their attraction and act on it without a lot conflict, fuss, or drama. “No f*cking as dragons. I totally understand it…like prostitutes that won’t kiss their clients.” “Are you calling me a whore?” “No. Do you want me to? I’ve known a few she-dragons who liked that sort of-” “No. I don’t want you to.” “Oh. All right. But what a dirty…and naughty?” “Yeah, that’s all right.” Bring the Heat is the book that fans have been waiting for and everything you could wish for in a fantasy romance adventure. If you enjoy outrageous characters, comical narrative and hilarious unpredictable scenarios, then look no further than G.A. Aiken’s Dragon Kin. ...more |
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Aug 07, 2017
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Aug 07, 2017
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Aug 07, 2017
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ebook
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0998139130
| 9780998139135
| 0998139130
| 4.16
| 3,407
| Jul 18, 2017
| Jul 18, 2017
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really liked it
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Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/07/review-... Favorite Quote: “I was broken, and broken again, until I became someone else…” Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/07/review-... Favorite Quote: “I was broken, and broken again, until I became someone else…” Morgan le Fae, the Light Fae Queen’s Captain of the Hounds, is a man who has gone by many names. Kingmaker. Sorcerer. Advisor. Bard. Merlin. The power behind the rise of King Arthur and Camelot, he was devastated when Isabeau, Queen of the Light Fae, and her consort, Modred, murdered his boy, stole Avalon, and placed him under a geas that demands total obedience. Having spent centuries emotionally cold and barren, he is shocked by the cyclone of emotions that whirl through him when he stumbles upon a musician whose music speaks directly to his soul. Sidonie Martel, a very talented and famous musician, finds herself at the mercy of the Light Court when she is kidnapped and given as a tribute to the queen. Unable to hold her temper at her despicable treatment by the fae, she insults the queen and pays a terrible price. With no magical ability or even knowledge of where she is at, Sidonie is a prisoner with no means of escaping. She is grateful and soon very intrigued by the mysterious man who comes to her in the middle of the night with food, water, and healing. Using her wits, Sidonie gains an audience with the Queen and a chance at survival if she is able to amaze the court with her playing. As Sidonie and her mystery man find themselves growing closer and giving into the passion flowing between them, a pair of unlikely allies offer this couple a slim chance at escape. But Morgan’s gaes can only be broken upon death…he just has to make sure it’s not his. Spellbinder is the 2nd book in Thea Harrison’s Moonshadow trilogy. Set in the same world as her Elder Races series, the focus here is on the Fae demesnes and the ongoing war between the Light and Dark Court. Set in the UK, Harrison further expands on the ongoing Fae storyline, making use of some interesting mythology and legends. Easily read as a standalone, you do not have to read the Elder Races to enjoy though I do recommend starting with Moonshadow. Spellbinder is a dark paranormal romance with an ambiguous and engrossing storyline that is the perfect blend of romance, intrigue, danger, suspense, adventure, and of course, magic. The fantastical world building, complex characterization, and dynamic narrative is further enhanced by Harrison’s inclusion of Merlin and the legends surrounding his disappearance after Arthur fell. I felt it really gave the story an energetic boost. The story opens with Morgan Le Fae presenting himself to his Queen after his rousing defeat In Moonshadow. Terribly wounded, Morgan takes Isabeau’s order to heart that she doesn’t want to see him again till he is fully healed and disappears before she can circumvent that order with a new one. The nature of his geas is exact. He is forced to do what Isabeau’s says to a tee unless he can avoid hearing her order. He hides away to heal and to continue his research on how to break the geas when he stumbles upon a flyer for a concert. He attends and is mesmerized by the oung woman playing. Angry over the power she unconsciously wielded over him, he buys tickets to the rest of her concerts and follows her across the UK. “The first strains raced after each other, like hawks lunging through the air…and all his emotional distance shredded. He didn’t welcome it. Part of him went into shock. That part of him hated it, hated her for doing it to him. When he learns she has been kidnapped and taken to Avalon, he sneaks back over and is horrified to learn the extent of her torture. He places both their lives in danger by helping her survive and with each passing day, he falls more in love with her. … he fell into her as inexorably as Icarus, who had flown too close to the sun. I was very curious to see how Harrison would redeem Morgan. To recap, Morgan has been Isabeau’s enforcer for centuries. Insane and deadly, Isabeau has used Morgan’s magic against all the fae, especially the Dark Court. Harrison humanizes Morgan for us by creating an intimate connection with him and he goes from villian to hero pretty quick. We learn he is as much a victim as Sidonie. His aggression against the various Courts and the Wyrs are through no fault of his own and he suffers daily for everything he has done. His choices were taken from him a very long time ago. He burns for the chance at freedom and revenge for himself and those he lost but despairs at ever getting it. He still felt passion, but long ago his passion had turned dark and tinged with crimson. It had died down to a single thread, a burning desire to destroy those who had laid waste to his homeland and had enslaved him. That had become his mission in life. Harrison builds the perfect match for Morgan with Sidonie. Intelligent, strong, forthright, and clever, Sidonie is the bright star he never knew he needed. A child prodigy, music is both Sidonie’s freedom and prison. A lifetime of practicing and tours has left her socially awkward and OCD. She is most comfortable on stage or in her apartment. Her world is completely turned upside down by her kidnapping and torture. For the first time she is faced with her own mortality and it is eye-opening. Especially when she learns she is nothing more than a pawn in a much larger game. “You’re perfect. You’re so perfect I couldn’t have found a better weapon if I had tried.” Sidonie adapts as best she can, pushing aside her innate shyness as she grows stronger, bolder, and more educated to her circumstances. She also becomes a bit bloodthirsty which I thoroughly approved of. “I want to rip her face off.” Morgan and Sidonie’s connection is a powerful force felt from the beginning allows them to flourish and heal, even in their dire circumstances. The first time Morgan enters Sidonie’s cell, his need to protect and defend is brought roaring to the surface. He gives everything he has to her, over and over and over again, until she is able to stand on her own. Unable to give way his feelings for her another due to Isabeau’s jealous nature, their love becomes even more precious with each and every stolen moment. “…taking his revenge against Isabeau and Modred was no longer enough. Destroying them for the sake of all the people Isabeau and Modred had killed so long ago was no longer enough. Now he was fighting for Sidonie’s sake.” The intense and violent tinged storyline stays insulated around the protagonists and the setting. Harrison offers little in world building, choosing instead to elevate the characters, though she does firmly connect the series to the Elder Races with a cameo or two. Some dry humor helps to offset the darker nature of the storyline. The climax of the story is heart-wrenching but everyone knows every great love story must have its grand moment and Harrison pulls out all the stops for this one. She became the music. She was the story, the vibration. She became the story of love, the notes written in kisses and caresses on her skin. She felt the symphony, the swelling highs in the lifts, and the terrible lows in the falls, and hope was the cruelest note of all, the devastation that came afterward, utterly intolerable. Spellbinder is a swoon worthy romance that gives a man with no future the chance at a love for the ages. Harrison continues to enthrall readers with her larger than life characters and intense storylines that take readers on the paranormal adventure of a lifetime. Grade: B+ ...more |
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Jul 18, 2017
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Jul 19, 2017
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Jul 18, 2017
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ebook
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1250134641
| 9781250134646
| 1250134641
| 4.40
| 57
| unknown
| Jul 04, 2017
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really liked it
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Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/07/review-... Killing June wasn’t at all like I expected though I’m not complaining. This au Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/07/review-... Killing June wasn’t at all like I expected though I’m not complaining. This author’s debut dark romance is far more nuanced and layered than I suspected; highlighted by a cast of intriguing and flawed characters who live in the gray area between right and wrong. More than just a BDSM themed erotic romance; it is a journey of one woman’s self-discovery as she learns about forgiveness, salvation, and redemption. Bridges does address some heavy and dark subject matter so some readers may want to proceed with caution. Heavily character driven, the arc itself is interesting-one woman with two distinct and opposite lifestyles must find away out- but the characters are the stars in here, even when it doesn’t serve the storyline best. Bridges set the stage as we are immediately introduced to the main players and we get a hint at what’s to come. Intriguing narrative popped me easily right into the story as a strong forceful voice and smooth pacing kept me hooked. Even though Bridges switches between Alex and June regularity, the transference is very smooth and organic. Alex/June isn’t the victim of a split personality but rather the shame of enjoying pain with sex. Having discovered this as a teenager, Alex and her best friend Robert explored various kink clubs in their search for gratification. A series of assaults in Alex’s past fractures Alex, blurring the lines between consent and force and forcing Alex, in her mind, to create June. Alex uses June as a tool to deliver and receive punishment. She also uses her as a bargaining chip. Robert helps Alex find clients and takes a cut in exchange for helping her locate someone from her past. As time passes, Alex struggles to keep herself and June separate. Especially when she has victimized again and learns that Robert hasn’t been honest with her. Bridges does well in her development of Alex and June and highlighting their contrasts and similarities. The psychology behind it all is fascinating. Alex is an intelligent, well liked business woman with two loving parents whom she goes to church with once a month. In contrast, Ms. June is a mysterious dominatrix who offers her clients the pain and pleasure of the whip for a steep price and her own gratification. Their contrasts seem extreme until you get to know them. The crossovers in their personalities slowly emerge and we see how much Alex’s past reflects on the decisions June makes. Cade and Robert are both interesting characters though not as dark as the blurb leads you to believe. Both are deep into the criminal underground. Robert is the local drug czar and loan shark while Cade is a freelance enforcer. We meet them both in violence. Cade bursts in on June during a session as he has been paid to collect her client for an overdue debt. We soon learn Robert set it all up when June goes to confront him. Cade, though styled as an anti-hero, isn’t really a bad person though he is extremely comfortable in his lifestyle. He sees the maelstrom surrounding Alex and does everything he can to try and help her, even when he discovers the extent of her issues and learns the hard way you can’t force someone to change. Robert, in contrast, comes off somewhat sad and pathetic. You don’t doubt he loves Alex but his love has become corrupted and he has been controlling her through June. He’s like a little kid who has it all but is always unhappy. Sexually, Alex and Cade are as explosive as unstable dynamite. Their chemistry is off the charts and Bridges makes sure to explore that chemistry while slowly developing their romance. Cade tries so hard to be what Alex needs and is more than able to satisfy her both physically and emotionally though he pushes her constantly in an effort to help her heal. I love that the BDSM is not made a flaw and interweaves with the romance flawlessly. It is an essential part of Alex’s sexuality and while her methods are suspect, her being a masochist is not. The drama and suspense all boil together softly, increasing its roll till we reach the end and its climactic finale. I did feel it took way too long to get to the cusp of Alex’s issues. I knew what it was right off the bat. Also, Alex’s blackmail problem was more an annoyance and she could have nipped that in the bud from the onset. The longevity of the conflicts felt a bit manipulative to the storyline. The ending felt rushed but I did appreciate the thorough clean up of plotlines and settling of the romance. This is the first book of the series and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I am looking forward to reading more from May Bridges in the future. Grade: B ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 11, 2017
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Jul 12, 2017
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Jul 11, 2017
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ebook
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1477821554
| 9781477821558
| B01MFGX5GI
| 4.12
| 167,102
| Jul 2017
| Jul 01, 2017
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it was amazing
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I picked up Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine from Amazon’s Kindle First program. I am a fan of Caine’s paranormal works and was interested in seeing ho
I picked up Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine from Amazon’s Kindle First program. I am a fan of Caine’s paranormal works and was interested in seeing how she handled straight fiction. I was thoroughly hooked from page one. A mother reinvents her whole life in order to protect her kids when she discovers her husband is a serial killer. Caine does an excellent job of keeping readers on edge with this psychological and suspenseful thriller as she digs deep into the life of Gina/Gwen who must not only deal with that fact that she lived and loved a serial killer but that she and her kids have now lost their freedom because of him. Caine brings out the dark side of the internet, showing us how intrusive and crazy it can be and how hard it is to hide from its users. We grow as paranoid as Gwen when she begins to receive threatening letters and a body is discovered in the lake. A body who bears a striking resemblance to her ex-husband’s victims. The pacing is steady, the narrative dynamic, and the characters bold in their quests. A mildly ambiguous ending resolves the main conflict though it leaves an opening for book two. ...more |
Notes are private!
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Jun 09, 2017
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Jun 09, 2017
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Jun 09, 2017
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Kindle Edition
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my rating |
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4.16
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really liked it
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Jul 05, 2012
not set
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Sep 20, 2024
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3.86
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really liked it
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Apr 05, 2014
not set
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Apr 25, 2023
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3.64
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really liked it
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May 03, 2018
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May 14, 2018
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4.34
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really liked it
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Feb 11, 2018
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Apr 27, 2018
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4.26
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Sep 05, 2018
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Apr 11, 2018
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4.00
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really liked it
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Apr 10, 2018
not set
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Apr 11, 2018
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4.22
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Feb 22, 2018
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Feb 12, 2018
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3.55
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liked it
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Jan 25, 2018
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Jan 25, 2018
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4.15
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really liked it
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Feb 20, 2018
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Jan 01, 2018
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4.17
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really liked it
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Jan 19, 2018
not set
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Nov 15, 2017
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3.68
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it was ok
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Nov 03, 2017
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Oct 30, 2017
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3.80
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really liked it
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Nov 19, 2017
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Oct 20, 2017
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3.76
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liked it
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Jan 22, 2018
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Oct 18, 2017
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3.98
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it was amazing
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Sep 17, 2018
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Oct 18, 2017
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4.52
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really liked it
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Oct 14, 2017
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Oct 13, 2017
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3.96
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liked it
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Oct 15, 2017
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Sep 28, 2017
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4.32
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it was amazing
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Aug 07, 2017
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Aug 07, 2017
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4.16
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really liked it
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Jul 19, 2017
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Jul 18, 2017
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4.40
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really liked it
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Jul 12, 2017
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Jul 11, 2017
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4.12
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it was amazing
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Jun 09, 2017
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Jun 09, 2017
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