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Merissa (12943 KP) rated Ready For It (MacAteer Brothers #2) in Books
Nov 9, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)
READY FOR IT is the second book in the MacAteer Brothers series and I would say it definitely benefits the reader to have at least read book one in this series as it involves all the same characters and some of the situations help by having prior knowledge. I don't feel it is necessary to read the Dragon Runners series.
You know from book one that Melanie goes through 'boyfriends' like a hot knife through butter. What you don't know is the reason behind it. Owen has difficulties with his speech that make him the quiet one until he feels comfortable with you. However, don't mistake his silence for lack of intelligence. Not only is he smart but he has immense emotional intelligence and sees through to the heart of the situation.
As the story progresses you find out more about Melanie's past, mostly in flashback form, which helps to explain partly why she is the way she is. Some of it is just because she's a strong and feisty woman who isn't afraid to stand up for herself.
There is some steam in here but not that much as it takes a lot of the book for Owen and Melanie to get together. What there is, is a lot of loyalty with friends and family you make for yourself. Blood family loyalty? Well, you'll just have to read the book for yourself to figure that one out.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read with a host of brilliant characters. 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!
Nov 9, 2020
You know from book one that Melanie goes through 'boyfriends' like a hot knife through butter. What you don't know is the reason behind it. Owen has difficulties with his speech that make him the quiet one until he feels comfortable with you. However, don't mistake his silence for lack of intelligence. Not only is he smart but he has immense emotional intelligence and sees through to the heart of the situation.
As the story progresses you find out more about Melanie's past, mostly in flashback form, which helps to explain partly why she is the way she is. Some of it is just because she's a strong and feisty woman who isn't afraid to stand up for herself.
There is some steam in here but not that much as it takes a lot of the book for Owen and Melanie to get together. What there is, is a lot of loyalty with friends and family you make for yourself. Blood family loyalty? Well, you'll just have to read the book for yourself to figure that one out.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read with a host of brilliant characters. 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!
Nov 9, 2020
In a New York Minute
10.0
Rate It
Book
Garrett Steiner loves his grandmother. Really. But when she rents a billboard in the middle of...
Contemporary MM Romance
Merissa (12943 KP) rated Carnal: The Beast Who Loved Me (Exiled, #1) in Books
May 20, 2023
Where on earth, or in any dimension, do I start with this book? It is a continuation of the Knights of the Black Swan world but set in a different world, with different characters, beings, and problems. Rosie, the daughter of Litha and Storm, ends up there after she asks "Lally" for somewhere to hide whilst she recovers from Glen leaving her. With firm instructions on just what she can and can't do, Kellareal takes her to the Exiled, where Rosie feels more at home than she is used to. She finds her place and a new love in Carnal.
Wow! This book is simply amazing. I loved every word, it's that simple. Actually, I'm lying because there was a part of it that I couldn't believe, and had to re-read through the tears pouring out of my eyes, but I won't go into any further detail on that!
Rosie's character grows exponentially in this, as she finds her place within the Exiled world. She draws strength and friendship from those who live there, and she becomes a better person for it. There is so much more that I need to see in this Exiled world.
I feel that this is one of the best, if not the best, books that Victoria Danann has written. It is powerful, emotional, funny, action-packed - it has it all. It is always a pleasure to return to the Knights of the Black Swan, but they now have competition in the form of the Exiled. Absolutely, completely and definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 15, 2016
Wow! This book is simply amazing. I loved every word, it's that simple. Actually, I'm lying because there was a part of it that I couldn't believe, and had to re-read through the tears pouring out of my eyes, but I won't go into any further detail on that!
Rosie's character grows exponentially in this, as she finds her place within the Exiled world. She draws strength and friendship from those who live there, and she becomes a better person for it. There is so much more that I need to see in this Exiled world.
I feel that this is one of the best, if not the best, books that Victoria Danann has written. It is powerful, emotional, funny, action-packed - it has it all. It is always a pleasure to return to the Knights of the Black Swan, but they now have competition in the form of the Exiled. Absolutely, completely and definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 15, 2016
Merissa (12943 KP) rated Brooklyn Rockstar (Kendalls #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated May 31, 2023)
Charlie is trying to sort out his solo career, whilst the rest of the band do their own thing, as they all wonder where Danny the drummer disappeared to. Evelyn is a city girl stuck in the country until she just ups and moves to New York, to live with a friend she met online. Now I have to say, I can't figure out if Evelyn is either brave or stupid! To move somewhere, with no job lined up, with someone you've never actually met in person? As I say, brave or stupid.
