tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37661626623813137722024-02-06T21:15:44.980-05:00Location 2571<i> ● They're Not Just Books ●</i> Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.comBlogger741125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-40972868131885447192021-09-08T10:00:00.003-04:002021-09-09T11:55:21.722-04:00Watching Wednesday: One and Only<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.iq.com/play/one-and-only-24mppdujjp9?frmrp=search&frmb=list&frmrs=image">One and Only</a></span><div><a href="https://www.iq.com/play/one-and-only-24mppdujjp9?frmrp=search&frmb=list&frmrs=image" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="225" src="https://pic1.iqiyipic.com/image/20210818/f1/b6/a_100459819_m_601_en_480_270.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genres: Romance, Historical, Chinese<br />
Cast: Allen Ren, Bai Lu</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rated: PG-13</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year Released: 2021<span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Synopsis from <a href="https://www.cdramalove.com/one-and-only-chinese-drama/" target="_blank">CdramaLove</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch on <a href="https://www.iq.com/play/one-and-only-24mppdujjp9?frmrp=search&frmb=list&frmrs=image" target="_blank">iQiYi</a> | First Episode Free w/ads</span></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br />Prince Nan Chen becomes famous in his youth from making great achievements in battle. He is determined to be loyal to his country and his rigorous style and modesty are praised by the world.
<br />
The only daughter of the Cui family, Shi Yi is born to be the future crown princess. Because of her family friendship with the palace, she is sent to the palace to study art from her elders.
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Cui Shi Yi’s kind-hearted, lovely, lively and intelligent personality is deeply adored by everyone in the palace. She is also very fast in learning skills and livens up the palace.
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While getting to know each other, Cui Shi Yi admires Zhou Sheng Chen’s lofty ambitions and refined character, and falls in love with him unknowingly.
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Whether it is staying at the palace waiting for a victory or fighting alongside Zhou Sheng Chen, Cui Shi Yi is Zhou Sheng Chen’s strongest supporter.
<br /><br />
The emotions of the two warm up quickly, but they still remain courteous. The border was in an emergency again, and Zhou Sheng Chen was obliged to lead the soldiers to the battle. At the same time, Cui Shi Yi had to take the responsibility of the family reputation and marry the Crown prince.
<br /><br />
Zhou Sheng Chen fights bravely against the enemy, becomes seriously injured and dies after leaving his last words to Shi Yi.
</blockquote></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.cdramalove.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Ren-Jia-Lun.jpeg?w=780&ssl=1" width="225" /><img height="400" src="https://i1.wp.com/www.cdramalove.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Bai-Lu.jpeg?w=780&ssl=1" width="225" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Watching Next :::::</div><div style="text-align: center;">Season 2: <a href="https://www.iq.com/play/forever-and-ever-1-jbm0z6g3vg" target="_blank">Forever and Ever</a>
<br /><br />
<img src="https://pic5.iqiyipic.com/image/20210517/58/c2/v_159331018_m_601_zh-CN_m2_480_270.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<br />
When Shiyi (Played by Bai Lu), a sweet, low-key but talented voice actress, meets the elegant Zhousheng Chen (Played by Allen Ren), an oversea returnee chemistry professor, at the airport for the first time, they felt a sense of familiarity. In order to save his family's business, Zhou agreed to his mother's terms and proposed to Shiyi, whom he had a crush on. During their time together, they started to fall for each other. Shiyi was always by his side when Zhousheng Chen faced difficult decisions. Later on, in order to save Zhousheng Chen who was framed, Shiyi became injured and fell unconscious. Zhousheng Chen took good care of Shiyi and she finally woke up; promising each other that they would never part ways in this life. (Synopsis from <a href="https://www.iq.com/play/forever-and-ever-1-jbm0z6g3vg" target="_blank">iQiYi</a>)Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-46421948161949564242021-08-18T10:00:00.001-04:002021-08-19T12:15:05.650-04:00Watching Wednesday: Serendipity<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/38049c-serendipity">Serendipity</a></span><div><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/38049c-serendipity" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="225" src="https://6.vikiplatform.com/image/2b5a401d74564b7aaefe078de07d0b91.jpg?x=b&a=0x0&s=960x540&e=t&q=g" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Adventure, Chinese </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast:
Sky Li, Wen Mo Yan</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rated: PG-13</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year Released: 2021<span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Synopsis from <a href="https://www.viki.com/" target="_blank">Viki</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/38049c-serendipity" target="_blank">HERE</a> | No subscription required</span></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Fifteen years ago, fate brought Mu Xiao Ru (Wen Mo Yan) and Yan Sui (Sky Li) together. Though their meeting was brief, both were left with memories that would stay with them the rest of their lives, and Xiao Ru was left with a little something more. Picking up a strange bracelet, Xiao Ru had no idea that in doing so, she would ultimately alter not only her fate, but the fate of countless universes as well.
<br /><br />
Still fascinated by the bracelet she found more than a decade ago, Xiao Ru keeps it with her always. Completely unaware of the unique power it possesses, Xiao Ru might have been ignorant of that power forever, had she not wandered into a bookstore one fateful day. Activated by a mysterious flame, the bracelet pulls Xiao Ru into not just one parallel universe, but many. Traveling between these strange new worlds, Xiao Ru soon meets the very same Yan Sui, who she met all those years ago. Shocked by this unexpected meeting, Yan Sui initially tries to brush off this chance encounter. But it doesn’t take long for him to realize that the fate of these worlds is directly connected to Xiao Ru’s sudden appearance.
<br /><br />
Determined to save the worlds from the clutches of a growing evil and help Xiao Ru get back home, Yan Sui and Xiao Ru embark on a journey that will literally change all of their lives forever. But the evil that hunts them is relentless and it soon becomes apparent that they are quickly running out of time. Will good ultimately triumph over evil?
<br /><br />
An epic adventure through multiple worlds, “Serendipity” is a 2021 fantasy adventure romance drama directed by Liu Ding Ye.
</blockquote></div>
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I'm four episodes in. Despite a bit of cheesy "It's taste" and "It's flavour" concerning a fried potato, I find myself rather enjoying this adventure. Unfortunately, there's no trailer to post (yet?).Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-11466155719427661772021-05-05T10:00:00.043-04:002021-05-05T15:41:56.338-04:00Watching Wednesday: In Time With You (TH)<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37782c-in-time-with-you-th">In Time With You</a></span><div><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37782c-in-time-with-you-th" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="225" src="https://6.vikiplatform.com/image/21d9c52d2bbb4181b94ba28ffa7d3483.jpg?x=b&a=0x0&s=1600x900&e=t&q=g" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genres: Romance, Drama, Thailand</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast:
Monchanok Saengchaipiangpen, Arak Amornsupasiri</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rated: PG-13</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year Released: 2021<span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Synopsis from <a href="https://www.viki.com/" target="_blank">Viki</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37782c-in-time-with-you-th" target="_blank">HERE</a> | No subscription required</span></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Head of the sales department at a high-profile shoe company, Pim (Monchanok Saengchaipiangpen) is a savvy and successful businesswoman who, at thirty, has achieved what many others will only ever achieve in their dreams. With a successful career and a healthy work/life balance, Pim has everything a person could want; yet, that still doesn’t seem to be enough for her well-meaning parents. Believing Pim is the perfect age for marriage, her parents are constantly pushing her to find someone nice and settle down. The problem is, Pim just isn’t interested, especially not when friends and family alike keep pushing her towards her best friend, Pon (Arak Amornsupasiri).
<br /><br />
Friends for as long as either can remember, Pon has been the one person who has always been there for Pim, and she for him. A constant in each other’s lives, Pim can’t imagine life without Pon but, despite everything, she just can’t see him as anything other than a friend. With family pressure rising, Pim and Pon make a bet to find their soulmate within a year. Determined to find someone who will sweep her off her feet, Pim sets out to do just that but all of her relationships end in failure. Meanwhile, Pon, who has secretly harbored a crush on Pim for years, is tired of watching her notice every man around her but him. Fed up, Pon moves to another city, leaving Pim to figure things out for herself.
<br /><br />
Further apart than they have ever been, Pim begins to realize that life without Pon just isn’t the same. But is his absence enough to stir some deep, overlooked feelings hiding deep within, or are Pim and Pon destined to remain nothing more than friends, forever?
<br /><br />
A remake of the award-winning Taiwanese drama of the same name, “In Time With You” is a 2020 romantic drama produced by Artop Media.</blockquote></div>
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<br /><br />Again. AGAIN this drama has been remade. With good reason, people. It is a must watch!
<br /><br /> ------ Previous Versions (Linked to <a href="https://www.viki.com/" target="_blank">Viki</a>) ------
<blockquote> Taiwan 2011 - <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/1339c-in-time-with-you" target="_blank">In Time With You</a><br /><br />
South Korea 2015 - <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/26594c-the-time-we-were-not-in-love" target="_blank">The Time We Were Not In Love</a><br /><br />
China 2018 - <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/35889c-the-evolution-of-our-love" target="_blank">The Evolution of Our Love</a> | Read My Post <a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2021/01/watching-wednesday-evolution-of-our-love.html">Here</a><br /><br />
Japan 2019 - <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/36639c-in-time-with-you-jp" target="_blank">In Time With You</a> (aka I Don't Love You Yet)</blockquote>
Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-27349400936023103092021-04-28T10:00:00.014-04:002021-04-28T10:00:00.228-04:00Watching Wednesday: In-House Marriage Honey<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37702c-in-house-marriage-honey">In-House Marriage Honey</a></span><div><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37702c-in-house-marriage-honey" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="225" src="https://6.vikiplatform.com/image/29aca1a759e94c598b0efe40596e4bff.jpg?x=b&a=0x0&s=1280x720&e=t&q=g" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genres: Japanese Drama, Romantic Comedy</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast:
Mizuki Itagaki, Matsui Airi</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rated: PG-13</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year Released: 2020<span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Synopsis from <a href="https://www.viki.com/" target="_blank">Viki</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37702c-in-house-marriage-honey" target="_blank">HERE</a> | No subscription required</span></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Miura Manatsu (Mizuki Itagaki) is a young office worker who finds himself in a quandary: His mother is suffering from ill-health, and he believes that getting married will be a good way to bring some cheer to her – and help her recovery. The only problem is he doesn’t have a girlfriend.
