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Merissa (11731 KP) rated Blue Skies (Collier's Creek) in Books
Oct 30, 2023
BLUE SKIES is the last book in the multi-author series, Collier's Creek.
Kit and Felix are both new in town, although Felix is just returning to his roots. Both of them have baggage, although Kit's is more tragic than Felix's. Kit has writer's block and hopes new scenery will clear it. Felix needs to regroup and figure out what he wants to do with his life. When these two meet, it is definitely a case of opposites attract, although that does change.
As with all of the books in this series, it is low angst. I enjoyed their story, although I didn't quite 'feel' it as much as some of the others. I did enjoy the cameos from Logan though, and hearing the update of how he and Coop are getting on. They still remain my favourite pairing of Collier's Creek.
This was a sweet and sometimes spicy read, that felt like coming home. I have enjoyed this addition to the series and have no hesitation in recommending it.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 30, 2023
Kit and Felix are both new in town, although Felix is just returning to his roots. Both of them have baggage, although Kit's is more tragic than Felix's. Kit has writer's block and hopes new scenery will clear it. Felix needs to regroup and figure out what he wants to do with his life. When these two meet, it is definitely a case of opposites attract, although that does change.
As with all of the books in this series, it is low angst. I enjoyed their story, although I didn't quite 'feel' it as much as some of the others. I did enjoy the cameos from Logan though, and hearing the update of how he and Coop are getting on. They still remain my favourite pairing of Collier's Creek.
This was a sweet and sometimes spicy read, that felt like coming home. I have enjoyed this addition to the series and have no hesitation in recommending it.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 30, 2023
Merissa (11731 KP) rated Snowbody Loves Me (Christmas Falls #2) in Books
Nov 13, 2023
SNOWBODY LOVES ME is the second book in the multi-author seasonal series, Christmas Falls. You don't have to have read book one to get this one, but you're missing out on a brilliant story.
Arlo is the owner of one of the B&Bs and Emerson is the one lucky enough to find a spare room when everywhere is fully booked up. It is insta-lust, quickly followed by insta-love. To be fair, they don't act upon the insta-lust immediately with neither of them sure what is going on or how long Emerson will be staying.
There are lots of pluses for this book, but I do wish they would have spoken a little more about the big things. I know it can be scary to put yourself out there, but surely getting a solid answer is better than a lifetime of uncertainty.
This was a fun, low-angst, seasonal romance set in a town I am coming to love. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 13, 2023
Arlo is the owner of one of the B&Bs and Emerson is the one lucky enough to find a spare room when everywhere is fully booked up. It is insta-lust, quickly followed by insta-love. To be fair, they don't act upon the insta-lust immediately with neither of them sure what is going on or how long Emerson will be staying.
There are lots of pluses for this book, but I do wish they would have spoken a little more about the big things. I know it can be scary to put yourself out there, but surely getting a solid answer is better than a lifetime of uncertainty.
This was a fun, low-angst, seasonal romance set in a town I am coming to love. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 13, 2023
Merissa (11731 KP) rated Right Place, Right Time (The Pilsdale Chronicles #1) in Books
Jul 20, 2023
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME is the first book in The Pilsdale Chronicles. In it, we meet Ben, who left Pilsdale four years ago after his parents died, and Jasper, the father of Ben's best friend, Finn. Ben had had a crush on Jasper for years but thought nothing would come of it. When he returns to Pilsdale to sort out his aunt's house, he goes to see Finn. Unfortunately - or luckily - Finn isn't around, but Jasper certainly is.
This was a hug in a book! There is some angst but it's fairly low-key. There are some steamy scenes but they are entirely in keeping with the story and not just there to add sex appeal. And with a wonderful cast of supporting characters, plus the gorgeously described countryside, what more could I have asked for?
This was a great start to a series by a new-to-me author and I look forward to returning to Pilsdale in 2024 with the next book in the series. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 20, 2023
This was a hug in a book! There is some angst but it's fairly low-key. There are some steamy scenes but they are entirely in keeping with the story and not just there to add sex appeal. And with a wonderful cast of supporting characters, plus the gorgeously described countryside, what more could I have asked for?
This was a great start to a series by a new-to-me author and I look forward to returning to Pilsdale in 2024 with the next book in the series. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 20, 2023
Merissa (11731 KP) rated Gideon (Boyfriend for Hire #3) in Books
Nov 20, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)
GIDEON is the third book in the Boyfriend For Hire series but you don't have to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this one.
It starts off with both Gideon and Rowan attending the wedding of a friend when Rowan makes a comment about getting married himself. For some reason, Gideon takes that to mean Rowan is leaving and starts to imagine just how dull his life would be without Rowan in it.
This is a low-angst book that takes place over the Christmas period and you mainly get to see Gideon with Rowan's crazy but wonderful family. Chaos incarnate but coming from a place of love. Personally, it would drive me insane but there you go! 🤣
There are some steamy moments but mainly it is that first-blush time when everything is new and shiny. This was a great seasonal read with wonderful characters (especially the dogs) who help make the story shine.
