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Kaps (Angelbound Offspring #5)
Kaps (Angelbound Offspring #5)
Christina Bauer | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Kaps is the fifth book in the Angelbound Offspring series and one that I wasn't too bothered about reading. The only reason I wanted to is because it is part of the series and I didn't want to miss anything from the other characters. HOW WRONG I WAS!!!!

In this story, I found out I had been suckered into seeing the masks Kaps hides behinds, just like the rest of her family and friends. It took Mack and his no-nonsense approach seeing Kaps in all her glory to help me see her that way too. And can I just say... she's brilliant! With this one instalment, I now want to go back and re-read the other four books in the series, just to see her with fresh eyes.

And Mack - oh, be still my heart. He was simply wonderful. He fought for Kaps, even against her friends, and stood by her throughout it all. I really can't wait for his book to come along. I need Kaps and Mack to get their HEA.

I can't leave this review for my favourite Grandma out of all of them 😉 - Great M. Such a brilliant character and I'm so glad she had Kaps' back in this.

This is part of a series from a series (Angelbound Origins followed by Angelbound Offspring) so I really do recommend you read them all to get the full picture into each of the characters and the storyline that runs through. Not only that but you get a fantastic world to dive into time and again.

For a book I wasn't bothered about reading to completely turn me around the way it did, I can only give it 5-stars! 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!
  
This Is Where It Ends
This Is Where It Ends
Marieke Nijkamp | 2016 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Young Adult (YA)
10
7.7 (10 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book is controversial, there is no doubt about that. You will either love it or hate it, I don't see any space for middle ground. As for me, I loved it. It's a dark book, full of terror, anguish, courage and incredible heartbreak. Told from four different perspectives, you are with the characters as they try to survive and learn from a series of flashbacks just what might have happened to start this.

This story isn't "perfect", there are things that I would change. For a start, you never hear from Tyler himself. Do you need to? Not really, because things are explained. Would it be necessary? No, because you have enough information given. Would it benefit the story? Possibly. The tweets as well - some of them I could identify and place the characters involved, but some of them, I had no idea who they were. They had an impact on the story, for sure, but just who were they? Jay and Kevin are the ones I'm thinking of here specifically.

That being said, this book gripped me from start to finish. I had to re-read the last 25% because I was ugly-crying and kept missing what was happening.

I don't know if this book is a fair description of what has actually happened at too many schools to mention. I didn't start this book thinking that. I started this book thinking it was a work of fiction, based on events that MIGHT have happened. As a fictional story, it packed a punch for me. I loved it but I can see how it won't be for everyone. I can honestly say that I haven't read anything like it before.

* 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!
Jan 10, 2016
  
Her Wicked Angel (Her Angel: Eternal Warriors #3)
Her Wicked Angel (Her Angel: Eternal Warriors #3)
Felicity Heaton | 2013 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I thought that Veiron had stolen my heart but it appears that it is split in two and Asmodeus holds the other part! I will say that feisty, stubborn Liora is Asmodeus' perfect match. These two actually work together to move forwards. They know when they have hurt the other and take steps to say sorry or repair whatever damage may have been done. The interaction between these two is just perfect, whether it is witty or flirtatious banter or whether it is deep, soul-searching.

Erin and Veiron are also in this and continue to show just how wonderful they are together. I still love Erin's attitude and how she won't bow down to the male in her life but instead meets him toe-to-toe.

Amelia and Marcus also show up but Marcus appears to be more and more 'ghostly' as the series moves on. He is just fading into the background which is a shame whereas Amelia still feels that instead of the original angel, she is the ultimate matchmaker but no one is good enough.

Tears, laughter, sexiness - it's all here. I can't not give it 5 stars!

ps, does anyone know where I can get a couple of my own hellhounds? Romulus and Remus are brilliant!!!
 
* 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!
August 6, 2016
  
Ready Player One
Ready Player One
Ernest Cline | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.9 (161 Ratings)
Book Rating
(This review can also be found on my blog: <a href="http://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/">All the Ups and Downs</a>).

Wow! I loved this book and was sad when it ended. I really didn’t know what to make of it when I read the book blurb. It just didn’t sound like something I’d like. How wrong I was!

I saw this book sitting in my local library and decided to give it a chance. I’m glad I did!

I loved the characters! I don’t wish I knew a bit more backstory about each of them, but it didn’t deter me from the book. I loved Art3mis the most.

I loved the setting of the book and everything that goes on in the OASIS. I felt like I was there a lot of them through Cline’s descriptive writing.

There are so many 80’s references in this book. It helps if you are big on 80’s pop culture. I feel like it would give you more of an advantage in picturing what Cline describes.

Sometimes the 80’s pop culture references were a bit much as was all the technology speak, but I wasn’t put off by the book.

The writing is fantastic as is the plot! I hated the Sixers and Sorrento so much and wanted them to fail.

I would say this book is better suited for those 16 or older due to the language. Adults will enjoy it too not only because of all the nostalgic 80’s feels, but also because it’s just a great book.

I would definitely recommend this book. I was totally immersed in Ready Player One. I think most people would enjoy it especially those who grew up in/around the 80’s and those that are gamers.
  
Thirteen Reasons Why
Thirteen Reasons Why
Jay Asher | 2009 | Children
10
8.4 (49 Ratings)
Book Rating
Listening to this as a audio book makes you feel like you are a part of the list as well which makes it that much more emotional.