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So he downloads a dating app and starts looking for potential partners.
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Another of the app’s users is Haruta Ami (Matsui Airi), a woman who has been struggling to get over her ex, and has resolved to dive headlong into a new relationship in order to forget her former flame.
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The two meet online and decide to get married in a hastily arranged ceremony, barely knowing anything about one another.
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But there’s a hitch: Little did they know, but they are actually workmates. And as they neglected to tell their co-workers that they were getting married, their relationship becomes an awkward secret.
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Little by little, they get to know each other – and start to discover that despite the unconventional nature of their marriage, true love might not be completely out of reach after all…
<br /><br />
This drama was based on a hit manga series by Fujiwara Emi that debuted in February 2018.
<br /><br />
“In-House Marriage Honey” is a 2020 Japanese drama series that was directed by Ryo Morita, Ryohei Shinmiya, and Daisuke Honda.</blockquote></div>
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<br /><br />This drama consists of only seven episodes. It's a fantastical story where everything just goes right from the moment two strangers agree to get married for differing reasons. Short but sweet. Comical but endearing. Probably my new favorite Jdrama.
Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-80998321590673715372021-03-31T10:00:00.002-04:002021-03-31T18:57:00.487-04:00Watching Wednesday: Sunshine of My Life<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37712c-sunshine-of-my-life">Sunshine of My Life</a></span><div><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37712c-sunshine-of-my-life" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="225" src="https://6.vikiplatform.com/image/f656767b168049e7bec9bdf54a6bf58b.jpg?x=b&a=0x0&s=1600x900&e=t&q=g" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genres: Chinese Drama, Romance</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast:
Zhang Han, Xu Lu</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rated: PG-13</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year Released: 2021</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Synopsis from <a href="https://www.viki.com/" target="_blank">Viki</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37712c-sunshine-of-my-life" target="_blank">HERE</a> | No subscription required</span></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="text-align: left;">
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Tang Ming Xuan (Zhang Han) is the workaholic general manager of the highly successful Ming Yuan Fashion Group. Married to his job, he is the consummate professional, and has all but resolved to remain single so he can focus his time and effort on making sure his business endeavours go off without a hitch.
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But life changes forever on the day he meets Tang Fei (Xu Lu) at a design fair. She is a lively young woman with a passion for traditional embroidery, and plans to hone her skills by studying in Europe.
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Although they adore spending time together, they refuse to consider the notion of changing their own long-set plans. So the day finally comes when Tang Fei must set off for Paris, and Tang Ming Xuan stays in China, working on his business plans.
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But love will not be shunted aside so easily. And when the opportunity to launch a European fashion venture comes up, the duo let set to be reunited – as business partners...and perhaps more.
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"Sunshine of My Life” is a 2021 Chinese drama series that was directed by Tien Jen Huang.</blockquote></div>Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-87150812566557862912021-03-19T10:00:00.003-04:002021-03-30T10:15:20.132-04:00Aurora Burning: Aurora Cycle #2<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My deception and my devotion. Only one of them for her.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1574498270l/40516960.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="261" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YRWKB65/ref=as2&amp;tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">Available at Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><blockquote><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40516960-aurora-burning">Aurora Burning</a></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Amie Kaufman (<a href="http://amiekaufman.com/" target="_blank">Website</a>)<br />
Jay Kristoff (<a href="https://jaykristoff.com/" target="_blank">Website</a>)<br />
<a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/search?q=aurora+cycle" target="_blank">Aurora Cycle</a>, book two<br />
Audiobook, 15+ hours<br />
Kindle Edition, 497 pages<br />
Published May 5th 2020 by Knopf Books for Young Readers<br />
ASIN B07YRWKB65</span><br /><br />
Our heroes are back… kind of. From the bestselling co-authors of the Illuminae Files comes the second book in the epic series about a squad of misfits, losers, and discipline cases who just might be the galaxy’s best hope for survival.
<br /><br />
First, the bad news: an ancient evil—you know, your standard consume-all-life-in-the-galaxy deal—is about to be unleashed. The good news? Squad 312 is standing by to save the day. They’ve just got to take care of a few small distractions first.
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Like the clan of gremps who’d like to rearrange their favorite faces.
<br /><br />
And the cadre of illegit GIA agents with creepy flowers where their eyes used to be, who’ll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri.
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Then there’s Kal’s long-lost sister, who’s not exactly happy to see her baby brother, and has a Syldrathi army at her back. With half the known galaxy on their tails, Squad 312 has never felt so wanted.
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When they learn the Hadfield has been found, it’s time to come out of hiding. Two centuries ago, the colony ship vanished, leaving Auri as its sole survivor. Now, its black box might be what saves them. But time is short, and if Auri can’t learn to master her powers as a Trigger, the squad and all their admirers are going to be deader than the Great Ultrasaur of Abraaxis IV.
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Shocking revelations, bank heists, mysterious gifts, inappropriately tight bodysuits, and an epic firefight will determine the fate of the Aurora Legion’s most unforgettable heroes—and maybe the rest of the galaxy as well.</blockquote>
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I had to do it. I finally got around to it. And with the intro being the ever so perfect recap and, need I say, introduction to the characters, I was *so* happy to be back in this world.
<br /><br />
Only to be absolutely devastated at the audacity of what's left of Squad 312 turning on one of their own. Rip out my heart why don't you!
<br /><br />
And only to stomp on it with a cliffhanger ending? How dare you!
<br /><br />
Rolling the spoilers... In this installment, Cat remains alive in memory alone. When her image isn't being manipulated for half ass interrogation methods that is. Tyler is taken prisoner, alongside Kal's sister, Saedii, and spends the greater half of the book in captivity. Kal and Auri endure "months" in isolation as Auri learns to wield her powers as the Trigger, refusing to forsake all for the greater good but still managing to forsake love when... *sigh* And the rest of the squad is just hanging on for the ride until everything goes dark. Literally.<br /><br />
4 out of 5 stars.
<br /><br />
Available in <a href="https://amzn.to/3ecRL1b" target="_blank">ebook</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3c4sPqf" target="_blank">hardcover</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3sZjRBv" target="_blank">paperback</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3ecFgCR" target="_blank">audiobook</a> (I recommend the full cast audiobook!)<br /><br />
<img height="137" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/4f208b7e-4589-422c-92c5-eedf5e8565eb.__CR0,0,220,220_PT0_SX220_V1___.jpg" width="137" />
<img height="137" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/ca54dd2b-08da-4e5c-96da-09c7d96d2f57.__CR0,0,220,220_PT0_SX220_V1___.jpg" width="137" />
<img height="137" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/e2236db5-7bbb-4da5-9f08-2379b9cb3313.__CR0,0,220,220_PT0_SX220_V1___.jpg" width="137" />
<img height="137" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/f563b460-6fec-445e-81af-3d28b26b6afc.__CR0,0,220,220_PT0_SX220_V1___.jpg" width="137" />
<img height="137" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/5043ca5b-5c55-44ca-b43d-937e42082264.__CR0,0,220,220_PT0_SX220_V1___.jpg" width="137" />
<img height="137" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/32f6d178-8ff0-4619-b882-5e4c156a9203.__CR0,0,220,220_PT0_SX220_V1___.jpg" width="137" />
<img height="137" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/050295af-810f-49f4-a6fb-566ad5fa8e59.__CR0,0,220,220_PT0_SX220_V1___.jpg" width="137" />
<img height="137" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media/vc/24b4910c-21f2-492f-bf9a-972e79ddd5aa.__CR0,0,220,220_PT0_SX220_V1___.jpg" width="137" />
<br /><br />
Now, I need to call out Saedii for looking a little too much like <a href="http://the100.wdfiles.com/local--files/character:lexa/Lexa.jpg" target="_blank">Lexa from "The 100"</a>. Right?
<br /><br />
Previously in the series:<br />
<a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2021/02/aurora-rising-aurora-cycle-1.html"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1560056657l/30075662._SY75_.jpg" /></a>
Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-3080851913042607762021-03-10T10:00:00.003-05:002021-03-10T10:00:03.151-05:00Watching Wednesday: Flower of Evil<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37073c-flower-of-evil">Flower of Evil</a></span><div><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37073c-flower-of-evil" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="225" src="https://6.vikiplatform.com/image/58aabc17da394db8ae240bb538977924.jpg?x=b&a=0x0&s=960x540&e=t&q=g" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genres: Korean Drama, Melodrama, Romance</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast: Lee Joon Gi, Moon Chae Won</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rated: R</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year Released: 2020</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Synopsis from <a href="https://www.viki.com/" target="_blank">Viki</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37073c-flower-of-evil" target="_blank">HERE</a> | No subscription required</span></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<br />
On the outside, Baek Hee Sung (Lee Joon Gi) looks like the ideal husband. A hard-working craftsman, his metal-working studio has met with its fair share of success. Able to provide a good life for his wife and daughter, he’s an exemplary example of what a husband should be. But his accolades don’t stop there, as comfortable working around the house as he is working in his studio, Hee Sung can as easily fill the roles of father and husband as he can business owner and craftsman. But this perfect exterior hides some very dark secrets. Secrets he would rather his detective wife, Cha Ji Won (Moon Chae Won), never learn.
<br /><br />
Unfortunately, secrets have a way of coming out and as a hard-hitting homicide detective, it’s Cha Ji Won’s job to uncover as many secrets as she can, in her never-ending quest for the truth. With an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering determination to solve even the hardest cases, Ji Won lives for her work. Thriving on the excitement of unraveling mysteries and the high that comes from bringing criminals to justice, Ji Won is always searching for the next clue.
