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Merissa (14175 KP) rated Under the Boardwalk (The Landmarks Series #1) in Books
Aug 16, 2017
Under the Boardwalk (Landmarks #1) by Felice Stevens
Under the Boardwalk is the latest book by Felice Stevens, an author that I have long admired. It's starts with last summer, as our two main characters first lay eyes on each other and want more. The timing isn't right though, so a year goes by. Now we are at this summer.
Alexi is an American, with Russian ancestry. He works for his father at the local custard stand, and dreams of travelling the world. Cam is the busker that Alexi dreams about. He has travelled the world, and found that there was no place like home (sorry, couldn't resist!). These two finally connect, and BOOM!!! We're off.
I love Felice Stevens' way of writing. She wraps you up, and immerses you in the story. This is one of her 'sweeter' books, I would say, although there is some low-level angst in here. One thing I will always be grateful for, is the explanation given to Cam about what the difference is between ice-cream and custard. As someone who grew up in England, custard is a hot, sweet, liquid that goes on top of treacle tart, or jam roly-poly. Not in a cone! I was thankful when the explanation was given as I then understood what everyone was eating! ?
I don't think there were any editing or grammatical errors, but if there were, I missed them as I was so engrossed with the story. I love the epilogue, and love these two together. I am seriously hoping for more in this series, and also hope that we get to see a cameo from these two, just so I can find out if they're still okay.
Absolutely recommended by me, just be warned that you may lose time when you start reading this book!
* 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!
Alexi is an American, with Russian ancestry. He works for his father at the local custard stand, and dreams of travelling the world. Cam is the busker that Alexi dreams about. He has travelled the world, and found that there was no place like home (sorry, couldn't resist!). These two finally connect, and BOOM!!! We're off.
I love Felice Stevens' way of writing. She wraps you up, and immerses you in the story. This is one of her 'sweeter' books, I would say, although there is some low-level angst in here. One thing I will always be grateful for, is the explanation given to Cam about what the difference is between ice-cream and custard. As someone who grew up in England, custard is a hot, sweet, liquid that goes on top of treacle tart, or jam roly-poly. Not in a cone! I was thankful when the explanation was given as I then understood what everyone was eating! ?
I don't think there were any editing or grammatical errors, but if there were, I missed them as I was so engrossed with the story. I love the epilogue, and love these two together. I am seriously hoping for more in this series, and also hope that we get to see a cameo from these two, just so I can find out if they're still okay.
Absolutely recommended by me, just be warned that you may lose time when you start reading this book!
* 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!
Sophie Wink (11 KP) rated Picture Perfect in Books
Jun 11, 2019
Beautiful. That's it.
A sad story so beautifully told is the key to break my heart. It did exactly that. I say it's sad because it really is but it does have some incredibly romantic scenes too which not only melt your heart but make you fall in love with the book its characters.
The tender theme of abuse was used with the utmost sensitivity, the only way I can describe it, is that it's told in such a sickly sweet way that it just hits you. Hard. I struggled to read the novel just because it genuinely broke my heart to see this perfectly capable beautiful and smart lady, Cassie, just break in half.
I love Cassie's character! So bright, sweet, smart and elegant. She is so very lovable which makes her story so utterly moving. I liked that she was quite quirky and wouldn't usually fall for the Alex Rivers type which made her falling in love wonderfully romantic and charming. I feel bad for saying it but I even liked Alex Rivers, underneath he is just a damaged man with a shattered heart. I liked that he was charming and obviously attractive even if he knew it. While he wasn't necessarily a nice man he was more than appealing and incredibly romantic. He just got it wrong, very wrong and on this occasion it wasn't okay and couldn't be fixed.
I loved the kind of twist to the story and how you remember along with Cassie, it's like a journey. I also really like the unusual nature of the how the story is told, the fact that she can't remember is definitely the hook to find out more. I loved all of the characters as each seemed to have direct impact on Cassie herself, making it just that little bit more compelling.
I know this review kind of skips around the point but I don't want to spoil anything.
Like I said... Beautiful.
A sad story so beautifully told is the key to break my heart. It did exactly that. I say it's sad because it really is but it does have some incredibly romantic scenes too which not only melt your heart but make you fall in love with the book its characters.
The tender theme of abuse was used with the utmost sensitivity, the only way I can describe it, is that it's told in such a sickly sweet way that it just hits you. Hard. I struggled to read the novel just because it genuinely broke my heart to see this perfectly capable beautiful and smart lady, Cassie, just break in half.
