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Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated Home Skillet (Culinary Kings #1) in Books
Jul 21, 2018
4 solid stars.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
James finds himself with a divorce, and the loss of his precious restaurant so he runs to the only place, the only person, he ever really called home. Ben has loved James forever, but having him crashing on his couch is playing havoc with his well built walls. But is what Ben feels as one sided as he thinks??
For the most part, I enjoyed this. I just found James a little much to deal with at times!
And I am left with questions that didn't get answered. I'm NOT going to voice them here, because if you read reviews before buying you might be left with the same questions and it might spoil it for you. It did NOT spoil my reading experience, not at all, I'm just left wondering about a few things.
I did like that James came to the realization of his feelings for Ben before Ben made a move. I did like that, once they decided to do this, James and Ben go ALL in, especially on James' part, since he's been in the closet all this time.
It was a lovely read, a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. A little longer than the usual hang over cure, but I used it as such.
A not overly complicated, well written tale, with just a few things missing.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
James finds himself with a divorce, and the loss of his precious restaurant so he runs to the only place, the only person, he ever really called home. Ben has loved James forever, but having him crashing on his couch is playing havoc with his well built walls. But is what Ben feels as one sided as he thinks??
For the most part, I enjoyed this. I just found James a little much to deal with at times!
And I am left with questions that didn't get answered. I'm NOT going to voice them here, because if you read reviews before buying you might be left with the same questions and it might spoil it for you. It did NOT spoil my reading experience, not at all, I'm just left wondering about a few things.
I did like that James came to the realization of his feelings for Ben before Ben made a move. I did like that, once they decided to do this, James and Ben go ALL in, especially on James' part, since he's been in the closet all this time.
It was a lovely read, a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. A little longer than the usual hang over cure, but I used it as such.
A not overly complicated, well written tale, with just a few things missing.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
KarenRC (6 KP) rated The French Girl in Books
Jul 23, 2018
Ten years after they all went on holiday to celebrate finishing uni, a group of friends are shocked to hear that the ‘mademoiselle next door’, who went missing just after they left, has now been found, or at least her remains have.. It turns out not all was as it seemed and they are all now under suspicion of murder. The group, who mostly went their separate ways after the trip, are brought back together for fresh questioning by the enigmatic French detective. Suspicions as to what happened and who could be responsible, as well as old wounds being opened that had never fully healed, mean that it is not a totally happy reunion.
The story is told by Kate who, as well as having to deal with this, is also trying to start her own business and is now haunted by visions of Severine. Although it does focus on Kate’s side of the story, it does well to explain the other characters connections to the story and possible theories as to why any one of them would have had reason to cause Severine harm.
I am not too sure on my feelings to this book.. I thought the writing was really good and I was enjoying the unfolding story waiting for something unexpected to happen… but then it didn’t and I was ultimately left feeling a bit disappointed with it, especially the ending. I think it would make a great holiday read and as debuts go, it was ok. I look forward to reading more from Lexie in the future.
The story is told by Kate who, as well as having to deal with this, is also trying to start her own business and is now haunted by visions of Severine. Although it does focus on Kate’s side of the story, it does well to explain the other characters connections to the story and possible theories as to why any one of them would have had reason to cause Severine harm.
I am not too sure on my feelings to this book.. I thought the writing was really good and I was enjoying the unfolding story waiting for something unexpected to happen… but then it didn’t and I was ultimately left feeling a bit disappointed with it, especially the ending. I think it would make a great holiday read and as debuts go, it was ok. I look forward to reading more from Lexie in the future.
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Venomous Hunger (Eok Warriors #2) in Books
Oct 17, 2018
Venomous Hunger (Eok Warriors #2) by Mary Auclair
Venomous Hunger is the second book in the Eok Warriors series, but it can be read as a standalone. I would recommend you do read book one first, but only because you'd be missing on a great story if you don't.
Aliena was one of the free humans living on earth, but became very sick. So when the Eoks arrived on earth, one of inhabitants of their village placed her where they knew she would be found, in the hope of getting her the medicines she needed. Kamal has been a pirate for ten years, ever since he left the Eok nation in disgrace for an action he would do again without hesitation. Working together to rescue the humans, these two face danger and betrayal.
Once again, this is an exceedingly well written story, with plenty of action, both in and out of the bedroom. A different cast of characters this time, with only a few mentioned from book one, they are nevertheless well thought out and fully rounded. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I was thoroughly engrossed with the story.
