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MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Daisy Jones & the Six in Books
Apr 4, 2019
I adored this book.
It's so completely different from anything I've recently read. I do love my psychological thrillers, but sometimes it's nice to jump into a totally different world. Daisy Jones & The Six perfectly fits the bill.
There's been so much hype surrounding this book that I'm sure you know the premise by now: set in the mid-sixties through late seventies, Daisy Jones & The Six is about the rise and eventual fall of a fictional rock band. It reads like a Rolling Stone interview, or an episode of Behind the Music, which is an interesting and effective approach to the subject matter. I was immediately immersed in the story, but this also means I flew through it so quickly that I was sad when it was over. It drew me in so completely that I actually forgot this was not a real band.
Sex? ✔ Drugs? ✔ Rock 'n' Roll? ✔
Daisy Jones & The Six has all this and more. I've heard that it bears more than a passing resemblance to Fleetwood Mac's history, which makes sense as the author herself states that she was very much influenced by Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks (a living goddess if there ever was one). Every character is flawed, because, life. The descriptions of the songs, the music, are so complete, I could almost hear them in my head.
Last summer, Amazon ordered a 13-episode limited series of the book. The series will be co-produced by Amazon Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine banner. ALSO: Amazon will be distributing original music from the television adaptation exclusively through Amazon Music. ?
And I.Can't.Wait.
?
It's so completely different from anything I've recently read. I do love my psychological thrillers, but sometimes it's nice to jump into a totally different world. Daisy Jones & The Six perfectly fits the bill.
There's been so much hype surrounding this book that I'm sure you know the premise by now: set in the mid-sixties through late seventies, Daisy Jones & The Six is about the rise and eventual fall of a fictional rock band. It reads like a Rolling Stone interview, or an episode of Behind the Music, which is an interesting and effective approach to the subject matter. I was immediately immersed in the story, but this also means I flew through it so quickly that I was sad when it was over. It drew me in so completely that I actually forgot this was not a real band.
Sex? ✔ Drugs? ✔ Rock 'n' Roll? ✔
Daisy Jones & The Six has all this and more. I've heard that it bears more than a passing resemblance to Fleetwood Mac's history, which makes sense as the author herself states that she was very much influenced by Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks (a living goddess if there ever was one). Every character is flawed, because, life. The descriptions of the songs, the music, are so complete, I could almost hear them in my head.
Last summer, Amazon ordered a 13-episode limited series of the book. The series will be co-produced by Amazon Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine banner. ALSO: Amazon will be distributing original music from the television adaptation exclusively through Amazon Music. ?
And I.Can't.Wait.
?
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Sweetbitter in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Tess has just picked up her entire life in Ohio and decided to move to New York City. She has no plans, no job, but she knows she has to get away. When she arrives in New York, she already has a
place to live lined up, but she has to move quickly to find a job. She drops her resume at several coffee shops and restaurants and hopes for the best. When she come upon one of the best restaurants in the city. She's sure she won't have a shot with this place, but what is there to lose? She is pleasantly surprised when she is invited to train.
It took me a while to get through this book. Vacation was a big part of it and another part was that I just didn't find myself drawn to the story. I think those in the restaurant industry will appreciate this book. My husband, who isn't a reader, was intrigued by the story as I was listening to it once when he was in the car. The main reason I decided to pick up this book was because I was interested in the TV show on Starz after seeing the previews. I had to read the book first before I could watch the show.
So after a month, I finally got through the book. I'm not sure I would ever want to work at a restaurant after this. All the drinking, drugs and sex that goes on. It seems like everyone is sleeping with the everyone else and no one seems to care. I'm sure if I was younger this book would be more appealing to me.
place to live lined up, but she has to move quickly to find a job. She drops her resume at several coffee shops and restaurants and hopes for the best. When she come upon one of the best restaurants in the city. She's sure she won't have a shot with this place, but what is there to lose? She is pleasantly surprised when she is invited to train.
