Search
Search results
Merissa (12374 KP) rated The Finding (Law of the Lycans, #5) in Books
Mar 26, 2018
The Finding (Law of the Lycans #5) by Nicky Charles
The Finding wraps up the story of Cassandra, Marla, and Leon Aldrich. In this book, Bryan manages to find Cassandra and heads off to Vegas to bring her back. He has been obsessed with finding her for years, and now it's his chance. Although Cassandra is having 'fun' in Vegas, she still has no wish to become a wolf, or part of a pack - not after watching her uncle be murdered by one. Through a series of events, Cassandra doesn't really have a choice, and Bryan does all he can for her. We also get to spend some time with Ryne and Mel, and Kane and Elise, which leads nicely onto Damien's book.
I will say that the parts with Marla and her wolf were excellent writing. Marla went from being the big bad, to one you feel sorry for. Franklin is another superb character, and I love the idea of him, Mrs Teasdale, and Meredith wandering around doing their thing! Read it, you'll find out what I mean.
Another excellently written story by Nicky Charles, finishing this round of stories (for now). I'm very glad I've got around to reading them now, although I'm sorry it's taken me five years to do so. If you want a thick paranormal read to sink your teeth into, then I can highly recommend this book and the series.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I will say that the parts with Marla and her wolf were excellent writing. Marla went from being the big bad, to one you feel sorry for. Franklin is another superb character, and I love the idea of him, Mrs Teasdale, and Meredith wandering around doing their thing! Read it, you'll find out what I mean.
Another excellently written story by Nicky Charles, finishing this round of stories (for now). I'm very glad I've got around to reading them now, although I'm sorry it's taken me five years to do so. If you want a thick paranormal read to sink your teeth into, then I can highly recommend this book and the series.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Sweet Pepper Hero (Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade Mystery #4) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this cozy! It was my first trip to Sweet Pepper Tennessee, even though this is book 4 in the series. There was plenty of explanation along the way regarding people and places, so I didnt feel at all lost jumping in at this point.
In this story, Stella has to find her kidnapped ghost friend, Eric, and investigate a string of illegal still explosions and fires. There are an abundance of suspects, some within the police department itself, and as she gets too close to the truth, Stella finds her own life may be at risk.
I always enjoy a story with a strong, intelligent female lead character, and Stella fit the bill perfectly. She is not perfect, and needs her circle of volunteer firefighters, friends, and her ghost-roommate to keep her out of trouble, but she has a good head on her shoulders and does a decent job taking care of herself.
As with many cozy mysteries, Sweet Pepper Hero includes some great looking recipes in the back. Personally, I am a big fan of the sweet / hot combination of chocolate and chilis, so I cant wait to give one of these a try!
<u>Recipes include:</u>
Chocolate Cookies with a Bite
Tennessee Whiskey Cake with Cherries
Lemon Habanero Cookies
<i>Note: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review</i>
In this story, Stella has to find her kidnapped ghost friend, Eric, and investigate a string of illegal still explosions and fires. There are an abundance of suspects, some within the police department itself, and as she gets too close to the truth, Stella finds her own life may be at risk.
I always enjoy a story with a strong, intelligent female lead character, and Stella fit the bill perfectly. She is not perfect, and needs her circle of volunteer firefighters, friends, and her ghost-roommate to keep her out of trouble, but she has a good head on her shoulders and does a decent job taking care of herself.
As with many cozy mysteries, Sweet Pepper Hero includes some great looking recipes in the back. Personally, I am a big fan of the sweet / hot combination of chocolate and chilis, so I cant wait to give one of these a try!
<u>Recipes include:</u>
Chocolate Cookies with a Bite
Tennessee Whiskey Cake with Cherries
Lemon Habanero Cookies
<i>Note: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review</i>
Dracoria Malfoy (690 KP) rated A Court of Frost and Starlight: Court of Thorns and Roses in Books
Jun 12, 2018
WALL SEX. FINALLY.
Contains spoilers, click to show
As you can see from my title, I was most excited about the wall sex we've been promised for two books. However, there were other things in this book that I loved so, so much.
First of all - RHYSIE!!! They used that name!! Canonically!! My bb High Lord was amazing as always. And the way Maas explained what Feyre was going through was positively poetic at times. It was so good.
Bryaxis??? Is still lost?? And if you don't find that hilarious, you are incredibly disappointing.
And my Illyrian Babies!! These are 500-year-old fae males, and they have annual snowball fights. If you don't think that's the most adorable thing ever, then you are also incredibly disappointing. The bois were a big mood throughout the entire book, and I loved it so, so, so much.
