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booksandwords · 11 months

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Return to Sanctuary (Anthology)

Read time: 2 Days Rating: 5/5

Edited by Carol Shaughnessy Contains contributions by: Sherrilyn Kenyon/ McQueen, Nicki Nance, Lina Acevedo, Sabrina Diaz, Sheri-Lynn Marean, Cole Jackson, Hunter J Skye, Leigh Bulls, Alice Sable, Cynthia Agutun, Trinity Blaslo, Dawn Chartier, Eva Nela, Sarah Compton and C Stripes.

To me this is not as strong as Sanctuary. It at least doesn't feel as well organised, Love's Absolution is a strange way to start, too tightly tied to the previous book. Second Chance for a Forever Mate is a strange way to end at least to me, utilising arcadian wolves it rightfully uses their base forms in the mating process something that I've never been a fan of (not an uncommon opinion). I can see the choice to use Stripes' inclusion last could leave a bad taste in readers mouths. It could however have been a decent first entry with Nance's last.

What is improved in Return to Santuary is the variety of supernaturals used in the stories. I found Santuary focused heavily on Werehunters this one is more diverse most importantly including more Dark Hunters as ocs. There is an origin story for one of the more enigmatic couples in the Hunterverse, some surprising pantheon appearances and a story written in entirely in what I shall refer to as the Simi speak. It is clearly one for the fans for through. There will be a story for everyone and probably a story that will leaving them going "Ahhh... no not for me". To me at least this is what an anthology should be, diverse.

Love's Absolution by Nicki Nance

“I’m not a doctor, but I think it’s your species.” Dev sat down against the wall and put his elbows on his knees in anticipation of a long talk. Shem glared down at him. “What?” Dev pointed at him. “You, my friend, are human. Mistakes come with the territory. Hence the term ‘human error.’” — Dev Peltier and Shem

Love's Absolution is a continuation of Mourning Shadows Nicki Nance's story from Sanctuary. It's a firm addition to that world, though something tells me you may be able to pick it up and read it without knowing Mourning Shadows. It builds on the world that Nance created in that story. It feels like an alternative reality, our timeline but not. What we do find out that I appreciated is the inclusion of Shem's family, particularly his maternal line. Shem comes from a long line of very strong women... the Devereaux women. It is a story of family and forgiveness. There is an on-point Ash conversation that cannot be ignored.

Music and Storm by Lina Acevedo

The sensation of her body next to his when they escaped to dance in the rain, the smell of the rain, their feet buried in mud, the sound of thunder, their laughter and their hearts racing like a song. A kiss that she had wanted and had never happened. — Eliša

This is the story of Egyptian Dark Hunter Eliša and squire Basilius Nizar. And huh... I honestly did not see that ending coming. I'm not going to think too hard about the interplay of pantheons here. If one of the big six can be hiding out in a different pantheon we may as well use it. The ending kinda feels off to me. Are squires tied to a single hunter? If not why isn't Nizar made Eliša's squire? I know Queen of All Shadows plays with a squire Dark Hunter relationship (Brynna and Xander). Either way, it is a choice interpretation. Leaves them happy. Answers the whys of their history. And Eliša is a truly interesting Dark Hunter with her mix of power and perhaps damaged mind.

Follow the Thread by Sabrina Diaz

He was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. His blue eyes were even more intense in the light. His blond hair was cropped short in a way that suited his face. She noticed that he had burn scars on his face and arms. But that only made him more attractive to her. The scars proved he was a survivor. — Nyssa

This is different. It blends multiple well-known Greek myths but centres them around Sanctuary as a base and point of safety. Exactly as it is intended to be, as was I suspected the brief of the entries as well. Nyssa is a strong heroine well matched to the traumatised Ladon. I like the shades, the way Nyssa sees supernatural beings, showing, their most common presentations. It is so good to see Eris or a Devereaux woman in any piece. The Devereaux's are just a matriarchial tour de force and Eris is well Eris.

We All Got Beasts by Sheri-Lynn Marean

“You really think they guard treasure?” “It is, and maybe. At least I hope so,” Genna said. “A girl can’t have enough sparklies.” “Exactly,” —

Okay, let's be honest this is so hard to read. It's reading a whole story of Simi speak essentially, props to the author for that alone. Is just a cute little adventure kinda story. Genna is an acquired taste but her relationship with Thaniel is cute. Trying to make the gnomes come to life just to protect what is most precious is so sweet. like Nicki Nance's story, this is a pair to her piece in Sanctuary, though stands alone with more ease.

Saved by Stone by Cole Jackson

She was young enough to get carded for a drink and old enough to be served it. A girl her age would rarely come out alone at night and those that did would know to keep an eye over their shoulder. He watched her a moment more and realized that she wasn’t from around here. — Garin

There is a fantastic cyclic feeling to the ending. The hero, Garin has such a good voice. He's a gargoyle everything about him screams Victorian, his prestenation but more importantly his manner of speaking. The choice to give him that older voice is one of the best, it's like keeping the manner of speaking for a Dark Hunter after they made their deal with Artemis. I like that someone wrote a story using a protagonist who comes from a place of conflict with the Peltiers and the Sanctuary staff. Not everyone is on their good side, and bears have long memories. Aimee does her brilliant insightful female thing here too when it comes to Garin and Frankie's relationship.

Wendigo Weekend by Hunter J Skye

I hadn’t meant to select such an upscale hotel, but they’d had a cancellation and I was a lunatic with a credit card. — Ari

This is a very different take on self-discovery set before Bad Moon Rising. Wendigo protagonist Ari feels almost voiceless though. It almost seems like Hunter J Skye decided to use the Hunterverse and Return to Sanctuary as a way to introduce readers to a new mythological creature. One with a dark side. Also, it comes from Native American myth, not something we see a lot of in the Hunterverse. This is a story that does brilliant work with Lo. It shows a caring side of her we need to see more.

Bayou Honeymoon by Leigh Bulls

Jamison had come back from New York. She’d said she loved him, and her life wouldn’t be complete without him. He remembered their wedding day. When asked, she’d said, “We do” instead of the normal “I do.” It was her way of telling everyone she carried his child. — Rafe

This one is all mystery all the time. Leigh Bulls tells the story of a late honeymoon for werewolf, Rafe and Jamison his pregnant human wife. It features frequent appearances by Menyara freaking out the tourists, telling them their unborn child so is highly important. But you never get any real answers as to why Jamison's son is so important. You know, I like it as a piece of storytelling it is effective. If there is a third vol it will be curious to know if this one continues on.

Enter the Sanctuary by Alice Sable

“What the hell are you?” Acheron snorted. “I’m your best friend and your worst nightmare all wrapped up in tight leather pants.” “Mmm, sexy,” Tory whispered. Acheron grinned and kissed Tory’s forehead. “Later, baby.” — Logan, Acheron and Tory

I'm not sure that to make of this. Great use of the one demon army that is Simi. Tory being the big boss she is, one theme of the series all the men are cowed by their women. Fang being allergic to subtlety. I like the concept of the elementals but not so much how they were played out. The lore governing the elementals is effective, blood is an earth element. Alice sable does introduce an interesting play on the infamous sign "You entered the Sanctuary in peace, now go in peace.” (Acheron). Side not which book did we meet Psyche and Eros in? I remember it happening but not when.

