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Merissa (13100 KP) rated Little Treasure He Hides (Little Paws Haven #1) in Books

Jul 21, 2022 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)  
Little Treasure He Hides (Little Paws Haven #1)
Little Treasure He Hides (Little Paws Haven #1)
JP Sayle, Lisa Oliver | 2022 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
9.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
LITTLE TREASURE HE HIDES is the first book in the Little Paws Haven series, and I want to return there now!

I will say, Gabai got off to a very poor start. I didn't like how he acted when he first saw his mate; nope, not at all. However, luckily for me and for Asher, he realised what a pillock he'd been and changed how he treated Asher. After that, I soon warmed up to the big ole teddy bear who will not hesitate to protect his mate - even if Asher is more than capable of looking after himself. With his backstory, it shows how much he appreciates the care and affection. Yes, he can take care of himself, but he can relax and let Gabai do it, knowing he has his best interests at heart.

There wasn't a part of this story I didn't like (apart from what I've already said). I loved how Gabai's side of the story - with the attacks at his club - was handled. And Asher's just broke my heart before rebuilding it piece by piece.

I have just one question for the two amazing authors though - please, please, PLEASE tell me Rocco gets his story. I want to give him a hug!!!!

Full of amazing characters, action, and a brilliant storyline, this is highly recommended by me. Another jewel in the crown!

** 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!
Jul 11, 2022
  
3 STAR RATING

I have been very interested in reading as many anxiety/depression self help books as I possibly can as I believe it's something that I need to overcome. Depression is a really awful thing to suffer from and so I am willing to do whatever it takes to cure it, improve it or even to just learn to live with it.

After reading the back of the book when I came across it at the library I thought it sounded like a fantastic idea and perhaps something that could really improve my outlook on life. I was, however, a bit disappointed with this one as in my opinion it is a very good idea which has been very poorly executed. The sections within the book became very very repetitive, I couldn't stay interested and once I had finished it it left me with a 'meh' feeling...I was definitely hoping for more.

The language in some places was a bit technical and therefore cold and uncaring, however, I did enjoy the illustrations even though they were very child-like. There are definitely better self help books out there, on the other hand, I still recommend reading this one as the idea is very interesting and the way the 'conditions' are approached is somewhat unique yet not very broad. Read this if you are willing to try anything in order to understand depression and anxiety more but I must say this one isn't at the top of my list.
  
TR
The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I couldn't read this book fast enough! Jaime Jo Wright weaves such a tale of mystery and suspense that you won't want to put it down. Thankfully, when house duties called, I have SCRIBD, so I could listen to the book while I did dishes, vacuumed, and did the laundry.

Filled with so much agony for all that these characters go through, the empath in me had a rough go of it. But, all said and done, the author created the perfect balance with the tension, the hope, the suspense, and the romance. I am not sure how much more I can say without giving away the story! I couldn't figure out who the "bad guys" were for the longest time. I was trying so hard to figure out how everything all meshed together...But couldn't work it out on my own.

Annalise and Libby are two women that I think are incredibly strong, brave, and heroines of the best sort. Sure they have made mistakes (who hasn't), but the important thing is that they learned from them, grew, moved on, and are helping others.

I just want all of Jaime's stories in my hands right now! I could read them all year. Haha! I adore her voice and the vision she has behind her stories. They truly are remarkable and deserve the highest praise.

I received a complimentary copy of The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
LB
Life Before Death
Colin Fry | 2008
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<b>4 Stars!</b>

I must say that I very much enjoy reading these sort of books, I find them incredibly moving and sometimes even life changing.
Life Before Death by Colin Fry happens to be one of those books that just turned me into a blubbering mess!

I would recommend this book to all of those who are interested in spirituality and the paranormal...and to those who may have lost close family members or friends and need a place of comfort and solace. I personally found this book to be very moving in the sense that it teaches you to remain positive in certain situations and to forgive in order to move on in your life before it is too late.

