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Ghost Huntress Book 1 the Awakening
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It’s too freaking quiet here! I can’t sleep. Not a wink. This is the third night in a...
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989) in Movies
Oct 2, 2021
Sweet lord, this was a chore to sit through. The Elm Street series managed to tread a pretty solid path up until this point. Even the iffy fourth entry has some merit, but The Dream Child just gloriously falls apart. For starters, and I really try not to be cynical, but I do like when movies in general follow a set of rules. The main rule for ANOES is simply, don't fall asleep if you want to stay alive. By Part 5, it's really unclear if this still applies, and no one involved is even pretending to be making a coherent film apparently I don't expect Oscar winning screenplays from cheesy slashers, but the dialogue is especially awful. The entire cast sound like they've been given different scripts, the editing is all over the place, even Freddy (who is now in full blown quip mode) is spaffing one-liners that don't make a lick of sense. Then there's the small matter of the narrative falling off the rails in almost every aspect.
The only saving grace is the abundance of practical gore, which is pretty decent for the most part, but otherwise, fuck this entire film man.
The only saving grace is the abundance of practical gore, which is pretty decent for the most part, but otherwise, fuck this entire film man.
Merissa (12911 KP) rated The Hunter (Tales of Pern Coen: Bloodlines #1) in Books
Feb 17, 2023
An Absolute Corker of a Book!
THE HUNTER is the first book in the Tales of Pern Coen (Bloodlines) series and I'm already hooked.
I love the mix of Celtic names and fantasy places. The characters are all life-like, whether you like them or not. And I really enjoyed seeing the war through different eyes. Alekos isn't a bad person but his actions are. He doesn't see anything different. Rhiannon's eyes have been opened and she has heard both sides of the story. She sees herself as weak when she is stronger than she realises. And Conor... what do I say about him? He's the grumpy heart-of-gold character that I fall for every single time!
This is the first book by this author I have read and I read it in one sitting. The plot was great, the pacing perfect, and the characters made me smile. An absolute corker of a book that I highly recommend.
** 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!
I love the mix of Celtic names and fantasy places. The characters are all life-like, whether you like them or not. And I really enjoyed seeing the war through different eyes. Alekos isn't a bad person but his actions are. He doesn't see anything different. Rhiannon's eyes have been opened and she has heard both sides of the story. She sees herself as weak when she is stronger than she realises. And Conor... what do I say about him? He's the grumpy heart-of-gold character that I fall for every single time!
This is the first book by this author I have read and I read it in one sitting. The plot was great, the pacing perfect, and the characters made me smile. An absolute corker of a book that I highly recommend.
** 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!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Serial Killer's Daughter in Books
Aug 14, 2022
As with the first in the series, The Serial Killer's Wife, this is not your usual serial killer story and although this is the second book, you don't have to have read the first ... this can be listened to/read as a standalone very easily.
Jenny is a local vet living with her husband and 2 children in a quiet village in Devon where nothing usually happens but then a young woman goes missing, Jenny is having blackouts and someone is leaving her "presents" on her doorstep. Jenny starts to doubt her own sanity and suspects those around her but could it be related to her father, the serial killer known as The Painted Lady Killer? Is Jenny taking after her father?
This is a great book to listen to and although it's a slow burner, it certainly kept me engaged throughout. It's full of suspense and mystery with a great twist at the end and I particularly liked the narrators who did a great job.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to The Serial Killer's Daughter and share my thoughts.
Jenny is a local vet living with her husband and 2 children in a quiet village in Devon where nothing usually happens but then a young woman goes missing, Jenny is having blackouts and someone is leaving her "presents" on her doorstep. Jenny starts to doubt her own sanity and suspects those around her but could it be related to her father, the serial killer known as The Painted Lady Killer? Is Jenny taking after her father?
This is a great book to listen to and although it's a slow burner, it certainly kept me engaged throughout. It's full of suspense and mystery with a great twist at the end and I particularly liked the narrators who did a great job.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to The Serial Killer's Daughter and share my thoughts.
Merissa (12911 KP) rated Enchanted: Roberta's Story (The Academy #4) in Books
Feb 2, 2022
ENCHANTED is Roberta's story. We have already met Roberta in the other stories from The Academy, so we know some of her backstory. This gives a more in-depth view of it, including what life was like in the 1900s for independent young women.
Although I liked Roberta and Nate together, and can see and understand how Roberta thought he was her soul mate, I didn't quite connect with Nate by himself. If Roberta was indeed his soul mate, then I feel he did a grave injustice to her and himself by not choosing their life together and going the easy route.
For me, Ronin was one of the better characters and I was definitely left wanting more about Roberta's mum.
This was well-paced and full of attention to detail which made it a delight to read. A brilliant addition to the series and definitely 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!
Although I liked Roberta and Nate together, and can see and understand how Roberta thought he was her soul mate, I didn't quite connect with Nate by himself. If Roberta was indeed his soul mate, then I feel he did a grave injustice to her and himself by not choosing their life together and going the easy route.
For me, Ronin was one of the better characters and I was definitely left wanting more about Roberta's mum.
This was well-paced and full of attention to detail which made it a delight to read. A brilliant addition to the series and definitely 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!
Merissa (12911 KP) rated The Great Maple Mistake (Love in Maplewood #8) in Books
Jul 4, 2025 - 7:19 AM
THE GREAT MAPLE MISTAKE is the eighth book in the Love in Maplewood series, although you don't have to have read any of the others.
Alex is a photographer, born and bred in Maplewood, with no plans to go anywhere else. Cody is a firefighter/EMT, newly arrived in Maplewood. He is having a private conversation with Alex and his best friend, Finn, about not liking Maple, when he is overheard and mistakenly assumed to be allergic to Maple. This is a running theme through the story.
Events move slowly but firmly in the right direction, with neither Alex nor Cody playing games. They are honest and open about what they want, and are happy to be together.
As with all books set in Maplewood, this is sweet enough to give you toothache, with little to no angst. A feel-good story that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
** 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 4, 2025
Alex is a photographer, born and bred in Maplewood, with no plans to go anywhere else. Cody is a firefighter/EMT, newly arrived in Maplewood. He is having a private conversation with Alex and his best friend, Finn, about not liking Maple, when he is overheard and mistakenly assumed to be allergic to Maple. This is a running theme through the story.
Events move slowly but firmly in the right direction, with neither Alex nor Cody playing games. They are honest and open about what they want, and are happy to be together.
As with all books set in Maplewood, this is sweet enough to give you toothache, with little to no angst. A feel-good story that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.
** 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 4, 2025
groundedGeek (4 KP) rated This American Life in Podcasts
Jan 10, 2018
Almost always great
The topics on this show are sometimes hit-or-miss, but often you will come across an absolute gem of a theme and the stories shared are fascinating. I rated it higher because more often than not I find the topics really interesting. On occasion there will be a dud where the host isn't as engaging or the stories just aren't my taste, but the great thing about the show is that even those episodes hit home for someone most likely. There really is something for everyone in this series... if the current episode doesn't float your boat, it's likely a previous one will be fascinating or maybe the next topic will be right up your alley.
The episodes are "investigative" in nature where the host has interviewed people and tells the true story as they go, but like many "documentary" style features in this day and age... they can sometimes be driven to tell the story they want you to hear, guiding you to the conclusion that fits their narrative rather than simply providing the facts and letting the listener draw their own conclusions. To be fair, this makes it more entertaining... because simple fact-finding would likely be boring in podcast form. It's not necessarily a criticism... Michael Moore is an example of the worst purveyor of this kind of "documentary" style... generate a conclusion, craft the clips, audio and narrative to support that conclusion... voila... Michael Moore movie. While I don't prefer that style of "documentary" because it is obviously biased, there is no doubt that Michael Moore knows how to sell his story and makes entertaining films. TAL is not quite the same, it's probably unfair to put them in that category, but there is with some of the hosts, a definite feel that they have the conclusion they want you to draw firm in their mind when they provide the accompanying stories...
