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Merissa (11646 KP) rated Shifter Woods: Growl (Esposito County Shifters #3) in Books
Dec 14, 2022
SHIFTER WOODS: GROWL is the third book in the Esposito County Shifters series, and features Denise (cougar) and Marco (tiger). There is also the dodgy televangelist and a Venezuelan cartel to contend with.
This fast-paced novella doesn't give you much background on our main characters, but what you do get is enough. It is also told in a way that makes it interesting and natural, not just an info-dump. What you do get is a thrilling account of good against bad, of love and romance, of magic and mayhem.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, devouring it in one sitting. I loved being back in Esposito County and look forward to returning there again. A great story and brilliant addition to the series. 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!
This fast-paced novella doesn't give you much background on our main characters, but what you do get is enough. It is also told in a way that makes it interesting and natural, not just an info-dump. What you do get is a thrilling account of good against bad, of love and romance, of magic and mayhem.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, devouring it in one sitting. I loved being back in Esposito County and look forward to returning there again. A great story and brilliant addition to the series. 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 (11646 KP) rated A Daddy for Christmas: Ever in Books
Nov 14, 2023
EVER is the first book in the multi-author A Daddy for Christmas series I have read, and it's sweet and low angst. If that's what you're looking for, you've found it.
Ever is by himself, not knowing who he really is. His last boyfriend made fun of him for liking teddies, so he now tries to hide that part of him. Birch is a daddy who has suffered a painful family loss and isn't interested in being with anyone. Up until he hears Ever's voice, that is.
These two are just so cute - both of them listening and communicating for the most part. I have to admit, my favourite Daddy is the Caretaker Daddy and this was written brilliantly.
A gentle seasonal story that I thoroughly enjoyed and hope to read more in this series. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 14, 2023
Ever is by himself, not knowing who he really is. His last boyfriend made fun of him for liking teddies, so he now tries to hide that part of him. Birch is a daddy who has suffered a painful family loss and isn't interested in being with anyone. Up until he hears Ever's voice, that is.
These two are just so cute - both of them listening and communicating for the most part. I have to admit, my favourite Daddy is the Caretaker Daddy and this was written brilliantly.
A gentle seasonal story that I thoroughly enjoyed and hope to read more in this series. 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 14, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Buffed (Destinations book 2) in Books
Apr 30, 2022
74 of 230
Kindle
Buffed ( Destinations book 2)
By S.H. Timmins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Dante Valdez was the ultimate Bad Boy. Men feared him and women wanted him. A series of events tests his careful control and a forbidden woman tempts his most dominant desires. An undercover assignment threatens to expose more than just what lies beneath his clothes. His perfectly orderly world is thrown into chaos, hilarity ensues, and his friends are there to add in the hijinx. Join him as he shares his story of humiliation, humor, and hope.
While I really enjoyed this book which is Dante’s and lissa’s story it didn’t entertain as much as book 1. There were some funny bits especially the first scene at the strip club with Marco I did really chuckle it didn’t quite live up to Alex and his bent dick 🙈😂.
Saying this I really thought this story was sweet and Dante can take me on a date like that anytime!
I’m looking forward to seeing what Logan can bring to the series next.
Kindle
Buffed ( Destinations book 2)
By S.H. Timmins
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Dante Valdez was the ultimate Bad Boy. Men feared him and women wanted him. A series of events tests his careful control and a forbidden woman tempts his most dominant desires. An undercover assignment threatens to expose more than just what lies beneath his clothes. His perfectly orderly world is thrown into chaos, hilarity ensues, and his friends are there to add in the hijinx. Join him as he shares his story of humiliation, humor, and hope.
While I really enjoyed this book which is Dante’s and lissa’s story it didn’t entertain as much as book 1. There were some funny bits especially the first scene at the strip club with Marco I did really chuckle it didn’t quite live up to Alex and his bent dick 🙈😂.
Saying this I really thought this story was sweet and Dante can take me on a date like that anytime!
I’m looking forward to seeing what Logan can bring to the series next.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2065 KP) rated Deadly Valentine in Books
Oct 24, 2022
Murder Among the New Neighbors
Annie and Max Darling have finally moved into their new house and are meeting their neighbors. Annie is less than delighted to find out that Sydney Cahill lives next door, mainly because Sydney made a pass at Max in front of Annie. Still, they can’t get out of attending the Cahill’s Valentine’s Day party. Then, that night, someone kills Sydney. Since their new neighborhood is gated, it quickly becomes obvious one of their neighbors is the killer. Can they figure out who did it?
This book has a few of the staples of the series, including the mass introduction of suspects, but that’s mainly worth noting in passing. Overall, it is fun. While the characters could be stronger, we do care, thanks mainly to Annie and Max. Max’s mother, Laurel, is visiting again, and she provides some great laughs along the way. The mystery is complex enough with enough twists and suspects to keep me guessing. It’s easy to see why this series is so beloved.
