Search

Search only in certain items:

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When I was offered this it was described as being like 50 Shades of Grey and the Crossfire series. Having liked both of these I thought I’d give it a go. In a way it was like them: young girl meets wealthy business man and can’t deny the sexual attraction. Unfortunately for me, it didn’t quite measure up. It didn’t draw me in straight away.

In fact, it took me a while to get into it. That might have been down to Gustav’s attitude and the fact he wasn’t very good at explaining what he wanted. It put me off a bit, I guess, and I couldn’t always understand the attraction. Serena, too, was a bit of a puzzle. The way she reacted sometimes; though that could probably be put down to her age.

After finishing the story I’ve been left with some questions. Why wouldn’t Gustav kiss her until near the end? Why did he with-hold from having sex with her for so long? What sort of lifestyle were Gustav and his wife involved with before? And why were Serena’s “parents” so horrible to her?

I suppose since this is the first in the trilogy that we will get answers to some of these in the following books. If I’m honest, I’m not sure if I’d be interested in continuing the series, though that ending has most definitely whetted my appetite.

Overall it was a god story that kept me wondering where it was heading but for me, having read 50 Shades and the Crossfire series, it just didn’t quite do it for me.

That being said, don’t dismiss a book without at least trying it for yourself first.
  
40x40

LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated 2012 (2009) in Movies

Sep 12, 2019 (Updated Oct 25, 2019)  
2012 (2009)
2012 (2009)
2009 | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
In brief - movie about the world ending makes you wish that the world was ending
Let's be honest - many, if not all natural disaster films are viewed purely for the spectacle. No one is settling down to watch one of these things with the intention of watching some layered character arc, or listen to a fantastic script - 2012 is no different.

The above mentioned spectacle is very formulaic here, as crazy set piece is followed by crazy set piece, complimented with in between scenes of a just-doing-it-for-the-pay-check John Cusack, and his exceptionally boring family (who all somehow manage to be in the exact place of disasters kicking off multiple times).
The scenes of mayhem themselves are laced with Benny Hill-esque antics, and silly dialogue that instantly removes any tension.

As our band of irritatingly mundane survivors trudge through our planet literally cracking apart, they come across a host of 'wacky' characters, who all seem to be jostling for the part of comic relief (not every character needs to be comic relief Roland). And I really wanted pretty much everyone of these characters to just hurry up and get killed by a tornado or whatever.
I did however quite enjoy Woody Harrelson's batshit crazy conspiracy theorist and his gratuitous pickle eating.
It's also always nice to see the likes of Thandie Newton and Chiwetel Ejiofor, even if they're not given much to do here but look all serious.

The CGI is just about starting to age at this point but is still mostly passable, and they're are some pretty memorable visuals here and there.

Overall though 2012 is pretty awful and really not as fun as it thinks it is.
  
40x40

Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Pleasure Unbound (Demonica, #1) in Books

Aug 26, 2019 (Updated Sep 3, 2019)  
Pleasure Unbound (Demonica, #1)
Pleasure Unbound (Demonica, #1)
Larissa Ione | 2008 | Fiction & Poetry
8
9.3 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
Admittedly it's been a while since I read and enjoyed a paranormal romance but since that's what 75% of my paperbacks are at the minute, I decided to try this series.

And I was pulled in fairly quickly. It was straight into the action at Eidolon's demonic underground hospital in New York dealing with injuries and his brothers. And Tayla--an Aegis, the demons mortal enemy--ends up being one of his patients.

Within the first 25 pages we had a rather steamy sex scene and though I was surprised by the enemies turned lovers actions, I was intrigued on what would end up happening. Would she betray the Aegis for him? Would he defend her against all the demons who wanted her dead?

It was pretty non stop with stuff going on. It wasn't always just from Eidolon and Tayla's POV. We saw the odd scene from someone related to the hospital who was being hunted by the Aegis and I was very anti-Aegis from pretty early on.
"Tayla...she rocked his underworld"
This was a quote from early on in the book but I found it accurate and rather sweet. The romance was rocky, one minute they were all over each other and the next trying to kill each other--literally. I actually really liked the turmoil, the angst, and devoured the book in about two days when I finally just sat down and started it properly.

There is a story arc starting in this one that involves Gem, a half demon, and her want of Kynan, a human, that we see playing out in the occasional scene that has me intrigued and I'm looking forward to seeing how that plays out in the next book.

I have book 2, Desire Unchained, and book 5, Sin Undone, in paperback, too, and look forward to reading them.
  
Origin (Scales 'n' Spells #1)
Origin (Scales 'n' Spells #1)
Jocelynn Drake, AJ Sherwood | 2020 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Origin is the first book in the Scales 'N' Spells series and I LOVED IT. Cameron is backpacking his way around Europe and ends up in Germany where he attends a Dragon Festival. Whilst he is there he is hugged by Ravi and held onto until Alric arrives. Alric is the Fire Dragon King and it turns out that Cameron is a mage although he doesn't believe it yet.

Cameron is young but knows he likes older men and Alric certainly falls into that category. Alric feels the attraction to Cameron but wants to make sure his clan have a chance to find out if he is their mate first. Both of these characters are amazing for different reasons. Cameron is a level-headed man who doesn't hesitate to compliment people and means it, sincerely. I thought that was fantastic! Alric is noble as all get out which, although I loved, just made me want to slap him upside the head when he wouldn't make a move on Cameron!

Add to that a brilliant cast of supporting characters, most of whom I hope get their own stories, an overall story arc that kicks off with a bang and will only get better as the series progresses, and a simply stunning setting, and you are left with a book to sink your teeth into and enjoy. Alric and Cameron take their time getting to know each other and then the steam rises!

This book ticked all of my buttons and I really can't wait for the next. I want to see which Dragon is brave enough to take on Halmeoni! Absolutely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
    Commander Compass Lite

    Commander Compass Lite

    Navigation and Travel

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    App

    Commander Compass is an essential offline GPS app for outdoors and off-road navigation. Packed with...

    Commander Compass

    Commander Compass

    Navigation and Utilities

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    App

    Commander Compass is an essential offline GPS app for outdoors and off-road navigation. Packed with...

Kelvin (Tangled Tentacles #5)
Kelvin (Tangled Tentacles #5)
JP Sayle, Lisa Oliver | 2022 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
KELVIN is the final book in the Tangled Tentacles series and brings to a close this amazing series. Kelvin and Magnus (or FBI Guy) finally meet in person and realise they are fated mates. No fuss, no panic, just straight-up acceptance and happiness. I loved that, I really did. They don't allow their new bond to stand in the way of those they are trying to help though. By searching for others, they find Marvin. Be prepared for your heart to melt!

Wow! Just... wow!!! That's how I felt after I'd finished reading this. The overlying arc, the one that I've followed since Alexi, is now finished - in a way I never saw coming and that I love even more for that. All of the mates and their partners feature in this book which also helped with the general feeling of closure. There is also one moment in there that made my eyes leak. It's when Magnus is remembering his sister, with Kelvin by his side in the pool. There were a few scenes or sentences (usually by Marvin) that made me fill up. That scene? Broke me down. So emotional and perfect.

What I can't wait for, though, is the continuation. That epilogue!!! Man, it about killed me. I NEED MORE!!!

This pair of authors are simply outstanding - writing unusual and intricate stories with a skill second to none. I have loved the whole series and HIGHLY RECOMMEND every single one of them. What a way to end this series and to still leave you wanting more!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!