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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Sugar Money in Books
Oct 16, 2021
168 of 250
Book
Sugar Money
By Jane Harris
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Martinique, 1765, and brothers Emile and Lucien are charged by their French master, Father Cleophas, with a mission. They must return to Grenada, the island they once called home, and smuggle back the 42 slaves claimed by English invaders at the hospital plantation in Fort Royal. While Lucien, barely in his teens, sees the trip as a great adventure, the older and worldlier Emile has no illusions about the dangers they will face. But with no choice other than to obey Cleophas - and sensing the possibility, however remote, of finding his first love Celeste - he sets out with his brother on this 'reckless venture'.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book if I’m totally honest. It was an adjustment at first and I started to enjoy it then I kinda lost my way with it. The relationship between the brothers is endearing and develops so nicely. The subject was heartbreaking and overwhelming but seemed well written (I’m no expert). There was just something that just couldn’t keep me interested and it took 6 days to read so not me.
Book
Sugar Money
By Jane Harris
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Martinique, 1765, and brothers Emile and Lucien are charged by their French master, Father Cleophas, with a mission. They must return to Grenada, the island they once called home, and smuggle back the 42 slaves claimed by English invaders at the hospital plantation in Fort Royal. While Lucien, barely in his teens, sees the trip as a great adventure, the older and worldlier Emile has no illusions about the dangers they will face. But with no choice other than to obey Cleophas - and sensing the possibility, however remote, of finding his first love Celeste - he sets out with his brother on this 'reckless venture'.
I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book if I’m totally honest. It was an adjustment at first and I started to enjoy it then I kinda lost my way with it. The relationship between the brothers is endearing and develops so nicely. The subject was heartbreaking and overwhelming but seemed well written (I’m no expert). There was just something that just couldn’t keep me interested and it took 6 days to read so not me.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Gingerdead Man in Books
Dec 1, 2021 (Updated Dec 1, 2021)
The Christmas Cookie of Doom
Bayport, Maryland, is kicking off the holiday season with a Victorian themed Christmas event. While Val’s granddad is upset about being demoted from Santa to Scrooge this year, Val is looking forward to helping out at the teas throughout the afternoon. The final tea of the day is for the event’s volunteers. As it is getting started, someone in a weird costume comes and starts passing out gingerbread cookies. When this year’s Santa eats his, he drops over. Can Val figure out what is going on?
I really do appreciate the relationship between Val and her granddad in these books. While Granddad is a senior citizen, he isn’t a stereotype. He acts appropriately for his age and yet still contributes to Val’s investigation. The other characters are strong enough to keep us engaged in the story and keep the suspects straight. The story seemed to wander a bit at the beginning, but I was ultimately impressed with how everything came together. Naturally, we get more five-ingredient recipes at the end of the book, including several seasonal delights. If you are looking for a cozy to curl up with this Christmas, this is one you’ll enjoy.
I really do appreciate the relationship between Val and her granddad in these books. While Granddad is a senior citizen, he isn’t a stereotype. He acts appropriately for his age and yet still contributes to Val’s investigation. The other characters are strong enough to keep us engaged in the story and keep the suspects straight. The story seemed to wander a bit at the beginning, but I was ultimately impressed with how everything came together. Naturally, we get more five-ingredient recipes at the end of the book, including several seasonal delights. If you are looking for a cozy to curl up with this Christmas, this is one you’ll enjoy.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Batman (2022) in Movies
Mar 19, 2022
Visual effects (2 more)
Cast
Storyline
I was hesitant at first with this being the first reboot with Robert Pattinson as Batman. But I was pleasantly surprised, he played a darker and more brooding version of Batman than previous actors. While I loved the Christopher Nolan trilogy, this may be up there with them.
Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman was a good interpretation and as independent as you would want her to be. Also I knew that Colin Farrell was playing Penguin, but if I hadn’t have already known, I definitely wouldn’t have guessed!
The Riddler was much more insane than I could ever have imagined, and I think Paul Dano played him perfectly. I enjoyed watching his riddles unfold and him thinking his relationship with Batman was so much more than it was.
I loved how they changed well know places in Liverpool into the backdrop of Gotham, and once they were done with the editing if you weren’t as familiar with them you probably would have thought they were made for Gotham.
The only thing that stopped me from giving this 10/10 was the length of the film, it was extremely long but it did keep my attention for the entirety. I will definitely be recommending this to anyone!
Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman was a good interpretation and as independent as you would want her to be. Also I knew that Colin Farrell was playing Penguin, but if I hadn’t have already known, I definitely wouldn’t have guessed!
The Riddler was much more insane than I could ever have imagined, and I think Paul Dano played him perfectly. I enjoyed watching his riddles unfold and him thinking his relationship with Batman was so much more than it was.
I loved how they changed well know places in Liverpool into the backdrop of Gotham, and once they were done with the editing if you weren’t as familiar with them you probably would have thought they were made for Gotham.
The only thing that stopped me from giving this 10/10 was the length of the film, it was extremely long but it did keep my attention for the entirety. I will definitely be recommending this to anyone!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Knits, Knots, and Knives in Books
Dec 8, 2022
Can Lia Knit Together the Clues from Another Knotty Murder?
Lia Geiger’s normal weekend craft fair is looking a bit different thanks to a Civil War reenactment taking place on the property. She’s looking forward to it, although she quickly learns that there has been a recent power struggle in the group of reenactors. When the smoke on the battle clears, the dead body of Arden Sprouse is discovered. He was the one most responsible for the conflicts in the group. Unfortunately, suspicion has fallen on Lia’s neighbor. Can she figure out what really happened during the battle?
I’ve enjoyed this series because I really like Lia and her immediate family and friends. She is a little older than a typical cozy sleuth, which I appreciate. Her relationship with her daughter is a highlight as well. While the suspects are all strong, I wish we’d had more of a reintroduction to the minor characters who populate Lia’s world. The plot is good. I do wish we had gotten shorter clue recaps, but there were several good twists along the way to the logical climax. I also enjoyed some solid sub-plots. The reenactment combined well with the crafting theme. Those who have been enjoying this series will be pleased with the latest entry.
I’ve enjoyed this series because I really like Lia and her immediate family and friends. She is a little older than a typical cozy sleuth, which I appreciate. Her relationship with her daughter is a highlight as well. While the suspects are all strong, I wish we’d had more of a reintroduction to the minor characters who populate Lia’s world. The plot is good. I do wish we had gotten shorter clue recaps, but there were several good twists along the way to the logical climax. I also enjoyed some solid sub-plots. The reenactment combined well with the crafting theme. Those who have been enjoying this series will be pleased with the latest entry.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Blood Runs Cold (DS Max Craigie #4) in Books
Apr 3, 2023
Wow ... just wow!!!
Once again, Mr Lancaster has written an absolute cracker in this brilliant series and whilst this is the fourth, it is quite successful as a standalone however, I would highly recommend you go back and read the other three because it will help with getting to know the main characters but also because they are just really good books!
DS Max Craigie and his team are strong characters that work well as a small but formidable team rooting out corruption within Police Scotland; Mr Lancaster has written them so well that I have found myself becoming really attached to them. Their relationship and dialogue feels authentic and I found myself tittering away to myself at times which helped to lighten what is, essentially, a very dark story.
This is a dark, gritty and fast paced police procedural that I was totally and completely absorbed by from the very start. The plot is scarily plausible and realistic with some excellent twists and turns which adds to the intensity.
Highly recommended and I urge everyone to read this excellent series; I can't wait for the next instalment and I must thank HQ, an imprint of HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of the brilliant Blood Runs Cold.
Once again, Mr Lancaster has written an absolute cracker in this brilliant series and whilst this is the fourth, it is quite successful as a standalone however, I would highly recommend you go back and read the other three because it will help with getting to know the main characters but also because they are just really good books!
DS Max Craigie and his team are strong characters that work well as a small but formidable team rooting out corruption within Police Scotland; Mr Lancaster has written them so well that I have found myself becoming really attached to them. Their relationship and dialogue feels authentic and I found myself tittering away to myself at times which helped to lighten what is, essentially, a very dark story.
This is a dark, gritty and fast paced police procedural that I was totally and completely absorbed by from the very start. The plot is scarily plausible and realistic with some excellent twists and turns which adds to the intensity.
Highly recommended and I urge everyone to read this excellent series; I can't wait for the next instalment and I must thank HQ, an imprint of HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of the brilliant Blood Runs Cold.
Her Guardian Angel (Her Angel: Eternal Warriors #1)
8.0
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Book
A love so strong it will shake Heaven and Hell. A guardian angel dedicated to his duty, Marcus...