My sweetheart Mor deserves none of this shit btw. THREE SPIKES. EXCUSE MOI?? This isn't allowed; I almost cried.
Nesta's PTSD was well-written, as well as the tension between her and Cass. Also, the I don't want Cassian to know I'm reading Smut face is also my favorite face.
And, of course, smut. It was well-written, as usual, but I feel it could have been better. And longer.
Thank you for listening to me freak out about my children like there's no tomorrow.
PS I might add more in the comments, so stay tuned.
First of all - RHYSIE!!! They used that name!! Canonically!! My bb High Lord was amazing as always. And the way Maas explained what Feyre was going through was positively poetic at times. It was so good.
Bryaxis??? Is still lost?? And if you don't find that hilarious, you are incredibly disappointing.
And my Illyrian Babies!! These are 500-year-old fae males, and they have annual snowball fights. If you don't think that's the most adorable thing ever, then you are also incredibly disappointing. The bois were a big mood throughout the entire book, and I loved it so, so, so much.
My sweetheart Mor deserves none of this shit btw. THREE SPIKES. EXCUSE MOI?? This isn't allowed; I almost cried.
Nesta's PTSD was well-written, as well as the tension between her and Cass. Also, the I don't want Cassian to know I'm reading Smut face is also my favorite face.
And, of course, smut. It was well-written, as usual, but I feel it could have been better. And longer.
Thank you for listening to me freak out about my children like there's no tomorrow.
PS I might add more in the comments, so stay tuned.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) in Movies
Jun 6, 2018 (Updated Jun 7, 2018)
Star Trek: the Motion Picture - more gruelling to make, or to watch? We may never know the answer. Actually, viewed these days, it's not quite that bad - Enterprise crew reconvene after big cloud is sighted on a course for Earth. Many conversations ensue, intercut with stately special effects sequences which feel like they go on forever. Mainly because they do.
To be honest, if you stop thinking about TMP as a movie and view it instead as the most lavish TV pilot in history, many of its problems are a bit more understandable. It explains why the crew take ages getting back together, and why they don't really seem like their old selves until near the end. It explains why much time is devoted to introducing new characters (even if they don't, in the end, make it out of the movie alive - although Will and Ilia were sort of reincarnated as Will and Deanna some years later). It doesn't really explain why the plot is so derivative of TV Trek, but you can't have everything I suppose.
It is true you can get a very good sense of the history of Star Trek without ever watching this movie, and also that the first three minutes may actually be the most engaging bit of it. But if you're watching it at all, you'll most likely have enough affection for the original characters to overlook the numerous flaws in the film.
To be honest, if you stop thinking about TMP as a movie and view it instead as the most lavish TV pilot in history, many of its problems are a bit more understandable. It explains why the crew take ages getting back together, and why they don't really seem like their old selves until near the end. It explains why much time is devoted to introducing new characters (even if they don't, in the end, make it out of the movie alive - although Will and Ilia were sort of reincarnated as Will and Deanna some years later). It doesn't really explain why the plot is so derivative of TV Trek, but you can't have everything I suppose.
It is true you can get a very good sense of the history of Star Trek without ever watching this movie, and also that the first three minutes may actually be the most engaging bit of it. But if you're watching it at all, you'll most likely have enough affection for the original characters to overlook the numerous flaws in the film.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Alhambra in Tabletop Games
May 31, 2018
Simple, (3 more)
Elegant
Good Depth
tons of expansions that make the game better
Great Tile Laying Game, with interesting economic system
I love this game, it's great. Simple elegant. each turn you either buy tile and add them to your city, or you take money to prepare for the next turn. which makes turns relatively quick. but the depth of press your luck and anticipating what others might want is strong. There are plenty of expansions. I have the big box and you can pick and choose which ones you want to use, but each makes the game longer, so prepare yourself for longer games, which sometimes you want, other time is can drag because of it. One expansion allows you to take a tile out of turn if you can pay for it with exact change, we love that one. and there are exchange cards which allows you to convert blue money to orange money and we adore those cards too. This game has the quick feel of Ticket to Ride, with the Tile laying of Carcassone, but also the market system and a reward for paying with the exact right amount, so you have to decide if it's worth over paying for or you can be patient and get it with just the right amount. Also I highly recommend checking out Grenada which is a just a little more depth to it.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Switch It Up in Books
Jul 12, 2018
This is my very first Sara Brookes novel and I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised by it. I was browsing NetGalley when this book stood out to me. I'm glad that I was accepted to read this book.
