Search
Search results

Debbiereadsbook (1478 KP) rated Heartbeat Girl in Books
Dec 8, 2021
Fabulous vampire read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
When Jayne's boss disappears, the band she was working with hires her as their PA. But something is off about The Oppressors and Jayne can't figure it out. She also can't keep her attraction to one of them hidden if she's sharing their bus.
It's been a while since I had a good vampire read, and I have to say, this proper hit the spot!
I loved that there was history between Jayne and Liam, but we don't get the full story till much later in the story. And indeed, that it was well past half way before they give into their desires for each other. Loved the sire aspect of this vampire lore.
Liam knew all that time ago, that Jayne was special to him, but it wasn't til he fully opened his soul to her, that he realised just HOW special she was.
I loved all the guys, but now I think Pete has a place in my heart. He does something here that was incredibly brave, and could have cost him his life, but his love for Jayne, even if she wasn't his, pulled him through. Steve too, but to a lesser extent. I want them both to have a story, they need one!
There's a bit on the blurb that says this can be read as a standalone, but that characters from Soul Food are mentioned. And it can, it is totally stand alone, BUT now I WANT to go back and read that book, I really do. Ruth is Jayne's boss and where she ends up? I need to know what happened to her.
First I've read of this author too, I need more!
A very, very enjoyable 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
When Jayne's boss disappears, the band she was working with hires her as their PA. But something is off about The Oppressors and Jayne can't figure it out. She also can't keep her attraction to one of them hidden if she's sharing their bus.
It's been a while since I had a good vampire read, and I have to say, this proper hit the spot!
I loved that there was history between Jayne and Liam, but we don't get the full story till much later in the story. And indeed, that it was well past half way before they give into their desires for each other. Loved the sire aspect of this vampire lore.
Liam knew all that time ago, that Jayne was special to him, but it wasn't til he fully opened his soul to her, that he realised just HOW special she was.
I loved all the guys, but now I think Pete has a place in my heart. He does something here that was incredibly brave, and could have cost him his life, but his love for Jayne, even if she wasn't his, pulled him through. Steve too, but to a lesser extent. I want them both to have a story, they need one!
There's a bit on the blurb that says this can be read as a standalone, but that characters from Soul Food are mentioned. And it can, it is totally stand alone, BUT now I WANT to go back and read that book, I really do. Ruth is Jayne's boss and where she ends up? I need to know what happened to her.
First I've read of this author too, I need more!
A very, very enjoyable 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere

Chloe (514 KP) rated The Good Doctor in TV
Mar 7, 2019
really enjoyable
The first season is amazing it has anything you could want out f a good medical drama:
- a quirky main character
-well developed secondary characters
-lots of gory medical scenes
and 1 thing you would want to see in any drama much character development
That being said like many other dramas and even movies and books the series falls at the hurdle of the second season.don't get me wrong the series is still watchable and good however it just for me at least loses its spark that you see in the first season. its really hard to pinpoint what is lacking but it is. if I had to say what brings this about id say that maybe if anything they set the bar to high in the first season. I mean how can you beat performing surgery in a train station?
Although yes the series does go downhill slightly it is still highly enjoyable and id recommend to anyone particularly for those with a love of medical dramas.
- a quirky main character
-well developed secondary characters
-lots of gory medical scenes
and 1 thing you would want to see in any drama much character development
That being said like many other dramas and even movies and books the series falls at the hurdle of the second season.don't get me wrong the series is still watchable and good however it just for me at least loses its spark that you see in the first season. its really hard to pinpoint what is lacking but it is. if I had to say what brings this about id say that maybe if anything they set the bar to high in the first season. I mean how can you beat performing surgery in a train station?
Although yes the series does go downhill slightly it is still highly enjoyable and id recommend to anyone particularly for those with a love of medical dramas.

David McK (3576 KP) rated Sharpe's Company (1994) in Movies
Oct 10, 2021 (Updated Oct 10, 2021)
Back when this was first shown on TV (it's a TV movie) in the mod 90s, this was based on what-was-then on of the mid entries in Cornwell's long-running series.
I say what was then, as there have since been more novels set before, during or even after The Napoleonic Wars, which provided the background for these movies.
This - both novel and movie - is the one that starts with the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and ends with that of Badajoz, with (Sean Beans) Captain Richard Sharpe 'pushed aside' in the intervening period by those who can afford to buy his commission. This is also the one with the mad, twitching Obadiah Hakeswill (portrayed here by Pete Postlethwaite), who isn't so much a danger to Sharpe himself as he is too his men - Patrick Harper included - and who has a history with Sharpe.
I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again: I so wish they had a proper budget for these movies!
I say what was then, as there have since been more novels set before, during or even after The Napoleonic Wars, which provided the background for these movies.
This - both novel and movie - is the one that starts with the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and ends with that of Badajoz, with (Sean Beans) Captain Richard Sharpe 'pushed aside' in the intervening period by those who can afford to buy his commission. This is also the one with the mad, twitching Obadiah Hakeswill (portrayed here by Pete Postlethwaite), who isn't so much a danger to Sharpe himself as he is too his men - Patrick Harper included - and who has a history with Sharpe.
I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again: I so wish they had a proper budget for these movies!

Sarah (7800 KP) rated Ponyo (2009) in Movies
Feb 8, 2019
Bonkers
Let's be honest, a Studio Ghibli film is never going to bad and is most usually going to be a little bit weird and wonderful. Well Ponyo is about as wacky and bonkers as you can get for a storyline, and you spend most of this film wondering what on earth you're watching. Which isn't a bad thing, it's just a bit surreal.
The animation side is wonderful as always and it's a heartwarming story, albeit a bit crazy. I wouldn't say it's one of my favourite Studio Ghibli films, but its still a fun family entertaining animation.
The animation side is wonderful as always and it's a heartwarming story, albeit a bit crazy. I wouldn't say it's one of my favourite Studio Ghibli films, but its still a fun family entertaining animation.

Alicia S (193 KP) rated Beyond the Consequences (Consequences, #5) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
What more can I say about this incredible series? Im SO sad its over... Ive loved Claire & Tony's story, no matter how painful it was to read and go through at times. The connection, the passion and the perfect fit of these two are just amazing.. I've been rooting for Tony & Claire for books now and am so beyond happy to see them end up in their "happily ever after." Now we an all just sit around and hope that someday Aleatha changes her mind and continues this story! (although Im sure she's tired of hearing that!?) ;-) LOVE LOVE LOVE this series...

Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) in Movies
Jun 27, 2020 (Updated Aug 18, 2020)
I feel like this movie was unapologetically thrashed by critics for things that it wasn't responsible for. That's not to say that the movie didn't have it's own issues, as all films do. But the vile hatred that it received for stories told decades ago was unwarranted and frankly disappointing.
Truthfully, there is enough going on in this movie that can be faulted that it didn't need to have old news rehashed (I'm talking to you weird Palpatine). But again, as a stand alone film it was quite good. And as the finale to the Skywalker saga, it did it's job.
Truthfully, there is enough going on in this movie that can be faulted that it didn't need to have old news rehashed (I'm talking to you weird Palpatine). But again, as a stand alone film it was quite good. And as the finale to the Skywalker saga, it did it's job.

Inky Books (3 KP) rated A Court of Thorns and Roses in Books
Jun 21, 2018
I put of reading this book for a while, but for multiple reasons. The first was my concern that it wouldn’t live up to the expectations I had because of Throne of Glass. The second was because I didn’t want to read the first two books months before the last (at least for this half of the series) came out so I wasn’t waiting and obsessing.
I’m glad I waited because now I only have to wait about three weeks for the third book to come out after I finish the second one (if I finish it on the schedule I have planned).
I didn’t hate this book, but neither would I say that I loved it. It was good yes, but I think there is something missing and there are a few other problems that I want to talk about as well.
First, I want to talk about Feyre (pronounced Fay-ruh if you were wondering) and the sort of indifference I started feeling towards her just a little past halfway through the book. At first I liked her, doing what she can to survive while also getting very hateful feelings from her family, but determined to keep the promise she made to her unloving mother. She did what she could, but wasn’t as perfect to have all these amazing skills she was somehow able to teach herself. It was realistic in a way. Then, in the middle, I still liked her but didn’t understand some of the actions that she took. It wasn’t explained well enough in the book to be reasonable. And in the end, well, there wasn’t really much too really like or hate. It was as if Feyre started to disappear, and I had no feelings one way or the other.
The passing of time in this book was strange, but it does come right out and say, ‘three months after this event happened’ and it makes it clear. But sometimes it felt like it jumped weeks ahead without much explanation.
I do like some things of course, such as Tamlin and Lucien and many of the other fae. It was fun learning about them, their culture, the things that they went through, and eventually learning what the curse was all about (though it might be easy to guess).
But what exactly did I like about it? I can’t find any particular examples, mostly just the overall feeling of the book, the plot, and the characters, at least for the most part.
I know I’ve probably said more bad than good things but I willing give this book four stars. The reasons I’m not giving more is because the mild indifference I felt towards pieces of the book, and others I won’t mention in fear of spoiling it for everyone.
I’m glad I waited because now I only have to wait about three weeks for the third book to come out after I finish the second one (if I finish it on the schedule I have planned).
I didn’t hate this book, but neither would I say that I loved it. It was good yes, but I think there is something missing and there are a few other problems that I want to talk about as well.
First, I want to talk about Feyre (pronounced Fay-ruh if you were wondering) and the sort of indifference I started feeling towards her just a little past halfway through the book. At first I liked her, doing what she can to survive while also getting very hateful feelings from her family, but determined to keep the promise she made to her unloving mother. She did what she could, but wasn’t as perfect to have all these amazing skills she was somehow able to teach herself. It was realistic in a way. Then, in the middle, I still liked her but didn’t understand some of the actions that she took. It wasn’t explained well enough in the book to be reasonable. And in the end, well, there wasn’t really much too really like or hate. It was as if Feyre started to disappear, and I had no feelings one way or the other.
The passing of time in this book was strange, but it does come right out and say, ‘three months after this event happened’ and it makes it clear. But sometimes it felt like it jumped weeks ahead without much explanation.
I do like some things of course, such as Tamlin and Lucien and many of the other fae. It was fun learning about them, their culture, the things that they went through, and eventually learning what the curse was all about (though it might be easy to guess).
But what exactly did I like about it? I can’t find any particular examples, mostly just the overall feeling of the book, the plot, and the characters, at least for the most part.
I know I’ve probably said more bad than good things but I willing give this book four stars. The reasons I’m not giving more is because the mild indifference I felt towards pieces of the book, and others I won’t mention in fear of spoiling it for everyone.

Natalia (73 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books
Dec 14, 2018
I have to admit that I will come off a bit biased in my review of this book, since it's one of my genuine favorites. Albertalli seems to just have this way of writing that can keep just about anyone engaged, and this paired up with such a touching, personal, and still-somehow-humorous story works perfectly.
The cast of characters is a realistic one. Simon's struggle to come to terms with being gay and to come out is coming from a place of understanding, and reflects perfectly the emotions most of us have or would feel in his position. Abby and Nick, though not particularly playing a large part in the overall story, act as normal people would in their situation, which is rare enough that I have to applaud it. Finally Leah, the last of the main group of friends, is a character we can probably relate to at least one person in our real life - and she's written perfectly for it, as a character we understand can be frustrating but still a good friend from Simon's perspective.
One of my favorite things about this book, however, would have to be the e-mails between Blue and Simon (or maybe calling him Jacques would be better when I talk about the e-mails?) All of these emails are scattered within the book, and give us an insight into the developing feelings between Simon and Blue such as when Simon (spoiler alert, possibly) finally signs off his e-mail with "love". Its the subtle details in these emails, and then also how their writing transfers to their real dialogue that makes it harder to not appreciate the care that went into this book - especially since its Albertalli's debut!
There's not much else I can really say about Simon without turning this review into a spoiler-filled minefield, but I would 100% recommend this book to anyone. Especially if the subject matter is something you can relate to, and if a romance with an original concept is what you're looking for!
The cast of characters is a realistic one. Simon's struggle to come to terms with being gay and to come out is coming from a place of understanding, and reflects perfectly the emotions most of us have or would feel in his position. Abby and Nick, though not particularly playing a large part in the overall story, act as normal people would in their situation, which is rare enough that I have to applaud it. Finally Leah, the last of the main group of friends, is a character we can probably relate to at least one person in our real life - and she's written perfectly for it, as a character we understand can be frustrating but still a good friend from Simon's perspective.
One of my favorite things about this book, however, would have to be the e-mails between Blue and Simon (or maybe calling him Jacques would be better when I talk about the e-mails?) All of these emails are scattered within the book, and give us an insight into the developing feelings between Simon and Blue such as when Simon (spoiler alert, possibly) finally signs off his e-mail with "love". Its the subtle details in these emails, and then also how their writing transfers to their real dialogue that makes it harder to not appreciate the care that went into this book - especially since its Albertalli's debut!
There's not much else I can really say about Simon without turning this review into a spoiler-filled minefield, but I would 100% recommend this book to anyone. Especially if the subject matter is something you can relate to, and if a romance with an original concept is what you're looking for!

Carma (21 KP) rated Maid to Crave (Man Maid #2) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Maid to Crave by Rebecca Avery
Man Maid book 2
Maid to Crave is book 2 in the Main Maid series. It is the first book Ive read by Rebecca Avery, it was part of a 4 book collection I rented through my library and Overdrive. Sadly this was painful to get through. I literally had to force myself to finish this book. The story line had so much potential I just felt like this was a horribly novice writing style and it just didnt work for me.
Tori Stewart is a single mom to a 6 year old boy. Her friend recommends using the Man Maid service that she had luck using (and finding love). She agrees just hoping to not get the one Maid that makes her heart flutter, Seth Lewis.
Seth Lewis is a former military man who comes to work for his friend at Man Maid services. He is working not only as a Maid but as a stripper to pay for his brothers medical bills. He remembers Tori from a wedding a little bit back but doesnt see her other than his potential boss.
Tori and Seth realize they can become friends and maybe then morph it into something more. Like I said, this story had such great promise but the writing really killed it for me. I would like think I would give this author another chance at her writing style but I cant say that for sure just yet.
Man Maid book 2
Maid to Crave is book 2 in the Main Maid series. It is the first book Ive read by Rebecca Avery, it was part of a 4 book collection I rented through my library and Overdrive. Sadly this was painful to get through. I literally had to force myself to finish this book. The story line had so much potential I just felt like this was a horribly novice writing style and it just didnt work for me.
Tori Stewart is a single mom to a 6 year old boy. Her friend recommends using the Man Maid service that she had luck using (and finding love). She agrees just hoping to not get the one Maid that makes her heart flutter, Seth Lewis.
Seth Lewis is a former military man who comes to work for his friend at Man Maid services. He is working not only as a Maid but as a stripper to pay for his brothers medical bills. He remembers Tori from a wedding a little bit back but doesnt see her other than his potential boss.
Tori and Seth realize they can become friends and maybe then morph it into something more. Like I said, this story had such great promise but the writing really killed it for me. I would like think I would give this author another chance at her writing style but I cant say that for sure just yet.
