
Midge (525 KP) rated The First Cut in Books
Mar 11, 2019
‘Love Doctors’ Ian and Kate Culpepper are brutally murdered in their Carmel mansion on Valentine’s Day. To Ava, its fate because Ian left her for the perfect Kate four years ago. Then they made their home close to Ava, complete with their perfect house and their perfect daughter and their matching perfect smiles. It’s no wonder that Ava can’t stop watching or that she can’t let go…
However, Ian is far from perfect, and Ava owes a debt too, for when they were together, they did an unforgivable thing - a dark deed that severed their marriage in two. Ava’s name is found inked in blood at the crime scene and someone knows what she’s hiding…
Ellery Kane has a very unique writing style that is perfect for this psychological thriller. Many of the characters, especially Ava, were so complex that, at first, it wasn’t easy to work out exactly how they contributed to the story. Eventually, as different aspects of the story were revealed, it all started to come together. This, though, is the foundation for a fantastic psychological thriller.
Overall, “The First Cut” is a sensational and thrilling read with lots of nail-biting and alarming moments that culminate in a fulfilling conclusion.
[Thanks to Hidden Gems and the author Ellery Kane for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.]

Merissa (13169 KP) rated Escaping Exile (Escape Trilogy #1) in Books
Oct 19, 2018
It is for books like this, that I wish I did half stars! I have swung from 3 to 4, and back again. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the backgrounds of those involved, I would have like a bit more detail of the era concerned. All that is really mentioned, all that is really needed to be mentioned on a tropical island mind you, is the clothing. However, I would like to know more about the era they both live in now, what their past home lives were like, things like that.
That being said, this was a thoroughly enjoyable story, with plenty of other details given, and plenty of chemistry between the two main characters. It was great to see Andrew's attitude changing, and the reasons for it. This finishes HFN, but don't panic, there are still two more installments to come.
A well paced story that 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!

Merissa (13169 KP) rated Speak No Evil (Brotherhood, #2) in Books
Jan 17, 2019
This is a wonderful heartwarming story, with a hint of suspense on the level with book one. With different circumstances to contend with, you will be cheering on and hoping that Jules and Kade get their HEA. There are still a lot of questions to be answered, which I presume will happen in Riley's book, which I can't wait for. With appearances from Trey, Ana, and Riley, plus a host of new characters, the story moves along at a steady and smooth pace. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Andrew Kennedy (199 KP) rated Cube (1997) in Movies
Jul 8, 2019
Made for a mere $400,000 dollars and with a lot of the special effects provided by local Canadian companies for free.
It is a simple yet ingenious premise, six strangers awaken in series of cube like rooms no recollection of how they got there or even why they are there. It also seems some of the rooms contain traps.
The tense and almost claustrophobic surroundings force both friendships and mistrust in equal measure.
The characters are well rounded and deliver believable performances of people trapped against their will, for the most part. There is a one point I disliked that felt too preachy but I did like the character.
The other thing I enjoyed was the forced interaction between the main protagonists because while there are traps this isn't some Saw film, the traps are present but just to provide the threat of one false move. I would even argue that at times the traps don't provide much of a threat but the "silent cube" really rings every drop of tension out of that scene.
The most interesting thing I found was that some people criticized the ending. Yes by the end not everything is explained, there is a lot of questions left unanswered and this is a good thing.
Why must we have everything explained? Leave thinking and wondering. Director Vincenzo Natali did film a longer ending and it was the first thing he cut.

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Past Crimes in Books
Feb 13, 2020
This book is definitely darker than my typical cozies, but I knew that when I picked it up. While I didn’t find the violence or sex excessive, I did feel the foul language could have been toned down some. The plot was a little slow to hook me, and some flashbacks to Van’s childhood didn’t really help that feeling. However, I did get hooked and was along for the twists, turns, and action sequences we got. I was on the edge of my seat by the time I reached the end. The characters are all solid, which helps. I don’t normally like rooting for criminals, but since Van is reformed, it is easy to root for him. The rest are very real and I enjoyed getting to know them. I’m glad I gave this debut a chance, and I definitely plan to move on to the next in the series.

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