Search
Search results
Blackmark (The Kingsmen Chronicles #1)
Book
“Like George RR Martin and Joe Abercrombie, Carlson writes in this genre for grown-ups, with flair...
Dean (6921 KP) rated Lost Girls and Love Hotels (2020) in Movies
Aug 22, 2021
Lost its way
Not heard of this before it popped up on Sky cinema based on a successful novel of the same title. A different direction for Alexandra Daddario who seems to have churned out lots of low budget Rom Coms most recently.
This is an odd bleak character study which feels a bit like Lost in Translation crossed with 9 1/2 weeks but falling way short of either of them. Her character is a bit of drifter in Tokyo, always drunk and meeting random men for meaningless sex in the love hotels. Until she meets by chance a Yakuza gangster who she begins an affair with.
There was a lot more potential in this, it tries to be quite art house but most of the film is filled with shots of her drunk in a bar with friends, staggering around Tokyo at night or with random men. The Yakuza angle is barely explored with Kazu and they spend very little time together as well. Apparently a good 45mins has been cut and the film has been on the shelf a while after being filmed late 2017.
The end result is a brief character study of someone at rock bottom of life. Unfortunately it's quite dull for the most part, not erotic either. It's a shame as it could have been a lot better with a few plot angles explored more.
This is an odd bleak character study which feels a bit like Lost in Translation crossed with 9 1/2 weeks but falling way short of either of them. Her character is a bit of drifter in Tokyo, always drunk and meeting random men for meaningless sex in the love hotels. Until she meets by chance a Yakuza gangster who she begins an affair with.
There was a lot more potential in this, it tries to be quite art house but most of the film is filled with shots of her drunk in a bar with friends, staggering around Tokyo at night or with random men. The Yakuza angle is barely explored with Kazu and they spend very little time together as well. Apparently a good 45mins has been cut and the film has been on the shelf a while after being filmed late 2017.
The end result is a brief character study of someone at rock bottom of life. Unfortunately it's quite dull for the most part, not erotic either. It's a shame as it could have been a lot better with a few plot angles explored more.
Renovated (Chance Brothers #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
They’ve been hired to remodel a mansion. Will they end up getting a room? Marisa Sanchez has...
Adult Contemporary Romance
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Sanctum (Saving Setora #2) in Books
Oct 12, 2021
167 of 250
Kindle
Sanctum (saving Setora book 2)
By Raven Dark and Petra J.Knox
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Once again, I find myself in a dangerous predicament.
Kidnapped by enemies of the Dark Legion, barbarians far more dangerous than my road warrior masters, escape remains out of reach. Even if I did get away, how would I survive, alone in the desert with Damien's men still searching for me?
With the barbarian crew preparing to take me to a distant icy land I know nothing about, I can't help but think of the masters I left behind - the road warrior pirates in leather cuts I shouldn't want. I know I'll never see them again. And even if they were to free me, what then? Would I want them as my masters?
Then at the last moment, I'm presented with something no slave has ever been given - a choice. A choice that could change my entire destiny and those of everyone around me or bring me headlong into a life I should never have trusted. I have a feeling everything is about to change, but will I survive long enough to see it?
I’m still so on the fence with this series! Yes it has hot men! Hot females! Hot sex scenes! BUT I’m not onboard with the female slaves and the demeaning manor in some of the scenes! Maybe setora can turn this place around?
Kindle
Sanctum (saving Setora book 2)
By Raven Dark and Petra J.Knox
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Once again, I find myself in a dangerous predicament.
Kidnapped by enemies of the Dark Legion, barbarians far more dangerous than my road warrior masters, escape remains out of reach. Even if I did get away, how would I survive, alone in the desert with Damien's men still searching for me?
With the barbarian crew preparing to take me to a distant icy land I know nothing about, I can't help but think of the masters I left behind - the road warrior pirates in leather cuts I shouldn't want. I know I'll never see them again. And even if they were to free me, what then? Would I want them as my masters?
Then at the last moment, I'm presented with something no slave has ever been given - a choice. A choice that could change my entire destiny and those of everyone around me or bring me headlong into a life I should never have trusted. I have a feeling everything is about to change, but will I survive long enough to see it?
I’m still so on the fence with this series! Yes it has hot men! Hot females! Hot sex scenes! BUT I’m not onboard with the female slaves and the demeaning manor in some of the scenes! Maybe setora can turn this place around?
Exodus (Valen's Pack #2)
9.0
Rate It
Book
Survival of the fittest? Not when chaos rules. Rivvie does his best as beta, but he’s lonely...
MM Paranormal Romance BDSM Dystopian
Merissa (11600 KP) rated Amethyst Flame (Flame #2) in Books
Apr 15, 2023
The second in the Flame series, this is the story of Vaughan and Emma, a vampire and witch who have worked together for months. A friendship had grown between them before it became more than one night, which they both swore would never happen again. However, their friendship remained and when it becomes apparent that they are marked for death, circumstances change.