The connection between these two is instantaneous and hot. The best bit for me is that Evelyn doesn't just jump when Charlie says so. She is naive to his world and admits that from the start. This is part of her charm for Charlie, as she has no false airs and graces.
This is a well-written book, with plenty of action, paparazzi, mystery, suspense and romance. I did feel for Charlie as he tried to figure out what to do and was glad when it all became clear at the end. I am not usually a fan of rockstar romances, but this one ticked most boxes for me. The inner dialogue from Danny started to annoy me though, I know he's a jerk, you don't have to keep telling me. Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to read more by this author. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 30, 2016
The connection between these two is instantaneous and hot. The best bit for me is that Evelyn doesn't just jump when Charlie says so. She is naive to his world and admits that from the start. This is part of her charm for Charlie, as she has no false airs and graces.
This is a well-written book, with plenty of action, paparazzi, mystery, suspense and romance. I did feel for Charlie as he tried to figure out what to do and was glad when it all became clear at the end. I am not usually a fan of rockstar romances, but this one ticked most boxes for me. The inner dialogue from Danny started to annoy me though, I know he's a jerk, you don't have to keep telling me. Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to read more by this author. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 30, 2016
Merissa (12943 KP) rated EXSILIUM (Roma Nova Thriller #11) in Books
Mar 20, 2024
EXSILIUM is part of the Roma Nova series. I have read Inceptio but none of the others. I don't feel this impacted my enjoyment of the story or the characters.
Told in three separate parts by Maelia, Lucius, and Galla, this was a brilliant insight into how Rome could have been at the time when the old Gods were disappearing and the new Christos was taking over. I think the only thing that confused me was Maelia's story. The majority of it was incredibly well-written, but in the blurb, it says about him being a pagan traitor. It took me a while to understand that his backing the wrong emperor was also a fight between the two religions.
Full of hard times and sorrow, it is a story also full of hope, of working together to make things better - or at least, most of them did! The characters, whether you like them or not, are all relatable, especially considering the circumstances of their exile.
I found the epilogue to be perfect, giving me an update on all the characters I'd grown to love, while also jumping to the future to mention Inceptio. That was a surprise for me and made me want to read that story again, with the knowledge gained from this story.
A smooth pace and a full and well-rounded story and characters. Alison Merton is an author I never have a problem reading. Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 14, 2024
Told in three separate parts by Maelia, Lucius, and Galla, this was a brilliant insight into how Rome could have been at the time when the old Gods were disappearing and the new Christos was taking over. I think the only thing that confused me was Maelia's story. The majority of it was incredibly well-written, but in the blurb, it says about him being a pagan traitor. It took me a while to understand that his backing the wrong emperor was also a fight between the two religions.
Full of hard times and sorrow, it is a story also full of hope, of working together to make things better - or at least, most of them did! The characters, whether you like them or not, are all relatable, especially considering the circumstances of their exile.
I found the epilogue to be perfect, giving me an update on all the characters I'd grown to love, while also jumping to the future to mention Inceptio. That was a surprise for me and made me want to read that story again, with the knowledge gained from this story.
A smooth pace and a full and well-rounded story and characters. Alison Merton is an author I never have a problem reading. Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 14, 2024
ClareR (5885 KP) rated Sun of Blood and Ruin in Books
Mar 10, 2024
It’s not often I have something negative to say about a book (you may have noticed), because I really try to choose books that I know I’ll enjoy. After all, who wants to read something they don’t enjoy? I did have high hopes that Sun of Blood and Ruin would be so much more. I was excited that this book was using Mesoamerican mythology and a bit of Mexican history, something I know nothing about.
I remember watching Zoro as a child, and this book felt like that in places. Except Pantera is female - she is a ‘master’ swords-person, a magician and a shapeshifter. So far, so good. Leonora de Las Casas Tlazohtzin is her alter-ego (or is it the other way round? Im never sure which way round it should be) - it’s a great disguise. She is the sister of the regent of New Spain, and promised to the Spanish Prince - who will ever guess that she’s really Pantera?
What didn’t quite gel with me was the way the story was put together. It didn’t feel like a cohesive novel, more like exciting shorts that had been joined together. I think if I’d read this as a graphic novel or a series of short stories, I would have enjoyed it so much more. The second half of the novel is far better than the first half, I will say that.
Perhaps I’m not the right audience for this book? I do like this genre though, and I do read a fair bit of YA Fantasy, so I’m really not so sure it’s that. It looks as though there will be a follow up, and I’d be interested to see if the style is in any way improved and where the story is going next - so this book is definitely a “like” from me.
