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Merissa (12066 KP) rated Deal With Her Dragon (Thor's Sons Crave Curves #1) in Books
Aug 2, 2020
Deal with her Dragon is the first book in the Thor's Sons Love Curves series and, as the title of both suggest, there are DRAGONS!!! and curves.
The first thing I need to say is I love the ages of our main female. She is in her early forties - not a twenty-something whippersnapper. For the most part, Emelie is a strong and confident woman. The only time she isn't is when she is with her mother or when her coven-mates profess to know more about her situation than she does. This was annoying - mainly because so much of it struck home to me - but also added a whole layer of believability to the story!
There is some serious heat going on between Ragnarr and Emelie which made the hard part all the harder. I loved how descriptive of both main characters that part was. You could feel the despair oozing off the page from both of them.
The world-building is brilliant and I love that it's set in Sweden instead of America. The characters are all fully-dimensional, whether or not you like them is a different story. This is a complete story by itself but other brothers are mentioned.
All in all, this is a fantastic first book that introduces a world of dragons and some seriously sensual loving to the reader. Ruby Sirois' writing lets you delve into a world of Norse mythology, with scenes to melt your heart or to bring tears to your eyes. A hot and steamy novel that I highly recommend and I really can't wait to read more.
* 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!
The first thing I need to say is I love the ages of our main female. She is in her early forties - not a twenty-something whippersnapper. For the most part, Emelie is a strong and confident woman. The only time she isn't is when she is with her mother or when her coven-mates profess to know more about her situation than she does. This was annoying - mainly because so much of it struck home to me - but also added a whole layer of believability to the story!
There is some serious heat going on between Ragnarr and Emelie which made the hard part all the harder. I loved how descriptive of both main characters that part was. You could feel the despair oozing off the page from both of them.
The world-building is brilliant and I love that it's set in Sweden instead of America. The characters are all fully-dimensional, whether or not you like them is a different story. This is a complete story by itself but other brothers are mentioned.
All in all, this is a fantastic first book that introduces a world of dragons and some seriously sensual loving to the reader. Ruby Sirois' writing lets you delve into a world of Norse mythology, with scenes to melt your heart or to bring tears to your eyes. A hot and steamy novel that I highly recommend and I really can't wait to read more.
* 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!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Umbrella Academy - Season 2 in TV
Aug 2, 2020
As good as the first
There's always a sense of great apprehension when a new series of a TV show is released, especially when the original first series was so good. However I'm pleased to say that the second series of The Umbrella Academy is just as good as the first.
This second series feels a lot more cohesive and together than the first series, possibly because it's characters and a storyline we now know quite well. The plot itself is great- sticking with what we know and trying to prevent another apocalypse. At first I was sceptical that they'd split the siblings up, but actually this works really well as it gives each of them an interesting separate story. The formula of this series is pretty much the same as the first, but that isn't a problem because it works really well. It has a killer soundtrack and the script is very witty and at times hilarious. There are some brilliantly humorous lines in this that had me laughing out loud on many occasions.
Again, there are some characters that excel over others - Five, Klaus and Diego are by far my favourites and they get some absolutely brilliant lines and scenes. That said, the rest of the characters are likeable and good. Even Vanya won me over this time now she's no longer the whiny person she was at the start of the first series. The Swedes too are wonderfully wacky.
The whole series is just fantastic. From the impressive fight scenes to the gore and special effects and the fitting soundtrack (even managing to fit in the Backstreet Boys - genius), I enjoyed this from start to finish. The ending definitely sets this up (quite funnily so) for another series and I really can't wait to see it.
This second series feels a lot more cohesive and together than the first series, possibly because it's characters and a storyline we now know quite well. The plot itself is great- sticking with what we know and trying to prevent another apocalypse. At first I was sceptical that they'd split the siblings up, but actually this works really well as it gives each of them an interesting separate story. The formula of this series is pretty much the same as the first, but that isn't a problem because it works really well. It has a killer soundtrack and the script is very witty and at times hilarious. There are some brilliantly humorous lines in this that had me laughing out loud on many occasions.