In Another Place by Cynthia Agutun

There was darkness in him, but also light. He had a heart filled with love, fighting to keep the darkness at bay. My intuition told me that at some point he would meet someone who would tip the balance and add more light to his life. I gave him a smile. “Keep fighting. Never let the darkness overtake your heart. The light will come.” — Cassie

Cynthis Agutun uses a smartly heroine in her story. Commonly, especially in the Chronicles of Nick, we are introduced to characters that are born of dual and conflicting natures. This is exactly what Cassie is, the daughter of a demon and a guardian angel. She runs into the most iconic dual nature character in the entire Hunterverse... Nick Gautier. Agutun is the only person to use the canonical Nick, post the breakdown of the relationship with Ash. Cassie's quote was directed at him. The whole story is just clever

Sanctuary's Sheltered Heart by Trinity Blaslo

She is the tornado that flies by but notices everything not touching a thing Her heart is that of gold, yet no one dares goes digging to find it. Only a true one will be her king. — 🎼 Sanctuary 🎙

Look this is just weird. Not sure if that is good weird or bad weird. It more makes an unexpected twist that doesn't sit well with me. I did like Simi's absolute loyalty though and Sanctuary repaying it. But Lore's "his woman" language got old fast. That sort of pocessive linguistics without her knowledge or mutual agreement puts me on edge. Particularly given the background for this couple.

Awakwnwd by the Dark Hunter by Dawn Chartier

“I’d rather believe you’re a vigilante.” A deep laugh escaped him. Something he hadn’t done in a long time. He wasn’t sure what possessed him, but he reached up and cupped her chin. “I’m no dark hero, Alyssa Brooks.” — Alyssa and Cole

I quite like this. Cole is perfectly charming. Alyssa is sassy and nearly realistic given the pull that does exist. Also, she's a librarian. 😇 Dawn Chartier was aware of the word count limits and it made the right choices with their characters and the plot. It feels like the compressed early parts of a novel. You get just enough of a feel for what is going on, where they come from, what their hang-ups are but it is about them, their now and not their pasts. It's seemingly one of the few in this collection that goes explicit and it does that well.

How a Demon Made a Friend by Eva Nela

"You shouldn't be walking alone if you can't defend yourself properly." He growled aggressively. “But… Well, that also gave me a chance to meet you.” He smirked, flashing his sharp teeth. “I'm Xedrix.” — Xedrix

OMG 🤩 it was only when I looked up Xedricks that I realised what this is. This is the first meeting between Simi's older brother and owner of Club Charonte, Xedrix and his partner, Dimme demon Kerryna. I barely remember these two but I remember meeting them in Bad Moon Rising (how is it that book is a point of confluence for so much?). That said it did leave me so confused. Kerryna comes across as a moralistic demon. But what did surprise me was the main Peltier in play, Kyle. It's so nice to see a different cub. Eva Nela also honours Nicolette in the best possible way.

Plague of Pantheons by Sarah Compton

“Gwendolen is a grown woman. She should have the right to decide for herself what must be done. She doesn’t seem like the type to stand in the background.” — Aimee Peltier

This is a well thought out pairing. Gwain, Knight of the Round Table now a Dark Hunter and immortal Gwendolen. Though immortal Gwendolen is only 23, she is the daughter of Celtic goddess Cerridwen and Roman god Saturn. I call it well thought out because there is serious compatibility there culturally and personality-wise. This one certainly leaves the reader feeling like there is more to come. Gwendolen is not as strong as I would have liked but maybe it is more Saturn is super protective and she is wholly trapped. Not too many people could break that shield.

After I finished reading this I looked up what Cerridwen and Saturn functions were. Saturn was the God of time, wealth, agriculture, and liberation, Cerridwen is slightly more difficult but modern interpretation has her as the goddess of rebirth, transformation, and inspiration. There are other interpretations that have her as the Crone in the female cycle and as Underworld Goddess. They wouldn't necessarily be incompatible. But their daughter could be very interesting when she comes into her powers. Am I overthinking this? Yes but don't mix pantheons and expect me to not think about contexts.

Second Chance for a Forever Mate by C Stripes

“You should come to the bar. Show everyone you’re still alive.” “That’s the crux of the matter, isn’t it?” Beau locked gazes with Serre. “Am I still alive?” — Serre Peltier and Beau

Gosh when was the last time I saw Serre? I adore seeing thing the Peltier cubs. Katagarian wolf Beau's story is built from a sad base, the loss of a mate days after they claimed each other, so before they tied their life forces. The loss of his Cassie has as you would expect destroyed him to a degree and made him very reckless, yet he is still the pack alpha. For me, it is more about him and his growth than his relationship with Madigan St. Jules. he knows something about her is different. Nothing wrong with it and it is so good to have a second chance. I always struggle with Katagaria and the animal base forms. What that means for consummation. Really that is not my thing. Regardless of how much I like a plot.

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myastrouniverse · 1 month

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April/2024🌖♐️ Why are you playing Cupid with me? How many arrows in a heart can one person take?

🌖 ☸︎ ♇︎ I am NOT a horse. I AM a human. I feel sick to my stomach. I feel sick because you made me think that Elliott might be alive. If he is alive I have to see him. I have to talk to him.

🌖 < 🚑 Everything is going to be fucked up for a long time if I find out Elliott is alive and you fuckheads kept him away from me.

🌖▪️🦚 Elliott could look like a hobbled fucking troll and I would still love him. I love him infinitely. I love you infinitely Mascis, but Elliott and I have unresolved shit to discuss. You can’t make me think he is alive and then leave me for dead. Or am I supposed to die because he died? I didn’t. So WTF is wrong with EVERYONE?

🎸 < 🌽 I only want to talk to Elliott, if Elliott is alive. I only love Elliott, if Elliott is alive. If he is alive, let me help him. I want to help him. In any way I can help him.

🌖 Λ 🌞 I saw that hoe at Sekmet lodge and the Dino show. WTF? WTF? I don’t even care. They obviously did something WRONG. Very wrong. Lon Milo has to know or at least I know he can help figure this out.

🌖 < ♀️I should have NEVER hung out with that stupid albino vampire lighting designer. He meant NOTHING to me. He was an asshole who shocked himself with a taser. It was scary, but it was also funny at the same time. You should have fucking seen the look on his face. It would have made you laugh.

STRFKR - Always/Never

youtube

Kiki Smith: ‘Constellation’ at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (1996)

It wasn’t him. Psych ops are just fucking with me.

Cy’s ex-wife was a psychopath. I won’t say her name.

Nicky and Tyler are innocent kids.

They were manipulated by their fucked up family.

If it helps, I know you were showered with decoy whores like I was showered with decoy dicks.

They are STILL everywhere. It’s pathetic.

I am sure the decoy whores are STILL all over YOU.

I can ONLY heal myself.

You should do some fucking WORK sometimes.

TOM KENYON WEBSITE:

#04/26/24 #astrology #Friday #Youtube #strfkr #ALWAYS/NEVER

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cedarlili · 1 year

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It's going to be soon

An Angel’s Love Nicki Kenyon Awareness Ray Krawczyk Memories of the Abyss Cedar Sanderson Sometimes You Get What You Need Richard Cartwright Forward from the Past Becky Jones Requiem David Bock Domestic Disturbance Mary Hoerr Baba Yaga Fiona Grey Moments of Madness Kat Stevens The Patient Dr. Latebloomer Echoes from The Abyss Cedar Sanderson Winter Melgrims Denton Salle The Fog Rex…

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#But Not Broken #finding the light #fog of pain #Hope and Healing #mental health #PTSD Anthology #reason to live

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puha-hubiya · 2 years

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historyl3sbian · 3 years

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Tell me David Webster wouldn’t religiously listen to Nicki Minaj

#band of brothers #bandofbrothers #lewis nixon #babe heffron #baberoe #dick winters #richard winters #bill guarnere #carwood lipton #david kenyon webster #david webster #nicki minaj

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rainingmusic · 5 years

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Tears for Fears - Badman's Song

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cardrisen · 4 years

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All evens

A rabbit’s trying to kill me~

2. Have any pets?

I do! <3 I have two dogs, though if you wanna get technically, Gus is my mother’s and Nicky is my aunt’s. Gus is a shitzhu-Llhasa apso mix, and Nicky’s an Australian Terrier and I love them, they’re such dorks <3

4. Random fact about your muse?

Yuzu can play piano! <3 She’s been playing since she was little but lately hasn’t kept up with it as much, mostly because of things having to do with the duel school and being nabbed by Fusion but I mean... She still can if you want her to. <3

6. Favorite music genre?

Pop, rock (light and heavy), J-pop, and J-rock. Honestly I listen to a lot of genres? I’m more of a ‘favorite songs’ person over a ‘favorite bands’ one; I can hate the band and everything else they’ve done but if I like a single song I’ll keep listening to it? XD Not to say I don’t have favorites, but I’m all over the place. XD

8. Coffee, tea, or something else entirely?

All of the above? XD I actually have Chron’s Disease, which basically is an autoimmune disorder that makes my immune system attack my intestines and brings with it issues like mild lactose intolerance and an inability to have certain foods/drinks, so while I love coffee I can’t have a whole heck of a lot of it. I’m primarially a tea and soda drinker because of that, though I do love me some coffee occasionally too~

10. Believe in aliens?

Yes? I mean look at the universe and how wide the expanse of space is; you gonna tell me we’re the only things out there? Not likely, though if they are out there I doubt they have any interest in us.

12. Ever tried any out there hair colors?

Unfortunately no! I’ve never really been super into overly bright and neon colors and such for myself, as much as I like it when it’s done well on other people? When I dye my hair it’s to a nice, bright auburn and I’ve never gone past that, though of late I’ve been thinking of doing a red ombre of sorts...

14. Do you relate to your muse(s) in any way?

I do. Anxiety (Aoi, Kazumi) is something I suffer from and while mine is way worse than theirs, I can relate to how they struggle with it too well. It’s also possible I may suffer from PTSD due to various past events and I’m looking into seeing someone about that, so I feel them there too. Kazumi’s desire to hide behind a joke and smile is something I do, seeking comfort in friends... I see a bit of myself in every muse I play but if I list them all we’ll be here all day so let’s just move on for now. XD

16. Favorite movie?

Guardians of the Galaxy and Disney’s Mulan! I’m also going to make everyone who hates movie adaptations of video games cringe and say I also love the live action Tekken movie, the ygo movies, Deadpool, Moana, Interstellar 555 (It’s a movie and I will not see it as anything but), and I’m also kindda fond of Top Gun - I don’t watch a whole heck of a lot of movies these days though.

18. Do you read often? If so who is your favorite author?

Not as much as I should, probably, but definitely. I love Tamora Pierce (need to get back into her books sometime-), and Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-, Were-, and Dream-Hunter series; Sherrilyn’s books are the only romance novels I’ll ever read solely because they don’t read as romance novels. They read as mythology in modern tmes and she brings these myths and characters alive and puts such a unique spin on it that it doesn’t feel like a romance series - It feels like a fantasy-mythology mix with a main romantic plotline, if that makes sense. It probably doesn’t. XD

I’ve only read one book by Emma Bull and that was Finder, but I’d reccommend that, too. <3

20. Vampires or werewolves?

Phoenixes. XD Okay but no, while I like both and I don’t mind a plot involving them, they’ve gotten to be so overdone? Like cool how about a Phoenix or something for once? So I guess I’d have to say both.

22. Fantasy or sci-fi?

Both, if they’re done well. Possibly a bit more fantasy because there’s less rules and more diversity to the plots - Scifi always seems to come back to the same ideas, which while there’s nothing wrong with that, I can only watch/read the same idea so many times before I’m headed off for something else.

24. Do you write fics?

I do! Usually I write drabbles I end up sharing on my blogs if I like them enough (and Kasa gets to see everything I write usually XD), but bigger projects are saved for things like NaNoWriMo, where I can give them the attention and dedication they deserve. This year’s project, if I’m able to take part (too many outside influences make things hard lately), is going to be a Vrains project focused 17 years post-canon and following a muse from one of my other blogs ( @valkyrianflame ) as he gets caught up in a fight that should never have been revived. It actually got started in April, but... Again, outside influences.

#eyesofblueheartofgold #Curious Inquires [Asks]#Out Of Poms [OOC]#Ilu for these tho XD #No matter how I titled it <3 #Other half of this is gonna be fun? XD

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transnames · 6 years

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Some two-syllable neutral names

(One-syllable names)

You can also combine initials, e.g. AJ, although this does not work for all initials and it can be gendered masculine.

A: Aaren, Abbott, Adair, Addi, Adren, Aerie, Afon, Aiden, Aiken, Ainsley, Alder, Alex, Ali, Alix, Alpha, Altair, Alto, Alton, Alva, Amal, Amore, Andy, Angel, Angie, Anise, Arbor, Ari, Ariel, Arlen, Arley, Arrow, Arya, Asa, Asher, Ashlen, Ashley, Ashton, Aspen, Aster, Aston, Aubrey, Auburn, Auden, August, Aura, Austin, Avery, Avis, Aviv, Avon, Aya, Ayan, Aza, Aze, Azure

B: Bailey, Baldwin, Banner, Barrett, Basil, Bauer, Baylor, Benson, Bentley, Berkley, Berry, Beryl, Billie, Birdie, Blakely, Bobbie, Booker, Bradley, Brady, Brayden, Brennan, Brewer, Briar, Brighton, Brinsley, Bronte, Brooklyn, Bryant

C: Cadence, Caelum, Calder, Camden, Cameron, Camille, Campbell, Canyon, Carey, Carlyle, Carmen, Carol, Carter, Cartwright, Carson, Casey, Cedar, Chandler, Chandra, Channing, Charlie, Charlton, Chatham, Cheyenne, Citron, Clancy, Claudie, Clover, Cobalt, Coby, Cohen, Coleson, Collins, Colver, Comet, Condor, Connell, Connie, Cooper, Coral, Corbin, Corin, Corey, Corley, Cortney, Cricket, Cyan, Cypress, Cyrille

D: Dallas, Dana, Dani, Darby, Darcy, Darrell, Darren, Denver, Devon, Diamond, Diaz, Dillon, Douglas, Dustin, Dusty, Dylan

