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Merissa (13469 KP) rated Natasha (Blackbird #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This series started with a bang when we met Ivy and her beloved Alpha Gits, Steve and Gareth. Would this book be able to match that one? The simple answer is yes, yes it can. As this book is about Natasha and Darren, they are obviously the main ones we see. However, we do still see Ivy, Gareth and Steve as well as the others from Blackbird Security as Ivy once more tries to remain out of the Auctioneer's clutches.
Darren and Natasha have a history together, a difficult history. So much so that Darren needed all the help of his pack to keep him together after their last meeting. Will it be any different this time? I love Ivy's answer to Natasha as they are talking about it - “You know what I love about history?” Ivy stood from the couch she‟d been curled up on to make her way into the kitchen to start making tea. “It‟s in the past. You don‟t have to give a damn about it, unless you want to.”
This is a wonderful, fast paced addition to the Blackbird Series, written in Dahlia Donovan's inimitable style. I loved seeing Ivy and her gits again and I think I always will. What was brilliant though was being able to 'meet' some of the others and learn more about them. I can't wait for the other stories that I hope won't be too long in making an appearance but for some reason, I am especially looking forward to Elaine's. She's prickly and stand-offish and I love her.
Highly recommended.
Darren and Natasha have a history together, a difficult history. So much so that Darren needed all the help of his pack to keep him together after their last meeting. Will it be any different this time? I love Ivy's answer to Natasha as they are talking about it - “You know what I love about history?” Ivy stood from the couch she‟d been curled up on to make her way into the kitchen to start making tea. “It‟s in the past. You don‟t have to give a damn about it, unless you want to.”
This is a wonderful, fast paced addition to the Blackbird Series, written in Dahlia Donovan's inimitable style. I loved seeing Ivy and her gits again and I think I always will. What was brilliant though was being able to 'meet' some of the others and learn more about them. I can't wait for the other stories that I hope won't be too long in making an appearance but for some reason, I am especially looking forward to Elaine's. She's prickly and stand-offish and I love her.
Highly recommended.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Chao (Tessa Avery book1) in Books
Oct 27, 2019
For most girls at eighteen, life is just beginning: graduation, college, getting their own place. Unlike them, however, I’ve trained my whole life to be an Ischyra, an immortal soldier of the Olympian gods, and when high school ends, I’m going to Olympus to face my destiny, leaving all that I know behind.
I’m a nervous wreck, of course, but making the transition from mortal to immortal, not to mention finding out what my affinity will be, has me over the moon. Finally, I’ll be tasting what I was born for.
But not all is a bed of roses. Meeting the gods and the grueling training is nothing compared to the nightmares I’ve been having. Controlling my newly awakened powers is more of a struggle than I'd anticipated. Add to the mix a hot guy who I can’t make heads or tails of. And if that wasn’t enough, a bunch of the Titans who were defeated thousands of years ago have begun to gather forces, hoping to retake Olympus for their own.
As an Ischyra, my duty is to protect Earth from those who would seek to harm it, but first I have to get through my training year. Yet as my powers start to take on a mind of their own, I begin to realize the gods might have other plans in store.
<strong>So good</strong>
I enjoyed this book so much! Tessa is a brilliant character I love her sass. It was good to read a book that portrayed the gods in this way. It was easy to read and kept you wanting to read more!
Recommended!!

I’m a nervous wreck, of course, but making the transition from mortal to immortal, not to mention finding out what my affinity will be, has me over the moon. Finally, I’ll be tasting what I was born for.
But not all is a bed of roses. Meeting the gods and the grueling training is nothing compared to the nightmares I’ve been having. Controlling my newly awakened powers is more of a struggle than I'd anticipated. Add to the mix a hot guy who I can’t make heads or tails of. And if that wasn’t enough, a bunch of the Titans who were defeated thousands of years ago have begun to gather forces, hoping to retake Olympus for their own.
As an Ischyra, my duty is to protect Earth from those who would seek to harm it, but first I have to get through my training year. Yet as my powers start to take on a mind of their own, I begin to realize the gods might have other plans in store.