Other times there isn't any agenda, they simply want to provide you with fascinating stories about fascinating people in this fascinating country... and when they do that, they do it spectacularly. I feel like my criticism above could possibly be misconstrued as a knock on the show, but discerning listeners likely recognize when this is sometimes happening and it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the journey the show takes you on. It's not a knock, it's a fun show.
The episodes are "investigative" in nature where the host has interviewed people and tells the true story as they go, but like many "documentary" style features in this day and age... they can sometimes be driven to tell the story they want you to hear, guiding you to the conclusion that fits their narrative rather than simply providing the facts and letting the listener draw their own conclusions. To be fair, this makes it more entertaining... because simple fact-finding would likely be boring in podcast form. It's not necessarily a criticism... Michael Moore is an example of the worst purveyor of this kind of "documentary" style... generate a conclusion, craft the clips, audio and narrative to support that conclusion... voila... Michael Moore movie. While I don't prefer that style of "documentary" because it is obviously biased, there is no doubt that Michael Moore knows how to sell his story and makes entertaining films. TAL is not quite the same, it's probably unfair to put them in that category, but there is with some of the hosts, a definite feel that they have the conclusion they want you to draw firm in their mind when they provide the accompanying stories...
Other times there isn't any agenda, they simply want to provide you with fascinating stories about fascinating people in this fascinating country... and when they do that, they do it spectacularly. I feel like my criticism above could possibly be misconstrued as a knock on the show, but discerning listeners likely recognize when this is sometimes happening and it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the journey the show takes you on. It's not a knock, it's a fun show.
Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated Forged In Flood in Books
Jul 21, 2018
new favourite from this author!
I had the honour of beta reading this book, so I was gifted my copy of this book.
Ten years ago, a stupid mistake nearly cost 3 young men their lives. It left them all scarred in a multitude of ways. Ivan has shut himself off from everyone, working in his beloved forge, while Rolland and Wes have taken it upon themselves to educate the youth of today on the errors of drink driving. But Wes and Rolly have had enough of waiting for Ivan, their Viking to get over his self inflicted guilt. And they choose the night of the worst flooding in living memory to make Ivan see sense.
This is NOT part of the Sin Bin series, but there are some cross-over characters, mainly Sarah and her husband Remi. You don't NEED to read them, but you SHOULD!
I loved this! I've loved almost all of Ms Donovan's work, and each and every time, the new book becomes my new favourite, and this is no exception!
Ivan makes this book, he really does. His struggle dealing with his guilt. His struggle dealing with becoming like his namesake of a father, and him not really wanting to. Dealing with the destruction of his forge and his home. Dealing with the after effects of the original accident, and a second one too.
But mainly, because watching him deal with his ever growing attraction to Wes and Rolly, and his NEED to be with them, is a joy to behold! He doesn't want it, not at first but they are persistent buggers now they have decided to pursue Ivan, rather than waiting for him to come to them.
There are some lighter moments, written only in a way Ms Donovan can. Her boys do like to play with their food and these three are no exception to that rule. I don't think I can ever look at a pot of honey in the same way, every again!
Because I read it in one sitting, because it made me cry in places, because it made me laugh out loud in others (and not many books can do that with me when I'm reading!) and just bloody well because . . . . .
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Ten years ago, a stupid mistake nearly cost 3 young men their lives. It left them all scarred in a multitude of ways. Ivan has shut himself off from everyone, working in his beloved forge, while Rolland and Wes have taken it upon themselves to educate the youth of today on the errors of drink driving. But Wes and Rolly have had enough of waiting for Ivan, their Viking to get over his self inflicted guilt. And they choose the night of the worst flooding in living memory to make Ivan see sense.