It took me a while to get through this book. Vacation was a big part of it and another part was that I just didn't find myself drawn to the story. I think those in the restaurant industry will appreciate this book. My husband, who isn't a reader, was intrigued by the story as I was listening to it once when he was in the car. The main reason I decided to pick up this book was because I was interested in the TV show on Starz after seeing the previews. I had to read the book first before I could watch the show.
So after a month, I finally got through the book. I'm not sure I would ever want to work at a restaurant after this. All the drinking, drugs and sex that goes on. It seems like everyone is sleeping with the everyone else and no one seems to care. I'm sure if I was younger this book would be more appealing to me.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Seducing the Sun Fae (The Fada Shapeshifters Series, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I knew from the description that I was going to love this novel, and I wasnt wrong. I love reading stories about faes so I was immediately attracted to the fantasy of the story. What I wasnt expecting was how hot this story was! I actually had to walk away a couple times to catch my breath before I could return. Normally, I dont like dialogue during my erotic scenes. More often then not, it sounds cheesy and silly. Rivard has a talent with writing such dialogue without taking away from the heat of the scene. In all honestly, it made them even hotter.
It wasnt all about the sex, however. The author created a fantastical world filled interesting creatures. I cant wait to read more stories to learn more about her mystical races. Not only that, but she did a great job of adding meat to the story, creating a cornucopia of characters whose stories intertwine. I found myself wondering about certain characters and hoping she continues their stories in the next novel.
The only true issue I had with this novel was how stubborn Dion was. I guess if I look from his point of view, I would understand. I wonder if the author gritted her teeth while she wrote him being so bullheaded. I know I would have.
This story could have gone wrong so very easily. I have read it countless times before. Rivard knew what she was doing and expertly wove a story of love, sacrifice, and fantasy. I will definitely be continuing the series.
It wasnt all about the sex, however. The author created a fantastical world filled interesting creatures. I cant wait to read more stories to learn more about her mystical races. Not only that, but she did a great job of adding meat to the story, creating a cornucopia of characters whose stories intertwine. I found myself wondering about certain characters and hoping she continues their stories in the next novel.
The only true issue I had with this novel was how stubborn Dion was. I guess if I look from his point of view, I would understand. I wonder if the author gritted her teeth while she wrote him being so bullheaded. I know I would have.
This story could have gone wrong so very easily. I have read it countless times before. Rivard knew what she was doing and expertly wove a story of love, sacrifice, and fantasy. I will definitely be continuing the series.
Merissa (12351 KP) rated Escape to the Stars (Galaxia Pirates #2) in Books
Jan 25, 2018
Escape to the Stars (Galaxia Pirates #2) by A.M. Halford
Escape to the Stars is the second book in the Galaxia Pirates series. In this one, we find out more details about the stowaway, Sandy, who we met at the end of the first book. Brian is in charge of him, and once they find out he is branded with a slave mark, Brian knows that Sandy can't bunk in with the rest of the crew, so he has to share his room. The attraction Brian feels for Sandy is strong, but when he sees the fear in Sandy's eyes, he backs off. Sandy has been a sex slave, and programmed through hardship to react to any touch. Sandy decides that he will power through this and propositions Brian. Things seem to be working out for them, but then Sandy's owner, Sylvain, catches up with him.
This is an easy to read book, where you don't have lots of background information to bog you down. Some may find that annoying, but for me, this story was just perfect - it came at the right time and gave me what I needed from a book. What is there is well written, and features Tony and Craig from book one too. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. This was a brilliant coffee break book, 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!
This is an easy to read book, where you don't have lots of background information to bog you down. Some may find that annoying, but for me, this story was just perfect - it came at the right time and gave me what I needed from a book. What is there is well written, and features Tony and Craig from book one too. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. This was a brilliant coffee break book, 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!