E: Eagle, Early, Easton, Ebon, Echo, Eddie, Eden, Efe, Eiffel, Eissa, Elli, Ellis, Ellwood, Ember, Emer, Emerald, Emlyn, Emmett, Emry, Emryn, Enfys, Ennis, Eren, Errel, Essence, Esme, Evan, Ever, Everett, Eyrie, Ezra

F: Fable, Falco, Falcon, Fallon, Farah, Fargo, Farley, Farrell, Faulkner, Feldspar, Fennel, Fifer, Finley, Finney, Fiore, Fischer, Fletcher, Floren, Florence, Forest, Francis, Frankie, Freedom, Friday, Fulton

G: Gabi, Galen, Galway, Gannet, Garden, Gardner, Garey, Garland, Garnet, Gavi, Germaine, Gerry, Glenwood, Golden, Grady, Granite, Guthrie

H: Hadley, Halcyon, Hallow, Halo, Happy, Harbor, Harley, Harlow, Harper, Hartley, Haven, Hawking, Hayden, Henley, Heron, Hollis, Honor, Hopper, Hudson, Hunter

I: Iman, Imory, Indi, Innis, Io, Ira, Isa, Isha, Islet, Iver, Ivor, Ivory, Ivy, Izzy

J: Jacinth, Jackie, Jaden, Jael, Jalen, Jamie, Janis, Jarrah, Jarrell, Jasper, Jensen, Jessie, Joey, Jody, Jonquil, Jordan, Journey, July, Juneau, Junior, Juno, Justice

K: Kali, Kameron, Karey, Karson, Kasey, Kato, Keaton, Keegan, Keelan, Keenan, Kelby, Kellan, Keller, Kelly, Kelsey, Kendall, Kenyon, Kenzie, Kerry, Kestrel, Kevyn, Kieran, Kingsley, Kirby, Klaudie, Koby, Kody, Korbin, Korin, Korey, Krishna, Kyler

L: Laker, Lakyle, Lander, Landry, Laney, Langley, Larkin, Larkspur, Lashawn, Laurel, Laurence, Leighton, Lennox, Leopard, Leslie, Lethe, Lexie, Lexis, Linden, Lindsay, Lindy, Linnet, Logan, London, Loren, Luca, Lucky, Lyric

M: Maddox, Magic, Major, Malloy, Manu, Marley, Marlow, Martell, Marty, Mattie, Maury, Maurice, Maxie, Maxwell, Meadow, Mercer, Merlyn, Merritt, Merry, Micah, Mika, Miller, Misha, Monday, Morgan, Murphy, Murray, Myers

N: Narcisse, Nasim, Navdeep, Navy, Neal, Neptune, Neo, Nicky, Nico, Nika, Nike, Nimbus, Noam, Noel, Nori, Norris, Nouvel, Nova

O: Oakley, Oberon, Ocean, Odell, Ollie, Olive, Onyx, Opal, Ori, Oriole, Orion, Orrin, Osborne, Owen, Ozzie

P: Paisley, Paris, Parker, Pasco, Patience, Patrice, Paxton, Penrose, Pepper, Peregrine, Perrin, Perry, Peyton, Phelan, Phoenix, Piper, Placid, Porter, Prairie, Presley, Prosper

Q: Qaisar, Quarry, Quasar, Quetzal, Quila, Quincy, Quentin, Quillan

R: Raleigh, Rainbow, Rainer, Randy, Raven, Redmond, Regal, Regan, Reggie, Reynold, Rhythm, Ricki, Ridley, Riley, Rio, Rishi, River, Robbie, Robin, Ronnie, Rory, Roscoe, Rowan, Royal, Rudy, Ryder, Ryen, Rylen

S: Sabah, Sadler, Saffron, Salem, Samar, Sandy, Satchel, Saturn, Sasha, Sawyer, Saylor, Season, Selby, Seren, Seven, Sevy, Shale, Shannon, Shelby, Shelly, Shiloh, Sidney, Silver, Sinclair, Skylar, Skylark, Skyler, Snowdrop, Snowy, Soren, Sorrel, Sparrow, Spencer, Spirit, Springer, Stanley, Starling, Sterling, Summer, Sunday, Sunny, Sunshine, Sunset, Sutton

T: Taffy, Tali, Talon, Tanner, Tarian, Taylor, Teagan, Teddy, Tempest, Temple, Terry, Thursday, Tibby, Tiernan, Tiger, Timber, Tobin, Toby, Topaz, Torrey, Tracy, Trenton, Tristen, Tucker, Turner, Tuesday, Tully, Tyler, Tyson

U: Ulfie, Ulli, Ulri, Ulysse, Umber, Umbra, Upton, Urban, Uri, Ursa, Usher, Uta

V: Valen, Vega, Verdi, Vernon, Verrill, Vesper, Vivi, Vivien, Volta, Voltaire

W: Walker, Wallace, Waylan, Webster, Wednesday, Weston, Whimsy, Whitley, Whitney, Wilder, Willow, Wilson, Windsor, Windy, Winslow, Winter, Wisdom, Wolfram, Woody, Wylie

X: Xander, Xavie

Y: Yael, Yaven, Yannick, Yarrow, Yven

Z: Zailey, Zaki, Zander, Zandy, Zavi, Zelig, Zeno, Zephyr, Zero, Zevi, Zion, Zohar, Zola, Zorey, Zuri

#names #neutral #two syllable #resource #op

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nationalssquash · 4 years

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2020 Masters FINALS

British Nationals 2020 : Masters Finals

And so, the culmination of much effort and sweat – the Finals of the AJ Bell National Championships. Nottingham Squash Club has hosted an excellent event and the facilities at the club are superb.

M35 [1] Sam Miller (Wks) 3-1 [2] Phil Rushworth (Sry) 11/9, 4/11, 12/10, 11/9 M40 [1] Darren Lewis (Lec) 3-1 [3/4] Stuart Ayton (Sco) 16/14, 11/8, 8/11, 11/6 M45 [1] Nick Wall (Yks) 3-0 [2] Paul Boyle (Bux) 11/4, 11/9, 11/9 M50 [1] Yawar Abbas (Dcl) 3-0 [5/8] Andrew Cross (Dcl) 11/7, 11/5, 11/9 M55 [1] Jon Foster (Hph) 3-0 [3/4] Alex Betts (Mdx) 11/7, 11/6, 11/8 M60 [3/4] Neil Harrison (Dcl) 3-1 [3/4] Allen Barwise (Lnh) 12/14, 11/5, 11/8, 11/7 M65 [2] Stephen Johnson (Lnh) 3-1 [1] Mark Cowley (Mdx) 6/11, 12/10, 11/8, 12/10 M70 [3/4] Ian Graham (Ssx) 3-2 [3/4] Larry Grover (Hph) 11/6, 6/11, 8/11, 11/6, 11/6) M75 [3/4] Ken Johnson (Nld) 3-2 [2] Mike Clemson (Yks) 11/4, 8/11, 11/8, 3/11, 11/8 M80 RR 1st Vincent Taylor (Sco), 2nd Pat Kirton (n/a)