An excellent addition to the series, and I look forward to reading more. 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aliena was one of the free humans living on earth, but became very sick. So when the Eoks arrived on earth, one of inhabitants of their village placed her where they knew she would be found, in the hope of getting her the medicines she needed. Kamal has been a pirate for ten years, ever since he left the Eok nation in disgrace for an action he would do again without hesitation. Working together to rescue the humans, these two face danger and betrayal.
Once again, this is an exceedingly well written story, with plenty of action, both in and out of the bedroom. A different cast of characters this time, with only a few mentioned from book one, they are nevertheless well thought out and fully rounded. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I was thoroughly engrossed with the story.
An excellent addition to the series, and I look forward to reading more. 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Scream 2 (1997) in Movies
Nov 1, 2018
“By definition alone, sequels are inferior films”
As much as this sequel tries to be very clever and for the most part succeeds, you can’t help realising that the line uttered by Randy about sequels being inferior films and the ensuing discussion in the film class, pretty much sums up this entire film.
Released only a year after the original, this sequel keeps most of what made the first one great - just sadly in lesser amounts. Yes it’s funny, witty and has some great film references, but it just isn’t quite up to the level of the original. There are some shocks and lots of blood and gore, and the ending is still a little unpredictable (but not as much as the original. Great cast again, both returning and fairly well known faces. The opening scene too is just as disturbing even if it’s missing the signature Ghostface phone call and I loved the entire scene set in the film class. The debate about life imitating art is a shame relevant now as it was when this was made over 20 years ago. It amazes me to think this film is 21 years old, and aside from the retro technology, it doesn’t feel dated in the slightest.
For a sequel, this is definitely one of the better ones out there. Yes it doesn’t have quite the impact of the original, but it definitely doesn’t suck and at least sticks to Randy’s rules to create a successful sequel. Shame 3 and 4 couldn’t do the same...
Released only a year after the original, this sequel keeps most of what made the first one great - just sadly in lesser amounts. Yes it’s funny, witty and has some great film references, but it just isn’t quite up to the level of the original. There are some shocks and lots of blood and gore, and the ending is still a little unpredictable (but not as much as the original. Great cast again, both returning and fairly well known faces. The opening scene too is just as disturbing even if it’s missing the signature Ghostface phone call and I loved the entire scene set in the film class. The debate about life imitating art is a shame relevant now as it was when this was made over 20 years ago. It amazes me to think this film is 21 years old, and aside from the retro technology, it doesn’t feel dated in the slightest.
For a sequel, this is definitely one of the better ones out there. Yes it doesn’t have quite the impact of the original, but it definitely doesn’t suck and at least sticks to Randy’s rules to create a successful sequel. Shame 3 and 4 couldn’t do the same...
Creepy demons (1 more)
Likeable main characters
A Mexican Supernatural
This appeared on my Netflix recommendations list, so I thought that I would give it a try. I am a huge fan of this type of series, and would liken the series to Supernatural and the exorcist.
Series 1 follows Elvis (a Diablero or demon hunter), Father Ramiro (a priest hunting for his daughter, conceived prior to his joining the Catholic Church, but later abducted by a demon), Keta (Elvis’ sister) and Nancy (a young women who attracts demons). The story primarily centres around the groups search for the truth in finding Ramiro’s missing daughter, although strongly hints at stories that could be followed up in a future series.
Despite being in Spanish originally, Netflix have dubbed the show in English relatively well. I am not opposed to subtitles, but I do like to be lazy at times.
I thoroughly enjoyed this show and binged on it in two sittings. The show itself was quite dark at times, which fits in well with the genre. The story line includes the plight of small children which encourages us to route for the main characters, there is also on and off romantic tension between Ramiro and Nancy, which I found interesting. One thing I will say though, is at times the special effects were a little low budget, although I can imagine that this will improve as the show picks up credibility.
I eagerly await a second season (please renew Netflix), and hope that series 2 is longer than season 1!
Series 1 follows Elvis (a Diablero or demon hunter), Father Ramiro (a priest hunting for his daughter, conceived prior to his joining the Catholic Church, but later abducted by a demon), Keta (Elvis’ sister) and Nancy (a young women who attracts demons). The story primarily centres around the groups search for the truth in finding Ramiro’s missing daughter, although strongly hints at stories that could be followed up in a future series.
Despite being in Spanish originally, Netflix have dubbed the show in English relatively well. I am not opposed to subtitles, but I do like to be lazy at times.