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Touch in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I can't say I really expected the 2nd novel published by the pseudonymous Claire North to be as good as the 1st ("The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August"), but luckily for me my expectations were handily exceeded. Our protagonist, Kepler, is a being that is able to occupy the body of any person simply by touching them and jumping into their skin. As a result, Kepler, whose sex is never stated, has been able to survive for many lifetimes as a variety of hosts. Things begin with both Kepler, and its current host being framed for several murders and pursued by a mysterious organization, which exists solely to hunt down those with this unique ability. I can't say much more without giving things away, but suffice it to say things move pretty briskly from the get go. Many interesting characters are met along the way, both in the present and in the many flashbacks to Kepler's past "lives", and there are several instances that smartly reference common experiences to make one wonder if just maybe, such a thing could be possible. When we reach the conclusion I didn't really want it to end, but what an ending it is, with an action packed chase sequence that takes place somewhere I won't mention, which would make for a spectacular movie setpiece. This had somewhat fewer "cerebral" moments than Ms. North's previous book, but it was still a smartly plotted and incredibly fun read. Fans of "Harry August" or the films of Christopher Nolan (who, incidentally, would be perfect to make a movie of this) will love it.
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Sarah in Books
Jun 29, 2018
There is so much wrong with this book, and not just because it features a victim of child sex trafficking as the protagonist. The story of JT LeRoy is more interesting than Sarah. LeRoy doesn't exist. The person writing these books was a white woman in her forties. However, she claimed to be someone like the character in this book: a male or intersex child prostitute raised by a drug addicted mother. The media EXPLODED over this. Garbage wrote a song about these characters ("Cherry Lips" on Beautiful Garbage); Asia Argento adapted Sarah into an unsuccessful film, and Gus Van Sant designed the cover! When it came time to make a media appearance, she hired her sister-in-law, who was kind of masculine, to portray the "character" of JT LeRoy.
Thing is, this book is basically Hogg by Samuel Delaney. He's a gay man who wrote a similar book three months before the Stonewall Riots. It's full of anger and rage, and it's more depraved and weird than anything LeRoy could conjure up. The parallels are clear: both feature underage protagonists who are largely nameless and passive, used for sexual purposes, usually at the hands of truck drivers. And Hogg is better in every way. It punches you in the face, where Sarah pulls back at the last second.
Is the story fun to read? Sure, in a sick kind of way. But the fact that it was done before, and better, and by someone who lives in the LGBT community, makes it hard for me to stomach. As it is, this feels like LGBT fanfiction.
Thing is, this book is basically Hogg by Samuel Delaney. He's a gay man who wrote a similar book three months before the Stonewall Riots. It's full of anger and rage, and it's more depraved and weird than anything LeRoy could conjure up. The parallels are clear: both feature underage protagonists who are largely nameless and passive, used for sexual purposes, usually at the hands of truck drivers. And Hogg is better in every way. It punches you in the face, where Sarah pulls back at the last second.
Is the story fun to read? Sure, in a sick kind of way. But the fact that it was done before, and better, and by someone who lives in the LGBT community, makes it hard for me to stomach. As it is, this feels like LGBT fanfiction.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Bonds of Fire in Books
Nov 14, 2018
I must say that I very much enjoyed this short story...as that's what it is...a short story, a VERY short story. There was so much packed into this novella that it definitely had the potential to be a full length novel. Even though things were a little crammed in I didn't feel that the romance elements were rushed in any way just that they weren't explored in very much depth. This is a M/M romance novella, however, it is very tame compared to a lot of other stories out there, especially when compared to some of the ones I have read before *blush*. There is no sex, nothing graphic or explicit, just a bit of flirting...perhaps a little kissing, but that's about it. The attraction between the male characters is very obvious and so if a man lusting after another man makes you feel a little queasy then definitely stay away from this one.
I enjoyed this story so much that I would not hesitate reading a sequel if it were to become available, perhaps even three installments that could be put together to make into a full length novel...just some suggestions there *hint* *hint*.
