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Merissa (13409 KP) rated Aboard the Wishing Star in Books
Jul 26, 2018
Aboard the Wishing Star by Debra Parmley
Aboard the Wishing Star is a romantic suspense that is high on romance, and low on suspense, as it is clear from the very beginning who the 'big bad' is. Kara has won a week's cruise, and has taken her best friend for many years with her. It starts off stressful as the airline loses Kara's luggage. She is also phobic about the water, so maybe a cruise wasn't the best idea. However, things look up when she meets Nate, a scuba diving instructor, who takes her under his wing.
I have mixed feelings about this story as I'm afraid I just can't see a man like Nate - self-confident and assured - with a woman like Kara. Although she has nice qualities, she is also quite weak, although she appears to gain some strength at the end. She is also incredibly naive, unbelievably so. She lets her boss and best friend walk all over her. And there are no reasons given for why her best friend's behaviour has suddenly changed within the past year. I didn't feel this made much impact on the story at all, and wasn't really relevant in any way.
However, saying that, it was a nice enough read, with plenty of descriptions. For a story set mainly on a Caribbean cruise, this was a nice getaway read.
* 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!
I have mixed feelings about this story as I'm afraid I just can't see a man like Nate - self-confident and assured - with a woman like Kara. Although she has nice qualities, she is also quite weak, although she appears to gain some strength at the end. She is also incredibly naive, unbelievably so. She lets her boss and best friend walk all over her. And there are no reasons given for why her best friend's behaviour has suddenly changed within the past year. I didn't feel this made much impact on the story at all, and wasn't really relevant in any way.
However, saying that, it was a nice enough read, with plenty of descriptions. For a story set mainly on a Caribbean cruise, this was a nice getaway read.
* 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!
Merissa (13409 KP) rated Gabe's Revenge (McLeod Security #2) in Books
Aug 1, 2018
Gabe's Revenge (McLeod Security #2) by Doris O'Connor
Gabe's Revenge is the second book in the McLeod Security series, and to be honest, I was confused for 90% of the book where McLeod Security actually fell in this story, although it all became clear.
Lissa is the daughter of Andrini, a small time crook with big dreams. She is unloved and unwanted, but is still surprised when her father sells her to Gabe in payment of a debt. She has no idea what is going on, and do react badly (normally!!) to begin with. However, as she learns more about Gabe and just what it is he does, her feelings grow. It's not all fun in paradise though, and they have to work through betrayal and lies to even have a chance of Happy Ever After.
This was a great story with plenty of action, both in and out of the sheets, going on. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I found the pacing to be spot on. The transitions from one scene to the next were very smooth, and added to the reading experience. With a great cast of secondary characters, I thoroughly enjoyed every word, and look forward to reading more in this series. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Lissa is the daughter of Andrini, a small time crook with big dreams. She is unloved and unwanted, but is still surprised when her father sells her to Gabe in payment of a debt. She has no idea what is going on, and do react badly (normally!!) to begin with. However, as she learns more about Gabe and just what it is he does, her feelings grow. It's not all fun in paradise though, and they have to work through betrayal and lies to even have a chance of Happy Ever After.
This was a great story with plenty of action, both in and out of the sheets, going on. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I found the pacing to be spot on. The transitions from one scene to the next were very smooth, and added to the reading experience. With a great cast of secondary characters, I thoroughly enjoyed every word, and look forward to reading more in this series. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated Sweet Possession (Nights Series #5) in Books
Aug 9, 2018
I'm not liking Luke and Ash!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Nights series, and you should AT LEAST read book 4, Sweet Obsession before this one, this is a continuation of Ash and Luke's story.
I LOVED books one through three, but four and now five, have been a bit of a let down. Maybe I just don't like Luke and Ash, you know??
This has a little bit of a story, thrown in with some hot and steamy stuff, and a lot of Luke being a total twat of an idiot thinking about what he thinks Ash needs. And rather than talking to Ash, he runs. Much like Cam did when Gabe says those three little words.
I loved that Ash could make the famous Luke Rutherford lose his cool and totally let himself go and take from, and indeed GIVE to, Ash, what they both really need.
Loved that we get an appearance from Gabe and Cam, and Ethan and Joe.
I dunno WHY these two books didn't quite work for me, I really don't and you KNOW how much it pains me not being able to word the feelings!
BUT!! In book 3, I saw something going on between the two guys who own the company Gabe works for. THEIR story is next, and I cannot wait to read it!
So, I'm sorry, but...
3 stars (but please keep these coming!)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 5 in the Nights series, and you should AT LEAST read book 4, Sweet Obsession before this one, this is a continuation of Ash and Luke's story.
I LOVED books one through three, but four and now five, have been a bit of a let down. Maybe I just don't like Luke and Ash, you know??
