Lair of the Wolven 3: Mine

Lair of the Wolven 3: Mine by J.R. Ward

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Still not my favorite, but it has a decent ending all in all aside from Blade, though it is played off as his role being part of Lydia's fate. If anything is good in Blade's story, it is his relationship with Xhex and their story overall. For not knowing what her "journey" was supposed to be, Xhex sure lucked out as well for the better all around. Lydia as well, especially given her new role with the mountain and the changes in both Daniel's and Cathy's fates. Even Gus is fairly literally gaining a new lease on life even though he didn't have cancer to start off with. Hopefully better medical advancements can be made with Blade's scorpion, and not resulting in further experimentation of the deadly kind that lead them all to this point. 

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Barbie: A Touch of Magic

Barbie: A Touch of Magic (2023)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Unclear exactly when this takes place other than some time after Big City, Big Dreams and It Takes Two given Brooklyn is in Malibu with Malibu Barbie and her family and friends. It would seem that this may take place before Mermaid Power if only because the ability to turn into mermaids would be very useful when stuck out at sea even if just to get help, but would make more sense to keep it hidden if Malibu is the only one who can transform at the time and she doesn't have her necklace clearly visible at any point to be able to use it. Given everyone moving to Malibu and references to Brooklyn attending school after the summer with Malibu Barbie and her friends it would seem perhaps Brooklyn has made her choice regarding the acting school though no discussion or final decision has been shared about that choice yet. 

The end of season one would also indicate more adventures planned and coming up still, though it seems season 2 is only available in Australia so far and won't hit US release until later in spring 2024. 

Hopefully the characters will at least keep in touch as Rocki has indicated wanting to stay in the human world to learn more about her new friends while Dru Charles has long wished to return to Mesmer. Arlene was certainly a surprise as we've seen her a few times both in Skipper & the Babysitting Adventure, and in Chelsea & the Lost Birthday. Somewhat curious that she doesn't seem to consider her own time in the human world and what she may have learned there as useful, though she certainly seems far more acclimated and friendly when working there than Rocki started out with in the beginning of this series.

Barbie: It Takes Two

Barbie: It Takes Two (2022)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This appears to take place somewhere between Big City, Big Dreams and Mermaid Power, which would make sense given this aired somewhere between the two films. The girls are on an adventure both for school and to kick off their singing careers following their Times Square performance. Along the way, Brooklyn gets an offer that could make her acting career at the same time. It sounds like no decision is made there and will be needed by the end of their trip to Malibu, but we have yet to see what that decision is either with a new season of this show or in the movies that have all taken place in the summer up to this point. Given Malibu Barbie is no longer in Malibu, there's a whole host of new friends and interactions in the city. Her old friends and of course her family still pop up frequently, especially Ken. Given their struggle to get studio time and record their demos, a little surprising there isn't more music overall in the series, but what is there is enjoyable. 

Barbie 42: Skipper & the Babysitting Adventure

Barbie 42: Skipper & the Babysitting Adventure (2023)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


As the title may suggest, Skipper is the main star of this movie. After her babysitting adventures go belly up, she finds herself up against some challenging obstacles in a summer job at the water park. Skipper's ingenuity and thoughtfulness shine as she keeps turning bad situations into winners. This especially comes in handy when a daycare adventure goes wrong, landing Skipper and her friends out in the desert with a bunch of kids. Fortunately, the teens are able to pull it together and get the kids back to the park, not that the parents are truly aware of the adventures the kids were out on. Somehow, Skipper also now speaks dolphin? Which also requires about the strangest face possible when she speaks it. The end credits are also a major tip to the next movie with Stacie's line about having her own movie since this one is over. Seems highly likely given her name in the title for the next film.

Barbie 40: Mermaid Power

Barbie 40: Mermaid Power (2022)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


While all of the movies beginning with Dolphin Magic are part of the same arc with Barbie and her family, including the Brooklyn Barbie from Big City, Big Dreams now that she's entered the picture, this film directly ties back to events from both of those movies with Ilsa (the mermaid) and Marlo (the scientist) back in the picture. The Barbies' are out with Malibu Barbie's sisters in a boat to clean the ocean when Isla calls for help. The other mermaids aren't all smiles and friendship unfortunately, resulting in some tense interactions. For once Malibu Barbie doesn't have all the answers though and is struggling to find her powers where Brooklyn Barbie and her sisters seem to discover theirs fairly easily when they need arises to use them. Rather than being the star of the show, Malibu Barbie instead seems to recognize who the "power keeper" is that can save the day and helps pull everyone together. It seems even those who are opposition in this movie really just needed second chances and a few lessons to set things straight. Even Marlo, who was very definitely trouble before, seems eager to help now that she's had her own mermaid experience.

