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Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
1998 | Action, Family, Sci-Fi
This is the Trek movie that I’ve probably seen least often. It’s one that is very “planet-bound” ones (another of those is still to come in the series), and as such it has never grabbed my interest in the same way as many of the others. Having watched it again, it’s actually better than I remember it. The rejuvenating capabilities of the planet on Geordi LeForge’s eyes leads to a genuinely moving sunset scene. And love is in the air too. Firstly, between Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the ‘older woman’ Anij (Donna Murphy): very tastefully and nicely done. And secondly, the relationship is also rekindled between Troi (Marina Sirtis) and Riker (Jonathan Frakes), though you have to wonder if Frakes pulled ‘director’s privilege’ in getting the naked bath scene with Sirtis – lucky dog!

That being said, and despite the heavyweight involvement of F. Murray Abraham and Anthony Zerbe. the “First Contact” magic is rather missing here. There’s a sense of desperation when a previously unknown ‘Captain’s Yacht’ hoves into view (as if!) and when the Enterprise’s “manual steering column” (a PS/2 joystick!) pops up!

So, will the TNG era end with a bang or a whimper?
  
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Merissa (11913 KP) rated Drusus (Fueled By Lust #1) in Books

Apr 6, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
Drusus (Fueled By Lust #1)
Drusus (Fueled By Lust #1)
Celeste Prater | 2013 | Erotica, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Who knew that Sci-Fi could be so sexy! If you have any doubts then read the Fueled by Lust series. I've only just read Drusus but am moving on to Severus immediately as I fell in love with their world - both the human one and the one through the vortex. Lina is a curvaceous, witty 'human' who has accepted her body and loves it the way it is (makes a refreshing change!) whilst Drusus is just H-O-T! We're talking sex on a stick here. I wouldn't mind being swept away by him.

The wit is sharp, the sex is hot and the romance is sweet. Yes, it does all move fast - Lina admits that herself. However, with the help of a special fang necklace (trust me, it works!) they know that they are right for each other.

A sassy, sexy, hot read - perfect for those summer evenings. Definitely recommended.

* 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!
August 29, 2016
  
Monster Unleashed (Dark Indiscretions #2)
Monster Unleashed (Dark Indiscretions #2)
Shakuita Johnson | 2014 | Erotica, LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
After reading Book 1, I thought I knew what to expect from this book. I knew that it would be choppy, quick moving and without time to fully appreciate the depth of the storyline. I know this style of writing suits some people but after going through two books of it, it is enough for me.

This book is full of dialogue and action, both between the sheets and out. Some react to situations in the way you would expect whilst others throw a curveball at you.

My problem with the book (and it is MY problem, you may not find the same) is that I just don't connect with the characters and therefore I don't care. You may read this book and absolutely love it as so many others have before me. Don't take my word for it, try it yourself. As for me, I'm calling it quits. I won't be reading any further in this series.
 
* 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. *

August 6, 2016
  
A Suitable Replacement (Deceived #4)
A Suitable Replacement (Deceived #4)
Megan Derr | 2014 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is an MM Historical Romance with a dash of fantasy added to it. After all, I don't think anyone studying the magical theory of the Goblin Wars would have gone down too well with the 'ton' in normal circumstances. However, there are parts of it that rang true for the historical genre - the attempted assassination of the royals, the child having to atone for the 'sins' of his parents, etc.

This is a fast-moving and intricate plot involving a Duchess who has run away with a love match, her brother just returned after three years away, the jilted fiance and the lady the love match was supposed to be marrying for reasons of her own.

It is written very well with enough plot twists to keep you on your toes. I loved the relationship between Kelcey and Max and the way that you were constantly left wondering what would throw a spanner in the works next. At the same time, I wanted to knock their heads together to get them to talk honestly with each other.

A thoroughly enjoyable read and definitely recommended.

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 1, 2015
  
 Shield of Thunder (Troy #2)
Shield of Thunder (Troy #2)
David Gemmell | 2006 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
The mid part in David Gemmell's final trilogy of books, all of which were a re-telling of the epic story of the Fall of Troy, and which were finished by his wife after he passed away while still writing the final installment ( Fall of Kings).

This is also very much a book of discrete parts, starting by focusing largely on Odysseus in the first section and the new characters of Banokles, Kalliades and Piria, before moving onto Troy proper (and recurring characters from the first book) in the second part and then taking a large jump forward in time to the third (and final) part, when war has broken out between the Greek kingdoms of the 'Great Green'.

For my part, I actually found the first section of the book the most enjoyable; the section that concerned itself mostly with Odysseus. While the next section was necessary to show how the war (eventually) came about, and with third part to show the impact that war would have, I felt that (unfortunately) at times it fell almost too much into that age-old trap for the mid-part of trilogies: all build-up, with no real pay-off.
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2151 KP) rated It Takes Two to Mango in Books

Feb 15, 2023 (Updated Feb 15, 2023)  
It Takes Two to Mango
It Takes Two to Mango
Carrie Doyle | 2021 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Plum’s Reset Gets Off to a Rocky Start
Plum Lockhart has lost her job at a travel magazine, so she reluctantly takes a job arranging vacation rentals at a resort in the Caribbean. However, her new co-worker is a jerk, and she struggls to get her first booking. When she does, tragedy strikes when one of the guests is found dead by the pool. Did Plum make the right decision by moving?

When this book begins, Plum is extremely unlikable, so much so that I almost put the book down about 30 pages in. Even when she arrives on the island, she doesn’t give up her ego and entitled attitude. The other characters we meet started pulling me in, both the ones I liked and the ones I didn’t. When the murder kicks in, I really got into the story, which had some good twists. I loved the resort setting. The expected character growth was good as well. I’m actually surprised based on my initial reaction, but I am planning to continue the series. If the setting appeals to you, consider starting this series. Just be prepared for how obnoxious Plum is at the beginning.