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Merissa (11800 KP) rated Forbidden Match (Perfect Match Agency #6) in Books
Aug 3, 2023
FORBIDDEN MATCH is part of the multi-author Perfect Match Agency series, although you don't have to have read any of the previous books to get the full benefit of this one.
Because this one is a beauty! The start of it, seeing Topher and Renn getting to know each other through emails and texts, was brilliant. Then how they kept missing each other for various reasons, followed by the explosive meeting when they did. And then everything that goes on afterwards, and how they are there for each other. Absolutely bloody brilliant!
You get a full story here - beginning, middle, and ending - without it feeling rushed, or that time has jumped, or anything has been skipped over. The timeline works for their story and it is perfectly paced, giving you lots of sexy times but also other things that keep the story moving.
I've read three of these books now (unless I've forgotten one) and I would absolutely say this was the best of the bunch so far. Of course, I'll have to check the others now, just to make sure, you know, in the name of R&D! 😁
HIGHLY 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!
Aug 3, 2023
Because this one is a beauty! The start of it, seeing Topher and Renn getting to know each other through emails and texts, was brilliant. Then how they kept missing each other for various reasons, followed by the explosive meeting when they did. And then everything that goes on afterwards, and how they are there for each other. Absolutely bloody brilliant!
You get a full story here - beginning, middle, and ending - without it feeling rushed, or that time has jumped, or anything has been skipped over. The timeline works for their story and it is perfectly paced, giving you lots of sexy times but also other things that keep the story moving.
I've read three of these books now (unless I've forgotten one) and I would absolutely say this was the best of the bunch so far. Of course, I'll have to check the others now, just to make sure, you know, in the name of R&D! 😁
HIGHLY 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!
Aug 3, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Awaken (The A’vean Chronicles 1) in Books
Jun 28, 2023
84 of 235
Kindle
Awaken (The A’vean Chronicles 1)
By G.R. Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SOME PEOPLE AREN'T DESTINED TO BE ORDINARY.
Sophia Woodville holds a secret gift close to her heart.
A 20-year-old nursing grad, she thought she had her future mapped out. However, destiny is about to intervene.
A night out ends in bloodshed with Sophia now hunted by an unspeakable evil. She is whisked away by her family, a family she thought she knew, a family who holds secrets more powerful and darker than her own.
Her secret is not so secret. Her gift just a hint of something far beyond her wildest imagination. Sophia is pulled, kicking and screaming, into an unseen, ancient world of angels and demons. A beautiful and terrifying world that challenges all that she thought to be true of herself, her family and the origins of humanity.
Sophia cannot simply visit this world... she must save it.
Original sin, forbidden love and her life in constant danger...
Will Sophia survive this dark twist of fate?
Will the devil be her saviour?
This was one hell of a book I don’t think I’ve read anything like it the amazing amount of detail gone into it is just extraordinary. Take everything you think you know about how the world was mad, angels and demons then add some. It was just so involved the characters were all so well thought out and intricate. Just loved it.
Kindle
Awaken (The A’vean Chronicles 1)
By G.R. Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SOME PEOPLE AREN'T DESTINED TO BE ORDINARY.
Sophia Woodville holds a secret gift close to her heart.
A 20-year-old nursing grad, she thought she had her future mapped out. However, destiny is about to intervene.
A night out ends in bloodshed with Sophia now hunted by an unspeakable evil. She is whisked away by her family, a family she thought she knew, a family who holds secrets more powerful and darker than her own.
Her secret is not so secret. Her gift just a hint of something far beyond her wildest imagination. Sophia is pulled, kicking and screaming, into an unseen, ancient world of angels and demons. A beautiful and terrifying world that challenges all that she thought to be true of herself, her family and the origins of humanity.
Sophia cannot simply visit this world... she must save it.
Original sin, forbidden love and her life in constant danger...
Will Sophia survive this dark twist of fate?
Will the devil be her saviour?
This was one hell of a book I don’t think I’ve read anything like it the amazing amount of detail gone into it is just extraordinary. Take everything you think you know about how the world was mad, angels and demons then add some. It was just so involved the characters were all so well thought out and intricate. Just loved it.