<strong>So good</strong>
I enjoyed this book so much! Tessa is a brilliant character I love her sass. It was good to read a book that portrayed the gods in this way. It was easy to read and kept you wanting to read more!
Recommended!!

Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Brilliant Death in Books
Jan 16, 2019
It's not often that I like a relationship more than I like the separate parts of it, but that's the case with The Brilliant Death. I love Teo and Cielo together. As a couple they are amazing. I like them individually, but together they are something unique and lovely. By the end of the book, they can both switch genders at will, and they love each other for who they are, not what bodies they happen to be wearing.
This book plays with the gender binary, giving us two characters who dance from boy to girl and back again when it's convenient for them. Teo uses this ability to masquerade as her brother, going to the capital city when summoned by the ruler of her country after the assassination of her father.
If Teo's name and the use of the word "strega" hadn't given it away, the book is very Italian-inspired. The family ties, the landscape, the names, the atmosphere is unmistakably Italian. While that's still a Western European culture, it's not one we actually see in fantasy that often, which makes this book more enthralling.
While Teo juggles loyalties to family, country, and friends, Cielo is on a mission to find out what happened to their mother. Falling in love isn't in the plan for either of them, but when is it, really?
I loved the magic, the characters, and the setting of this one, and I really hope there's going to be a sequel. The plot was definitely left open enough to allow for one, though I could be happy with this as a standalone, too.
You can read all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
This book plays with the gender binary, giving us two characters who dance from boy to girl and back again when it's convenient for them. Teo uses this ability to masquerade as her brother, going to the capital city when summoned by the ruler of her country after the assassination of her father.
If Teo's name and the use of the word "strega" hadn't given it away, the book is very Italian-inspired. The family ties, the landscape, the names, the atmosphere is unmistakably Italian. While that's still a Western European culture, it's not one we actually see in fantasy that often, which makes this book more enthralling.
While Teo juggles loyalties to family, country, and friends, Cielo is on a mission to find out what happened to their mother. Falling in love isn't in the plan for either of them, but when is it, really?
I loved the magic, the characters, and the setting of this one, and I really hope there's going to be a sequel. The plot was definitely left open enough to allow for one, though I could be happy with this as a standalone, too.
You can read all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Kaz (232 KP) rated Stranger Things - Season 3 in TV
Jul 28, 2019
A Brilliant Series
I'm a big fan of 'Stranger Things' but felt that season 2 wasn't quite a good as the first season.
I was so happy that season 3 was on par with the season 1.
It does take a while to get going, I wasn't sure how all of the strands of story were going to tie together, but in the end, it all came together brilliantly.
I liked how we got to know secondary characters from season 2, for example, Erica and Billy. Also I loved the addition of Robin in the series. It felt like she had been in the show all along.
This series is definitely darker and more horror based than previous seasons. I could see influences from 80's horror films and so, this had plenty of gory scenes which made this more 'grown up', which I really liked.
I also really liked how this season commented on the problem of equality in the workplace for women. I also think that there were a lot of strong female characters throughout.
This series doesn't have too many lighter moments, but the omnes that are there, are extremely funny. I particularly loved the interactions between Dustin and Erica. There was also an epic moment with Dustin near the end of the season, which was just genius.
The series ended in a satisfactory way, it also had some emotional scenes. Also we are left with plenty of questions, which will hopefully be answered in season 4. I can't wait!
I was so happy that season 3 was on par with the season 1.
It does take a while to get going, I wasn't sure how all of the strands of story were going to tie together, but in the end, it all came together brilliantly.
I liked how we got to know secondary characters from season 2, for example, Erica and Billy. Also I loved the addition of Robin in the series. It felt like she had been in the show all along.
This series is definitely darker and more horror based than previous seasons. I could see influences from 80's horror films and so, this had plenty of gory scenes which made this more 'grown up', which I really liked.
I also really liked how this season commented on the problem of equality in the workplace for women. I also think that there were a lot of strong female characters throughout.
This series doesn't have too many lighter moments, but the omnes that are there, are extremely funny. I particularly loved the interactions between Dustin and Erica. There was also an epic moment with Dustin near the end of the season, which was just genius.