This book has a few of the staples of the series, including the mass introduction of suspects, but that’s mainly worth noting in passing. Overall, it is fun. While the characters could be stronger, we do care, thanks mainly to Annie and Max. Max’s mother, Laurel, is visiting again, and she provides some great laughs along the way. The mystery is complex enough with enough twists and suspects to keep me guessing. It’s easy to see why this series is so beloved.
David McK (3185 KP) rated Shazam! (2019) in Movies
Apr 17, 2019 (Updated Nov 20, 2022)
One of the better entries (at the time of reviewing) in DCs attempt at a shared universe, although (if I'm honest) I barely realised that it was part of that universe at all: yes, there's a couple of mentions of Superman and Batman et al, but they could easily be viewed similarly to how we talk about them.
I was also quite surprised by how dark/scary parts of this were for a child-friendly film, with it really only lightening up once the 14 year old Billy Batson gets his powers and transforms into Zachary Levis's adult superhero (but still with his child's mind).
With a subplot concerning family - one strand of which could probably have been handled better - and Levi knocking it out of the park (I'll admit, the TV series Chuck in which he starred is one of my favourites) as Shazam, this is one of the better entries in DC growing catalogue of movies.
I was also quite surprised by how dark/scary parts of this were for a child-friendly film, with it really only lightening up once the 14 year old Billy Batson gets his powers and transforms into Zachary Levis's adult superhero (but still with his child's mind).
With a subplot concerning family - one strand of which could probably have been handled better - and Levi knocking it out of the park (I'll admit, the TV series Chuck in which he starred is one of my favourites) as Shazam, this is one of the better entries in DC growing catalogue of movies.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2065 KP) rated Cheap Trills in Books
Nov 1, 2023
Uneven Trip to Bali
It’s 2007, and Eat, Pray, Love is all the rage. Cyd Redondo’s clients at her travel agency are all looking for trips to Bali, inspired by the book. However, Cyd is shocked when she discovers her mother is on such a trip, a trip she won from Cyd’s rival travel agent. An incompetent travel agent. So Cyd races to Bali to help her mother. What will she find when she gets there?
I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series, but this one wasn’t a good. I was expecting the updates on family and set up of the trip, but even once Cyd reached Bali, the pacing was off. The usual mix of travelogue, screwball comedy, and mystery was skewed. Once the mystery really did kick in, we were off and running with lots of twists and a satisfying ending. We did get some great character growth. And I laughed plenty. Fans of the series will still find things to enjoy, but I wish the plot had been stronger.
I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series, but this one wasn’t a good. I was expecting the updates on family and set up of the trip, but even once Cyd reached Bali, the pacing was off. The usual mix of travelogue, screwball comedy, and mystery was skewed. Once the mystery really did kick in, we were off and running with lots of twists and a satisfying ending. We did get some great character growth. And I laughed plenty. Fans of the series will still find things to enjoy, but I wish the plot had been stronger.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Moon Knight in TV
May 5, 2022
It's bloody wonderful that we're at a point where more obscure Marvel characters such as Moon Knight are getting their own projects.
This latest limited series does a fantastic job of introducing him, and his multiple personalities, in a unique and interesting way. It's definitely something different for the MCU and it's good that Disney+ is providing a platform to explore these quirkier and darker avenues.
Oscar Isaac deserves a whole bunch of credit for his portrayal of essentially two different characters. Both Stephen Grant and Mark Spector are characters that I cared about by the time the finale rolled around.
The overall pacing is the main detriment to Moon Knight. After an intriguing start, it does hit a major lull around the midway point that flirts with boredom on occasion, but a sharp left turn plotwise and a thoroughly entertaining finale save proceedings and then some.
Another enjoyable, if not perfect, series from Marvel Studios then, and a promising set up for Moon Knight to enter the movies as they start to explore some of the darker corners of their properties.
This latest limited series does a fantastic job of introducing him, and his multiple personalities, in a unique and interesting way. It's definitely something different for the MCU and it's good that Disney+ is providing a platform to explore these quirkier and darker avenues.
Oscar Isaac deserves a whole bunch of credit for his portrayal of essentially two different characters. Both Stephen Grant and Mark Spector are characters that I cared about by the time the finale rolled around.
The overall pacing is the main detriment to Moon Knight. After an intriguing start, it does hit a major lull around the midway point that flirts with boredom on occasion, but a sharp left turn plotwise and a thoroughly entertaining finale save proceedings and then some.
Another enjoyable, if not perfect, series from Marvel Studios then, and a promising set up for Moon Knight to enter the movies as they start to explore some of the darker corners of their properties.
David McK (3185 KP) rated Star Wars, volume 4: Crimson Reign in Books
Feb 16, 2023
So, confession time first.
I picked this up recently, started reading it, got myself a bit lost and then found out I had missed a series in-between (collected in Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters).
Back I went, picked that up, and put his on hold to read that entry.
This now makes a bit more sense!
It also follows on more from the previous collection, with this being a compilation of issues 20-25 of the main-line Star Wars series, and with this bringing to a close the story of Imperial Commander Commander Ellian Zahra.
There's also an attempt to 'bring-in' characters from other Star Wars media spin-offs: most noticeably, Qi'Ra from the film 'Solo' but also Poe Dameron's parents. Final issue in the collection (issue #25) has nothing to do with the main-line characters (Luke, Leia, Han, etc) but is instead a compilation of 4 mini-stories starring (1) Obi-Wan and Anakin, pre RotS (2)Darth Vader (3)Kylo Ren and (4) Poe Dameron.
I picked this up recently, started reading it, got myself a bit lost and then found out I had missed a series in-between (collected in Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters).
Back I went, picked that up, and put his on hold to read that entry.
This now makes a bit more sense!
It also follows on more from the previous collection, with this being a compilation of issues 20-25 of the main-line Star Wars series, and with this bringing to a close the story of Imperial Commander Commander Ellian Zahra.
There's also an attempt to 'bring-in' characters from other Star Wars media spin-offs: most noticeably, Qi'Ra from the film 'Solo' but also Poe Dameron's parents. Final issue in the collection (issue #25) has nothing to do with the main-line characters (Luke, Leia, Han, etc) but is instead a compilation of 4 mini-stories starring (1) Obi-Wan and Anakin, pre RotS (2)Darth Vader (3)Kylo Ren and (4) Poe Dameron.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2065 KP) rated Kinsey and Me: Stories in Books
Jul 9, 2023
Short Stories and Essays
This book breaks down into two unequal sections. The first roughly 70% is made up of nine short stories featuring Kinsey Millhone, PI in Santa Teresa. She solves a murder with a disappearing body and a case of a man who fell off his roof. She also gets involved when an actor gets kidnapped.
The back section featuring thirteen vignettes as author Sue Grafton reflects on her life growing up with a functioning alcoholic father and a destructive alcoholic mother. While she admits they are autobiographical, she frames them around a character named Kit.
Fans of Kinsey will delight in these nine stories, all previous published, but decades ago so hard to track down outside this collection now. Personally, I found the back section depressing, but I suspect these stories were theopoetic for Ms. Grafton to write, and I can see others benefiting from them, too.
Overall, fans of the series will enjoy the collection. If you are new to the series, you can jump in here, too, and meet Kinsey without ruining any of fun of the novels.
The back section featuring thirteen vignettes as author Sue Grafton reflects on her life growing up with a functioning alcoholic father and a destructive alcoholic mother. While she admits they are autobiographical, she frames them around a character named Kit.
Fans of Kinsey will delight in these nine stories, all previous published, but decades ago so hard to track down outside this collection now. Personally, I found the back section depressing, but I suspect these stories were theopoetic for Ms. Grafton to write, and I can see others benefiting from them, too.
Overall, fans of the series will enjoy the collection. If you are new to the series, you can jump in here, too, and meet Kinsey without ruining any of fun of the novels.
ClareR (5561 KP) rated After That Night in Books
Jul 16, 2023
Another gripping read to add to the Will Trent/ Dr. Sara Linton series.
Sara is determined to get justice for a patient who dies in A&E on her shift. With her dying breath, Dani Cooper tells Sara she has been raped. Three years later, Sara is testifying as an expert witness at the trial of Tommy McAllister - the man accused of raping Dani, and the child of a couple who Sara knew from her residency days.
Will and his partner Faith, end up re-investigating Sara’s case, along with a number of others, finding links between them. All of this is done without their boss’s knowledge - which is very brave of them. She’s formidable!
There are graphic descriptions of rape, domestic violence and it’s aftermath, and can be quite stomach churning at times - but it’s such a fast-moving read with such excellent characters, that I didn’t want to put it down. It’s a really emotional read, too.
If you’re a fan of this series, you will not be disappointed!
Sara is determined to get justice for a patient who dies in A&E on her shift. With her dying breath, Dani Cooper tells Sara she has been raped. Three years later, Sara is testifying as an expert witness at the trial of Tommy McAllister - the man accused of raping Dani, and the child of a couple who Sara knew from her residency days.
Will and his partner Faith, end up re-investigating Sara’s case, along with a number of others, finding links between them. All of this is done without their boss’s knowledge - which is very brave of them. She’s formidable!
There are graphic descriptions of rape, domestic violence and it’s aftermath, and can be quite stomach churning at times - but it’s such a fast-moving read with such excellent characters, that I didn’t want to put it down. It’s a really emotional read, too.
If you’re a fan of this series, you will not be disappointed!