This has a little bit of a story, thrown in with some hot and steamy stuff, and a lot of Luke being a total twat of an idiot thinking about what he thinks Ash needs. And rather than talking to Ash, he runs. Much like Cam did when Gabe says those three little words.
I loved that Ash could make the famous Luke Rutherford lose his cool and totally let himself go and take from, and indeed GIVE to, Ash, what they both really need.
Loved that we get an appearance from Gabe and Cam, and Ethan and Joe.
I dunno WHY these two books didn't quite work for me, I really don't and you KNOW how much it pains me not being able to word the feelings!
BUT!! In book 3, I saw something going on between the two guys who own the company Gabe works for. THEIR story is next, and I cannot wait to read it!
So, I'm sorry, but...
3 stars (but please keep these coming!)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (13409 KP) rated Reckless (Yoga in the City #2) in Books
Oct 17, 2018
Reckless (Yoga in the City #2) by Leigh LaValle
Reckless is the second book in the Yoga in the City series, and this time we focus on Crystal Ananda, one of the partners of the Yoga Studio. She is the one that is always dependable, even if she really doesn't actually want to do it! The reasons for this become clear as the story progresses. And then we have Ford, the workaholic CEO who doesn't spare anyone's feelings in his quest to get the family business back on track. Both their stories - wildly opposite at the start, actually start to show parallels - and Crystal and Ford find something they both want to last.
This was a pleasant story, with laugh out loud moments, and lots of quirkiness (usually on Crystal's side of the family) thrown in for good measure. Crystal is too often see as just a pretty thing, blonde bimbo, type of character, so it was wonderful to see the author turn this on it's head (where needed) and give Crystal her own strengths. Together with Ford, they make a strong team.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a smooth read, with plenty of emotions coming through. The story flowed from one scene to the next, and we even caught up with Hannah and Jake from Breathless. 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!
This was a pleasant story, with laugh out loud moments, and lots of quirkiness (usually on Crystal's side of the family) thrown in for good measure. Crystal is too often see as just a pretty thing, blonde bimbo, type of character, so it was wonderful to see the author turn this on it's head (where needed) and give Crystal her own strengths. Together with Ford, they make a strong team.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a smooth read, with plenty of emotions coming through. The story flowed from one scene to the next, and we even caught up with Hannah and Jake from Breathless. 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!
Carma (21 KP) rated Hard Riding Cowboy (Gold Valley, #2.5) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Lauren Bishop tried to stay away from moving back home to Gold Valley after her husband died. But she realized she needed the stability for her 2 daughters that moving home brought. She never expected to see someone from her past and have him stir up feelings she thought deeply buried.
Calder Reid had a crush on Lauren since she walked into his house to babysit him when he was a pre-teen. She was only about 5 years older than him but he didn't care then and doesn't care now. When he sees her again after all these years he's equally as smitten.
Lauren can't believe this hot stud is the kid she used to babysit. Talk about feeling even older than she already does. When he offers his help at renovations to the house she is trying to buy she should say no but her mouth says yes.
Calder knows Lauren has issues with him being younger, as well as her daughters best interests at heart but he lets her know straight out that he wants to be with her. He doesn't have time for sugar coating and lays his cards on the table. Will she accept what he has to offer?
A cute quick novella with lots of steam, life choices and kids that always know way more than parents give them credit for. I received a copy without expection for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own. Of course another great read from Maisey Yates, I would expect nothing less.
Calder Reid had a crush on Lauren since she walked into his house to babysit him when he was a pre-teen. She was only about 5 years older than him but he didn't care then and doesn't care now. When he sees her again after all these years he's equally as smitten.
Lauren can't believe this hot stud is the kid she used to babysit. Talk about feeling even older than she already does. When he offers his help at renovations to the house she is trying to buy she should say no but her mouth says yes.
Calder knows Lauren has issues with him being younger, as well as her daughters best interests at heart but he lets her know straight out that he wants to be with her. He doesn't have time for sugar coating and lays his cards on the table. Will she accept what he has to offer?
A cute quick novella with lots of steam, life choices and kids that always know way more than parents give them credit for. I received a copy without expection for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own. Of course another great read from Maisey Yates, I would expect nothing less.
Merissa (13409 KP) rated The Scarecrow & George C in Books
Jun 17, 2019
The Scarecrow & George C by Mia Kerick
The Scarecrow & George C is the third book of Mia Kerick's I have read, and whilst I didn't enjoy it as much as The Princess of Baker Street, I still thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these characters.
Van (Donovan) is the Scarecrow in this scenario. Through childhood trauma, he is too scared of people to behave 'normally'. So he pushes everyone away, makes them afraid of him, and then feels the loss inside when they believe his facade. George C doesn't believe it though. He sees past that false veneer to the young man inside, scared, hurt, and oh so alone. Both Van and George C have a past though, which could affect their future.