Paranormal Romance
Merissa (13100 KP) rated Chartreuse in Books
Apr 6, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
This is the third book of T. E. Ridener's that I have read and I have to admit to this one being my favourite by far.
This is a story about love, through and through. It is about how hard it can be to have any relationship and make it work, let alone when you think the whole town is against you because of some thick-headed bigots. This is a very emotive book, written with great depth of feeling and I'm not ashamed to say that I was in tears at the end. Whether they were good tears or sad tears I'll leave it for you to find out when you read it.
The characters in this book grow into themselves in a way that everyone, regardless of sexuality, can relate to. It is a general part of growing up, of finding out who you are, of what you can do, of experiencing new things like going to a new restaurant or bar for the first time.
Absolutely loved this book and would (and will!) totally recommend it.
* 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. *
September 10, 2016
This is a story about love, through and through. It is about how hard it can be to have any relationship and make it work, let alone when you think the whole town is against you because of some thick-headed bigots. This is a very emotive book, written with great depth of feeling and I'm not ashamed to say that I was in tears at the end. Whether they were good tears or sad tears I'll leave it for you to find out when you read it.
The characters in this book grow into themselves in a way that everyone, regardless of sexuality, can relate to. It is a general part of growing up, of finding out who you are, of what you can do, of experiencing new things like going to a new restaurant or bar for the first time.
Absolutely loved this book and would (and will!) totally recommend it.
* 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. *
September 10, 2016
Merissa (13100 KP) rated Blood Flame (Flame #1) in Books
Apr 15, 2023
In the first of a new series, we enter the world of the alters - where those that have gone through a paranormal change have to live. Their lives are irrevocably changed in more ways than one. To go back to the human world, you need a passport!
Connor and Iris are both obsessed with each other but neither will act upon it as they are 'enemies'. Vampires and Witches are basically distrustful of each other and with good reason. This doesn't stop the feelings that they are both fighting though. Circumstances push them together when it becomes clear that they are both being played and their lives are at stake.
This is a fast-paced and action-packed book that will delight and titillate! I loved the relationship that grew between Connor and Iris, even with the darkness that enveloped them both. The levels of trust go up as they spend more time with each other and learn the secrets of their past.
An excellent start to a new series that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Aug 21, 2015
Connor and Iris are both obsessed with each other but neither will act upon it as they are 'enemies'. Vampires and Witches are basically distrustful of each other and with good reason. This doesn't stop the feelings that they are both fighting though. Circumstances push them together when it becomes clear that they are both being played and their lives are at stake.
This is a fast-paced and action-packed book that will delight and titillate! I loved the relationship that grew between Connor and Iris, even with the darkness that enveloped them both. The levels of trust go up as they spend more time with each other and learn the secrets of their past.
An excellent start to a new series that I thoroughly enjoyed. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Aug 21, 2015
Seduced (Blood Rose Tales #3)
8.0
Rate It
Book
Charlotte Vail finds herself irresistibly drawn to one of Grochaire Realm’s top agents for the RIU...
Adult Paranormal Romance Novella
Merissa (13100 KP) rated Jesse's Diner (Hope, #2) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
This is a feel-good, sexy, romance novella in the Hope series. Steve and Tanner have known each other for a long time, and Tanner has had a crush on Steve since the very beginning. When he receives a call from Mike, his best friend and Steve's son, saying that he is worried about his dad, Tanner feels like he has to check in on him to make sure he's okay.
There is a revelation from Steve which has the possibility to destroy their relationship before it even gets started. Instead, I was very impressed with Tanner's reaction and subsequent research/knowledge, whatever you want to call it.
I adored this book - every single word. This is a hug-in-a-book, with some incredibly sensual scenes too. And just in case, the story itself isn't enough, the dedication brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. And there are not many dedications that I can say that about!
Highly recommended!!
* 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!
Sep 29, 2015
There is a revelation from Steve which has the possibility to destroy their relationship before it even gets started. Instead, I was very impressed with Tanner's reaction and subsequent research/knowledge, whatever you want to call it.
I adored this book - every single word. This is a hug-in-a-book, with some incredibly sensual scenes too. And just in case, the story itself isn't enough, the dedication brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. And there are not many dedications that I can say that about!
Highly recommended!!
* 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!
Sep 29, 2015