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Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Kiss Me First in TV
Aug 1, 2019
Kiss me first is six part T.V. series form 2018 that is (loosely) based on a book of the same title by Lottie Moggach. Set in the near future the series follows Leila, a young woman living alone in the house she shared with her mother, who had recently died. Leila spends most of her time in the Virtual Reality world of Azana where she goes by the name Shadowfax. Whilst in Azana, Shadowfax meets another play known as Mania who introduces her to a group known as ‘Red Pill’. As Shadowfax begins to spend more time with red pill she starts to realise that events in the game are being mirrored in real life.
As we are introduced to the characters the first couple of episodes’ flip between the real world and the VR world of Azana but, as the series progresses the VR gives way to the real world, pulling you into the madness of the characters and making the games being played even more sinister.
Kiss me first is not a light hearted series and through the red pill members it tackles subjects like depression, suicide & euthanasia as well as the core theme of manipulation which also makes it quite a slow burn.
I said that Kiss Me First was based on a book of the same title and, after watching the series I went off and read the book and found it to be quite different but also the same, let me explain. The book has the main core characters but Red Pill is a chat room and there is no VR or other version of Azana. Shadowfax/Leila only meets/speaks to two of the group (Mania and Adrian) and one of those are dead for most of the novel. Most of the same subjects are still covered in the book but the book seems to have a bigger focus on suicide whereas the T.V. series spends more time on depression. The book also seems to be a search for purpose and the series a search for belonging and friendship and the changes made in the series seem to make the Leila/ Jonty relationship a bit forced and almost irrelevant. If you enjoyed the book the series is worth a shot but expect a lot of changes and a bit more of a techie element.
As we are introduced to the characters the first couple of episodes’ flip between the real world and the VR world of Azana but, as the series progresses the VR gives way to the real world, pulling you into the madness of the characters and making the games being played even more sinister.
Kiss me first is not a light hearted series and through the red pill members it tackles subjects like depression, suicide & euthanasia as well as the core theme of manipulation which also makes it quite a slow burn.
I said that Kiss Me First was based on a book of the same title and, after watching the series I went off and read the book and found it to be quite different but also the same, let me explain. The book has the main core characters but Red Pill is a chat room and there is no VR or other version of Azana. Shadowfax/Leila only meets/speaks to two of the group (Mania and Adrian) and one of those are dead for most of the novel. Most of the same subjects are still covered in the book but the book seems to have a bigger focus on suicide whereas the T.V. series spends more time on depression. The book also seems to be a search for purpose and the series a search for belonging and friendship and the changes made in the series seem to make the Leila/ Jonty relationship a bit forced and almost irrelevant. If you enjoyed the book the series is worth a shot but expect a lot of changes and a bit more of a techie element.
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Rattlesnake Road in Books
May 7, 2021
I loved the slow burn between Declan and Grey!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I don't know about you, but when I read a blurb, my mind goes off on one, and I get an idea in my head how this particular book is gonna go. Mostly, it runs along the lines of the book, but sometimes, it doesn't. Sometimes, my mind is so far off base, that the book surprieses you, and you can't say why!
This book, right here!
I have no idea where my mind when I read the blurb, I have long since given up questioning my book mind, cos it's far too much like hard work, but where it wasn't, I know, was NOT here!
Such a very different read for me than of late, and I thoroughyl enjoyed it, bar one thing, and I'll come back to that, but Lord, I really enjoyed this book.
Grey is suffering, and that suffering comes across clearly, and darkly. She drinks to blot it all out, until she takes a step too far and loses it all. Making good on a age old promise is the only way she get find herself again. But buying a house unseen comes with pitfalls, and that house being on prime real estate comes with a greedy man who wants her house. And the house has secrets, that take time to come out. The cabin in the middle of nowhere does come with a very nice side affect though: a cowboy, right next door.
I loved Grey. She is flawed, she knows that, but that final push makes her see she needs to get out, and get better. The cabin is close to her cousin and they made a promise years agao, that if Grey ever left New York, she would come here. Declan, the neighbour, is a balm to her soul, he really is. And the fact that he waits til her divorce is final, is very telling about his nature. That he thumps the developer for what he does to Grey is also telling.
Said developer, Lucas, was the one who surprised me. His past, what he did, what he got away with, and how it all came to light. While I didn't like what he does to Grey, he is an interesting character. And his part in the story is essential, I think.
I loved the slow burn between Declan and Grey, I really did. Chemistry is hot and bright, but the physical stuff takes time, and I loved being made to wait.
