Search

Search only in certain items:

Dial M for Murder (1954)
Dial M for Murder (1954)
1954 | Crime, Mystery
A mid-tier episode of "Law & Order" from the 50s that's as mildly rousing as it is boring in a nearly 1:1 ratio. Yes the writing is impressively airtight, and always leaves you looking for some sort of holes to no avail - one of those films where you play a fun little guessing game in your head every time a character says or does something. Could they have slipped up? Do the other characters know that? But here's my main problem with this: it's so DRY holy shit. Yes the story is rigorously optimized for this sort of deal, but that's all there is to chew on here - nothing else. The characters in this movie exist only to explain and inform each other about the story as it happens - outside of the first couple scenes there are no little moments of interpersonal interaction between characters that involves anything else besides telling people what just happened, no moments of humor outside of a bad gay joke and a couple telegraphed duds, no personality building beyond how they react in relation to - again - the singular crime narrative. That's virtually every single scene, so it quickly feels like you're just watching the same thing over and over again. This goes straight past staunchly formal and almost into rudimentary, but Grace Kelly and Ray Milland are wonderful enough to carry this very talky one-trick pony along with the sheer attention to detail of the plot. Still definitely fair but way too straightforward, I can't act like dozens of better ones have been done even if this did potentially pave the way for a lot of them.
  
Accidentally Living With the Captain (Chicago Awakenings #3)
Accidentally Living With the Captain (Chicago Awakenings #3)
Lexi Amber | 2026 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ACCIDENTALLY LIVING WITH THE CAPTAIN is the third book in the Chicago Awakenings series. I haven't read any of the others, and I don't think it made that big of an impact when reading this one.

If you like books with Golden Retriever energy, then you've picked up the right one, as this one is FULL of it. Hudson is the captain of the Werewolves, and thinks he has the perfect life, until he gets served by his soon-to-be ex-wife on camera. Adrian is gay and flirts with everyone, so no one feels left out. He has also had a massive crush on Hudson for years. He steps in to help when Hudson is still stunned, and it goes from there.

This a SLOW BURN in every sense of the word, concentrating more on emotions, damned feelings, and connections, rather than hot s3x. Although, when they do? It's hot. Just saying. These two are the biggest green flags out there. Both of them want to care for others, showing their love in quiet ways, like serving a meal instead of making them dish their own. I mean, yes, they have their flaws too. Both were so afraid of rocking the boat, it about killed me.

A low-angst, slow burn of a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

** 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!
Feb 12, 2026
  
Bleed In The Night (Blood and Bonds #2)
Bleed In The Night (Blood and Bonds #2)
S.J. Coles | 2024 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
these books are keeping me on my toes!
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 2 in the Blood and Bonds series, and I STRONGLY recommend you read book one, Touch In The Night, before this one. It will givev you Tyler and Lucien's meeting, but it will also give you the background you need about the haemophiles and how they live in this world. It will, as well, give you what the rest of the haemophiles think of Lucien, that's very important.

Because when we get to hear why Lucien does what he does, I was surprised! He's not quite the bad guy he's portrayed to be.

I loved how Tyler flips his opinion of Lucien, when faced with the consequences of his actions, it made for a speedy turnaround, butit alos made Tyler see, really see Lucien, and what he has been doing, and why. The history of the vampire of this world is different to anthing I've read before and I love that.

Again, only Tyler gets a say. And again, I wish we had heard from Lucien. I really think this would be a 5 star if he had.

Somethinghappens right near the end of thisbook that has thrown me for a loop, and this book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger and it makes me think if Lucien and Tyler will appear again. Emory and Jesse appear here, from book one.

Again, 4 very VERY good stars.

These books are keeping me on my toes and making my bok brain whir! Keep em coming, please!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere