Search

Search only in certain items:

Master of None  - Season 2
Master of None - Season 2
2017 | Comedy
A huge improvement on season 1
It's taken me a long time to catch up on season 2 of Master of None but I'm so glad I finally did. Season 1 didn't really grab me as much as I hoped it would and I probably only stuck with it out of my love of Aziz Ansari from his time on the brilliant Parks and Recreation. The supporting characters, with the exception of his parents, didn't really work for me and conversations between them never seemed interesting or natural at all.

Season 2 opens with Dev, now living in Italy in order to escape the heartache he experienced in New York. He's learning to make pasta and is enjoying life. The first episode is shot entirely in black and white and it steers the show into an interesting new direction, the absence of the supporting characters from season 1 greatly improves things. However, when Arnold does visit Dev in episode 2, it's not as bad as before and it's a nice compliment to the story.

After a couple of episodes in Italy, we're back to New York, with a very mixed bag of entertaining episodes. From a story involving a number of different New Yorkers with intersecting lives, to a story involving Dev and Denise celebrating Thanksgiving together over the years, the season goes from strength to strength. The final 2 episodes, covering Devs love for Francesca, a friend from Italy who is also engaged, just had me gripped from beginning to end.
  
Open Season for Murder (Mac Faraday Mystery #10)
Open Season for Murder (Mac Faraday Mystery #10)
Lauren Carr | 2015 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Open season for Murder, Get you involved with a cold case from the beginning. You get brought in with a mysterious phone call to Mac. Who is the caller? We get all kinds of killers. We also get deaths at every turn. Why the Diablo ball?
 
Who wants Carlyle dead or anyone else for that matter. Brian Galestar, comes about and his he as suspects to Lindsey York death? Who wanted Lindsey York dead and Jasmine Simpson? Reva Saint Clair is around as well. Who killed Aston Piedmont?
 
You go for a ride with Mac and David on an adventure. We sure find out who good at solving mysteries around Spencer Maryland. Lauren Carr plots are good and you are invested throughout the book. There's a story inside the main story. You get captive into the story and you will not want to leave these charters from this series or any of Lauren Carr mysteries.

Lauren Carr is one talented writer. She brings you along to find out who the killer is. One thing I love about her mysteries is that you never know who the murderer is? I have read a few of her books already and reviewed a few of them. You are welcome to read my reviews that are part of this audiobook palooza. My reviews are Cancelled Vows, A Fine Year for Murder, Killer in the Band, The Murders at Astaire Castle, Candidate for Murder, 3 Days to Forever, Kill and Run, Old Love Die Hard, 12 To Murder.
  
TT
The Thirteenth Earl
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What a delightful read. After being stuck in contemporary romance limbo, it was refreshing to return to a good historical romance especially since there are so many historical romances pumped out. This one had me from page one, especially since it dealt with a lot of topics not typically seen in this genre. The first is the mental deterioration of people as they age and the other two are spiritualism and ghosts. All of these very much existed during this time, but are generally misunderstood or considered taboo. It was interesting to read the author’s take on them in her story.

Overall, the plot is very simple. I felt that the “twist” or surprise wasn’t surprising at all and could be seen from the moment the villain was introduced. Despite that, it was still a delight to read. Thax is among my favorite historical heroes for multiple reasons. He could be dense and rash but his love for the heroine felt genuine and could be seen in his actions towards her. The female characters in this story were equally as enjoyable. They were strong and intelligent without losing a shred of their femininity. I appreciated their resourcefulness.

The Thirteenth Earl is an uncomplicated love story about two people trying to muddle through the drama in their life and end up finding happiness in each other. If you are searching for a heartwarming romance, filled with realistic and likable characters, this novel may be your next rainy day read.
  
Christmas at Carnton: A Novella
Christmas at Carnton: A Novella
Tamera Alexander | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
When I started this novella, I was expecting a standard 150 page story....Well this is the longest novella I have ever read Lol! But that's Ok! I love Christmas stories. And this book is 250 paged of pure magical blessings! Besides, it puts me in the mood for the season and makes me feel all warm and cozy.

Set in the south during the civil war, this story has a unique view of "The Cause". When we grow up in a society that believes in certain things, we typically accept it as normal....as the normal way of life. Aletta realises this during a conversation with Tempy, Carnton's cook and a slave. I worry about the direction our society is heading and the impacts that it will have on my children. But what I CAN do is raise them to be Godly men who follow His will and His direction.

I can not imagine the heartache Aletta went through. The war between the States was such a devastating time. And yet, the community came together to support each other. The women of the Civil War were strong, determined, and fierce. But at the end of the day they just wanted their loved ones to come home safe and whole.

A beautiful story of sacrifice, love, loss, and hope...Christmas at Carnton is an excellent way to begin the holiday season.

I received a complimentary copy of Christmas at Carnton from the publishers through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3)
Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3)
Marissa Meyer | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.8 (29 Ratings)
Book Rating
I am officially submerged into The Lunar Chronicles and I am anxiously waiting to read Winter. Cress, book three of the series, adds another level to the story and I love Crescent. With threads of Rapunzel woven through the book it is so much fun to see the story through another set of eyes. Cinder and Kai are still main characters in Cress. Scarlet and Wolf continue their story as well. Fairy tale retellings are some of my favorite stories and Marissa Meyer has just taken this genre to a whole new level. It is such a unique and intriguing storyline. With so many characters to follow and fall in love with, it is easy to get lost in this world.

Seeing Marissa's style mature throughout this series has been so much fun. The pace has picked up a lot in Cress. Lots of action, chaos, stress, and adventure! We also get our first glimpse at Winter and I think I am really going to like her.

Cress is so young and naive, being taken from her family as a baby and then isolated for the last seven years. She is so smart, quirky, and innocent. Seeing earth, sand, trees...for the first time through her eyes definitely inspires a new view of the world. It encourages us to see the beauty all around us rather than taking it for granted.

This series must be read in order beginning with Cinder. I highly recommend these books. Stay tuned for my review of the grand finale!
  
I love the eye-catching cover and description of this book. Yours, Mine & Forever is a truly sweet story about the road through the adoption process. The book is complicated by two guys interested in a relationship with Norah, the ups and downs of adoption and second-guessing yourself. I truly loved getting a glimpse into the adoption process for a single parent. Joanne Markey developed her characters very well and I really felt Norah’s struggles and her heart for the kids very keenly. She also weaved in faith and reliance on God that emphasized talking to God like second nature to her characters, a fact I really liked.
If you like books by Denise Hunter, you would love this book! It has elements of faith, family, and happily ever after. A true Hallmark warm fuzzy feeling inside a book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars for the big heart Norah displays regarding the kids, the emphasis on faith and for having some bittersweet moments weaved in.
  I will say that this is the second book in a series and can technically be read as a standalone. However, I highly suggest reading the books in order to better understand the context of the story. I read the first book after the second (silly of me I know), and I totally understood more of the second story context afterward.
 *I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
40x40

ClareR (6144 KP) rated Sistersong in Books

Aug 9, 2021  
Sistersong
Sistersong
Lucy Holland | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sistersong is a stunning story, steeped in the mythology of Ancient Britain. It’s set in Dumnonia (a real place - I googled it. It was in SW England where Cornwall, Devon and some of West Somerset are now), at a time of great change and fear. Christianity is making itself known, and the Saxons are a very real threat. King Cador has lost his magical connection to his Land, due to the threats and sermons of a priest called Gildas. With this loss comes the danger of the Dumnonians being unable to protect themselves effectively, and the land not providing food for them.

Cadors three daughters do still have that magical connection. The story is told from their perspective. The eldest, Riva, has been badly burnt in the past, and whilst she can heal others, she can’t heal herself.

Keyne, although born female, has never felt female and longs to be recognised as a man.

Sinne, the youngest, lives for love and flirtation.

 When an emissary from another kingdom arrives, he drives a wedge between Riva and Sinne. They see their chance at escape from the Hold. Whilst this is happening, Keyne trains with Myrdin, in the hope that he’ll be recognised as next in line to the throne.

I loved this book - it has all of my favourite elements in a story: mythology, history, magic, lies, deceit, the love of family and siblings, along with the themes of duty and identity. It really packs a punch. The world building is fantastic, and thoroughly immersive. Highly recommended!
  
    Deponia

    Deponia

    Games and Entertainment

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    App

    Please note: This app requires iPad 3 or better or iPad Mini 2 or better. Older devices are not...

Accidentally Employed an Incubus (Briar Coven #3)
Accidentally Employed an Incubus (Briar Coven #3)
Belle Blakley | 2026 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ACCIDENTALLY EMPLOYED AN INCUBUS is the third and final book in the Briar Coven trilogy. While officially "reading prior books is recommended, but not required," I would recommend that you do read the others. The timelines overlap, and all the characters are mentioned in each other's books.

It takes a while to lay the groundwork for this story, leaving the reader with two or three separate storylines to follow (depending on which chapter they're on). Blaise and Ambrose are roommates first, then more, then not. Blaise and Caitlyn find each other, followed by Ambrose finding them both. Then, we also have an old nemesis, plus her daughter, causing trouble.

There is a lot that goes on, but it's completely worth it. Creep isn't as cute as BooDini or House (hence the name), but it all becomes clear in the end. I love her attitude, too!

I would love an extra book to be added to this, showing Jen, Lex, and Caitlyn with their mates. Actually, I want more than that. I want Jake and Billy to have their story, and now I really, REALLY, need Priscilla's. She has a great story arc!!!

A fantastic addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed. 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!
Apr 13, 2026