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!
Nov 20, 2020
It starts off with both Gideon and Rowan attending the wedding of a friend when Rowan makes a comment about getting married himself. For some reason, Gideon takes that to mean Rowan is leaving and starts to imagine just how dull his life would be without Rowan in it.
This is a low-angst book that takes place over the Christmas period and you mainly get to see Gideon with Rowan's crazy but wonderful family. Chaos incarnate but coming from a place of love. Personally, it would drive me insane but there you go! 🤣
There are some steamy moments but mainly it is that first-blush time when everything is new and shiny. This was a great seasonal read with wonderful characters (especially the dogs) who help make the story shine.
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!
Nov 20, 2020
Merissa (11731 KP) rated A Very Witchy Yuletide in Books
Nov 5, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)
A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE is a seasonal standalone romance that involves Pagans. It isn't all about paganism and rituals. If you are looking for that then I can suggest a multitude of other books but this isn't one of them. Saying that, I enjoyed how it was incorporated into the story. It is something they feel/do every day but the Sabbats are special, as are Naming Days, etc.
Eeva and Sawyer were young star-crossed lovers - neither of them prepared to make that first step and both of them feeling let down by the other. Five years later, they get a second chance.
This is a warm and low-angst story that will melt your heart on a cold winter night. Eeva and Sawyer have a great supporting cast, including Sol who was adorable.
The descriptions are very well done and the pacing is perfect for the story. All in all, this was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Nov 5, 2020
Eeva and Sawyer were young star-crossed lovers - neither of them prepared to make that first step and both of them feeling let down by the other. Five years later, they get a second chance.
This is a warm and low-angst story that will melt your heart on a cold winter night. Eeva and Sawyer have a great supporting cast, including Sol who was adorable.
The descriptions are very well done and the pacing is perfect for the story. All in all, this was a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Nov 5, 2020
Merissa (11731 KP) rated Finding Finlay (Hawthorne Bluff #1) in Books
Jun 5, 2023
FINDING FINLAY is the first book in the Hawthorne Bluff series and tells the tale of Clay, who fell in with a bad crowd after moving to Chicago and did his time, and also Finlay, local boy done good who stayed in Hawthorne Bluff. Now, Clay's back in town so maybe the timing is finally right for them both.
I enjoyed this story. It was low-angst considering the set-up of the story but I will admit to not really having much of a connection with the main characters. For me, it seemed like there was a lot of telling, and not a lot of showing. Plus, things were mentioned and sorted out so easily. I'm not into trouble where there really shouldn't be but this was just too easy. Even the thread of uncertainty that ran through it was sorted out very quickly and with little hassle.
All in all, a good story that I enjoyed.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 5, 2023
I enjoyed this story. It was low-angst considering the set-up of the story but I will admit to not really having much of a connection with the main characters. For me, it seemed like there was a lot of telling, and not a lot of showing. Plus, things were mentioned and sorted out so easily. I'm not into trouble where there really shouldn't be but this was just too easy. Even the thread of uncertainty that ran through it was sorted out very quickly and with little hassle.
All in all, a good story that I enjoyed.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 5, 2023
Merissa (11731 KP) rated Summer Heat in Books
Jun 21, 2017
Summer Heat by Jay Northcote
Summer Heat is the perfect summer read, complete with sun, sea, and sex! After getting dumped by his older man, Adam seeks shelter from his BFF Finn. Both of them feel a hint of attraction, but have never acted upon it, fearing to ruin their friendship. When they go on a week's holiday that Adam had booked for him and his ex, things take a different turn to what they expected.
This is an easy-read book that will immediately take you to the shores of Spain. Adam and Finn are understandably nervous about making any changes to their friendship, but neither of them want to continue on as they are. They just need 'something' to give them the boost, the courage, to make them speak - whether that is a person or event.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, the story is told from both Adam and Finn's perspective, giving the reader a well rounded view of both them and their feelings. It is low angst, but still with a hint of tension and uncertainty. I have no hesitation in recommending this.
* 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!
This is an easy-read book that will immediately take you to the shores of Spain. Adam and Finn are understandably nervous about making any changes to their friendship, but neither of them want to continue on as they are. They just need 'something' to give them the boost, the courage, to make them speak - whether that is a person or event.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, the story is told from both Adam and Finn's perspective, giving the reader a well rounded view of both them and their feelings. It is low angst, but still with a hint of tension and uncertainty. I have no hesitation in recommending this.
* 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!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Gamera: Revenge of Iris (1999) in Movies
Mar 15, 2019 (Updated Mar 15, 2019)
Apocalyptic final instalment in Kaneko's trilogy takes the Japanese monster movie to places it has never been before or since. Amid signs of the man-eating Gyaos creatures reappearing in vast numbers, an embittered girl bonds with the life-draining Iris creature to seek revenge on Gamera after her parents were killed in his battle with the first Gyaos some years earlier.
