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Merissa (11950 KP) rated Black Water Magic (Teagan Blackwater #1) in Books
Feb 24, 2021 (Updated Aug 3, 2023)
BLACK WATER MAGIC is the first book in the Teagan Blackwater series, and it starts with the magical murder of Nola as Teagan lazes around in post-coital bliss. Now Teagan is on the back foot as she tries to figure out her new role, gain the respect of the magical community, solve a murder, and break a curse.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish, with the different characters and their secrets. It is only the first book in the series, so I expected there to be parts of world-building, back-story, etc. I can't say as I particularly liked Colby, ignoring the fact that he's a Viking Demi Demon!
The tropes of gay best friend and being naïve are a bit overdone for my liking, but it works for this story. I really can't wait until Teagan grows into her powers though, and fights on an equal footing.
A smooth pace, well-written, and with a great storyline, this is definitely 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!
Feb 24, 2021
I enjoyed this book from start to finish, with the different characters and their secrets. It is only the first book in the series, so I expected there to be parts of world-building, back-story, etc. I can't say as I particularly liked Colby, ignoring the fact that he's a Viking Demi Demon!
The tropes of gay best friend and being naïve are a bit overdone for my liking, but it works for this story. I really can't wait until Teagan grows into her powers though, and fights on an equal footing.
A smooth pace, well-written, and with a great storyline, this is definitely 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!
Feb 24, 2021
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Yes, Forever (Yes, Forever #1-5) in Books
Jun 6, 2023
This is the story of John and Benji. John suffers from a mental illness, a chemical imbalance which causes depression. Benji has just moved in with his granddad due to his previous relationship breaking down. These two have instant chemistry but have their own road bumps to sort out before things smooth out.
This is a story with many parts - you not only have John with his depression, but you also have Benji with his own issues, plus John's best friend Henry with his. You also have families thrown into the mix, the issue of having sex without protection, and a 'gay' church.
I found it difficult to find any empathy with either of the main characters. I would lean more towards John as I have also suffered from depression and can understand his feelings. Benji didn't come across quite as Bailey Bradford wanted him to I think. I'm glad these two are together, but they didn't 'grab' me like other characters of hers have.
* 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!
Apr 16, 2016
This is a story with many parts - you not only have John with his depression, but you also have Benji with his own issues, plus John's best friend Henry with his. You also have families thrown into the mix, the issue of having sex without protection, and a 'gay' church.
I found it difficult to find any empathy with either of the main characters. I would lean more towards John as I have also suffered from depression and can understand his feelings. Benji didn't come across quite as Bailey Bradford wanted him to I think. I'm glad these two are together, but they didn't 'grab' me like other characters of hers have.
* 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!
Apr 16, 2016
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Love, Simon (2018) in Movies
Jun 29, 2019 (Updated Sep 25, 2019)
Simon Spier keeps a huge secret from his family, his friends, and all of his classmates: he's gay. When that secret is threatened, Simon must face everyone and come to terms with his identity.
I had been looking forward to this one, book adaptation... of course I was going to be... so getting this as our secret screening was fun great. But it really divided the pack and there was much discussion online about it after. But not so much about the film. I'm going to get the grumpy portion of this out of the way first.
I think this is only the second secret screening I've been to. The first one was Molly's Game, which again, was one I'd been looking forward to seeing, and when the card came up at the beginning I think only one person left. It certainly wasn't many. The card comes up for this one... well, it was like a mass exodus. Without the film even rolling I think we lost about half a dozen people. After the first couple of minutes we lost another load. It was that second lot that made me lose faith in humanity a little, because it wasn't more than seconds after Simon says that he's gay that I heard disapproving noises and footsteps trotting out of seats.
Most people online said the same thing about their cinemas. And I know that you don't have to watch every film ever made. But don't just turn your nose up at it because (and here's me being optimistic) it's a young adult film/novel. If you turned your nose up at it because its main character is gay... well... welcome to the real world, they're here, they're queer, and they're here to stay.
I was pleased to see that lots of people gave it a chance, and many seemed to enjoy it. There was a lot of hate for it from others though, and honestly, when you read the comments for it... well, just don't read the comments. For every good there is a bad, but most of the bad either just walked out or don't really give much in the way of a genuine excuse. Several feel like they're being cheated by Cineworld for showing things that aren't blockbusters... people... this isn't how these things work. Trust me, the company comes to the middle man who presents it to the consumer. Business 101. Companies know that you're going to pay to see their big blockbusters and buy their merchandise... why would they give it to you for free? (Yes I know we all have Unlimited cards and essentially get them for free, but you get my meaning.) There's already hype around them, they don't need more. Anyway, away from my rant.
