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Merissa (13398 KP) rated Hunter's Barbs (Prime Omegaverse #5) in Books
Jun 2, 2025
HUNTER'S BARBS is the fifth book in the Prime Omegaverse series, although it can be read as a standalone. If it's your first foray into this world, take note of the trigger warnings!
Before I start my review, I'm going to be honest here and say that Aria's story isn't my favourite for a number of reasons, which I will explain.
The first four chapters completely threw me off. Two are told by Aria, and two by Fritz. Unfortunately, it seemed like two alternative beginnings, where one needed to be removed before the book went live, as the timeline and descriptions of events made no sense apart from going back in time. Aria is described by Fritz in chapter two as having blonde hair, which matches the book cover. After that, she is described as having auburn hair. There is a lot of talk about their deepening connection, but not wanting to name it. And speaking of naming things and repeats, Aria names Fritz twice, but both are written as the first time. Seeing repeated phrases and descriptions has come up in these books before, but this one seemed as though there was just 'more'.
Saying all that, I did enjoy the story! Especially once Aria stopped going on about the dragons. I can honestly say I didn't like her much to begin with. Fritz was a wonderful character whom I loved learning about. I especially liked it when he thawed out enough to show his caring side. Seeing Aria and Fritz work and love together were the highlights of this story.
I am still thoroughly enjoying the Prime Omegaverse series and definitely want to continue with it. I just don't think this was one of the best, although I am sure it will be loved by many.
** 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 2, 2025
Before I start my review, I'm going to be honest here and say that Aria's story isn't my favourite for a number of reasons, which I will explain.
The first four chapters completely threw me off. Two are told by Aria, and two by Fritz. Unfortunately, it seemed like two alternative beginnings, where one needed to be removed before the book went live, as the timeline and descriptions of events made no sense apart from going back in time. Aria is described by Fritz in chapter two as having blonde hair, which matches the book cover. After that, she is described as having auburn hair. There is a lot of talk about their deepening connection, but not wanting to name it. And speaking of naming things and repeats, Aria names Fritz twice, but both are written as the first time. Seeing repeated phrases and descriptions has come up in these books before, but this one seemed as though there was just 'more'.
Saying all that, I did enjoy the story! Especially once Aria stopped going on about the dragons. I can honestly say I didn't like her much to begin with. Fritz was a wonderful character whom I loved learning about. I especially liked it when he thawed out enough to show his caring side. Seeing Aria and Fritz work and love together were the highlights of this story.
I am still thoroughly enjoying the Prime Omegaverse series and definitely want to continue with it. I just don't think this was one of the best, although I am sure it will be loved by many.
** 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 2, 2025
Dana (24 KP) rated An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I have been lucky enough to read a lot of amazing books recently, this one included!
I honestly don't know why I waited so long to read it, but I'm glad I finally picked it up. It definitely lived up to its hype (something not every book can say)!!
I loved the charcter development. Even when the characters themselves couldn't see it, it was amazing to watch them grow. Getting to see Laia grow stronger with each chapter, both emotionally and physically, made me very excited and I found myself rooting for her in every action she did! Laia and Elias are amazing. Yes, there were two (2!!) love triangles going on at the same time, but we weren't focused primarily on that. Plus, we know the endgame (am I right? Laias forever!). And to make it even better, POC CHARACTERS!!!!!! I have been loving the trend of more POC characters recently!! Authors, definitely keep up the amazing work with that!!!
The world was fascinating, the characters were beautifully described, and I was completely drawn in from the first page. The mystery and intrigue was just coy enough to keep us guessing, but not annoyingly over-the-top to where it was keeping important information from us. I thought that was very tastefully done. I loved how it was able to get gritty and dark without being disgusting or too graphic.
Overall, I absolutely adored this novel. I can see why it got picked up for a movie deal so quickly! It deserved it!!
I honestly don't know why I waited so long to read it, but I'm glad I finally picked it up. It definitely lived up to its hype (something not every book can say)!!
I loved the charcter development. Even when the characters themselves couldn't see it, it was amazing to watch them grow. Getting to see Laia grow stronger with each chapter, both emotionally and physically, made me very excited and I found myself rooting for her in every action she did! Laia and Elias are amazing. Yes, there were two (2!!) love triangles going on at the same time, but we weren't focused primarily on that. Plus, we know the endgame (am I right? Laias forever!). And to make it even better, POC CHARACTERS!!!!!! I have been loving the trend of more POC characters recently!! Authors, definitely keep up the amazing work with that!!!
The world was fascinating, the characters were beautifully described, and I was completely drawn in from the first page. The mystery and intrigue was just coy enough to keep us guessing, but not annoyingly over-the-top to where it was keeping important information from us. I thought that was very tastefully done. I loved how it was able to get gritty and dark without being disgusting or too graphic.
