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| 1619218712
| 9781619218710
| B00CF10SUE
| 4.34
| 5,528
| Jun 01, 2013
| Jun 18, 2013
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it was amazing
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Fifteenth in the Rough Riders Western erotic romance series set in Wyoming. The couple focus is on Dalton McKay and Rory Wetzler. My Take James knows ho Fifteenth in the Rough Riders Western erotic romance series set in Wyoming. The couple focus is on Dalton McKay and Rory Wetzler. My Take James knows how to make it interesting, lol. This is an old, old romance that kind'a crept up on Rory and Dalton. That first meeting they had way back then explains why Dalton calls Rory "Jungle Girl". It's cute, and Dalton is very, very determined while Rory is so skittish she's like a leaf on a very breezy day. Okay, James does use one of those romance tropes, the one in which the woman is simply going to use the man and not fall in love, so you immediately know Rory's gonna fall in love. Again. Oh, man, I do like Rory's feistiness! It's just what Dalton needs, a woman who can't be maneuvered, easily anyway, lol. You'll crack up when Dalton takes up yoga. Seems Rory teaches a class in it to help keep her sanity. Of course Dalton has his surprises. You'll definitely awww when you find out what (and why!) Dalton has done this to his bedroom. Awwww. There are several good morals in this tale. One is "do something because it's right for you, not because everyone else is doing it". Makes me think of that old rhetorical (?) question all parents seem to voice about cliffs and friends. In some ways, running away from Wyoming was good for Dalton. He was forced to step outside of his comfort zone — and he found himself, became a stronger person. Another moral is the need to communicate. Neither Rory nor Dalton realize they need to be communicating NOW, and I do feel bad for when the truth will come out. And it will have to come out. It is also a lack that's been going on a long time between them. A lack, actually, that you'll discover has been going on in the whole McKay family for too long when you find out about Casper and how he treated Dalton. Yep, there was a lack of communication between Dalton and Addie too, although Addie, unknowingly, does get a bit of her own back. It'll knock Dalton back a bit. Then there's that poker face of Dalton's. It is communicating to Rory, but all the wrong things. Oooh, hard ball, lol. Boys, this is a good lesson for you — and would be a good skill for girls to pay attention to! Pay attention to the person you're with. To their hopes, dreams, fears, worries. What they like to eat and how they like it… Damn, there are a lot of relationship lessons in this one. The most important one, okay, one of the two most important ones since communication is essential, is change. Do not expect to change the other person. It's not fair to you or them. People can change, but they have to want to do it themselves. NEVER, never expect to be able to change them. It sure seems as if Dalton is stepping up. He's certainly being honest, lol. And, no, he's being honest about himself and not in a positive light. Nor does he let Rory put all the blame on him when he forces her to admit to her own starry-eyed perspective. Of course, it wouldn't be story without conflict, and Dalton does manage to step in it. Or rather, Rory manages to create mud puddles for him to step in with the offense she takes in her insecurity. Rory does make a habit of jumping to the wrong conclusion. When she gets that application of Dalton's, well, guys, wear a cup! I do love the response he gives her. Oh, yeah, baby! Wow. The rent on that house Dalton is in must be pretty steep; the owner sure is getting a bargain with all the work Dalton is doing on it. This story is making me hungry for Mexican food. Nothing seems to have changed among the brothers. Sure they still love between each other, but the same disinterest Tell and Brandt have about Dalton's actions is still there. WTF? Jesus, it makes you wanna cry when you read about the shifts the brothers had to go through to survive their childhood with Casper as a father. Whatever made this man turn out as he did? For that matter, why didn't someone shoot the bastard? The Story After leaving Addie at the altar, Dalton took off to get away from everyone, including his father. Only…he gets sucked back to Wyoming when he gets that call about his father. The Characters Aurora Rose "Rory" Wetzler, Sierra's stepsister, is back and working part-time for the Wyoming Natural Resource Council in Moorcroft during the day and the Twin Pines as a bartender by night. She still has her dog, Jingle. Her mom, Rielle, is married to Gavin (see Gone Country , 14). Dalton McKay left Wyoming after the twin debacles, bummed around the world, and is now living in Montana, logging in the summer and leading elk-hunting parties in the autumn. Tell is his brother married to the pregnant Georgia, a lawyer (see Kissin' Tell , 13). They have a son, Jackson, and a daughter, Carly. Brandt is another brother and married to the also-pregnant Jessie McKay (she has a little girl, Bethany; see Cowgirls Don't Cry , 10). They have two kids: Tucker and Wyatt. Landon is their late brother Luke's son. Landon has a dog now, Dixon. Their father, Casper, has had a stroke. Barbara Jean is their dad's girlfriend whom he met at church. For some reason, Casper was well-liked amongst Pastor Joneki's congregation. Their mom, Joan, is looking younger every day; being away from Casper will do that for you. The rest of the McKays Sierra and Keely are his cousins. Dalton backed Sierra on her own business last year but no one else knows. Marin was Sierra's BFF, and it seems that Sierra paid it forward. Keely is married to Jack Donohue (see All Jacked Up , 8), and they have three kids now: Piper and the twins, JJ and Liam. Chase is another cousin, a champion bullrider, married to the actress Ava Drummond (see Chasin' Eight , 11), and it's his fault that Dalton's uncles are cool to him. Kyler is grown up enough these days to be able to drive. And date. Jocelyn Mears. (Dalton gets his cousin out of a tight spot, lol.) He's also an all-star quarterback for his high school. Ryland is a friend of Kyler's. Cord is Kyler's dad; he's married to AJ (see Cowgirl Up and Ride , 3), and they have another boy, Vaughan. Kane, Colby, Colt, and Cam (he cheats) are more of Kyler's uncles. Ben is another cousin (see Cowboy Casanova , 12) and married to Ainsley, a banker. Quinn is one of Ben's brothers (Wild Ride: "Strong, Silent Type", 6.5). Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Carson will hold the wake at their place. Seems Uncle Charlie wasn't bound by that promise not to say anything to Casper; he's married to Aunt Vi. Aunt Kimi makes a brief appearance; she's married to Uncle Cal. Wyoming State Parks Department Dillon Doland is Rory's boss, the assistant director with the Wyoming State Parks Department and her ex-fiancé. Bob Buckman heads up the BLM office and he's retiring. Wyoming Natural Resource Council Director Tibke is Rory's boss, although Horrific Hannah is her immediate boss. Alice is with HR. Glennis is the receptionist. Lonna Davis is the administrative coordinator from the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit in Missoula. Addie Maureen Voorhees is the woman Dalton left at the altar. Truman was Dalton's best friend until that moment; now he's married to Addie. Thurman was Truman's older brother who had been best pals with Tell. Boden Hicks, an old buddy (he's married to Bree) who needs someone to lead hunting trips, is also a friend of Ben's (Dalton met Boden at the Rawhide Club). Layla is a friend of Ainsley's and she explained the Rawhide Club to Dalton. J.T. Judson was Dalton's opponent in the big poker game. Reggie, Lee Anderson, Tick, Busby, and Leif West are old friends of Dalton's too. Old Duffy and Donald, an upbeat cancer survivor, are customers at the bar. Naomi is the bar manager. Vanessa and Ricki are some of the ladies in Rory's yoga class; Vanessa and Mandie are also her Friday night friends. Cindy is the waitress at the Golden Boot. Heather leads the Zumba class. The Cover and Title I'd have a hard time sayin' no if Dalton looks anything like the hunk on the cover in his plaid shirt, open to expose a nicely muscled chest, and low-hanging blue jeans. There's stubble on his face, what we can see of his face, anyway. And even that bit looks damn good! The base of the cover is consistent with earlier books with that bit of distressed leather topped by a vine of leaves and a central flower "carved" into the leather and the whole is in tones of brown, a soft look. The title is an insult thrown by Dillon at Rory's new Redneck Romeo as well as a comment from Dalton after the wedding ceremony. Merged review: Fifteenth in the Rough Riders Western erotic romance series set in Wyoming. The couple focus is on Dalton McKay and Rory Wetzler. My Take James knows how to make it interesting, lol. This is an old, old romance that kind'a crept up on Rory and Dalton. That first meeting they had way back then explains why Dalton calls Rory "Jungle Girl". It's cute, and Dalton is very, very determined while Rory is so skittish she's like a leaf on a very breezy day. Okay, James does use one of those romance tropes, the one in which the woman is simply going to use the man and not fall in love, so you immediately know Rory's gonna fall in love. Again. Oh, man, I do like Rory's feistiness! It's just what Dalton needs, a woman who can't be maneuvered, easily anyway, lol. You'll crack up when Dalton takes up yoga. Seems Rory teaches a class in it to help keep her sanity. Of course Dalton has his surprises. You'll definitely awww when you find out what (and why!) Dalton has done this to his bedroom. Awwww. There are several good morals in this tale. One is "do something because it's right for you, not because everyone else is doing it". Makes me think of that old rhetorical (?) question all parents seem to voice about cliffs and friends. In some ways, running away from Wyoming was good for Dalton. He was forced to step outside of his comfort zone — and he found himself, became a stronger person. Another moral is the need to communicate. Neither Rory nor Dalton realize they need to be communicating NOW, and I do feel bad for when the truth will come out. And it will have to come out. It is also a lack that's been going on a long time between them. A lack, actually, that you'll discover has been going on in the whole McKay family for too long when you find out about Casper and how he treated Dalton. Yep, there was a lack of communication between Dalton and Addie too, although Addie, unknowingly, does get a bit of her own back. It'll knock Dalton back a bit. Then there's that poker face of Dalton's. It is communicating to Rory, but all the wrong things. Oooh, hard ball, lol. Boys, this is a good lesson for you — and would be a good skill for girls to pay attention to! Pay attention to the person you're with. To their hopes, dreams, fears, worries. What they like to eat and how they like it… Damn, there are a lot of relationship lessons in this one. The most important one, okay, one of the two most important ones since communication is essential, is change. Do not expect to change the other person. It's not fair to you or them. People can change, but they have to want to do it themselves. NEVER, never expect to be able to change them. It sure seems as if Dalton is stepping up. He's certainly being honest, lol. And, no, he's being honest about himself and not in a positive light. Nor does he let Rory put all the blame on him when he forces her to admit to her own starry-eyed perspective. Of course, it wouldn't be story without conflict, and Dalton does manage to step in it. Or rather, Rory manages to create mud puddles for him to step in with the offense she takes in her insecurity. Rory does make a habit of jumping to the wrong conclusion. When she gets that application of Dalton's, well, guys, wear a cup! I do love the response he gives her. Oh, yeah, baby! Wow. The rent on that house Dalton is in must be pretty steep; the owner sure is getting a bargain with all the work Dalton is doing on it. This story is making me hungry for Mexican food. Nothing seems to have changed among the brothers. Sure they still love between each other, but the same disinterest Tell and Brandt have about Dalton's actions is still there. WTF? Jesus, it makes you wanna cry when you read about the shifts the brothers had to go through to survive their childhood with Casper as a father. Whatever made this man turn out as he did? For that matter, why didn't someone shoot the bastard? The Story After leaving Addie at the altar, Dalton took off to get away from everyone, including his father. Only…he gets sucked back to Wyoming when he gets that call about his father. The Characters Aurora Rose "Rory" Wetzler, Sierra's stepsister, is back and working part-time for the Wyoming Natural Resource Council in Moorcroft during the day and the Twin Pines as a bartender by night. She still has her dog, Jingle. Her mom, Rielle, is married to Gavin (see Gone Country , 14). Dalton McKay left Wyoming after the twin debacles, bummed around the world, and is now living in Montana, logging in the summer and leading elk-hunting parties in the autumn. Tell is his brother married to the pregnant Georgia, a lawyer (see Kissin' Tell , 13). They have a son, Jackson, and a daughter, Carly. Brandt is another brother and married to the also-pregnant Jessie McKay (she has a little girl, Bethany; see Cowgirls Don't Cry , 10). They have two kids: Tucker and Wyatt. Landon is their late brother Luke's son. Landon has a dog now, Dixon. Their father, Casper, has had a stroke. Barbara Jean is their dad's girlfriend whom he met at church. For some reason, Casper was well-liked amongst Pastor Joneki's congregation. Their mom, Joan, is looking younger every day; being away from Casper will do that for you. The rest of the McKays Sierra and Keely are his cousins. Dalton backed Sierra on her own business last year but no one else knows. Marin was Sierra's BFF, and it seems that Sierra paid it forward. Keely is married to Jack Donohue (see All Jacked Up , 8), and they have three kids now: Piper and the twins, JJ and Liam. Chase is another cousin, a champion bullrider, married to the actress Ava Drummond (see Chasin' Eight , 11), and it's his fault that Dalton's uncles are cool to him. Kyler is grown up enough these days to be able to drive. And date. Jocelyn Mears. (Dalton gets his cousin out of a tight spot, lol.) He's also an all-star quarterback for his high school. Ryland is a friend of Kyler's. Cord is Kyler's dad; he's married to AJ (see Cowgirl Up and Ride , 3), and they have another boy, Vaughan. Kane, Colby, Colt, and Cam (he cheats) are more of Kyler's uncles. Ben is another cousin (see ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
Feb 07, 2015
not set
|
Sep 24, 2024
|
ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 0984916245
| 9780984916245
| B0087WZ5S0
| 4.05
| 513
| May 31, 2012
| Jun 01, 2012
|
really liked it
|
Second in the Hidden erotic paranormal romance. The couple focus is on Nate Rivera and Evina Mohajit and takes place in Resurrection, a supe-friendly