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated Fading in Books
Jan 9, 2020
Honest Review for Free Copy of Book
Fading by Cindy Cipriano may not contain vampires or werewolves yet it still has a slightly supernatural/paranormal feel to it. This book is in a similar group as Twilight as a forbidden love book. Also, this is only the first book in a series that is expected to be three or four books long.
Leath is the typical seventeen-year-old high school girl. She has her mother’s full support after her father died and her two best friends Victor and Anamae. The three of them have been considering college visits and what the future may hold for them. Leath and Victor have always been close but when Victor starts showing interest in being more than just friends with Leath she resists him. Victor believes Leath is confused and will come around to recognizing her feelings for him but Leath is not too sure. Then while working in her guidance councilor's office Leath sees the transfer file for a new student, James.
As if fate put them together James and Leath run into each other on Jame’s first day and they instantly become inseparable. Leath feels as if she has known James for her entire life and James feels the same way about her. Leath wonders if James is the same boy that Leath has actually been having dreams about all her life. Is she prepared to make the huge sacrifice required for her to be with James? Leath must choose between her friends, family, and freedom, or James before he makes the decision for her.
What I liked best about the book was honestly James himself. Even if he seemed somewhat creepy at times he is a great guy. His willingness to live alone and possibly face the wrath of his race just to protect Leath from his societies traditions are commendable. What I didn’t really like was the abrupt change around chapter fifteen. I understand the need for it but it was a little rough at first. I also didn’t understand completely why the fading worked so well on Leath that time when it didn’t work the first time. The only difference I can really come up with was the medication Leath was on and everyone else forgetting James helping her forget as well.
Teens of all ages will find this book to be appealing as the language is mild and there isn’t really any inappropriate content. Readers of romance will defiantly enjoy this book more so than fans of other genres. I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4. Fans of teen romance will love this twist on a classic forbidden love story. The entire concept of fading allows for the story to move on without having messy explanations in the middle of everything.
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Leath is the typical seventeen-year-old high school girl. She has her mother’s full support after her father died and her two best friends Victor and Anamae. The three of them have been considering college visits and what the future may hold for them. Leath and Victor have always been close but when Victor starts showing interest in being more than just friends with Leath she resists him. Victor believes Leath is confused and will come around to recognizing her feelings for him but Leath is not too sure. Then while working in her guidance councilor's office Leath sees the transfer file for a new student, James.
As if fate put them together James and Leath run into each other on Jame’s first day and they instantly become inseparable. Leath feels as if she has known James for her entire life and James feels the same way about her. Leath wonders if James is the same boy that Leath has actually been having dreams about all her life. Is she prepared to make the huge sacrifice required for her to be with James? Leath must choose between her friends, family, and freedom, or James before he makes the decision for her.
What I liked best about the book was honestly James himself. Even if he seemed somewhat creepy at times he is a great guy. His willingness to live alone and possibly face the wrath of his race just to protect Leath from his societies traditions are commendable. What I didn’t really like was the abrupt change around chapter fifteen. I understand the need for it but it was a little rough at first. I also didn’t understand completely why the fading worked so well on Leath that time when it didn’t work the first time. The only difference I can really come up with was the medication Leath was on and everyone else forgetting James helping her forget as well.
Teens of all ages will find this book to be appealing as the language is mild and there isn’t really any inappropriate content. Readers of romance will defiantly enjoy this book more so than fans of other genres. I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4. Fans of teen romance will love this twist on a classic forbidden love story. The entire concept of fading allows for the story to move on without having messy explanations in the middle of everything.
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Merissa (11800 KP) rated Knights of Stone: Mason (Highland Gargoyles #1) in Books
Aug 23, 2017
Knights of Stone: Mason (Highland Gargoyles #1)
Knights of Stone: Mason is the first book in the Highland Gargoyles series. Mason is the middle brother (I think) and a guitarist in the rock band. Kayla is a tree witch and has crossed the boundaries to watch them play, even whilst knowing it is forbidden. These two connect on a sensual level, and they don't want to fight it, even though they know they should. However, things are happening amongst the three species that share the Isle of Stone, and it may break down borders, or it might just destroy them all.