This book is very different compared to his other books as it deals more with life BEFORE death rather than focusing on the spirit world...so if you would prefer to read more about the authors psychic connections then I would say read one of his other books instead of this one. I myself prefer a book more focused on the after life which made me knock a star off of this one, not because it is a bad book in any way but because I would prefer some of his other work. He does document a small amount of his readings, however, it is not the book's main focus. Fry talks about some of the little things we could do in order to enrich our lives and to follow our dreams.

Once I finished this book I was deep in thought reflecting about my own life which is why I recommend buying a copy of this book to keep so you can keep referring back to it time and time again. I understand how easy it is to get wrapped up in the negativity of life sometimes, this is one of those books that may help you to focus on some positive aspects.
  
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Jon Bernthal recommended GoodFellas (1990) in Movies (curated)

 
GoodFellas (1990)
GoodFellas (1990)
1990 | Crime, Drama, Thriller

"""Alright, I’d say the first would have to be Goodfellas. I know that’s probably one you get a lot, but I remember it came out, and I was probably in about the 8th grade. Me and my buddy Dougie Thornel probably saw that at the theaters 30 times. I mean we would just go, and we would watch it, and then sit in the theater and watch it again. I can’t say enough good about it. It’s horrifying, it’s hilarious, it’s so unbelievably honest. Look, I mean, Scorsese is my favorite filmmaker. You know, the fact that I got the chance to work with him [on The Wolf of Wall Street] was sort of the mountaintop, the kind of crowning achievement of my career, and I don’t mean that in sort of how I’m perceived by the world. I just mean in terms of experience. My brief time on that movie really changed the way that I work as an actor. He’s one of these guys that makes you feel that anything is possible. I’ve studied in the Russian theater, and one of the main ways that we study was you get a scene and then you do a big improvisation about the scene and what the scene could be. That’s precisely how he worked. Each one of these scenes, you create this unbelievably vivid reality, you really take yourself to the place, and everybody feels like they are one hundred feet tall. It doesn’t matter whether you are background or whether you are craft services or anything, but everybody is so full of ideas. You make it on the day, and then he just sort of takes what he wants from that. I feel like that method of filmmaking that’s so Scorsese, so uniquely his, shines brightest in that movie. That sense of anything can happen at anytime, it’s happening right there in the moment. I think it really, really just shines brightest in that film, and that’s why it’s my favorite film."""

Source
  
Born for Leaving (New England State of Mind #1)
Born for Leaving (New England State of Mind #1)
Mia Kerick | 2020 | LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Born For Leaving is the story of two men, both loners by choice and circumstance, getting together as roommates by sheer coincidence. What follows is an angsty, heartbreaking story that will tear your heart out!

Oliver is the one with the house he is desperate to keep. So desperate, in fact, he keeps on working at a place where, although he gets on well enough with his co-workers, is dangerous for his physical, mental, and emotional well-being. His boss is his ex which is always fun but Oliver also has to deal with volatile drunkards too. Along comes Bodie. He is the one constantly on the move, sleeping on the ground next to his bike is not uncommon for him. Oliver and Bodie spark from the beginning but both of them have pasts that need to be worked past before they can move forward.

I thought this was exceedingly well-written, with characters I didn't like to start with who grew on me (Oliver's mum), those I disliked from the get-go (Jack), and those I loved (Bodie and Oliver). Now, let me just say this. Although I loved Oliver, he also really annoyed me. I just can't get my head around WHY he would stay in such a toxic workplace for so long, even if his dream job hadn't happened. Anyway, it all happened as was meant to be, so they say, so I guess I just have to deal!

This book does deal with hard subjects like attempted rape and child abuse. If these are triggers for you, be warned.

I found this book to be highly emotional and a brilliant read. I can't wait to see what comes next in the New England State of Mind series. 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!
  
We Sold Our Souls
We Sold Our Souls
Grady Hendrix | 2018 | Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Creepy novel
Horrorstör was my 4th favorite book I read in 2015. Considering only "Ready Player One", "13 Reasons Why", and "Autopsy Room Four", a little-known work by Stephen King were the only ones to beat it that is quite impressive.

I was so excited when I learned "We Sold Our Souls" by Grady Hendrix was being published. After reading it, I am just as excited to write how much I enjoyed it. First let me say, I am and always will be, a metalhead.

We Sold Our Souls involves a broken up metal band who did not end on the best of terms.As you can imagine, their reuniting is not everyone sitting around and singing Kumbaya. Hendrix through flashbacks shows how the band broke up and why they need to fight together. I would have loved to hear Dürt Würk play. Mentioned throughout the story are well known heavy metal bands that I have to turn up anytime I hear them. Each chapter's title is the name of a metal album.

The novel did not scary me but it was creepy and definitely worth reading. I will be keeping Grady Hendrix at the top of my "authors to read anything they publish" list.

Published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 1/31/19.
  
AS
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The third novel in Sean Thomas Russell's <i>Charles Hayden</i> series (after [b:Under Enemy Colours] and [b:A Battle Won|7977384|A Battle Won (Charles Hayden, #2)|S. Thomas Russell|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348601989s/7977384.jpg|12314972]) which, I have to say, I did not enjoy as much as either of the previous two.

A large reason for that, perhaps, is that I spent roughly about the first half of the book trying to remember what had happened previously, particularly in relation to Hayden's private life! As such, I wouldn't recommend this as the first novel to read in the series: although it is (eventually) cleared up over the course of the events, having some clear idea of just why the characters are acting the way they are/even who they are does help immeasurably.

While it largely alternates between events at home and on the sea, this novel can also be split into several distinct sections: the first section dealing with Hayden (aboard his ship <i>Themis</i>) blockade of France, and his attempts to get back to England with news of vital import, the next section with shipwreck and recovery in France and the final section with the battle of 'The Glorious First of June'.

And yes, some of that has been covered before (and, IMO, better) in CS Forester's famous <i>Hornblower</i> series.
  
Quasi and the Quackadero (1976)
Quasi and the Quackadero (1976)
1976 | Animation
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The Weirdest Place on Earth!
Wow! I can't believe that I've never seen this animated short before until just recently! I bet that if I had watched this animated short when I was little, I would have loved it! "Quasi at the Quackadero" is certainly one of the WEIRDEST animated shorts I have ever seen! Sally Cruikshank (who had also done animation work for "Sesame Street" during the 1980s) had done an awesome job at animating this short as the characters and the wacky world that they live in come to life and I have to say that this animation was very well done for the 1970s! I also loved the fact that there are so many details going on in the animation like there was one scene where a circus master of sorts was yelling at his crew and you can see a strange creature pop out of his pants for no reason at all. I was also entertained by the bantering between Quasi and Anita, as I found it interesting that while they went out to the Quackadero together, it seems like they can't stand each other and I was interested in seeing how Anita and Rollo will get rid of Quasi towards the end of the short.

The only problem with this short is that it can be rather confusing at times, especially during the scenes where Quasi, Anita and Rollo go to the Quackadero. Also, if you are not a huge fan of bizarre imagery, this short has plenty of bizarre imagery that might creep out some viewers. And another thing, even though this aspect is probably not that important to the story, I would have loved to see more from Anita, Quasi and Rollo's relationship with each other since I wanted to know why they treat each other so terribly.

Overall, "Quasi at the Quackadero" is one of the most bizarre yet creative animated shorts I have ever seen and I can't wait to check out the sequel "Make Me Psychic" someday!
  
Broken Beauty (Broken Beauty Novellas #1)
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars.

This is a novella length story, the first of six, and deals with the aftermath and issues surrounding rape. It was a tough read at times but a good strong story.

I felt sorry for Mia. Being brought up in a political family and then being raped…and her father wants to glorify it to get more voters so he can win his election. How twisted can your life get? Her family do and say things to get voters, whether it’s helping Mia cope or not–mainly not–and I wanted to scream and shout at them in her defence.

And despite all that, some people do care. Dom, the policeman that found her in the first place, tries to help her realise that the only way her attackers will not get away with it, is to tell the truth and stop following her family’s wish to let it drop. He’s so nice and gentle with her. Her friend, Ari, tries to do whatever Mia wants but seeing how she’s struggling…what can you do?

It’s an emotional and sometimes tough story to read but after finishing this, I’m looking forward to the next part in the series to see what Mia does next. I hope she’s strong enough to go against her family.