W35 [1] Sarah Campion (Chs) 3-0 [2] Sarah-Jane Neller (Esx) 11/6, 11/2, 11/4 W40 [1] Lauren Briggs (Esx) 3-0 [3/4] Kate Bradshaw (Cbe) 11-1, 11-6,11-1 W45 [2] Rachel Calver (Lec) 3-2 [1] Rachel Woodward (Not) 13/11, 11/4, 9/11, 9/11, 11/7 W50 [1] Andrea Santamaria (Yks) 3-0 [2] Nikki Fowler (Chs) 12/10, 13/11, 15/13 W55 [1] Mandy Akin (Knt) 3-2 [2] Hilary Kenyon (Chs) 7/11, 11/9, 10/12, 11/4, 11/8 W60 [2] Sian Johnson (Wal) 3-0 [1] Julie Field (Yks) 11/7, 11/9, 11/6 W70 [1] Ann Manley (Avn) 3-2 [2] Rebecca Czuczman (Knt) 5/11, 4/11, 11/7, 11/1, 11/8

Full Masters Draws | Finals Day Photos

The Women’s Events

W70s. Ann Manley (AVN) has won World and British Opens but only one National. Her opponent in the final was Rebecca Czuczman (KNT) who has seven Nationals, but it was Manley who took the match in five.

W60s. Yorkshire’s Julie Field is a four-time World Champion as well as having seven National titles. In a group with many champions she is probably on top. Wales No 1 and former National Champion Sian Johnson is renowned for her skilful play. The Wales star produced a beautiful game of high deep squash and kept Field at bay.

W55s. Mandy Akin (KNT) is a seven-time champion and was favourite in the match against Hilary Kenyon. But it was a real battle with some great rallies. Kenyon edged the third 12/10 to go 2/1 up but Akin’s renowned athleticism got her through the next two for a five-game victory.

W50s. There are not many 3/0 matches like this final. Two very accomplished players although Andrea Sanatamaria (YKS) is the one with higher profile, Nicky Fowler (CHS) is very good indeed, and a three-time champion. The scores say it all. 12/10, 13/11, 1513. A great contest and Andrea’s fourth National.

W45s. A battle of the Rachels! Defending Champion Rachel Woodward (NOT) was slight favourite but Rachel Calver (LEC) had other ideas and took the first two. She has one National title and been close a few times. Woodward struck back and took the next 11/9. It was Calver who broke through in the fifth and hung on to take her second National.

W40s. Lauren Briggs (ESX) has every major title in the Masters game and there was no stopping her here. Kate Bradshaw (CBE) is a fine player but had no way of upsetting the former World top 20 player. 3/0 to Briggs. Her sixth National title in six outings.

W35s. This evnet also had an exceptional player in the form of Sarah Campion (CHS) formerly Kippax. A top player on the tour she was a class apart. In the final the talented Sarah-Jane Neller (ESX) gave her all and played some fine squash but there was only going to be one winner and Campion stormed through 3/0 to take the title.

The Men’s Events

M75s. After his shock defeat of four-time World Champion Adrian Wright (YKS) yesterday Ken Johnson (NLD) was ready for British Open Champion Mike Clemson (YKS). In a match that swung from one to the other, Johnson’s strong hitting overcame Clemson’s mobility. 3/2. A first National title for Johnson.

M70s. Ian Graham (SSX) and Larry Grover (HPH) both removed a top seed yesterday. In an excellent contest it moved back and forth. Grover went 2/1 up but Graham, slightly quicker, began to make inroads and took the next two to win 3/2 and get his second National title.

M65s. The top two seeds and the top two in the world in this age group deservedly met in the final. Mark Cowley (MDX) took the first but Steve Johnson (LNH) hit back to take the second 12/10. There was a lot for the referee to do in this match as the players tried to dominate the court, with both players on the floor several times. There was also some sublime squash but it was Johnson who found his way through 12/10 in the fourth.

M60s. The two 3/4 seeds met in the final and in a match with some great squash, fine movement and good sportsmanship. Allen Barwise (LNH) the 2017 Champion took the first 14/12 but Neil Harrison (DCL) struck back and managed to just keep ahead. There was only the odd points in it, but Harrison took the Championship to remedy losses when in the Over 45s!

M55s. After his heroics finally beating his nemesis Eamonn Price yesterday, Alex Betts (MDX) had it all to do again against top seed Jon Foster (HPH) who had moved through the tournament untroubled. Betts produced some great squash in his usual all-action style but Foster was always in charge. 3/0 and a first National title for him.

M50s. Durham & Cleveland produced three of the four semi finalists and both finalists. Yawar Abass and Andy Cross have played each other a fair amount and Abass is ahead on their head to heads. So, it proved here with Abass able to move Cross around the court and play into the gaps. A great result for Cross to get to the final in a very competitive group. A sixth National title for Abass.

M45s. 2019 Champion Paul Boyle (BUX) played very well again to get to the final but Nick Wall (YKS) was a different proposition and he had the class to always be ahead and make Boyle try and catch up. A terrific game of squash, though as Wall clinched the second and third games 11/9 for the title.

M40s. Scotland star Stuart Ayton had notched up some great wins to reach the final including the longest match of the week, well over and hour. He met former Circuit pro Darren Lewis (LEC) in the final who took a vital first game 16/14. Ayton took the third but couldn’t do more as Lewis ran out in four competitive games for a title to go with his 35s one in 2015.

M35s. What a match! The best two players produced an absolute cracker of a contest that showed Squash at its very best. Fantastic hitting, incredible movement and great sportsmanship. It was a pleasure to watch two such great athletes. Army Champion Sam Miller (WKS) took the first but Wimbledon pro Phil Rushworth (SRY) struck back to level. He got to 10/7 in the third but Miller moved into overdrive to clinch it 12/10 saving four game points. The fourth continued point for point with both players hurtling round the court to cover the most deft drops and powerful drives. Miller took it 11/9. A truly great match.

The presentations were made by Keir Worth, CEO of England Squash and Mark Jeffery a Board Member of England Squash. Thanks were given to the Nationals sponsors AJ Bell, Nottingham Squash Club for being terrific hosts, especially Manager Nick Hargreaves and his bar and catering staff. Also to the Referees, the assistance of all tournament staff, Brian Brock the Events Manager in particular, and Roz Featherstone who helped on the tournament desk all week.