Overall, I absolutely adored this novel. I can see why it got picked up for a movie deal so quickly! It deserved it!!
Affirmation (Speech Synthesis or Recording Voice)
Lifestyle and Music
2.0
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If you want to change yourself, it is more likely to manifest your dream by stating a declaration,...
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated Escaping Mortality (Escape Trilogy #3) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
a very fitting end!!
I was gifted my copy of this book, direct from the author, that I write a review was not required. But since I read and reviewed the other two parts, it's only fitting I review this one, too, don't you think??
This is the third and final book in the Escape trilogy and you rally MUST read the other two books first. You need to know how Edmund and Andrew found themselves in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, looking for an Elder!
Only Andrew has a say in these books, and THIS one, more than the other two, I NEEDED Edmund I really did! Some things happen here, that made me want to hear what he had to say, so bloody bad and he doesn't. I KNEW that he probably would not have a say, but a girl can hope, right?
Edmund and Andrew and their friends are on a boat to England and to find the Elder. Once the Elder has located and Edmund turned, they continue on to visit Edmund's sick mother. The "friend" looking after her is vile and dealing with her and the gifts the Elder has bestowed upon him, pushes Edmund to his limits. Then WHY the Elder gave Edmund these gifts becomes clear and Edmund has a choice: Andrew or the Elder.
I found this one a little less sexy than the others, but a whole lot more bloody! The way Edmund deals with the friend was scary, but needed I think. The Elder? Well he choose his path, once it became clear that there is, and there will only ever be, ONE person for Edmund.
I did not see what the "friend" was up to, looking after Edmund's mother, nor did I see what the Elder had planned fro Edmund, so it was nice to be surprised by those things.
I LOVED the epilogue! Seriously well played with that one!
I have enjoyed these three short bursts of Andrew and Edmund, but I really think had Edmund been given a voice too, these would have been all 5 star reads.
Thank you, for letting me read your books, Ms Dobie Bauer!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is the third and final book in the Escape trilogy and you rally MUST read the other two books first. You need to know how Edmund and Andrew found themselves in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, looking for an Elder!
Only Andrew has a say in these books, and THIS one, more than the other two, I NEEDED Edmund I really did! Some things happen here, that made me want to hear what he had to say, so bloody bad and he doesn't. I KNEW that he probably would not have a say, but a girl can hope, right?
Edmund and Andrew and their friends are on a boat to England and to find the Elder. Once the Elder has located and Edmund turned, they continue on to visit Edmund's sick mother. The "friend" looking after her is vile and dealing with her and the gifts the Elder has bestowed upon him, pushes Edmund to his limits. Then WHY the Elder gave Edmund these gifts becomes clear and Edmund has a choice: Andrew or the Elder.
I found this one a little less sexy than the others, but a whole lot more bloody! The way Edmund deals with the friend was scary, but needed I think. The Elder? Well he choose his path, once it became clear that there is, and there will only ever be, ONE person for Edmund.
I did not see what the "friend" was up to, looking after Edmund's mother, nor did I see what the Elder had planned fro Edmund, so it was nice to be surprised by those things.
I LOVED the epilogue! Seriously well played with that one!
I have enjoyed these three short bursts of Andrew and Edmund, but I really think had Edmund been given a voice too, these would have been all 5 star reads.
Thank you, for letting me read your books, Ms Dobie Bauer!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
One Simple Shopping List
Shopping and Productivity
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"One simple shopping list" is exactly THAT! ...one simple shopping list! Nothing more, nothing less....
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Destiny (Rogue Angel, #1) in Books
Jul 29, 2021
The idea (1 more)
Fight scenes
Getting pulled out of the narrative (2 more)
Mary Sue-ish character
The execution of the idea
Yeah , I finished the book, I'm not sure why.
There was something about the use of passive voice or phrasing that pulled me out of the story. If it was obvious in its rudeness I usually rolled my eyes and moved on, it was the subtle stuff that had me going am I supposed to be reading it this way?
The fight scenes where well choreographed that's the best I can say about this book. That and the anthropology and archeology which can be a dangerous profession especially for women (as my teachers repeatedly told me with anecdotes). But sometimes when they talked about it, I felt like they (the author) was chasing rabbits.
I tried to like the main character, Annja, but she was too full of cliches that even though she was quippy it fell short. Like the author was trying too hard. And there was so much plot armor in actually put the book down during fight scenes because there wasn't a sense of danger.
I'm not continuing with the series and will be rehoming this book, either giving it away or selling to a used bookstore, so that someone who can appreciate it has a chance to find it.
There was something about the use of passive voice or phrasing that pulled me out of the story. If it was obvious in its rudeness I usually rolled my eyes and moved on, it was the subtle stuff that had me going am I supposed to be reading it this way?