<br /><br />
But when Ji Won takes on a particularly cruel case, she starts down a dark path that could crumble the very foundations of her happy life. Determined to bring this evil psychopath to justice she dives ever deeper into this case, only to find that the criminal she’s been chasing may have been standing next to her all along.
<br /><br />
A suspenseful game of cat and mouse, “Flower of Evil” is a 2020 crime thriller drama directed by Kim Cheol Kyu.</blockquote></div>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S5sie2k--zc" width="600" youtube-src-id="S5sie2k--zc"></iframe></div>Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-75590843062497800472021-03-05T14:00:00.003-05:002021-03-05T15:54:00.479-05:00Deal With the Devil (Mercenary Librarians #1)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I won't even make you beg.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1574128485l/45157148._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="212" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QMHKDGB/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">Available at Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><blockquote><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3bFYrCc">Deal With the Devil</a></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Kit Rocha (<a href="https://www.kitrocha.com/" target="_blank">Authors' Website</a>)<br />
Mercenary Librarians, book one<br />
ebook, 336 pages<br />
Audiobook, 12+ hours<br />
Published July 28th 2020 by Tor Books<br />
ASIN B07QMHKDGB</span><br /><br />
Nina is an information broker with a mission--she and her team of mercenary librarians use their knowledge to save the hopeless in a crumbling America.
<br /><br />
Knox is the bitter, battle-weary captain of the Silver Devils. His squad of super soldiers went AWOL to avoid slaughtering innocents, and now he's fighting to survive.
<br /><br />
They're on a deadly collision course, and the passion that flares between them only makes it more dangerous. They could burn down the world, destroying each other in the process...
<br /><br />
Or they could do the impossible: team up.
<br /><br />
This is the first book in a near-future science fiction series with elements of romance.</blockquote>
<br /><br />I wasn't expecting much when I grabbed this book off the digital library shelf. Admittedly, I might not have even read past the second paragraph of the blurb but, oh my, this book is <b><u>good</u></b>. "Elements of romance"? Uh... yeah! That's putting it mildly. This book has some serious heat.
<br /><br />In a nutshell, Knox has been hired to retrieve Nina not for monetary payment, but rather in trade for the hostage he needs who has the ability to save his men and himself. So he approaches Nina with the intent of betraying the deal he's bringing to their door. But he's desperate. He's dying. And not even his honor can supersede Knox's loyalty to his men.
<br /><br />
When he and his crew meet Nina and her team, it's kismet. They fit. Each and every member, no matter how deadly or paranoid, manage to sync together into a single unit. But betrayal is lurking. And trust is a fragile thing.<br /><br />
I thought this was a YA. It's definitely not. Although... the "mastermind" behind targeting Nina was rather YA-ish. And not in a good way. Some have shelved it Urban Fantasy. I feel it's more than that. Rather, it's a post-apocalyptic fantasy romance. One that absolutely deserves to be in anyone's TBR pile.
<br /><br />
4 out of 5 stars.
<br /><br />
Available in <a href="https://amzn.to/3ktp955" target="_blank">ebook</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3bGShlj" target="_blank">audiobook</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3qT7CWl" target="_blank">hardcover</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3dXEBF8" target="_blank">paperback</a>
<br /><br />
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">[ Authors' Note ]<i> Kit Rocha is the pseudonym for co-writing team Donna Herren and Bree Bridges. After penning dozens of paranormal novels, novellas and stories as Moira Rogers, they branched out into gritty, sexy dystopian romance.
</i></span>Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-826955265684941852021-03-04T11:00:00.000-05:002021-03-04T11:08:45.580-05:00FREE READ: The Dark of Twilight by Kate Danley (Twilight Shifters #1)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1415688326l/23522418.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="267" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PD2RAKI/ref=as2&amp;tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">Available at Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><blockquote><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23522418-the-dark-of-twilight?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=JzRuP9SlxS&rank=1">The Dark of Twilight</a></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Kate Danley<br />
Twilight Shifters, book one<br />
Kindle Edition, 177 pages<br />
Published December 1st 2014 <br />
ASIN B00PD2RAKI</span><br />
<br />
Half a kingdom is marked to turn into wolves at night and half to turn into wolves during the day, but one girl does not shift and she must save them all.
<br /><br />
Aein lost her family when she was a child, and ever since, she dreamed of becoming a soldier to serve the man who saved her. When that day finally comes and she is sent to patrol the border's swamp, it seems like her wish has come true.
<br /><br />
But something bad follows her home.
<br /><br />
When Lord Arnkell's wedding is interrupted by a werewolf attack, the dream shifts into a cursed nightmare... and Aein is the only one awake. Will she be strong enough to defend the ones she loves? Or will she be destroyed by the coming darkness?</blockquote>
<br /><br />
Read for FREE from <a href="https://amzn.to/3rm8i6Q" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.
<br /><br />
Shelved As: Paranormal | Young Adult | Urban Fantasy | Shapeshifters > Werewolves
Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-69528833731392606302021-03-03T10:00:00.083-05:002021-03-03T10:00:00.131-05:00Watching Wednesday: The Best Partner<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/36910c-the-best-partner" target="_blank">The Best Partner</a> </span><div><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/36910c-the-best-partner" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="225" src="https://6.vikiplatform.com/image/f6fd04ddfa6b4fa688016d0459b2eb96.jpg?x=b&a=0x0&s=1600x900&e=t&q=g" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genres: Chinese Drama, Romance</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast: Jin Dong, Lan Ying Ying</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rated: PG-13</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year Released: 2019</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Synopsis from <a href="https://www.viki.com/" target="_blank">Viki</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/36910c-the-best-partner" target="_blank">HERE</a> | No subscription required</span></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Two legal worlds collide when Luo Bin (Jin Dong) meets Dai Xi (Lan Ying Ying).
<br /><br />The former is one of the most focused lawyers in the business, and a senior partner at the prestigious Panorama Law Firm. For him, the job is all about winning cases and very little else.
<br /><br />Dai Xi, meanwhile, is the polar opposite. Deeply invested in her clients’ plights, she values empathy and understanding.
<br />But when Dai Xi is charged with representing her best friend’s cause, she ends up at Panorama – and must work as Luo Bin’s assistant.
<br />She joins the Panorama team, and together with Luo Bin, the lawyers tackle a wide range of cases – from copyright infringement to custody rights in divorce cases, and property rights disputes to trade secrets infringements.
<br /><br />The two lawyers’ radically different outlooks mean that working together is anything but easy.
<br /><br />But could working together on key cases eventually prove beneficial for the duo? Will Dai Xi’s influence help mellow Luo Bin? And can he, in turn, spur Dai Xi on to greater legal success? Could they develop a mutual respect for one another – or will it be dis-order in the court?
<br /><br />“The Best Partner” is a 2019 Chinese drama series directed by Liu Jin.</blockquote></div>
<br /><br />
If you liked the American show <i>Suits </i>then you just might enjoy this drama. It has less sexuality and more integrity. However, I wouldn't classify it as a Romance.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="348" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T-2Bq-yXi6I" width="600" youtube-src-id="T-2Bq-yXi6I"></iframe></div>
<br /><br />
Side note: There is actually a 16 episode Korean remake of the American show <i>Suits</i>. Same name = <a href="https://www.netflix.com/watch/81194523?trackId=14170032&tctx=1%2C1%2C0f9a3d76-d93f-4f06-968d-9f6d09635002-12123474%2Cd6fadd7e-33d1-4dbe-ac5d-fe1b803af8c3_3465821X6XX1614363802547%2Cd6fadd7e-33d1-4dbe-ac5d-fe1b803af8c3_ROOT%2C" target="_blank">Suits</a>. I've never watched it but it's currently available on NetflixRaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-56002218513070636852021-02-26T14:00:00.003-05:002021-02-26T14:00:08.521-05:00Night Pleasures (Dark-Hunter #1)<div class="separator"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328353531l/9202391.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E4CXQS/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">Available at Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><blockquote><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E4CXQS/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20">Night Pleasures</a></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Sherrilyn Kenyon<br />
Dark-Hunters, book one<br />
Kindle Edition, 321 pages<br />
Audiobook, 10+ hours<br />
Published April 1st 2007 by St. Martin's Press
</span><br /><br />
See how it all began…
<br /><br />
Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to be immortal? To journey through the night stalking the evil that preys on humans? To have unlimited wealth, unlimited power?<br /><br />
That is my existence, and it is dark and dangerous. I play hero to thousands, but am known to none. And I love every minute of it.<br /><br />
Or so I thought until one night when I woke up handcuffed to my worst nightmare: an accountant. She’s smart, sexy, witty, and wants nothing to do with the paranormal.<br /><br />
My attraction to Amanda Devereaux goes against everything I stand for. Not to mention the last time I fell in love it cost me not only my human life, but also my very soul. Now I find myself wanting to believe that love and loyalty do exist.
Even more disturbing, I find myself wondering if there’s any way a woman can love a man whose battle scars run deep, and whose heart was damaged by a betrayal so savage that he’s not sure it will ever beat again.</blockquote>
<br /><br />
Never made it past the prequel to this series. Pretty sad, considering that book, <a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2010/02/fantasy-lover.html" target="_blank">Fantasy Lover</a>, gave this blog its name.
<br /><br />
Amanda Devereaux comes from a family all too familiar with magic and mischief. She herself wants nothing to do with the powers she possesses - powers of premonitions that she's failed to harness to the point where they actually benefit her. Plus, she's scarred from being unable to save her best friend when her powers gave her the foresight to do so. But when her sister is targeted by a daimon, and the dark hunter Kyrian gets literally chained to her side, Amanda faces up to the paranormal aspect of her existence.
<br /><br />
While the Dark Hunter series doesn't do it for me the way the League series does, or <i>did</i>, I do find it an enjoyable experience. Albeit a simple one.
<br /><br />
3 out of 5 stars.