#2020 #masters

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loveinquotesposts · 4 years

Photo

https://loveinquotes.com/then-why-dont-you-and-bubba-have-girlfriends-nicki-dont-want-the-drama-of-it-after-the-last-one-burnt-up-all-my-clothes-with-my-jack-daniels-black-label-collection-and-t/

Then why don’t you and Bubba have girlfriends? (Nick)I don’t want the drama of it. After the last one burnt up all my clothes with my Jack Daniel’s Black Label collection and tried to decapitate me with my CDs, I decided I’d take a hiatus for a bit. (Mark) ― Sherrilyn Kenyon, Infinity

#girlfriend quotes #Infinity #Infinity quotes #Sherrilyn Kenyon #Sherrilyn Kenyon girlfriend quotes #Sherrilyn Kenyon quotes #LoveQuotes

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networkingdefinition · 4 years

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Reindeer Quotes

Official Website: Reindeer Quotes

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• All right, you’re a reindeer. Here’s your motivation: Your name is Rudolph, you’re a freak with a red nose, and no one likes you. Then, one day, Santa picks you and you save Christmas. No, forget that part. We’ll improvise. just keep it kind of loosey-goosey. You HATE Christmas! You’re gonna steal it. Saving Christmas is a lousy ending, way too commercial. ACTION! – Unknown • Americanomics works, and I won’t argue that is true. But if the economy is getting better, getting better for who? Well, if you ask me, I’m doing much worse than before, With the welfare cuts, I don’t eat no more. So if I did wanna go out, I couldn’t go nowhere, Cause I ate every last one of them reindeer. Rudolph first, I went down the list, I got so hungry, I just couldn’t resist. I ate Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Dixon, Fried them up and then started to mix them. And before you knew it, they were all gone, I wonder what y’all gonna do about my reindeer song! – Kool Moe Dee • Because we need Christmas we had better understand what it is and what it isn’t. Gifts, holly, mistletoe, and red-nosed reindeer are fun as traditions, but they are not what Christmas is really all about. Christmas pertains to that glorious moment when the Son of our Father joined his divinity to our imperfect humanity. – Hugh W. Pinnock • Camels are snobbish and sheep, unintelligent; water buffaloes, neurasthenic– even murderous. Reindeer seem over-serious. – Marianne Moore • From now on, gang, we won’t let Rudolph join in any reindeer games. – Unknown • Having to act like an adult because I was directing a big movie but also feeling like a child because we had reindeer and big cameras and they had fake snow. I just wanted to go play in the snow. – Todd Strauss-Schulson • Herds of reindeer move across Miles and miles of golden moss – W. H. Auden • I actually share her view and understand her frustration when any government attempts to ban secular symbols like Santa Claus or Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer or Christmas lights. – Steve Israel • I am always amazed by the novel angles that people come up with for kids’ Christmas books. Even if a family is not religious, who could resist, say, “Olive, the Other Reindeer,” about Olive the dog who thinks the song refers to her and heads for the North Pole to help Santa out? – Jabari Asim • I detest ‘Jingle Bells,’ ‘White Christmas,’ ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,’ and the obscene spending bonanza that nowadays seems to occupy not just December, but November and much of October, too. – Richard Dawkins • I don’t like reindeer. They seem like regular deer, only more dangerous. – John Green • I had to get a driver’s license and drive to St. Louis to find the punk-rock scene that was happening there. And there was a punk-rock scene. It was sweet. It was real. It was like everywhere else in the county. It was a handful of people who were feeling the same pull, and, of course, it was like the Island of Misfit Toys in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer [1964]. Just the freaks, the fags, the fat girls, the unbelievable eccentrics . – Michael Stipe • I love Christmas. Frosty the Snowman, peace on Earth and mangers, Salvation Army bell ringers and reindeer, the movie ‘Meet Me in St. Louis,’ office parties and cookies. – Mo Rocca • I thought of my mother as Queen Christina, cool and sad, eyes trained on some distant horizon. That was where she belonged, in furs and palaces of rare treasures, fireplaces large enough to roast a reindeer, ships of Swedish maple. – Janet Fitch • I wasn’t exposed to art as I was growing up, and can’t recall the first time I saw a work of art. However, I remember very clearly a vision I had of a little green reindeer when I was a child, and visions emanate from the same mythical area where painting resides. Whatever the reason, I immediately felt comfortable working with visual materials. – William S. Burroughs • If Mitt Romney was Santa Claus, he would fire the reindeer and outsource the elves. – Ted Strickland • If you look at Christmas movies, there are certain things in them that lend themselves to a ‘Harold & Kumar’ movie. In particular, the more out-of-this-world things like Santa Claus and flying reindeer. – Unknown • I’m like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. If I’m not ready, the sled isn’t going to go. – Kevin Garnett • I’m Santa Claus to these hoes without a reindeer. – Nicki Minaj • I’ve been very successful doing voices in movies. I did Olive, the Other Reindeer, with Drew Barrymore, and I did Cats and Dogs. My children came to some of the sessions. – Joe Pantoliano • Multiculturalism means your kid has to learn some wretched tribal dirge for the school holiday concert instead of getting to sing ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.’ – Henry Hazlitt • My favorite holiday memory was sitting at home all day in my pajamas during winter break for school watching a bunch of old Christmas movies like ‘Jack Frost’ and ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ with my siblings and parents. – Unknown • Once upon a time, the Reindeer took a running leap and jumped over the Northern Lights. But he jumped too low, and the long fur of his beautiful flowing tail got singed by the rainbow fires of the aurora. To this day the reindeer has no tail to speak of. But he is too busy pulling the Important Sleigh to notice what is lost. And he certainly doesn’t complain. What’s your excuse? – Vera Nazarian • Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, dead at 53. Over Barcelona today, the famed reindeer was hit by a flock of seagulls and a 747. Eyewitnesses report, that the reindeer in Spain was hit mainly by the plane. – Colin Mochrie • Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw him, you would even say it glows. – Johnny Marks • Santa knows Physics: Of all colors, Red Light penetrates fog best. That’s why Benny the Blue-nosed reindeer never got the gig. – Neil deGrasse Tyson • Santa will be showing up with Rudolph the Red-Eyed Reindeer. – Conan O’Brien • The ones here know I own this place and they give it space. After all, unlike the Dark-Hunters, I’m not banned from hitting or killing them, and they know it. (Sin) You’re just such a sweetie pie. I can’t imagine why the other Dark-Hunters won’t let you play their reindeer games. Shame on them all. (Kat) – Sherrilyn Kenyon • The Sun, each second, transforms four million tons of itself into light, giving itself over to become energy that we, with every meal, partake of. For four million years, humans have been feasting on the Sun’s energy stored in the form of wheat or reindeer. Brian Swimme – Rob Brezsny • To really make it look like Santa came, I put reindeer poop on the roof. It’s just so cold up there with my pants down. – Dana Gould • Well, pull up an ice block and lend an ear. Now you know how Santa uses these flying reindeer to pull his sleigh. – Unknown • When I was out for the Christmas Holidays in school, I would go skiing up to the mountains and there they had Santa on a sled. Pulled by horses and other reindeer, it was a very, very picturesque time and that struck me very emphatically then and has remained with me all this time. – William Shatner • When it came right down to it, the reindeer would eat you. – Unknown • Why did the reindeer wear black boots? Because his brown ones were all muddy! – Unknown • Why does Scrooge love Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Because every buck is dear to him. – Unknown [clickbank-storefront-bestselling]

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jQuery(document).ready(function($) var data = action: 'polyxgo_products_search', type: 'Product', keywords: 'i', orderby: 'rand', order: 'DESC', template: '1', limit: '4', columns: '4', viewall:'Shop All', ; jQuery.post(spyr_params.ajaxurl,data, function(response) var obj = jQuery.parseJSON(response); jQuery('#thelovesof_i').html(obj); jQuery('#thelovesof_i img.swiper-lazy:not(.swiper-lazy-loaded)' ).each(function () var img = jQuery(this); img.attr("src",img.data('src')); img.addClass( 'swiper-lazy-loaded' ); img.removeAttr('data-src'); ); ); );