The story itself takes you, the reader, on a wonderful fantasy filled adventure...where there be DRAGONS! I love Dragons...any mystical creature fascinates me and this story has the 'cute' factor, little baby dragons, families made where humans and dragons are combined, love, friendship, compassion and an invitation to brand new, exciting worlds.
Highly recommended from me...I just wish it was longer.
I enjoyed this story so much that I would not hesitate reading a sequel if it were to become available, perhaps even three installments that could be put together to make into a full length novel...just some suggestions there *hint* *hint*.
The story itself takes you, the reader, on a wonderful fantasy filled adventure...where there be DRAGONS! I love Dragons...any mystical creature fascinates me and this story has the 'cute' factor, little baby dragons, families made where humans and dragons are combined, love, friendship, compassion and an invitation to brand new, exciting worlds.
Highly recommended from me...I just wish it was longer.
Merissa (12351 KP) rated Turkish Delights in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Totally Bound Publishing in return for a fair and honest review.
The premise of this story is that 3 men from different walks of life all come together to build a new, top of the range, hotel in Istanbul. Two of the men know each other already through work and are both attracted to each other but have never acted upon it due to mixing "business with pleasure". The third man comes along to help with the authenticity of the project with his amazing sculptures.
I can only imagine the hours upon hours of research that has been put into this book, which makes the story full of Eastern Promise and richness. The descriptions of Istanbul, the hotel in process, architecture, religion and what it means to specific families and people, it's all here. This gives the story a certain something which takes it above and beyond a 'usual' M/M or ménage story. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of sex in this book if that is all you are interested in but personally, I feel like you'd be missing out on a whole lot more if you just skim to the sexy bits.
Incredibly well put together with a depth of knowledge and research that makes it a joy to read.
*** Minor Spoiler ***
I loved the part towards the end where Emir uncovers a sculpture he has done and it is all in sets of three. A small thing, unknown to most, that can mean so much. A wonderful touch.
Definitely recommended for all fans of M/M and Ménage and this is certainly an author for me to watch.
The premise of this story is that 3 men from different walks of life all come together to build a new, top of the range, hotel in Istanbul. Two of the men know each other already through work and are both attracted to each other but have never acted upon it due to mixing "business with pleasure". The third man comes along to help with the authenticity of the project with his amazing sculptures.
I can only imagine the hours upon hours of research that has been put into this book, which makes the story full of Eastern Promise and richness. The descriptions of Istanbul, the hotel in process, architecture, religion and what it means to specific families and people, it's all here. This gives the story a certain something which takes it above and beyond a 'usual' M/M or ménage story. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of sex in this book if that is all you are interested in but personally, I feel like you'd be missing out on a whole lot more if you just skim to the sexy bits.
Incredibly well put together with a depth of knowledge and research that makes it a joy to read.
*** Minor Spoiler ***
I loved the part towards the end where Emir uncovers a sculpture he has done and it is all in sets of three. A small thing, unknown to most, that can mean so much. A wonderful touch.
Definitely recommended for all fans of M/M and Ménage and this is certainly an author for me to watch.
Merissa (12351 KP) rated Marked Yours (Sentries #1) in Books
Dec 2, 2019
MARKED YOURS is the first book in the Sentries series and it introduces us to a post-apocalyptic world where the rules have changed. Same-sex partnerships aren't seen as any different to any other kind of romantic or love partnership. What is different is you can be chosen from birth to be either a sentry or a slave. To be honest, there isn't much difference between the two, although sentries have the illusion of being free.
I loved this story so much, and am so glad it's only the first book in the series. Nick was trained as a slave, and you learn through his history and flashbacks that the training wasn't all sweetness and light! Todd was trained as a sentry, and his training had the same pattern as Nick's. These two are starved for affection and each can give the other what they so desperately crave.