<br /><br />
Available in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E4CXQS/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20">ebook</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3dv1Eaq" target="_blank">audiobook</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3s9b0wn" target="_blank">paperback</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3pJpeCR" target="_blank">hardcover</a>Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-45376252457233396032021-02-24T10:00:00.004-05:002021-02-24T12:23:52.297-05:00Watching Wednesday: River Where the Moon Rises<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37627c-river-where-the-moon-rises" target="_blank">River Where the Moon Rises</a> </span><div><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37627c-river-where-the-moon-rises" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="225" src="https://6.vikiplatform.com/image/8bb358a13ba04ce0ba0c82c019bae412.jpg?x=b&a=0x0&s=1600x900&e=t&q=g" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genres: Korean Drama, Historical, Romance, Costume & Period</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast:
Kim So Hyun, Ji Soo, Lee Ji Hoon, Choi Yu Hwa</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rated: PG-13</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year Released: 2021</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Synopsis from <a href="https://www.viki.com/" target="_blank">Viki</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37627c-river-where-the-moon-rises" target="_blank">HERE</a> with VIKI<i>Pass</i> Standard</span></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Born a princess and raised a soldier, Pyeong Gang (Kim So Hyun) is a woman with big dreams and limitless ambition. Determined to become the first Empress of Goguryeo, Pyeong Gang will stop at nothing to make her dream come true. Clever and level headed, Pyeong Gang is well aware of the obstacles that stand in her way and she’s more than capable of taking them on. With meticulous planning, she sets out to make her dream come true. But things take an unexpected turn, the day she meets On Dal (Ji Soo).
<br /><br />
A peace-loving man, whose only goal in life is to live in harmony with those around him, On Dal is the exact opposite of the ambitious princess. A peaceful calm amidst the turbulent storms of Pyeong Gang’s life, the warrior princess soon finds herself falling for gentle On Dal. Equally in love with the princess whose heart he now possesses, On Dal finds himself forsaking his principles in order to keep her safe. An endeavor that proves increasingly difficult, as players from all sides converge in a lethal battle for the throne.
<br /><br />
Forced to match both wits and strength against some of the most powerful men and women in Goguryeo, Pyeong Gang’s vie for power could very well cost her everything. Does she have what it takes to make her dreams come true or will the price she realizes she must pay prove to be too much?
<br /><br />
Based on the novel “Princess Pyeonggang” by Choi Sagyu, “River Where the Moon Rises” is a 2021 historical romance drama directed by Yoon Sang Ho.</blockquote></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="336" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SruaLVejWmk" width="600" youtube-src-id="SruaLVejWmk"></iframe></div>
Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-6855945727865521492021-02-19T13:00:00.001-05:002021-02-19T13:00:03.861-05:00Hunted by the Sky (Wrath of Ambar #1)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579549228l/50606294._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="209" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082GRKKXX/ref=as2&amp;tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">Available at Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><blockquote><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50606294-hunted-by-the-sky">Hunted by the Sky</a></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Tanaz Bhathena<br />
Wrath of Ambar, book one<br />
Kindle Edition, 384 pages<br />
Audiobook, 13+ hours<br />
Published June 23rd 2020 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux<br />
ASIN B082GRKKXX </span><br />
<br /><br />
Gul has spent her life running. She has a star-shaped birthmark on her arm, and in the kingdom of Ambar, girls with such birthmarks have been disappearing for years. Gul’s mark is what caused her parents’ murder at the hand of King Lohar’s ruthless soldiers and forced her into hiding to protect her own life. So when a group of rebel women called the Sisters of the Golden Lotus rescue her, take her in, and train her in warrior magic, Gul wants only one thing: revenge.
<br /><br />
Cavas lives in the tenements, and he’s just about ready to sign his life over to the king’s army. His father is terminally ill, and Cavas will do anything to save him. But sparks fly when he meets a mysterious girl—Gul—in the capital’s bazaar, and as the chemistry between them undeniably grows, he becomes entangled in a mission of vengeance—and discovers a magic he never expected to find.
<br /><br />
Dangerous circumstances have brought Gul and Cavas together at the king’s domain in Ambar Fort... a world with secrets deadlier than their own.</blockquote>
<br /><br />
It should be obvious now... my earnest attempt to support the YA book genre.
<br /><br />
This story is about Gul, a girl branded by fate with a birthmark foretold to bring the demise of a king. She will rise from an outcast to an assassin. From a slave to a servant. From a free woman to one promised in marriage to a prince. This journey will take her ever closer to fulfilling her fate.
<br /><br />
And possibly, bore you.
<br /><br />
Despite this epic sounding evolution, I didn't love this book. Even in reflecting on the many changes Gul was brought through, I was rather bored with the journey and even Cavas didn't manage to thrill me. There's magic. There's gods. Er, goddesses. Aspects I adore. But, unfortunately, this one just wasn't for me but I could see it holding more appeal for those closer to the tween/early teen age range.<br /><br />
2 out of 5 stars.
<br /><br />
Available in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082GRKKXX/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20">ebook</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hunted-by-the-Sky/dp/B084RMB6Y8?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1613492235&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=location2571-20&linkId=4c7bc9335678748092c905fb8aae2bc2&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank">audiobook</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hunted-Wrath-Ambar-Tanaz-Bhathena/dp/0374313091?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1613492235&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=location2571-20&linkId=cbd1f48f99a81235d162447e94d01905&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl">hardcover</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hunted-Sky-Wrath-Ambar-1/dp/1250792037?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1613492235&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=location2571-20&linkId=c6cfebc680687473d4d65934dd67fe19&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank">paperback</a>Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-48424615615482091452021-02-17T10:00:00.007-05:002021-02-17T10:00:03.695-05:00Watching Wednesday: Fighting Youth<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/36776c-fighting-youth" target="_blank">Fighting Youth</a> </span><div><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/36776c-fighting-youth" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="225" src="https://6.vikiplatform.com/image/bfc1e4ec00a941e19b125d3f96720c93.jpg?x=b&a=0x0&s=1280x720&e=t&q=g" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genres:
Drama, Chinese Drama</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast:
Wu Jin Yan, Peter Ho, Yin Tao</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rated: PG-13</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year Released: 2021</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Synopsis from <a href="https://www.viki.com/" target="_blank">Viki</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/36776c-fighting-youth" target="_blank">HERE</a> | No subscription required</span></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<br />
A talented rookie, Zhang Xiao Yu (Wu Jin Yan) has worked hard to secure a foothold in the cutthroat corporate world. Having caught the attention of Lin Rui (Yin Tao), the sales director of SW Cosmetics, a well-established company with global reach, Zhang Xiao Yu now works as Lin Rui’s assistant. But life in this fast-paced and highly competitive workplace is anything but easy.
<br /><br />
Because of her numerous achievements, Lin Rui has gained recognition from the company’s board of directors in France and as such, has been shortlisted to replace the company’s current boss, Shu Wanting (Liu Min Tao). Unwilling to give up her position without a fight, Shu Wanting appoints Lin Rui’s rival, Fang Jing (Zuo Xiao Qing), to head up a second sales department, thereby pitting the two rivals against each other and forcing Lin Rui to prove herself once again. Despite finding herself caught in the middle of Lin Rui and Fang Jing’s never-ending feud and an overwhelming deluge of office politics, Xiao Yu finds her footing and not only manages to stand her ground, but to bloom.
<br /><br />
Working hard to overcome the obstacles and stereotypes that plague today’s professional women, Xiao Yu and her co-workers will have their mettle tested time and time again, as they set out to make their dreams come true.
<br /><br />
Focusing on the life and struggles of professional women, “Fighting Youth” is a 2021 workplace drama directed by Mu Xiao Jie.</blockquote></div>
<br /><br />
While the romance is rather subdued in this one, I'm very much enoying it. And for a refreshing twist, one of the lead males manages to have his own life and not have everything he does revolve around the lead female. I'm about twenty episodes in and she's barely registering on his radar. ;)
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="366" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aC_yUrwYg2A" width="600" youtube-src-id="aC_yUrwYg2A"></iframe></div>Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-10637023528533157532021-02-15T15:19:00.007-05:002021-02-16T20:31:42.951-05:00FREE READ: Fury Unleashed (Forgotten Brotherhood # 1) by N. J. Walters<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Scrolling through my Wish List and found this on a price drop.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Haven't read it, but I'm familiar with this author's work and thought I'd share!</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1583213032l/51626322.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084M1NQ88/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">Available at Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><blockquote><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084M1NQ88/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20">Fury Unleashed</a></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">
N. J. Walters <br />
Kindle Edition, 292 pages<br />
Published March 23rd 2020 by Entangled: Amara<br />
ASINB084M1NQ88</span><br /><br />
Maccus Fury, a fallen angel, is trying hard to keep his sanity. Seems being an assassin might be catching up with him. Now, Heaven, or Hell, has sent a beautiful assassin to kill him. Lovely. She’s pretending to seduce him, and he’s okay with that. She’s smart and snarky—but she has no idea what she’s walked into. And he’s more than peeved that they only sent one person. They’re going to need an army if they want him dead.
<br /><br />
Morrigan Quill is one of Hell’s bounty hunters. She sold her soul to keep her sister safe, and now she’s working off her contract by catching bad guys and dragging them back to hell. When Lucifer makes her a new offer––that’s definitely too good to be true—she can’t say no. All she has to do is kill a powerful and crazy-hot fallen angel, who will totally kick her ass in battle.
<br /><br />
Good thing he won’t see what’s coming next. </blockquote>
<br /><br />
Get the Kindle edition, for FREE <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084M1NQ88/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20">here</a>.