With an interesting and sometimes sorrowful story, this book gripped me from the start. I wanted to see Van change, become all he could be. With George C by his side, it seemed a possibility. And with Van by his side, the world was an oyster for George C. One of the best things about this book was seeing their relationship slowly change, as their feelings did.
There were no editing or grammatical errors in this book, and the characters were excellent. With quirkiness and romance, tragic pasts and hopeful futures, this was a great read I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Van (Donovan) is the Scarecrow in this scenario. Through childhood trauma, he is too scared of people to behave 'normally'. So he pushes everyone away, makes them afraid of him, and then feels the loss inside when they believe his facade. George C doesn't believe it though. He sees past that false veneer to the young man inside, scared, hurt, and oh so alone. Both Van and George C have a past though, which could affect their future.
With an interesting and sometimes sorrowful story, this book gripped me from the start. I wanted to see Van change, become all he could be. With George C by his side, it seemed a possibility. And with Van by his side, the world was an oyster for George C. One of the best things about this book was seeing their relationship slowly change, as their feelings did.
There were no editing or grammatical errors in this book, and the characters were excellent. With quirkiness and romance, tragic pasts and hopeful futures, this was a great read I have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Merissa (13409 KP) rated Dracula in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The one that is credited with starting them all - this was, and remains, a classic. I am possibly in the minority in that I love the vampire genre, both film and book, but have never seen Bram Stoker's Dracula on the screen. So this book was completely new to me.
This is taking the vampire back to basics. There is no "glory" in being bitten, it is hurtful and raw and will not leave you feeling aroused to pleasured; it will leave you feeling weak, lethargic and near to death. The vampires in this aren't uncommonly handsome although they do possess charisma in bucketloads. This version is written in 1800's English so at times it can be a bit hard to follow although, on the whole, it is an easy enough read. It is also written completely in diary format although the diary could be one of 6/7 characters. There is a lot of detail given in the surroundings, the ambiance, the feelings and you will definitely be reading a lot about how sweet a woman Mina Harker is! A compliment given to her in the book is that she has a woman's heart but a man's brain!
The whole book builds up to the characters meeting up with Dracula and the struggle and fight that will commence once they do. However, the book itself seems to wrap everything up within a couple of pages and so has the feeling of being incredibly rushed at the end.
A classic.
This is taking the vampire back to basics. There is no "glory" in being bitten, it is hurtful and raw and will not leave you feeling aroused to pleasured; it will leave you feeling weak, lethargic and near to death. The vampires in this aren't uncommonly handsome although they do possess charisma in bucketloads. This version is written in 1800's English so at times it can be a bit hard to follow although, on the whole, it is an easy enough read. It is also written completely in diary format although the diary could be one of 6/7 characters. There is a lot of detail given in the surroundings, the ambiance, the feelings and you will definitely be reading a lot about how sweet a woman Mina Harker is! A compliment given to her in the book is that she has a woman's heart but a man's brain!
The whole book builds up to the characters meeting up with Dracula and the struggle and fight that will commence once they do. However, the book itself seems to wrap everything up within a couple of pages and so has the feeling of being incredibly rushed at the end.
A classic.
Michelle Boyea (9 KP) rated The Maze Runner in Books
Dec 30, 2018
I originally read this book a few years ago and really enjoyed it. This time around, I decided to try it as an audiobook which I definitely enjoyed!
While I vaguely remembered what happened in the book, it was more of vague feelings rather than real recollections. While listening to the book, I found myself remembering events as they happened, but I was happy to find that I could not remember what happened next beyond a few exceptions. I enjoyed hearing it again as if it was almost new.
The characters are easily relatable and I found myself very much enjoying the interactions between all the characters, but especially Thomas and Minho. I enjoyed listening to Thomas grow into who he truly is as a person despite adversity from a couple of the boys. I very much liked hearing Chuck mature and become braver as a result of his friendship with Thomas.
The only character that I did not enjoy hearing was Teresa even though I remember enjoying her the last time I read this book. I enjoyed the interactions between the boys better when they did not involve her.
As the ending of the book came closer and closer, I found myself not recollecting the story line. Once they exited the maze, I didn't remember anything. I am excited to listen to book 2 as though I'm hearing/reading it for the first time.
Mark Deakins was very enjoyable to listen to and I hope he is the narrator for book 2 as well.
While I vaguely remembered what happened in the book, it was more of vague feelings rather than real recollections. While listening to the book, I found myself remembering events as they happened, but I was happy to find that I could not remember what happened next beyond a few exceptions. I enjoyed hearing it again as if it was almost new.