I will admit, mfm is one of my favorite genres on the more taboo side of romance. Unfortunately, not many authors know how to write the book where it is believable and sexy. Sara Brooks, seemed to find that medium where everything was good and a little more believable.
I loved the fact that this book took place over a long period of time. There was instant connection but not insta love which i really appreciated. The characters were fun to read though I would have liked a little more growth when it came to the main characters. For some reason though I know there was growth, I just feel like there should have been more.
I will admit that this book was a change up because it features two bisexual men and one woman. I'm not one for the male on male scenes so those were interesting to read even though they're not my cup of tea.
All in all, I enjoyed it. I liked the concept. Loved the fact that two of the characters were geeks and I will definitely add Sara Brookes to my "author to follow" list.
*If you didn't already catch it, I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I will admit, mfm is one of my favorite genres on the more taboo side of romance. Unfortunately, not many authors know how to write the book where it is believable and sexy. Sara Brooks, seemed to find that medium where everything was good and a little more believable.
I loved the fact that this book took place over a long period of time. There was instant connection but not insta love which i really appreciated. The characters were fun to read though I would have liked a little more growth when it came to the main characters. For some reason though I know there was growth, I just feel like there should have been more.
I will admit that this book was a change up because it features two bisexual men and one woman. I'm not one for the male on male scenes so those were interesting to read even though they're not my cup of tea.
All in all, I enjoyed it. I liked the concept. Loved the fact that two of the characters were geeks and I will definitely add Sara Brookes to my "author to follow" list.
*If you didn't already catch it, I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2275 KP) rated Marked Masters in Books
Jul 3, 2018
More Intrigue in the Art World
This book opens with Laurel Beacham in Florida with Jack Hawkes. Despite what they have just gone through in the first book in this series, Laurel still doesn’t trust Jack and is only reluctantly working with him. He is keeping too many secrets from her while demanding she share everything she know. They are continuing to work together, however, in order to stop a major art heist, and Florida is their most promising lead. A kidnapping and a dead body prove that they are on the right track. Will they learn more about the plans in order to stop the heist? Or will they be stopped permanently?
There is a strong on-going story line in this series involving an upcoming art heist, so I definitely recommend you read these books in order. In fact, I wish I had read this one closer to the first. The author does do a good job of filling in the blanks on what has happened before, which helped me remember the events of the first book. The story starts strong and keeps going from twist to turn as the pages fly by, resolving enough to make this book feel like it has resolved while still leaving plenty for Laurel and Jack to face in the next book. The duo make for intriguing leads, and the characters we meet along the way hold our interest as well.
There is a strong on-going story line in this series involving an upcoming art heist, so I definitely recommend you read these books in order. In fact, I wish I had read this one closer to the first. The author does do a good job of filling in the blanks on what has happened before, which helped me remember the events of the first book. The story starts strong and keeps going from twist to turn as the pages fly by, resolving enough to make this book feel like it has resolved while still leaving plenty for Laurel and Jack to face in the next book. The duo make for intriguing leads, and the characters we meet along the way hold our interest as well.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine in Books
Sep 26, 2018
Black sheep on this one
I’m shocked by how little enjoyment this book brought to my brain and heart considering it’s high ratings/review. I was completely underwhelmed by the storyline and by Eleanor herself. This was a tragic and depressing read that didn’t bring any joy or warmth to my reading soul either through chinks of light or quality of writing.
I struggled with this book from the off. The book is narrated solely from Eleanor’s point of view and considering its clear that she has a cognitive problem of initially undetermined origin, in particular with social interaction, her train of thought was jarring and difficult to follow. This didn’t make for good narrative flow and it felt like walking through sludge at times.
There are two elements of the storyline that piqued my interest, Eleanor’s mother and Raymond. They were the only elements that kept me reading and Raymond in particular was everything normal and decent in terms of friendship. The mother element was just something I needed answers on.
The cover is clever, once I realised the connection, I really think it was excellent.
I am clearly in the minority on this book but I am also very happy to stand by my opinion on it. It didn’t capture me in any way and I feel deflated at the end.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for a honest review.
I struggled with this book from the off. The book is narrated solely from Eleanor’s point of view and considering its clear that she has a cognitive problem of initially undetermined origin, in particular with social interaction, her train of thought was jarring and difficult to follow. This didn’t make for good narrative flow and it felt like walking through sludge at times.