Barbie 39: Big City, Big Dreams

Barbie 39: Big City, Big Dreams (2021)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


For taking place during a music competition, there isn't as much music as one might expect in this movie. There are two Barbie Roberts at the competition, which makes for some confusion and laughs and even some hurt feelings when someone decides not to play by the rules, but these two Barbies and their friends are determined to make the most of the experience and help lift each other up rather than tearing others down. As usual, a good lesson with a cute movie and some catchy tunes.

Barbie 38: Chelsea & the Lost Birthday

Barbie 38: Chelsea & the Lost Birthday (2021)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Thanks to time zones and crossing a border overnight, the Roberts family loses a day during their cruise. Unfortunately, that one single day happens to be Chelsea's birthday. Add to that a rather nasty events coordinator on the ship that can't be bothered to actually deal with people and you have a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, if there is one thing this family has never lacked, it's imagination. The rest of the ship's crew are pretty decent too, which evens out the playing field, especially once Chelsea catching the events coordinator in the act, revealing his own scheming and troubles to the rest of the crew.

Barbie 37: Princess Adventure

Barbie 37: Princess Adventure (2020)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Wow, finding all sorts of things I seem to have missed over the years. Watched this a long time ago with the kids and apparently never listed it anywhere. While it isn't my favorite of the Barbie animated movies, it has all the hallmarks of a traditional Barbie with catchy music, lots of outfits, and a story with some good message or meaning behind it. Many of the stories revolve around princesses as well, and this is no exception there. Another story of a princess version of Barbie and a common version of Barbie swapping places for a time, similar to The Princess & the Pauper, The Princess & the Popstar, and Rock 'n Royals. As always though, the good guys (or gals in this case) must prevail.

Lair of the Wolven 2: Forever

Lair of the Wolven 2: Forever by J.R. Ward

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


There is not really a new couple focus in this installment, though we get several one-sided parts to the many relationships. If one were going to be formed it would have been C.P. (Cathy) and Gus, but for many reasons neither one ever thinks the other is interested in that way and Cathy and her guard. Even Blade and his newfound emotions are behind the curve, especially since with all the ups and downs, Daniel and Lydia are still as solid as they come. Even Xhex feels for the pair and is on Lydia's side, which is something given her earlier insistence on avoiding the labs and the wolven. It seems that no answers are found though as Xhex's grid is still in danger, Daniel and Cathy are still dying, and now Gus is missing or dead. The only tie to the wolven seems to be Lydia and her wolves on the mountain, who only have a few very short scenes overall other than just a lot of people (half of whom are normal humans) knowing her secret even if they don't know the correct name for it.

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Lair of the Wolven 1: Claimed

Lair of the Wolven 1: Claimed by J.R. Ward

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Yet another spin off of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, this one supposedly focuses on the wolven, another race that was not mentioned in the series prior to this series and Prison Camp. Despite knowing this would have wolven in it somewhere or at least reference to them given the name of the series, Lydia is still a surprise. If anyone, expected it to be Daniel who was more in tune with the wolves, though suppose it would make sense why Lydia has no fear when it comes to the wild wolves no matter how often Rick tells her to keep her distance. There is never any clarification with Candy or the sheriff either regarding their doppelgangers at the old school, or if it is actually them still just a lot older than most humans would expect. Major cliff hanger at the end as well where we have Xhex getting involved as Alex and whatever this new "cure" is but no additional details or information about what it is or just what unearthing all of this lab information is going to do, either for Lydia and Daniel or for Xhex with her collapsing grid. Like with Prison Camp there has not been any clear indicator dropped to tell where and when in the main series this overlaps and takes place other than we know Lassiter is in the picture.