The fight scenes where well choreographed that's the best I can say about this book. That and the anthropology and archeology which can be a dangerous profession especially for women (as my teachers repeatedly told me with anecdotes). But sometimes when they talked about it, I felt like they (the author) was chasing rabbits.
I tried to like the main character, Annja, but she was too full of cliches that even though she was quippy it fell short. Like the author was trying too hard. And there was so much plot armor in actually put the book down during fight scenes because there wasn't a sense of danger.
I'm not continuing with the series and will be rehoming this book, either giving it away or selling to a used bookstore, so that someone who can appreciate it has a chance to find it.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated The Dark Knight (2008) in Movies
Aug 28, 2017
Best of the Nolan films and second only to Batman Returns for me.
I can honestly say that the opening scene alone is enough to give this movie a 10 star rating, for me it is hands down the best opening to any movie I've ever seen.
Heath Ledger's Joker stole the entire movie the sheer depth and realness he brought to the character even to this day even though I've seen this movie a dozen times still just blows me away. He takes the Joker to such a high tier and honestly noone's ever going and a top him for me. Bale's take on Batman/Bruce is good but not a favorite for me. The rest of the cast is wonderful as well and they all just play off each other so well.
Heath Ledger's Joker stole the entire movie the sheer depth and realness he brought to the character even to this day even though I've seen this movie a dozen times still just blows me away. He takes the Joker to such a high tier and honestly noone's ever going and a top him for me. Bale's take on Batman/Bruce is good but not a favorite for me. The rest of the cast is wonderful as well and they all just play off each other so well.
Jay Wright (4 KP) rated Venom (2018) in Movies
May 13, 2019
Tom Hardy as both Eddie Brock and Venom (2 more)
Carlton Drake
Humour
It was really good. It is unfair and REALLY unclear as to how it can possibly be compared to Catwoman and the 2015 Fantastic 4. It was so much better than the critics give it. I would say, though, it's not the best comic book movie. It's more on the Ant-Man level of quality. The way Tom Hardy showed the Eddie Brock/Venom relationship was really good. Michelle Williams' Anne Wenning, Eddie's ex girlfriend, was kind of bland but was still a good character. Riz Ahmed's Carlton Drake was a REALLY good villain. They really played up the you-must-hate-him vibe. Apart from those three, the other characters were meh at the most, and wasted in ways. The humour was good and well placed. I DEFINITELY recommend seeing this. Forget what the critics say.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Fire in Frost (Crystal Frost, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a review. I did not receive any compensation nor did I guarantee a favorable review.
I must admit that during the first few chapters I was asking myself if I would ever finish reading this book. I can honestly say that continuing to read it was well worth it!! Crystal is at the cusp of womanhood and while at school one day she thinks she sees Olivia but that's hard to believe because her classmate was dead. One night she stumbles upon a secret that will alter her life and her perception of the world around her will suddenly change.
With the help of her mother and her two best friends, Emma and Derek, she will embark on a paranormal journey that will bring many revelations. This is the first book I've read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books as she made a believer of her talent out of me.
I must admit that during the first few chapters I was asking myself if I would ever finish reading this book. I can honestly say that continuing to read it was well worth it!! Crystal is at the cusp of womanhood and while at school one day she thinks she sees Olivia but that's hard to believe because her classmate was dead. One night she stumbles upon a secret that will alter her life and her perception of the world around her will suddenly change.
With the help of her mother and her two best friends, Emma and Derek, she will embark on a paranormal journey that will bring many revelations. This is the first book I've read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books as she made a believer of her talent out of me.
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Tainted Lives in Books
Jun 20, 2017
Tainted Lives by Mandasue Heller
I started off disliking this book intensely, there didn't seem to be anything "nice" about it at all. Very dark and gritty. The thing was, I couldn't actually stop thinking about it once I put it down. This for me is a sign of an exceedingly well written book so although I was hoping it would lighten up a bit I stuck with it.
Trust me when I say there is nothing fluffy about this book at all. There are scenes in it that are definitely not for the faint-hearted. And the only light part about the whole book is the very end!
How the characters grow and interact with each other is a joy to read. And you can completely understand the decisions and choices that Sarah makes. Vinnie is such a despicable character that you cannot help but to loathe him, but he does make an excellent villain, a true psychopath.
I would recommend this book very highly, just not for a light read.
* Verified Purchase ~ January 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Trust me when I say there is nothing fluffy about this book at all. There are scenes in it that are definitely not for the faint-hearted. And the only light part about the whole book is the very end!
How the characters grow and interact with each other is a joy to read. And you can completely understand the decisions and choices that Sarah makes. Vinnie is such a despicable character that you cannot help but to loathe him, but he does make an excellent villain, a true psychopath.
I would recommend this book very highly, just not for a light read.
* Verified Purchase ~ January 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!