I held off on reading this book for the longest time. From what I had surmised from people talking to me about it, I thought it was almost promoting suicide. And while it talks about suicide, there is no promoting at all.

This book is focusing on human connection and how much just being there can help change a person's plans. It fosters communication and will (since the Netflix adaptation) be able to be used more in high school settings to get people to understand the repercussions of bullying.

I can say with certainty that I very much enjoyed this book. Yes, it was hard to read, mainly because I knew how it was going to end, but I think it was necessary for me to read as well. The raw emotion that Asher is able to bring into the story was very powerful and beautiful.

The characters were all very complex. Hannah, while calling people out on their actions, still tried to give multiple sides to the story. Clay is able to stand in for the readers when he talks to Hannah through the recording. We get to see his side of Hannah, things that she cannot admit to or see herself.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it if you have not read it yourself.
  
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Merissa (13398 KP) rated Little Tree in Books

Dec 8, 2018  
Little Tree
Little Tree
Rafe Jadison | 2018 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Little Tree by Rafe Jadison
Little Tree is a beauty of a book. Seasonal in that it takes place just before Christmas, this book is primarily a second-chance romance. Jared was a fool, and has paid the price. David was hurt, but carried on with his life. These two have baggage to contend with, and Jared can only hope that a past hurt won't take over the promise of a future.

I found this book to be 'sweeter' than the others by this author I have read. It was less eroticism, and more sensual. It was a delight to read, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. I loved both main characters, although I did want to whomp Jared around the head when we found out about his past! You could see it as lost opportunities, but I prefer to think the experiences will just have made these two fit together even better.

The characters are well-defined, and the situation the same. There are no doubts about this book, apart from whether they will end up together again or not. I'll leave that to you to find out! All I can say, is this is a great addition to Rafe Jadison's repertoire, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word. 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!
  
Origin Exposed (Descended of Dragons #2)
Origin Exposed (Descended of Dragons #2)
Jen Crane | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was chomping on the bit to have this story and see where things would take Stella, Gresham and Ewan, and boy was I NOT disappointed!

There are once again, more plot twists and turns than you can shake a stick at, with the action coming thick and fast. Every page is completely imbued with emotions, whether it is sadness or joy. There were times when I thought my own heart was breaking and it wasn't even one of the main characters!

As for Stella, Gresham and Ewan themselves - Stella has a lot on her plate in this book. She does insist on keeping secrets from those who care about her, which isn't altogether surprising as she keeps being told not to say anything to anyone. To be honest, I was a bit surprised at the reaction to Gresham. It's not like anything he has said or done has been that well hidden so it took me a while to understand her 'over-reaction'. To be fair though, I'm more than happy with how things are turning out with Ewan! Can I just add though, that since Jen has proven herself to be a wicked author, I'm not banking on anything with anyone until I see it in print! ;)

An excellent continuation of the series and I really can't wait for more. Definitely recommended.

* 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 23, 2015
  
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Merissa (13398 KP) rated Inflamed by an Incubus (Eternal Mates #19) in Books

Feb 16, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)  
Inflamed by an Incubus (Eternal Mates #19)
Inflamed by an Incubus (Eternal Mates #19)
Felicity Heaton | 2022 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
INFLAMED BY AN INCUBUS is the nineteenth book in the Eternal Mates series. I haven't read all of them (not yet!) but I have read enough to know this world, and some of the characters mentioned.

This book covers a long time period and, as such, overlaps with some of the other books. This made it a great read as the author definitely didn't drop the ball! We get a fully fleshed-out, intricate story, with different timelines woven together to create a plot hole-free story that kept my interest from beginning to end.

I will say what a horrible curse Drystan gave them! Pure evil. And my heart broke for Fenix. As always though, there are unmated characters mentioned that pull at my interest with the hints dropped. I can't wait for their stories! Plus, it's always a bonus to catch up with other mated pairs, just so I can get my HEA fix of them.

A great addition to the series, I thoroughly enjoyed every word and have no hesitation in recommending it. PLUS, Kissed by a Dark Prince (https://books2read.com/u/bpwdn6) is #FREE right now, so why not grab that and start from the beginning? If you love Paranormal Romance then I can guarantee you'll be hooked!

** 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!
Feb 16, 2022
  
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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Dumbo (2019) in Movies

Apr 10, 2019  
Dumbo (2019)
Dumbo (2019)
2019 | Animation, Family, Fantasy
A poor adaptation
I'm afraid to say that this version of Dumbo is probably the worst Disney live adaptation to date.

Other than having some mostly decent special effects and the nods to the original (Timothy Mouse, the songs and the pink elephants), I really can't find anything nice to say about this film. It has a great cast, who are sadly underused and struggle with the poor story and shoddy script. I hated Michael Keaton's villain Vandevere, he wasnt particularly villainous and I really don't know what was going on with Keaton's acting, he was really hamming it up to the point of being terrible. The kids were irritating too and such a poor substitute for Timothy Mouse. The entire film was just dull, boring, cheesy and cringeworthy, and I've never seen a Disney film that lacked heart as much as this one does. How can a film about the circus be so dull?! You also can't tell this is a Tim Burton film, and that is such a shame. Maybe if this had been a little creepy or dark, it might have turned out a lot better.