The world of Five Bridges is a very violent place and sex trafficking is commonplace. Vaughan's sister disappeared years ago and he has never been able to find her. Emma has had to deal with her own share of violence but this hasn't changed either of them from wanting to make the world a better place.
There was only one bit that had me confused which could be as simple an explanation as the Amethyst Flame was screwing with her mind, but there was one bit when Beth called Vaughan 'Nathan', and he answered her, saying "I'm here."
This is a fast-paced and exciting addition to the Flames series. Although all of the action takes place in a short amount of time, this couple has had the time to build up a connection, which always makes for good reading. 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!
Sep 15, 2015
The world of Five Bridges is a very violent place and sex trafficking is commonplace. Vaughan's sister disappeared years ago and he has never been able to find her. Emma has had to deal with her own share of violence but this hasn't changed either of them from wanting to make the world a better place.
There was only one bit that had me confused which could be as simple an explanation as the Amethyst Flame was screwing with her mind, but there was one bit when Beth called Vaughan 'Nathan', and he answered her, saying "I'm here."
This is a fast-paced and exciting addition to the Flames series. Although all of the action takes place in a short amount of time, this couple has had the time to build up a connection, which always makes for good reading. 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!
Sep 15, 2015
Clueless (Squad Goals #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
The Cheerleader and His Twin’s Best Friend Lexi I’ve been in love with Ryder Jackson since...
Contemporary MM Romance
Merissa (11600 KP) rated Stone Heart (The Compelled Chronicles #1) in Books
May 8, 2023
This is the first of the Compelled Chronicles and it starts with a bang! Dani is starting a new school and although she is nervous, it is not because of the usual new school reasons. The reason Dani is nervous is because she seems to have this ability that draws members of the opposite sex to her, before either making them head for the hills or become a stalker. She has no idea what's going on or why this happens, but she has learned how to live with it. The first boy she meets, Caine, seems immune to her 'charms' and Dani hopes that she has found herself the first male friend she has had in a long time. However, meeting Caine is something that starts off her journey into the unknown where she will have to fight the paranormal, and her life will be threatened simply 'because'.
This is a gripping and thrilling first instalment that ends on an amazing cliffhanger! Full of mystery and action, you are left with questions unanswered. I won't put the questions out here, you'll need to read the book for yourself, but I will say that you will immediately want to know more. Excellent start and 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!
Dec 26, 2015
This is a gripping and thrilling first instalment that ends on an amazing cliffhanger! Full of mystery and action, you are left with questions unanswered. I won't put the questions out here, you'll need to read the book for yourself, but I will say that you will immediately want to know more. Excellent start and 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!
Dec 26, 2015
Mrs March
10.0
Rate It
Book
Shirley Jackson meets Ottessa Moshfegh meets My Sister the Serial Killer in a brilliantly unsettling...
1950’s USA Historical fiction suspense
I loved this! We meet Mia at a pet bereavement group - but her cat, Pigeon, is alive and well. She lives with her husband, his son and her beloved house cat. Oh, and the ex-wife comes and goes as she pleases with her own key!
Mia’s life is very regimented, and this is apparent in every aspect. Especially work. She works for a socialite jewellery maker, who seems to have no business sense and asks Daddy for money for the business all the time.
And then everything seems to start going wrong at the same time, and Mia makes a lot of questionable, yet understandable, decisions.
There’s some graphic sex scenes (not a problem for me, but fair warning, as some of my fellow readers on The Pigeonhole didn’t appreciate them), and scenes where Mia struggles with her mental health, culminating in suicidal thoughts.
On the outside, Mia is all business and appears to be emotionally detached. On the inside, it’s clearly a maelstrom of feelings which are mainly caused by a terrible childhood and a stupid husband (I couldn’t think of a more appropriate word, and he is stupid).
I’ve read a couple of Dawn’s books now, and I should stop being so surprised at how thoughtful, emotional and funny they are. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I’m no cat lady (dogs all the way - but I do like cats too, so perhaps I’m a bit of both).
Mia’s life is very regimented, and this is apparent in every aspect. Especially work. She works for a socialite jewellery maker, who seems to have no business sense and asks Daddy for money for the business all the time.
And then everything seems to start going wrong at the same time, and Mia makes a lot of questionable, yet understandable, decisions.
There’s some graphic sex scenes (not a problem for me, but fair warning, as some of my fellow readers on The Pigeonhole didn’t appreciate them), and scenes where Mia struggles with her mental health, culminating in suicidal thoughts.
On the outside, Mia is all business and appears to be emotionally detached. On the inside, it’s clearly a maelstrom of feelings which are mainly caused by a terrible childhood and a stupid husband (I couldn’t think of a more appropriate word, and he is stupid).
I’ve read a couple of Dawn’s books now, and I should stop being so surprised at how thoughtful, emotional and funny they are. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I’m no cat lady (dogs all the way - but I do like cats too, so perhaps I’m a bit of both).