Again, there are some characters that excel over others - Five, Klaus and Diego are by far my favourites and they get some absolutely brilliant lines and scenes. That said, the rest of the characters are likeable and good. Even Vanya won me over this time now she's no longer the whiny person she was at the start of the first series. The Swedes too are wonderfully wacky.
The whole series is just fantastic. From the impressive fight scenes to the gore and special effects and the fitting soundtrack (even managing to fit in the Backstreet Boys - genius), I enjoyed this from start to finish. The ending definitely sets this up (quite funnily so) for another series and I really can't wait to see it.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Re-Animator (1985) in Movies
Aug 29, 2020
Straight up, Re-Animator is one of my favourite horror movies of all time - there is just so much to love about this bonafide classic.
Based on an H.P. Lovecraft story, the plot revolves around trainee doctor Dan Cain, who's world is turned upside down when he crosses paths with Herbert West, a fellow trainee who has developed a serum that has the ability to reverse brain death. With some serious trial and error, it's not long before all hell breaks loose, and Dan is roped into Herbert's crazy schemes.
This film is a shining example of schlocky 80s horror done right and ticks all the right boxes. The dialogue may come across a bit B-Movie-ish at times, but that's hardly a problem with the strong cast involved.
Jeffrey Combs dominates every second he's on screen as Herbert West, giving us a truly iconic Mad Scientist of cinema. Same goes for David Gale as primary antagonist Dr. Carl Hill. God, I hate that character - a trait that makes him an excellent horror villain.
Bruce Abbot plays Dan, and his performance has you on his side for the whole runtime, even when he's reluctantly helping West in his unethical experiments. This was also a break out film for horror icon Barbara Crampton. I can't help but love her in anything she's in.
Another fantastic aspect about Re-Animator is the practical effects, which are truly incredible. It's such a visceral experience, so over the top, and just plain gross, everything you want from a gory horror flick. This all culminates in one of the most absurd final sequences in 80s horror, and that's saying something!
Re-Animator is both charming and disgusting, and manages to be funny as well. A true horror gem that should be seen by any fan of the genre.
Based on an H.P. Lovecraft story, the plot revolves around trainee doctor Dan Cain, who's world is turned upside down when he crosses paths with Herbert West, a fellow trainee who has developed a serum that has the ability to reverse brain death. With some serious trial and error, it's not long before all hell breaks loose, and Dan is roped into Herbert's crazy schemes.
This film is a shining example of schlocky 80s horror done right and ticks all the right boxes. The dialogue may come across a bit B-Movie-ish at times, but that's hardly a problem with the strong cast involved.
Jeffrey Combs dominates every second he's on screen as Herbert West, giving us a truly iconic Mad Scientist of cinema. Same goes for David Gale as primary antagonist Dr. Carl Hill. God, I hate that character - a trait that makes him an excellent horror villain.
Bruce Abbot plays Dan, and his performance has you on his side for the whole runtime, even when he's reluctantly helping West in his unethical experiments. This was also a break out film for horror icon Barbara Crampton. I can't help but love her in anything she's in.
Another fantastic aspect about Re-Animator is the practical effects, which are truly incredible. It's such a visceral experience, so over the top, and just plain gross, everything you want from a gory horror flick. This all culminates in one of the most absurd final sequences in 80s horror, and that's saying something!
Re-Animator is both charming and disgusting, and manages to be funny as well. A true horror gem that should be seen by any fan of the genre.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Infuriated (Daywalker Academy #5) in Books
May 13, 2020
Infuriated is the fifth book in the Daywalker Academy series and it should definitely be read as a series or you just won't understand the nuances of what is going on.
We start where the last one ended almost. Franky is hiding out with Myst and Tenebris is keeping her company, whether she wants it or not. That's okay until Myst has had enough and lets Zoltan know where she is. Franky returns to the Academy with Zoltan and the fun starts.
There is a lot that goes on in this book - like the others in the series. You have to hold onto your hat and follow it word for word or you may get lost. Ms. Daniels certainly knows how to write an amazing fight scene and I love how Franky reacts and copes when someone attacks her, even if they think they are protecting her.
