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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated The Broken Spine in Books
Jan 21, 2021
Uncovering Secrets to Keep Her Own
Tru Beckett is the assistant librarian in her small town. She’s always loved books, so when the town manager comes up with a plan to turn the library into a bookless “technology center,” she does the only thing she can think to do. She saves as many books as she can to set up in a secret bookroom in the library’s basement. She and her friends are almost done with their book rescue mission when the town manager is murdered, killed under a shelf of DVDs in the main library. The police are looking at Tru as a suspect, certain she is hiding something from them. But in order to keep her secret, and the books, safe, True has to find the real killer. Can she do it?
As a book lover, I immediately sympathized with Tru in her quest to save the books, and I love how that secret added an extra layer to her motivation to solve the murder. A couple of times, I thought the plot was slowing down, but then something would happen to jump start it again. The result was a book I never wanted to put down. I loved how everything came together at the end. The characters were all strong, even a couple who only had a few scenes. This is a strong, fun debut, and I can’t wait to visit Tru again.
As a book lover, I immediately sympathized with Tru in her quest to save the books, and I love how that secret added an extra layer to her motivation to solve the murder. A couple of times, I thought the plot was slowing down, but then something would happen to jump start it again. The result was a book I never wanted to put down. I loved how everything came together at the end. The characters were all strong, even a couple who only had a few scenes. This is a strong, fun debut, and I can’t wait to visit Tru again.

False Light (Art History Mystery #2)
Book
Academic sleuths Erika Shawn, art magazine editor, and Harrison Wheatley, a more seasoned art...
Mystery

Merissa (12929 KP) rated Oliver (Inked Menace MC #2) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
Amara has travelled from Britain to seek out her sister's help and that of her MC. She has been captured and tortured by a group of people that she thinks may have known Cecilia's ex-husband. She does, however, come with a secret agenda but the question is, will she act on that or not?
Things get complicated when she feels the intense mating bond with Pretty-Boy, aka Oliver. I loved this couple when they were together and apart. The chemistry between the two was hot, especially a certain scene on the train! However, for me, it lacked a certain 'something'. I've sat on this review for a couple of days trying to figure out what it was and I still have no idea. It was incredibly well-written in Ryanne Hawk's brilliant style. The plot line was good and had no holes. The characters were charming or horrible as the case may be... but still, hmm. I think it may be as simple as I fell in love with them all in Lucky and that will always be my favourite. I guess I'll have to read the third book in the series, just to be sure 😉
Overall, brilliant and a welcome addition to the Inked Menace series.
* 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!
Jul 06, 2015
Things get complicated when she feels the intense mating bond with Pretty-Boy, aka Oliver. I loved this couple when they were together and apart. The chemistry between the two was hot, especially a certain scene on the train! However, for me, it lacked a certain 'something'. I've sat on this review for a couple of days trying to figure out what it was and I still have no idea. It was incredibly well-written in Ryanne Hawk's brilliant style. The plot line was good and had no holes. The characters were charming or horrible as the case may be... but still, hmm. I think it may be as simple as I fell in love with them all in Lucky and that will always be my favourite. I guess I'll have to read the third book in the series, just to be sure 😉
Overall, brilliant and a welcome addition to the Inked Menace series.
* 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!
Jul 06, 2015

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated Oh Danny Girl in Books
Jan 17, 2023 (Updated Jan 17, 2023)
Life Unraveling Can Be Dangerous
When Danny O’Brien goes to court that morning, she’s not expecting anything too difficult in the uncontested divorce she is there to handle. That’s before a gun is found in her briefcase – a gun connected to the high-profile cop killer case where her husband is the defense attorney. Then her husband is murdered in a hotel room with a woman. As Danny realizes the legal peril she is in, she tries to make sense of all that is happening around her. Will she figure things out before it is too late?
This was a great thrill ride from the very beginning, and I had a hard time putting the book down. The characters are great, and help pull us into the story. The chapter breaks also signal that we are switching to another character’s point of view, and this technique is used perfectly to help us understand them better and to fully see what is unfolding. I did think a couple of character moments happened too soon, and a couple of times the chapter breaks were used for false suspense (to keep us from learning something the character had just learned), but these were minor issues for me. Most of the twists surprised me and kept me hooked until I reached the satisfying end. I can’t wait to see what happens to these characters next.
This was a great thrill ride from the very beginning, and I had a hard time putting the book down. The characters are great, and help pull us into the story. The chapter breaks also signal that we are switching to another character’s point of view, and this technique is used perfectly to help us understand them better and to fully see what is unfolding. I did think a couple of character moments happened too soon, and a couple of times the chapter breaks were used for false suspense (to keep us from learning something the character had just learned), but these were minor issues for me. Most of the twists surprised me and kept me hooked until I reached the satisfying end. I can’t wait to see what happens to these characters next.

Merissa (12929 KP) rated Mine, Body and Soul: Trilogy (The Playroom #1-3) in Books
May 10, 2021 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
MINE, BODY AND SOUL is the trilogy that tells Lenny and Nathan's story. I first met them in MADE TO SUBMIT, the third book in the La Trattoria Di Amore series, and I needed more.
My heart went out to both of these down-but-not-out men, and I couldn't wait for them to fit their pieces together to form a whole. There is no rushing in this set, and I loved that! I loved the slow burn, the getting to know each other, the concerns and worries every new relationship has. And let's face it, these two have a couple more worries and concerns than a 'normal' couple would. They are both scarred, internally and externally, and are trying to find their way. And they were given the time to do so! Brilliant.
Not only do we get Lenny and Nathan's stories, but we are also tantalised with new characters, that I now need to know more about too! Isaac and Ferron, and Jake and Bailey, for example.
This was a slow-burn, gorgeous read that I devoured and loved every word. Absolutely recommended by me.
** 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!
May 10, 2021
My heart went out to both of these down-but-not-out men, and I couldn't wait for them to fit their pieces together to form a whole. There is no rushing in this set, and I loved that! I loved the slow burn, the getting to know each other, the concerns and worries every new relationship has. And let's face it, these two have a couple more worries and concerns than a 'normal' couple would. They are both scarred, internally and externally, and are trying to find their way. And they were given the time to do so! Brilliant.
Not only do we get Lenny and Nathan's stories, but we are also tantalised with new characters, that I now need to know more about too! Isaac and Ferron, and Jake and Bailey, for example.
This was a slow-burn, gorgeous read that I devoured and loved every word. Absolutely recommended by me.
** 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!
May 10, 2021

MissCagey (2652 KP) rated St. Vincent (2014) in Movies
Nov 16, 2017
The description of it put me off " Vietnam vet babysits his neighbour's child" gave me visions of something like The Pacifier but this couldn't be more untrue. It's such a heartwarming story and the child actor is just brilliant. Bill Murray is a grumpy veteran with issues over gambling and drinking and is like Michael Douglas's character in Falling Down. By chance he ends up being the baby sitter for a young boy who is quiet, polite and bullied at school. The film shows their relationship and the warmth and respect growing between them. Lots of laugh out loud moments and a couple of tearful ones. Well worth a watch.

tonidavis (353 KP) rated Charmed - Season 2 in TV
Jan 6, 2018
H20 All over again (1 more)
Awakened.
A Decent season but not one of the best
I liked this season of charmed but in comparison to season one and three its my least favorite of the original trio of sisters I did however really enjoy H20 all over again this is a great episode on many levels it tackles the girls losing there mom and also introduces Sam the fallen white lighter who is a great character throughout the series. It also made it possible for us to know whitelighter's can break the rules which happens a couple of episodes later in Awakened when Leo breaks them for Piper which is another great episode of this season

Dean (6927 KP) rated Rec 2 (2009) in Movies
Jan 8, 2018
A good follow up film to Rec, which was re-made months after release as Quarantine. This continues right after the events of the first film, on the same night. In many ways it's more of the same, but a little less scary second time round. The fact you're following a swat team as well diminished the scare factor a bit as well. A couple of plot lines didn't quite make sense, other wise it's very entertaining if you liked the first one. It does also explain the nature of the virus, that was only mentioned briefly in the first film. A good sequel for a change, go and see it!

Smithie (7 KP) rated Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy in Books
Aug 9, 2017
I can't believe that I experienced so many feelings about three different book series through one singular novel (5 more)
The format was perfect!
Simon!!!
Simon trying to get the Shadowhunters to stop being assholes!!!
All of the side characters and their respective developments
George!!!
I got way too emo reading this book
Did I read the final story about everyone reminiscing before the Ascensions the night before my own high school graduation? I might have. These stories came with me through some of the strangest and darkest years of my life (*cough* high school *cough*), and this book felt like a perfect way to tie up the couple of loose ends left by City of Heavenly Fire.

Luke (278 KP) rated The House (2017) in Movies
Jul 6, 2017
So Funny (1 more)
The Sound Proofing For The House Must Be Amazing
The House Is A Typical Will Ferrel Comedy, And Proves As Usual That He Is The Man Of The House Of Laughter
Me and the wife enjoyed this film, the start was a little slow but once it found its feet it couldnt stop running with comedy.
Will Ferrel & Amy Poehler go together nicely to make the believable couple, and i would love a marriage to be as strong as theirs in this film.
I can tell just how funny this is as we watched it late at night and my wife stayed awake all the way through, a true sign of a good film.
Will Ferrel & Amy Poehler go together nicely to make the believable couple, and i would love a marriage to be as strong as theirs in this film.
I can tell just how funny this is as we watched it late at night and my wife stayed awake all the way through, a true sign of a good film.