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Merissa (12926 KP) rated Golden Bond (Pleasure Palace #1) in Books
Jul 9, 2025 - 8:44 AM
GOLDEN BOND is the first book in the Pleasure Palace series, and it is a series I will be continuing as I loved this one!
Callis was summoned to Eletheria to pay his family's debt. Just by being there, his debt is paid. What he doesn't know is if he will be chosen for a bond. He is lost within the palace, not knowing what is going on or what to do. He is not used to being seen and doesn't know what to do with it. Auren has had three failed bonds before. He chooses Callis because he finds him intriguing, but what he gets is so much more.
This was a wonderful story that, no, isn't perfect. What story is? Did I want more world-building? Yes, I did. Do I want to know more about the bonds, what they mean, and how they help the outside world? Of course. And what about the supporting characters that seemed to disappear?
But what I got from this low-angst story was a connection between the two main characters that was everything I wanted and more. It was pure and innocent, while being deep and permanent. I loved how they were, both separate and together. I loved how they worked through the bond, figuring out what it meant, and what they meant to each other. I loved how I wasn't distracted by side stories that I didn't really need, so I could focus on theirs.
All in all, I was captivated by Callis and Auren and hope to return to the Pleasure Palace soon. 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!
Jul 9, 2025
Callis was summoned to Eletheria to pay his family's debt. Just by being there, his debt is paid. What he doesn't know is if he will be chosen for a bond. He is lost within the palace, not knowing what is going on or what to do. He is not used to being seen and doesn't know what to do with it. Auren has had three failed bonds before. He chooses Callis because he finds him intriguing, but what he gets is so much more.
This was a wonderful story that, no, isn't perfect. What story is? Did I want more world-building? Yes, I did. Do I want to know more about the bonds, what they mean, and how they help the outside world? Of course. And what about the supporting characters that seemed to disappear?
But what I got from this low-angst story was a connection between the two main characters that was everything I wanted and more. It was pure and innocent, while being deep and permanent. I loved how they were, both separate and together. I loved how they worked through the bond, figuring out what it meant, and what they meant to each other. I loved how I wasn't distracted by side stories that I didn't really need, so I could focus on theirs.
All in all, I was captivated by Callis and Auren and hope to return to the Pleasure Palace soon. 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!
Jul 9, 2025
Lilyn G - Sci-Fi & Scary (91 KP) rated The Girl with All the Gifts in Books
Feb 7, 2018
The audiobook version was perfect!
I listened to this via audio book, and they made the absolute PERFECT choice for narrator. Finty Williams was amazing! Seriously, her voice added a whole additional level of creep to The Girl With All The Gifts. Wow. If you can afford it, you must get the audio book! If you know someone who doesn’t like to read, but likes creepy novels, and may listen to an audiobook, get this for them!! Okay, okay, stepping away from the narrator fangirling…
Melanie, the main character, is a doll (not literally). So much so, that she could almost be a “Mary-sue”, except for, you know, the part where she might (not going to spoil it!) or {yep, this was also creepy). She’s very innocent, and very intelligent. She attends class with a handful of other children, who are as, uhm, ‘special’ as she is, and she adores her teacher Miss Justineau.
But she can’t talk to any of the other kids, and doesn’t understand why the other adults don’t seem to like her much. Then everything goes boom, Melanie is freed from her chair, and puts a few people in a VERY uncomfortable position.
This book was great, with a very unique take on its subject matter. Extremely well written (not surprising, considering who the author is!). It takes you on a journey that you really don’t want to end. Even if someone has spoiled the ‘secret’ to the book, it’s still well-written and very worth the read. I figured out the catch extremely early on and still loved it.
Melanie, the main character, is a doll (not literally). So much so, that she could almost be a “Mary-sue”, except for, you know, the part where she might (not going to spoil it!) or {yep, this was also creepy). She’s very innocent, and very intelligent. She attends class with a handful of other children, who are as, uhm, ‘special’ as she is, and she adores her teacher Miss Justineau.
But she can’t talk to any of the other kids, and doesn’t understand why the other adults don’t seem to like her much. Then everything goes boom, Melanie is freed from her chair, and puts a few people in a VERY uncomfortable position.
This book was great, with a very unique take on its subject matter. Extremely well written (not surprising, considering who the author is!). It takes you on a journey that you really don’t want to end. Even if someone has spoiled the ‘secret’ to the book, it’s still well-written and very worth the read. I figured out the catch extremely early on and still loved it.
JT (287 KP) rated Greta (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
Psychological thrillers come without much surprise these days. After the initial character introductions and back stories have bee laid out, the tension is ramped up until a climactic ending, which often falls flat – unless there is a clever twist.
With Greta, director Neil Jordan (Crying Game) uses an expensive green handbag to connect two lonely individuals together. One recovering from the death of her mother, while the other lives alone, longing for company and for someone to share meaningful conversation with.
While riding the subway after work one night Frances (Chloë Grace Moretz) comes across the green handbag and after being coerced into keeping the contents by her flatmate (Maika Monroe) her conscious tells her to return it. There she meets Greta, a softly spoken woman with a seemingly kind heart.
A revelation at dinner one night Frances confronts Greta and after an unnerving exchange, Frances leaves, in the hope that she will never see her again – but Greta is not about to let go of her that easily. French actress Isabelle Huppert gives a sinister performance – not many can stand still and look menacing without really trying, but she gets it spot on. It certainly put the fear in me.
Despite her quirky and innocent advances Frances is not fooled and does all she can to push back, without success. Even a private investigator intent on uncovering the truth about Greta is no match for the softly spoken malevolent loner.
There is some tense moments and the film is at the higher end of the psychological scale, but more could have been done with the writing to elevate it to one of sheer terror.
With Greta, director Neil Jordan (Crying Game) uses an expensive green handbag to connect two lonely individuals together. One recovering from the death of her mother, while the other lives alone, longing for company and for someone to share meaningful conversation with.
While riding the subway after work one night Frances (Chloë Grace Moretz) comes across the green handbag and after being coerced into keeping the contents by her flatmate (Maika Monroe) her conscious tells her to return it. There she meets Greta, a softly spoken woman with a seemingly kind heart.
A revelation at dinner one night Frances confronts Greta and after an unnerving exchange, Frances leaves, in the hope that she will never see her again – but Greta is not about to let go of her that easily. French actress Isabelle Huppert gives a sinister performance – not many can stand still and look menacing without really trying, but she gets it spot on. It certainly put the fear in me.
Despite her quirky and innocent advances Frances is not fooled and does all she can to push back, without success. Even a private investigator intent on uncovering the truth about Greta is no match for the softly spoken malevolent loner.
There is some tense moments and the film is at the higher end of the psychological scale, but more could have been done with the writing to elevate it to one of sheer terror.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Ready or Not (2019) in Movies
Jan 6, 2021
Great From Beginning to End
A new bride agrees to an innocent game with her in-laws on her wedding night only to find out the game involves her murder.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10The film has a dark, yet colorful cast that works on both engaging and eery levels. Part comedy, part horror directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett masterfully capture both without either looking out of place. I was very impressed with the attention to detail.
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 10It’s hard to miss when you combine action, comedy, and horror into a solid movie. Every moment of this movie is engaging. it’s a ride you’re excited to be a part of as you wade through what the heck is going to happen next. A fun, wild ride.
Memorability: 9
Ready Or Not will definitely stand in the memory long after being watched. Again, it checks the boxes in the three different categories. However, it doesn’t quite master any of them hence the docked point.
Pace: 10
Great start, then the tension continues to mount from there. it never lets its foot off the gas save for a few short breaths. It shoots out of a cannon then moves forward at a breakneck pace.
Plot: 10
Resolution: 10
One of my favorite parts of the entire story. Mums the word here.
Overall: 99
In the near future, I’m going to do a piece on “Movies I Can Watch Repeatedly and Not Get Bored”. Ready Or Not will probably make that list. It does so many things right. Definitely a movie to remember.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10The film has a dark, yet colorful cast that works on both engaging and eery levels. Part comedy, part horror directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett masterfully capture both without either looking out of place. I was very impressed with the attention to detail.
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 10It’s hard to miss when you combine action, comedy, and horror into a solid movie. Every moment of this movie is engaging. it’s a ride you’re excited to be a part of as you wade through what the heck is going to happen next. A fun, wild ride.
Memorability: 9
Ready Or Not will definitely stand in the memory long after being watched. Again, it checks the boxes in the three different categories. However, it doesn’t quite master any of them hence the docked point.
Pace: 10
Great start, then the tension continues to mount from there. it never lets its foot off the gas save for a few short breaths. It shoots out of a cannon then moves forward at a breakneck pace.
Plot: 10
Resolution: 10
One of my favorite parts of the entire story. Mums the word here.
Overall: 99
In the near future, I’m going to do a piece on “Movies I Can Watch Repeatedly and Not Get Bored”. Ready Or Not will probably make that list. It does so many things right. Definitely a movie to remember.
Gossip Girl 2 - Fighting Back
Games and Education
App
Hi, I am Serena Miller. I was used to be a normal high school student. But there were some nasty...
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Separate Lives in Books
Feb 13, 2018
It all begins when Susie sees the text on Alex's phone: "Start living a different kind of life ...P :-) xxx." Convinced he's having an affair, Susie sets off on her own trajectory that threatens their partnership of ten years and their life with their two children. And Alex? Is he completely innocent in all of this? And what about the mysterious P?
This novel is told from the alternating point of view of Susie, Alex, and Pippa. Susie's pieces come via standard narrative, Alex's mainly through email exchanges with his brothers and sister, and Pippa via emails to her sister. While this starts off as sort of enjoyable and different, it can grow old quickly (though the email format moved quickly at least). For instance, Pippa and Susie have a way of veering off into tangents about their past, which drove me absolutely insane. These summaries seemed not at all relevant to the book (what they wore and read at seventeen!) and dragged the narrative down and the story on forever.
Meanwhile, the novel sounds interesting in its premise: a group of characters brought together by a potential technological misunderstanding. It's certainly why I selected it as an ARC. The problem is that none of the characters are remotely redeemable or likeable. While a book that revolves around infidelity may not always have the most personable of characters, you can usually find some humanity them. This group: I just could not find any reason to root for them. I would find an occasional glimpse in Susie or Pippa, but overall, they all annoyed me with their whining and life choices, and I felt sorry for their children! Add to that a plot filled with a variety of twists and turns that would be better off in a soap opera or Lifetime movie (surprise pregnancies! love affairs with a spouse's siblings!), and my frustration level reached its peak. Again, there were moments I liked, but overall I just didn't find a lot of humor or enjoyment in this novel. 2.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review; it is available everywhere as of 12/06/2016
This novel is told from the alternating point of view of Susie, Alex, and Pippa. Susie's pieces come via standard narrative, Alex's mainly through email exchanges with his brothers and sister, and Pippa via emails to her sister. While this starts off as sort of enjoyable and different, it can grow old quickly (though the email format moved quickly at least). For instance, Pippa and Susie have a way of veering off into tangents about their past, which drove me absolutely insane. These summaries seemed not at all relevant to the book (what they wore and read at seventeen!) and dragged the narrative down and the story on forever.
Meanwhile, the novel sounds interesting in its premise: a group of characters brought together by a potential technological misunderstanding. It's certainly why I selected it as an ARC. The problem is that none of the characters are remotely redeemable or likeable. While a book that revolves around infidelity may not always have the most personable of characters, you can usually find some humanity them. This group: I just could not find any reason to root for them. I would find an occasional glimpse in Susie or Pippa, but overall, they all annoyed me with their whining and life choices, and I felt sorry for their children! Add to that a plot filled with a variety of twists and turns that would be better off in a soap opera or Lifetime movie (surprise pregnancies! love affairs with a spouse's siblings!), and my frustration level reached its peak. Again, there were moments I liked, but overall I just didn't find a lot of humor or enjoyment in this novel. 2.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review; it is available everywhere as of 12/06/2016
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) in Movies
Jun 11, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
The Teens of Elm Street are dying in their sleep and all the clues are pointing to a past that no one remembers.
This is the remake of the 1984 classic slasher film of the same title and, I have to admit I’ve been putting off watching it for a while and I have to admit I was quite surprised by it.
The story line is mostly the same as the original film, the teens of Elm Street start to have nightmares about a strange, burnt man in a tatty green and red jumper, a brown fedora and glove with knives on the fingers. As their dreams start to get worst the teens begin to die in real life. As they investigate what is happening Nancy, Quentin and Kris come across photos of them all in pre school but none of them remember having met that young.