Whilst Mason is hot/sexy/built... and whatever you want to say about him, there was an innocence between both him and Kayla that leapt off the page. Now, don't get me wrong, it was as hot anything, but still tinged with this innocence that was delightful. I absolutely loved that part. Kayla is strong and sassy, yet not disrespectful to her elders... at least, not until they disrespect her. Both characters are perfect for each other, and memorable in their own rights.
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this book flowed smoothly along, involving me in their story. This is the first book in the series, so do I want to read the others? You betcha! 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!
Whilst Mason is hot/sexy/built... and whatever you want to say about him, there was an innocence between both him and Kayla that leapt off the page. Now, don't get me wrong, it was as hot anything, but still tinged with this innocence that was delightful. I absolutely loved that part. Kayla is strong and sassy, yet not disrespectful to her elders... at least, not until they disrespect her. Both characters are perfect for each other, and memorable in their own rights.
With no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this book flowed smoothly along, involving me in their story. This is the first book in the series, so do I want to read the others? You betcha! 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!
Zach Smith (62 KP) rated Tomb Raider (2018) in Movies
Mar 23, 2019
Three tries and I finally got through it.
Contains spoilers, click to show
I was intrigued when the reboot became a reality, however I believe they dropped the ball in advertising and the movie no longer became a priority. I finally had the opportunity to view it and stopped the viewing withing fifteen minutes. I tried again several times later and on the third try today I made it through the entire movie. The secret is getting through the initial boring begining. You want to pay attention to the narration at the begining where Laura Crofts father is narrating, after that feel free to check out for awhile. This generally is used for character development, which they do, kind of, its just not very interesting.
Once Laura sets off following her fathers footsteps looking for this forbidden island its like a new movie. The pace of the movie picks up and we finally get moving towards the plot of the movie. The new acotr playing Laura Croft Alicia Vikander fits the role well, however you will grow tired of her "wimper" whe she is in distress or fighting which I believe "weakens" her character. So go out and give it a try, my Snore Factore raiting is 6/10 for the first 30 minutes and that is adjusted once the movie actually starts to a 3/10.
Once Laura sets off following her fathers footsteps looking for this forbidden island its like a new movie. The pace of the movie picks up and we finally get moving towards the plot of the movie. The new acotr playing Laura Croft Alicia Vikander fits the role well, however you will grow tired of her "wimper" whe she is in distress or fighting which I believe "weakens" her character. So go out and give it a try, my Snore Factore raiting is 6/10 for the first 30 minutes and that is adjusted once the movie actually starts to a 3/10.
Carma (21 KP) rated Forbidden Lovers in Books
Jun 17, 2019
My rating is 3.5 stars for Forbidden Lovers by Kimberly Troutte. Ms. Troutte is a new to me author and while I felt this book had some good bones, it failed to grab my attention completely.
Matt Harper is returning home to Plunder Cove after leaving, without a choice, 10 years ago to join the Air Force. He left behind his fiancée, who rapidly remarried (supposedly) 3 months after he left, estranged parents and a home comparable to a compound.
Julia Espinoza lost the love of her life when her fiancé was killed when his plane was shot down in Afghanistan 10 years ago. She doesnt know her mother and has lived with extended family since she was small. She isnt wealthy like Matt was but he never seemed to care. She never got to say goodbye when he left, but he left her the most precious gift of all before he enlisted.
Matt returns home after being summoned by his father, along with his siblings, to some big announcement. Reconnecting with Julia, who at first doesnt recognize him believing he was dead, was an added bonus. Will they be able to pick up right where they left off?
While this story was interesting there was just too much I didnt like about it. Mostly, the flow and sentence structures. For me, it was too jumbled and while it was short it was very unnecessarily wordy. I voluntarily downloaded a copy from Netgalley without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Matt Harper is returning home to Plunder Cove after leaving, without a choice, 10 years ago to join the Air Force. He left behind his fiancée, who rapidly remarried (supposedly) 3 months after he left, estranged parents and a home comparable to a compound.
