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Andy K (10821 KP) rated Big Little Lies in TV
Dec 16, 2018
The best thing about good programming is good writing!
I just finished binge watching all 7 episodes of this fantastic HBO limited series featuring a mostly female cast (I'm sure everyone knows of this by now).
The story centers around three women, all raising children trying to lead "normal" lives, but have hidden scars and emotional baggage in their relationships they are trying to work through. Tensions continue to escalate through a series of confrontations and slow burn emotional scenes, but the payoff is ultimately worth it. I am much more a fan of vague endings than most people, so I would say I thought they could have left out the final scene and left us to wonder what happened, but I'm sure I'm in the minority on that.
The acting is certainly stellar all around; however, the real royalty here is the screenplay. too often great writing gets overlooked since it's not the flashiest of production values, but this one should not be ignored. It shows that everyone you encounter in life is a human being with strengths and weaknesses. You have to take the good with the bad sometimes, or make the tough choices to save your situation and make a better life for yourself.
After finishing I read they are doing a second season. Not sure how I feel about that. It would be all right maybe if it was a completely separate story, but this is going to be a continuation. They are adding Meryl Streep so I guess that's a good start.
I will have to wait and see!
The story centers around three women, all raising children trying to lead "normal" lives, but have hidden scars and emotional baggage in their relationships they are trying to work through. Tensions continue to escalate through a series of confrontations and slow burn emotional scenes, but the payoff is ultimately worth it. I am much more a fan of vague endings than most people, so I would say I thought they could have left out the final scene and left us to wonder what happened, but I'm sure I'm in the minority on that.
The acting is certainly stellar all around; however, the real royalty here is the screenplay. too often great writing gets overlooked since it's not the flashiest of production values, but this one should not be ignored. It shows that everyone you encounter in life is a human being with strengths and weaknesses. You have to take the good with the bad sometimes, or make the tough choices to save your situation and make a better life for yourself.
After finishing I read they are doing a second season. Not sure how I feel about that. It would be all right maybe if it was a completely separate story, but this is going to be a continuation. They are adding Meryl Streep so I guess that's a good start.
I will have to wait and see!
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated The New Husband in Books
Jan 22, 2020 (Updated Jan 22, 2020)
Having read and enjoyed the author's previous book, Saving Meghan, I was pretty excited about this one - and I wasn't disappointed. The New Husband is completely different from Saving Meghan, but just as twisted.
The first half of this book is somewhat of a slow burn....and then about halfway through - BAM! - we're hit with a reveal that changes everything and has me saying "Wait, what?? Hold on a sec..." and flipping back a couple of pages to make sure I'd gotten it right. From there it's a disturbing, non-stop ride to the twisty end.
Some quick character impressions:
Nina: Most of the time, I wanted to grab Nina by the shoulders, shake her, and tell her to get her mental shit together so she could see what was going on. The amount of gaslighting that goes on - that she accepts! - is mind-blowing.
Simon: I had an immediate, almost visceral reaction to Simon. The minute he appeared on the page, I was like ugh, this guy - and not once throughout the story did that opinion change.
Maggie: Oh, Maggie. The true hero of this story. I wanted so badly for Nina to believe the things Maggie was bringing to her attention.
Connor: I would have liked to have seen Connor support his sister, rather than immediately assuming she was just being "dramatic."
As the reader, your best bet is to go into this one as blind as you can so you can enjoy it for what it is - a crazy ride of a psychological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The first half of this book is somewhat of a slow burn....and then about halfway through - BAM! - we're hit with a reveal that changes everything and has me saying "Wait, what?? Hold on a sec..." and flipping back a couple of pages to make sure I'd gotten it right. From there it's a disturbing, non-stop ride to the twisty end.
Some quick character impressions:
Nina: Most of the time, I wanted to grab Nina by the shoulders, shake her, and tell her to get her mental shit together so she could see what was going on. The amount of gaslighting that goes on - that she accepts! - is mind-blowing.
Simon: I had an immediate, almost visceral reaction to Simon. The minute he appeared on the page, I was like ugh, this guy - and not once throughout the story did that opinion change.
Maggie: Oh, Maggie. The true hero of this story. I wanted so badly for Nina to believe the things Maggie was bringing to her attention.
Connor: I would have liked to have seen Connor support his sister, rather than immediately assuming she was just being "dramatic."
As the reader, your best bet is to go into this one as blind as you can so you can enjoy it for what it is - a crazy ride of a psychological thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Wrecking Ball (Hard to Love, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
This starts with Camilla in court (i think?) as she is told she has lost everything she owns after her dead husband started a ponzi scheme that lost a lot of people a lot of money. She is public enemy number one and nobody wants to hire her so she ends up living with her parents and going through agencies in the hopes of finding a job. She's finally offered one looking after a young boy who has a celebrity uncle and must live with them for the duration of the contract. Sparks fly between Cam and Calvin from the start but as they grow closer, animosity turns to attraction.