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Black Dagger Brotherhood Prison Camp 3: The Viper

Black Dagger Brotherhood 3: The Viper by J.R. Ward

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Kane goes from perhaps the gentlest and easiest to get along with of the group to nearly being as driven and blood thirsty as Apex, while at the same time it seems Apex may be finding his own gentler emotions and wanting to care for those around him, especially a certain unexpected wolven that joins their ranks. Lucan and Rio are back as well as they are also still determined to take down the prison. Of course it take to the very end of this trilogy for the Brotherhood to finally find the prison, though by whatever twist it is actually the Jackal who is there when his friends from the camp first need him. Sort of fitting given the whole story begins with him. We never get too much history on the others in the group except Kane as he reconciles what he thought had happened with the reality and what he truly wants going forward. There is a lot of shifter lore being introduced into this series with the introduction of the wolven and this new Viper (which does seem to be an actual separate entity). Suspect this will merge into the content from the Lair of the Wolven series which I have not read yet. It would seem as the lessers aren't considered a threat at the time and we now have confirmation Lassiter is acting in the Scribe Virgin's place that this takes place somewhere between or during the time the lessers are first considered defeated and when Devina shows up on the scene. None of these characters have made an appearance in the main series yet even though we have new family ties with the Brotherhood, so it is hard to pin down exactly when all of this happens, though would think it is before the events of Lassiter given what happens with Wrath.

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Black Dagger Brotherhood Prison Camp 2: The Wolf

Black Dagger Brotherhood Prison Camp 2: The Wolf by J.R. Ward

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Good grief, they are practically on top of each other the entire time and yet neither side has any awareness that they are so close. Lucan and the others would have lots of help if the Brothers actually connected the pieces and knew they were right there in front of them, but they don't seem to be aware that anyone else is looking for them or out to shut down the prison either. Rio is a strong character, but as usual is in too deep too fast and surprisingly very accepting despite her initial horror. She seems to both recognize the mind manipulation and write it off along with all of the other odd things she notices at first. We have Butch's old cop partner back in the mix here as well, which would have been a very convenient connection given Vishous was right there before Rio's last phone call.

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Black Dagger Brotherhood Prison Camp 1: The Jackal

Black Dagger Brotherhood Prison Camp 1: The Jackal by J.R. Ward

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is another spin off of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. We still see the Brothers a lot as they are integral to the race's survival and have such high standing overall, not to mention the ongoing convoluted family ties. Part of the story is backflashes mostly telling Rhage and Jackal's story of how they met long ago. The majority of it is in the current present when Nyx finds Jackal down in the prison when she goes in search of one of her sisters. It is difficult to tell where in the main series this story takes place however as we have the majority of the Brothers staying at the mansion, but there is no timeline indicator as to when it is nor have we seen Nyx or Jackal in the main series to coordinate the timeline. There are a lot of convenient connections in this story though, with Nyx and the Command, Rhage and Jackal, Peter and Jackal, and others. If anything, it seems Nyx and Jackal are in for a new type of adventure, hopefully far better than what took place underground.

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Black Dagger Brotherhood 21: Lassiter

Black Dagger Brotherhood 21: Lassiter by J.R. Ward

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I wanted to love this book, but the series is getting worse for me instead of better. I hate Devina and while Lassiter has some amusing interactions with the Brotherhood, the angels in general just have not been as engaging when it comes to their characters as some of the others. These two new additions don't seem to break that pattern. Rhavyn is a bit of a hot mess herself with a combination of abilities and knowledge outside the norm and yet also a habit of jumping to the wrong conclusion and unintentionally making things worse. Her pairing with Lassiter, while nice for the two of them to be happy, seems more convenient than anything else, especially since Lassiter is not a vampyre so he does not have the same instincts and biological drive when it comes to bonding and mating, though the way that this is written, you would think he's just like the other brothers. Add to that the scare with Wrath and the indication something is up with L.W. at the end of the book and there is a lot in this installment that just sits wrong for the series. Does it still have some good highlights? Yes. Overall it is okay, it just is not anything great.

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Black Dagger Brotherhood 0.5: Darius

Black Dagger Brotherhood 0.5: Darius by J.R. Ward

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It took awhile to get to this one as for awhile it was in audiobook format only. While there is still a good ending, this one is a bit different from the others, especially given Darius is never given the opportunity to officially mate with Anna, so he does not bear her name in his skin. We do get more of his story and more on how the Brothers used to function before the events of the first book when Wrath refused to lead. A rather stark difference to their reality at the end of the book, which is why Darius seems so much happier than his originally bleak outlook on the reality of their lives and the war with the Omega. Might be a tad convenient how some of the details work out, including the Virgin Scribe's hand in the works and then Beth immediately knowing it was her father she was talking to in the end there, but it also would not have worked out exactly as needed without those moments. Seems at least one person knew how important Beth would be even before she was born.