There are two elements of the storyline that piqued my interest, Eleanor’s mother and Raymond. They were the only elements that kept me reading and Raymond in particular was everything normal and decent in terms of friendship. The mother element was just something I needed answers on.
The cover is clever, once I realised the connection, I really think it was excellent.
I am clearly in the minority on this book but I am also very happy to stand by my opinion on it. It didn’t capture me in any way and I feel deflated at the end.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for a honest review.
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Farmer Boy (Little House, #3) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
A complete change of direction in this book with not one mention of the Ingalls and their plight in the Wild West to that of the Wilders in New York and little Almanzo Wilder; desperate to be seen as old enough to break colts and be like his father.
Despite finding it difficult to get into initially, mostly due to the sudden change in family situations and characters which disrupts flow, the book is actually my favourite one so far and I can fully understand what a young Laura Ingalls would have seen in the charming and clever Almanzo Wilder! He's a character that is a lovable rouge, you feel his trepidation at having blacked the wall in the parlour and his joy at getting his own colt to break.
The book doesn't progress the story of Laura, who is the heroine of the series, however it does give us a snippet into the life of her future family in law in the same loving, simplistic style of writing which truly endears the characters to the reader in a most natural fashion.
A good read, full of an accurate snippet into the life of a big farm and it's family at work. The focus on boys life is a pleasant change and the village life we see is most enjoyable to read and wonderful to learn about. A definite recommend to young and old alike.
Despite finding it difficult to get into initially, mostly due to the sudden change in family situations and characters which disrupts flow, the book is actually my favourite one so far and I can fully understand what a young Laura Ingalls would have seen in the charming and clever Almanzo Wilder! He's a character that is a lovable rouge, you feel his trepidation at having blacked the wall in the parlour and his joy at getting his own colt to break.
The book doesn't progress the story of Laura, who is the heroine of the series, however it does give us a snippet into the life of her future family in law in the same loving, simplistic style of writing which truly endears the characters to the reader in a most natural fashion.
A good read, full of an accurate snippet into the life of a big farm and it's family at work. The focus on boys life is a pleasant change and the village life we see is most enjoyable to read and wonderful to learn about. A definite recommend to young and old alike.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Cherry Chapstick - Single by Olivia Nelson in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Olivia Nelson is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter based in East London. Not too long ago, she released an attractive contemporary R&B tune, entitled, “Cherry Chapstick”, produced by Jayjay.
“Interaction, we all need that attraction. That holiday feeling, that wine in the evening like smooth R&B. Maybe, love’s what you need. Twenty-somethings, house party, conversations flowing. She’s finally noticed you. You gotta see this through, boy. ‘Cause when you look at her, you know he gets butterflies and all that. She could be the one. Better kiss her before she goes home.” – lyrics
‘Cherry Chapstick’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
Also, the likable tune will be featured on Olivia Nelson’s upcoming EP, entitled, “Back To You”.
“‘Cherry Chapstick’ is a story about two people finding love at a party. It’s that exciting moment when they meet and the connection starts blossoming. It’s a feel-good story that people root for.” – Olivia Nelson
Olivia Nelson was raised on an eclectic diet of contemporary soul and Motown classics.
Her appreciation for vocal proficiency lead her to pursue singing from a young age. Now, she seeks collaborations with boundary-pushing writers and producers.
Also, her music has amassed over 17M streams online via Spotify, and her captivating live show solidifies her status as one of British R&B’s most exciting new talents.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/olivia-nelson-cherry-chapstick/
“Interaction, we all need that attraction. That holiday feeling, that wine in the evening like smooth R&B. Maybe, love’s what you need. Twenty-somethings, house party, conversations flowing. She’s finally noticed you. You gotta see this through, boy. ‘Cause when you look at her, you know he gets butterflies and all that. She could be the one. Better kiss her before she goes home.” – lyrics
‘Cherry Chapstick’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
Also, the likable tune will be featured on Olivia Nelson’s upcoming EP, entitled, “Back To You”.
“‘Cherry Chapstick’ is a story about two people finding love at a party. It’s that exciting moment when they meet and the connection starts blossoming. It’s a feel-good story that people root for.” – Olivia Nelson
Olivia Nelson was raised on an eclectic diet of contemporary soul and Motown classics.
Her appreciation for vocal proficiency lead her to pursue singing from a young age. Now, she seeks collaborations with boundary-pushing writers and producers.
Also, her music has amassed over 17M streams online via Spotify, and her captivating live show solidifies her status as one of British R&B’s most exciting new talents.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/olivia-nelson-cherry-chapstick/