This is NOT part of the Sin Bin series, but there are some cross-over characters, mainly Sarah and her husband Remi. You don't NEED to read them, but you SHOULD!
I loved this! I've loved almost all of Ms Donovan's work, and each and every time, the new book becomes my new favourite, and this is no exception!
Ivan makes this book, he really does. His struggle dealing with his guilt. His struggle dealing with becoming like his namesake of a father, and him not really wanting to. Dealing with the destruction of his forge and his home. Dealing with the after effects of the original accident, and a second one too.
But mainly, because watching him deal with his ever growing attraction to Wes and Rolly, and his NEED to be with them, is a joy to behold! He doesn't want it, not at first but they are persistent buggers now they have decided to pursue Ivan, rather than waiting for him to come to them.
There are some lighter moments, written only in a way Ms Donovan can. Her boys do like to play with their food and these three are no exception to that rule. I don't think I can ever look at a pot of honey in the same way, every again!
Because I read it in one sitting, because it made me cry in places, because it made me laugh out loud in others (and not many books can do that with me when I'm reading!) and just bloody well because . . . . .
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated Opposed Desires (Rehoboth Pact #2) in Books
Nov 18, 2021
love that we had to wait for Seina to give in!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Rehoboth Pact series, but it's not necessary to have rea book 1, Confined Desires, before this. Not necessary, but I would strongly RECOMMEND you do. Aubrey revokes the Pact in that book, and you need to know why.
Aubrey is a player. She goes out and gets one she wants, and there are no repeats. She is the polar opposite of Selina, who would rather go without than do what Aubrey does. In a moment of something totally out of character for BOTH these women, there is a fundamental shift in their relationship. But this is a vacation, and the real world encroaches.
I really enjoyed book 1, and I really enjoyed this one, for different reasons.
This is HEAVY on the emotional aspect from both these women. Aubs mum is ill, and she is worried that things are really bad again. Selina is lonely: she wants someone to love her, just as she is. And I cried a bit for both Aubs and Selina, I really did. They are both a little bit broken by their life experiences and actually talking to each other, rather than sniping at each other, starts them on a path neither is quite prepared for.
I love love LOVED that I had to wait for Selina to give in to Aubrey. But equally than AUBREY was the one who really wanted to wait. Aubrey usually had a different girl every night, but a whole vacation week, without a single one? Totally unheard of and I loved that her friends noticed. The smexy stuff is not especially explicit, but I'm finding I like that in these books. There is more to a relationship than sex and these women are finding that.
Skye and Mia (from book 1) are here, but also Kyle, who is the third in this little trio of friends. We didn't meet her before and she has a tale to tell, I can feel it. Her book is next, but not til bloody January! Kyle revokes the Pact here.
creeping up to 4.5 stars, (but rounding down to 4 for the blog, sorry!) can't quite stetch to five, but maybe Kyle can squeeze that extra bit outta me!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Rehoboth Pact series, but it's not necessary to have rea book 1, Confined Desires, before this. Not necessary, but I would strongly RECOMMEND you do. Aubrey revokes the Pact in that book, and you need to know why.
Aubrey is a player. She goes out and gets one she wants, and there are no repeats. She is the polar opposite of Selina, who would rather go without than do what Aubrey does. In a moment of something totally out of character for BOTH these women, there is a fundamental shift in their relationship. But this is a vacation, and the real world encroaches.
I really enjoyed book 1, and I really enjoyed this one, for different reasons.
This is HEAVY on the emotional aspect from both these women. Aubs mum is ill, and she is worried that things are really bad again. Selina is lonely: she wants someone to love her, just as she is. And I cried a bit for both Aubs and Selina, I really did. They are both a little bit broken by their life experiences and actually talking to each other, rather than sniping at each other, starts them on a path neither is quite prepared for.