Unfortunately for me, Franky also annoyed me slightly in this one. She was full of how Roberti knows her and pushes her buttons so she needs to stop and think. Only trouble is, at the first opportunity, she throws that out of the window and goes off by herself to do something she's already been warned about. I know it describes Franky's character (as well as helping the story to move along) but seriously? Listen to yourself and maybe hesitate for just half a second before you go rushing off!
Overall though, it was a fantastic story with Tenebris and Zoltan still remaining my firm favourites. I absolutely recommend this book, the whole series, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
* 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 start where the last one ended almost. Franky is hiding out with Myst and Tenebris is keeping her company, whether she wants it or not. That's okay until Myst has had enough and lets Zoltan know where she is. Franky returns to the Academy with Zoltan and the fun starts.
There is a lot that goes on in this book - like the others in the series. You have to hold onto your hat and follow it word for word or you may get lost. Ms. Daniels certainly knows how to write an amazing fight scene and I love how Franky reacts and copes when someone attacks her, even if they think they are protecting her.
Unfortunately for me, Franky also annoyed me slightly in this one. She was full of how Roberti knows her and pushes her buttons so she needs to stop and think. Only trouble is, at the first opportunity, she throws that out of the window and goes off by herself to do something she's already been warned about. I know it describes Franky's character (as well as helping the story to move along) but seriously? Listen to yourself and maybe hesitate for just half a second before you go rushing off!
Overall though, it was a fantastic story with Tenebris and Zoltan still remaining my firm favourites. I absolutely recommend this book, the whole series, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
* 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!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Leave Only Footprints in Books
May 14, 2020
Left Me with Mixed Reactions
When Conor Knighton’s fiancée left him, he wasn’t sure quite what to do until he saw a promotion talking about the National Park’s 100th anniversary. Soon, he was making plans to visit all of the official National Parks in 2016, reporting on some of them for CBS Sunday Morning. After experiencing sunrise on New Year’s Day in Acadia, he crisscrossed the country numerous times in his quest to experience all of them.
When I first heard about this book, I was intrigued. I’ve long wanted to visit all of the parks myself, not that I’ve done much more than think about it. When this book focuses on the parks and some of their history, it is fascinating. The writing is excellent, and it is easy to feel you are right next to him as he experiences the parks. However, at times he gets distracted trying to push an agenda on us, and when that happens, the parks get shafted. A few of the parks he barely describes, focusing instead on the bad he feels needs to be fixed or pointing out the bad in the past that has been fixed. Even when I agreed with his point, I found this frustrating because it’s not what I wanted to read about when I picked up the book. He definitely made me want to visit several of the parks as soon as I can. His brief stories about his life and his stories about the people he met along the way were fun and fascinating. There are two inserts of pictures from his journey; I would have loved more, but I enjoyed what we got. I wish the book had focused more on the parks themselves. Then it would have been fantastic.
When I first heard about this book, I was intrigued. I’ve long wanted to visit all of the parks myself, not that I’ve done much more than think about it. When this book focuses on the parks and some of their history, it is fascinating. The writing is excellent, and it is easy to feel you are right next to him as he experiences the parks. However, at times he gets distracted trying to push an agenda on us, and when that happens, the parks get shafted. A few of the parks he barely describes, focusing instead on the bad he feels needs to be fixed or pointing out the bad in the past that has been fixed. Even when I agreed with his point, I found this frustrating because it’s not what I wanted to read about when I picked up the book. He definitely made me want to visit several of the parks as soon as I can. His brief stories about his life and his stories about the people he met along the way were fun and fascinating. There are two inserts of pictures from his journey; I would have loved more, but I enjoyed what we got. I wish the book had focused more on the parks themselves. Then it would have been fantastic.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Origin (Scales 'n' Spells #1) in Books
Oct 2, 2020
Origin is the first book in the Scales 'N' Spells series and I LOVED IT. Cameron is backpacking his way around Europe and ends up in Germany where he attends a Dragon Festival. Whilst he is there he is hugged by Ravi and held onto until Alric arrives. Alric is the Fire Dragon King and it turns out that Cameron is a mage although he doesn't believe it yet.
Cameron is young but knows he likes older men and Alric certainly falls into that category. Alric feels the attraction to Cameron but wants to make sure his clan have a chance to find out if he is their mate first. Both of these characters are amazing for different reasons. Cameron is a level-headed man who doesn't hesitate to compliment people and means it, sincerely. I thought that was fantastic! Alric is noble as all get out which, although I loved, just made me want to slap him upside the head when he wouldn't make a move on Cameron!
Add to that a brilliant cast of supporting characters, most of whom I hope get their own stories, an overall story arc that kicks off with a bang and will only get better as the series progresses, and a simply stunning setting, and you are left with a book to sink your teeth into and enjoy. Alric and Cameron take their time getting to know each other and then the steam rises!
This book ticked all of my buttons and I really can't wait for the next. I want to see which Dragon is brave enough to take on Halmeoni! 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!
Cameron is young but knows he likes older men and Alric certainly falls into that category. Alric feels the attraction to Cameron but wants to make sure his clan have a chance to find out if he is their mate first. Both of these characters are amazing for different reasons. Cameron is a level-headed man who doesn't hesitate to compliment people and means it, sincerely. I thought that was fantastic! Alric is noble as all get out which, although I loved, just made me want to slap him upside the head when he wouldn't make a move on Cameron!
Add to that a brilliant cast of supporting characters, most of whom I hope get their own stories, an overall story arc that kicks off with a bang and will only get better as the series progresses, and a simply stunning setting, and you are left with a book to sink your teeth into and enjoy. Alric and Cameron take their time getting to know each other and then the steam rises!
This book ticked all of my buttons and I really can't wait for the next. I want to see which Dragon is brave enough to take on Halmeoni! 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!
BookishWoo (317 KP) rated Zodiac in Books
May 25, 2020 (Updated May 25, 2020)
Zodiac is the 2nd book of the Sergiu Manta Series and the first to be translated into English.
I was captivated by Zodiac right from the first page. Anamarie wrote this extremely well and in a way that you felt you were reading a script for a crime drama, scene by scene. This is slightly different to what I'm used to, but I found as long as I paced myself and didnt speed through it I could keep up with the scene jumps and found that I completely enjoyed her writing style. Although this is a fast paced thriller do not be fooled that being only 218 pages long you can speed through this quickly. This is a book to savour and enjoy.
I can honestly say that I fell in love with the main protagonaist Sergiu, he was an unpredicatable, motorbike riding, charming "Agency" man willing to do whatever it takes no matter what the cost.
His character was in stark contrast to Marius who was a typical police inspector and family man with a moral conscience. This worked well alongside Sergiu's character and didnt give you that typical good cop, bad cop feel. They complimented each other well.
The plot was fantastic, and just when I thought I had it all figured out the twist came along and surprised me completely!
I cant wait to read more of the series and hope that the first book gets translated so I can read this too!
If you are a fan of fast paced thrillers I highly recommend this!
Trigger Warnings: swearing, sexual themes, rape, murder, guns, violence
I received Zodiac by Amamaria Ionescu for free in exchange for an honest review from Love Book Tours and Corylus Books.
I was captivated by Zodiac right from the first page. Anamarie wrote this extremely well and in a way that you felt you were reading a script for a crime drama, scene by scene. This is slightly different to what I'm used to, but I found as long as I paced myself and didnt speed through it I could keep up with the scene jumps and found that I completely enjoyed her writing style. Although this is a fast paced thriller do not be fooled that being only 218 pages long you can speed through this quickly. This is a book to savour and enjoy.
I can honestly say that I fell in love with the main protagonaist Sergiu, he was an unpredicatable, motorbike riding, charming "Agency" man willing to do whatever it takes no matter what the cost.
His character was in stark contrast to Marius who was a typical police inspector and family man with a moral conscience. This worked well alongside Sergiu's character and didnt give you that typical good cop, bad cop feel. They complimented each other well.
The plot was fantastic, and just when I thought I had it all figured out the twist came along and surprised me completely!
I cant wait to read more of the series and hope that the first book gets translated so I can read this too!
If you are a fan of fast paced thrillers I highly recommend this!
Trigger Warnings: swearing, sexual themes, rape, murder, guns, violence
I received Zodiac by Amamaria Ionescu for free in exchange for an honest review from Love Book Tours and Corylus Books.
