The "Curse of Hospitality" refers to the notion that once a host or hostess extends an invitation to a guest, they are obligated to fulfill that invitation to the best of their ability. This idea has its roots in many cultural and social norms, where offering hospitality is seen as a gesture of goodwill, respect, and care for others. In ancient times, the concept of hospitality was highly valued. It was considered a sacred duty to welcome strangers and travelers into one's home, offering them food, shelter, and protection. This tradition was rooted in the belief that the gods themselves could be visiting in the form of a guest, so turning them away would bring wrath and misfortune. As time progressed, this concept of hospitality evolved into a more social obligation rather than a religious duty.
This was soooo much fun to read. It was so well written and so engaging. There are a ton of characters in this book and I had absolutely no issues keeping track of them all. This is one of those awesome books that pretty much reads itself, the writing flows perfectly and it is absolutely impossible to put down.
Making an alliance was always going to be difficult, but now it might be nearly impossible, and not just because the crew has no idea what normal might look like. Review Jessie, Austin and their crew know they still need to gather as many allies as they can before the big showdown with Momar and they need to do it fast if they want to have a chance of helping save Kingsley and his pack.
As time progressed, this concept of hospitality evolved into a more social obligation rather than a religious duty. In various cultures around the world, including in Middle Eastern, Asian, and African societies, hospitality still holds great importance. Welcoming guests into one's home, even strangers, is seen as a virtue and an opportunity to showcase one's generosity and kindness.
Review – Midlife Magical Alliance (Leveling Up, Book 7) by K.F. Breene (5/5 stars)
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: 498 pages
Publisher: Hazy Dawn Press, Inc
Release Date: March 20, 2023
ASIN: B0BPF4DVJK
Stand Alone or Series: This is the 7th book in the Leveling Up series.
Source: Borrowed eBook from Kindle Unlimited
Rating: 5/5 stars
“After a disappointing return from the basajaunak lands, it’s clear that Jessie and her crew need to form an alliance and fast! A massive battle is materializing, targeting Kingsley. Without more help, they’ll never be enough to save Austin’s brother from total annihilation.
The good news is, gargoyle cairns are interested in meeting her. She’s the only living female gargoyle and a connection with her has the opportunity to improve their status. They’d just have to change their way of life to accommodate her, not an easy ask for a gruff, stubborn sort of creature.
She has her back against the wall. She must try and wrangle her crew into some semblance of “normal” to entice even just one major cairn to her side. Something not totally impossible…except for the interference of a cairn’s Lead Enforcer.
He isn’t just a gargoyle. Couldn’t be, not with his unnatural size, strength and glowing eyes. His origins are a mystery and his entire person is cloaked in danger. He might just hold their fate in his hands.
Making an alliance was always going to be difficult, but now it might be nearly impossible, and not just because the crew has no idea what “normal” might look like.”
Series Info/Source: This is the 7th book in the Leveling Up series. I borrowed this on ebook through Kindle Unlimited.
Thoughts: This was an amazing book in this series. I absolutely loved it. I thought book 6 was a bit disappointing and “transitional” feeling but this book more than made up for that.
Jessie and her crew are still trying to amass support for an upcoming battle against the mage Momar. Since the basajaunak did not agree to ally with them, they are reaching out to the other Gargoyle Cairns.
This was soooo much fun to read. It was so well written and so engaging. There are a ton of characters in this book and I had absolutely no issues keeping track of them all. This is one of those awesome books that pretty much reads itself, the writing flows perfectly and it is absolutely impossible to put down.
The characters here are quirky and an absolute blast. Jessie has a group of true misfits (hugely dangerous misfits) at her side and I loved every single one of them. There is lots of action and the action scenes are incredibly well written. And Ivy House…oh my…what a house; I loved getting to delve deeper into Ivy House and uncovering more of its secrets.
This book differs from previous books in that we hear from more points of view then normal. We hear from Nessa, Jessie, Austen, and more. Usually I don’t like too many POV changes but it worked absolutely flawlessly in this book.
I also loved that the plot for this book was well wrapped up and sets us up nicely for the next book without cliffhangers. I adored so much about this book. If you enjoy urban fantasy/paranormal reads you should definitely be reading this series.
My Summary (5/5): Overall I loved this book, it was the strongest book in this series so far. This was so entertaining and easy to read. I continue to love the plot, characters, magic, learning about the different cryptozoology races and shapeshifters. If you are a paranormal fan, pick this up, this is such a good series! I have read other series by Breene but this is by far the best of what she has written. I can’t wait for “Magical Midlife Battle” to release in November!
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Book Description Condition: New. Print on Demand. Seller Inventory # 399552215
However, the Curse of Hospitality emerges when hosts feel overwhelmed or burdened by the obligation to entertain and please their guests. This burden can stem from several factors, such as financial strain, time constraints, or the feeling of having to maintain a certain level of perfection in their home and hospitality skills. The pressure to be a gracious host or hostess can often lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. The fear of disappointing or not meeting societal expectations can make individuals feel trapped in their own homes. This constant striving for perfection can overshadow the joy and spontaneity that true hospitality can bring. Breaking free from the Curse of Hospitality requires a shift in mindset and a reevaluation of expectations. Hosts should remember that genuine hospitality is not about impressing others but rather about creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for guests. It is about fostering connections, creating lasting memories, and making others feel valued. Setting boundaries and communicating openly with guests about limitations or preferences can help alleviate some of the pressure associated with hosting. Guests should also be understanding and respectful of their host's limitations, realizing that they too have their own lives and responsibilities. Ultimately, the Curse of Hospitality can only be broken when hosts and guests collaborate to create an atmosphere of kindness, understanding, and appreciation. By embracing the true spirit of hospitality, both parties can experience the joy of genuine connections and create meaningful experiences together..
Reviews for "Beyond the Welcome Mat: The Sinister Reality of the Curse of Hospitality"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Curse of Hospitality". The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, and the characters felt flat and uninteresting. The acting was subpar, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Overall, it lacked the suspense and tension that I was expecting from a horror film. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a good scare.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Curse of Hospitality" was a complete waste of time. The story was predictable and cliché, with no originality whatsoever. The special effects were laughably bad, and the jump scares were more annoying than scary. The entire film felt like a cheap knockoff of better horror movies. I was just counting down the minutes until it was over. Save yourself the trouble and find something else to watch.
3. David - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Curse of Hospitality" based on the trailer, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was all over the place, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed and confusing action scenes. The plot was poorly explained, leaving me with more questions than answers. The ending was especially disappointing, as it left several loose ends unresolved. Overall, it was a forgettable and underwhelming horror film.
4. Emily - 2.5 stars - While "Curse of Hospitality" had its moments, it ultimately failed to deliver a truly terrifying experience. The scares were cheap and predictable, relying heavily on jump scares and loud noises. The dialogue was cringe-worthy, and the characters lacked depth and development. It had potential, but it never quite reached the level of horror that I was hoping for. If you're a fan of the genre, there are definitely better options out there.