I love love LOVED that I had to wait for Selina to give in to Aubrey. But equally than AUBREY was the one who really wanted to wait. Aubrey usually had a different girl every night, but a whole vacation week, without a single one? Totally unheard of and I loved that her friends noticed. The smexy stuff is not especially explicit, but I'm finding I like that in these books. There is more to a relationship than sex and these women are finding that.
Skye and Mia (from book 1) are here, but also Kyle, who is the third in this little trio of friends. We didn't meet her before and she has a tale to tell, I can feel it. Her book is next, but not til bloody January! Kyle revokes the Pact here.
creeping up to 4.5 stars, (but rounding down to 4 for the blog, sorry!) can't quite stetch to five, but maybe Kyle can squeeze that extra bit outta me!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1444 KP) rated Constitution Check (Dungeons and Dating #4) by Katherine McIntyre in Books
Sep 24, 2022
i love this series!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Dungeons & Dating book, and while not strictly necessary to have read the other three before this, I STRONGLY recommend you do. Not least because they are ALL five star reads, from me. But I would probably say read book 3, at least. Something happens in that book that leads into this one, and you get an inkling as to what Kelly is living through.
Ms McIntyre never ceases to amaze me, she can flip on a penny and it takes you a while to catch up with that little nugget of info, or this little comment that someone says. I have to slow my reading down to pay great attention, and I love that I have to.
Both Tabby and Kelly appear in previous books, although I couldn't place Tabby til there was something said here. (see above!)
Both girls are suffering in one way or another, but it takes a long time for them to open up to each other, to us. The clues are all there, they really are, but I didn't put the pieces together for Tabby, not straight away. I did for Kelly, because the signs were there in book 3.
Its not an easy read, given what Kelly went through, but it is extremely well written. Emotional reading, I had a tear or too. When Kelly finally lets Tabby in and vice versa, I cried, I really did.
Its steamy too! And while it IS steamy, it takes a back step, I think, to the emotions involved for these girls.
All the other pairings take part here, given as they all work together at the cafe, and we meet Eli, Tabby's cousin. He is one of the leads in the next book along with Arjun.
I read this in one sitting, stayed up way past my bedtime and was entirely unrepentant of that fact! I bloody loved it!
I love that McIntyre can flip from MM to MF and then to FF. Quite a skill to deliver each, but to be able to deliver them ALL?? Amazing. Please keep them coming!!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Dungeons & Dating book, and while not strictly necessary to have read the other three before this, I STRONGLY recommend you do. Not least because they are ALL five star reads, from me. But I would probably say read book 3, at least. Something happens in that book that leads into this one, and you get an inkling as to what Kelly is living through.
Ms McIntyre never ceases to amaze me, she can flip on a penny and it takes you a while to catch up with that little nugget of info, or this little comment that someone says. I have to slow my reading down to pay great attention, and I love that I have to.
Both Tabby and Kelly appear in previous books, although I couldn't place Tabby til there was something said here. (see above!)
Both girls are suffering in one way or another, but it takes a long time for them to open up to each other, to us. The clues are all there, they really are, but I didn't put the pieces together for Tabby, not straight away. I did for Kelly, because the signs were there in book 3.
Its not an easy read, given what Kelly went through, but it is extremely well written. Emotional reading, I had a tear or too. When Kelly finally lets Tabby in and vice versa, I cried, I really did.
Its steamy too! And while it IS steamy, it takes a back step, I think, to the emotions involved for these girls.
All the other pairings take part here, given as they all work together at the cafe, and we meet Eli, Tabby's cousin. He is one of the leads in the next book along with Arjun.
I read this in one sitting, stayed up way past my bedtime and was entirely unrepentant of that fact! I bloody loved it!
I love that McIntyre can flip from MM to MF and then to FF. Quite a skill to deliver each, but to be able to deliver them ALL?? Amazing. Please keep them coming!!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere