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Merissa (13319 KP) rated Rarely Pure and Never Simple (Variant Configurations #1) by Angel Martinez in Books
Jun 21, 2022 (Updated Jun 21, 2023)
RARELY PURE AND NEVER SIMPLE is the first book in the Variant Configurations series and one I definitely want to return to.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where variants are around but not classed as 'normal', Damien is a Locator, but a rare one as he can find people, not things. Blaze, on the other hand, is a Sparker, able to create and use fire. He also tracks people in the old-fashioned way. These two are thrown together to find a large number of missing children, learning to work together as they do so.
Both of these men are damaged in their own ways. They also have their own foibles which are introduced in such a way as to appear nothing out of the ordinary for each of them. My heart broke for Damien as I learnt more about his childhood, and I was so thankful Blaze was there for him.
This is a fast-paced story with brilliant characters, both main and supporting. I found the locations easy to see and accept due to the descriptions given. Going in, I knew it was a slow burn AND the first in a series so I knew there wouldn't be a HEA in here. I did hope for an HFN though!
I am definitely left wanting more from this world, as well as Blaze and Damien. A fantastic read 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!
Jun 15, 2022
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where variants are around but not classed as 'normal', Damien is a Locator, but a rare one as he can find people, not things. Blaze, on the other hand, is a Sparker, able to create and use fire. He also tracks people in the old-fashioned way. These two are thrown together to find a large number of missing children, learning to work together as they do so.
Both of these men are damaged in their own ways. They also have their own foibles which are introduced in such a way as to appear nothing out of the ordinary for each of them. My heart broke for Damien as I learnt more about his childhood, and I was so thankful Blaze was there for him.
This is a fast-paced story with brilliant characters, both main and supporting. I found the locations easy to see and accept due to the descriptions given. Going in, I knew it was a slow burn AND the first in a series so I knew there wouldn't be a HEA in here. I did hope for an HFN though!
I am definitely left wanting more from this world, as well as Blaze and Damien. A fantastic read 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!
Jun 15, 2022
Rolando Jesus Feliciano (3 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Shantae Half-Genie Hero in Video Games
Apr 27, 2018
Humor (3 more)
Audio quality
Simple platforming
Great DLC
Simple everything else (1 more)
Too Short
For the love of frog, no more Rule 34 on this series
Ok I've held off on this. Really held off. The DLC sold me though so that's my excuse. Half Genie Hero is the fourth entry in the Shantae series. I really want to say something good about the main game but I can't. It's simple. That's it. It tries to be a combination of collectathon and Metroidvania but unlike Pirate's Curse, this game misses the mark. Granted there are strong points, the platforming is fun, decent storyline, wonderful music (just try getting that first stage song out of your head). However after a bit the gameplay becomes repetitive. Go through a stage, collect the things, beat the boss, then backtrack for quest specific items to unlock the next area, rinse and repeat. At least they didn't butcher the game's true waifu Rottytops, ok maybe putting her in race girl gear might have Deviant Art fans getting creative, if not those artists on R34 (please don't damage this series any more guys, please). I mean look at the fact that in its previous entry they fleshed her character out...figuratively and literally. The game does end rather abruptly in a sense, and.... WayForward, why? Not once but twice you call back to Mega Man 8 and that boarding segment. I don't want to hear anyone tell me, they didn't really, because WayForward knew. They have a blasted trophy that you can earn for perfectly completing that segment called "Jump Jump Slide Slide" y'all did that on purpose and my ptsd kicked right in when I first saw the segment. That said, lets move on to the DLC. I loved the content. The friends content have me more story for the main part of the game and the Risky dlc was like going back to Pirate's Curse. However save for certain slides, I won't spoil the game. Then we have the costume pack... First the ninja dlc allows you to play as Specter Knight somewhat giving you an amazing bit of action. That ending does get you real bad that when I saw the Gaijin Goomba reaction in his latest video, I could not stop laughing. The bikini dlc finally gave me something I wanted, a challenge. Forget going through with all the hearts, give me three and the chance that I could lose them all if I don't keep her cool. This dlc is perfect in awakening my speed run skills. Finally we have Officer Shantae. If you have only played this series and Shovel Knight, go get Mighty Switch Force because this is an amazing clone of it, music and all. Overall I feel that the dlc packs saved the game. I can't begin to think the game was a waste of cash if they didn't exist. Let's hope if there is a fifth entry, they up the challenge and give it more a metroidvania style. Step back to Pirate's Curse WayForward and go from there.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Hidden Child (Patrik Hedström, #5) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Had I realized when I picked it up that this was the 4th book in a series, I would have looked for the first book to start at the beginning. I didnt feel like I was missing anything starting at this point in the story, however. The relationships between characters were either evident or explained well enough that you can easily read or listen to this book without having read the previous books, and not feel lost.
A lot of Swedish crime fiction has a particular melancholy feel to it, and The Hidden Child is no exception. The author did injected occasional brief moments of humor into the story that helped lighten the mood, however, and they kept it from feeling too dark.
The story is told in both in the present, and through flashbacks, in the time around WW2. It follows the police investigation into the murder of a local historian, as well as the family drama unfolding as Erica Faulk digs into her mothers past. The two series of events turn out to be more intertwined than anyone could have imagined, and even though I could see where it was going, the story didnt give everything away at once and I didnt really know what had happened until the end.
If you are a fan of police procedural and / or historical mysteries, give this one a try!
A lot of Swedish crime fiction has a particular melancholy feel to it, and The Hidden Child is no exception. The author did injected occasional brief moments of humor into the story that helped lighten the mood, however, and they kept it from feeling too dark.
The story is told in both in the present, and through flashbacks, in the time around WW2. It follows the police investigation into the murder of a local historian, as well as the family drama unfolding as Erica Faulk digs into her mothers past. The two series of events turn out to be more intertwined than anyone could have imagined, and even though I could see where it was going, the story didnt give everything away at once and I didnt really know what had happened until the end.
If you are a fan of police procedural and / or historical mysteries, give this one a try!
Alicia S (193 KP) rated The Boy and His Ribbon in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Growing up changes us and sometimes life, and our hearts, have other plans...
Admittedly, I'm a sucker for anything Pepper Winters writes and in the past, she had originally drawn me in with multiple dark romance/suspense series. A Boy and His Ribbon is unlike most of her well-known works, yet similar to Unseen Messages (one of my all-time favorites), as both stories are based on characters living wild. A scenario that speaks to my wanderlust soul and moves me like no other topic. The story follows Ren and Della, two children who escape abuse and a fate worse than even any animal should endure. Growing up alone, fending for themselves, this story takes us through years of this unlikely pair growing up uneducated, unsocialized and learning from each other. And with such fierce love, devotion and determination from children so young... We've all had to deal with the ups and downs of growing up. Imagine facing your teenage years that come with messy feelings and changes, without any guidance or expectations? This Coming of Age/Romance teeters between not quite right and completely understandable. Like every other Pepper Winters title in the past, I devoured this book. It tore my heart out, leaving me in suspense until book 2 in the Ribbon Series, The Girl and Her Ren is released in June.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, #1) in Books
Apr 13, 2020
They killed me. They healed me. They changed me.
Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn’t exactly glamorous, but it was Merit’s. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker–and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.
Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she’s traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred-year-old vampire, he has centuries’ worth of charm, but unfortunately, he expects her gratitude–and servitude.
But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan’s attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone’s still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago’s nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war–and there will be blood.
This is a reread for me and can't remember if I reviewed the first time. Possibly not as I didn't tend to back then! I have had Merit withdrawals I absolutely love this series it's one of my favourites. I forgot how much of an ass Ethan was at the beginning! Love to see the early sparring between them!!
If your a first time reader to this series buckle up it one heck of a ride!!
Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn’t exactly glamorous, but it was Merit’s. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker–and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.
Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she’s traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred-year-old vampire, he has centuries’ worth of charm, but unfortunately, he expects her gratitude–and servitude.
But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan’s attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone’s still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago’s nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war–and there will be blood.
This is a reread for me and can't remember if I reviewed the first time. Possibly not as I didn't tend to back then! I have had Merit withdrawals I absolutely love this series it's one of my favourites. I forgot how much of an ass Ethan was at the beginning! Love to see the early sparring between them!!
If your a first time reader to this series buckle up it one heck of a ride!!
Macbeth
Book
Why write about Roman Polanski's Macbeth (1971) as part of a series of books dedicated to the...
Merissa (13319 KP) rated Axion (Red Rock Alien Mail Order Brides #2) in Books
May 8, 2021
Axion is the second novella in the Red Rock series, and it is Nina and Leif's turn for a story. Nina made her first appearance in Quantum where she proved that she can be a menace with a curling iron. Leif also appeared there, when we find out that he was an assassin, although he is trying for a more 'proper' appearance these days.
Nina is about to have a meeting with Cindy when a Leif appears that seems to have no bearing on the Leif she knows. She finds out that he is from the future... and that they are mates. However, he is here on a mission which will have future repercussions. Let the games commence.
With time paradoxes, bizarre rituals, language implants (which I could really do with!), plus trying to figure out the butterfly effect and how not to kill your friends, there is something in this novella for everyone. Although short, it packs a punch, giving you everything you would expect from an Erin Kellison book.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a brilliant addition to the series; thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Nina is about to have a meeting with Cindy when a Leif appears that seems to have no bearing on the Leif she knows. She finds out that he is from the future... and that they are mates. However, he is here on a mission which will have future repercussions. Let the games commence.
With time paradoxes, bizarre rituals, language implants (which I could really do with!), plus trying to figure out the butterfly effect and how not to kill your friends, there is something in this novella for everyone. Although short, it packs a punch, giving you everything you would expect from an Erin Kellison book.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, this is a brilliant addition to the series; thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommended by me.
* 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 (13319 KP) rated Oliver (Inked Menace MC #2) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
Amara has travelled from Britain to seek out her sister's help and that of her MC. She has been captured and tortured by a group of people that she thinks may have known Cecilia's ex-husband. She does, however, come with a secret agenda but the question is, will she act on that or not?