The series ended in a satisfactory way, it also had some emotional scenes. Also we are left with plenty of questions, which will hopefully be answered in season 4. I can't wait!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) in Movies
Nov 6, 2019
Nothing new
When the first Zombieland came out in 2009, it was a wonderful and brilliant surprise and such a sleeper hit. There have been cries for a sequel for some time now and whilst 10 years is a big gap, I actually think this works in the films favour despite the fact that overall it's nothing new.
The good and bad thing about this film is that it is so similar to the original, both in style and even plot structure. Good because the original obviously worked, but bad because it just feels like we're watching more of the same. Right from the opening credits it sticks so closely to the original and I did enjoy this as it's exactly what you'd expect and it was great to see the characters back on screen again with all of their nuances. Even if some if these nuances, like the rules and bickering, did get a little bit stale towards the end. The problem is that the humour and the plot are not as good as the first film, and the new characters and ideas that have been introduced are either massively irritating (Madison) or just plain dull (Babylon). Thankfully Tallahassee, Colombus and Wichita bring this film back up to being good, even if it's not as good as the original, and there are still some pretty funny moments between them even if they're not as frequent as we'd like.
Overall a good sequel but not up to the standards of the original. It's rather sad when the best and funniest part of this film is the credits scene...
The good and bad thing about this film is that it is so similar to the original, both in style and even plot structure. Good because the original obviously worked, but bad because it just feels like we're watching more of the same. Right from the opening credits it sticks so closely to the original and I did enjoy this as it's exactly what you'd expect and it was great to see the characters back on screen again with all of their nuances. Even if some if these nuances, like the rules and bickering, did get a little bit stale towards the end. The problem is that the humour and the plot are not as good as the first film, and the new characters and ideas that have been introduced are either massively irritating (Madison) or just plain dull (Babylon). Thankfully Tallahassee, Colombus and Wichita bring this film back up to being good, even if it's not as good as the original, and there are still some pretty funny moments between them even if they're not as frequent as we'd like.
Overall a good sequel but not up to the standards of the original. It's rather sad when the best and funniest part of this film is the credits scene...
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Die Hard (1988) in Movies
Nov 30, 2019
Peak action
I am absolutely incapable of understanding why anyone wouldn't like Die Hard. It's level of adoration is there for a reason.
The plot is simple and brilliant - When New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) travels to meet his wife at her company Christmas party in Los Angeles, he is unwittingly caught in a hostage situation when the building is seized by terrorists, lead by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). With the help of a police Sgt. on the outside (Reginald VelJohnson), McClane takes it upon himself to save his wife, and take down Gruber.
Die Hard takes a little while to set up, as we're intorduced to all the key characters, and it takes a while for everyone to catch on to what is happening. However, when the action starts, it's literally non stop. The practical effects, and fantastic stunt work make the action scenes a stand out of the genre, and they still stand up today.
The script is hugely corny at times, but is pulled off with aplomb by Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman. John McClane is one of the most likable protagonists in cinema history. He's calm, badass, and stands up for what is right. It's hard to imagine anyone else but Willis pulling off some of his one liners.
Equally, Hans Gruber is one of the most likable bad guys in cinema history. He's ruthless, yet charming, and gives John a proper hard time.
Most importantly, Die Hard is just stupidly entertaining. What was released initially as another action film of the decade, with a then relatively unknown Bruce Willis, quickly became a legitimate classic.
The plot is simple and brilliant - When New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) travels to meet his wife at her company Christmas party in Los Angeles, he is unwittingly caught in a hostage situation when the building is seized by terrorists, lead by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). With the help of a police Sgt. on the outside (Reginald VelJohnson), McClane takes it upon himself to save his wife, and take down Gruber.
Die Hard takes a little while to set up, as we're intorduced to all the key characters, and it takes a while for everyone to catch on to what is happening. However, when the action starts, it's literally non stop. The practical effects, and fantastic stunt work make the action scenes a stand out of the genre, and they still stand up today.
The script is hugely corny at times, but is pulled off with aplomb by Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman. John McClane is one of the most likable protagonists in cinema history. He's calm, badass, and stands up for what is right. It's hard to imagine anyone else but Willis pulling off some of his one liners.