<br /><br />In other news:<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MFWbxdyvjxNvNKcUSs_2Ehlqc_i89a_lK2DpaYzWrr3DNK1Pis3R5WojwMd9sF3oJwMT3LLghyphenhyphen7as_JoZWd1HLW25uMrq0EgdpDYlLH9xIiZ0bPyMfa4N2uQA365f2zgLWsvnXJo0MqE/s750/E3B8F409-8EEC-4A4C-A43F-4838486AA90F.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MFWbxdyvjxNvNKcUSs_2Ehlqc_i89a_lK2DpaYzWrr3DNK1Pis3R5WojwMd9sF3oJwMT3LLghyphenhyphen7as_JoZWd1HLW25uMrq0EgdpDYlLH9xIiZ0bPyMfa4N2uQA365f2zgLWsvnXJo0MqE/s320/E3B8F409-8EEC-4A4C-A43F-4838486AA90F.jpeg"/></a></div>
Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-74344100223419469552021-02-10T19:00:00.017-05:002021-02-12T13:56:56.156-05:00Aurora Rising (Aurora Cycle #1) <div style="text-align: center;">If blood is thicker than water, Scar and I are practically concrete.</div> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1560056657l/30075662._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="263" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FS1K4WL/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">Available at Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><blockquote><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FS1K4WL/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20">Aurora Rising</a></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Amie Kaufman (<a href="http://amiekaufman.com/" target="_blank">Website</a>)<br />
Jay Kristoff (<a href="https://jaykristoff.com/" target="_blank">Website</a>)<br />
Kindle Edition, 480 pages<br />
Audiobook, 14+ hours<br />
Published May 7th 2019 by Knopf Books for Young Readers<br />
ASIN B07FS1K4WL</span><br /><br />
From the internationally bestselling authors of THE ILLUMINAE FILES comes an epic new science fiction adventure.
<br /><br />
The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…
<br /><br />
A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm<br />
A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates<br />
A smart-ass tech wiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder<br />
An alien warrior with anger management issues<br />
A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering<br />
<br /><br />
And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.
<br /><br /><b><i>
They're not the heroes we deserve. They're just the ones we could find. Nobody panic.
</i></b></blockquote>
<br />Before I get into this I must say: That cover is perfection.<br /><br />
Now, where the book itself is concerned... it was fun! I did this read as an audiobook which offered not just one narrator, but an entire cast of voices lending their various accents and personalities to this diverse group of young, intelligent cadets. Each character possesses their own quirks and laugh out loud personas weaved into a refreshing and highly entertaining story.<br /><br />
Tyler Jones is in the right place at the right time when the life of Aurora, still subdued by cryo-sleep, ends up in jeopardy. He manages to save her, but sadly no one else, and it only costs him the draft. Returning to base, he's left with the leftovers of squad choices but still manages to score his friend, Cat, and his twin sister, Scarlet, on his team. He gains Kal (the warrior), Finian (the geek), and Zila (the brain) as well.<br /><br />
Aurora is a girl from a past of which has no record. She has powers of no explanation. And soon, she manages to, oh so innocently, get Ty and his team looking at a court marshal, labeled fugitives, and all kinds of compounding troubles.
<br /><br />
I'm going to link the cast list <a href="http://amiekaufman.com/extras/" target="_blank">here</a>, provided by the author and depicted below, because there wasn't a single character I didn't like. And I'm going to spare another moment to applaud this book for absolutely being a tale anyone could enjoy, regardless of gender. <br /><br />
As far as *this* reader is concerned... it checks all kinds of boxes. ☑ SciFi setting. ☑ A clear Alpha. ☑ His dependable, gonna-make-you-smile Beta. ☑ A friend meant to be a lover. ☑ A geek yearning to be noticed. ☑ Matebonding! OMG, Kal!! I swore if this turned into a triangle I was going to throw my airpods across the room. <br /><br />5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommend. Especially in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/audible/mlp/mfpdp/B07N314PMD/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ref=tmm_aud_title&linkCode=ll2&tag=location2571-20&linkId=c11ce2716046c4bd229f8a54c9f9f920&language=en_US" target="_blank">audiobook</a>. (FREE with an Audible trial, but oh so worth the money if you buy it on its own.)<br /><br />Available in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FS1K4WL/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">ebook</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/audible/mlp/mfpdp/B07N314PMD/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ref=tmm_aud_title&linkCode=ll2&tag=location2571-20&linkId=c11ce2716046c4bd229f8a54c9f9f920&language=en_US" target="_blank">audiobook</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1524720968/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1524720968&linkCode=as2&tag=location2571-20&linkId=384ca57818c6783d9d6789e2ec3948b0" target="_blank">hardcover</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1524720992/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1524720992&linkCode=as2&tag=location2571-20&linkId=4cbb6532bb567dbb4a43a30b6947f80a" target="_blank">paperback</a>
<br /><br />
<img height="110" src="http://amiekaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Aurora-768x1060.jpg" target="Auri" width="80" /><img height="110" src="http://amiekaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Tyler-768x1060.jpg" width="80" /><img height="110" src="http://amiekaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Scarlet-768x1060.jpg" width="80" /><img height="110" src="http://amiekaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Kaliis-768x1060.jpg" width="80" /><img height="110" src="http://amiekaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Zila-768x1060.jpg" width="80" /><img height="110" src="http://amiekaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Fin-768x1060.jpg" width="80" /><img height="110" src="http://amiekaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Cat-768x1060.jpg" width="80" />Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-75702344487752854702021-02-10T10:00:00.028-05:002021-02-10T10:00:01.149-05:00Watching Wednesday: Unrequited Love<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/36408c-unrequited-love" target="_blank">Unrequited Love</a> </span><div><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/36408c-unrequited-love" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="225" src="https://6.vikiplatform.com/image/6fa20ba71dc84cc6b919bbd39fa6ca47.jpg?x=b&a=0x0&s=1280x720&e=t&q=g" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genres:
Romantic Comedy, Chinese Drama</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast: Hu Bing Qing, Hu Yi Tian</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rated: PG-13</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year Released: 2021</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Synopsis from <a href="https://www.viki.com/" target="_blank">Viki</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/36408c-unrequited-love" target="_blank">HERE</a> | VIKI<i>PASS</i> Standard</span></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<br />
As childhood playmates, Luo Zhi (Hu Bing Qing) and Sheng Huai Nan (Hu Yi Tian) were nearly inseparable. Growing up, they attended the same schools and participated in the same activities, but as time passed their friendship slowly faded. Through high school, Luo Zhi focused more on her studies than anything else, and Huai Nan became nothing more than a distant acquaintance. Yet secretly, her heart still longed for the boy who made her laugh, all those years ago.
<br /><br />
Now in university, it is merely by coincidence that Luo Zhi and Huai Nan attend the same school. Though no longer a part of each other’s lives, Luo Zhi can’t seem to forget her long-lost friend. Every glimpse she catches of Huai Nan makes her heart race, but with their lives heading in such different directions, the connection between them seems to have all but disappeared. Pining for a boy she has loved for fifteen years, Lou Zhi is resigned to her fate, accepting the fact that her feelings for Huai Nan will remain unrequited forever. But Destiny, it would seem, has other plans.
<br /><br />
Finding themselves unexpectedly thrown together during an excursion in Red Canyon Valley, Luo Zhi and Huai Nan’s old friendship is rekindled and soon sparks of love begin to fly. But the meddling of others makes things complicated and a series of misunderstandings threatens to ruin everything. Can these reunited friends overcome the challenges before them, or will their new-found love fade before it even has a chance to bloom?
<br /><br />
Based on the novel of the same name by Ba Yue Chang An, “Unrequited Love” is a 2021 romantic drama directed by Li Mu Ge. </blockquote></div>
<br /><br />
It's an endearing enough story. Girl meets boy. Girl likes boy. Girl manages to mouth off at every opportunity that doesn't involve her feelings for said boy. The best parts of the story are all in her head. Which only makes them worthless and utterly infuriating.
<br /><br />
Meanwhile, lead boy notices the girl. Is moved by the girl. But doesn't know who the girl is. Or whom she's not.
<br /><br />
I'm watching it. But I'm not loving it.
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="356" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DsOgG8Zxa08" width="600" youtube-src-id="DsOgG8Zxa08"></iframe></div>Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-29743011086099260202021-02-08T14:00:00.013-05:002021-02-08T14:00:02.769-05:00An Ember in the Ashes (Book #1)<div style="text-align: center;">War comes. And it must come.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1509405140l/36506218._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="267" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KWG5RSC/ref=as2&amp;tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">Available at Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><blockquote><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36506218-an-ember-in-the-ashes">An Ember in the Ashes</a></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Sabaa Tahir | <a href="https://sabaatahir.com/" target="_blank">Author's Website</a><br />
An Ember in the Ashes, book one<br />
Kindle Edition, 457 pages<br />
Audiobook, 15+ hours<br />
Published April 28th 2015 by Razorbill</span><br /><br /><b>
Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free.
</b><br /><br />
Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.
<br /><br />
It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.
<br /><br />
But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.
<br /><br />
There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.</blockquote>
<br /><br />
What caught me was the cover. <i>Assassin's Creed</i> spread all over it. What hooked me was the blurb. Resistance? Empire? Do I really need to say the words 'Star Wars'? And it's a dystopian fantasy based on ancient Rome, so, yes, if I'm going to read anything YA this was certainly going to be it.<br /><br />
Now, I didn't want to get ahead of myself. It could easily all go horribly wrong in the end as it did in the <a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/11/mockingjay-hunger-games-3.html" target="_blank">Hunger Games</a>. And <a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/03/divergent.html" target="_blank">Divergent</a>. And nobody wants to revisit that let down.<br /><br />If you browse this blog for any amount of time, you'll find that I'm not one that's big on Young Adult books. Most of the ones I find are trivial. Some shallow. Sone menial. I need substance in my literature. I need depth in my fiction. I also want to make that very clear because I am admittedly bias when it comes to this genre of romance.<br /><br />
Laia, pressured by her parents' legacy and desperate to save her captive brother, is thrust into the life of a slave so as to serve as a spy for the Resistance. She needs their help in saving her brother, the only family she has left, from punishment for treason against the Empire, a tyrannical government order that seeks to conquer and control all Scholars, among other things. But despite being a daughter of two of the rebellion's finest fighters, Laia is in no way prepared for the task put to her.
<br /><br />
Inside this oppressive order's training academy, is Elias. The Commandant's son, with fourteen years of strict training behind him, he is, on the surface, the epitome of what a soldier should be. But days away from graduation as a Mask, Elias has but one thing on his mind: desertion. To further complicate matters, he's suddenly thrust onto a path of becoming Emperor. His feelings for his best friend, Helene, have gotten complicated. And then Laia arrives.