Incomplete Struggle (a much better title to my mind) is much more of a fantasy film than the previous chapter in the story, once again playing cleverly with various tropes of Japanese monster stories. The script takes the trouble to include characters from both previous films (it is clearly intended as a grand conclusion to the story) and also explores notions of pre-millennial angst. Once again, the monster battles are superbly staged, but the big ideas explored by the film are also fascinating, even if some elements of the story are left a bit vague. What one person sees as vaulting imagination and ambition, another may see as the script getting a bit out of control; some may also have an issue with the deliberate lack of closure at the very end of the film. Nevertheless, this movie manages to give the Japanese kaiju genre a sense of majesty and gravitas it has seldom achieved anywhere else.
Incomplete Struggle (a much better title to my mind) is much more of a fantasy film than the previous chapter in the story, once again playing cleverly with various tropes of Japanese monster stories. The script takes the trouble to include characters from both previous films (it is clearly intended as a grand conclusion to the story) and also explores notions of pre-millennial angst. Once again, the monster battles are superbly staged, but the big ideas explored by the film are also fascinating, even if some elements of the story are left a bit vague. What one person sees as vaulting imagination and ambition, another may see as the script getting a bit out of control; some may also have an issue with the deliberate lack of closure at the very end of the film. Nevertheless, this movie manages to give the Japanese kaiju genre a sense of majesty and gravitas it has seldom achieved anywhere else.
Micah Ulibarri (79 KP) rated The Peace and The Panic by Neck Deep in Music
Mar 26, 2018
Peace Panic Pop Punk
Neck Deep, most well known for their song, "December", came to turn the amps up to 11. Mostly known for a more acoustic sound that lends itself to pop punk, the Welsh five-piece has brought a full electric, high-energy album to bear on an audience that didn't know we needed more pop punk anthems.
The album mostly deals with mature themes of growing older, as well as the state of the world and losing people close to you. The lead singer, Ben Barlow's, father died during their writing of this album and it shows in the emotional lyrics and texture of the songs.
The album starts out with the more jump-up-and-down and blast-your-car-stereo tunes until getting in the last half of the album with a couple more ballad-y titles like "Wish You Were Here" and "Nineteen Seventy-Something".
Some favorite tracks of mine are the more Alt-rock sounding "Happy Judgement Day" and "Don't Wait, as well as the emotional "Nineteen Seventy-Something" and the deceptively Happy-sounding "Where Do We Go When We Go".
Considering I had been under the impression that this genre had died, this album is a breath of fresh air from a vista of young adult, relatable angst that I had forgotten how to express.
The album mostly deals with mature themes of growing older, as well as the state of the world and losing people close to you. The lead singer, Ben Barlow's, father died during their writing of this album and it shows in the emotional lyrics and texture of the songs.
The album starts out with the more jump-up-and-down and blast-your-car-stereo tunes until getting in the last half of the album with a couple more ballad-y titles like "Wish You Were Here" and "Nineteen Seventy-Something".
Some favorite tracks of mine are the more Alt-rock sounding "Happy Judgement Day" and "Don't Wait, as well as the emotional "Nineteen Seventy-Something" and the deceptively Happy-sounding "Where Do We Go When We Go".
Considering I had been under the impression that this genre had died, this album is a breath of fresh air from a vista of young adult, relatable angst that I had forgotten how to express.
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Robbie Riverton: Mail Order Bride in Books
Jun 9, 2018
Dumb title, awful art, but good book
Please don't judge this book by its atrocious cover. As a kid, I read all of my older sister's romance novels--Jude Devereaux, Judith McNaught, et cetera--but as a sentimental gay dude, there was a lot that didn't hit home for me. This is my first gay historical romance, and I really liked it. It has about the same amount of depth you would expect from a heterosexual romance novels (which is to say, not much), but it was no less an enjoyable read. I'm glad that Easton didn't rely on angst to further the story, but actually gave us a story that stands in its own two legs.
I admit that I was nervous going into the more erotic scenes. It's kind of a thorny issue, with Easton being a woman and describing an entirely male act. But they were surprisingly realistic (for a romance novel). That said, they didn't exactly light my fire, but they weren't "boobs feel like bags of sand" either. Nice, middle of the road. It's clear the focus is on the relationship, not sex, though she acknowledges the strong sexual intensity that (sometimes) manifests between men.
Just, please, Easton, if you read these at all, do something about the cover art. The title is a little hokey too. It made me underestimate your talent.
I admit that I was nervous going into the more erotic scenes. It's kind of a thorny issue, with Easton being a woman and describing an entirely male act. But they were surprisingly realistic (for a romance novel). That said, they didn't exactly light my fire, but they weren't "boobs feel like bags of sand" either. Nice, middle of the road. It's clear the focus is on the relationship, not sex, though she acknowledges the strong sexual intensity that (sometimes) manifests between men.
Just, please, Easton, if you read these at all, do something about the cover art. The title is a little hokey too. It made me underestimate your talent.