Equally, Hans Gruber is one of the most likable bad guys in cinema history. He's ruthless, yet charming, and gives John a proper hard time.
Most importantly, Die Hard is just stupidly entertaining. What was released initially as another action film of the decade, with a then relatively unknown Bruce Willis, quickly became a legitimate classic.
Merissa (13469 KP) rated Marked Yours (Sentries #1) in Books
Dec 2, 2019
MARKED YOURS is the first book in the Sentries series and it introduces us to a post-apocalyptic world where the rules have changed. Same-sex partnerships aren't seen as any different to any other kind of romantic or love partnership. What is different is you can be chosen from birth to be either a sentry or a slave. To be honest, there isn't much difference between the two, although sentries have the illusion of being free.
I loved this story so much, and am so glad it's only the first book in the series. Nick was trained as a slave, and you learn through his history and flashbacks that the training wasn't all sweetness and light! Todd was trained as a sentry, and his training had the same pattern as Nick's. These two are starved for affection and each can give the other what they so desperately crave.
I would have liked a bit more information about just what it was that Nick and Todd could do, but I also, paradoxically, preferred how this book was about the two of them. How they had got to know each other. How trust was an issue for both of them. How they so desperately wanted the other to be safe.
The ending is perfect for this book, and it is yet another thing I would like to be expanded upon in the next book, or at least somewhere within the series!
A brilliant story that I adored, a series I can't wait to read more from, and a book I have no hesitation in recommending.
I loved this story so much, and am so glad it's only the first book in the series. Nick was trained as a slave, and you learn through his history and flashbacks that the training wasn't all sweetness and light! Todd was trained as a sentry, and his training had the same pattern as Nick's. These two are starved for affection and each can give the other what they so desperately crave.
I would have liked a bit more information about just what it was that Nick and Todd could do, but I also, paradoxically, preferred how this book was about the two of them. How they had got to know each other. How trust was an issue for both of them. How they so desperately wanted the other to be safe.
The ending is perfect for this book, and it is yet another thing I would like to be expanded upon in the next book, or at least somewhere within the series!
A brilliant story that I adored, a series I can't wait to read more from, and a book I have no hesitation in recommending.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Archangel MC in Books
Jan 19, 2020
Brilliant
Contains spoilers, click to show
“Even shattered wings hold heavenly beauty.”
I don’t know who I am.
I don’t even remember what my name is.
I was lost, confused and broken the day I met them.
My Angels.
To the world, they’re nothing but leather wearing, foul-mouthed bikers, but to me, they are my saviors.
The light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
However, as my memory starts to come back to me in pieces, I fear the darkness ahead. Maybe the reason why I can’t recollect anything is because I don’t want to.
Life is sweet in heaven.
But hell doesn’t want to let me go.
Archangels MC is a Contemporary Romance Reverse Harem Standalone story where the heroine is just as fearless as her men, but the mystery that torments her once unraveled might be too much for them to overcome.
If you like hot bikers with attitude with a soft gooey center, a little suspense in a story with twists and spins that will make your jaw drop and whole bunch of hotness mixed with sweet tender moments, well then this baby is for you!
My view
This book has so many emotional twists and turns I was so engrossed. The trauma we see Hope go through from crawling out of her shallow grave to finally getting revenge on the person who put her there. For once you are rooting for that happily ever after! The 3 gorgeous,kind and amazing men helping her every step of the way. Really was an emotional roller coaster!
Love the little nod to Freya and her 5 boys too!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don’t know who I am.
I don’t even remember what my name is.
I was lost, confused and broken the day I met them.
My Angels.
To the world, they’re nothing but leather wearing, foul-mouthed bikers, but to me, they are my saviors.
The light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
However, as my memory starts to come back to me in pieces, I fear the darkness ahead. Maybe the reason why I can’t recollect anything is because I don’t want to.
Life is sweet in heaven.
But hell doesn’t want to let me go.
Archangels MC is a Contemporary Romance Reverse Harem Standalone story where the heroine is just as fearless as her men, but the mystery that torments her once unraveled might be too much for them to overcome.
If you like hot bikers with attitude with a soft gooey center, a little suspense in a story with twists and spins that will make your jaw drop and whole bunch of hotness mixed with sweet tender moments, well then this baby is for you!