I love Cassie's character! So bright, sweet, smart and elegant. She is so very lovable which makes her story so utterly moving. I liked that she was quite quirky and wouldn't usually fall for the Alex Rivers type which made her falling in love wonderfully romantic and charming. I feel bad for saying it but I even liked Alex Rivers, underneath he is just a damaged man with a shattered heart. I liked that he was charming and obviously attractive even if he knew it. While he wasn't necessarily a nice man he was more than appealing and incredibly romantic. He just got it wrong, very wrong and on this occasion it wasn't okay and couldn't be fixed.
I loved the kind of twist to the story and how you remember along with Cassie, it's like a journey. I also really like the unusual nature of the how the story is told, the fact that she can't remember is definitely the hook to find out more. I loved all of the characters as each seemed to have direct impact on Cassie herself, making it just that little bit more compelling.
I know this review kind of skips around the point but I don't want to spoil anything.
Like I said... Beautiful.
Andy K (10827 KP) rated Buster's Mal Heart (2016) in Movies
Sep 2, 2019
Someone tell me what I just watched?!?
On the recommendation from a friend, I checked this film out on Netflix (I think it is available on Netflix UK also).
Before he recently won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek starred in this very unusual film about a guy who is either stranded out at sea on a one-person raft, running from the law after breaking in and stealing wealthy mansions for his own use or a married man working at a hotel with a wife and daughter. Or maybe all 3?
The character meets a paranoid man talking all about the "inversion" and Y2K (remember that?) which sends the man down a weird slope of cerebral? encounters throughout his various levels of existence.
The screenplay is so interesting that I want to sit in a room with writer/director Sarah Adina Smith to pick her brain just to make sure I either understand what I watched or if I am meant to. I have no issue with cerebral films like Donnie Darko, The Fountain, Under the Skin or Mulholland Drive. Since some of the film takes place in a hotel, I could see comparisons to shades of The Shining also.
It may take another viewing to let everything soak in or maybe I will pick up new things the next time around.
The look of the film is breathtaking with both beautiful outdoor landscapes, gorgeous mansions, and stuffy hotel lobbies.
I am ashamed to say I have not seen Bohemian Rhapsody yet, but based on this film alone Malek appears to be not only up and coming, but here to stay for a while and he deserves it. He was emotional and moving in this film so I am eager to see more of his work.
Please someone else watch this so we can discuss. I would love to hear your opinion!
Before he recently won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek starred in this very unusual film about a guy who is either stranded out at sea on a one-person raft, running from the law after breaking in and stealing wealthy mansions for his own use or a married man working at a hotel with a wife and daughter. Or maybe all 3?
The character meets a paranoid man talking all about the "inversion" and Y2K (remember that?) which sends the man down a weird slope of cerebral? encounters throughout his various levels of existence.
The screenplay is so interesting that I want to sit in a room with writer/director Sarah Adina Smith to pick her brain just to make sure I either understand what I watched or if I am meant to. I have no issue with cerebral films like Donnie Darko, The Fountain, Under the Skin or Mulholland Drive. Since some of the film takes place in a hotel, I could see comparisons to shades of The Shining also.
It may take another viewing to let everything soak in or maybe I will pick up new things the next time around.
The look of the film is breathtaking with both beautiful outdoor landscapes, gorgeous mansions, and stuffy hotel lobbies.
I am ashamed to say I have not seen Bohemian Rhapsody yet, but based on this film alone Malek appears to be not only up and coming, but here to stay for a while and he deserves it. He was emotional and moving in this film so I am eager to see more of his work.
Please someone else watch this so we can discuss. I would love to hear your opinion!
Debbiereadsbook (1821 KP) rated Demon's Obsession (Obsessions #1) in Books
Oct 9, 2024
Silas' tre makes for some fun times!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the start of a new series by these 2 authors, and I have to say, very different from the Tangled Tentacles and I loved that it is!
Silas goes to town once a week to sing. He can only manage short times away from his tree and the forest, being a dryad. Dakata is a demon, living in the human world, managing music acts. Dakata's demon reacts to Silas, making Dak aware that his Blissful One is near. But others are against the mating. And danger looms.
I just gotta mention the cover! When I got my copy, it didn't have a cover, and I only saw the cover AFTER I read it. It fits, perfectly! The scene it's taken from? Comes over exactly like the cover! Love it!!
I loved this, I really did. It's a bit different, with Silas being a dryad. He is bonded to a tree, and cannot be far from it. The tree talks to Silas, but also is able to move freely. Which makes for some fun times, especially when Dak is near and they get down and dirty! Phew!! Dak's demon talks to the tree too.