The 2010 ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ is darker than the original and is not a direct remake. It still has a few familiar scenes, including the bath tub scene but the story focuses more on what happened between Freddy and the young children of Elm Street even questioning whether Freddy was innocent. Unlike the original film, Freddy is punishing the children for what they said about him, not their parents for killing him.
If you haven’t seen any of the original films then the remake is a good film and the only complaint I have is that Freddy isn’t Freddy. It seems that the Freddy in this version is meant to be more serious than the one in the original but they still have him crack the odd joke, often one from the original film and it doesn’t quite work, it seems like this Freddy is trying to do an impression of the original one. I’m not too sure if this would affect anyone who hasn’t seen the other films.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) is a good, standard slasher whose story deviates slightly from the original in a way that actually adds to the world it’s set in.
This is the remake of the 1984 classic slasher film of the same title and, I have to admit I’ve been putting off watching it for a while and I have to admit I was quite surprised by it.
The story line is mostly the same as the original film, the teens of Elm Street start to have nightmares about a strange, burnt man in a tatty green and red jumper, a brown fedora and glove with knives on the fingers. As their dreams start to get worst the teens begin to die in real life. As they investigate what is happening Nancy, Quentin and Kris come across photos of them all in pre school but none of them remember having met that young.
The 2010 ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ is darker than the original and is not a direct remake. It still has a few familiar scenes, including the bath tub scene but the story focuses more on what happened between Freddy and the young children of Elm Street even questioning whether Freddy was innocent. Unlike the original film, Freddy is punishing the children for what they said about him, not their parents for killing him.
If you haven’t seen any of the original films then the remake is a good film and the only complaint I have is that Freddy isn’t Freddy. It seems that the Freddy in this version is meant to be more serious than the one in the original but they still have him crack the odd joke, often one from the original film and it doesn’t quite work, it seems like this Freddy is trying to do an impression of the original one. I’m not too sure if this would affect anyone who hasn’t seen the other films.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) is a good, standard slasher whose story deviates slightly from the original in a way that actually adds to the world it’s set in.
Merissa (12926 KP) rated Marvin (Assassin's To Order #1) in Books
Feb 22, 2023
MARVIN is the first book in the Assassin's To Order series, a spin-off from the Tangled Tentacles series and features all of our favourites.
Marvin has been convinced to come forward and make a TV appearance, in the hope of bringing out his Lost Boys. Of course, not everyone is as good-hearted as Marvin so things don't go according to plan. Unfortunately, Marvin draws the wrong kind of attention and a kill order is put on him. Luckily for him, he finds his mate who is more than happy to help protect him. His friends are also happy to help, as Marvin helped them.
Oh, man! Marvin the Marvellous!!! He is so innocent, so pure, but don't let that fool you. He also has a spine of steel and will not be played. I love him so much and loved seeing how he developed through the story. You find out some but not all of Marvin's past. Ajani is Marvin's mate and doesn't think he is worthy. Marvin deserves someone better, someone not an assassin. Ajani didn't count on the mate bond and just how much Marvin wants him. He never stood a chance! LOL
I can't say as the ending was a surprise but I loved how it got there. I read this in one sitting, unable to put it down. I can't wait to see the other stories. This wasn't as steamy as others by this pair of authors but I don't think it could have been - not without changing Marvin's character, which is simply not allowed!
A brilliant start to this series and 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Marvin has been convinced to come forward and make a TV appearance, in the hope of bringing out his Lost Boys. Of course, not everyone is as good-hearted as Marvin so things don't go according to plan. Unfortunately, Marvin draws the wrong kind of attention and a kill order is put on him. Luckily for him, he finds his mate who is more than happy to help protect him. His friends are also happy to help, as Marvin helped them.
Oh, man! Marvin the Marvellous!!! He is so innocent, so pure, but don't let that fool you. He also has a spine of steel and will not be played. I love him so much and loved seeing how he developed through the story. You find out some but not all of Marvin's past. Ajani is Marvin's mate and doesn't think he is worthy. Marvin deserves someone better, someone not an assassin. Ajani didn't count on the mate bond and just how much Marvin wants him. He never stood a chance! LOL
I can't say as the ending was a surprise but I loved how it got there. I read this in one sitting, unable to put it down. I can't wait to see the other stories. This wasn't as steamy as others by this pair of authors but I don't think it could have been - not without changing Marvin's character, which is simply not allowed!
