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Curvy and the Canid: A Wolf Shifter Fairy Tale Retelling
Curvy and the Canid: A Wolf Shifter Fairy Tale Retelling
Ruby Sirois | 2020 | Erotica, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Curvy and the Canid is a wolf shifter story set in Sweden involving the Norse gods. From that alone, I wanted to read this story!

Told from multiple points of view and in the present tense, this story explains about Saskia and Einar. She is a BBW in a country where most are 'skinny-minnies' (big generalisation there from me). She is successful in her chosen career but lacks the confidence to go it alone as an artist. Einar is the Missing Duke and we find out his story too. Together, these two have to overcome a curse and prove that true love can heal all wounds.

This is only a novella and yet it packs a punch. I'm not too keen on novellas as I prefer my stories to have a bit more to them. However, I have to say, with this one, the story is all there! There is nothing missing from this tale and each character is fully developed. You get the side characters who obviously aren't as big as the main ones but they are still three-dimensional.

I loved the setting for this story and can only hope we see more of this setting in future books. Einar and Saskia make a great couple, good for each other in so many ways. With sexy times and lots of love, this was a brilliant story and I can't wait to read more.

* 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!
  
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Merissa (11950 KP) rated Northern Lights (Arctic Heat, #1) in Books

Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
Northern Lights (Arctic Heat, #1)
Northern Lights (Arctic Heat, #1)
T.T. Kove | 2014 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.

So this book carries on in the Arctic Love series but centres on Varg (norse for Wolf just in case you were wondering). Varg is a very different person than Andreas and has his own past to deal with. He hasn't lusted after Jonathan for years because he's never met him before. Jonathan we know from the first book has a very 'prickly' personality and makes sure that no one can get close to him. Varg is just here for a holiday , to see his brother Frey (if they can find the time due to Frey's shifts at the hospital) and spend time with Andreas too.

Varg is very blunt in his manner and has no problem with sex. He likes it, he admits it. He also admits that you don't have to like someone to have sex with them. For that alone, this book was refreshing. Yes, there's no gentle, tender build up to their story like there was for Christian and Andreas but come on, if every book was the same story, people would be complaining. This book is more matter of factual, less about love (to start with) and more about in your face instant attraction.

I am really enjoying this series and am looking forward to reading Frey's story as there were a couple of hints in this book about him. We've had tender and drawn out, we've had instant and attitudes so it will be interesting to hear his story.


December 18, 2018
  
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
2019 | Sci-Fi, Thriller
Finally I have the body of a Norse god! (0 more)
Having to go to the toilet halfway through (0 more)
Fantastic
Contains spoilers, click to show
What a fantastic film!
I have waited a few days before reviewing this film, and honestly think it would have been 10/10 if I had reviewed it straightaway.
This is so very nearly the perfect superhero film. There is a massive cast of characters, there is humour, there are niche geek references, there are shocks and twists, there are highs, there are lows and there are tears.
But also (and here comes why 1 mark was lost) ... there is time travel. I have an uncomfortable relationship with time travel. I know you always have to give a bit of artistic license with time travel and not get too hung up on the nitty gritty. But here the plot revolves around the characters changing nothing in the past as it would change the future/make it not happen. And yet they go ahead and do it anyway! We have to go back and put the infinity stones back the instant after they were taken. But they didn't have to with Thor's hammer? And why did they have to do that at all because past-Thanos died which means the Infinity War never happened.
I have never been truly happy with time travel in film, with the notable exception of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure which somehow nails it. For me, Endgame failed in this regard purely by setting itself rules it then broke and didn't explore the consequences.
But still, an outstanding film and if I can get myself happy with a crude, straight-talking, machine gun-toting space-raccoon and a teenage living tree then I think I can overlook some timey-wimey things.
  
Interesting idea first off, I always like novels where God(s)/Godesss(es) walk around regular people and fall in love. Not that familiar with Roman lore but I digress Norse lore are even worse to follow. Have not read the books before this so I may be a little jaded in that I have no backstory of characters & events. I have read each summary of the books before this. I will do another short review add-on when I finish #1-5. Did not realize this is set in England during the time of Earls, if you are not familiar with historical times in England this may go over your head. Many times I had to stop and Google when they talk about names that sound Roman or historical items, little off-putting but for names they give simple terms to explain it. The blood fever thing is interesting. You could tell there was something going on with the silent partner. Loved how the Roman crew all rallied behind Mercury/Hermes. Loved the humor at the end over the key. Definitely can read this without really knowing past stories which is always a plus! I liked it just thought everything built up too quickly near the end and the wind up to that point very slow. I give it a 4 for the fact jumping into this 6 books in did not confuse me but the build up was slow and ended too quickly at the end.