My view
This book has so many emotional twists and turns I was so engrossed. The trauma we see Hope go through from crawling out of her shallow grave to finally getting revenge on the person who put her there. For once you are rooting for that happily ever after! The 3 gorgeous,kind and amazing men helping her every step of the way. Really was an emotional roller coaster!
Love the little nod to Freya and her 5 boys too!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated World Without End in Books
Feb 4, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
World Without End takes place in the same town of Kingsbridge, two centuries after the townspeople finished building the exquisite Gothic cathedral that was at the heart of The Pillars of the Earth. The cathedral and the priory are again at the center of a web of love and hate, greed and pride, ambition and revenge, but this sequel stands on its own. This time the men and women of an extraordinary cast of characters find themselves at a crossroads of new ideas—about medicine, commerce, architecture, and justice. In a world where proponents of the old ways fiercely battle those with progressive minds, the intrigue and tension quickly reach a boiling point against the devastating backdrop of the greatest natural disaster ever to strike the human race—the Black Death.
Back to Kingsbridge., Following the lives of the children from pillars of the earth. I loved this book so much even more than the first! Ken Follett has a way of dragging you into this world and just making you believe it's now and you seeing it all unfold. Caris is inspirational watching her fight her way through to be exactly who he wants be and letting noone stand in her way despite what they try and do! Gwenda has fought for absolutely everything in her life, her man , her work her children. Ralph is just absolutely vile never have I read about a character I despise more! Well philmore comes bloody close. So many lives to follow and lose yourself in. Highly recommended these books are just brilliant!!
Kingsbridge survives the plague so what's next??
The cathedral is still the centre of it all
Back to Kingsbridge., Following the lives of the children from pillars of the earth. I loved this book so much even more than the first! Ken Follett has a way of dragging you into this world and just making you believe it's now and you seeing it all unfold. Caris is inspirational watching her fight her way through to be exactly who he wants be and letting noone stand in her way despite what they try and do! Gwenda has fought for absolutely everything in her life, her man , her work her children. Ralph is just absolutely vile never have I read about a character I despise more! Well philmore comes bloody close. So many lives to follow and lose yourself in. Highly recommended these books are just brilliant!!
Kingsbridge survives the plague so what's next??
The cathedral is still the centre of it all
Merissa (13469 KP) rated Hunter's War (The Wolfborne Saga #6) in Books
Jan 29, 2020
And here we have it. Hunter's War is the final book in The Wolfborne Saga and we come to the end of Zev's story. Fray is still in danger and Zev is determined to dive headlong into saving her. It doesn't matter if he is at risk so long as she is safe.
I've got to admit, I don't think I've ever read any other story where the hero has so little regard to his own life/safety but it fitted here, it really did. Zev manages to find a way to bring both parts of his life together, and it couldn't be more perfect. I adored the ending, although I always want that little bit more. It was perfect for an epilogue but I never got one (poor me!). That also means it's ripe for the story to continue so who knows?
Obviously, this book doesn't end on a cliffhanger but all the other parts are still there. Fantastic characters, brilliant world-building, and perfect pacing throughout. I really don't feel ready to say goodbye to this series but I've come to an end so I guess that's that... unless I re-read 😉
This series started off as 4-stars and has finished with 5, so if you are on the lookout for a clean paranormal story/series that just gets better and better, then why not take a chance on this one!
* 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!
I've got to admit, I don't think I've ever read any other story where the hero has so little regard to his own life/safety but it fitted here, it really did. Zev manages to find a way to bring both parts of his life together, and it couldn't be more perfect. I adored the ending, although I always want that little bit more. It was perfect for an epilogue but I never got one (poor me!). That also means it's ripe for the story to continue so who knows?
Obviously, this book doesn't end on a cliffhanger but all the other parts are still there. Fantastic characters, brilliant world-building, and perfect pacing throughout. I really don't feel ready to say goodbye to this series but I've come to an end so I guess that's that... unless I re-read 😉
This series started off as 4-stars and has finished with 5, so if you are on the lookout for a clean paranormal story/series that just gets better and better, then why not take a chance on this one!
* 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!