Things get complicated when she feels the intense mating bond with Pretty-Boy, aka Oliver. I loved this couple when they were together and apart. The chemistry between the two was hot, especially a certain scene on the train! However, for me, it lacked a certain 'something'. I've sat on this review for a couple of days trying to figure out what it was and I still have no idea. It was incredibly well-written in Ryanne Hawk's brilliant style. The plot line was good and had no holes. The characters were charming or horrible as the case may be... but still, hmm. I think it may be as simple as I fell in love with them all in Lucky and that will always be my favourite. I guess I'll have to read the third book in the series, just to be sure 😉
Overall, brilliant and a welcome addition to the Inked Menace 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 06, 2015
Things get complicated when she feels the intense mating bond with Pretty-Boy, aka Oliver. I loved this couple when they were together and apart. The chemistry between the two was hot, especially a certain scene on the train! However, for me, it lacked a certain 'something'. I've sat on this review for a couple of days trying to figure out what it was and I still have no idea. It was incredibly well-written in Ryanne Hawk's brilliant style. The plot line was good and had no holes. The characters were charming or horrible as the case may be... but still, hmm. I think it may be as simple as I fell in love with them all in Lucky and that will always be my favourite. I guess I'll have to read the third book in the series, just to be sure 😉
Overall, brilliant and a welcome addition to the Inked Menace 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 06, 2015
Debbiereadsbook (1539 KP) rated Alpha's Fingerling Surprize (The Weird & Wacky World of Shifters #2) in Books
Nov 12, 2022
More emotional than book one but no less a great read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the series and while not strictly necessary, I strongly recommend you read book one first. It sets the scene for Olowin and Russ. Its also a lot of fun!
Russ rejected Olowin and regretted it almost instantly. Finally getting to spend some time together goes a long way, and the pair begins their new life together. Things, however, were never gonna run smoothly!
Book one was a lot of fun to read. I found this one a little fun but more emotional. Russ and Olowin are opposites and it shows in every way but they are suited to each other, once they both commit to the other.
There is a marked difference in Russ and Olowin's physical relationship to that of Frenchie and Tala and I will never look at a sprouting potato in the same way again!!
And just what else, and more importantly WHY, have the potato Elders kept from their people??
I have no idea where this series is going, and I still want to know why beans are dull, are we gonna get a broccoli character and when do we get the next book? But I will read them, all of them!
More emotional than book one but no less a great 4 star read!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the series and while not strictly necessary, I strongly recommend you read book one first. It sets the scene for Olowin and Russ. Its also a lot of fun!
Russ rejected Olowin and regretted it almost instantly. Finally getting to spend some time together goes a long way, and the pair begins their new life together. Things, however, were never gonna run smoothly!
Book one was a lot of fun to read. I found this one a little fun but more emotional. Russ and Olowin are opposites and it shows in every way but they are suited to each other, once they both commit to the other.
There is a marked difference in Russ and Olowin's physical relationship to that of Frenchie and Tala and I will never look at a sprouting potato in the same way again!!
And just what else, and more importantly WHY, have the potato Elders kept from their people??
I have no idea where this series is going, and I still want to know why beans are dull, are we gonna get a broccoli character and when do we get the next book? But I will read them, all of them!
More emotional than book one but no less a great 4 star read!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2425 KP) rated Round Up the Usual Peacocks in Books
Sep 1, 2022 (Updated Sep 1, 2022)
Will Killers Crash the Wedding of the Century?
Meg’s brother is getting married and their mother is working on turning it into the wedding of the century. However, Meg’s nephew, Kevin, comes to her with a request for help. Kevin and a friend have started a true crime podcast focusing on cold cases, and they think one of their episodes hit too close to home since someone has tried to kill Kevin’s friend. Meg begins investigating the most likely cases. But can she figure out what is going on before the wedding?
Longtime fans of this series know this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Meg at weddings involving peacocks. However, this isn’t a retread in any way. And, if you are new to the series, you can jump in here and enjoy the antics. With three cases for Meg to consider, there is plenty to keep her hopping. I was hooked the entire way, even though I suspected where the stories were going. For the record, I was right on some things and wrong on others. The climax was a little weaker than I would have liked, but it was a minor issue. We have the usual large cast of characters, and it was fantastic to spend time with them. There may not be a laugh on every page here, but there are some classic moments that made me laugh. This is a delightful book that will please Meg’s fans old and new.
Longtime fans of this series know this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Meg at weddings involving peacocks. However, this isn’t a retread in any way. And, if you are new to the series, you can jump in here and enjoy the antics. With three cases for Meg to consider, there is plenty to keep her hopping. I was hooked the entire way, even though I suspected where the stories were going. For the record, I was right on some things and wrong on others. The climax was a little weaker than I would have liked, but it was a minor issue. We have the usual large cast of characters, and it was fantastic to spend time with them. There may not be a laugh on every page here, but there are some classic moments that made me laugh. This is a delightful book that will please Meg’s fans old and new.