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jQuery(document).ready(function($) var data = action: 'polyxgo_products_search', type: 'Product', keywords: 'u', orderby: 'rand', order: 'DESC', template: '1', limit: '4', columns: '4', viewall:'Shop All', ; jQuery.post(spyr_params.ajaxurl,data, function(response) var obj = jQuery.parseJSON(response); jQuery('#thelovesof_u').html(obj); jQuery('#thelovesof_u img.swiper-lazy:not(.swiper-lazy-loaded)' ).each(function () var img = jQuery(this); img.attr("src",img.data('src')); img.addClass( 'swiper-lazy-loaded' ); img.removeAttr('data-src'); ); ); );

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booksandwords · 2 years

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Sanctuary (Anthology)

Read time: 2 Days Rating: 5/5

Edited by Carol Shaughnessy Contains contributions by: Sherrilyn Kenyon/McQueen, Sheri-Lynn Marean, Rachel Hailey, Nicki Nance, Kris Kellen, Kimberly Forrest, T. Elizabeth Guthrie, L.J. Sealy, Sam Brenton, Jennifer Forist, Jennifer Becker, Cathy Graham and Kim May

This is a book that I never knew I needed but absolutely did. Sherrilyn McQueen's Paladins are some of the most supportive people (mostly women) I've ever been around. This shows they also use their creativity well and clearly know their source material. Sanctuary is a collection of fanfictions written by Paladins centred on the titular Sanctuary bar and grill. Sanctuary itself is one of the most popular places in the Dark Hunter world. Everyone is welcome there just don't try anything stupid. Or as Kim May phrases it in A Fox With New Fur “Don’t start no shit and there won’t be no shit.”

What is interesting is the similarities and differences between the stories and their interpretations of the world. The biggest similarity between most of the stories is the use of Dev. While canonically the quads (except maybe Remi) and Fang rotate door duty so many of writers choose to use Dev the humorous and most recognisable Quad as an outsiders first introduction to Sanctuary. Also commonly if there was a character with an existing relationship with the bar it is nearly always the male. The other thing that I missed until I started writing this review, there are few if any Dark Hunter OCs. They are all Weres or other supernaturals.

The order of the stories is good. Choosing what was first and last was the most important for Carol Shaughnessy. Her choices of Dragon Heart Awakened by Sheri-Lynn Marean and A Fox With New Fur by Kim May respectively are effective choices. Dragon Heart Awakened is heavily romantic and echoes Sherrilyn McQueen's writing so well. Enemies to lovers with a twist, honestly it is an enjoyable start. Kim May's Megumi is one of the characters out of her element entirely and A Fox With New Fur is not a romantic story. It is just Megumi reclaiming her life. This is one for fans. Only fans will appreciate this. But you must remember reading that these are only interpretations of our beloved Hunterverse, they may or may not align with your perception of it.

The Legend of Sanctuary by Sherrilyn Kenyon

And I will leave everyone with one small reminder. These are fan stories, written by fans. While I gave them the ability to write in my world, what they have done isn’t necessarily Dark-Hunter canon. This book exists outside of the time line of the Dark-Hunters. And I hope all of you enjoy our little side adventure. Hugs!

This is the forward. The story of Sanctuary, the reasons Sherri chose to include the bar and an introduction to the anthology itself. Honestly, I really like the legend behind Sanctuary, why the Peltiers set it up. It really is one of the best known and popular stories in the Hunterverse.

Dragon Heart Awakened by Sheri-Lynn Marean

“I understand, and apology accepted. Love makes us do things we normally wouldn’t. How did this vendetta arise anyway?” “It started when a crazy ancestor of mine cursed all of dragonkind.” Aimee shook her head. “No one can ever simply get along, can they?” “Not in my experience,” — Aimee Peltier and Evany

Evany and Sawyer are great creations. Evany feels like every inch a Sherri heroine, intelligent and protective. Sawyer is a strong male who does need something even if he's not sure what. I could see him being from the mould of a Hellchaser. The whole thing feels very much like the princess saves herself, but I'm glad we don't go into the dark parts right before the end. It would be so hard to do justice do in such a limit word count. It was a strong choice to start on.

Brave by Rachel Hailey

“My mom is going to kill me.” “Yeah, been there, done that, and bled on the t-shirt.” Hannah twisted around to find a tall guy with jet-black, wavy hair leaning against the bar. He regarded her with eyes of deep jade. “What?” “I'm pretty sure my mom made attempted murder a holiday tradition. It's good to know my family isn't the only one that puts the fun in dysfunctional.” She shook her head with a light laugh. “Definitely can relate to that.” He sank to a stool next to her with a dazzling smile that displayed two deep dimples. “I'm Kearse.” — Hannah and Kearse

Okay, I need to start this by saying I really like the doll nickname Kearse uses for Hannah and I'm not even entirely certain why. It just suits him and I kinda feel like it suits New Orleans too. Brave isn't an out-and-out romance story. Brave not only relates to how Hannah is with Kearse, the lines between them but for the start. This is a demigod, Hannah coming into her own, protecting the innocent with her life and empowering herself. Kearse is a Sherri man to his core, amusing, kinda flirty, he wants her and knows she is his mate but respects her beyond all things. I like the ending. It gives a solid end and understanding to Kearse's story.

Mourning Shadows by Nicki Nance

“You’re gorgeous, Shem. I couldn’t pull my eyes away.” She reached forward and handed him the blue bundle she was now fisting, then she stepped back. “Welcome to my world. I’ve been looking at you that way since I was 15.” — Masciarina and Shem

This is one of my faves in the collection. It plays the world in an interesting way. Assuming I interpereted the signposts correctly, it's an alternate timeline. Shem and Mar are both wonderful. Shem is the one who twists the world on its head. Mar just makes some interesting adjustments to the characters. We do get one surprising get appearance.

Dreaming of New Orleans by Kris Kellen

“That’s an understatement. Let’s see, how to put this. I’m the friendly one,” he paused as both Aimee and Quinn laughed. Glaring at them he continued. “Cherif, you haven’t met him yet, he’s the oldest and acts it, Quinn over there is the quiet one, and, well, Rem is the grumpy one.” Looking at her he shook his head, “Remi doesn’t talk to people, not if he can help it. So, him sharing about the family, yeah, that seems weird to us.” — Dev Peltier

This takes the let Remi be happy idea and runs with it, and I couldn't be happier about it. Remi deserves happiness, I needed someone to write this. Canonically Remi is only in love with Quinn's mate Becca not a spurned male. He just needs to find the right woman/female to help. Leading lady MacKenzie Galanis is a brilliant choice. She feels like the daughter of a Dream Hunter, my fave of the Hunters. It was a pleasure to see Max, so many people forget about him. The ending of this fic will possibly be slightly controversial, even if the whole concept is not.

Hot Wings and Howlers by Kimberly Forrest

“I guess a lot of people around here have a thing for Artemis.” It had been said more to herself than for Simi, but the woman scowled blackly, muttering, “Nasty old heifer goddess.” Taken aback by the vitriol behind that statement, Jack repeated, “Heifer goddess?” “Artemis,” Simi confirmed grumpily. “She a mean old heifer. The Simi hates her.” — Jackelyn “Jack” Phillips and Simi

In some ways this has clever framing, the Eric that is mentioned as a cousin is from Chronicles of Nick. Maudaug's brother, Tabby's boyfriend. I forgot that he was a Squire though I don't know for who. This one is so short and deceptively simple. It has no romantic subplot just someone auditioning to join the Howlers part-time. What little magic is in play is the standard Were stunning the human. Though it's really nice to see Tori getting a mention. Forrest does a brilliant job capturing the voice of the Simi.

The Fugitive Jackal by T. Elizabeth Guthrie

Kenzie’s first thought was how tall and wide the man in front of her was. He looks like a tank. A very yummy tank. Falling back on her training, she realized he had to stand well over six feet tall. “Yummm,” purred her instantly horny witch. — Kenzie

Colt seems popular with fans as the hero, he has more than a little chemistry with Kenzie (another Kenzie?). What I really do like about this is the language Guthrie chooses to use. Kenzie is more than a little sassy and has a great observation of Fang, Colt is brilliantly written in his confusion and Fang is perfectly captured his humour (but Fang, Fang, Fang don't piss off your mate). I was honestly not sure how to feel about this story. It tells the story it needs to tell and it is a wonderful use of a bounty hunter, those we know are hunting Weres and were-Jackals (we've known some over the years why do I feel like they are all idiots?).

Ravaged Angel by Mary E Jung

A famous biker bar known to most locals, it stood resolute under the moonlight, as if daring deadly beasts to crawl out of the darkness and step over its threshold. By the scent of danger in the air, Melody would venture that gauntlet was picked up more times than not. — Melody

This is a sweet fic featuring demigod Melody and Wereleopard Angel, the lead singer of The Howlers. Melody is a haunted and hunted woman, hunted by Apollo (woo 😒). I could have used a couple of quotes from Ravaged Angel. Their relationship is so soft. I like seeing the empowerment that comes with being defended in Sanctuary's walls, the power that Melody gains from seeing people caring for her. Total respect to Jung for using Angel in a personal context, away from the stage.

Sanctuary by Carrie Humphrey

Kedah opened one eye, knowing that if she opened both, she would officially be awake and wasn’t ready to commit to that nonsense. — Kedah

To me this is possibly the weakest of the 14 stories. It's a vampire and mate meeting the members of the Peltier family for the first time and offering her services to fix a problem. It is one of if not the only story set pre-Bad Moon Rising, Nicolette and Papa Bear are still around and running Sanctuary. It's great to see Nicolette again. I do like the writing though, there are some fantastic quotes. But the story just leaves me wanting something, like it should be longer, like there are chapters missing.

One Fated Night by L.J. Sealy

Clara’s cheeks heated as she became aware that he was watching her. The fact he hadn’t uttered a word, as if he were happy for her eyes to roam his body, made her heart race. When her gaze met his heavy stare for a moment, she froze. — Clara

I like One Fated Night as a take. Heroine Clara is a Wolfswan on the run from a future she desperately doesn't want, from an abusive man, an abusive future. Hero Axe is a lone wolf who steps in to save her despite being on the way out of the town. After Axe is beaten badly Clara saves him in return. They are both alone in the world but seeing Axe rebel against the bitches work though is something I liked to see. That panic just makes so much sense. I don't think it's something we see it enough.

Valentine's Day at Sanctuary by Sam Brenton

“Poor thing went through absolute hell. We're glad she's out on the other side of that horror." Angela smiled at Ash shyly when he didn't say anything. "Sorry. I just realized how much I rambled. I tend to do that when I'm excited.” — Angela

My lord is this fun. Brenton makes a very bold choice, they choose to write through the eyes of one Acheron Parthenopaeus. His night starts off normal, moves to odd then gets downright insane. It plays heavily with the fourth wall and what would happen if Sherri's characters, specifically Ash with his darkest of dark past and remit to protect the Dark Hunters found out about Sherri's writing.

New Beginnings by Jennifer Forist

“I know you feel what I feel,” he nuzzled his nose against my neck, sending bolts of electricity coursing through my body. “If you think I’m letting my future mate deal with two losers without me—well, we need to get to know each other better.” — Cassian 'Cash'

Oh, this is desperately sweet. I love the protective nature of some were females. Aimee being the badass bear swan we know she is, doing the us females gotta stick together thing with the hurting werewolf. Heroine Satara protecting the lovely Grace, who really needs it. But you know still taking time to check out Cash as he defended her (can't let a good opportunity go to waste). The whole idea of a pack protecting those most vulnerable in the wolf community appealed to me. Forist chooses to give Cash an interesting fear, I like that humanising feature.

From Her Darkest Dreams by Jennifer Becker

He was like a giant stuffed animal curled up next to her, his back to her front. She doubted he would appreciate being called a stuffed animal, though. Men didn’t like to be considered cute and cuddly. — Delphi Sideris

The story of Thrax Gataki a katagarian black panther and Delphi Sideris an oracle. Oracles are not something I see a lot in the fandom but I like the way she is used here. It plays a lot with the tropes of the series. A couple of comments with the name Thrax it feels like Jennifer Becker might also be a fan of The League series Thrax is so close to Thrāix (pronounced Thrace). Also something so, so League is the use of “νεράιδα” (Fairy) as a term of endearment from Thrax to Delphi. Becker is the only one that includes this element.

Falcon's Flight by Cathy Graham

“Who is Savitar? I don’t recognise him as a Were.” Skye looked at Cane. “Savitar is… well he just is.” — Skye Falconi and Cane Whitethunder

Oh I like this one. I like the use of jumping through time to create a complicated family, the idea of the perpetual parents meddling with the children and the idea of a family having a surprising gift from the gods. Cane is our link to the canonical Dark-Hunterverse as the son of Sanctuary doctor/vet Carson, though he himself isn't canon. Skye is sweet and kinda innocent which is always welcome. The plot itself is just kinda amusing. The whole story is lovely. Also that Savitar quote is just fair. What else can we say about Savitar at least until Sherri gifts us a backstory (🥳Which OMG is actually happening😍).

A Fox With New Fur by Kim May

“He some kind of demon?” She nodded. “Oni. He’s been hunting me.” “What did you do to piss him off?” “I rejected him.” “Seriously?” Megumi reclaimed her drink and took another sip. “He’s yakuza. One day he saw me walking down the street and he decided that he had to have me. I said no. When he persisted, I fought back, but he didn’t get the hint. That’s when I broke his neck. His rage and crimes were sufficient to instantly turn him into a demon. and he’s been stalking me ever since.” — Colt and Megumi

With kitsune Megumi as the main character and an Oni as the main villain, I appreciate Kim May's choice to include another pantheon that I have only seen in maybe Chronicles of Nick (if I remember my CoN lore correctly). Though there might be a spark of something between Megumi and Colt that is not the point of the piece. The primary point is Megumi reclaiming her freedom and her life from the man who has been hunting her. And what a way to get it. I honestly do appreciate it as a way to end. So much of Sherri's writing is about female empowerment, something at May manages to capture so well.

Read for @godzilla-reads Simple Reading Challenge. Filling the May August prompt: "Read a Short Story/ Essay Collection" As soon as I saw this prompt and this book I knew I had to read it. Sherrilyn McQueen is one of if not my favourite author. Her fandom, the Paladins is one of the most supportive I've been in. This even exists needs to be promoted.

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equitiesstocks · 4 years

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