I remember watching Zoro as a child, and this book felt like that in places. Except Pantera is female - she is a ‘master’ swords-person, a magician and a shapeshifter. So far, so good. Leonora de Las Casas Tlazohtzin is her alter-ego (or is it the other way round? Im never sure which way round it should be) - it’s a great disguise. She is the sister of the regent of New Spain, and promised to the Spanish Prince - who will ever guess that she’s really Pantera?
What didn’t quite gel with me was the way the story was put together. It didn’t feel like a cohesive novel, more like exciting shorts that had been joined together. I think if I’d read this as a graphic novel or a series of short stories, I would have enjoyed it so much more. The second half of the novel is far better than the first half, I will say that.
Perhaps I’m not the right audience for this book? I do like this genre though, and I do read a fair bit of YA Fantasy, so I’m really not so sure it’s that. It looks as though there will be a follow up, and I’d be interested to see if the style is in any way improved and where the story is going next - so this book is definitely a “like” from me.
Merissa (12943 KP) rated The Gray Prophecy (The Elemental Realm Duology #1) in Books
Mar 20, 2025
THE GRAY PROPHECY is the first book in the Elemental Realm series and I look forward to returning to this world.
Cori has been hiding from everyone for around fifteen years, but the day is getting closer when her prophecy will come true. During this time, she's had no one - no family and no friends. She moves for her new job and is surprised to find a witch family living there. She is even more surprised when she realises one of them, Adrian, is her fated mate. And you could knock her down with a feather when she realises Gray witches have been surrounding her for years, keeping her safe.
I loved how this story progressed, with Cori's ability to see the past giving you information you need, while still moving the story forward. And the idea of killing a prophecy if you kill the witch who spoke it was a new one for me. The different types of witches are interesting and I love the various skills they each have.
I would have liked a little more on Cori's mum, brother, and Calvin, as I feel I know more about the Gray witches that protected Cori than I do about her actual family and the Big Bad. It is Enzo's story next though, so I'm hoping I get more there.
This was a great read with a fascinating premise and concept that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 26, 2024
Cori has been hiding from everyone for around fifteen years, but the day is getting closer when her prophecy will come true. During this time, she's had no one - no family and no friends. She moves for her new job and is surprised to find a witch family living there. She is even more surprised when she realises one of them, Adrian, is her fated mate. And you could knock her down with a feather when she realises Gray witches have been surrounding her for years, keeping her safe.
I loved how this story progressed, with Cori's ability to see the past giving you information you need, while still moving the story forward. And the idea of killing a prophecy if you kill the witch who spoke it was a new one for me. The different types of witches are interesting and I love the various skills they each have.
I would have liked a little more on Cori's mum, brother, and Calvin, as I feel I know more about the Gray witches that protected Cori than I do about her actual family and the Big Bad. It is Enzo's story next though, so I'm hoping I get more there.
This was a great read with a fascinating premise and concept that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 26, 2024
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Grave's a Fine and Private Place: A Flavia de Luce Mystery Book 9 in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Flavia! (2 more)
Relationship between Flavia and Dogger
Mystery plot
Another excellent entry in Bradley's Flavia de Luce series
In the ninth (! - how is that possible?) Flavia de Luce mystery, we see Flavia away from her home turf, as she and her sisters have been sent away from Buckshaw on a holiday to try to help them recover from the death of their father. But instead (of course) Flavia discovers a dead body. As the gang is boating, she drags her hand along the water, it snags on something and boom - she catches her fingers on a corpse. Only our Flavia! Of course, Flavia isn't content to leave things to the local Constable. The dead man is named Orlando, and his death leads Flavia into a world of a traveling circus, a famous Canon renowned for poisoning three women, and much more.
I am an unabashed fan of Flavia and this book didn't disappoint. It has all the staples of an excellent Flavia novel-- a strong mystery to unravel and a bunch of clever, witty, and surprisingly uncanny lines from our beloved protagonist. By now, our dear twelve-year-old Flavia has been through a lot. She's more mature, and she's as feisty and clever as ever. I admit that some of the chemistry in these novels goes over my head (I'm not as smart as Flavia, and I'm completely fine admitting that). But I love the mystery plots, and more than that, I love Flavia. I've felt protective of her since the first novel, even though the thought of that would anger her more than anything.
There's a good eclectic cast of supporting characters in this one, including an aged actor, an undertaker's son, and a woman who used to know Dogger. And, of course, we get some appearances from Flavia's ever-suffering sisters, Daffy and Feely. The best part of this novel, however, for me, was the strengthening relationship between Dogger and Flavia. Their bond is one of the highlights of the book. I love those two. By now, Flavia and Dogger feel like friends, or even family. It's a sign of how well Bradley writes and creates these characters that you feel so attached to them.
Suffice to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. If you're a fan of Bradley's series, you probably will as well. If you haven't picked up this series, I do suggest starting near the beginning, as you'll form a better bond with the characters. But you will be able to jump in with this book, too, as the mystery stands alone. The ending of this one also leaves me excited and looking forward to what I hope will be book #10.
I was very excited to receive a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.
I am an unabashed fan of Flavia and this book didn't disappoint. It has all the staples of an excellent Flavia novel-- a strong mystery to unravel and a bunch of clever, witty, and surprisingly uncanny lines from our beloved protagonist. By now, our dear twelve-year-old Flavia has been through a lot. She's more mature, and she's as feisty and clever as ever. I admit that some of the chemistry in these novels goes over my head (I'm not as smart as Flavia, and I'm completely fine admitting that). But I love the mystery plots, and more than that, I love Flavia. I've felt protective of her since the first novel, even though the thought of that would anger her more than anything.
There's a good eclectic cast of supporting characters in this one, including an aged actor, an undertaker's son, and a woman who used to know Dogger. And, of course, we get some appearances from Flavia's ever-suffering sisters, Daffy and Feely. The best part of this novel, however, for me, was the strengthening relationship between Dogger and Flavia. Their bond is one of the highlights of the book. I love those two. By now, Flavia and Dogger feel like friends, or even family. It's a sign of how well Bradley writes and creates these characters that you feel so attached to them.
Suffice to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. If you're a fan of Bradley's series, you probably will as well. If you haven't picked up this series, I do suggest starting near the beginning, as you'll form a better bond with the characters. But you will be able to jump in with this book, too, as the mystery stands alone. The ending of this one also leaves me excited and looking forward to what I hope will be book #10.
I was very excited to receive a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.
RəX Regent (349 KP) rated The Butterfly Effect (2004) in Movies
Mar 7, 2019
Deeper than it first appears...
Contains spoilers, click to show
Having always being a fan of Time Travel and Science Fiction, I was always keen on seeing this film upon its initial release, seven years ago, now. But for one reason or another, this just didn't happen, leaving me to watch this on TV a couple of years later.
I was left disappointed. This was mainly because the film was very gritty, at times dower and not what I or many would have expected from a film in this genre. But with repeat viewings and finally watching this version, the Director's Cut, with a more downbeat and tragic conclusion, I realised that I was wrong.
Yes, this film does not tick the correct boxes for a film of this time, but that is because it is not playing it safe. It is doing what any great groundbreaking films should do and that is to find the truth of the story and tell it, show it and help the audience engage and feel it, in an uncompromising way.
*** SPOILERS *** The film deals with troubled childhoods of four kids, two of whom grow up to become Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart. (Not literally, of course!) Kutcher's lead, has the ability to travel back to his own past for brief moments by reading his childhood journals or in some cases, watching home movies or looking at photos.
His intention upon discovering this gift, is to repair some of the damage that these events have cause to the group, who have sustained several traumas and left them in various states of dis-functionality as adults. But, as the metaphor relating to Chaos Theory states, "Does the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?" Philip Merilees: We witness several distinct changes in then present as a result of his tampering and this often results in more pain, in one way or another.
This is a gripping film, with a true sense of itself, philosophy and needs of the narrative to justify its own dower conclusions, and ultimately, Kutcher's final decisions.
The sound design, cinematography general direction are outstanding here, with power use of all the key elements to give us a naturalistic feel, not dis-similar from something that Steven Spielberg might produce.
The Theatrical Cut was good, but this version is superior, with a new and more appropriate ending more in keeping the with the general tone of the film, this should be a true Sci-Fi classic, in the same league as the likes of "Planet Of The Apes", "The Day The Earth Caught Fire" and in to a lesser extent, this being a more widely accepted addition, "Donnie Darko".
Highly recommended.
I was left disappointed. This was mainly because the film was very gritty, at times dower and not what I or many would have expected from a film in this genre. But with repeat viewings and finally watching this version, the Director's Cut, with a more downbeat and tragic conclusion, I realised that I was wrong.
Yes, this film does not tick the correct boxes for a film of this time, but that is because it is not playing it safe. It is doing what any great groundbreaking films should do and that is to find the truth of the story and tell it, show it and help the audience engage and feel it, in an uncompromising way.