I thoroughly enjoyed this show and binged on it in two sittings. The show itself was quite dark at times, which fits in well with the genre. The story line includes the plight of small children which encourages us to route for the main characters, there is also on and off romantic tension between Ramiro and Nancy, which I found interesting. One thing I will say though, is at times the special effects were a little low budget, although I can imagine that this will improve as the show picks up credibility.
I eagerly await a second season (please renew Netflix), and hope that series 2 is longer than season 1!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated The Gun Also Rises in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Hunt for Hemingway Treasure
Sarah Winston has been hired to organize a book sale for Mrs. Belle Winthrop Granville, III, focusing on Belle's massive mystery collection. But sandwiched in between the Trixie Belden, Hardy Boys, Agatha Christie, and Ann Cleeves books, she finds what appears to be the Hemingway manuscripts that went miss from a train in Paris in the 1920's. Belle is just as shocked to see them as Sarah is. But a couple of hours later, Belle has been attacked, the manuscripts are missing, and someone is dead. What has Sarah stumbled into this time?
Once again, we are treated to a fabulous mystery that is more treasure hunt than strict cozy murder mystery. Not that I'm complaining in the slightest. The pace never slows down as we jump from one thing to another as Sarah tries to figure out what happened before her life spins even further out of control. We don't see as much of some of the series regulars, but we do get to see more of others, and I liked how relationships were growing here. Naturally, the book is filled with well-developed new characters. The mentions of various mystery books made me smile. The sub-plots involving the air force base were really well done and once again spotlighted some of the real issues those who sacrifice so much for this country go through, both those serving and their families. This is a strong entry in a series that keeps getting better.
Once again, we are treated to a fabulous mystery that is more treasure hunt than strict cozy murder mystery. Not that I'm complaining in the slightest. The pace never slows down as we jump from one thing to another as Sarah tries to figure out what happened before her life spins even further out of control. We don't see as much of some of the series regulars, but we do get to see more of others, and I liked how relationships were growing here. Naturally, the book is filled with well-developed new characters. The mentions of various mystery books made me smile. The sub-plots involving the air force base were really well done and once again spotlighted some of the real issues those who sacrifice so much for this country go through, both those serving and their families. This is a strong entry in a series that keeps getting better.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Behind the Door in Books
Jan 31, 2019
After seeing Behind the Door on NetGalley and noticing it was written by a female author I’d never read, I absolutely had to have it, and so I requested it. Horror is a largely male community, especially when it comes to those that write. A little background research showed me I’ve really been missing out with SanGiovanni so when my request was approved, I was joyous. Needless to say, Behind the Door is probably one of my favorite reads so far this year.
The characters in Behind the Door are dynamic, with varying flaws, backgrounds, and intricately interwoven stories–some of which are heartbreaking, others which are revolting. SanGiovanni has talent when it comes to fleshing out a wide array of individuals and even those I shouldn’t have felt sympathy for, I did. Rarely do I connect emotionally with characters in a book, so this was a welcome surprise.
Additionally, the plot flies along at a breakneck pace, making for a quick and easy read. It only took me a few sessions (despite my reading slump) to finish this suspense-ridden book. I loved the Lovecraftian theme of old gods and locked away horrors.
I really have nothing negative to say about this book. Everything was wrapped up nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it–in fact, I look forward to the opportunity to read more of SanGiovanni’s work.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in Behind the Door are dynamic, with varying flaws, backgrounds, and intricately interwoven stories–some of which are heartbreaking, others which are revolting. SanGiovanni has talent when it comes to fleshing out a wide array of individuals and even those I shouldn’t have felt sympathy for, I did. Rarely do I connect emotionally with characters in a book, so this was a welcome surprise.
Additionally, the plot flies along at a breakneck pace, making for a quick and easy read. It only took me a few sessions (despite my reading slump) to finish this suspense-ridden book. I loved the Lovecraftian theme of old gods and locked away horrors.
I really have nothing negative to say about this book. Everything was wrapped up nicely and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it–in fact, I look forward to the opportunity to read more of SanGiovanni’s work.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Josh Burns (166 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Godzilla in Video Games
Jun 21, 2019
Nails the feeling from the movies (2 more)
Fun with a large variety of playable Kaiju
A ton of unlockables
No story mode (1 more)
Does get repetitive
A fun love letter to the classic Godzilla movies
I feel like this game was dead before it had a chance. Critics expected Mortal Kombat with Kaiju and it isn't. It's more of a kaiju simulator. You are a big lumbering monster, so that's how the controls are intentionally. Many have written it off as too clunky for that reason, missing the point.