I would have liked a bit more information about just what it was that Nick and Todd could do, but I also, paradoxically, preferred how this book was about the two of them. How they had got to know each other. How trust was an issue for both of them. How they so desperately wanted the other to be safe.
The ending is perfect for this book, and it is yet another thing I would like to be expanded upon in the next book, or at least somewhere within the series!
A brilliant story that I adored, a series I can't wait to read more from, and a book I have no hesitation in recommending.
I loved this story so much, and am so glad it's only the first book in the series. Nick was trained as a slave, and you learn through his history and flashbacks that the training wasn't all sweetness and light! Todd was trained as a sentry, and his training had the same pattern as Nick's. These two are starved for affection and each can give the other what they so desperately crave.
I would have liked a bit more information about just what it was that Nick and Todd could do, but I also, paradoxically, preferred how this book was about the two of them. How they had got to know each other. How trust was an issue for both of them. How they so desperately wanted the other to be safe.
The ending is perfect for this book, and it is yet another thing I would like to be expanded upon in the next book, or at least somewhere within the series!
A brilliant story that I adored, a series I can't wait to read more from, and a book I have no hesitation in recommending.
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated the Xbox 360 version of Ride to Hell: Retribution in Video Games
Feb 27, 2020
Ride to Hell..and stay there!
Ride to hell retribution was obviously designed to cash in on the success of popular tv show Sons of Anarchy, which it fails to and if you haven't had the unfortunate time wasting so called opportunity...you have no idea how lucky you are.
announced in 2008 and cancelled later the same year was just the beginning.
Ride to Hell has been donned one of the worst video games ever, broken and repetitive gameplay, terrible controls, outdated graphics, poor voice acting, poor A.I, the most awkward sex scenes, seriously offensive portrayal of women, almost constant bugs and glitches, and dropped original plan for it to be an open world.
Plot:
1969
Vietnam veteran Jake Conway returns home to his family of bikers, uncle Mack and brother Mikey. Mikey has grown distant from his brother and uncle, but is infatuated with his college friend and tutor, Ellie, who likes bands.
Mikey leaves angered when Mack refuses to allow him to go to a concert with Ellie.
Mack sends Jake after him
after consoling, they go to a diner.
Outside they're confronted by The Devil's Hand bike gang.
Jake intervenes as Devil's Hand member notices Mikey's jacket causing a chase.
The Devil's Hand hold the brothers at gunpoint over their fathers rival gang jacket. Mikey spills
Meathook (yep...bad guy name) slits Mikey's throat, and as Jake mourns (cheesey scream) his brother he is shot and left for dead.
From this point, many broken levels follow, getting to the end of a level doesn't mean you finished it...usually means you failed because this game sucks.
announced in 2008 and cancelled later the same year was just the beginning.
Ride to Hell has been donned one of the worst video games ever, broken and repetitive gameplay, terrible controls, outdated graphics, poor voice acting, poor A.I, the most awkward sex scenes, seriously offensive portrayal of women, almost constant bugs and glitches, and dropped original plan for it to be an open world.
Plot:
1969
Vietnam veteran Jake Conway returns home to his family of bikers, uncle Mack and brother Mikey. Mikey has grown distant from his brother and uncle, but is infatuated with his college friend and tutor, Ellie, who likes bands.
Mikey leaves angered when Mack refuses to allow him to go to a concert with Ellie.
Mack sends Jake after him
after consoling, they go to a diner.
Outside they're confronted by The Devil's Hand bike gang.
Jake intervenes as Devil's Hand member notices Mikey's jacket causing a chase.
The Devil's Hand hold the brothers at gunpoint over their fathers rival gang jacket. Mikey spills
Meathook (yep...bad guy name) slits Mikey's throat, and as Jake mourns (cheesey scream) his brother he is shot and left for dead.
From this point, many broken levels follow, getting to the end of a level doesn't mean you finished it...usually means you failed because this game sucks.
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) Apr 7, 2019
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) Apr 8, 2019