*** SPOILERS *** The film deals with troubled childhoods of four kids, two of whom grow up to become Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart. (Not literally, of course!) Kutcher's lead, has the ability to travel back to his own past for brief moments by reading his childhood journals or in some cases, watching home movies or looking at photos.
His intention upon discovering this gift, is to repair some of the damage that these events have cause to the group, who have sustained several traumas and left them in various states of dis-functionality as adults. But, as the metaphor relating to Chaos Theory states, "Does the flap of a butterfly's wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?" Philip Merilees: We witness several distinct changes in then present as a result of his tampering and this often results in more pain, in one way or another.
This is a gripping film, with a true sense of itself, philosophy and needs of the narrative to justify its own dower conclusions, and ultimately, Kutcher's final decisions.
The sound design, cinematography general direction are outstanding here, with power use of all the key elements to give us a naturalistic feel, not dis-similar from something that Steven Spielberg might produce.
The Theatrical Cut was good, but this version is superior, with a new and more appropriate ending more in keeping the with the general tone of the film, this should be a true Sci-Fi classic, in the same league as the likes of "Planet Of The Apes", "The Day The Earth Caught Fire" and in to a lesser extent, this being a more widely accepted addition, "Donnie Darko".
Highly recommended.
Not as funny as I hoped, but engaging enough
Holland has been obsessed with a handsome subway busker for quite some time. One evening, he winds up rescuing her after she falls on the subway tracks, kicking off a whirlwind of events. Holland helps Calvin get an audition with her uncle Robert, a Broadway musical director. Calvin is infinitely talented, but, it turns out, also in the United States illegally. So Holland does something she never does: makes an impulsive decision. She'll offer to marry Calvin so he can stay in the country, live out his dream, and help her uncle's hit show. Calvin quickly becomes a Broadway star. As for Calvin and Holland--they quickly realize they may be more than roommates. But what will it take for them to admit it? And for each to move past their own issues?
This was my first Christina Lauren book, which I picked up after hearing lots of Goodreads friends praise the dynamic duo. I am always a sucker for a good, fun romance. I was surprised to find the book start with Holland already lusting after Calvin, whom she called "Jack," as she watched him from afar at the subway. The action gets underway quickly, and it did seem like they each agreed to their extreme plan (marriage to someone they'd never met!) rather rapidly and easily. Even Holland's protective uncles came on board very quickly.
Some pros--a somewhat diverse cast, including Holland's adorable gay uncles, who were often couple goals. I enjoyed getting some insight into a Broadway musical, as well as the immigration process, although I bet both of those were sugarcoated a bit. Still, I found Holland a bit of a doormat; she frustrated me with her lack of ability to stand up for herself. While her inability to find herself is the premise of the book, a strong romance only works for me if I'm invested in the characters, and I just didn't always feel it with Holland and Calvin. Holland was too wishy washy and I never felt like I got to know Calvin enough. It was frustrating, because I could see moments of humor in the book, but never enough to truly win me over. I needed more to fully root for the couple. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the book: it's cute and fun at times, and an easy read.
Overall, I had a tough time warming up to the main characters, and I didn't always find the funny situations that humorous. The premise was a little crazy, but was engaging enough. I'll be curious to see how I feel about my next Christina Lauren read.
This was my first Christina Lauren book, which I picked up after hearing lots of Goodreads friends praise the dynamic duo. I am always a sucker for a good, fun romance. I was surprised to find the book start with Holland already lusting after Calvin, whom she called "Jack," as she watched him from afar at the subway. The action gets underway quickly, and it did seem like they each agreed to their extreme plan (marriage to someone they'd never met!) rather rapidly and easily. Even Holland's protective uncles came on board very quickly.
Some pros--a somewhat diverse cast, including Holland's adorable gay uncles, who were often couple goals. I enjoyed getting some insight into a Broadway musical, as well as the immigration process, although I bet both of those were sugarcoated a bit. Still, I found Holland a bit of a doormat; she frustrated me with her lack of ability to stand up for herself. While her inability to find herself is the premise of the book, a strong romance only works for me if I'm invested in the characters, and I just didn't always feel it with Holland and Calvin. Holland was too wishy washy and I never felt like I got to know Calvin enough. It was frustrating, because I could see moments of humor in the book, but never enough to truly win me over. I needed more to fully root for the couple. That's not to say I didn't enjoy the book: it's cute and fun at times, and an easy read.
Overall, I had a tough time warming up to the main characters, and I didn't always find the funny situations that humorous. The premise was a little crazy, but was engaging enough. I'll be curious to see how I feel about my next Christina Lauren read.