Love, Simon was a wonderful film, and despite what some are saying, (sorry, swerving into rant territory there again) it was laugh out loud funny... and everyone was laughing. Except those people who left without giving it a chance... wow, sorry, I just can't let this go.
If you haven't quite forgotten your teenage years you'll see lots of bits in this that really ring a bell. Those awkward moments, the crushes, the annoying teachers, the pain. If you've experienced any of them then there will be bits that you physically react to. You can feel the emotions that are running around the characters, you know the decisions they're making are good, bad and terrible, and you can almost see the future. As the story unfolds you really do get pulled along with Simon. You feel his pain and you feel his joy.
A genuine smile inducing film. I think you can see my favourite bit in one of the trailers... straight people not having to come out... it honestly cracked me up.
Of course the book is in the TBR, I'll get round to it eventually. But regardless of how it stacks up next to the book is was a wonderful film. You can only hope that it is enlightening to some that watch it, and helpful to others.
I had been looking forward to this one, book adaptation... of course I was going to be... so getting this as our secret screening was fun great. But it really divided the pack and there was much discussion online about it after. But not so much about the film. I'm going to get the grumpy portion of this out of the way first.
I think this is only the second secret screening I've been to. The first one was Molly's Game, which again, was one I'd been looking forward to seeing, and when the card came up at the beginning I think only one person left. It certainly wasn't many. The card comes up for this one... well, it was like a mass exodus. Without the film even rolling I think we lost about half a dozen people. After the first couple of minutes we lost another load. It was that second lot that made me lose faith in humanity a little, because it wasn't more than seconds after Simon says that he's gay that I heard disapproving noises and footsteps trotting out of seats.
Most people online said the same thing about their cinemas. And I know that you don't have to watch every film ever made. But don't just turn your nose up at it because (and here's me being optimistic) it's a young adult film/novel. If you turned your nose up at it because its main character is gay... well... welcome to the real world, they're here, they're queer, and they're here to stay.
I was pleased to see that lots of people gave it a chance, and many seemed to enjoy it. There was a lot of hate for it from others though, and honestly, when you read the comments for it... well, just don't read the comments. For every good there is a bad, but most of the bad either just walked out or don't really give much in the way of a genuine excuse. Several feel like they're being cheated by Cineworld for showing things that aren't blockbusters... people... this isn't how these things work. Trust me, the company comes to the middle man who presents it to the consumer. Business 101. Companies know that you're going to pay to see their big blockbusters and buy their merchandise... why would they give it to you for free? (Yes I know we all have Unlimited cards and essentially get them for free, but you get my meaning.) There's already hype around them, they don't need more. Anyway, away from my rant.
Love, Simon was a wonderful film, and despite what some are saying, (sorry, swerving into rant territory there again) it was laugh out loud funny... and everyone was laughing. Except those people who left without giving it a chance... wow, sorry, I just can't let this go.
If you haven't quite forgotten your teenage years you'll see lots of bits in this that really ring a bell. Those awkward moments, the crushes, the annoying teachers, the pain. If you've experienced any of them then there will be bits that you physically react to. You can feel the emotions that are running around the characters, you know the decisions they're making are good, bad and terrible, and you can almost see the future. As the story unfolds you really do get pulled along with Simon. You feel his pain and you feel his joy.
A genuine smile inducing film. I think you can see my favourite bit in one of the trailers... straight people not having to come out... it honestly cracked me up.
Of course the book is in the TBR, I'll get round to it eventually. But regardless of how it stacks up next to the book is was a wonderful film. You can only hope that it is enlightening to some that watch it, and helpful to others.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Boyfriend Material in Books
Jul 1, 2021
Charming fake dating romance
Luc O'Donnell's never met his father. But he's lived in his shadow his whole life. His rock star dad has made Luc famous by proxy. With his dad making a comeback, both of them are in the public eye again--and the tabloids. So when Luc's latest escapade at a club goes public and threatens his job, he has to find a way to show everyone that he's changed. Enter Oliver Blackwood. The barrister is as normal and non-threatening as they come. The two have nothing in common, beyond being gay, but agree to be fake boyfriends to help Luc keep his job and Oliver save face at a family event. But as the pair get to know each other, they come to realize that there's something comforting about dating--even fake dating. And that falling for someone, even when it's fake, can take on something special.
"I was a cagey, grumpy, paranoid mess who would find a way to ruin even the most basic human interaction." ~Luc
This book was a little slow to take off for me, but it was a very cute story, and I really liked both Luc and Oliver. Despite Luc having a few issues dealing with his rock star dad, he's quite an engaging character--very flawed and honest. Plus, I felt quite an attachment to straight-laced Oliver, as I am, of course, that person. At its core, this is a story of two hurt people learning to love. We have Luc, burned by past loves, and Oliver, uptight and trying to deal with the hurt his family has pushed upon him. The book deals deftly with acceptance (or lack thereof)--both of others and yourself.
BOYFRIEND MATERIAL shines with its supporting cast--a whole host of humorous folks, including Luc's coworkers (including one so daft, he's almost impossible to believe), Luc's mom and her friend, whom I adored, and Luc's friends, who were a diverse and supportive bunch. I laughed a lot during this story and cried a bit too. Oliver and Luc's journey is sweet and silly and heartbreaking.
It's also a bit long, with a storyline with Luc's sick dad thrown in that seems unnecessary and too much. There's also a bit of latent homophobia--Luc's job is threatened because he's gay, Oliver's family's prejudice--that's never really addressed. While this was a romance, I would have liked to see those issues taken care of or acknowledged, instead of glossed over/ignored.
Still, overall, this is a fun read and a cute story. Luc and Oliver are sweet characters, and their character arc/journey is enjoyable. 3.5 stars.
"I was a cagey, grumpy, paranoid mess who would find a way to ruin even the most basic human interaction." ~Luc
This book was a little slow to take off for me, but it was a very cute story, and I really liked both Luc and Oliver. Despite Luc having a few issues dealing with his rock star dad, he's quite an engaging character--very flawed and honest. Plus, I felt quite an attachment to straight-laced Oliver, as I am, of course, that person. At its core, this is a story of two hurt people learning to love. We have Luc, burned by past loves, and Oliver, uptight and trying to deal with the hurt his family has pushed upon him. The book deals deftly with acceptance (or lack thereof)--both of others and yourself.
BOYFRIEND MATERIAL shines with its supporting cast--a whole host of humorous folks, including Luc's coworkers (including one so daft, he's almost impossible to believe), Luc's mom and her friend, whom I adored, and Luc's friends, who were a diverse and supportive bunch. I laughed a lot during this story and cried a bit too. Oliver and Luc's journey is sweet and silly and heartbreaking.
It's also a bit long, with a storyline with Luc's sick dad thrown in that seems unnecessary and too much. There's also a bit of latent homophobia--Luc's job is threatened because he's gay, Oliver's family's prejudice--that's never really addressed. While this was a romance, I would have liked to see those issues taken care of or acknowledged, instead of glossed over/ignored.
Still, overall, this is a fun read and a cute story. Luc and Oliver are sweet characters, and their character arc/journey is enjoyable. 3.5 stars.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Guncle in Books
Jul 22, 2021
A beautiful, funny, and sweet story of finding hope after loss
Patrick and Sara were best friends in college. Then she married his brother, had two kids, and life went on. Until Sara dies, leaving Patrick's niece and nephew motherless. Patrick has always adored Maisie and Grant--for small time periods. But when his brother Greg asks Patrick, aka "Gay Uncle Patrick," or "GUP," to take the kids for a bit, he's faced with a dilemma. It's time to actually step up. So GUP and the kids head to Patrick's house in Palm Springs, where Patrick leads the life of a very single (and gay) slightly faded actor. Once there, he institutes the "Guncle Rules" and they set out trying to survive. But as Patrick bumbles his way through parenting and trying to help his little charges heal, he realizes they may be helping them more than he could have ever imagined.
"He promised when they'd met that he would never let her go. And then life intervened. She went north and married his brother. He went west and found fame on TV. And slowly, over time, he did. Let go."
Oh this book. I'm not sure a book has ever made me cry so many times, yet I loved it so much. It's often sad but also incredibly funny and heartwarming. Rowley does something special here, capturing Patrick, Maisie, and Grant so beautifully and authentically. This is a lovely story about family and coming together after loss.
There's not much I can say to do this wonderful book justice. The Guncle is made up of a million little moments--obviously Maisie and Grant are hurting, but you learn Patrick is as well. Who needs who more? Patrick is bitingly caustic, and he talks to the kids as if they are tiny adults. But the warmth and love that comes across in his humor--that he uses as his shield--is so clear. The book is a quiet and beautiful journey of all three characters learning to live again, and it's so well-done. It's such a tender and honest story. And the acceptance that comes across here--oh, it just warmed my heart. (A scene where Maisie didn't want to wear her bathing suit, and Patrick didn't force her, but let her wear a t-shirt instead, promising to buy her a rash guard--well it brought tears to my eyes.)
I promise if you give this sweet book a try, you will love it. I love Patrick, Maisie, and Grant. I adored the welcoming message of the book. It's a sad premise, but a hopeful book. 4.5+ stars.
"He promised when they'd met that he would never let her go. And then life intervened. She went north and married his brother. He went west and found fame on TV. And slowly, over time, he did. Let go."
Oh this book. I'm not sure a book has ever made me cry so many times, yet I loved it so much. It's often sad but also incredibly funny and heartwarming. Rowley does something special here, capturing Patrick, Maisie, and Grant so beautifully and authentically. This is a lovely story about family and coming together after loss.
There's not much I can say to do this wonderful book justice. The Guncle is made up of a million little moments--obviously Maisie and Grant are hurting, but you learn Patrick is as well. Who needs who more? Patrick is bitingly caustic, and he talks to the kids as if they are tiny adults. But the warmth and love that comes across in his humor--that he uses as his shield--is so clear. The book is a quiet and beautiful journey of all three characters learning to live again, and it's so well-done. It's such a tender and honest story. And the acceptance that comes across here--oh, it just warmed my heart. (A scene where Maisie didn't want to wear her bathing suit, and Patrick didn't force her, but let her wear a t-shirt instead, promising to buy her a rash guard--well it brought tears to my eyes.)
I promise if you give this sweet book a try, you will love it. I love Patrick, Maisie, and Grant. I adored the welcoming message of the book. It's a sad premise, but a hopeful book. 4.5+ stars.
Together We Rise: Behind the Scenes at the Protest Heard Around the World
Women’s March Organizers and Conde Nast
8.0
Rate It
Book
WITH ESSAYS BY: ROWAN BLANCHARD - SENATOR TAMMY DUCKWORTH - AMERICA FERRERA - ROXANE GAY - ILANA...
politics social issues
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Raven's Fall (World on Fire, #2) in Books
May 15, 2018
Raven’s Fall, the second book in Lincoln Cole’s World on Fire trilogy, picks up shortly after the ending of Raven’s Peak. Bristling with action, the book delves right into the heart of a new dilemma: the trial of Abigail Dressler for treason against the Council – a top-secret organization whose purpose is to protect the world from the supernatural forces that exist in the shadows.
I don’t have a whole lot to say about the characters that I didn’t say before. Although, there is a new diverse aspect of this book which makes me love Cole all the more: a gay main character. The best part? He’s not an embodiment of the flamboyant stereotype that we see so many homophobic individuals mocking. It simply exists, and that’s perfectly alright – the way things should be.
The plot is still pretty fast-paced. Coming in at a little bit shorter than the first big, Raven’s Fall is a quick read. It took me two sittings and that’s only because I fell asleep halfway through the book when I first sat down to devour it.
Naturally, I’ve already delved into the third book in this trilogy and I definitely look forward to reading more. My rating for this one is the same as the first book. If you’re interested, the series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
I don’t have a whole lot to say about the characters that I didn’t say before. Although, there is a new diverse aspect of this book which makes me love Cole all the more: a gay main character. The best part? He’s not an embodiment of the flamboyant stereotype that we see so many homophobic individuals mocking. It simply exists, and that’s perfectly alright – the way things should be.
The plot is still pretty fast-paced. Coming in at a little bit shorter than the first big, Raven’s Fall is a quick read. It took me two sittings and that’s only because I fell asleep halfway through the book when I first sat down to devour it.
Naturally, I’ve already delved into the third book in this trilogy and I definitely look forward to reading more. My rating for this one is the same as the first book. If you’re interested, the series is available on Kindle Unlimited.
BeRad89 (48 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books
Apr 11, 2018
Simon is a gay, still in the closet boy attending Creekwood High School. He is e-mailing the mysterious Blue, identity unknown, more frequently with increasing flirtation. A fellow classmate stumbles upon these exchanges and starts blackmailing Simon. Things get interesting.
I will begin by saying I read this book in one day. I could not put it down, other than the times I had to run squealing around the room from the cuteness of the e-mail exchanges between these two boys. It is adorable. The e-mails are by far the best part of this book. They are what kept me reading. I wanted to know who Blue was so bad I couldn't stand it!
I have one main critique for this book. All the characters are pretty much horrible people except Blue and the theater teacher. Everyone is so selfish, shallow, and idiotic. It made me so glad to never have to step foot in a high school again. That was disappointing. Even Simon is self centered and clueless. Are teens really like this now?
With that said, I still give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is utterly adorable and, for some books, maybe that's all they need or are meant to be. I would recommend this book to any teen, YA, and/or LGBT readers.
I will begin by saying I read this book in one day. I could not put it down, other than the times I had to run squealing around the room from the cuteness of the e-mail exchanges between these two boys. It is adorable. The e-mails are by far the best part of this book. They are what kept me reading. I wanted to know who Blue was so bad I couldn't stand it!
I have one main critique for this book. All the characters are pretty much horrible people except Blue and the theater teacher. Everyone is so selfish, shallow, and idiotic. It made me so glad to never have to step foot in a high school again. That was disappointing. Even Simon is self centered and clueless. Are teens really like this now?
With that said, I still give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is utterly adorable and, for some books, maybe that's all they need or are meant to be. I would recommend this book to any teen, YA, and/or LGBT readers.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Bird King in Books
May 22, 2019
I have not yet read G. Willow Wilson's first novel, Alif the Unseen, but I really want to now, because this one was beautiful. I really enjoyed this story, watching Fatima mature through her travels and change from the sheltered Sultan's concubine/possession to become - well - what she becomes.
The Bird King is the story of Fatima, concubine, and Hassan, mapmaker, on the run from the Inquisition. They were both members of the house of the last Sultan in Iberia. When the Spanish (and the Inquisition) came to negotiate his surrender, one of their conditions was they wanted Hassan, because of the magic he used in his maps. Hassan has been Fatima's only real friend; he's the only man that wanted nothing from her, because he's gay and unmoved by her beauty. His sexuality has been largely ignored by the court; his maps were too important to the war effort, so it was tolerated and just not spoken of. When Fatima discovers the Sultan intends to turn Hassan over, she runs away with him. She has some unexpected help in her journey, which, along with Hassan's mapmaking, makes this a kind of magical realist historical fantasy novel. It's not really alternate history, because nobody's actions change how history plays out on a large scale.You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
The Bird King is the story of Fatima, concubine, and Hassan, mapmaker, on the run from the Inquisition. They were both members of the house of the last Sultan in Iberia. When the Spanish (and the Inquisition) came to negotiate his surrender, one of their conditions was they wanted Hassan, because of the magic he used in his maps. Hassan has been Fatima's only real friend; he's the only man that wanted nothing from her, because he's gay and unmoved by her beauty. His sexuality has been largely ignored by the court; his maps were too important to the war effort, so it was tolerated and just not spoken of. When Fatima discovers the Sultan intends to turn Hassan over, she runs away with him. She has some unexpected help in her journey, which, along with Hassan's mapmaking, makes this a kind of magical realist historical fantasy novel. It's not really alternate history, because nobody's actions change how history plays out on a large scale.You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated Out Of The Penalty Box in Books
Feb 28, 2018
good, but not one for me.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I struggled with this one. And here's why.
Aidan is, or has been, straight. Here, he is attracted to Christophe, who is gay. You'd expect a whole lotta more soul searching and questioning going on, but there isn't. Aidan just jumps almost straight away into bed with Christophe, after he first expresses his feeling for Aidan.
I know its only a short book, some 100 odd pages and you can only do so much in those pages, but I did not feel any sort of emotional attachment to Aidan, at all.
We also only get Aidan. Yes yes YES, I KNOW I say it often enough, but think I might have enjoyed it a little more had Christophe had a say too.
And, aside from that very first chapter, there isn't any hockey!
So, a nice book, but not one that grabbed me. An easy read, maybe a little too easy. Someone will LOVE this book, I have no doubt. And I might have at any other time, but it just landed in the queue at the wrong time.
Not my best review, but I'll plead illness and hope that someone will forgive me.
3 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I struggled with this one. And here's why.
Aidan is, or has been, straight. Here, he is attracted to Christophe, who is gay. You'd expect a whole lotta more soul searching and questioning going on, but there isn't. Aidan just jumps almost straight away into bed with Christophe, after he first expresses his feeling for Aidan.
I know its only a short book, some 100 odd pages and you can only do so much in those pages, but I did not feel any sort of emotional attachment to Aidan, at all.
We also only get Aidan. Yes yes YES, I KNOW I say it often enough, but think I might have enjoyed it a little more had Christophe had a say too.
And, aside from that very first chapter, there isn't any hockey!
So, a nice book, but not one that grabbed me. An easy read, maybe a little too easy. Someone will LOVE this book, I have no doubt. And I might have at any other time, but it just landed in the queue at the wrong time.
Not my best review, but I'll plead illness and hope that someone will forgive me.
3 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**