EDIT: I have since caught up with the series, you really DO NOT need to read the ones before this. There's small nuances/events but it does not distract you.

<i>This is a free review via netgalley, I do not get paid for this!</i>
  
Norse Mythology
Norse Mythology
Neil Gaiman | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
6
8.4 (38 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have to be honest: I'm not really sure how to classify this (based on my classification system).

Mainly since I don't have a shelf for 'mythology'.

Which is what this is: a straight re-telling of various of the Norse myths by [a:Neil Gaiman|1221698|Neil Gaiman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1234150163p2/1221698.jpg], an author who is most familiar to me through his colloboration (and friendship) with the late, great, Sir [a:Terry Pratchett|1654|Terry Pratchett|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1235562205p2/1654.jpg] in [b:Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch|12067|Good Omens The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch|Terry Pratchett|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1392528568s/12067.jpg|4110990], but who I am aware is famous in his own right and has written many other tales - some of which I have read (such as [b:Stardust|16793|Stardust|Neil Gaiman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459127484s/16793.jpg|3166179], [b:American Gods|30165203|American Gods|Neil Gaiman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462924585s/30165203.jpg|1970226] and [b:Neverwhere|14497|Neverwhere|Neil Gaiman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348747943s/14497.jpg|16534] all spring to mind), others of which I haven't (such as his Sandman series) .

As a straight re-telling, some of these myths are already familioar as they are ingrained in our popular culture (such as Ragnarok), whereas others have become more 'popular' and familiar over the years since the inclusion of Thor (and Loki) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

It is unusual, however, to find such a retelling that is aimed at an adult audience - even if, by reading some of the prose within this, you might think it was aimed at kids (until you realise what's going on)!
  
The Last Kingdom  - Season 1
The Last Kingdom - Season 1
2015 | Drama
Great start!
Contains spoilers, click to show
When Anglo-Saxons are attacked by Viking forces, Uhtred, born a Saxon but raised by Vikings, finds his loyalties tested as he tries to claim his birthright and help create a new nation.

The first episode: Abducted by a Viking warlord after his father is slain in battle, young Uhtred adopts the Norse way of life until tragedy befalls his new family.

Episode 2: Caught between his scheming uncle Ælfric and pitiless Viking warlord Ubba, Uhtred goes on the run and seeks out Alfred, the man who would be king.

Episode 3: Uhtred allies himself with newly crowned Alfred, but his commitment to the nascent king jeopardizes his bond with Brida.

Episode 4: After Uhtred faces betrayal and falls into hostile hands, his Danish brother, Ragnar the Young, scrambles to save his life.

Episode 5: After rescuing Mildrith, Uhtred joins the fierce battle of Cynuit and vanquishes a forbidding foe, only to have Odda the Younger claim the victory.

Episode 6: Uhtred catches the eye of a lovely pagan queen, and his band of raiders becomes mercenaries for a Cornish king. But he soon faces the fury of Alfred.

Episode 7: Driven to hiding in the marshes after the Vikings invade Wessex, Uhtred and Alfred finally make amends and devise a plan for retaking the kingdom.

Episode 8: Calling upon Saxon forces to rally and drive the Vikings out of Wessex, Uhtred and Alfred gird for a decisive battle, but treachery awaits.

Season one of The Last Kingdom introduces us to a great cast, lots of action scenes and full on drama from the start. It is very well scripted with moments of humour, battle scenes, moments of heartbreak and drama. The great casting ensures that the actors and actresses are well suited to their roles.
  
Deal With Her Dragon (Thor&#039;s Sons Crave Curves #1)
Deal With Her Dragon (Thor's Sons Crave Curves #1)
Ruby Sirois | 2020 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Deal with her Dragon is the first book in the Thor's Sons Love Curves series and, as the title of both suggest, there are DRAGONS!!! and curves.

The first thing I need to say is I love the ages of our main female. She is in her early forties - not a twenty-something whippersnapper. For the most part, Emelie is a strong and confident woman. The only time she isn't is when she is with her mother or when her coven-mates profess to know more about her situation than she does. This was annoying - mainly because so much of it struck home to me - but also added a whole layer of believability to the story!

There is some serious heat going on between Ragnarr and Emelie which made the hard part all the harder. I loved how descriptive of both main characters that part was. You could feel the despair oozing off the page from both of them.

The world-building is brilliant and I love that it's set in Sweden instead of America. The characters are all fully-dimensional, whether or not you like them is a different story. This is a complete story by itself but other brothers are mentioned.

All in all, this is a fantastic first book that introduces a world of dragons and some seriously sensual loving to the reader. Ruby Sirois' writing lets you delve into a world of Norse mythology, with scenes to melt your heart or to bring tears to your eyes. A hot and steamy novel that I highly recommend and I really can't wait to read more.