I actually really enjoyed this. It was definitely a slow burn romance but you could see there was a spark there from pretty early on. Probably from when Cal turned up at her evening job asking her to take the nanny job and wanting to drive her home afterwards since it was so late. That there put him down as being a gentleman in my books and I was smitten. I devoured it from that point on, willing them to finally do something about their attraction.
Of course, there's the dilemma that tears our couple apart and even I was getting emotional at that part. Geez, they were so good together and something like that was going to end up tearing them apart. All came right in the end, though, thank God, or I would be an emotional wreck right now.
I may have to read the next book in the series because it focuses on Cam's best friend and apparent man-hater, Amber, so that should be fun.
I actually really enjoyed this. It was definitely a slow burn romance but you could see there was a spark there from pretty early on. Probably from when Cal turned up at her evening job asking her to take the nanny job and wanting to drive her home afterwards since it was so late. That there put him down as being a gentleman in my books and I was smitten. I devoured it from that point on, willing them to finally do something about their attraction.
Of course, there's the dilemma that tears our couple apart and even I was getting emotional at that part. Geez, they were so good together and something like that was going to end up tearing them apart. All came right in the end, though, thank God, or I would be an emotional wreck right now.
I may have to read the next book in the series because it focuses on Cam's best friend and apparent man-hater, Amber, so that should be fun.
Romancing the Null (The Outlier Prophecies #1)
6.0
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An impossible prophecy. An unlikely partnership. They'll have to work together to prevent a...
The Greensward (Pitch & Sickle #4)
10.0
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The Lady’s Horsemen are riding out once more. Carrying death’s scythe to where tormented souls...
MM Historical Gaslamp Fantasy
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Shadow Walker (Bloody Hearts #1) in Books
Oct 3, 2023
Shadow Walker is the first book in the Bloody Hearts series, and we start off with a young girl celebrating her 20th birthday. The boy she has had her eye on comes to her party with his grumpy brother but leaves not long after midnight. Alana's life changes dramatically within a short period of time, and she copes with it well, whilst still throwing hissy fits at regular intervals. Not that I blame her, I'm just saying!
Now, be warned, although this is a slow-burn romance, there IS a love triangle involved, and it's between two brothers. Obviously, I have my favourite over which one I think she should be with, but it wouldn't be the first time the story has changed and twisted in later books. I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, and with the amount of angst in this book, I feel there is enough to continue with a meaty storyline WITHOUT having a love triangle thrown into the mix. I am hoping it will be resolved in the next book, so we can concentrate on Alana's abilities and the Walkers.
Written in the first person, from multiple perspectives, you are kept on your toes as the story develops. The pacing is smooth, the characters well-developed, and the world-building is wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and look forward to continuing to the next one to find out what happens next. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Jan 23, 2019
Now, be warned, although this is a slow-burn romance, there IS a love triangle involved, and it's between two brothers. Obviously, I have my favourite over which one I think she should be with, but it wouldn't be the first time the story has changed and twisted in later books. I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, and with the amount of angst in this book, I feel there is enough to continue with a meaty storyline WITHOUT having a love triangle thrown into the mix. I am hoping it will be resolved in the next book, so we can concentrate on Alana's abilities and the Walkers.
Written in the first person, from multiple perspectives, you are kept on your toes as the story develops. The pacing is smooth, the characters well-developed, and the world-building is wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and look forward to continuing to the next one to find out what happens next. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Jan 23, 2019
Merissa (11935 KP) rated The Secret of Drulea Cottage (Betwixt the Sea and Shore #1) in Books
Aug 20, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
THE SECRET OF DRULEA COTTAGE is the first book in the Betwixt the Sea and the Shore series and we arrive in Everton, a small town in Orkney, also known as the Orkney Islands, which is an archipelago in the Northern Isles of Scotland.
Briony is the village midwife but that is the only time she is wanted. She is the illegitimate daughter of Bethany, who was also illegitimate. The villagers shun her and expect her to follow in her mother's footsteps. Briony is used to it and tries to keep out of their way, although she enjoys spending time with Adaira, her only friend. Her life changes when two men enter it.
The beginning of this story was a slow burn, gently leading you in with old terms and descriptions of Briony's life. It really gets going once Santiago and Niall turn up. Both men have a powerful effect on Briony, but with secrets galore, she has no idea just who or what they are.
This was a fascinating story of the Selkies, with some Portuguese political intrigue thrown in for good measure. The characters are well-described and fit neatly in their boxes. You immediately know who the good guys are, and who are the big bad, even if you don't know why.
A great start to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Aug 20, 2021
Briony is the village midwife but that is the only time she is wanted. She is the illegitimate daughter of Bethany, who was also illegitimate. The villagers shun her and expect her to follow in her mother's footsteps. Briony is used to it and tries to keep out of their way, although she enjoys spending time with Adaira, her only friend. Her life changes when two men enter it.
The beginning of this story was a slow burn, gently leading you in with old terms and descriptions of Briony's life. It really gets going once Santiago and Niall turn up. Both men have a powerful effect on Briony, but with secrets galore, she has no idea just who or what they are.
This was a fascinating story of the Selkies, with some Portuguese political intrigue thrown in for good measure. The characters are well-described and fit neatly in their boxes. You immediately know who the good guys are, and who are the big bad, even if you don't know why.
A great start to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Aug 20, 2021
Merissa (11935 KP) rated The Ranch Hand and the Single Dad (Farthingdale Ranch #3) in Books
Jul 27, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
THE RANCH HAND AND THE SINGLE DAD is the third book in the Farthingdale Ranch series, and I would recommend you read them as a series simply because of how wonderful these stories are.
Austin has been put through the wringer by his delight of an ex-wife, and he has to cope with not having full custody of his daughter. He is unsure of who he is or what he wants, but he finds peace at Farthingdale Ranch due to his friendship with Clay.
Clay thinks that one-night stands are all he needs and doesn't always say what he wants. With the help and encouragement of Austin, Clay realises that life could be so much more than just a hookup.
This was a brilliant low-angst read with a slow-burn romance that filled me to the brim with warm fuzzies. I loved seeing the previous couples and seeing how their romances were going whilst still enjoying the spotlight on the main pair. And, of course, using recycled wisdom is some of the best advice you can give or receive!
A fantastic addition to the series, I would still recommend you read this as a series to ensure you don't miss out on any of the previous couples. For now, though, I can highly recommend Austin and Clay's story.
** 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!
Jul 27, 2021
Austin has been put through the wringer by his delight of an ex-wife, and he has to cope with not having full custody of his daughter. He is unsure of who he is or what he wants, but he finds peace at Farthingdale Ranch due to his friendship with Clay.
Clay thinks that one-night stands are all he needs and doesn't always say what he wants. With the help and encouragement of Austin, Clay realises that life could be so much more than just a hookup.
This was a brilliant low-angst read with a slow-burn romance that filled me to the brim with warm fuzzies. I loved seeing the previous couples and seeing how their romances were going whilst still enjoying the spotlight on the main pair. And, of course, using recycled wisdom is some of the best advice you can give or receive!
A fantastic addition to the series, I would still recommend you read this as a series to ensure you don't miss out on any of the previous couples. For now, though, I can highly recommend Austin and Clay's story.
** 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!
Jul 27, 2021
ClareR (5667 KP) rated 73 Dove Street in Books
Sep 12, 2023
73 Dove Street is set in the 1950’s, and begins with Edie Budd arriving at a boarding house with nothing but a suitcase. It’s clear that something has happened to her - she’s constantly alert and frightened. Edie’s story is told in a series of flashbacks starting five years before.
Two other women live at number 73: landlady Phyllis, and fellow resident Tommie. When Edie arrives, Phyllis has just finished burning the mattress of a former resident who she’d caught with her husband, along with her husbands remaining belongings.
Tommie is best described as a whirlwind. She works for a Mrs Vee, and she enjoys her nights out. But as with Edie and Phyllis, there’s a lot going on in Tommie’s life.
This is a slow burn, a character driven novel, and has exactly what I enjoy most in a book. I love learning about characters lives, especially lives that are so different from my own. The 1950’s were a time of great change (again!): men back from war, women having to adjust back to traditional roles. These things were incorporated into the stories of Edie, Tommie and Phyllis. The women are drawn together by their secrets, lies and fears, and all three end up making life-changing decisions.
The feel of this book was perfect. I was taken back to the 1950’s with its pea-souper fogs, bars with dancing and super slim skirts (or even the full ones with petticoats!).
73 Dove Street is a very emotional book at times - you’ll need your hanky - and funny too. Overall, a really great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Two other women live at number 73: landlady Phyllis, and fellow resident Tommie. When Edie arrives, Phyllis has just finished burning the mattress of a former resident who she’d caught with her husband, along with her husbands remaining belongings.
Tommie is best described as a whirlwind. She works for a Mrs Vee, and she enjoys her nights out. But as with Edie and Phyllis, there’s a lot going on in Tommie’s life.
This is a slow burn, a character driven novel, and has exactly what I enjoy most in a book. I love learning about characters lives, especially lives that are so different from my own. The 1950’s were a time of great change (again!): men back from war, women having to adjust back to traditional roles. These things were incorporated into the stories of Edie, Tommie and Phyllis. The women are drawn together by their secrets, lies and fears, and all three end up making life-changing decisions.
The feel of this book was perfect. I was taken back to the 1950’s with its pea-souper fogs, bars with dancing and super slim skirts (or even the full ones with petticoats!).
73 Dove Street is a very emotional book at times - you’ll need your hanky - and funny too. Overall, a really great read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Alpha's Fake Wife by Maria Warren
4.0
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Alpha Andrew isn't interested in love, or marriage. He'd much rather hunt down the scum that's been...
Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance Shifters