Julia Espinoza lost the love of her life when her fiancé was killed when his plane was shot down in Afghanistan 10 years ago. She doesnt know her mother and has lived with extended family since she was small. She isnt wealthy like Matt was but he never seemed to care. She never got to say goodbye when he left, but he left her the most precious gift of all before he enlisted.
Matt returns home after being summoned by his father, along with his siblings, to some big announcement. Reconnecting with Julia, who at first doesnt recognize him believing he was dead, was an added bonus. Will they be able to pick up right where they left off?
While this story was interesting there was just too much I didnt like about it. Mostly, the flow and sentence structures. For me, it was too jumbled and while it was short it was very unnecessarily wordy. I voluntarily downloaded a copy from Netgalley without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Shade of Vampire (A Shade of Vampire, #1) in Books
Oct 9, 2019
On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake. A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.
She is kidnapped to The Shade, an enchanted island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine - an island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.
Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is selected out of hundreds of girls to take up residence in the tree-top harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal prince.
Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.
Will she succeed? Or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?
<strong>Mmm it was ok</strong>
I've wanted to read this for a while. I finally get round to it and I quite enjoyed it. Only thing is it seemed a little rushed I like the sound of these characters but they felt so rushed through but I suppose with so many books in mysteries I'll see development of them.
She is kidnapped to The Shade, an enchanted island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine - an island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.
Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is selected out of hundreds of girls to take up residence in the tree-top harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal prince.
Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.
Will she succeed? Or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?
<strong>Mmm it was ok</strong>
I've wanted to read this for a while. I finally get round to it and I quite enjoyed it. Only thing is it seemed a little rushed I like the sound of these characters but they felt so rushed through but I suppose with so many books in mysteries I'll see development of them.
Learwife was so much more than I expected it to be. I’ll be honest: I haven’t read King Lear, and I thought I’d struggle to understand this, and the fact that I’ve recently read The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton (and really enjoyed it) I thought would confuse me more (the Queen isn’t sent to a nunnery in TQoIL). I needn’t have worried though.
This book is narrated by the former queen, whilst she’s living in the convent, reflecting on her time as a queen two times, as the wife of Lear, and a mother to her three daughters. Even though she has been exiled from her former life and forbidden from seeing her daughters for a very long time, when she hears of their deaths she’s devastated. She imagines that she can see their ghosts. She comes close to madness herself. This is a very human woman, not just a queen. In fact, most of the other women living in the convent, don’t know that she was once their queen. They do know that she was a woman of status, and they defer to her - not least because of her steely demeanour. She’s a formidable woman.
This did take me longer than usual to read, but there were several factors involved in this: taking in the gorgeous prose, and the fact that I desperately needed reading glasses (which I now thankfully have! 🤭). It really is beautifully written, and I think that it’s going to be one of those rare books that I’ll read again.
This book is narrated by the former queen, whilst she’s living in the convent, reflecting on her time as a queen two times, as the wife of Lear, and a mother to her three daughters. Even though she has been exiled from her former life and forbidden from seeing her daughters for a very long time, when she hears of their deaths she’s devastated. She imagines that she can see their ghosts. She comes close to madness herself. This is a very human woman, not just a queen. In fact, most of the other women living in the convent, don’t know that she was once their queen. They do know that she was a woman of status, and they defer to her - not least because of her steely demeanour. She’s a formidable woman.
This did take me longer than usual to read, but there were several factors involved in this: taking in the gorgeous prose, and the fact that I desperately needed reading glasses (which I now thankfully have! 🤭). It really is beautifully written, and I think that it’s going to be one of those rare books that I’ll read again.
Suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy a short story, Delta is the latest novella by the versatile Jordan Elizabeth. Based on an historical event but with purely fictional characters, the author weaves real life and paranormal/fantasy together to create a gripping tale.
Set in the years leading up to the time a small village was flooded to create Lake Delta in 1917, the short story focuses on the Madison family who believe the plans will never come to fruition. As the years pass, neighbours begin receiving eviction letters but the family remain steadfast in their belief that their land won't be affected.