Second in the Hidden erotic paranormal romance. The couple focus is on Nate Rivera and Evina Mohajit and takes place in Resurrection, a supe-friendly metropolis in upper state New York. My Take I like Resurrection. It's such a homey place where people look out for each other, care for each other. As for the story, it's tense, dramatic, romantic and so very family-oriented. You can't help but love the characters in this story. It's Currier and Ives — with shifters and fae. I just love this bit:Holly does keep it fun: you don't Google in Resurrection, you Oogle; a Goblinati is a hot, pick-up car; Elf Barbies abound; and, no Cheerios, but Faerie-Os are available. Nate's reasons for getting Evina's help are valid, so I don't get why Adam is so averse to her report. Nor do I understand why Evina gets so huffy that first time in the firehouse. Oh, man, I just love listening to Nate plan how to revamp his loft to accommodate two kitten shifters! It's a crazy series. Erotic, romantic, and very warm with family and friends. The Story It's a baby shower for Adam and Ariana's new baby girl, but hey, they're cops, and they can get called out at any time. When the call comes in that Vasili Galina has been spotted, the men are off and hunting, only to stumble over something horrific. Later, it's a lucky Nate when Evina needs cupcakes for Rafi's school event the next morning. He needs someone to read a crime scene, and he's researched Evina. She has an ability that could help find out what happened to this child. Unfortunately, as the case unravels, it seems that this small boy isn't the only victim… The Characters Nate Rivera may be a werewolf, but he's a metrosexual one with his sharply decorated loft apartment, his alligator boots, and his pleasure in the company of women. His one problem? He's got an alpha personality in a less-than-beta position at the Resurrection Police Department. Evina Mohajit is the fire department's youngest-ever station chief, an alpha woman who happens to shift into a tiger and does a decent astral projection. If the cops are almost all werewolves, firefighters are almost all tigers. Abby is her six-year-old daughter; Rafi is her shy twin brother who takes refuge in his tiger form. Gran is her mother, Rita, a willing babysitter, but looking like no grandmother you can possibly imagine. Lieutenant Adam Santini is Nate's boss and cousin-by-marriage, and he and his wife Ariana (see Hidden Talents , 1) have recently had a baby girl, Kelsey. Tony Lupone is a fellow RPD detective who's recently come out and younger brother to the pack's second-in-command, Rick; their parents are amazing cooks. Maria is their older sister married to Johnny — he works Special Tactics — with a little boy, Ethan. Carmine is a were-cop, older, more experienced, and Dana is their very susceptible dispatcher. Christophe is/was Evina's beta at the station and currently in hospital after he saved two young kids. Liam is very protective, heck all the firefighters at Company No. 5 are protective of Evina. Freda is Evina's friend. Max and Sarah are Ari's human friends from Hidden Talents . Grant is a young gargoyle who has taken Adam and his pack to heart. And lives on Adam's roof. Derrick Black is Rita's friend, a news producer at WQSN. Vasili Galina is mobster Ivan Galina's younger brother. Until the brothers fell out over a woman, Ellen Owen. Hephaesta Erg is a goblin who worked as a nanny in charge of Joel Martin. His parents, Roger and Mrs. Martin, were ashamed of him. Wings of Love Placement Agency arranged adoptions. River Oaks Smoke Shop is a busy place where Blue and Brone, elves, are selling all sorts of things. Mr. White is the accommodating bank manager; Mrs. Norman the bank teller. Dr. Clarence Beaumont provides medical expertise. Paul is the father of Evina's children, a beta tiger. They didn't marry, but still, when he chose to move on and marry the quarter-fae Liane, it hurt. Malik is their mixed-race child. Iseult Fionn is Liane's half-fae mother. The Cover The cover is surprisingly sedate with a man lounging back against some wooden slats, wearing dark dress pants and a dark pin-striped shirt with lavender satin sleeves(?), open to reveal a smooth expanse of abdominals. The title is true enough as these Hidden Crimes are not the type you want to know about, as much as you will want to expose them. Merged review: Second in the Hidden erotic paranormal romance. The couple focus is on Nate Rivera and Evina Mohajit and takes place in Resurrection, a supe-friendly metropolis in upper state New York. My Take I like Resurrection. It's such a homey place where people look out for each other, care for each other. As for the story, it's tense, dramatic, romantic and so very family-oriented. You can't help but love the characters in this story. It's Currier and Ives — with shifters and fae. I just love this bit:Holly does keep it fun: you don't Google in Resurrection, you Oogle; a Goblinati is a hot, pick-up car; Elf Barbies abound; and, no Cheerios, but Faerie-Os are available. Nate's reasons for getting Evina's help are valid, so I don't get why Adam is so averse to her report. Nor do I understand why Evina gets so huffy that first time in the firehouse. Oh, man, I just love listening to Nate plan how to revamp his loft to accommodate two kitten shifters! It's a crazy series. Erotic, romantic, and very warm with family and friends. The Story It's a baby shower for Adam and Ariana's new baby girl, but hey, they're cops, and they can get called out at any time. When the call comes in that Vasili Galina has been spotted, the men are off and hunting, only to stumble over something horrific. Later, it's a lucky Nate when Evina needs cupcakes for Rafi's school event the next morning. He needs someone to read a crime scene, and he's researched Evina. She has an ability that could help find out what happened to this child. Unfortunately, as the case unravels, it seems that this small boy isn't the only victim… The Characters Nate Rivera may be a werewolf, but he's a metrosexual one with his sharply decorated loft apartment, his alligator boots, and his pleasure in the company of women. His one problem? He's got an alpha personality in a less-than-beta position at the Resurrection Police Department. Evina Mohajit is the fire department's youngest-ever station chief, an alpha woman who happens to shift into a tiger and does a decent astral projection. If the cops are almost all werewolves, firefighters are almost all tigers. Abby is her six-year-old daughter; Rafi is her shy twin brother who takes refuge in his tiger form. Gran is her mother, Rita, a willing babysitter, but looking like no grandmother you can possibly imagine. Lieutenant Adam Santini is Nate's boss and cousin-by-marriage, and he and his wife Ariana (see Hidden Talents , 1) have recently had a baby girl, Kelsey. Tony Lupone is a fellow RPD detective who's recently come out and younger brother to the pack's second-in-command, Rick; their parents are amazing cooks. Maria is their older sister married to Johnny — he works Special Tactics — with a little boy, Ethan. Carmine is a were-cop, older, more experienced, and Dana is their very susceptible dispatcher. Christophe is/was Evina's beta at the station and currently in hospital after he saved two young kids. Liam is very protective, heck all the firefighters at Company No. 5 are protective of Evina. Freda is Evina's friend. Max and Sarah are Ari's human friends from Hidden Talents . Grant is a young gargoyle who has taken Adam and his pack to heart. And lives on Adam's roof. Derrick Black is Rita's friend, a news producer at WQSN. Vasili Galina is mobster Ivan Galina's younger brother. Until the brothers fell out over a woman, Ellen Owen. Hephaesta Erg is a goblin who worked as a nanny in charge of Joel Martin. His parents, Roger and Mrs. Martin, were ashamed of him. Wings of Love Placement Agency arranged adoptions. River Oaks Smoke Shop is a busy place where Blue and Brone, elves, are selling all sorts of things. Mr. White is the accommodating bank manager; Mrs. Norman the bank teller. Dr. Clarence Beaumont provides medical expertise. Paul is the father of Evina's children, a beta tiger. They didn't marry, but still, when he chose to move on and marry the quarter-fae Liane, it hurt. Malik is their mixed-race child. Iseult Fionn is Liane's half-fae mother. The Cover The cover is surprisingly sedate with a man lounging back against some wooden slats, wearing dark dress pants and a dark pin-striped shirt with lavender satin sleeves(?), open to reveal a smooth expanse of abdominals. The title is true enough as these Hidden Crimes are not the type you want to know about, as much as you will want to expose them. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
3
|
not set
not set
not set
|
Oct 29, 2017
May 25, 2013
not set
|
Sep 24, 2024
|
ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 1619215292
| 9781619215290
| B009YV9NGI
| 4.29
| 6,032
| Dec 11, 2012
| Dec 11, 2012
|
really liked it
|
Fourteenth in the Rough Riders romance series. The couple focus is on Gavin Daniels and Rielle Wetzler. My Take Although Rough Riders is an erotic roman Fourteenth in the Rough Riders romance series. The couple focus is on Gavin Daniels and Rielle Wetzler. My Take Although Rough Riders is an erotic romance series, this particular story is more romance---and an older couple romance at that! It was a treat to read a story about fairly normal sex, and the first one in this series to focus on an older couple and their body issues. Although I did appreciate Gavin's practicality in asking Ben for advice about sex, LOL. Nor is he the only one asking for advice…! "Fake it 'til you make it. Next time you're with Rielle...act like you've got the hot sex moves and she'll believe you've got them."It's also family with a lot of growing up for a number of people to do. Gavin and Sierra getting to know his birth parents, their unique difficulties with Sierra's mother, discovering the joys of the holidays with a large family who are in each others' pockets. Cookie decorating, Rocky Mountain oyster feeds, hay wagon rides, cider and cookies, making Christmas ornaments, the fruitcake throwing contest...you'll crack up on this one. It's also chock-full of honest confrontation whether it's Rielle telling (and asking) Gavin what-for on sharing the house, Sierra dictating her demands, or fighting about sports on TV. And each has to come to his or her own realizations. It's an eye-opening experience for Gavin; he had no idea Rielle was so business-like. It's also too new for Sierra: having to ride the bus, discovering she's related to most of the town. It's also some great bonding time for Sierra with her dad AND with Rielle as Sierra learns a lot about self-sufficiency and returns that interest by helping Rielle. A move that Rory actually appreciates. Raised by hippie parents, Rielle is passionate about organic produce and preserving the land, and having a normal life. If you love gardening, organic produce, or simply adore food...you wanna read this one. Just reading what Rielle has planted makes me want a garden...or hit Whole Foods! She talks about dyeing her wools and about roving---and the business end of supplying handdyed wools and to whom and why. ...cranberry orange hazelnut bread...eggnot spiced pumpkin bread...I'm just sayin'...There's a nice bit in here about Rielle's back history with her parents and how they acquired the land and surprisingly a bit of history on Vi, (and some on Joely too), and James slides it right in without doing an info dump...yeah! Sierra gets some help from Boone with her exploration of the McKay family archives and the West-McKay feud; we get more back info on Carson, Casper, and Calvin as well as how the Wests and McKays work together on their ranches. These McKay brothers' dad, Jed McKay (he'd be the father of Carson, Casper, and Calvin and therefore the current adult generation 's grandad), sounds like a real jerk and it sounds like Jed set it up for Casper to turn into his jerky successor. I'm impressed with how well Rielle keeps from interfering in Gavin's raising Sierra. I am curious as to what happened with the whole car thing. James started with Gavin getting Sierra a car, dropped it as part of her incentive program, then it felt as though the whole issue was ignored. Sure, there's a bit in here where Rory lays into him, but it doesn't feel connected somehow. Wow. All kinds of pissy behavior running through this disguised as being annoyed with interference. I like it that Vi calls Gavin on his anger. Sounds like Gavin has not been paying attention to anything outside himself. It's not just the immediate household that's having problems, though, as Charlie and Vi are chompin' at the bit to spend time with their oldest, but are fearful of crowding him. I do wish James had elucidated on why Rielle and Rory hate the McKays so much. It's a lot more than just Dalton dissin' Rory. It's a real story. Worries about not being big enough, sexy enough. Teen/daughter angst with the attendant mood swings. I love that James portrays Rielle as caring, giving, and coming to understand that she deserves her own "things", separate from Rory. It would have been more real if there had been more conflict (warfare) between Gavin and Rielle. Just a tiny bit more. Even if I did love how well Rielle kept out of it all. And I am so GLAD that Sierra has Rielle and Rory in her life. Her mother is a piece of work...and she needs some decent role models. Wow, Boone's situation is drastic. What is with his dad? As much as I loved this story, as I went over my notes, I came to realize two things: there is one heckuva lot going on and that it also drove me nuts. While I can appreciate Rielle's concerns about paying her own way, does she have to be quite so strict? Rory makes an excellent point:The Story Desperate to rein his daughter in, Gavin Daniels has gained sole custody and moved the two of them to Sundance, Wyoming. To the house and land he bought from Rielle in Cowboy Casanova , 12. A move that has Sierra and Rory up in arms, for different reasons. It's leverage Rory uses to heat up her mom's image leading to unexpected results. It's a rough ride for the four of them: Gavin and Rielle want each other, but she's prickly and prideful while Sierra is 16 and selfish in it. It's Rory who has the most difficult time with facing up to sharing her mother. And it only gets rougher with Gavin having some hard choices to make. The Characters Since the buyout, organic produce farmer, Rielle Wetzler, has been living at the house as Gavin's caretaker, dragging her feet on building her own place. Sadie is her German shepherd. Rory is the daughter she raised on her own, who is now working on her master's degree and has a graduate assistantship a UWYO. She is totally ticked about Daniels. Gavin Daniels is the eldest son who's recently reconnected with the mother who gave him up and his father: Vi and Charlie McKay. Sierra is his only child, a wild child. Gavin's mom, Grandma Grace, taught Sierra the basics of cooking since her manipulative, psycho mom, Ellen, didn't have the same idea as the rest of the world about being a mother. Dan was Gavin's adoptive dad. Sounds like a scum bag too. Ainsley Hamilton is a local bank president and Ben McKay's wife ( Cowboy Casanova ). She and Doc Joely Monroe are friends with Rielle. Marin Godfrey is the one friend Sierra makes at school and misses her when she takes up with Mitch Michaels. Boone warns Sierra to stay away from Kara and Angie. Dave Darling. Tyler Larkin is a college guy and Kara's brother. Ky is the first cousin to move in on Sierra followed by Boone West, then Anton McKay, Hayden, Eliza, Liesl, Peyton, Shannie, Gib, Braxton, Miles. And that's just the first bus ride… Chet and Remy West are part of the far-flung McKay family and in the construction business. One that's so good that Colby and Channing have to wait on their addition as well. Boone works with his uncles when he can; he's also working part-time as an EMT. Dax West is Boone's jerk of a dad, the eldest West. Tell McKay is hooked up with Georgia, the high school cheerleading coach and PR person. Quinn (and Libby with Adam) McKay, Chase (and Ava), and Ben (and Ainsley) are Gavin's younger brothers. The ones they kept. Vi McKay's dad, Elmore Bennett, was a "man of God" and vicious with it. Cord shows up for Gavin's party with his kids including the clingy Beau. AJ stayed home as she's too pregnant. Dalton and Brandt and Jessie show with their new baby. Kane and Ginger and Kade and Skylar (she does soap), Colby---Gib is his oldest, and Carson and Carolyn (she's letting Sierra access the family archives). Cam, a sheriff's deputy, and Domini still only have six kids. Carter and Macie have four. Keely and Jack Donohue. Colt and India. Chassie Glanzer makes great goat cheese. George Krebs is with the Bracken Investment Group trying to locate Gavin. The Cover The cover is one heck of a six-pack with two feminine arms holdin' on. The title is all about Gavin and Sierra. Moving to Sundance means they've Gone Country. Merged review: Fourteenth in the Rough Riders romance series. The couple focus is on Gavin Daniels and Rielle Wetzler. My Take Although Rough Riders is an erotic romance series, this particular story is more romance---and an older couple romance at that! It was a treat to read a story about fairly normal sex, and the first one in this series to focus on an older couple and their body issues. Although I did appreciate Gavin's practicality in asking Ben for advice about sex, LOL. Nor is he the only one asking for advice…! "Fake it 'til you make it. Next time you're with Rielle...act like you've got the hot sex moves and she'll believe you've got them."It's also family with a lot of growing up for a number of people to do. Gavin and Sierra getting to know his birth parents, their unique difficulties with Sierra's mother, discovering the joys of the holidays with a large family who are in each others' pockets. Cookie decorating, Rocky Mountain oyster feeds, hay wagon rides, cider and cookies, making Christmas ornaments, the fruitcake throwing contest...you'll crack up on this one. It's also chock-full of honest confrontation whether it's Rielle telling (and asking) Gavin what-for on sharing the house, Sierra dictating her demands, or fighting about sports on TV. And each has to come to his or her own realizations. It's an eye-opening experience for Gavin; he had no idea Rielle was so business-like. It's also too new for Sierra: having to ride the bus, discovering she's related to most of the town. It's also some great bonding time for Sierra with her dad AND with Rielle as Sierra learns a lot about self-sufficiency and returns that interest by helping Rielle. A move that Rory actually appreciates. Raised by hippie parents, Rielle is passionate about organic produce and preserving the land, and having a normal life. If you love gardening, organic produce, or simply adore food...you wanna read this one. Just reading what Rielle has planted makes me want a garden...or hit Whole Foods! She talks about dyeing her wools and about roving---and the business end of supplying handdyed wools and to whom and why. ...cranberry orange hazelnut bread...eggnot spiced pumpkin bread...I'm just sayin'...There's a nice bit in here about Rielle's back history with her parents and how they acquired the land and surprisingly a bit of history on Vi, (and some on Joely too), and James slides it right in without doing an info dump...yeah! Sierra gets some help from Boone with her exploration of the McKay family archives and the West-McKay feud; we get more back info on Carson, Casper, and Calvin as well as how the Wests and McKays work together on their ranches. These McKay brothers' dad, Jed McKay (he'd be the father of Carson, Casper, and Calvin and therefore the current adult generation 's grandad), sounds like a real jerk and it sounds like Jed set it up for Casper to turn into his jerky successor. I'm impressed with how well Rielle keeps from interfering in Gavin's raising Sierra. I am curious as to what happened with the whole car thing. James started with Gavin getting Sierra a car, dropped it as part of her incentive program, then it felt as though the whole issue was ignored. Sure, there's a bit in here where Rory lays into him, but it doesn't feel connected somehow. Wow. All kinds of pissy behavior running through this disguised as being annoyed with interference. I like it that Vi calls Gavin on his anger. Sounds like Gavin has not been paying attention to anything outside himself. It's not just the immediate household that's having problems, though, as Charlie and Vi are chompin' at the bit to spend time with their oldest, but are fearful of crowding him. I do wish James had elucidated on why Rielle and Rory hate the McKays so much. It's a lot more than just Dalton dissin' Rory. It's a real story. Worries about not being big enough, sexy enough. Teen/daughter angst with the attendant mood swings. I love that James portrays Rielle as caring, giving, and coming to understand that she deserves her own "things", separate from Rory. It would have been more real if there had been more conflict (warfare) between Gavin and Rielle. Just a tiny bit more. Even if I did love how well Rielle kept out of it all. And I am so GLAD that Sierra has Rielle and Rory in her life. Her mother is a piece of work...and she needs some decent role models. Wow, Boone's situation is drastic. What is with his dad? As much as I loved this story, as I went over my notes, I came to realize two things: there is one heckuva lot going on and that it also drove me nuts. While I can appreciate Rielle's concerns about paying her own way, does she have to be quite so strict? Rory makes an excellent point:The Story Desperate to rein his daughter in, Gavin Daniels has gained sole custody and moved the two of them to Sundance, Wyoming. To the house and land he bought from Rielle in Cowboy Casanova , 12. A move that has Sierra and Rory up in arms, for different reasons. It's leverage Rory uses to heat up her mom's image leading to unexpected results. It's a rough ride for the four of them: Gavin and Rielle want each other, but she's prickly and prideful while Sierra is 16 and selfish in it. It's Rory who has the most difficult time with facing up to sharing her mother. And it only gets rougher with Gavin having some hard choices to make. The Characters Since the buyout, organic produce farmer, Rielle Wetzler, has been living at the house as Gavin's caretaker, dragging her feet on building her own place. Sadie is her German shepherd. Rory is the daughter she raised on her own, who is now working on her master's degree and has a graduate assistantship a UWYO. She is totally ticked about Daniels. Gavin Daniels is the eldest son who's recently reconnected with the mother who gave him up and his father: Vi and Charlie McKay. Sierra is his only child, a wild child. Gavin's mom, Grandma Grace, taught Sierra the basics of cooking since her manipulative, psycho mom, Ellen, didn't have the same idea as the rest of the world about being a mother. Dan was Gavin's adoptive dad. Sounds like a scum bag too. Ainsley Hamilton is a local bank president and Ben McKay's wife ( Cowboy Casanova ). She and Doc Joely Monroe are friends with Rielle. Marin Godfrey is the one friend Sierra makes at school and misses her when she takes up with Mitch Michaels. Boone warns Sierra to stay away from Kara and Angie. Dave Darling. Tyler Larkin is a college guy and Kara's brother. Ky is the first cousin to move in on Sierra followed by Boone West, then Anton McKay, Hayden, Eliza, Liesl, Peyton, Shannie, Gib, Braxton, Miles. And that's just the first bus ride… Chet and Remy West are part of the far-flung McKay family and in the construction business. One that's so good that Colby and Channing have to wait on their addition as well. Boone works with his uncles when he can; he's also working part-time as an EMT. Dax West is Boone's jerk of a dad, the eldest West. Tell McKay is hooked up with Georgia, the high school cheerleading coach and PR person. Quinn (and Libby with Adam) McKay, Chase (and Ava), and Ben (and Ainsley) are Gavin's younger brothers. The ones they kept. Vi McKay's dad, Elmore Bennett, was a "man of God" and vicious with it. Cord shows up for Gavin's party with his kids including the clingy Beau. AJ stayed home as she's too pregnant. Dalton and Brandt and Jessie show with their new baby. Kane and Ginger and Kade and Skylar (she does soap), Colby---Gib is his oldest, and Carson and Carolyn (she's letting Sierra access the family archives). Cam, a sheriff's deputy, and Domini still only have six kids. Carter and Macie have four. Keely and Jack Donohue. Colt and India. Chassie Glanzer makes great goat cheese. George Krebs is with the Bracken Investment Group trying to locate Gavin. The Cover The cover is one heck of a six-pack with two feminine arms holdin' on. The title is all about Gavin and Sierra. Moving to Sundance means they've Gone Country. ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
Aug 10, 2013
not set
|
Sep 24, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1937551512
| 9781937551513
| B00AH0WRFE
| 3.76
| 226
| Dec 01, 2012
| Dec 03, 2012
|
really liked it
|
Eight short stories of fairly intense BDSM revolving around a Christmas theme. Be aware that "twenty-percent of all proceeds from the sale of O Come Al Eight short stories of fairly intense BDSM revolving around a Christmas theme. Be aware that "twenty-percent of all proceeds from the sale of O Come All Ye Kinky will be donated to the Domestic Violence Project of the National Leather Association-International" intended to provide aid for victims of domestic violence, promote safe sexual practices, and fight bigotry. My Take With all the chat there's been about Fifty Shades and other novels which explore the BDSM scene, I've become very aware of how ignorant I am of this attraction. Yes, I've been reading a number of them and---keeping in mind that this is my only experience---I think O Come All Ye Kinky's selection of short stories is an excellent introduction to what attracts those who need this type of stimulation. The reasons the kink appeals to them. Each story is different: different settings, different characters, different scenarios. Yet, each is the same. With two characters who care very much for each other. Some are aware of their mutual love. Others walk a long, hard road to find it. The participants in BDSM are just like vanilla people, having the same worries and hopes. The same fears. They simply take a different path to fulfillment. On the negative side: I'm kinda missing the point of why an eBook has a table of contents if I can't click to one of its stories? Nor do I understand the point of the graphics. Maybe it's just the Kindle-effect, but it's very irritating. Someone should have looked it over before publishing. The Stories Jane Davitt's "Tree Topper" is a contemporary romance and emphasizes the importance of communication when Martin believes he's a lousy Dom and Stan won't talk to him. This was cute and a good example for anyone in a relationship as to how crucial it is to your and your partner's happiness to TALK. Ava March's "'Twas the Night" is an historical romance and very cute. Percival Owens' relationship with his mother is the same as his sexual and job preference: submissive. It's Michael Barlow's forcing him to voice his wants and his shame, Michael's appreciation for Percy's strength in giving up control, his assurance that mutual want is all that's required. Katie Porter's "Fireworks" is a contemporary romance and was very disturbing for its violence. Yeah, I know, BDSM can be violent, but Rachel is just vicious with it even as Emma simply wants more. Rachel is so incredibly insecure while Emma is so in want and neither is able to communicate this to the other. A transfer to Tokyo is about to separate the two and Rachel daren't ask for more. L.A. Witt's "Candy Caning" was too sweet and funny! This is a contemporary relationship in which each knows the other loves him, and the story dives into the dismal abyss of the family Christmas dinner. Nate's mother is a bitch-and-a-half, and Christmas dinner has been a nightmare ever since Nate began bringing Stephen. Stephen may be the Dominant partner, but not when it comes to Christmas shopping, LOL. And he loves Nate enough to come along. Very handy when Stephen finds the perfect cane for his boy! This was one of my favorites. Joey W. Hill's "Submissive Angel" is another lovely, contemporary story. This tale is about Robert and his vintage toy shop and the young man he rescues from a horrible beating. In some ways, each is rescuing the other. The balletic Ange with his appreciation for life, Christmas, and Robert, who needs someone real in his life. Another favorite, I definitely want to read more Joey Hill! Elyan Smith's "Open Return" is a rather sad, terrifying, and hopeful contemporary romance all at once. Zach was once Hannah and he escaped his hometown to find himself only to return one Christmas Eve. For all the wandering and exploration, he's never found what he had in Scott and Laura. This was confusing. Smith did well in teasing me in, making me wonder who or what Zach had been before, however, the revelation towards the end was unsatisfying. I had too many questions still revolving in my head. Nor was I happy that Smith hadn't explained Michael and Elaine. Just a few brief mentions of two people who took him in and cared for him. Provided him with a refuge for so many years. And now he's back, using them again. Alexa Snow's "Ring Out the Old and In the New", a contemporary romance, is just heartbreaking. Evan was attacked and cut in the Tube one night, and, two months later, he's still terrified to leave their apartment. They haven't had sex since that night, and Russell is worried at how isolated Evan is. It takes some force and a lot of love to convince Evan he's as beautiful as ever. Kim Dare's "Very Last Chance" is a bit cold with a nervous Dom and a nervous sub. Each has fallen in love with the other and neither believes the other returns that love. It's an interesting conflict with a Dominant who is trying to show his skeptical sub that he loves him without losing his authority while the sub is terrified that his unromantical Master is about to cut him loose. It's the candle wax scene which brings Drew to the realization that he loves Kingsley. And to the despair that his love is hopeless. In some respects, it's almost funny how scared Kingsley is. He is such an intimidating man, and this contrast with his fear that he'll lose Drew, that he won't be able to declare his love without losing Drew's respect is both sad and embarrassing. Embarrassing because I think it's the fear anyone has in laying oneself open to rejection. The Cover The cover is vividly intense with its reds and oranges. I liked the holiday touches with the holly in the corners and Santa's two "elves" going at it in the background. Then there's the red ribbon wrapping the foremost character's arms. It is living up to its theme! The title just cracks me up. It appeals to the sexual side of the stories as well as carrying on the theme of Christmas with its Come All Ye Kinky. � Merged review: Eight short stories of fairly intense BDSM revolving around a Christmas theme. Be aware that "twenty-percent of all proceeds from the sale of O Come All Ye Kinky will be donated to the Domestic Violence Project of the National Leather Association-International" intended to provide aid for victims of domestic violence, promote safe sexual practices, and fight bigotry. My Take With all the chat there's been about Fifty Shades and other novels which explore the BDSM scene, I've become very aware of how ignorant I am of this attraction. Yes, I've been reading a number of them and---keeping in mind that this is my only experience---I think O Come All Ye Kinky's selection of short stories is an excellent introduction to what attracts those who need this type of stimulation. The reasons the kink appeals to them. Each story is different: different settings, different characters, different scenarios. Yet, each is the same. With two characters who care very much for each other. Some are aware of their mutual love. Others walk a long, hard road to find it. The participants in BDSM are just like vanilla people, having the same worries and hopes. The same fears. They simply take a different path to fulfillment. On the negative side: I'm kinda missing the point of why an eBook has a table of contents if I can't click to one of its stories? Nor do I understand the point of the graphics. Maybe it's just the Kindle-effect, but it's very irritating. Someone should have looked it over before publishing. The Stories Jane Davitt's "Tree Topper" is a contemporary romance and emphasizes the importance of communication when Martin believes he's a lousy Dom and Stan won't talk to him. This was cute and a good example for anyone in a relationship as to how crucial it is to your and your partner's happiness to TALK. Ava March's "'Twas the Night" is an historical romance and very cute. Percival Owens' relationship with his mother is the same as his sexual and job preference: submissive. It's Michael Barlow's forcing him to voice his wants and his shame, Michael's appreciation for Percy's strength in giving up control, his assurance that mutual want is all that's required. Katie Porter's "Fireworks" is a contemporary romance and was very disturbing for its violence. Yeah, I know, BDSM can be violent, but Rachel is just vicious with it even as Emma simply wants more. Rachel is so incredibly insecure while Emma is so in want and neither is able to communicate this to the other. A transfer to Tokyo is about to separate the two and Rachel daren't ask for more. L.A. Witt's "Candy Caning" was too sweet and funny! This is a contemporary relationship in which each knows the other loves him, and the story dives into the dismal abyss of the family Christmas dinner. Nate's mother is a bitch-and-a-half, and Christmas dinner has been a nightmare ever since Nate began bringing Stephen. Stephen may be the Dominant partner, but not when it comes to Christmas shopping, LOL. And he loves Nate enough to come along. Very handy when Stephen finds the perfect cane for his boy! This was one of my favorites. Joey W. Hill's "Submissive Angel" is another lovely, contemporary story. This tale is about Robert and his vintage toy shop and the young man he rescues from a horrible beating. In some ways, each is rescuing the other. The balletic Ange with his appreciation for life, Christmas, and Robert, who needs someone real in his life. Another favorite, I definitely want to read more Joey Hill! Elyan Smith's "Open Return" is a rather sad, terrifying, and hopeful contemporary romance all at once. Zach was once Hannah and he escaped his hometown to find himself only to return one Christmas Eve. For all the wandering and exploration, he's never found what he had in Scott and Laura. This was confusing. Smith did well in teasing me in, making me wonder who or what Zach had been before, however, the revelation towards the end was unsatisfying. I had too many questions still revolving in my head. Nor was I happy that Smith hadn't explained Michael and Elaine. Just a few brief mentions of two people who took him in and cared for him. Provided him with a refuge for so many years. And now he's back, using them again. Alexa Snow's "Ring Out the Old and In the New", a contemporary romance, is just heartbreaking. Evan was attacked and cut in the Tube one night, and, two months later, he's still terrified to leave their apartment. They haven't had sex since that night, and Russell is worried at how isolated Evan is. It takes some force and a lot of love to convince Evan he's as beautiful as ever. Kim Dare's "Very Last Chance" is a bit cold with a nervous Dom and a nervous sub. Each has fallen in love with the other and neither believes the other returns that love. It's an interesting conflict with a Dominant who is trying to show his skeptical sub that he loves him without losing his authority while the sub is terrified that his unromantical Master is about to cut him loose. It's the candle wax scene which brings Drew to the realization that he loves Kingsley. And to the despair that his love is hopeless. In some respects, it's almost funny how scared Kingsley is. He is such an intimidating man, and this contrast with his fear that he'll lose Drew, that he won't be able to declare his love without losing Drew's respect is both sad and embarrassing. Embarrassing because I think it's the fear anyone has in laying oneself open to rejection. The Cover The cover is vividly intense with its reds and oranges. I liked the holiday touches with the holly in the corners and Santa's two "elves" going at it in the background. Then there's the red ribbon wrapping the foremost character's arms. It is living up to its theme! The title just cracks me up. It appeals to the sexual side of the stories as well as carrying on the theme of Christmas with its Come All Ye Kinky. � ...more |
Notes are private!
|
2
|
not set
not set
|
Jan 06, 2013
not set
|
Sep 20, 2024
|
ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 1101967927
| 9781101967928
| B0174PTMU2
| 3.98
| 403
| Jul 19, 2016
| Jul 19, 2016
|
it was ok
|
First in the Black Eagle Ops contemporary romance series and revolving around a group of ex-SEALs recovering from PTSD and based in Warrior Falls, Tex
First in the Black Eagle Ops contemporary romance series and revolving around a group of ex-SEALs recovering from PTSD and based in Warrior Falls, Texas. The couple focus is on Kelcee Todd and Dustin Franks. This ARC was sent to me by NetGalley and Loveswept (ages ago) for an honest review, and I suspect they'd prefer I'd never read it. My Take It took awhile before I found this again — it wasn't a Kindle, and I forgot that there was anywhere else for an eBook to live other than Kindle. Eeek. Davis' primary purpose in writing this is to explore PTSD and how it affects the survivor as well as those around them. She did an amazing job of bringing those effects alive, as well as incorporating suggestions on coping with it into the story. I also appreciate Davis' support for bigger women. It's the work Davis has done in incorporating the PTSD that brought it up to a "2". Davis' premise was great: ZQ's inviting his old teammates suffering from PTSD and/or recovering from wounds to recuperate on his ranch. And he sure is a conniving matchmaker, lol. Those colorful characters Davis created are over the top in some cases — that dog and her bibs, lol — and small town life is always an enticing and cozy read. And yet… Yes, a big yet. There were so many issues with this, starting with the writing, which was terrible. There was so much tell, very poorly handled info dumping that wasn't helped by the giant leaps in story and dialogue Davis kept tossing in. Let alone ignoring the basic rule about paragraphs — one issue per paragraph, please!! — Davis is throwing in a number of topics without connecting them. Well, actually, I'm guessing that Davis filled in a few words on her story outline and called it good. That or she was so impatient to get to the end, that she couldn't be bothered with doing any buildup and figured shove it in any ol' way. This story was a litany of missed moments for tension, drama, and mystery. The overall series "secret" could have been developed and increased the mystery and drama. The tantrum in the wrong place over that kiss in the parking lot was a sorry excuse for avoiding some hard work. And I know tropes — the age-old trope of I-can't-stay-with-the-person-I-love…so's-I-can-protect-her — can be tricky to twist and make interesting. And not working it isn't a good excuse. Kelcee's need for secrecy was so surface and barely touched at that. Why wouldn't that hit-and-run start revving up Kelcee's fears? Instead she tosses it off. How is it that a bunch of Navy SEALs, supposedly accustomed to protecting AND clearing a house, not think about that front door? Davis veers from one end of the emotional spectrum to the next with no build-up or letdown. Kelcee's anger with "frog face" is reasonable, but why would it have been okay for him to say these things if she'd had some food in her system? Davis just pops out the secret ops deal that ZQ is working on. No buildup. No mystery. And I'm feeling like ol' Jim is a loose thread. How does a population of 6,000 support a bookstore and an architect? ZQ's ranch has 22,000 acres and a few hundred head of cattle and some Longhorns, employing five hands?These economics aren't adding up for me. Those too-fast blow-ups between Kelcee and Dustin…and I ain't even gonna go there about their weird insta-love. And what's with all this so-fast kissing and groping? It doesn't seem in character for Kelcee and barely for Dustin. No, I'm sorry, I ain't feelin' it. This entire read has been all surface, and I haven't been pulled in. It's a wanna-be version of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Tempting SEALs and Elite Ops. If you want a read that is full of drama and tension, go with Kenyon. Although, it will NOT be cozy. The Story Navy SEAL Dustin Franks can handle the physical pain — he's rarin' to get back on the ground with his buddies; it's the PTSD, the memories, that are killing him. Then the opportunity comes to recover amongst others like him. Teammates also suffering from PTSD. Men who will understand when he loses it. Never does he expect to find a woman who can also understand. The Characters Kelcee Todd has just inherited Frank's bookstore, Bookstore by the Falls. Marmalade and Sox are her new kittens. Frank Brandt is the man who took Kelcee on when she arrived in town. Dustin Franks is recovering from the loss of his leg and extensive damage on the left side of his body, but is determined to pass the physical and return to his SEAL team. He has a degree as an architect. Hailey is his ex-wife. Linda Franks is Dustin's mother. SEAL Team 5 Now-ex Commander Zane "ZQ" Quinlan has retired and owns Eagle Ridge Ranch. Jerryl "JJ" Jacoby handles the team's service dog, a German shepherd named Ordinance "Nance". Ashley had been their translator and is suffering her own horrendous traumas. Scratch is moving his family over. Kent Wysocki had been one of Dustin's team. Davis is setting us up for future characters: Reece "Steelhead", Roland Cudo, Titan, and Ghost. Eagle Ridge Ranch is… …ZQ's family ranch. June "Junebug" is his widowed mother. Austin had been his dad. Elroy is the foreman; Alonzo, Bill, and Cookie are ranch hands. Zeus, Blackie, and Admiral are three of the horses. Warrior Falls is… …a small town of 6,000 people. Noah Sterling is a lawyer. Owen Pahl and Clint Silver (a U.S. Marshal and former Ranger married to Fran, quite the colorful and frank wife) were Frank's particular friends. Fran has an Aunt Delia. Shelby Johnson is remembered in Frank's will. Bo is Shelby's abusive husband. Clarice and Suzanne are a couple. Jim Dobbins is a major jerk married to Chloe; they have twin boys. Megan Silverstone is a teen who works as a ticket taker at the movie theater. Mark (owns the local feed store and lumberyard) and Nina (she runs the beauty shop) McGrath have a son, Dustin, who learns his lesson. Linda Cobbs is teaching her daughter, Olivia, poor image skills. Patty Fleming. Phoebe works at Lacie's dress shop. Jesse Martin is a teen boy who thinks fast. Widow Peterson. Ennis works for Mark. Wanda Brandt is Frank's bitchy, self-centered daughter. Involved with ZQ?!? Brooks Army Medical Center (BAMC) Rebecca was Franks' physical therapist. Brent is another patient. Gina Wilson, a former Marine, will take over as physical therapist at the ranch. Dr. Raymond counsels patients suffering from PTSD. The Russian mafia includes… …the Bashmakov and Morozov Circle. Adrik Vlaslov and Dimitri are part of the Circle. Katrina Talamo is on the run from Tony, her murderous brother. Sophia is her younger sister. The Cover and Title The cover has a dark background, reflecting the pain of Dustin's PTSD, and it's a shadowed Dustin on the cover, his very ripped torso covered in a ribbed tank top. The title is practically centered just above "the fold" and in a red font outlined in yellow, a yellow repeated in the author's name at the bottom. The black eagle graphic provides the background for the white of the series information. The title is all about Her Survivor, for that's who Dustin is. Merged review: First in the Black Eagle Ops contemporary romance series and revolving around a group of ex-SEALs recovering from PTSD and based in Warrior Falls, Texas. The couple focus is on Kelcee Todd and Dustin Franks. This ARC was sent to me by NetGalley and Loveswept (ages ago) for an honest review, and I suspect they'd prefer I'd never read it. My Take It took awhile before I found this again — it wasn't a Kindle, and I forgot that there was anywhere else for an eBook to live other than Kindle. Eeek. Davis' primary purpose in writing this is to explore PTSD and how it affects the survivor as well as those around them. She did an amazing job of bringing those effects alive, as well as incorporating suggestions on coping with it into the story. I also appreciate Davis' support for bigger women. It's the work Davis has done in incorporating the PTSD that brought it up to a "2". Davis' premise was great: ZQ's inviting his old teammates suffering from PTSD and/or recovering from wounds to recuperate on his ranch. And he sure is a conniving matchmaker, lol. Those colorful characters Davis created are over the top in some cases — that dog and her bibs, lol — and small town life is always an enticing and cozy read. And yet… Yes, a big yet. There were so many issues with this, starting with the writing, which was terrible. There was so much tell, very poorly handled info dumping that wasn't helped by the giant leaps in story and dialogue Davis kept tossing in. Let alone ignoring the basic rule about paragraphs — one issue per paragraph, please!! — Davis is throwing in a number of topics without connecting them. Well, actually, I'm guessing that Davis filled in a few words on her story outline and called it good. That or she was so impatient to get to the end, that she couldn't be bothered with doing any buildup and figured shove it in any ol' way. This story was a litany of missed moments for tension, drama, and mystery. The overall series "secret" could have been developed and increased the mystery and drama. The tantrum in the wrong place over that kiss in the parking lot was a sorry excuse for avoiding some hard work. And I know tropes — the age-old trope of I-can't-stay-with-the-person-I-love…so's-I-can-protect-her — can be tricky to twist and make interesting. And not working it isn't a good excuse. Kelcee's need for secrecy was so surface and barely touched at that. Why wouldn't that hit-and-run start revving up Kelcee's fears? Instead she tosses it off. How is it that a bunch of Navy SEALs, supposedly accustomed to protecting AND clearing a house, not think about that front door? Davis veers from one end of the emotional spectrum to the next with no build-up or letdown. Kelcee's anger with "frog face" is reasonable, but why would it have been okay for him to say these things if she'd had some food in her system? Davis just pops out the secret ops deal that ZQ is working on. No buildup. No mystery. And I'm feeling like ol' Jim is a loose thread. How does a population of 6,000 support a bookstore and an architect? ZQ's ranch has 22,000 acres and a few hundred head of cattle and some Longhorns, employing five hands?These economics aren't adding up for me. Those too-fast blow-ups between Kelcee and Dustin…and I ain't even gonna go there about their weird insta-love. And what's with all this so-fast kissing and groping? It doesn't seem in character for Kelcee and barely for Dustin. No, I'm sorry, I ain't feelin' it. This entire read has been all surface, and I haven't been pulled in. It's a wanna-be version of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Tempting SEALs and Elite Ops. If you want a read that is full of drama and tension, go with Kenyon. Although, it will NOT be cozy. The Story Navy SEAL Dustin Franks can handle the physical pain — he's rarin' to get back on the ground with his buddies; it's the PTSD, the memories, that are killing him. Then the opportunity comes to recover amongst others like him. Teammates also suffering from PTSD. Men who will understand when he loses it. Never does he expect to find a woman who can also understand. The Characters Kelcee Todd has just inherited Frank's bookstore, Bookstore by the Falls. Marmalade and Sox are her new kittens. Frank Brandt is the man who took Kelcee on when she arrived in town. Dustin Franks is recovering from the loss of his leg and extensive damage on the left side of his body, but is determined to pass the physical and return to his SEAL team. He has a degree as an architect. Hailey is his ex-wife. Linda Franks is Dustin's mother. SEAL Team 5 Now-ex Commander Zane "ZQ" Quinlan has retired and owns Eagle Ridge Ranch. Jerryl "JJ" Jacoby handles the team's service dog, a German shepherd named Ordinance "Nance". Ashley had been their translator and is suffering her own horrendous traumas. Scratch is moving his family over. Kent Wysocki had been one of Dustin's team. Davis is setting us up for future characters: Reece "Steelhead", Roland Cudo, Titan, and Ghost. Eagle Ridge Ranch is… …ZQ's family ranch. June "Junebug" is his widowed mother. Austin had been his dad. Elroy is the foreman; Alonzo, Bill, and Cookie are ranch hands. Zeus, Blackie, and Admiral are three of the horses. Warrior Falls is… …a small town of 6,000 people. Noah Sterling is a lawyer. Owen Pahl and Clint Silver (a U.S. Marshal and former Ranger married to Fran, quite the colorful and frank wife) were Frank's particular friends. Fran has an Aunt Delia. Shelby Johnson is remembered in Frank's will. Bo is Shelby's abusive husband. Clarice and Suzanne are a couple. Jim Dobbins is a major jerk married to Chloe; they have twin boys. Megan Silverstone is a teen who works as a ticket taker at the movie theater. Mark (owns the local feed store and lumberyard) and Nina (she runs the beauty shop) McGrath have a son, Dustin, who learns his lesson. Linda Cobbs is teaching her daughter, Olivia, poor image skills. Patty Fleming. Phoebe works at Lacie's dress shop. Jesse Martin is a teen boy who thinks fast. Widow Peterson. Ennis works for Mark. Wanda Brandt is Frank's bitchy, self-centered daughter. Involved with ZQ?!? Brooks Army Medical Center (BAMC) Rebecca was Franks' physical therapist. Brent is another patient. Gina Wilson, a former Marine, will take over as physical therapist at the ranch. Dr. Raymond counsels patients suffering from PTSD. The Russian mafia includes… …the Bashmakov and Morozov Circle. Adrik Vlaslov and Dimitri are part of the Circle. Katrina Talamo is on the run from Tony, her murderous brother. Sophia is her younger sister. The Cover and Title The cover has a dark background, reflecting the pain of Dustin's PTSD, and it's a shadowed Dustin on the cover, his very ripped torso covered in a ribbed tank top. The title is practically centered just above "the fold" and in a red font outlined in yellow, a yellow repeated in the author's name at the bottom. The black eagle graphic provides the background for the white of the series information. The title is all about Her Survivor, for that's who Dustin is. ...more |
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Sep 16, 2024
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| B004T4KQE8
| 4.05
| 5,504
| Nov 22, 2011
| Nov 22, 2011
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Fourth in the Hellions of Halstead Hall historical romance series about a group of five siblings forced to find spouses within the year or lose everyt
Fourth in the Hellions of Halstead Hall historical romance series about a group of five siblings forced to find spouses within the year or lose everything. The couple focus is on Lord Gabriel Sharpe and Virginia Waverly. My Take Rather annoying actually. Virginia kept whining on and on about how awful Gabriel was for killing her brother, and her grandfather was just as bad. Actually, so is Gabriel. None of them have ever considered what could be the truth behind the whole thing. Instead, for seven years, all three of them have made up a story in their own heads so they could be miserable. Duh. Jeffries goes on and on about how intimidating the general finds the Sharpes, but he's the younger son of an earl. Why would he be intimidated? I am more and more disappointed with Jeffries' current writing. After reading her earlier work, this crap reads more like a dreamy teenager writing out her fantasies without much knowledge of English society of this period. Just yuck. I do like the love and support that exists in the Sharpe and Waverly families. They know each other well, and while they do tease and scold a lot, they also come together to help each other. And it's back to jerk-wank, jerk-wank… Oh, this is sweet. I do love Virginia's speech at the end when she comes upon Gabe about to race again. Very nice. Poppy had a lovely speech he threw at Lieutenant Chetwin. I'm glad Gabe got to hear it! The Story It's the revelations in How to Woo a Reluctant Lady that causes Gabe to rethink events from nineteen years ago, setting Jackson off on another series of investigative errands. In the meantime, Gabe has decided to marry Virginia Waverly, his best friend's sister. He needs a wife. She needs a husband. It's the least he can do for Roger's memory. There's just that little problem: her hatred of him. It's both fortunate and unfortunate for Gabe that he's better with the more physical approach, and even more fortunate that he isn't afraid to take a chance. The Characters Virginia Waverly is the sister of Roger Waverly, Gabe's best friend who died. After their parents' death, Roger and Virginia had been raised by their grandfather General Isaac Waverly, a.k.a., Poppy. Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, is Virginia's second cousin and very protective of her. Lord Gabriel Sharpe has been known as the Angel of Death Maximilian Cale, the Duke of Lyons, is a friend of Gabe's and left the tavern that night the race wager was sprung. Giles and Minerva Masters are happily living together in London.Jarret Sharpe is running the brewery and happily married to a pregnant Annabel and living at the house with Oliver and his pregnant wife Maria. The last unmarried sibling is Celia. Hetty Plumtree, a.k.a., Gran, is their common grandmother who is insisting that all her grandchildren marry within the year or they will all be cut out of her will. Jackson Pinter is a Bow Street Runner the family practically has on retainer. The Cover and Title It's purples, blacks, and fleshtone with a cocky Gabe standing before us, hands on hips, black shirt open to his waist, and a stubborn look on his face as he looks out at us, a horse racing in the background. The title is all about Virginia and if she will consent To Wed a Wild Lord. Merged review: Fourth in the Hellions of Halstead Hall historical romance series about a group of five siblings forced to find spouses within the year or lose everything. The couple focus is on Lord Gabriel Sharpe and Virginia Waverly. My Take Rather annoying actually. Virginia kept whining on and on about how awful Gabriel was for killing her brother, and her grandfather was just as bad. Actually, so is Gabriel. None of them have ever considered what could be the truth behind the whole thing. Instead, for seven years, all three of them have made up a story in their own heads so they could be miserable. Duh. Jeffries goes on and on about how intimidating the general finds the Sharpes, but he's the younger son of an earl. Why would he be intimidated? I am more and more disappointed with Jeffries' current writing. After reading her earlier work, this crap reads more like a dreamy teenager writing out her fantasies without much knowledge of English society of this period. Just yuck. I do like the love and support that exists in the Sharpe and Waverly families. They know each other well, and while they do tease and scold a lot, they also come together to help each other. And it's back to jerk-wank, jerk-wank… Oh, this is sweet. I do love Virginia's speech at the end when she comes upon Gabe about to race again. Very nice. Poppy had a lovely speech he threw at Lieutenant Chetwin. I'm glad Gabe got to hear it! The Story It's the revelations in How to Woo a Reluctant Lady that causes Gabe to rethink events from nineteen years ago, setting Jackson off on another series of investigative errands. In the meantime, Gabe has decided to marry Virginia Waverly, his best friend's sister. He needs a wife. She needs a husband. It's the least he can do for Roger's memory. There's just that little problem: her hatred of him. It's both fortunate and unfortunate for Gabe that he's better with the more physical approach, and even more fortunate that he isn't afraid to take a chance. The Characters Virginia Waverly is the sister of Roger Waverly, Gabe's best friend who died. After their parents' death, Roger and Virginia had been raised by their grandfather General Isaac Waverly, a.k.a., Poppy. Pierce Waverly, the Earl of Devonmont, is Virginia's second cousin and very protective of her. Lord Gabriel Sharpe has been known as the Angel of Death Maximilian Cale, the Duke of Lyons, is a friend of Gabe's and left the tavern that night the race wager was sprung. Giles and Minerva Masters are happily living together in London.Jarret Sharpe is running the brewery and happily married to a pregnant Annabel and living at the house with Oliver and his pregnant wife Maria. The last unmarried sibling is Celia. Hetty Plumtree, a.k.a., Gran, is their common grandmother who is insisting that all her grandchildren marry within the year or they will all be cut out of her will. Jackson Pinter is a Bow Street Runner the family practically has on retainer. The Cover and Title It's purples, blacks, and fleshtone with a cocky Gabe standing before us, hands on hips, black shirt open to his waist, and a stubborn look on his face as he looks out at us, a horse racing in the background. The title is all about Virginia and if she will consent To Wed a Wild Lord. ...more |
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Jan 25, 2012
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Jul 31, 2024
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| 145924284X
| 9781459242845
| B0095F24H8
| 3.60
| 847
| Nov 01, 2012
| Nov 01, 2012
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it was ok
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The prequel to The Keepers L.A. paranormal romance series. The couple focus is on Kirby Saxon and Calleigh McGowan with the story taking place in Las
The prequel to The Keepers L.A. paranormal romance series. The couple focus is on Kirby Saxon and Calleigh McGowan with the story taking place in Las Vegas. This copy was provided by the publisher, Harlequin. My Take Oh brother, this was a touch dorky and much too dramatic, always on highly revved. I don't know if Graham did this on purpose to keep readers reading, or if it's just how it turned out. She keeps the action flying so fast that I barely caught who was what. I'd like to see what Graham could do if she slowed down a mite and filled in with a softer pace. I swear I think Saxon solved the case in just hours as he rushed here, there, and everywhere. I want to like the characters, but, again, Graham rushed us through the story so fast, I didn't have a chance to get past the soap opera-ish dialog. Saxon has just come to Dirk's to meet Calleigh only to learn she's disappeared and he automatically thinks it's payback for his hassling Jimmy? He just had him arrested. WTF. We never do learn anything more about Joe Moore. Who is Marston Greenwood? Well, other than dead. He is supposedly the reason why the mayor is so upset and his name only appears twice. The Story A partially eaten corpse is found and sets off a frenzy of killing, resulting in the mayor demanding resolution. The pressure is on Saxon to solve this crime, but he's more concerned with a series of mysterious disappearances and deaths. And he knows who did it. We don't actually get handed any clues, so we can think alongside him. I reckon we'd be too slow for the pace Graham sets. The Characters Calleigh McGowan, a.k.a., Candy Laughton, half-elf and half-werewolf, is also hunting for vengeance for Angie Sanderson, her half-sister, a full elf, who disappeared after singing one night. They're both from San Francisco where the Keeper is Larry Miller. Their father is Theo McGowan, a former congressman, lawyer, and werewolf. Dirk is the man who loves Angie. Detective Saxon Kirby is an elf and Bailey hates him. Captain Clark Bower has three months before retirement; he's betrayed everyone for more money from Bailey. Lieutenant Keeghan McMurtree is a tall leprechaun and a cop, who takes Bower's place. Art Krill is the Las Vegas medical examiner. Monty Reilly is the owner and CEO of the Wolf and Crown casino as well as the Keeper of the Vegas werewolves, responsible for keeping order. Brad Thierson is Keeper of the NYC wolves. Eamon MacDonald is a leprechaun Keeper in Dublin. Carl Bailey, billionaire and werewolf, is trying to own all of Vegas. Jimmy Taylor, a tough werewolf, is new in town from Toronto. Reginald Holland, a New York City vampire, is a big investor in the Rock Candy Club. Joe Moore is the lynching victim while Marston Greenwood has been cannibalized. The Cover The cover is confusing. Sure he's a goodlooking guy, but what's with the hood? It feels more like a science-fiction tale than a cop drama in Vegas. The title, which doesn't appear on the cover, is The Gatekeeper. I'm gonna guess that its referring to the supernatural community's plans for Saxon Kirby at the very end of this novella. Merged review: The prequel to The Keepers L.A. paranormal romance series. The couple focus is on Kirby Saxon and Calleigh McGowan with the story taking place in Las Vegas. This copy was provided by the publisher, Harlequin. My Take Oh brother, this was a touch dorky and much too dramatic, always on highly revved. I don't know if Graham did this on purpose to keep readers reading, or if it's just how it turned out. She keeps the action flying so fast that I barely caught who was what. I'd like to see what Graham could do if she slowed down a mite and filled in with a softer pace. I swear I think Saxon solved the case in just hours as he rushed here, there, and everywhere. I want to like the characters, but, again, Graham rushed us through the story so fast, I didn't have a chance to get past the soap opera-ish dialog. Saxon has just come to Dirk's to meet Calleigh only to learn she's disappeared and he automatically thinks it's payback for his hassling Jimmy? He just had him arrested. WTF. We never do learn anything more about Joe Moore. Who is Marston Greenwood? Well, other than dead. He is supposedly the reason why the mayor is so upset and his name only appears twice. The Story A partially eaten corpse is found and sets off a frenzy of killing, resulting in the mayor demanding resolution. The pressure is on Saxon to solve this crime, but he's more concerned with a series of mysterious disappearances and deaths. And he knows who did it. We don't actually get handed any clues, so we can think alongside him. I reckon we'd be too slow for the pace Graham sets. The Characters Calleigh McGowan, a.k.a., Candy Laughton, half-elf and half-werewolf, is also hunting for vengeance for Angie Sanderson, her half-sister, a full elf, who disappeared after singing one night. They're both from San Francisco where the Keeper is Larry Miller. Their father is Theo McGowan, a former congressman, lawyer, and werewolf. Dirk is the man who loves Angie. Detective Saxon Kirby is an elf and Bailey hates him. Captain Clark Bower has three months before retirement; he's betrayed everyone for more money from Bailey. Lieutenant Keeghan McMurtree is a tall leprechaun and a cop, who takes Bower's place. Art Krill is the Las Vegas medical examiner. Monty Reilly is the owner and CEO of the Wolf and Crown casino as well as the Keeper of the Vegas werewolves, responsible for keeping order. Brad Thierson is Keeper of the NYC wolves. Eamon MacDonald is a leprechaun Keeper in Dublin. Carl Bailey, billionaire and werewolf, is trying to own all of Vegas. Jimmy Taylor, a tough werewolf, is new in town from Toronto. Reginald Holland, a New York City vampire, is a big investor in the Rock Candy Club. Joe Moore is the lynching victim while Marston Greenwood has been cannibalized. The Cover The cover is confusing. Sure he's a goodlooking guy, but what's with the hood? It feels more like a science-fiction tale than a cop drama in Vegas. The title, which doesn't appear on the cover, is The Gatekeeper. I'm gonna guess that its referring to the supernatural community's plans for Saxon Kirby at the very end of this novella. ...more |
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| 4.04
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| Mar 21, 2023
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The first novella in the Primrose Island romance series revolving around its inhabitants. The couple focus is on Rose Mackie and Joe Fraser. My Take A s The first novella in the Primrose Island romance series revolving around its inhabitants. The couple focus is on Rose Mackie and Joe Fraser. My Take A stone cottage? On the beach? Take me there now! Yeah, it’s old and could do with some work, but oh, Wyld makes it sound so romantic. And even though it's a short story, Wyld does write a complete one. Busy girl, that Rose. Fifteen cities in the past month alone. Sadly, it sounds as if the photography gig is the best thing ever in Rose’s life. Sad, because her mother and her ex were jerks, that clause in the will about the house, her father’s experiences and memories — we know Rose's thoughts because Wyld uses third person protagonist point-of-view from her perspective. It’s so sad about Hector, wanting to meet his daughter and never getting the chance. I cried. Although, I gotta wonder that a man can’t organize something in his daughter’s 36 years. That cache Rose found does, sort of, make up for it. As for Lawrence and his wanting to get back together with her? As if. That mother of Rose’s! Oy. Wyld never does address why Rose’s mother and family acted as they did. Too bad “mom” never came up against Elspeth, lol. Man, an interrogation before you can even buy groceries! That was a clever idea, putting in that clause in the will. It’ll force Rose to think. Elspeth has her own ideas — you’ll have to check out her revenge dress. Every story has some action and “A Scottish Island Surprise” is no different. Most of it is, however, about Rose’s thoughts and feelings as she learns about her father. The Story Maybe Rose had never dreamed of owning a house, but she sure won’t be keeping this one! Determined to pack the house up, sell it, and get gone, Rose realizes this may be her only chance to get some idea of who he had been. The Characters Rose Mackie is a professional photographer wandering the world from commission to commission. Callie is Rose’s London-based agent. Hector Mackie is the father she never knew. Lawrence is Rose’s ex-husband. Primrose Island Joe Fraser is Rose’s neighbor and an old friend of Hector’s. Coll had been Hector’s dog, now he’s Joe’s. Robert and Mary Fraser are Joe’s welcoming parents. Sam is Joe’s godson. Donal Abernethy had been Hector’s solicitor. Gannet’s Beak is the grocery store owned by Elspeth McGillicuddy — she’s a contender for island matriarch. Angus had been Elspeth’s husband. The Struthers live in Tilladrum House, the big house, where Freya Struther talks about their home and their business. The eligible bachelors on the island include David Munro, Lockie Anderson, Jasper Struthers, Cameron Fraser, Joe Fraser . . . Potential buyers include Jilly and Gerald Ruskin, Phil and Stan, Eleanor and Patrick . . . Rolf Van der Mer is a potential, very important client for Rose. The Cover and Title The cover is pretty in its soft pastels. The left side is the hilly coastline of a pale, pale lilac hill with a grayish mint hill in front of it before we encounter Rose’s two-storied white cottage with a dark purple roof. A lower and lighter mint green hills follows the house with two bubbles of teal green and with deep fuchsia flowers springing from them in the forefront at the bottom. On the right side is the pale blue ocean with creamy sand separating it from the hills. The series info is at the top in fuchsia. The title, in purple, is below that taking up most of the cover with a white envelope addressed To: Rose below that. At the very bottom is the author’s name in white. The title, “A Scottish Island Surprise”, is more of a shock. ...more |
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Sep 22, 2023
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Sep 22, 2023
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| B07XQK2PS5
| 4.00
| 1,052
| Sep 09, 2019
| Sep 12, 2019
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Jun 02, 2023
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| B08PPXK15R
| 4.23
| 3,471
| Jan 22, 2021
| Feb 01, 2021
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liked it
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First in the Bulbs, Blossoms and Bouquets contemporary romance series and revolving around the town of Seaside Bay, Oregon. The couple focus is on Gen
First in the Bulbs, Blossoms and Bouquets contemporary romance series and revolving around the town of Seaside Bay, Oregon. The couple focus is on Genni Winters and Cooper James. My Take I gotta give Ann props for something different. I really felt Genni's anger and frustration. I wanted to reach in and grab Cooper by the neck and throw him down the stairs. What is his issue that he comes out and states that he owns the house? He only owns half!! Jerk. Then I'd like to do the same to Grandma Maggie. A coldhearted woman who drummed not needing or relying on anyone but herself onto her granddaughter. It was sweet that Grandma eventually came to her senses, but way too late. Then I want to smack both Genni and Cooper for their lousy attitudes. Oy. Now, why would Cooper think Genni would welcome him? Is he that daft? I'm thinking the theme is of gaining understanding that going it alone is, well, lonely and sad. If either of them had ever shut up long enough and listened, it would have been much easier for them. Okay, okay, easier for them, but not as exciting for the reader, lol. Ann did a great job of stringing us along as to what Cooper had done that was so bad. Dressing him up as a biker really helped with that "disguise". She also pulled me in with all the memories Genni has of the place, using third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Genni's and Cooper's perspectives. Just like Genni, Cooper has his own family issues, especially that indifferent set of parents he had. Rich people who showered him with money and nannies, but not much attention. I do wonder how many evils could be solved if parents simply gave their children attention . . . I do like that the series is named for the group of friends Genni is a part of: Bulbs, Blossoms and Bouquets. I can see why Genni sees it as a source of emotional support. Heck, the whole town is a support! Ann is setting us up for future stories in the series. LOL, I love Grandma Nan: "We're old," she scolded. "Not dead." I am curious as to those "meager savings" of Genni's. From the sound of the house, it needs a LOT of work. And why hasn't Genni been fixing the place up before Grandma died? Did she never tell Grandma of her plans? For that matter, why did Grandma leave this "little" complication out of the conversation? And what was with her filing system?? Genni's got some warped thinking when it comes to Cooper and loans. Oy! And then Genni doesn't get it when Cooper makes his final decisions. Well DUHHH. Thank god for that smarter inner voice of hers! As for the back taxes. Um, wouldn't the government have records for property taxes?? Why do Genni and Cooper go through all this brouhaha when a phone call should settle this? It does take awhile for the selfish Genni and Cooper to understand the other's position. Phew. Her Unexpected Roommate is primarily character-driven with their actions reflecting their experiences. I did find the story slow only because I was so fed up with their childish behavior. Thank god for the town! They jump in to help as soon as they understand the problem. Awww, Cooper is so sweet in his summation of Genni's character. The Story It's a shock for Genni when she learns that the house she grew up in is only half hers. Genni is the only family Maggie had, so who else could possibly be in the running? The Characters Genevieve "Genni" Winters has had an unloved life, putting everyone ahead of her. Esther had been Genni's mother. Maggie Winters, grandma, had been a widow who had suffered many losses before dying of lymphatic cancer. The beach-based Boardwalk Manor had been Genni's home and is still her dream. Cooper James is Verl's grandson. Verl James had been a wealthy friend of Grandma's who helped her out of a tight spot. Nova is Cooper's beloved bike. Seaside Bay, Oregon Rosalinda "Rose" owns The Hidden Daffodil, a flower shop. The sweet Lilly is her deaf daughter. The sassy Caroline "Caro" makes the best candy! Charlize "Charli" Mendez is Felix's tomboyish sister, a jill-of-all-trades. I've no idea why Charli's last name is shortened. The perky Melody, Bennett's sister, owns a smoothie shop. And she's making me hungry! Felix Mendoza is the captain of the SunCatcher , a fishing boat. Hermit is the dog Felix found on the beach. Bennett is the mailman and quite the artist; Marcia is his and Melody's crazy mother. Captain Ken Wamsley is with the police, as is Officer Windsor. Jensen. Frank runs a garage and could use some help. His dog has had puppies. Smalls, a.k.a. Butterscotch, Scottie, is a more inquisitive one of the pups. Brooklyn runs a girly boutique. Mr Filchor is Maggie Winters' lawyer who reads the will. Filchor knows Herb. Mrs Munchkin is Filchor's snotty secretary. Grandma Nan runs a motel. The Clam Pot has the best seafood. The Seafood Galley and Denny's are chain restaurants. Hudson Baumgartner is a lawyer with The Tax Mitigation Company. The FBI has been hunting for Tony Wesel for some time. Ms Mendoza reads Verl James' will. Miguel is the head mechanic who helped Cooper out. Ciana/Cianna Fowers had plans. Blackman, Inc. Carl is a lawyer back East?? Gloria is the receptionist at Binger, Binger and Stern. Gene Stern was the Jameses' lawyer back East. Agent Starling is with the FBI. The Cover and Title The cover is so sweet with its "valance" of purple and pink flowers at the top of a hazy white window, its sill crowded with white bottles and a green plant in a crock. The foreground continues the white theme with a worn wood table top. In the center is a sharp vignette of yellow and mauve tulips and pink hyacinths in a square glass vase. In front of it is a glass bowl of cereal, in front of which is a small plate of croissants with half an orange to the right of it. Slightly behind is a glass of orange juice and a white cup of coffee. Just under the floral valance is the series info in deep green with the title immediately below it in the same green. The author's name is beneath the tabletop, at the bottom, also in green. The title is all too true, as Cooper is Her Unexpected Roommate. ...more |
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Jul 14, 2022
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Jul 15, 2022
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Jul 14, 2022
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| 1942356706
| 9781942356707
| B09WWYP1PW
| 4.18
| 2,607
| May 03, 2022
| May 03, 2022
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really liked it
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Fourth in the Hard Play cozy romance series set in New Zealand and revolving around the rugby-loving Bishop-Esera family. The couple focus is on Catie
Fourth in the Hard Play cozy romance series set in New Zealand and revolving around the rugby-loving Bishop-Esera family. The couple focus is on Catie River and Danny Esera. My Take It's a story of finding your way through life and exploring your passions. Oy, what a pair of parents! A mother who throws money at her youngest daughter so she doesn't have to deal with her and a father more interested in his own fun. What's worse is that Catie is handicapped. Really handicapped having lost both her legs when she was young. Singh uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Catie's and Danny's perspectives, which helps us to feel how each of them tackles their lives, their problems, and how they see each other, their families, and their friends. It's personal with amazing behind-the-scenes views of what it's like having artificial legs — the maneuvers Catie has to consider in every situation, and the reactions people have toward her, all of which highlights Danny's behavior. I wish Singh had dragged out the tension of Catie's issues with her protheses. It's certainly a useful "bible" of manners for friends and family of others who are handicapped. More behind-the-scenes action involves Catie's and Danny's considerations for helping friends, families, and local businesses. The Bishop-Eseras are also a great guide to how to be family, being so supportive of Catie's interests and career needs besides that of their boys. So practical about sports and any athlete's future in it. This "antagonistic" relationship Catie and Danny have is cute, jousting away on their social media platforms, and I'm surprised they haven't figured it out a lot sooner, but then again, those who are so deeply involved rarely do. Singh eventually makes an excellent point: "You just get along in your own way." Yep, because everyone is different and there is no one right way to fall in love. The challenge in Kiss Hard is that betrayal of Danny and the need he has for medical oversight, a forced opportunity to challenge this pair of friends. It's all perception, and Catie can't toss Danny out, nor would Danny let her sacrifice herself — and lose her sponsorships. It sort of helps that Danny's been too celibate for public relations *grin*. Nor are those the only PR problems, as Singh references Molly and Zachary's problems in Rock Addiction , Rock Kiss 1, and the hassle of being part of Danny's life. Sure, I can see having Jacqueline for a mom is handy, with all that money of hers. Catie, however, prefers to support herself these days. But thank god for Alison and Joseph and they're being such great role models for Catie. I'd say it's a combination of their example and her experiences with the camps that has Catie wanting to pay her luck forward. Oh, I do love Danny's true passion! Lucky Catie, lol! It's too sad that Danny doesn't see it holding up against his so very successful older brothers. I must say that some of those food combinations Danny comes up with, how he cooks, is quite inspiring. I'm considering printing out some of his suggestions to inspire me. Okay, I gotta say that I've never understood why feminists think it's so horrible of men to hold a door open or letting a woman go first, etc. It's like Singh has Catie thinking about Joseph's manners, that he didn't see Catie "as lesser or weaker". It's simply being polite. I keep thinking that Danny's tense events aren't being pushed that hard, and then I feel so much more entangled by how Catie's dad treats her. How his actions and comments affect her thinking. It makes me so angry that parents can be so cruel and selfish, and then again that contrast with how the Bishop-Eseras behave. If only that could be taught, sigh. It's sweet that the Dragon and Alison get on so well, lol, coming in with such differing approaches to life. Kiss Hard is all about character. Sure there's action — gotta keep the story moving forward, lol, but it's the supportiveness and generosity of these characters that cozies the story up and makes me feel so good. Dang, I'm wanting to start the whole series over just to immerse myself! The pace is a bit slow, and yet it suits the story and its protagonists. They've known each other for years and respect each other, even if they are sniping away at each other. It takes a bit to break that particular aspect of their past down as they slowly come to see the truth of each other. I do love that Singh includes peeks-in at what the other family members are doing. That bit about what Connor loves to do makes my heart melt. There are plenty of chunks of back history that pop up throughout as well, which nicely fills out their pasts. Kiss Hard sure reinforces that comment about honesty being the best policy, but the best revelation is that it's important to live your truth. Then Singh makes me cry again with Danny discovering yet another passion that helps him feel worthy. The Story It's a major betrayal that finds Danny Esera staggering drunk, and he's lucky that Catie is there at the bar. She's known him forever and knows his character — he's never betray his own beliefs. But Catie's caring about Danny's reputation will have some unexpected shocks when they have to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They're adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love. And both are finding their joy. The Characters Caitliln "Catie" Moonbell River had dreamt of running in the Olympics and is now a contender for the Paralympics. Soraya is her sports agent; Ani is her publicist. Martha had been Catie's caregiver for years. Cillian is a counselor at the camp Catie set up. Rick the Rock is a pet Danny gave her years ago. Clive is her immature father more interested in his own fun than his daughter, even though he does love her. Gloria is his latest flavor of the week. I do like her! Ísa, a.k.a. Issie, is Catie's older sister, an English teacher, a poet, and more of a mother to Catie than their own mother ( Cherish Hard , 1). Crafty Corners is the craft empire Jacqueline Rain, a.k.a. the Dragon, built, and she had been married to Stefán, another empire builder, Jacqueline's first husband and Issie's father; Clive her second; and, Oliver is her third, a professor. Harlow is their business-savvy stepbrother ( Cherish Hard ). Laveni, a.k.a. Veni, is Catie's best friend with an amazing dad. Ben is Veni's amazing sex god of a boyfriend. Suz is one of Veni's co-workers at the hospital. The clean-living Danny Esera plays for the Harriers. Matthew is Danny's agent. Jake Esera is Danny's older brother who also plays for the Harriers; he's also the vice-captain of the national squad and before he married Juliet in Love Hard , 3, was raising his eight-year-old daughter, Esme. Calypso had been Esme's mom. Jake is also working on a degree in automotive engineering and is doing broadcasting gigs. Alison Bishop is their mom married to Joseph Esera, who has embraced all their sons as his own. Alison has gone back to school for a history degree. God, that Joseph is so supportive! Sailor Bishop is another brother but not a rugby player as he has a passion for gardening (and is the CEO of a garden business that's the biggest in the country) and his wife, Issie, and their two kids, nine-year-old Emmaline and Connor, who thinks his big sister hung the moon ( Cherish Hard , 1). Gabriel "the Bishop" is a legend retired from rugby who runs a huge corporation and then married Charlotte, a.k.a. Charlie ( Rock Hard , Rock Kiss 2) and they have a newborn daughter, Seraphina Pippa. Spot and Domino are the dogs that belong to Esme and/or Emmaline. Brook is the Harriers' coach. Viliame "Vili" Serevi, a winger who plays for the Southern Blizzard team, is friends with Danny. The Vilimaidens are Vili's fan club. Romeo is a fellow teammate. Dr Priya Chauhal had been Catie's doctor. Dr Smitherson works at the same hospital and is one of the best at dealing with drug reactions. Detectives Green and Shan are reassuring. Dr Sung is a cardiologist, I think. Some good friends of Danny's include Leon who is producing a play, Chaos Bones; Jarod is an international sales rep who has a bubbly girlfriend, Noelle Lu; and, Nirav is a road engineer. Posey Greene, another amputee athlete who's a champion skier, has been Catie's mentor. Romanos Cavalier loves to cook. Jet is a local designer. Gary Groper gets a lesson. Mara is a shark of a sports reporter with a wealthy father. The AnonymousWannabeChef has some fantastic pictures of food on his blog. Vertigo is an unknown club. Jerri is a plus-size model whom Catie can see becoming a friend. Manaaki is a little boy wondering if Catie is a robot. Ward, an amputee athlete and charmer, is a jerk of an ex-boyfriend. Brax is a puffed-up bodybuilder whom Catie thinks is nice but too agreeable. Tae Lim had been a young crush. Japan Takuro is a rep from the club and a junior medic for the team. Fellow players include Daichi and Haru and the Australian James. The Cover and Title The cover is consistent with previous ones in the series with its black-and-white photo of a bare-chested Danny with his tattoos on his upper arms and left pec, wearing black pants. He's in profile with his right arm upraised, leaning against a wall, his left arm stretching around his front and holding a white rugby ball with opposing elongated diamond shapes. The background is a rough cement wall with the title in black and crossing onto Danny's lower back. Centered on his hip is the series info in white. The author's name is in a bright fuchsia starting at his thighs — in between is an info blurb in white. The title could be the impact of Catie's and Danny's relationship doing a 180, an impact of Kiss Hard. ...more |
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May 04, 2022
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May 11, 2022
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May 04, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| 1542037042
| 9781542037044
| B09G9VJTKT
| 4.35
| 10,806
| Nov 23, 2021
| Nov 23, 2021
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liked it
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Third in The World of Kinsmen science fiction romance series and revolving around an enhanced group of people who dwell in city of New Delphi in the D
Third in The World of Kinsmen science fiction romance series and revolving around an enhanced group of people who dwell in city of New Delphi in the Dahlia Province on the Davenport Planet Rada. The couple focus is on Ramona Adler and Matias Baena. My Take There is a glancing flavor of India in this series, but the greatest emphasis is on the hatred between the Baenas and the Adlers. It's one of those silly hatreds, similar to the Hatfields and the McCoys where most have no idea why they hate each other. These two families have secare leading them, which gives the reader a new twist on the kinsmen. There's an interesting bit of back history that explains how a person may become secare as well as how humanity chose planets to settle. A later history about Matias' great-great-great-grandfather, and a more recent back history that concerns Matias' runaway mother. He's too good to her. It is a simplistic story of two rival families whose spouses have no loyalty. This lack leads to a horror that could bring down three respected families. The romantic angle forces two of the family heads to cooperate, and they learn so much about what they want and would respect in a partner. Sure, it's fun, especially if you enjoy a good battle of one-on-one. Armstrong uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Ramona's and Matias' perspectives, so we get to listen in on their thoughts, hopes, dreams, frustrations, and more. The exchange with the crew leader and the court clerk were confusing, although Armstrong probably intended it as a quicker way to demonstrate Ramona's friendliness. I do wish she'd created a better connection. Drewery's home sounds fabulous, and Ramona and Matias' approach to the estate could have used some finessing by the author. I did, however, enjoy Matias' snap back at Drewery, though. Hee-hee . . . I swear Cassida's parents are hideous. No wonder their daughter grew up so ignorant and power-mad. These arranged marriages are just not right. Wait'll you read about Ramona's choices! I do wish Andrews had given us something of the future of Cassida and Gabriel — he is so amazingly stupid, lol. I wanna wallow. And I must say the ease of this ending was followed up by the actions of the Vandal cruiser. Oy. The pace is slowed by all the thinking Matias and Ramona do and their whining about their clans. It didn't help that their ending was so obvious nor that Andrews left so many gaps in the story. I'm done with the Kinsmen. I do love most everything Ilona Andrews has written, but while this series has potential, it reads more like a toss-away bit of writing . . . not their "finest hour". The Story The secret of seco bioengineering of the secare has been lost until re-discovered by a salvager. Supposedly that secret was sold to one kinsmen family, who invested their all in developing a prototype. An investment that could blow up in their faces. Beware, for the Vandals might be impolite . . . The Characters There are three kinsmen families in Fated Blades: the Adlers, the Baenas, and the Davenports. Ramona "Lady Spider" Adler, a secare, is the head of the clan and Adler, Inc. Gabriel is her husband. Karion is Ramona's older brother. Santiago is her younger, less patient brother. Both brothers are secare. Uncle Sabor is handy to know. Ray Adler, Ramona's great-great-great-grandfather with his own "stories", who settled on the planet. Matias Baena, a secare, is the head of the clan and Baena Corp, and he conducts business in the Baena Tower. Cassida is his wife. Simone is Matias' non-secare sister. Aunt Nadira had leapt to the head of the family when life fell apart. Solei is his chief security officer. Ladmina is his vice-president. Sylus. Angelo Baena had been a contemporary of Ray Adler's. Federal Senator Theodore Redding Drewery is Cassida's father, but not a kinsman. His wife, Lyla, has a combat implant. Haider Davenport, the head of the family, is married to Damien, and they've just had a son. Henri Davenport is the father of Haider. Derra Lee is Haider's chief of security. Adra is a city on the planet that celebrates a special festival. The Kamen is a small hotel in Stone City, an historic district in Adra. Park Sung Hyo is the provincial senator. Olivia Solis is a childhood friend of Ramona's whose children were born with the Tarim mutation. Aria Teeling is with Orbital Traffic Control. Valina is an artist who rarely takes commissions. Janus works in immigration and has a spaniel. Other clans include the Vinogradovs, the Rook Trust, the Le family, and the Escanas. The Vandals are . . . . . . the Star Fall Republic Pacification Brigade (SFR), hand-picked sociopaths who are literally a nightmare with no remorse, no considerations. Ronaldo Marner, Varden Plant, and Weston Lugfort offered a deal to Haider. Lukas Dunlap-Whitaker is a secare mercenary for hire. The Opus Massacre was one of the Vandals' operations. Kurt Summers was the commander of Matias' outfit and the convoy leader. The kinsmen were bred with unique abilities, to help humanity spread across the stars. The secare are a branch of the kinsmen who were genetically engineered for a particular war, to project short-range force fields from their arms, bred to slaughter, and used by the traitorous Sabetera Geniocracy. Synchronization is the recognition of one secare with another, knowing when and how they will move in battle. First Wave temples were an early form of religion. Calais V is a planet with a mercenary hub. There's a story that there were five secare traitors: Whitney May, Hee Granados, Katia Parnell, Leland Dunlap-Whitaker, and Angelo Baena. There are twin moons surrounding the planet: Ganimede and Silver Sister. The Cover and Title The cover is cartoonish with its portrayal of the red-haired Ramona dancing with Matias. It's obviously the festival at Adra with Ramona's rainbow skirt and Matias' three-paneled vest with a portent of the future in the faded red "sword" he carries in his left hand while Ramona carries a more solid red shield in her left. The background is a diaphanous white drape that parts to reveal a peach background of green plants. At the top is the author's name in a red-shadowed red. The title begins at Ramona's and Matias' waists in a pale, pale peach that gradates diagonally across it to a darker peach. Below that is an info blurb in the same gradation. The title is of two secares with Fated Blades. ...more |
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Apr 10, 2022
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Apr 11, 2022
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Apr 10, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| 1641970618
| 9781641970617
| B07HKQJ2CV
| 3.95
| 15,608
| Jun 02, 2009
| Sep 20, 2018
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liked it
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First in The World of Kinsmen series, a novella revolving around enhanced humans in space. The couple focus is on Meli Galdes and Celino Caravanna. My First in The World of Kinsmen series, a novella revolving around enhanced humans in space. The couple focus is on Meli Galdes and Celino Caravanna. My Take An extremely short story that appears to incorporate Indian culture and introduce this world Andrews has created. I will say that Andrews has created a complex world in these few pages, even though the idea of excision also occurs in her Hidden Legacy series. Andrews uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Meli's and Celino's perspectives. And it's too bad Andrews didn't milk this for tension. Sure there's a bit, but there isn't the depth of emotion I would have liked to see. It's too mellow. It's not so much action, but a shallow look at their characters. I guess I'll have to read Silver Shark to see if it gets any better. It is, after all, an Andrews. The Story It's a chance for revenge. To use part of her family legacy to make Celino Caravanna regret his past actions. To kill the man who ruined her life. The Characters New Delphi is . . . . . . a city housing twenty-one kinsmen families of note. Families noted for their enhancements who realized the need to keep their enhancements exclusive and maintain their power. There are two types of enhancements: technological, which don't breed through, and biological, which do continue through the bloodline. Meli Galdes, a.k.a. Meli Asole Grey, Imelda Anara Galdes, is a melder and an assassin who excised herself from her family after her life was ruined twelve years ago. The Galdes family, a small power, lost on Valemia Inc. Arani Galdes had been its CEO and had been Meli's cousin. Angel, Meli's brother, has trained to mimic. Aunt Nex, Grandmother, and Meli's mom all have a certain something. Lyon is Meli's father. Azare. Celino Caravanna, the head of their industry and a financial shark, had been Meli's betrothed. Marcus, a walking poison, is Celino's bodyguard along with Romuld and Ven. Naria is his sister. Aunt Rene loves the Rynok Market. Agostino Canopus, Arbitrator Second Class, is the head of Canopus Inc. Vierra Canopus is Agostino's father. Garcia was another victim. Ascanio runs a café. INSA file. Vinderra Wineries is run by Alfonso. The Arid Foundation. Nicola's Orchard is next door. A Chronicle of the Reign of Charles IX by Prosper Mérimée. Alexander Green wrote Scarlet Sails . The Cover and Title The top two-thirds of the cover is the deep blue of outer space with an abstract of greens and blues of the planet in the bottom third. Superimposed between the two is a translucent white flower. All the text is white, starting with the author's name at the top with an info blurb immediately below it. At the bottom right half is the title with the series info below it. The title is all Meli, for she is the Silent Blade. ...more |
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Apr 2022
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Apr 2022
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Apr 01, 2022
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ebook
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| unknown
| 3.88
| 32
| unknown
| unknown
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it was ok
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A standalone romantic thriller set in Canada revolving around a pair of brothers with the focus on the youngest, Julian Turner. My Take Kendra's story w A standalone romantic thriller set in Canada revolving around a pair of brothers with the focus on the youngest, Julian Turner. My Take Kendra's story was not helped by all the run-on words and the mix of present and past tenses Oy. Then there are those "taunt nipples". Yep. Nipples that taunt people. Pretty impressive. I've never thought of nipples as being able to talk. The story uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Sia's and Julian's perspectives, which means we hear their thoughts and know their emotions. And Julian hasn't "ever thought of [Sia] as his employee"??? What is wrong with Julian? He's supposedly so grateful to his adoptive parents and loves his brother, and yet he is so incredibly immature and without willpower. Poor thing . . . he can't help it that he's gorgeous . . . Oy. Why isn't Julian already the head of Turner Security? Why does he have to prove himself on X number of cases? Are all these security guards who pop up after incidents with Turner Security or just part of the security of the businesses around the incidents? He takes a call and lets Sia walk ahead?? Leaves her alone after the fashion show. Nope, I don't make that connection with Lucifer as Julian's nickname. It's weird that the owner of the company is making dresses. Not just designing them, but actually sewing them up. Maybe it's part of quality control? There's that scene where Sia is putting on shorts and a top and then pairs her dress with jewelry. Gotta be a quick-change artist. There's her past house that sounds like it was the house she shared with Arthur but later on it turns out to be her own house. Is English Kendra's second language?? I do love that Sia insists on quality with a low price, that she's not obsessed with making money hand over fist. More wonderful is Julian's relationship with Leo. Sweet. Julian and Christian also have a great relationship. Kendra talks about the suffering her company went through, but it doesn't sound like that's what happened. Sia's past was not good as a child and became a nightmare when she was sold off. I would like to know why the cops didn't let Sia know of that escape. There're some interesting bits about Julian's past. Christian has an interesting past as well. From soldier to taking over the running of a hospital. At least that's what I assume Christian is doing. I am curious as to what his background is. And, Kendra missed her chance at turning this into a trilogy. The characters are nice enough and there is action, but when a writer is making as many mistakes as Kendra, that's all I see after awhile. There are so many, many errors and so many, many areas that need more and/or better information. It's as if Kendra started to fill in her draft outline, but never progressed beyond it. The Story It was an attempted abduction that scares Sia Milton into hiring a bodyguard. She'll do anything to keep her son safe. Even take a chance on a womanizing bodyguard with a bad reputation. The Characters Sia Milton owns Magenta Fashion, a company she started up from scratch with a reputation for quality at a decent price. I think Sianot is her full name?? She has a thirteen-year-old son, Leonard Stone, who loves basketball. Martha Stackhouse is her housekeeper. Magenta Fashion Millan Steiner is Sia's secretary. Megan is the tailor. Sienna Wickham is a model for Magenta. Julian "Lucifer" Turner was adopted by the Turners; his birth mother had been a prostitute. He's supposed to end up the CEO of Turner Security. Christian Turner is his older brother, the legitimate son and heir. He'd been a soldier before he took over their parents' hospital. Their parents were Cecelia and Damien Turner who had founded Turner Security and James Bay Medical Center. Turner Security. Selena Fraser is a top informer and agent. Okay, that's a dichotomy. My interpretation of an "informer" is either a confidential informant or an outsider who passes on gossip, tips, etc. Does Kendra mean "researcher"? Abhay "Beelzebub" Campbell is the company hacker and Julian's best friend. Xi Chang was in charge of one group of guards. Vanessa Christoff is the company secretary. Arthur Stone, a lawyer, is Sia's psychopathic ex-husband who took over Milton Co/Inc. David Muller is a prison guard. Jasmine Murray was a woman Arthur had dated. Brandon Tucker is actually Brad Millar who used to work at Milton. Paradiso is a favorite Italian restaurant. Nina Pavlov is a model. The Cover and Title The cover is the blue-tinted windows of the building behind Julian in his tux (not in the story) holding a gun in his right hand while his left arm holds Sia, in a black evening dress, close to his chest. She faces us but is looking to the right while Julian is glaring off to the right. The title is in a gradated white to blue at mid-chest. The author's name is in white at the bottom. The title is the need for a Bodyguard. ...more |
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not set
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Jul 14, 2021
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Jul 19, 2021
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| 1984805967
| 9781984805966
| B085BT984J
| 4.24
| 3,020
| Nov 24, 2020
| Nov 24, 2020
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liked it
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Seventh and last in the Alex Craft paranormal fantasy romance series and revolving around Alex, one of the few grave witches. My Take It's a story of co Seventh and last in the Alex Craft paranormal fantasy romance series and revolving around Alex, one of the few grave witches. My Take It's a story of compassion and consideration. Of acceptance. All it takes is struggle, betrayal, torture, and damage. All kinds of damage. Yeah, you'd be right in thinking that this means action. Lots and lots of it. Right along with a number of surprises, both good, bad, and scary. Part of Alex's character arc has been learning that she's actually a fae that her father had disguised. And in Grave War we learn just why Daddy Dearest did it. In each story we've learned a little bit more about how the fae territories move and grow (or shrink) and how pledging to a court affects independent fae. We learn all of this through first person protagonist point-of-view from Alex's perspective. That mention of Disney being its own space was too funny. More reveals include how the FIB is viewed by other law enforcement agencies as well as the fae themselves. I can kind of understand that attitude because FIB agents aren't that interested in the small stuff. They just fluff it off. That instance with Jenny Greenteeth back in Grave Visions , 4, is a good example. It's also a reflection of how "our" own world's law enforcements work together, unwillingly. Hmmm, maybe we need an Alex? And Alex discovers the truth of the FIB, of herself, of her true family. The Story Politics, politics, politics...that winter court is pushing hard for Falin to take a consort. A bomb. Now the door to Faerie is gone. With it, the magic in North America will dry up...no fae will be able to survive. And Faerie itself is fracturing. The Characters Alexis "Alex" Craft is a grave witch who can raise the shades of the dead via her private investigation business, Tongues for the Dead, as well as a planeweaver who can pull various realities together. Now she's the special-agent-in-charge of the Fae Investigation Bureau. PC is her Chinese Crested dog. Casey Caine is her "perfect" sister. Bradley is their missing older brother. Alex's roommates in her castle (in Caleb's backyard) include Rianna McBride, Alex's best friend, a grave witch, and a changeling, who is her business partner. Desmond is a barghest and Rianna's constant companion. Addicted to fairyfood, Holly, another friend, a fire witch, and the assistant district attorney, is dating Caleb, an independent green man, wardsmith, artist...and Alex's landlord...okay, maybe not anymore. But they do live in Alex's castle. Roy Pearson is the ghost who works as Alex's self-appointed sidekick... Roy is dating Icelynne, a ghost who had been a handmaiden to the Winter queen ( Grave Visions , 4); they both live in the castle. Ms B is the brownie who takes care of the castle and the office. Death is a soul collector with whom Alex has been in love for years. Other soul collectors include "Raver" and the Mender. Nekros City is... ...a sort of newly unfolded space that "arrived" seventy years ago during the Magical Awakening and is situated between Georgia and Alabama. Its governor, a Sleagh Maith fae in hiding and a member of the Humans First Party as well as Alex's father, is George Caine — and an emissary of the High King. James is his driver. Henry is his officious, snotty aide. The pregnant Tamara, the chief medical examiner, is on bed rest. Ethan is her husband. Captain Oliver is with the Arson Bomb Squad. Lieutenant Martinez is the task leader with Anti-Black Magic Unit (ABMU); her team includes Halloway and Callen. This Fae Investigation Bureau (FIB) is... ...the earth-based fae version of the FBI that belongs to Winter. Agent Nori hates Alex but is assigned to guide Alex. More agents include Tem who'll be Alex's bodyguard, Bleek, Mabel is also a healer, Lea, and Moor who is a satyr. Hilda Larine is the local representative for the Office of Ambassador of Fae and Human Relations. Faerie The High King rules all of Faerie and its courts of Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter and Shadow and Light. Falin Andrews is now the Faerie king...of Winter. No longer the Winter Queen's Winter Knight. The queen's former advisors include Maeve and Lyell. Prince Dugan is heir to the Shadow realm and sort of un-betrothed to Alex. Nandin is the king of Shadows and Alex's greats-uncle. Ciara is a shadow cat. Nandin has a planebender. The tricksy Kyran is the self-declared ruler of the Court of Nightmares and the son of Nandin. Ryese, the Winter queen's nephew, is the son of the Queen of Light. Jenny Greenteeth hates Alex. Blayne had been the Light queen's consort when Ryese was born. The King and Queen of Summer hate each other. The Eternal Bloom is a fae bar; half is for the fae and the other half is for the tourists. It also holds one of the few doors to Faerie. Lusa Duncan is the star reporter for Witch Watch. An amaranthine tree is sacred and heralds a door to Faerie. A small town in Alaska and a fae bar in Terraville also blew up. A Sleagh Maith is a fae noble, and they have terrible reputations. Theodore Coleman had been a vice-presidential hopeful...and a horror in hiding ( Grave Witch , 1). The Organization of Magically Inclined Humans (OMIH) appears to be a policing organization of witches. Humans First is an antiwitch, antifae organization. The Cover and Title The cover is a complement of oranges and blues in the background, one with the orange of an amaranthine tree against a shadowy blue and flames at its base. In front of this is the blonde-haired Alex in a black tank top and jeans, wearing her bulky charm bracelet and several necklaces. The text is primarily white starting with an info blurb at the top with the author's name below it. Below this is a testimonial to the left of the tree trunk. Below that, in a very pale gray, is the scroll-bordered series info level with Alex's chest. Starting at her waist is the title. The title is what Alex encounters, a Grave War with existence on the line. ...more |
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Dec 12, 2022
Feb 26, 2021
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Feb 26, 2021
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| 4.13
| 702
| Feb 2008
| unknown
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it was amazing
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A free short story that is a standalone science fiction romance, not part of any of Singh's series. My Take Ohh, I cried. This was so sweet. Such a dedi A free short story that is a standalone science fiction romance, not part of any of Singh's series. My Take Ohh, I cried. This was so sweet. Such a dedicated young man who knew what he wanted. Always holding faith that he would see her again. It was also so sad with all those fearful people ignoring a girl because they were afraid of what they didn't know, of what they thought could happen. Even the cops are jerks in this. Mac was the only one who saw Cass as a person. To be fair, his mother did eventually came around. We know all this from third person protagonist point-of-view from Mac's perspective, as we age through the years with him. Love is having faith... The Story The song says that love will keep us together; it will at least keep one young man on track to, hoping to finally marry his one and only love. The Characters Mac "Mad Mac" Tanner was six the first time he saw Cass. Ginny is/was his sister. Cass Hamilton was ten. She's what people called a Keeper with a gift as a Dreamer. Her parents work in outer space, so Cass lives with her grandma and poppa. Jim-Bob and Maisie were two of the people whose predicaments were blamed on Cass. I don't really understand what Keepers are, other than that they appear to have great powers and live forever. The Title The title is the problem, for Cass is "Star Kissed". ...more |
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not set
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Feb 19, 2021
|
Feb 19, 2021
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ebook
| |||||||||||||||||
| B07M6D94VS
| 3.93
| 358
| unknown
| Dec 29, 2018
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it was ok
|
None
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Notes are private!
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1
|
Jul 06, 2020
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Jul 06, 2020
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Jul 06, 2020
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| B00S3RD3EW
| 3.59
| 17,532
| Oct 06, 2015
| Oct 06, 2015
|
did not like it
|
This was so bad that I could've sworn this must be one of Macomber's first books. Before she matured as a writer.
This was so bad that I could've sworn this must be one of Macomber's first books. Before she matured as a writer.
...more
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Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Jan 16, 2020
|
Jan 22, 2020
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||||
| 0983706360
| 9780983706366
| B00C9L5L52
| 4.22
| 18,325
| Apr 07, 2009
| Apr 07, 2013
|
liked it
|
Ah, well. It was too good to be true. The passion with which Sinclair infused her first book in the series,
Club Shadowlands
is not visible in thi
Ah, well. It was too good to be true. The passion with which Sinclair infused her first book in the series,
Club Shadowlands
is not visible in this one.
...more
|
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 11, 2020
|
Jan 11, 2020
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Jan 10, 2020
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 0698410904
| 9780698410909
| B01FEY5DF8
| 4.16
| 2,505
| Apr 04, 2017
| Apr 04, 2017
|
really liked it
|
Third in the Need You contemporary romance series and revolving around the Lund family in Minneapolis. The couple focus is on Annika Lund and Axl Hamm
Third in the Need You contemporary romance series and revolving around the Lund family in Minneapolis. The couple focus is on Annika Lund and Axl Hammerquist My Take It's all about behind-the-scenes action on the hockey team and on Annika and Axl's professional relationship that turns personal. Yep, Axl sounds like a real hunk, especially when you read Deanna's description. Only...Annika's internal response didn't ring true. It was too soon. Not only does All You Need pingpong back and forth between Annika and Axl, it's got plenty of other twists and turns! All helped along by James using dual first person point-of-view from Annika's and Axl's perspectives. That "I don't speak English" scheme of Axl's, while useful in the past, turns out to be a mistake and an opportunity. As for Jaxson's lousy behavior and the family's willingness to turn a blind eye is really annoying. I do like the Lund family. They run the gamut from great to nasty, but on the whole they're a supportive group. Axl is loving how observant Annika is of him, always doing the right thing for him. Axl sure has a ton of issues, and he doesn't handle them all very well. From that "bunny" of a coach's wife to his out-loud partying. What was with his not telling Annika about why he got that playah reputation? As for his parents?? Hoo, boy. I do enjoy those crazy generic nicknames Annika comes up with. As for Mama Lund's whacky word substitutions..!? Then there are the whacky Swedish stereotypes James brings in, in a fun way...from ABBA to meatballs. The Story Axl Hammerquist is a bad boy in need of a new image. Mama wants Jensen to have better representation. And so a deal is born...at Annika's expense. The Characters Annika Lund, a.k.a., "the Iron Princess" and Attila, is in charge of the PR department at Lund Industries (LI). The Lunds are... ...from Sweden and built Lund Industries (LI) from scratch. Annika's brother Brady, the CFO of LI and the oldest sibling, is hooked up with Lennox ( What You Need , 1). Walker is another brother who hooked up with Trinity Carlson in Just What I Needed , 2. Walker is not involved in LI but runs his own construction company. Trinity's Grandma Minnie had left Trinity her pink pearls that were taken by Trinity's wicked stepmother, Laura. The youngest brother, Jensen, a.k.a., "The Rocket" and "Jens", is a tight end for the Vikings football team. Their very manipulative mom, Selka Jensen Lund, along with Priscilla and Edie, had run Lund Cares Community Outreach (LCCO), a community outreach project, from their homes. Uncle Monte, president of the LI board of directors, is married to Priscilla. Uncle Archer, CEO of LI and married to Edie, instituted a weekend lockdown at LI. Cousins include Nolan; Zosia runs Lund Fisheries in Duluth; Jaxson is Annika's hockey-playing cousin and known as "Action Jaxson" for the number of his hookups; Dallas is also best friends with Annika and on the cheer squad; and, Ash established LCCO, which the moms took over. Great-aunt Erma used to make this nasty pea salad. Lund Industries Deanna is Annika's assistant and a friend. Suzanne Jones runs the Marketing department and was Annika's mentor. Bud Tschetter had been the head of the old PR department. Victoria Bass had been his second-in-command until she was moved up to take command. Lucille, a.k.a., Lucy or Lucifer, is Mimi's mother and Jaxson's baby mama who currently works for LI as a graphic artist. Brick is the security guard on the main floor. Axl "The Hammer" Hammerquist, a Swede, is a playah (off the ice) who plays defense for the Minnesota Wild. Axl speaks a number of languages and has a degree in mechanical engineering. His parents never married. His mother, Malla Hammerquist, is an architect in Sweden who is now married to Lars Kagg, a scientist and advisor to the Nobel Committee. They have a daughter, Birget. His father, Bjorn Landberg (the Landbergs are "introduced nobility"), is a now-retired soccer player (with two World Cups and an Olympic gold medal) in Italy. Both are super embarrassed that Axl plays hockey. Roald and Mikel had been Axl's best friends in Sweden and just as passionate about hockey. Snow Village is... ...an apartment building that's popular with a lot of winter sport pro and semipro athletes from all over the globe. Most of the residents are friends of Axl's, including Martin Michaels, an American snowboarder, and Boris, a speed skater from Finland. Verily is Martin's girlfriend and Sweden's snowboarding champion. Mr Darrin is a guard there. Peter Skaarn is Axl's agent and an old friend of Annika's mom. He also represented Axl's dad, Landberg. Sally is Peter's associate. The Minnesota Wild is... ...the hockey team to which Axl belongs. Flitte is a four-year veteran; "Kaz" Kazakov is the team captain; Dykstrand is a veteran forward; MClellan is a fellow D-man; S "Igor" Igorsky is a Russian goalie involved with Dallas Lund; Linc Vanderhal (Leah is his girlfriend? wife?); Ron Ducheneaux; Sundstrom; Masters; Irving; and, Jorgen Sundstrom, who is Finnish and not out of the closet. The WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends of high-profile athletes) include Leah and Bunny Ducheneaux (who lives for being their leader). The Swedish Relf, a student at U of M, is hired as a translator, joining Jakob, Axl's regular translator. Bernie is a guard at the arena. Drew Cheney is the center for U of M's football team. Elena runs an exclusive dress shop. Maxwell is a chef at the club. Rausch Johnson is a self-centered, old, annoying friend of Annika's who wants more. Isla was that nasty coach's wife. At the party, Cash is a hockey player on the AHL. Cara has been Annika's best friend since third grade; now she's a chef in Thailand. Lennox's friends include Kiley; Lola, Lennox's former boss at LI; and, Sydney, who is an LI coworker. Trinity's friends include Betsy, who runs Walker's office, and Tiffany, whose husband is Walker's partner. The Cover and Title The cover is a range of purples from the gradated background Axl's gym bag handle and jeans, and Annika's halter dress. Axl and Annika are in an embrace; Axl's in a warm gray T-shirt, carrying that gym bag, and his hockey stick is clutched in his right hand. Annika is in profile, her long blonde hair flowing down her back. At the bottom of the cover is a silhouette of the Minneapolis skyscape. The text begins with the series info in white followed by an info blurb also in white. The author's name is large and off-center vertically in a pale blue with the title, in white, beneath that in a split of roman and script. The title is a blend of All You Need, as Annika views Axl and Axl views Annika. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Dec 03, 2019
|
Dec 03, 2019
|
ebook
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my rating |
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|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| 4.34
|
it was amazing
|
Feb 07, 2015
not set
|
Sep 24, 2024
|
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|
| 4.05
|
really liked it
|
Oct 29, 2017
May 25, 2013
not set
|
Sep 24, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.29
|
really liked it
|
Aug 10, 2013
not set
|
Sep 24, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 3.76
|
really liked it
|
Jan 06, 2013
not set
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Sep 20, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 3.98
|
it was ok
|
Jan 24, 2017
not set
|
Sep 16, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.05
|
liked it
|
Jan 25, 2012
not set
|
Jul 31, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 3.60
|
it was ok
|
Dec 02, 2012
not set
|
Jul 22, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.04
|
liked it
|
Sep 22, 2023
|
Sep 22, 2023
|
|||||
|
| 4.00
|
liked it
|
Jun 02, 2023
|
Jun 02, 2023
|
|||||
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| 4.23
|
liked it
|
Jul 15, 2022
|
Jul 14, 2022
|
|||||
|
| 4.18
|
really liked it
|
May 11, 2022
|
May 04, 2022
|
|||||
|
| 4.35
|
liked it
|
Apr 11, 2022
|
Apr 10, 2022
|
|||||
|
| 3.95
|
liked it
|
Apr 2022
|
Apr 01, 2022
|
|||||
|
| 3.88
|
it was ok
|
Jul 14, 2021
|
Jul 19, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 4.24
|
liked it
|
Dec 12, 2022
Feb 26, 2021
|
Feb 26, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 4.13
|
it was amazing
|
Feb 19, 2021
|
Feb 19, 2021
|
|||||
|
| 3.93
|
it was ok
|
Jul 06, 2020
|
Jul 06, 2020
|
|||||
|
| 3.59
|
did not like it
|
Jan 16, 2020
|
Jan 22, 2020
|
|||||
|
| 4.22
|
liked it
|
Jan 11, 2020
|
Jan 10, 2020
|
|||||
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| 4.16
|
really liked it
|
Dec 03, 2019
|
Dec 03, 2019
|
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