A brilliant start to this series and 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Guardians in Books
Mar 19, 2020
This is one of the best John Grisham books I’ve read in quite some time! It’s a strong, captivating story featuring the “good guys” versus “bad guys” dynamic that Grisham does so well.
Cullen Post works for Guardian Ministries, traveling the country fighting wrongful convictions. Guardian takes on clients forgotten by the system. Post, a lawyer and Episcopal minister, finds himself drawn to their latest client, Quincy Miller, who is serving life in prison. Quincy supposedly killed Keith Russo, a lawyer in Seabrook, Florida. He’s been in prison for over twenty years. And now Post is realizing that Quincy’s case is going to ensnare him and Guardian in a dangerous world—powerful people killed Keith Russo, and they do not want Quincy Miller exonerated.
"I have saddled myself with the burdens of innocent people rotting away in prison while rapists and murderers roam free."
This book has the legal and dramatic hallmarks of a strong Grisham novel. I was drawn to Post immediately and quickly caught up in Quincy’s case and Post and Guardian’s world. There are lots of twists and turns and surprises as Post works to free Quincy. I love the details Grisham throws in, plus the peeks into the courtroom, tidbits about examining evidence, and more. It’s a powerful read that gives you plenty to think about. Definitely worth a read! 4 stars.
Cullen Post works for Guardian Ministries, traveling the country fighting wrongful convictions. Guardian takes on clients forgotten by the system. Post, a lawyer and Episcopal minister, finds himself drawn to their latest client, Quincy Miller, who is serving life in prison. Quincy supposedly killed Keith Russo, a lawyer in Seabrook, Florida. He’s been in prison for over twenty years. And now Post is realizing that Quincy’s case is going to ensnare him and Guardian in a dangerous world—powerful people killed Keith Russo, and they do not want Quincy Miller exonerated.
"I have saddled myself with the burdens of innocent people rotting away in prison while rapists and murderers roam free."
This book has the legal and dramatic hallmarks of a strong Grisham novel. I was drawn to Post immediately and quickly caught up in Quincy’s case and Post and Guardian’s world. There are lots of twists and turns and surprises as Post works to free Quincy. I love the details Grisham throws in, plus the peeks into the courtroom, tidbits about examining evidence, and more. It’s a powerful read that gives you plenty to think about. Definitely worth a read! 4 stars.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Wither (The Chemical Garden #1) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
This book has an interesting concept: In a future world, something has gone wrong genetics wise and people die young. Girls at 20 and boys at 25, unless you're born a first generation in which you case you live like us now. I was intrigued as to where the storyline was going to go.
And it didn't really go anywhere in truth.
They're trying to find a cure and in the process men marry several girls at a time to reproduce so that they may find a cure eventually and live full length lives.
I'll admit that Linden made me a little sick at one point in the book, in my opinion Cecily was way too young, but later on we learn that he's rather innocent in regards to the outside world.
As for the wives. Well, Cecily did my head in to start with. She was so young but trying to be so mature and it didn't work for me but by the end she'd grown on me a fair bit. Jenna... *sighs* she was pretty cool and I really liked her, from beginning to end. And then Rhine. She knew the game she had to play to survive and she did what was necessary.
I'm not too sure at the minute whether I'm bothered enough to carry on with the series.
And it didn't really go anywhere in truth.
They're trying to find a cure and in the process men marry several girls at a time to reproduce so that they may find a cure eventually and live full length lives.
I'll admit that Linden made me a little sick at one point in the book, in my opinion Cecily was way too young, but later on we learn that he's rather innocent in regards to the outside world.
As for the wives. Well, Cecily did my head in to start with. She was so young but trying to be so mature and it didn't work for me but by the end she'd grown on me a fair bit. Jenna... *sighs* she was pretty cool and I really liked her, from beginning to end. And then Rhine. She knew the game she had to play to survive and she did what was necessary.
I'm not too sure at the minute whether I'm bothered enough to carry on with the series.