The only thing, the ONLY thing that stops me from giving it the full 5 stars is only Grey has a say. Declan, and maybe even Lucas, would have made this a full 5 star read. I am greedy, I know but I would have loved to get into both Declan and Lucas' mind, I really would. What Declan was thinking when he first meets Grey, when he tells her of his past. And Lucas, too, when he finds out what Grey has found!
Some difficult topics talked about here, all very well handled.
A very VERY enjoyable read!
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I don't know about you, but when I read a blurb, my mind goes off on one, and I get an idea in my head how this particular book is gonna go. Mostly, it runs along the lines of the book, but sometimes, it doesn't. Sometimes, my mind is so far off base, that the book surprieses you, and you can't say why!
This book, right here!
I have no idea where my mind when I read the blurb, I have long since given up questioning my book mind, cos it's far too much like hard work, but where it wasn't, I know, was NOT here!
Such a very different read for me than of late, and I thoroughyl enjoyed it, bar one thing, and I'll come back to that, but Lord, I really enjoyed this book.
Grey is suffering, and that suffering comes across clearly, and darkly. She drinks to blot it all out, until she takes a step too far and loses it all. Making good on a age old promise is the only way she get find herself again. But buying a house unseen comes with pitfalls, and that house being on prime real estate comes with a greedy man who wants her house. And the house has secrets, that take time to come out. The cabin in the middle of nowhere does come with a very nice side affect though: a cowboy, right next door.
I loved Grey. She is flawed, she knows that, but that final push makes her see she needs to get out, and get better. The cabin is close to her cousin and they made a promise years agao, that if Grey ever left New York, she would come here. Declan, the neighbour, is a balm to her soul, he really is. And the fact that he waits til her divorce is final, is very telling about his nature. That he thumps the developer for what he does to Grey is also telling.
Said developer, Lucas, was the one who surprised me. His past, what he did, what he got away with, and how it all came to light. While I didn't like what he does to Grey, he is an interesting character. And his part in the story is essential, I think.
I loved the slow burn between Declan and Grey, I really did. Chemistry is hot and bright, but the physical stuff takes time, and I loved being made to wait.
The only thing, the ONLY thing that stops me from giving it the full 5 stars is only Grey has a say. Declan, and maybe even Lucas, would have made this a full 5 star read. I am greedy, I know but I would have loved to get into both Declan and Lucas' mind, I really would. What Declan was thinking when he first meets Grey, when he tells her of his past. And Lucas, too, when he finds out what Grey has found!
Some difficult topics talked about here, all very well handled.
A very VERY enjoyable read!
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Under the Radar in Books
May 3, 2019
Under the Radar by Lillian Francis
Under the Radar is a wonderful story about two opposites - An American playboy and a Welsh innocent. They are opposite in other ways too, but that just makes them fit together perfectly. Zachary has been 'expelled' from the US Air Force after an indiscretion, and his punishment is to become a Submariner. A harsh punishment indeed for someone who loves the sky. Gethin is from a farm in Wales, and happy to be on the submarine. These two shouldn't really fit, but they do.
I loved how this story came about. There is an incredible amount of research that has gone into it, and the descriptions are compelling. I literally found myself having to straighten my shoulders after hunching them over as I was reading! This is a slow-burn romance, with some funny parts in there as Gethin's innocence stops him from reading Zachary's overtures.
This was exceptionally written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. The characters are all magnificent, especially the supporting cast. I'm so glad I got one of the 'bad guys' right, but I won't say who or when. Everything about this book ticked my boxes - from the descriptions of war-time rations, to how some of them spoke Polari (LOVED that inclusion!). I really hope this isn't the last we see of Zachary and Gethin. I'm sure they could have some amazing adventures together.
Highly 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!
I loved how this story came about. There is an incredible amount of research that has gone into it, and the descriptions are compelling. I literally found myself having to straighten my shoulders after hunching them over as I was reading! This is a slow-burn romance, with some funny parts in there as Gethin's innocence stops him from reading Zachary's overtures.
This was exceptionally written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. The characters are all magnificent, especially the supporting cast. I'm so glad I got one of the 'bad guys' right, but I won't say who or when. Everything about this book ticked my boxes - from the descriptions of war-time rations, to how some of them spoke Polari (LOVED that inclusion!). I really hope this isn't the last we see of Zachary and Gethin. I'm sure they could have some amazing adventures together.
Highly 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!
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)
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The Greensward (Pitch & Sickle #4)
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Merissa (12061 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 (12061 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