I liked that the danger was simple jealousy. No complicated plot with twist and turns to follow. I even liked the way Dak's demon dealt with that threat.
So, I have a couple of questions!
Will Wanda get a book? I mean, she has three trees she is bonded to, will she get three partners?
Will Dougal and George get stories too?? I loved these two and hope they do.
And just who is the goat, in dak's apartment that kicks Merihem in the nuts??!!
It's a little bit out there, but Sayle is becoming a master at the out there troupe!
Loved it, can't wait for more!
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the start of a new series by these 2 authors, and I have to say, very different from the Tangled Tentacles and I loved that it is!
Silas goes to town once a week to sing. He can only manage short times away from his tree and the forest, being a dryad. Dakata is a demon, living in the human world, managing music acts. Dakata's demon reacts to Silas, making Dak aware that his Blissful One is near. But others are against the mating. And danger looms.
I just gotta mention the cover! When I got my copy, it didn't have a cover, and I only saw the cover AFTER I read it. It fits, perfectly! The scene it's taken from? Comes over exactly like the cover! Love it!!
I loved this, I really did. It's a bit different, with Silas being a dryad. He is bonded to a tree, and cannot be far from it. The tree talks to Silas, but also is able to move freely. Which makes for some fun times, especially when Dak is near and they get down and dirty! Phew!! Dak's demon talks to the tree too.
I liked that the danger was simple jealousy. No complicated plot with twist and turns to follow. I even liked the way Dak's demon dealt with that threat.
So, I have a couple of questions!
Will Wanda get a book? I mean, she has three trees she is bonded to, will she get three partners?
Will Dougal and George get stories too?? I loved these two and hope they do.
And just who is the goat, in dak's apartment that kicks Merihem in the nuts??!!
It's a little bit out there, but Sayle is becoming a master at the out there troupe!
Loved it, can't wait for more!
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1821 KP) rated Mayfair Madame (Mayfair heights #1) in Books
Sep 21, 2025
Ms Adams smashes it, she really does!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Ok so!
I have followed Ms Adams from the beginning, and her skill as an author continues to grow. THIS book, though, is a step away from her usual fair, and I will be honest, wasn't sure how it was gonna go.
I need NOT have worried! Because Ms Adams smashed it, she really did!
Naomi lives in Mayfair Heights, and runs an escort business. A physical assault (on page, but needed) brings her into contact with Ellie Sharpe, a detective dealing with her case. For both of them, there is powerful attraction, but they cannot act on it, until the case is dropped and Ellie and Naomi are free to do as they wish. But someone doesn't want to let it go. And both women carry some emotional baggage. Can they find the love they both so desperately want and need?
I loved this, I really did.
I loved that both Naomi and Ellie have a say. I loved the way things developed between the two of them. I loved the emotional connection and how Naomi SAW Ellie, even if Ellie didn't want to be seen.
I loved the steam level here. While not especially explicit, the physical connection between Ellie and Naomi is powerful and it shows in the way they are together.
It is a bit darker, Naomi gets assaulted a couple of times, but I think it is needed to get the point across.
I LOVED the whole team who live in Mayfair Heights! Some characters have piqued my interest more than others, but they all pulled a string and I look forward to those strings being unravelled.
Thank you, Ms Adams, for falling in love with the cover, the picture portrays Naomi beautifully and I cannot wait to get to know the others in more detail.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ok so!
I have followed Ms Adams from the beginning, and her skill as an author continues to grow. THIS book, though, is a step away from her usual fair, and I will be honest, wasn't sure how it was gonna go.
I need NOT have worried! Because Ms Adams smashed it, she really did!
Naomi lives in Mayfair Heights, and runs an escort business. A physical assault (on page, but needed) brings her into contact with Ellie Sharpe, a detective dealing with her case. For both of them, there is powerful attraction, but they cannot act on it, until the case is dropped and Ellie and Naomi are free to do as they wish. But someone doesn't want to let it go. And both women carry some emotional baggage. Can they find the love they both so desperately want and need?
I loved this, I really did.
I loved that both Naomi and Ellie have a say. I loved the way things developed between the two of them. I loved the emotional connection and how Naomi SAW Ellie, even if Ellie didn't want to be seen.
I loved the steam level here. While not especially explicit, the physical connection between Ellie and Naomi is powerful and it shows in the way they are together.
It is a bit darker, Naomi gets assaulted a couple of times, but I think it is needed to get the point across.