Gameplay: It is fun, but does get repetitive after a while. There is no real story so it's best played for a while, and back off once it feels repetitive and come back later. Basically, you smash cities and generators, gaining G Energy which makes your Kaiju grow in size and power. Or, you protect them, while fighting kaiju and increasing human military forces.
content: you can unlock almost any monster seen in any Godzilla movie as well as bios for each. You can level them up and unlock figures and settings to build dioramas also. It has multiple game modes but they don't vary from each other a lot. There is also PVP online, but since the critics shredded it so bad there aren't many players so matchmaking is a nightmare.
overall: it's a lot of fun with a ton of content to unlock, just don't burn yourself out on it. I play for like a month here and there, have a blast, then back off for a while so it doesn't get stale.
Gameplay: It is fun, but does get repetitive after a while. There is no real story so it's best played for a while, and back off once it feels repetitive and come back later. Basically, you smash cities and generators, gaining G Energy which makes your Kaiju grow in size and power. Or, you protect them, while fighting kaiju and increasing human military forces.
content: you can unlock almost any monster seen in any Godzilla movie as well as bios for each. You can level them up and unlock figures and settings to build dioramas also. It has multiple game modes but they don't vary from each other a lot. There is also PVP online, but since the critics shredded it so bad there aren't many players so matchmaking is a nightmare.
overall: it's a lot of fun with a ton of content to unlock, just don't burn yourself out on it. I play for like a month here and there, have a blast, then back off for a while so it doesn't get stale.
Merissa (12911 KP) rated A Cross to Bear in Books
Dec 17, 2018
A Cross to Bear is the college life story of a young man who knows what he wants, but is unprepared for what he gets. Logan is happy to be at college; he has a full scholarship on the swim team, he has other classes to keep his brain active, he meets the girl of his dreams, and finds friends that he never knew he was missing. Of course, not everything is peachy, and both Logan and Bree have things to deal with, both in their pasts and present.
This book starts at the end, and then you go to the beginning, slowly working your way back to the end. Trust me, it works. So many emotions when I was reading this! So sad, so hard, and also so horrible in some ways. Ethan is the first class bad guy, he really was completely loathsome. I wish I could say that he gets his comeuppance in this book, but he doesn't. I will have to pray to Jet's Gods of Karma in the hope that he did!
Extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this was a book that I enjoyed, even though parts of it were hard to read, so well done to Julieanne Lynch! Definitely recommended.
* 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!
This book starts at the end, and then you go to the beginning, slowly working your way back to the end. Trust me, it works. So many emotions when I was reading this! So sad, so hard, and also so horrible in some ways. Ethan is the first class bad guy, he really was completely loathsome. I wish I could say that he gets his comeuppance in this book, but he doesn't. I will have to pray to Jet's Gods of Karma in the hope that he did!
Extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this was a book that I enjoyed, even though parts of it were hard to read, so well done to Julieanne Lynch! Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Seduced by Shark Shifters III: Tom's Turn in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Tom's Turn is the third book in this series, but for me, I would say it is the second part to Logan's Tail. You can't read this story without reading that one first, and expect it to make sense. Tom has always let Logan take the lead with their friendship, even though he wants more. However, now he has had a 'taste' of what he has been missing, and will do whatever it takes to keep Logan for himself. Of course, there is the slight problem of Stefano being not only Logan's husband, but also a nice guy. Tom won't give up though, even when Stefano's twin sister steps in to cause untold trouble.
I LOVED THIS! The drama between Logan, Stefano, and Tom was there. If anything, it was Logan who was blasé about it, whereas Tom and Stefano understood and tried to work with it. Logan's dad turns up with secrets of his own which completely turn this tale around! I am hoping to see something go on there, but I won't say anymore as I don't do spoilers.
Once again, this book had no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I was thoroughly engrossed and loved every word from start to finish. Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait for this series to continue.
* 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!
I LOVED THIS! The drama between Logan, Stefano, and Tom was there. If anything, it was Logan who was blasé about it, whereas Tom and Stefano understood and tried to work with it. Logan's dad turns up with secrets of his own which completely turn this tale around! I am hoping to see something go on there, but I won't say anymore as I don't do spoilers.
Once again, this book had no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I was thoroughly engrossed and loved every word from start to finish. Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait for this series to continue.
* 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!