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Spiritpact

Spiritpact (2016)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I watched this a year or two ago and apparently never remembered to write about it. You Keika had a rather unfortunate life surviving on his own as the last heir to a line of exorcists until his untimely death. Fortunately for him, his afterlife is saved by Tanmoku Ki, the prodigal and most powerful exorcist of a very strong family tasked with maintaining peace and order, often at the cost of Ki's own health and safety. It takes some convincing and a lot of ceremony, but these two essentially are bound by their very spirits, making them more or less married, which is where the romance comes into play, though it is mostly lowkey and in jest so the viewer can choose to make it part of their cannon or not. Regardless of what anyone thinks of their relationship though, it is clear these two do form a strong bond and rely on each other for their lives. 

Hexa Sort

Hexa Sort (Android)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


This is a more unique type of sorting game as you get random piles of tiles and need to place them side by side on limited board space to create stacks large enough to clear, sometimes also clearing obstacles that are frozen or "nailed" down to prevent using another block next to a stack. The points you earn from each level are then used as paint buckets to build various islands and mini scenes. The concept is fun, however, unless you are willing to watch a lot of ads or have some really good luck, you will run out of spaces or have every color except one you need to be able to progress to the next level. As I am not looking to spend money for top ups and coins, that is a limiting factor in the game play here and quickly loses its shine even if the rest of the game is more enjoyable. 

Merge Topia

Merge Topia (Android)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This is an odd merger game that mixes the usual merger type play with tasks similar to Merge Gardens and other similar games, but instead of a match 3 or other type of side game for levels, we have puzzles with different patterns. The puzzles are more interesting, but the merge play, waiting for energy, and needing to buy workers or special keys if you want the good levels is quickly tiring. Did not try any of these as I was not willing to spend money for the premium aspects of this freemium game. Might have played longer had it focused on the puzzles that were what the advertising was all about, but have little to no interest in the merge aspects of this style. 

Psy-Changeling 19.7: Wildcat Blues Part 3

Psy-Changeling 19.7: Wildcat Blues Part 3 by Nalini Singh

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is adorable and with the other two parts of the story, makes up a nicer longer story than we usually get for these shorts. The downside, is that there is no ending. As usual, it looks like they have found their match and will be happy together, but they Zara and Tanner and very much in the just starting out phase planning their first dates and deciding they want to chance a relationship even though she is all city girl and he's a good ol' country boy. The silver lining is in the author's note at the end indicating that these two will most likely make another appearance somewhere in the future. When that future may be and if they will be the stars of the show or a footnote bringing them into another story along the way is anyone's guess.

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Psy-Changeling 18.1: Wolf Heart

Psy-Changeling 18.1: Wolf Heart by Nalini Singh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This adorable little piece focuses on Toby, who is often more of a side character in the series even when he is in lessons with Sascha for their empathic abilities. Here, he has a new baby cousin and is learning his own place in the pack as a juvenile. Turns out, maybe it's not what he thought it was. Surprisingly, Hawke is the one who seems to help Toby see the light in this snippet. For all that Hawke still seems to make Toby nervous, he is still both family and his alpha. 

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Rogan's POV 3

Rogan's POV 3 by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This short takes place during Wildfire when Rogan goes to meet Ade-Afefe in hopes of gaining the weather mage's assistance in preventing Houston's destruction. At the same time, Nevada is gearing up to meet with House Schaffer, and that clearly does not settle well even as Rogan tries to keep himself in check and be practical. At least if nothing else, he is aware of his own emotions in this part. It seems he might have a oddly friendly relationship with the weather mages as well, which is surprising given his reputation and usual demeanor.

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Rogan's POV 2

Rogan's POV 2 by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This picks up directly at the end of the first one when Rogan interrogates Nevada after their rather spectacular first meeting. As with the first one, he has a lot more wit in his internal monologue than his actual words or actions portray in the main series. It is also a lot more clear just how well Nevada holds out against him here where it is more of an instinctive struggle in the book. Still not the most detailed or new, but an interesting take and nice slice of a familiar tale.

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Rogan's POV 1

Rogan's POV 1 by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This was not entirely what I was expecting though it also was at the same time. As the title indicates, it is a very short scene from Rogan's POV in the first book, Burn For Me. That said, the internal tone does not match his usual actions or cool behavior at all. If anything, he's almost an odd combination of bored and way too amused by everything. Just how convenient to find Nevada so early on and be able to track her, happened to have the tracker on hand, happened to have to cloth on hand, everything working out just the way he wants it too. Would have to have the circle ready too unless he kept her out longer to draw it. An awful lot of convenience and humor wound in here for someone who is supposedly "mad" and so frightening before Nevada breaks through his shell.

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The King's Beast 12

The King's Beast 12 by Rei Tōma

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Though it seems like the time between events is not much, we learn from Rangetsu's declaration when she rejoins Tenyou that it took two years for her to finally return to the palace. This time, not as Tenyou's beast, but as a palace guard after having passed the exam to become an official. It seems there may be more coming soon however as these two are not content to be apart now and Rangetsu quickly learns she does not care for someone else standing by her prince's side. Sogetsu also seems much more comfortable and glad to see his sister again, even if it looks like he is still trapped wearing that chain. Surprisingly, the rest of the princes and several of their beasts also appear to be glad Rangetsu has returned, a few of them even watching the exams. It would seem even with her rather unusual entrance into the court, perhaps she has found a place she does belong. Certainly seems far happier now than in the beginning of this volume when she was "free" outside the palace.

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The Apothecary Diaries 11

The Apothecary Diaries 11 by Nekokurage

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It seems Maomao is gaining even more attention now, including from the emperor and the dowager empress herself. Fortunately the emperor does not have any interest in her as a concubine despite others encouraging him to claim her due to her intelligence. Unlikely that Maomao would appreciate being labeled as Jinshi's favorite, but at the same time it really is true. With this new painting bit and the memories from Jinshi's childhood, curious if the paper that was taken away earlier might have also been that long ago painting of the dowager empress that has gone missing. Now camping is coming up of all things? So far Maomao keeps disregarding Jinshi's oddities and connections as irrelevant, but as he himself thinks, it may not be long before she figures him out, even if she is not actively working on the puzzle he unintentionally has given her.

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The Grinch

The Grinch (2018)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


This is a more classic retelling of the story of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" sometimes just shortened to "The Grinch" depending on the movie, TV episode, or book version referenced. The animation is well done and the story is engaging. This one falls in the list of classics for Christmas especially, though that isn't the only time of year that it can be enjoyed. The Grinch is rather inventive, especially for being alone for so long, though he's not truly alone as he has Max and his "friends" in the village, even if he doesn't recognize them as friends at first. Cindy-Lou Who is a unique little girl who sees the Grinch's loneliness and decides including him in Christmas is the best thing for all, even if he did just try to steal Christmas originally. 

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I had seen part of the challenge with Donkey Kong previously when the kids were watching this, but had not yet seen the movie as a whole. It's an interesting take on the Mario Bros. story and how humans end up in the Mushroom Kingdom. Bowser is also interesting while still being the main villain and definitely not altogether sane, he has a surprising soft side in this film which is mostly portrayed by song. There are parts that are definitely cringe worthy, but as a whole it is an entertaining movie and interesting way of melding the worlds for the story.

Minions 2: The Rise of Gru

Minions 2: The Rise of Gru (2022) 

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


It's a bit odd to see Gru with a thick head of black hair, but also understandable as he's still a small child in school himself in this installment of the series. As usual, the minions themselves are both helpful and destructive all at the same time, though they continue to have a rather unique if somewhat strange relationship with Gru. We even get to see their first meeting with Dr. Nefario here, though it's easy to miss if you don't put the pieces together right away.

Despicable Me 3

Despicable Me 3 (2017)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


It seems I've missed a few reviews over the years. This is another one that was watched with the family awhile back and seems to be missing. While not as good as the first film, this keeps the same style of humor and shenanigans with Gru and the minions. As usual, things aren't going exactly according to plan. Somehow, they'll get it all turned around and set back to right, this time with the unexpected aid of Gru's twin brother Drew, though the twins had not met until now. While Gru is still trying to stay on the side of good for his new family, Drew wants to follow in the family tradition as the villain, further pitting these sibling against each other. They can make a good team though, as they prove when a past Hollywood star wanting to live out his show for real puts Gru's girls in danger.

The Secret Life of Pets 2

The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Max tells the story of Liam joining the family (following his owner meeting a guy and getting married, but the story really focuses on his relationship with Liam). He insists he doesn't like kids, but Liam is his kid, and that makes all the difference. It takes a family trip out to the country and a rather serious farm dog that doesn't speak much to remind him life is a bit of an adventure and he can't be afraid of everything, especially as Liam will grow up. 

Meanwhile, back home, Snowball has an adventure with some new friends involving freeing a white tiger, finding it a new home (with several oops moments along the way) and trying to avoid a pack of wolves. These are some pretty crazy animals, but somehow, they get through everything okay.

Heartstopper 5

Heartstopper 5 by Alice Oseman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Nick is trying to decide where he wants to go to university and what to study for his future while Charlie is still at their old school for another year. Charlie has his own challenges though as he steps into a bit of a spotlight to be the drummer for his friend's band at an outdoor concert and is encouraged to apply for head boy at school. The boys relationship continues to grow closer than ever, though now they have the looming knowledge of being long distance during the school year. Charlie is just as supportive of Nick as Nick is of Charlie, but it's clear neither one of them like the idea of being that far apart for so long.

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Sing 2

Sing 2 (2021)

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Watched this with the kids closer to when it first came out and realized I never wrote anything about it. The sequel brings together all of the original characters from the first movie for a new adventure creating not just a singing show, but an actual show with a storyline and a host of additional actors and performers in the mix. While they aren't at risk of losing their theater, they are up against a bit of a production tycoon to make their new mark and create another success in their chosen arts.

Migration

Migration (2023)

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


This is a mostly cute and sometimes crazy movie about a family of mallard ducks. The dad has major anxiety and fear issues while the rest of the family wants to spread their wings like other ducks and see the world. The rest of the story takes them through a series of adventures meeting some unlikely friends and allies and facing some unusual situations as they attempt to migrate to Jamaica. It seems once you've survived one adventure and seen the world, it's not enough to settle back down though. Now they're off for many more flights to come.

Wonka

Wonka (2023)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is very much a musical telling of Willy Wonka's childhood and early adventures trying to create is dream chocolate factory, including how he first meets an Oompa Loompa. While it seems the rest of the Oompa Loompas are back on the island, would have to imagine some sort of contact is made to bring more over and work in the factory given how many are there in the later films and story. Willy is a bit of a dreamer and idealist, to the point that he can't imagine someone meaning ill or doing wrong by another person. As a result, his own kindness is taken advantage of and it's only thanks to some unlikely friendships, a lot of creativity, and a bit of magic, that things turn out so well in the end. It's also rather bemusing that you can literally see the chief of police fattening up through the entire movie with all of his bribes. More than a few new relationships come out of the adventure though, both friendships and romance, and the dream takes flight. 

Therapy Game Restart 3

Therapy Game Restart 3 by Meguru Hinohara

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Minato is struggling with some serious jealousy issues while Shizuma is apparently terrified Minato will get tired of waiting for him with his crazy work schedule and constantly missing dates or at least being late. The director appears to have some secrets as well, but also seems to want to be supportive - just socially awkward and doesn't know how to interact with people. It seems there may be more backstory there. Minato and Shizuma still haven't gotten around to the apartment viewing, though they do note they need to reschedule it before the places are all rented out. It's likely a good thing their brothers are so happy together and can provide another point of view to help them keep things together and in perspective.

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I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! 4

I Swear I Won't Bother You Again! 4 by Haru Harukawa

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Violette seems to be coping with the knowledge this new reality won't play out anything like her previous life, especially as she's not putting her sister in the spotlight as the innocent victim to be protected with good ideals while she plays the vileness. Instead, if anything, the prince is interested in her instead of her sister while she is desperately trying to distance herself from him and avoid him. While trying to find other ways to spend her time, she's made an unlikely friend this time around as well, though her hopes of finding yet a better pairing for the prince that her father wouldn't object to her losing to seem to have been dashed as quickly as they appeared. Yulan is as friendly as ever as well, though he keeps making observations and comments to himself that seem more in line with the previous reality than this new one.

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