The characters are easily relatable and I found myself very much enjoying the interactions between all the characters, but especially Thomas and Minho. I enjoyed listening to Thomas grow into who he truly is as a person despite adversity from a couple of the boys. I very much liked hearing Chuck mature and become braver as a result of his friendship with Thomas.
The only character that I did not enjoy hearing was Teresa even though I remember enjoying her the last time I read this book. I enjoyed the interactions between the boys better when they did not involve her.
As the ending of the book came closer and closer, I found myself not recollecting the story line. Once they exited the maze, I didn't remember anything. I am excited to listen to book 2 as though I'm hearing/reading it for the first time.
Mark Deakins was very enjoyable to listen to and I hope he is the narrator for book 2 as well.
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated Hearts Abroad (The Atlas Series #1) in Books
Aug 14, 2019
really rather cute!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Londyn takes a nanny job, while thinking what to do about her play writing. Since her 'boyfriend' stole the last play she wrote, she thinks she might give up. A summer out of town, looking after two little girls, might give her the clarity she needs. She just never expected to fall in love with the girls or their daddy. Callum is a museum curator and spends a lot of time away from his family. But the new nanny makes him see, really see, what that is doing to his girls. He just didn't see Londyn coming!
This was a really great, fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
It's well told, with both Callum and Londyn having a say, in the third person. We get all of Londyn's stressing about her playwriting, and how much fun she wants the girls to have. We get all of Callum's fretting over his feelings for the nanny, and we get his dawning realisation that it might not just be infatuation.
I liked the marked differences between Londyn and Callum, it made me giggle in some places!
It's funny, it's witty, it's sexy and it's emotional. It has a little bit of everything! It's one of those books you just fall into, you know, and the book runs out before the afternoon does.
It's the first book I've read of Ms McNeil, and I look forward to reading more.
A very well deserved 4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Londyn takes a nanny job, while thinking what to do about her play writing. Since her 'boyfriend' stole the last play she wrote, she thinks she might give up. A summer out of town, looking after two little girls, might give her the clarity she needs. She just never expected to fall in love with the girls or their daddy. Callum is a museum curator and spends a lot of time away from his family. But the new nanny makes him see, really see, what that is doing to his girls. He just didn't see Londyn coming!
This was a really great, fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
It's well told, with both Callum and Londyn having a say, in the third person. We get all of Londyn's stressing about her playwriting, and how much fun she wants the girls to have. We get all of Callum's fretting over his feelings for the nanny, and we get his dawning realisation that it might not just be infatuation.
I liked the marked differences between Londyn and Callum, it made me giggle in some places!
It's funny, it's witty, it's sexy and it's emotional. It has a little bit of everything! It's one of those books you just fall into, you know, and the book runs out before the afternoon does.
It's the first book I've read of Ms McNeil, and I look forward to reading more.
A very well deserved 4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
365Flicks (235 KP) rated Who's Jenna...? (2018) in Movies
Oct 31, 2019 (Updated Oct 31, 2019)
Tracey Birdsall Smashes Another...
I genuinely had fun with this movie, that is once I figured out what Baldinger was doing with some of these characters. Let me explain... There are a couple of characters in this movie that are borderline offensive in almost any situation and for a minute I found myself thinking 'wow theses are characters you really don't need in your movie' however if you give it a minute the movie fully explains itself and pays off a lot of ground work adding a lot of extra layers to characters that could of been mistaken for throwaway Sopranos imitations.
I love Tracey in this role she is having a ball stretching her comedy chops. There is one scene I think you should look out for when Jenna and Johnathan profess there feelings to each other, not only is this a really well written and naturally performed scene but the two leads make it believable and I bought it (Keep and eye on Tracey's face in this scene, that's an actress in the moment).
So yeah I really enjoyed the flick, I was taken aback at moments but that's the sign of a good comedy (your supposed to feel a little uncomfortable). Everyone in it is great in there respective roles, big shout outs to Joseph D'Onofrio and Tracey Birdsall in particular. Its a quick, its funny, its laugh out loud and an easy 90 odd minute light hearted good time. I strongly recommend so get it watched.
I love Tracey in this role she is having a ball stretching her comedy chops. There is one scene I think you should look out for when Jenna and Johnathan profess there feelings to each other, not only is this a really well written and naturally performed scene but the two leads make it believable and I bought it (Keep and eye on Tracey's face in this scene, that's an actress in the moment).
So yeah I really enjoyed the flick, I was taken aback at moments but that's the sign of a good comedy (your supposed to feel a little uncomfortable). Everyone in it is great in there respective roles, big shout outs to Joseph D'Onofrio and Tracey Birdsall in particular. Its a quick, its funny, its laugh out loud and an easy 90 odd minute light hearted good time. I strongly recommend so get it watched.