* 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!
  
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Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Ascent (House of Normandy #1) in Books

May 11, 2023 (Updated May 11, 2023)  
Ascent (House of Normandy #1)
Ascent (House of Normandy #1)
Cathie Dunn | 2022 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!


Poppa is in church for service when her village is attacked by the Vikings, she refuses to take things lying down. She stands up for her people and tries to save the men that are being taken as slaves. One thing she is absolutely sure of is she will have nothing to do with these Norse heathens no matter what her father the Count of Bayeux insists, she would rather die! Who would or could ever find themselves loving a savage like them?


This is the story of Poppa and although it is fictional it seems to have a lot of depth to what has been written. There are little bits of history weaved within Poppa's tale and it makes it all the more interesting to read. I have enjoyed reading about the life of a count's daughter and how she deals with raids and her friends being taken as well as the life she knew and how she is able to deal with the hardships and tasks that are sent her way. When I first started reading I thought Poppa was a brat and could see us clashing, as I read further into the book I had more compassion for her and she ended up being my favourite. I could see myself reading other books like this by the same author as she has a flare for pulling you into the story and involving you.


Completely recommended


** 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. *
  
Thunder Hunter (Viking Soul #1)
Thunder Hunter (Viking Soul #1)
Rachel Medhurst | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Thunder Hunter (Viking Soul #1) by Rachel Medhurst
Thunder Hunter starts off many years ago, with Loki and Thor fighting. Freya is there too, plus many others, all of whom will die unless something changes. What changes is Loki kills Thor, but Freya puts Thor's power inside his grandson. Trygger must find all of the Fallen Ones before he can die, no matter how long it takes. Once that has happened, Thor will live, and Trygger will die at last, and live among the gods. Fast forward a few years, and Trygger only has five more to find. He as lived through many assassination attempts by Loki's descendants, and has killed more than his fair share too. And then Freya decides she will help him, by sending one of her descendants, Chloe.

I have to be honest, there were parts that I really enjoyed in this book, but there were also parts that I didn't like. Trygger has been by himself for a long time, and has focused only on completing his task so that he can die. Along the way, he has lost most of society's "niceties", but that doesn't stop EVERY. SINGLE. WOMAN. from throwing herself at him. Even if her job is to kill him! Sorry, but I don't get that bit. Also, he said that he never had women stay over at his place, but he has on hand a little black dress from someone he has killed just lying around!

This was an enjoyable book if you don't look to deeply at it. I'm not entirely sure where the story is going, which is a good thing, but I don't think I'll be reading any further along. If you enjoy tales of Norse mythology though, I would definitely recommend it to you.

* 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!
  
SS
Such Sweet Sorrow
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b><i>Such Sweet Sorrow</i> is quite literally an unwritten sequel to <i>Romeo and Juliet</i> coinciding with <i>Hamlet</i> with a dark twist, or in other words, a bridge between the end of one Shakespeare play and the beginning of another.

I personally liked Trout’s version of Romeo as he journeys to Denmark in the quest to save Juliet from death - he's much more spunky, but he has his romantic elements as well that Shakespeare originally placed in him. Hamlet is just as cheeky as his original counterpart, if not more cheeky (<i>Hamlet</i> is my favorite Shakespeare play, and it's not actually because of the ending). Juliet, like Romeo, also has another side to her Trout creates - she's more badass. (<i>Romeo and Juliet</i> is my least favorite - interesting combo going on here honestly.)

But <i>Such Sweet Sorrow</i> can be overwhelming. Trout doesn't just have <i>Hamlet</i> mashed with <i>Romeo and Juliet</i> - she's got Norse mythology and Greek mythology and who knows what else (some reviewers on Goodreads say anything you can think of... Essentially). Regardless, there is definitely a mess of things going on throughout and I just decided to go with it rather than question the book in its entirety (like what other mythological aspects are involved).

For the first half of the book, Romeo and Hamlet are, for the most part, wandering around cluelessly through this place called the Afterjord - it can get boring pretty quickly, but there is so much going on with the creatures they come across, it's not actually boring (I'm too busy trying to keep track of what's going on so I'm not lost). <i>Such Sweet Sorrow </i>doesn't actually pick up until after Romeo and Hamlet finally rescue Juliet and try to make their way back to the mortal world.

But while there is so much going on throughout, I actually liked this strange little book in all its weird complexities. However...

I'm disappointed that a cliffhanger is involved and nowhere on Goodreads does it say <i>Such Sweet Sorrow</i> has a sequel in the works.

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-such-sweet-sorrow-by-jenny-trou/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>