<br /><br />
Truth be told, I was far more interested in Elias than Laia. But that's nothing new. His portion of the book will span trials that will challenge his fears and loyalty but, more so, challenge his sense of justice and, regardless of which path he takes, Elias will become a killer numerous times over. While he and Laia will be forced to make tough choices, in the end, they are alive because others will make tougher choices. Story of YA life.<br /><br />
Why do all the Young Adult books I pick up have love triangles? Perhaps this is where the foundation of my bias against YA books lie, the unnecessary angst. Teenage protagonists too raw, too immature to know themselves let alone their hearts. Hearts? No. These are hormones.
<br /><br />
Laia physically reacts to each and every boy that shows her interest. It's downright sickening. Perhaps it is why I prefer characters with enough maturity to know that not every handsome face deserves a second glance. And female characters hardened enough not to whine.<br /><br />
Not only did I prefer Elias over Laia. But I preferred Helene over her, too.
<br /><br />
That said, this book, Ember in the Ashes, is what more YA should strive to be, as the numerous literary awards it's won would attest. And even though it holds the typical love triangles and weak females, there's enough turmoil to balance the frivolous teenage problems of <i>feelings</i>. There's a darker side wherein rape is a very real encounter that I think fewer books need to give mind to but reality being what it is and all, I can't fault its appearance.<br /><br />
3 out of 5 stars. <br /><br />
Available in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KWG5RSC/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20">ebook</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3tkJCNt" target="_blank">audiobook</a> (FREE with an Audible trial)Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-11104717081690310142021-02-05T10:00:00.002-05:002021-02-05T10:55:57.688-05:00Born of Rage (The League #13)<div style="text-align: center;">"So long as you held that vow, I withheld my blade."</div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569107850l/51919964._SX318_SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="259" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0841Q7GVF/ref=as2&amp;tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">Available at Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><blockquote><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51919964-born-of-rage">Born of Rage</a></b> <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Sherrilyn McQueen | <a href="https://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/" target="_blank">Author's Website</a><br /><a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/search/label/SherrilynKenyon" target="_blank">The League</a>, book thirteen<br />
ebook, 30ish pages<br />
Published August 30th 2019 by Mighty Barnacle, LLC<br />
Original Publication Date: September 01, 1983 <br />
ISBN 9781951111007</span><br />
<br /><br /><b>
Every Life Has a Price</b><br />
<br /> <br />
Dakari Tievel has been marked for death by the infamous League. Staying barely one step ahead of the assassins out to end her life, she must find the legendary Eve of Destruction. But Eve is a lot more than just a bounty hunter who calls the shadows home. She comes with an interesting crew of friends and family who have no problem defying the League that rules their worlds with an iron fist.
<br /> <br />
Now they must rely on the most unlikely of allies to keep Dakari safe, and themselves alive. Provided he doesn't betray them.
<br /> <br />
In a universe where the League is law, it's killed or be killed.
<br /><br /></blockquote>
This ridiculously quick read opens up in the POV of Dakari who has just had a Thrill-Kill contract put on her life. On the run, she's given precious information that leads her to Eve and her lethal team. A team that includes Eve's sister, Jayne, whom we all know and possibly love, and also Jinx, Dakari's long lost (and believed to be dead) older brother.
<br /><br />
From there, we take on the conclusion of the story through Jinx's POV. As a whole, this is more like a teaser chapter that just happens to be included with two other stories: "Neighbors" and "<a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2015/10/fire-and-ice-league-4.html" target="_blank">Fire and Ice</a>." The latter of which is Adron's story which can also be found in the "In Other Worlds" anthology. Adron is the eldest son of Nykyrian and Kiara (<a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/08/born-of-night-league-1.html" target="_blank">Born of Night, League #1</a>).
<br /><br />
3 out of 5 stars.
<br /><br />
The League: <br /><br />
<a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/08/born-of-night-league-1.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400023995s/2992061.jpg" /></a><a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/08/born-of-fire-league-2.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1385444584i/8123390._UY200_.jpg" width="47" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/08/born-of-ice-league-3.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422334539s/6434232.jpg" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2015/10/fire-and-ice-league-4.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549166544l/2789282._SY475_.jpg" width="50" /></a><a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/09/born-of-shadows-league-4.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328310212i/8159152._UY200_.jpg" width="51" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/09/born-of-silence-league-5.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337334574s/12995312.jpg" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/09/cloak-and-silence-league-6.html"><img height="75" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1353134746s/13631346.jpg" width="52" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/10/born-of-fury-league-7.html"><img a="" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1399434124s/13079147.jpg" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2015/05/born-of-defiance-league-9.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412822622s/22046891.jpg" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2015/11/born-of-betrayal-league-10.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1498613654i/24497988._UY200_.jpg" width="50" /></a><a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2021/01/born-of-legend-league-11.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1445742413l/25868031._SY75_.jpg" width="50" /></a><a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2021/02/born-of-vengeance-league-12.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1470005632l/31305079._SX318_.jpg" width="50" /></a>
<br /><br />
Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-88553875158759183192021-02-03T10:00:00.014-05:002021-02-03T10:00:00.148-05:00Watching Wednesday: My Little Happiness<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37626c-my-little-happiness" target="_blank">My Little Happiness</a> </span><div><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37626c-my-little-happiness" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="225" src="https://6.vikiplatform.com/image/c809fb6a50cd437da6dc67d90a6ef226.jpg?x=b&a=0x0&s=1600x900&e=t&q=g" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genres:
Romantic Comedy, Chinese Drama</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast: Fei Xing, Tang Xiao Tian</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rated: PG-13</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year Released: 2021</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Synopsis from <a href="https://www.viki.com/" target="_blank">Viki</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37626c-my-little-happiness" target="_blank">HERE</a> | No subscription required </span></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Zhuo Rong (Fei Xing) has long dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but her mother is absolutely determined to see her daughter study finance abroad. Hoping that her daughter will successfully settle down somewhere overseas, Zhuo Rong’s mother won’t take “no” for an answer. Unable to convince her mother to let her pursue her dreams, Zhuo Rong has no choice but to do as her mother wishes. Or does she?
<br /><br />
After successfully convincing her mother that she has set off for distant lands, Zhuo Rong secretly returns home to begin work as a legal intern. Taking on her first case, Zhuo Rong comes face-to-face with her childhood friend, Wen Shao Qing (Tang Xiao Tian). Now a surgeon, Shao Qing isn’t just Zhuo Rong’s client, he’s also her landlord and next-door neighbor. Tied together by the ever-tightening strings of fate, Zhuo Rong and Shao Qing find themselves drawing closer, despite their best efforts.
<br /><br />
Engaged in a never-ending battle of wits, the childhood friends may fight against the ties that bind them, but how long will they be able to resist the inevitable?
<br /><br />
Based on the novel of the same name by Dong Benxi Gu, “My Little Happiness” is a 2021 romantic comedy directed by Yang Long. </blockquote></div>
<br /><br />While I'm not completely engrossed by the storyline, the lead male's similarities to Big Bang Theory's Sheldon has me sticking around.
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="338" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jz04ESkPLSY" width="600" youtube-src-id="Jz04ESkPLSY"></iframe></div>Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-71724077480192887962021-02-02T12:00:00.003-05:002021-02-02T12:02:07.724-05:00Born of Vengeance (The League #12)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Florian?!</i></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1470005632l/31305079._SX318_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="269" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J1EGWWK/ref=as2&amp;tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">Available at Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21858682-born-of-vengeance">Born of Vengeance</a></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Sherrilyn Kenyon<br />
The League, book twelve
<br />
(Nemesis Rising, book ten)<br />
ebook, 417 pages<br />
Published February 7th 2017 by St. Martin's Press</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">
ASIN B01J1EGWWK</span><br />
<br /><br /><b>
A fate worse than death . . .
</b><br /><br />
Bastien Cabarro survived the brutal slaughter of his entire family only to have his wife pin their murders on him. Made Ravin by The League, he is now a target for their assassins-in-training to hunt and kill. The average life expectancy for such beings is six weeks. But defying the odds is what this Gyron Force officer does best, and Bastien won’t rest until he lays his betrayers in their graves.
<br /><br />
Ten years later, he has one chance to balance the scales of justice, provided he relies on his former wingman— the very sister of the woman who testified against him.
Major Ember Wyldestarrin joined the outlaw Tavali the day Kirovar fell into the hands of a tyrant, and she and her team were left on an outpost to die under the barrage of enemy fire. The last thing she wants is to be involved in politics again. But if she doesn’t bring Bastien in, her sister will pay the ultimate price. Now she has to find some way to betray her former wingman before he catches on and kills her. Even so, treachery doesn’t come easy to a woman who took a loyalty oath to protect her homeworld and comrades-in-arms, especially when Bastien means more to her than just another partner.
<br /><br />
Yet as she tries to do right for her family, she learns that Bastien doesn’t just hold the key to the fate of Kirovar, he is vital to The Sentella-League war, and to The Tavali. If she hands him over, three nations fall. If she doesn’t, her entire family dies. Their fates are all in her hands, and time for all of them is quickly running out.
<br /></blockquote><br />
I admit it. I was warned. But despite this installment being a copy/paste filler that feels like a half-ass slap in the face, none of that quite pissed me off as much as the leading male- Bastien.
<br /><br />
The story begins in the prologue with a fast paced meeting of our two protagonists as Bastien shows up when Ember needs someone most and saves the life of her sister, Alura. (Saving that witch will prove to be his first of many mistakes.) And from that moment, and throughout the entire book, we're scene jumping.
<br /><br />First to where Bastien proposes marriage to Ember after a yearlong romance only to be turned down outright. And here he does the one thing that will f*ck his life over for years to come. Bastien retaliates.
<br /><br />
Now you'll find out in good time why Ember refused his proposal but so many years will pass first. And Bastien will make one stupid decision after another in this time. He'll even marry her sister. Is this suppose to be some ridiculous nod to the Ross and Rachel fiasco. Where is your loyalty? Where is your honor?!
<br /><br />
So many (hell, nearly ALL) of Kenyon's characters are tortured souls who are victims of things beyond their control whether it be their parentage, their race, being in the wrong place/wrong time in the heart of political chaos, but Bastien is simply a victim of himself. Ends up in a manipulated marriage, accused of murdering his entire family, stripped of his royal titles, outcast from his people, marked Ravin... And he's eyeing Nykyrian's daughter, Thia. And Jayne. *facepalm*<br /><br />
No, Ember. No. I want better for you, girl. <br /><br />
3 out of 5 stars.
<br /><br />
Available in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J1EGWWK/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">ebook</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MR7Z85N/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01MR7Z85N&linkCode=as2&tag=location2571-20&linkId=cb422095850ac986aef9e353f15c69aa" target="_blank">audiobook</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250082757/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1250082757&linkCode=as2&tag=location2571-20&linkId=734ddd3e909358770d94fae5e00bed36" target="_blank">hardcover</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/125008279X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=125008279X&linkCode=as2&tag=location2571-20&linkId=f3976f984b9de2eff50488f254a370e3" target="_blank">paperback</a> | Or check your local library. <br /><br />
Previously in the League: Nemesis Rising<br /><br />
<a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/08/born-of-night-league-1.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400023995s/2992061.jpg" /></a><a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/08/born-of-fire-league-2.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1385444584i/8123390._UY200_.jpg" width="47" /></a><a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/09/born-of-shadows-league-4.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328310212i/8159152._UY200_.jpg" width="51" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/09/born-of-silence-league-5.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337334574s/12995312.jpg" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/09/cloak-and-silence-league-6.html"><img height="75" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1353134746s/13631346.jpg" width="52" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/10/born-of-fury-league-7.html"><img a="" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1399434124s/13079147.jpg" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2015/05/born-of-defiance-league-9.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412822622s/22046891.jpg" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2015/11/born-of-betrayal-league-10.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1498613654i/24497988._UY200_.jpg" width="50" /></a><a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2021/01/born-of-legend-league-11.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1445742413l/25868031._SY75_.jpg" width="50" /></a>
<br /><br />
Previously in The League (2nd Generation): Nemesis Legacy<br />
<a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/08/born-of-ice-league-3.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422334539s/6434232.jpg" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2015/10/fire-and-ice-league-4.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549166544l/2789282._SY475_.jpg" width="50" /></a>
Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-35086182231292378382021-02-01T10:00:00.003-05:002021-02-05T15:54:50.724-05:00Power of Hades (Hades Trials #1)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I stared at Hades, my mind spinning. <br />He was a god. King of the Underworld, Lord
of the dead,<br />and he'd just wiped a tear from my cheek.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;">
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<img height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1588596436l/53328768._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="201" />
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087SY3B9K/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">Available at Amazon.com</a>
</td>
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</table>
<br />
<blockquote>
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53328768-the-power-of-hades" target="_blank">Power of Hades</a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53328768-the-power-of-hades"></a></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eliza Raine, Rose Wilson | <a href="https://www.elizaraine.com/" target="_blank">Raine's Website</a><br />
Hades Trials, book one
<br />
ebook, 191 pages
<br />
Published May 11th 2020
</span><br />
Read for
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087SY3B9K/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20">FREE </a>with Prime Reading <br /><br />
I've been kidnapped by Zeus. Plucked from the streets of Manhattan and
frightened half to death by a freaking Olympian god. And now I'm trapped in
the Underworld, being forced to compete in a series of deadly trials for the
position of Queen of the Underworld. Which would mean marrying Hades, the
utterly terrifying Lord of the Dead. Who the hell wants a husband at all, let
alone one made of smoke and riddled with death?
<br /><br />
I have to get back home, to New York and my brother. But I can't leave without
completing the trials and they've been designed for a godly Queen, not
Persephone - barista and botanical garden enthusiast. I'm surrounded by
lethal, all-powerful maniacs. Sexy-as-hell maniacs, sure, but as dangerous as
they come. And I'm going to have to prove to all of them that there's a
goddess of hell inside me. It's the only way I'll survive the Hades Trials.
But then what? And why, why, why am I so desperate to see under Hades smoky
exterior and find out what he's hiding from me?
<br /><br />
If I win the trials, I have to marry the devil himself. But losing might mean
losing my life.
</blockquote>
<br /><br />
Alright. All right. I'm a fan of mythology. As in, I spent my teenage years
completely enthralled by medieval history and Greek gods. And even though that
was a lifetime ago and I have the memory span likened to a chimpanzee, I manage
to recall a few of the details. The story of Hades and Persephone is certainly
one of those tales that sticks with you.
<br /><br />In this creative and well-written spin, Persephone is a college
student of agricultural studies, working part time at a local coffee shop, when
a blonde haired, blue eyed Zeus meanders in and suddenly, her entire formulated
world crashes in around her. <br /><br />
We're going to stop there for a small mid-review rant. As a female who spent
nearly two decades working in customer service, I need to know. I need to
understand this. And I don't mean to generalize but why, WHY do heterosexual
males appear to inherently possess this compulsory need to talk up a female,
specifically to make her smile? Is it some kind of validation? Some small
victory the male chromosome thrives on? I've yet to encounter this in a female.
I don't personally feel the need to make a stranger smile be it man or woman.
I'm going to handle my business and leave you the hell alone. With respect.
<br /><br />
So someone tell me. Are my lenses blurred? Or does anyone else share this
reality with me?
<br /><br />
Back to topic.
<br /><br />
Forced into a competition testing intelligence, loyalty, glory, and hospitality, the
ultimate prize is to become the wife of Hades, Lord of the Underworld. It's a
title she not only doesn't want, but has already held. And even though she has
no memory of this place or these people, she finds her one inkling of
familiarity in the flashes of Hades' silver eyes.<div><br />
I oohed and aahed over Hades. And while it took a handful of chapters to get to
the point where I couldn't put this book down, I did get there. And steamrolled
right up to a cliffhanger ending. Argh!
<br /><br />
4 out of 5 stars.
<br /><br />
Available at Amazon.com in
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087SY3B9K/ref=as2&amp;tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">ebook </a>|
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1916104681/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1916104681&linkCode=as2&tag=location2571-20&linkId=47c7c25610b2905bd23214f18f67ad82" target="_blank">paperback</a>
|
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B7SKW7K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B08B7SKW7K&linkCode=as2&tag=location2571-20&linkId=f8c5793ae71137ef43685f0097ba3999" target="_blank">audiobook</a>
<br /><br />
Next in the Series: <br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0888WBLWB/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0888WBLWB&linkCode=am2&tag=location2571-20&linkId=2947de7ef64d9155d7dab7c775cfb5ae" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B0888WBLWB&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL110_&tag=location2571-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=location2571-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B0888WBLWB" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B089YWPTGK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B089YWPTGK&linkCode=am2&tag=location2571-20&linkId=90240a8281548aabe260c08ea5a21c23" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=B089YWPTGK&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL110_&tag=location2571-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=location2571-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B089YWPTGK" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
</div>Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-88565808277290836752021-01-27T10:00:00.124-05:002021-01-27T10:00:00.122-05:00Watching Wednesday: The Evolution of Our Love<div style="text-align: center;">So before then, I’ll try to solve my problem. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And you try to find someone better than me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(translated by Viki volunteers, ep 28)</span></div><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/37374c-true-beauty" target="_blank">Evolution of Our Love</a> </span></b><div><a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/35889c-the-evolution-of-our-love" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="225" src="https://6.vikiplatform.com/image/3b2dc2672a20410ea982ed5d36de5bba.jpg?x=b&a=0x0&s=1600x900&e=t&q=g" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Genres:
Romantic Comedy, Chinese Drama</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast: Zhang Ruo Yun, Zhang Tian Ai</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rated: PG-13</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year Released: 2018</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Synopsis from <a href="https://www.viki.com/" target="_blank">Viki</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch <a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/35889c-the-evolution-of-our-love" target="_blank">HERE</a> | No subscription required</span></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="text-align: left;">
Love isn’t always found in the places you expect it.
<br /><br />
Ai Ruo Man (Zhang Tian Ai) is a successful career woman. But her strong personality and independent nature chases men away in her personal life.
<br /><br />
Lu Fei (Zhang Ruo Yun) is a gentle, easy-going man who loves to cook, clean and tend to his garden. Women appreciate his kind spirit, but not enough to date or marry him.
<br /><br />
Ai Ruo Man and Lu Fei have been best friends for the past 15 years. As they both enter their 30s, can they help each other find the mate of their dreams?
<br /><br />
“The Evolution of Our Love” is a 2018 Chinese drama series directed by An Zhu Jian.</blockquote></div>
<br /><br />
My first introduction to this story was with the Kdrama version "<a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/26594c-the-time-we-were-not-in-love" target="VIKI">The Time We Were Not in Love</a>" that was released in 2015. <br /><br />
Anyway, I came across a review that claimed the Korean make (or remake) was a bastardized version of this Chinese drama. And I did quite enjoy the Kdrama. So, being thoroughly intrigued, I smashed that play button on “The Evolution of Our Love”.<br /><br />
And found that that reviewer was ever so right!
<br /><br />
Not only is the story unfolded over 40 episodes, whereas the Kdrama was condensed down to 16 (and even then managed to feel drawn out in the middle), this take goes beyond the relationship. While it spans deeper into the layers of their friendship, this version revolves more so around the lead male and his hang ups while also delving into the long held one sided love the female protagonist endures for her crush. Knowing that pain and being able to mirror it onto her best friend when she finally realizes Lu Fei’s feelings was one of the best expressed details of this version. Episode 24(?) alone had me fighting back the tears. Don’t even get me started on episode 38. <div><br />
Highly recommend both versions!
<br /><br />
Side note:
The original story, from what I gathered, comes from Taiwan in a 2011 drama entitled, "<a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/1339c-in-time-with-you" target="_blank">In Time With You</a>". It was remade again in 2019 in Japan with the same name, "<a href="https://www.viki.com/tv/36639c-in-time-with-you-jp" target="_blank">In Time With You</a>" but also known as “I Don’t Love You Yet.” A truly beautiful sentiment. I have, as of now, watched and enjoyed all versions of this story. This version from China remains my favorite. </div>
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="313" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W7z0NEBvYNM" width="475" youtube-src-id="W7z0NEBvYNM"></iframe></div> <br /><div style="text-align: center;">:: WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS SPOILERS ::</div>Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-37318403312405319232021-01-22T13:00:00.080-05:002021-01-22T13:00:05.786-05:00If I Could Stay<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1536827131l/41820145._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="212" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3bZdJUx" target="_blank">Available at Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><blockquote><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41820145-if-i-could-stay" target="_blank">If I Could Stay</a><a href="https://amzn.to/3o9YjPu"></a></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stephanie Nicole Norris<br />Kindle Edition, 87 pages<br />
Published September 12th 2018<br />
Read for <a href="https://amzn.to/3bZdJUx" target="_blank">FREE</a> with Amazon Prime
</span><br /><br />
She would only be there for twenty-four hours…
<br /><br />
When Carmen Mitchell left her hometown of Brunswick Georgia, the last thing she wanted was a reunion. Then, her only mission was to attend college, pursue her modeling career, and leave her past hurts behind. But when Carmen receives some startling news, she decides the time to make her final appearance has arrived; however, reemerging could open old wounds and the obstacle of facing the man she left behind presents the biggest challenge of them all.
<br /><br />
Dominic Johnson has long since put thoughts of Carmen Mitchell out of sight and out of mind. Circumstances would bring her back to Brunswick, but there was no repartee to be spoken to the woman who’d left him years ago without so much as a goodbye. It isn’t until Dominic gains a first-hand glimpse of Carmen that old memories spark and a detonation of what was, and what could be, set off a myriad of images in his mind. Now Dominic is faced with a battle that’s waging internally, to stay out of her way or to succumb to Carmen Mitchell, again.</blockquote>
<br /><br />
This is a free ebook from Amazon Prime advertised as a lunch break read and it is exactly that. It's quick, smutty, and unfortunately (as another <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3AM238U93VPY2/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B07H9QLWFS" target="_blank">reviewer</a> stated) simply unrealistic.
<br /><br />
Which is what contemporary romance *should* be. Right?
<br /><br /><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: #444444;">
SPOILERS BELOW</span>
<br /><br />
Straight up, did not care for Carmen. This woman shows up after some eight years in her hometown for her grandmother's funeral looking to avoid her ex-boyfriend, Dominic, because she pretty much abandoned him back when she was eighteen. So of course, they cross paths and she immediately goes into apologetic mode. Forgive me. Don't hate me. Blah blah blah.
<br /><br />
So what follows? Immediately after this earnest plea for forgiveness, she throws herself at him. Completely objectifies the guy. Box checked on relinquishing the pent up guilt she brought upon herself, Carmen then proceeds to use him to satisfy her own lust.
<br /><br />
Okay, okay. It's an erotic novella. It's granted that it revolves around lust. But, c'mon.
<br /><br />
This boy loved you. Have a heart. Have some sense. Make some damn sense.
<br /><br />
And use some damn birth control!
<br /><br />(A generous) 3 out of 5 stars.
<br /><br />
Available at Amazon.com in <a href="https://amzn.to/3o9YjPu" target="_blank">ebook</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3o5RuOZ" target="_blank">paperback</a>
<br />Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766162662381313772.post-86633870606399413232021-01-22T10:00:00.008-05:002021-01-22T13:06:36.510-05:00Born of Legend (The League #11)<div style="text-align: center;">I have fondness for you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51IgxbcuY4L.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="214" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016I7ZPL2/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">Available at Amazon.com</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25868031-born-of-legend" target="_blank">Born of Legend</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sherrilyn Kenyon (<a href="https://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/" target="_blank">Author's Website</a>)</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/search?q=league" target="_blank">The League</a>, book eleven</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Nemesis Rising, book nine)</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ebook, 736 pages in print</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Published June 21st 2016 by St. Martins Press</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ISBN 9781250082749</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">It is in the darkest hours of a universe’s past that their legends are born and their heroes rise… </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">No one knows exactly how much heart they have until their mettle is put to the hazard and they reach the lowest point of hell. There, they have only two choices. Lie down and die. Or find the strength to push themselves to their feet and fight back with everything they have. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Dagger is the alias that is used by Ushara’s husband, and the father of the twins, who is on the run for his life. This is his story and shows how he became a member of the Tavali and what happens to them after <i>Born of Betrayal</i> ends.<br /><br />“It’s official Take a Psycho to Work Day. Why else would I be here?”
<br /><br />
Hunted. Hated. Betrayed. Dagger Ixur is on the run for his life. As one of the most recognizable members of his royal house, he has a bounty on his head that guarantees him no quarter from any friend or even family. But surrender isn’t in him. He will fight to the bitter end. A resolve that is sorely tested when he narrowly escapes a trap that leaves him severely wounded. With what he believes is his dying breath, he saves a boy born to an extinct race from a group out to enslave the kid for his legendary abilities.
<br /><br />
Ushara Altaan has spent her entire life hating those born to nobility. After all, it was a royal house that drove her entire species into virtual extinction. As a rare Andarion Fyreblood, she is sworn to end the existence of any royal she finds. But when Dagger saves her son’s life, she is torn between her people and a debt that can never be repaid.
<br /><br />
Yet worse than Dagger’s family that’s still out to end hers, are the League assassins after him who will stop at nothing to claim the lives of her Tavali family. The only hope she has to save them all is to put their future and her faith into the hands of the very enemy whose grandmother personally extinguished Ushara’s legendary lineage. But how can she ever trust Dagger when he is a disinherited outlaw whose very name is synonymous with betrayal?</div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div> <div>It was in November of 2015 when I last read a League book, and the time lapse only aided in this venture because Jullien was *not* a beloved character of mine. How could he be when the man had served as an antagonist for any and all since the very beginning? But in true Kenyon fashion, nothing is ever what it seems and each and every soul needs only one book to redeem them of all sins, thrusting them into the holy spotlight and into the softest places of the readers' hearts. </div><div><br /></div><div>Damn. It *almost* happened again. Almost.</div><div><br /></div><div>In all honesty, it was Ushara's respectable presence and perception that endears you to the guy who's now a rugged, refined intelligent male that she can't help but fall hard and fast for.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rugged + Refined + Intelligent? This combo does not exist in our reality.<br /><br />
It certainly wasn't Jullien’s longwinded tangent on how and why he betrayed his brother Nykyrian (for the six hundred forty-eighth time) that made anyone want to cheer him on. And the name change, from Jullien to Dagger, didn't help either. Actually, the entire book refers to him as Jullien. Can't fathom why the blurb insists on 'Dagger'. Maybe because the author knows all too well how successful she was in making us loathe the guy before now known as Jullien.</div><div><br /></div><div>This book, like most of this series, circles back to tell the background story of Jullien that unfolds somewhat concurrently as the rest of the installments. We get reacquainted with many of the leading characters, such as Darling Cruel (whose story was told in book six, <a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/09/born-of-silence-league-5.html" target="_blank">Born of Silence</a>), Jullien's twin brother, Nykyrian (book one, <a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/08/born-of-night-league-1.html" target="_blank">Born of Night</a>) and my personal favorite, Syn Wade (book two, <a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/08/born-of-fire-league-2.html" target="_blank">Born of Fire</a>). Trajen is here. Shay. Bastien. Nero. Psycho Bunny. The list goes on and on.</div><div><br /></div><div>This book spans years. </div><div><br /></div><div>The last memory I had of Jullien was when Nykyrian and Syn were informed that their families, and many others, had been slain in a large scale attack. Book ten, was it? <a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/search?q=league" target="_blank">Born of Betrayal</a>, I believe. It wasn't that long ago book-wise. So while I am truly thankful to now know the steps that led to this vile man saving the day way back when, and having everyone turn around and save him, Jullien remains a least liked character and his book is, sadly, my lowest ranked of the League series. It's a definite read if you are a fan of any of the other books but I cannot recommend it as a standalone experience. </div><div><br /></div><div>3 out of 5 stars. </div><div>
<br />
<div>Available from Amazon.com in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016I7ZPL2/ref=as2&tag=location2571-20" target="_blank">ebook</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/2Mcqe3W" target="_blank">hardcover</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3o5tqvA" target="_blank">paperback</a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/3bXFn44" target="_blank">audiobook</a></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Previously in The League (1st Generation): Nemesis Rising <br />
<a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/08/born-of-night-league-1.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400023995s/2992061.jpg" /></a><a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/08/born-of-fire-league-2.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1385444584i/8123390._UY200_.jpg" width="47" /></a><a href="https://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/09/born-of-shadows-league-4.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328310212i/8159152._UY200_.jpg" width="51" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/09/born-of-silence-league-5.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337334574s/12995312.jpg" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/09/cloak-and-silence-league-6.html"><img height="75" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1353134746s/13631346.jpg" width="52" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/10/born-of-fury-league-7.html"><img a="" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1399434124s/13079147.jpg" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2015/05/born-of-defiance-league-9.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412822622s/22046891.jpg" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2015/11/born-of-betrayal-league-10.html"><img height="75" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1498613654i/24497988._UY200_.jpg" width="50" /></a><br />
<br />
Previously in The League (2nd Generation): Nemesis Legacy<br />
<a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2014/08/born-of-ice-league-3.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422334539s/6434232.jpg" /></a><a href="http://loc2571.blogspot.com/2015/10/fire-and-ice-league-4.html"><img src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1299336261s/2789282.jpg" /></a></div></div>Raganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17943045148345712114noreply@blogger.com0