Meanwhile, the protagonist Lottie is given the task to deliver daily baskets of food to her Aunt Flora, a lady housebound in a cottage in the woods, however, Lottie is forbidden to ever enter the house.
As Lottie grows up with the threat of the flood becoming more of a reality, she begins to question why her parents are so convinced that all will be okay. In the months leading to her 17th birthday, she overhears her parents speaking of magic, but surely magic isn't real? She is soon to discover the painful truth and learn that she is not who she thinks she is.
Delta was quick to read and the ten year storyline sped by. The fast pace makes readers eager to reach the conclusion, a conclusion that is in no way predictable.
Whilst short, Delta is definitely worth reading. It is perfect for those moments when you need something to do but can't commit to reading a longer novel.
Set in the years leading up to the time a small village was flooded to create Lake Delta in 1917, the short story focuses on the Madison family who believe the plans will never come to fruition. As the years pass, neighbours begin receiving eviction letters but the family remain steadfast in their belief that their land won't be affected.
Meanwhile, the protagonist Lottie is given the task to deliver daily baskets of food to her Aunt Flora, a lady housebound in a cottage in the woods, however, Lottie is forbidden to ever enter the house.
As Lottie grows up with the threat of the flood becoming more of a reality, she begins to question why her parents are so convinced that all will be okay. In the months leading to her 17th birthday, she overhears her parents speaking of magic, but surely magic isn't real? She is soon to discover the painful truth and learn that she is not who she thinks she is.
Delta was quick to read and the ten year storyline sped by. The fast pace makes readers eager to reach the conclusion, a conclusion that is in no way predictable.
Whilst short, Delta is definitely worth reading. It is perfect for those moments when you need something to do but can't commit to reading a longer novel.
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated The Boy Next Door (2015) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
The theme of the dangerous person living next door as well as forbidden attraction and desires are no stranger to Hollywood as they are themes that have powered some of the most intense and erotic dramas in recent memory.
The latest offering from Hollywood has Jennifer Lopez as Claire, a woman who is newly divorced and falls for her new neighbor played by Ryan Guzman.
At first the relationship is exciting for Claire but things take a turn for the worse and Claire soon learns that her new neighbor is not what he first appeared to be and is a very dangerous and manipulative individual.
You would think with a premise such as this and a decent cast that this would at least be a passable thriller but instead it is about as lifeless and formulaic a film as they come.
The film was completely predictable aside form one brief moment at the end of the film that was mildly unexpected, but other than that I found myself whispering to my husband throughout the movie what was going to happen next, and it did.
Supporting actors John Corbett, playing Lopez’ (estranged) husband, and Ian Nelson as their teenage son, did a passable job given the material they were working with but deserved much better.
Ryan Guzman who plays 19-year-old neighbor Noah, manages to play the creepy psycho part pretty well, but the material was as I said previously; so very predictable.
I wish I could offer more than 1 star out of 5, but I can’t for the film which is a shame as the audience and the cast deserved so much more with this premise.
The latest offering from Hollywood has Jennifer Lopez as Claire, a woman who is newly divorced and falls for her new neighbor played by Ryan Guzman.
At first the relationship is exciting for Claire but things take a turn for the worse and Claire soon learns that her new neighbor is not what he first appeared to be and is a very dangerous and manipulative individual.
You would think with a premise such as this and a decent cast that this would at least be a passable thriller but instead it is about as lifeless and formulaic a film as they come.
The film was completely predictable aside form one brief moment at the end of the film that was mildly unexpected, but other than that I found myself whispering to my husband throughout the movie what was going to happen next, and it did.
Supporting actors John Corbett, playing Lopez’ (estranged) husband, and Ian Nelson as their teenage son, did a passable job given the material they were working with but deserved much better.
Ryan Guzman who plays 19-year-old neighbor Noah, manages to play the creepy psycho part pretty well, but the material was as I said previously; so very predictable.
I wish I could offer more than 1 star out of 5, but I can’t for the film which is a shame as the audience and the cast deserved so much more with this premise.