I LOVED the whole team who live in Mayfair Heights! Some characters have piqued my interest more than others, but they all pulled a string and I look forward to those strings being unravelled.
Thank you, Ms Adams, for falling in love with the cover, the picture portrays Naomi beautifully and I cannot wait to get to know the others in more detail.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1821 KP) rated Caressa’s Homecoming (Bonded by Love #1) in Books
Jul 28, 2026
high seam but low angst between the three of them.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is a spin off of the Love In Mission City series, but it's not necessary to read those books before this one. I've only read 3, I think.
Caressa returns home after 5 years away. Her 2 best friends are keen for her to stay. Michael and Cole have loved Caressa and each other for a long time, but it takes Caressa leaving for either of them to realise how much. Can they move from friends to lovers, or will it all end in tears?
I liked this, a lot. I enjoyed the books I read of the Mission City series too.
My only complaint, I suppose is the right word to use, is that Caressa jumps into Michael's bed so bloody fast after coming home! I would have liked a more emotional connection . . .but then again, these guys have been friends for so long, that connection has already been established . . . but it felt, to me, a little quick.
I did like that they were conscious of Cole and how he might react, and I was pleasantly surprised by his reaction. But then again! He has lusted over them both for a long time, and now his dreams are coming closer together. I liked that Cole had a secret from his long term friends, and I look forward to that being fully explored!
All three get a say, 1st person, past tense.
Steam level is quite high, but I found the angst fairly low, which felt a bit weird, but like I said, these guys have been through a lot since their childhood together. Each childhood was difficult, for very different reasons, and the angst about THAT subject was quite high, but not between Caressa, Michael or Cole.
Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I get to read Cole's Reckoning next.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is a spin off of the Love In Mission City series, but it's not necessary to read those books before this one. I've only read 3, I think.
Caressa returns home after 5 years away. Her 2 best friends are keen for her to stay. Michael and Cole have loved Caressa and each other for a long time, but it takes Caressa leaving for either of them to realise how much. Can they move from friends to lovers, or will it all end in tears?
I liked this, a lot. I enjoyed the books I read of the Mission City series too.
My only complaint, I suppose is the right word to use, is that Caressa jumps into Michael's bed so bloody fast after coming home! I would have liked a more emotional connection . . .but then again, these guys have been friends for so long, that connection has already been established . . . but it felt, to me, a little quick.
I did like that they were conscious of Cole and how he might react, and I was pleasantly surprised by his reaction. But then again! He has lusted over them both for a long time, and now his dreams are coming closer together. I liked that Cole had a secret from his long term friends, and I look forward to that being fully explored!
All three get a say, 1st person, past tense.
Steam level is quite high, but I found the angst fairly low, which felt a bit weird, but like I said, these guys have been through a lot since their childhood together. Each childhood was difficult, for very different reasons, and the angst about THAT subject was quite high, but not between Caressa, Michael or Cole.
Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I get to read Cole's Reckoning next.
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Andy K (10827 KP) rated 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) in Movies
May 13, 2018
The Kubrick (2 more)
The music
The unforgettable
Greatest sci-fi film of all time.
Not too often you can say a film is perfect in every way, but you can with 2001: A Space Odyssey. Screw movies of today which have to explain everything away or the movie itself is just a set up for the never-ending series of films to follow.
You have to appreciate the visuals, music, and unforgettable vagueness of this film and just soak it all in like looking at a beautiful painting by your favorite artist or listening to your favorite song and repeat it over and over again.
After seeing this movie 20+ times, I see new subtleties in it every time and enjoy it completely every time. Probably an acquired taste for today's generation of MCU fans, but certainly worth your time.
You have to appreciate the visuals, music, and unforgettable vagueness of this film and just soak it all in like looking at a beautiful painting by your favorite artist or listening to your favorite song and repeat it over and over again.
After seeing this movie 20+ times, I see new subtleties in it every time and enjoy it completely every time. Probably an acquired taste for today's generation of MCU fans, but certainly worth your time.
M0v134ss4ss1n (3 KP) rated Suicide Squad (2016) in Movies
Apr 23, 2019
Family Fun
All in all the movie wasnt half bad, what with the great all-star casting from Will Smith to Margot Robbie and what not. Our favorite super villians playing at a chance to become the good guys definitely does make an impact on us. We are always assuming that the bad guy HAS to be the bad guy FOREVER, this movie just goea to show that even the "Worst of the Worst" can be good on the inside.
Lindsay (1812 KP) rated The Quiet/Crazy Easter Day in Books
Mar 7, 2020
The Quiet Crazy Easter Day is a really cute book. It will make children understand Easter and the season in why we celebrate it. It really is something lovable and enjoyable. The book is padded and good for little ones.
The pictures are vibrant and tell to story. The words rhyme to make it fun. I enjoyed the rhyming though out the book. It is not all that hard to see what the book is about. How would you celebrate if you were there when the lord was reborn.
There no book so far that does this for little children that make it this easy. Little children as young as 2 can look at the pictures and enjoy it as well as children as for can learn to say some of the words. Read along with a parent there. It that sweet and cute.
The pictures are vibrant and tell to story. The words rhyme to make it fun. I enjoyed the rhyming though out the book. It is not all that hard to see what the book is about. How would you celebrate if you were there when the lord was reborn.
There no book so far that does this for little children that make it this easy. Little children as young as 2 can look at the pictures and enjoy it as well as children as for can learn to say some of the words. Read along with a parent there. It that sweet and cute.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated A Star Is Born (1976) in Movies
Jun 30, 2020
Decent, But Hoped For More
When a local singer is discovered by a big time star, she finds that her time in the spotlight isn’t all she expected it to be.
Acting: 10
While I wasn’t in love with Barbara Streisand’s lead role of Esther Hoffman, she did alright for the most part. I’ll just say it was a little bit better than bearable. I’m never one to say an actor has to knock it out of the park, but they can’t be so bad as to take me out of the movie. For any of her shortcomings Kris Kristofferson made up for it playing the alcoholic musician John Norman Howard. He definitely carries the chemistry between the two.
Beginning: 10
Solid kickoff as you are immediately engaged with John’s character and his shortcomings as a man. You can see this guy is a trainwreck and anyone that gets close to him will probably be brought down too. While I have seen the previous two versions before this one, it made me interested to see how they would tackle his struggles.
Characters: 8
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
For what it’s worth, I did like what director Frank R. Pierson did in showing Esther’s life at home versus what the glamorous life looked like. Before she makes it big, and even in some of the quieter moments, there is peace, shots of calm and quiet. The road life is an entirely different animal, however, as heaps of fans cheer her on at every turn and you can feel just how overwhelming it is. I appreciated that stark contrast.
Conflict: 7
Entertainment Value: 7
Throughout its 141-minute duration, A Star is Born definitely has its shining spots. Who doesn’t love a good rags to riches story? In a twist you can see coming for some time, this is a rags to riches to mortal endings story. I enjoyed watching her rise to stardom although some parts were truly unbearable with John’s character being such a total anus. It was over-the-top at times and took some of the enjoyment away.
Memorability: 2
Pace: 6
Plot: 8
Resolution: 4
Overall: 72
Of the four versions, this is hands-down the weakest A Star is Born. It’s not a horrible movie and I definitely wouldn’t steer someone away from checking it out at least once. For me, it just doesn’t stand the test of time.
Acting: 10
While I wasn’t in love with Barbara Streisand’s lead role of Esther Hoffman, she did alright for the most part. I’ll just say it was a little bit better than bearable. I’m never one to say an actor has to knock it out of the park, but they can’t be so bad as to take me out of the movie. For any of her shortcomings Kris Kristofferson made up for it playing the alcoholic musician John Norman Howard. He definitely carries the chemistry between the two.
Beginning: 10
Solid kickoff as you are immediately engaged with John’s character and his shortcomings as a man. You can see this guy is a trainwreck and anyone that gets close to him will probably be brought down too. While I have seen the previous two versions before this one, it made me interested to see how they would tackle his struggles.
Characters: 8
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
For what it’s worth, I did like what director Frank R. Pierson did in showing Esther’s life at home versus what the glamorous life looked like. Before she makes it big, and even in some of the quieter moments, there is peace, shots of calm and quiet. The road life is an entirely different animal, however, as heaps of fans cheer her on at every turn and you can feel just how overwhelming it is. I appreciated that stark contrast.
Conflict: 7
Entertainment Value: 7
Throughout its 141-minute duration, A Star is Born definitely has its shining spots. Who doesn’t love a good rags to riches story? In a twist you can see coming for some time, this is a rags to riches to mortal endings story. I enjoyed watching her rise to stardom although some parts were truly unbearable with John’s character being such a total anus. It was over-the-top at times and took some of the enjoyment away.
Memorability: 2
Pace: 6
Plot: 8
Resolution: 4
Overall: 72
Of the four versions, this is hands-down the weakest A Star is Born. It’s not a horrible movie and I definitely wouldn’t steer someone away from checking it out at least once. For me, it just doesn’t stand the test of time.