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Running with the Werewolf (Darkaway Island #1)
Running with the Werewolf (Darkaway Island #1)
Laurie London | 2025 | Humor & Comedy, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
RUNNING WITH THE WEREWOLF is the first book in the Darkaway Island series, and introduces not only the characters but the magical island too.

Daphne doesn't know magic exists, but then, she does have other things on her mind, such as her crooked boss, who may have had her friend killed. With perfect timing, she is notified that she has won a holiday on Darkaway Island. It is her neighbour who encourages her to go. So she does. When she gets there, she realises that maybe there is more in the world than she had thought.

Travis is a werewolf actor who is recognised pretty much by everyone but Daphne. Due to complications from his dead father, he is the bachelor for a new show, Date-a-Wolf. And wouldn't you know it, Daphne is dragged into it too.

This was a light, easy read with a kooky island and characters. The pacing was smooth and flowed nicely, especially in the scenes with Travis and Daphne, as their feelings grew beyond what was expected in the show. There were some parts that felt superfluous to me, but that's just my opinion.

If you're looking for a cosy paranormal rom-com with a bunch of great characters, then this may be just for you. Personally, I am looking forward to returning to Darkaway Island, hopefully, with all my memories intact!

** 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 14, 2025
  
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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Sleepless in Books

Nov 11, 2021  
Sleepless
Sleepless
Romy Hausmann | 2021 | Thriller
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Nadja had a difficult childhood and spent time in prison after being convicted for a crime. But it's been years since her release and she's wanted nothing more than a normal life since: a quiet flat, a job, and maybe some friends. But when one of those few friends, Lauren--the wife of her boss--asks for help covering up a murder, Nadja cannot help but agree. Even if it means endangering all the peace she's worked for. The women quickly make a plan, but when it all starts to crumble, Nadja begins to question exactly what her role is in this plan.

I really enjoyed Hausmann's book DEAR CHILD, but this one didn't have quite the same flair. There are books with confusing timelines that you enjoy and then there are books with confusing timelines that simply muddle things and make it hard to enjoy the plot. This book was the latter for me. There are a lot of interconnected stories in varying timelines and points of view and, truly, it's a lot to follow.

This read seems rather slow and rather blah until the last bit, where it takes off and gets exciting. You sort of know where it's going, which makes it even harder to keep reading. The characters are not that engaging, making it hard to get attached. It's difficult to root for this gang--especially Lauren and her husband. The plot is crazy and rather violent, spinning toward preposterous. If you can suspend disbelief, you'll enjoy things a lot more.

Overall, this had hints of enjoyment, but wasn't my favorite. 2.5 stars.
  
DH
Demon Hunts (Walker Papers, #5)
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was my favorite book in the series without a doubt, because I finally get to see Joanne in love! While it is not with her boss, Morrison, whom it is obvious she has an attraction to, it is still a very satisfying romance. Her bubbly happiness is quite enjoyable to read, and it does not get on my nerves despite how sickly sweet Joanne is in the descriptions. At times, her love interest really does seem like the perfect man, and I am thrilled that she gets to have this in the midst of the chaos of her shamanic lifestyle.
I think what keeps bringing me back to this series is that Joanne's narration is both unique and comical. She is refreshingly honest about herself and her quirks and abilities and keeps a running commentary behind the scenes, even as she solves supernatural-size problems while balancing a social life and a job as a detective. Even though I still understand very little of the role of a shaman and all of Joanne's world-jumping, there is something very likable about Joanne Walker.
The other half of Joanne's romance is a man that was assumed to be dead. Aside from the romance, I love that he shows up in this book, as I get to see more of what he can and cannot do and what his personality is really like. Plus, the tension between him and Morrison is quite interesting, as it brings to the forefront the chemistry between Morrison and Joanne and makes her admit to a few things about herself.
The wendigo is the "big bad" for this book, but the final battle ends differently than what I assumed. In a way, the wendigo teaches Joanne that some flaws are acceptable and even useful. I look forward to the next book, Spirit Dances.
  
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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Polar (2019) in Movies

Feb 23, 2019  
Polar (2019)
Polar (2019)
2019 | Action, Crime
Could’ve been so much better
Right from the start, this film is an absolute mess. It’s so garish and in your face, and not in a good way. It’s never good when the opening scene makes you turn your nose up in dislike, and sadly the rest of the film never manages to get past this.

The main problem is the villains. Yes this is based on a comic book, but is that an excuse for having such vile looking and plain bad villains. They are all horrendously bad characters and beyond irritating, although the worst is by far the boss villain played by Matt Lucas. I do like Matt Lucas, but I’ve come to realise he’s only good when he’s playing silly sketch characters. Which is what he’s doing here, but it’s out of place and far too cheesy. He doesn’t make for a menacing villain and although he’s laughable, it’s not in the way intended.

Mads Mikkelsen is the only real reason that this film is watchable. Every time he’s on screen the film becomes as enjoyable as it can be. It’s a shame really as there is potential buried in this - the plot as a whole isn’t bad, and I like a lot of the fight scenes that Duncan is in and the gory bits too. It’s just a pity they made it so damn garish and cheesy. If they’d have tried to make it a little darker, maybe a little like Sin City or something, it could actually have been quite good and have lived up to all of Mads Mikkelsens scenes.

Unless you’re desperate, I wouldn’t recommend watching this. And if you’re a Mads Mikkelsen fan, you’d be better off choosing one of his better offerings than this!
  
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Andy K (10826 KP) Feb 23, 2019

What a bummer. I thought this looked good.