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Whirlwind (Southern Spirits #8)
Whirlwind (Southern Spirits #8)
Bailey Bradford | 2015 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Stefan suffered before he died, in more ways than one, and it took him time to realise that he was 'different' as a spirit than he was alive. Sometimes he still forgets. He is also lonely. He has seen those that he cares about pair up as the years have gone by, and now Connor has too. He realises that it is possible but just hasn't found anyone who sparks his interest.

Jordan and Gideon were best friends, in the Forces, and haven't done anything together to further their friendship. When their time on earth is cut short, they stay together but are still unable to admit how they feel for each other. They make their way to McKinton where Jordan's mother lives. Gideon spots Stefan close to Jordan's mum. Stefan is actually trying to console the heartbroken mother, but Gideon thinks he is trying to hurt her so attacks.

This book starts off quite sad as Stefan is alone, and Jordan and Gideon have to die. However, it couldn't move on if it wasn't for this fact so stick with it. Stefan's mischievous side comes through, as well as Connor's protective side towards Stefan. Connor also seems to be packing some amazing powers, which I loved reading about.

Lack of communication, misunderstandings, personal inhibitions - they're all here and need to be solved before these three brilliant guys can sort themselves out.

Well-written once again, and fast-paced, I don't know if I'm ready to say goodbye to the Southern Spirits! Loved the book and the series.

* 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!
Nov 23, 2015
  
Sleigh Bells on Bread Loaf Mountain
Sleigh Bells on Bread Loaf Mountain
Lindy Miller | 2021 | Contemporary, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
cute and sweet!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

If you follow my reviews, you'll know I'm all about the book feelings and how much I hate using the word NICE to describe a book. But sometimes, that word sticks at the tip of my fingers and I can't shift it no matter what.

So, this is a nice book.

Roxy goes home for Christmas for the first time in several years, at the request of her aging grandmother. Her (currently) off-again boyfriend is in Milan. A conversation between them sets Roxy off in a bad mood and things go downhill from there. Or rather, Roxy goes uphill but the weather turns for the worse and Roxy runs off the road in a blizzard and she only packed her good clothes. Ranger Mark finds her, and there follows a lovely tale of finding your true self.

I liked it. It's relatively clean, just some kissing. Low angst, although Roxy does have to dig deep to make the decision she does. Just Roxy has a say though, and maybe if Mark had been given a voice, I might have enjoyed it more.

I refer back to the book feelings. My first and most lasting feeling about this book is that it's a Hallmark Christmas movie, wrapped up in some 178 pages. It didn't seem that long though.

It's incredibly sweet, and I think, for ME, just a bit too much.

But! This is the first I've read of this author, under either name she uses, and I'd certainly give her another go. A book with a bit more bite might be more for me.

3 good, twinkly stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)
Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)
1994 | Horror, Mystery
Off the bat, New Nightmare is a veritable treat for fans of A Nightmare on Elm Street. Six films deep, the cold hard fact is that this series had become so far removed from what it once was, for better or for worse, and this 7th entry into the franchise provided the shake up so sorely needed. It's meta as hell, taking place in the "real world" where ANOES is just a movie. It's a fun slasher that sees the beloved series bleeding over into reality, when an evil entity begins to terrorize the actual Heather Langenkamp, posing as the ever popular Freddy Krueger.
This whole premise is just great. The dialogue can be a bit on the nose sometimes, but it's honestly forgivable, considering that Wes Craven was trying to out-Scream himself before Scream even existed. Craven himself appears alongside the likes of Robert Englund and producer Rob Shaye as themselves. Krueger himself is thankfully a scary bastard once again. This version doesn't have time for quips or shenanigans, instead opting for general terrorising and murder (a particular highlight riffs on the infamous ceiling kill from the original, but adds to it in the best way) and is probably the scariest version of Freddy since the first two movies.
The plot is clever in its way that it connects back to the original 84 story, and deserves all the credit for having the balls to take the series in a new direction. It deserves bonus points for the commitment to using practical effects

New Nightmare is a wonderful example of what a somewhat stale series should do next, and further cements just how important Wes Craven was to the genre. It's an ambitious sequel that earns it status as a fan favourite.
  
The newlyweds window
The newlyweds window
Unknown | 2022 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Will be writing a review for the couple story's I enjoyed in this book:

Gasping for Air
Author: Ogechukwu Emmanuel Samuel

"Humans! They are the worst thing to have happened to Earth since the beginning" I agree with this 100% humans have ruined the earth with their greed.
I liked this story was very interesting. It was scary but caught my attention. The ending was super confusing.

Border Control
Author: Aldine Jojo Elhassan

This story was sad due to this girl's traumatic delivery and mistreatment from the nurses. Scary to read to being pregnant currently it gave me anxiety and almost had me crying.

The Newlyweds' Window
Author: Husnah Mad-hy

"But her fate was like the rest of the unmarried women; marry young, give the husband and their families some children (at least one boy), and subdue her dreams to the more practical and 'real life' expectations of Swahili women- cooking, cleaning, raising, tending to her husband, attending weddings and funerals, and the likes." This is ok if you want this in life but every girl should not be forced into it.

"She watched and could sometimes hear as they made love every night for six months straight." This is majorly creepy.

This story was creepy and confusing the main character gave off stalker vibes and needs to mind their own business and give the people some privacy.

Black Pawpaw
Author: Obinna Ezeodili
This ones really sad how they have to beg for help and than the abuse the main character receives. Also Binye seeing her as mama instead of his mom is sad. The mom should be around more. The sexual assault is sad and screwed up too and very triggering. And the Aunt died from self defense this girl shouldn't have to be punished for it she was defending herself during sexual assault.
  
Superman and Lois
Superman and Lois
2021 | Action, Adventure, Drama
I don't know about you, but when I think of Superman I tend to think of his Clark Kent early Daily Planet days, back when he was a reporter and when Lois didn't know his alter-ego.

That seems to be the period in which most of the Superman films have been set in (and is probably why I think of that), with his earlier teenage/Young Adult days explored more in TVs Smallville.

I'd never come across a 'mainline' story with a hook just like this before: Clark Kent is no longer a reporter at the Daily Planet, is now married to Lois who knows his secret and has kids (teenage twin boys) of his own.

Yes, I know that's been covered in the comic books.

Anyway, this is another entry in what-is-sometimes-known-as The Arrowverse, with both Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane having previously 'popped up' in some of it's sister shows - I think first appearing in the second season of 'Supergirl' - before putting in an appearance in some of the crossover events.

Having said that, this is largely a self-contained series (post Crisis), although there are points where you just have to wonder why Kal-El doesn't put out a call to his cousin Kara Zor-El to help! Setting that aside, however, this is beautifully shot (and generally written/performed better than most of the other Arrowverse shows), with Tyler Hoechlin continuing to prove himself a far lighter, more comic-accurate (I feel) version than that shown by Henry Cavill in 'Man of Steel' and 'Batman Vs Superman' or 'Dawn of Justice', and with Elizabeth Tulloch also winning me over as Lois Lane.
  
The Care and Keeping of Grandmas
The Care and Keeping of Grandmas
Jennifer Mook-Sang | 2023 | Children
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Do you sometimes have a grandma that you see that comes and stays with you and your family? You want to help her out by doing things or at least trying. Well, this book, The Care and Keeping of Grandmas is a sweet story about a granddaughter and her grandma when her grandma came to live with her and the family.

Though she is this in the prefer of her view and learning along the way. These are her tips throughout the book to help others and children. The pictures and story are done well.

I like the story; each person can change the person for themselves, even though this one is about a granddaughter and her grandma. You can picture a grandson helping out his grandma. Though this book. It shows that you need to allow time and let the person suggest, and they will ask for help rather than have it forced upon them.

Grandmas are something special to have, and I enjoy the grandma I have left. However, I loved both of my grandmas when I had them. This book shows that grandmas can do things, and some live in different places; we should still be around to help when needed.

This story shows the special bond a grandchild has with their grandma. However, the child learns when to lend a hand and when to let her do her own thing. But be there when you need to be there. This story shows the love and care bond between a grandchild and a grandmother. Suppose the grandma needs to move in and feel at home. This book tells that in a funny and fun way, a picture book. Have you heard of " How to Babysit a Grandma"? This book puts a little humor and a fun spin on it.
  
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Merissa (12061 KP) rated Hostile Takeover (Hostile Takeover #1) in Books

Oct 28, 2021 (Updated Jul 12, 2023)  
Hostile Takeover (Hostile Takeover #1)
Hostile Takeover (Hostile Takeover #1)
Lucy Lennox | 2021 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Oh, here we go again - another Lucy Lennox book that I want to rave about but can never find the right words! Okay, let me start at the beginning...

HOSTILE TAKEOVER is the warm, funny, steamy, sometimes heartbreaking story of Grey and Ellison. Both of these 'knew' each other when they were younger, although they were from very different walks of life. Appearances aren't everything though, as Grey will discover. When Grey takes over Ellison's father's company, their past comes back to play.

Okay, so it's a given I loved it. But what was it that I loved? Well, for a start, it was Ellison's attitude. Grey pushed him and tried to make his life difficult, but Ellison, he thought he owed Grey so took it, and even managed to turn it around. Brilliant. I adored how both of them just wanted to help people, although Ellison didn't do it by monetary means as he didn't have any! The world needs more of that, especially from billionaires who can afford it!

Their road to happiness is full of stumbling blocks, most of them put there by Grey himself. Oh, Grey, my darling, when will you stop running? This part about killed me, and I found myself reading faster to get past it and to my happy conclusion!

A fantastic start to a series that I will be one-clicking, just like everything else by this amazing author. Read it!!!!

** 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!
Oct 28, 2021
  
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Merissa (12061 KP) rated Feral Hearts (Feral Hearts #1) in Books

Aug 26, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)  
Feral Hearts (Feral Hearts #1)
Feral Hearts (Feral Hearts #1)
Melissa E Costa | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FERAL HEARTS is the first book in a trilogy of the same name. The story will conclude in the third book so don't expect even a HFN at the end of book one.

Welcome to the world of miasma and soul battles; where the shifters who live here are unlike those you've read about before. It is a raw, sometimes brutal, world where hierarchy and tradition still rule. Alex is the Alpha's son, an alpha in his own right, but he doesn't fit the usual mould. He is sweet and caring, and more likely to try to help, rather than throw his weight around. He is gay and in love with his best friend, Talon. Everyone thinks Talon is an omega, but he has a secret to hide, something not even Alex knows. Talon is also straight, but not as much as he might think.

This is an interesting world that seems both horrible and fascinating. My heart broke for Alex. He is really struggling with his soul battle, but it had just become VERY interesting toward the end, so I can't wait to see what happens next! And Talon, bless him. There is more to this wolf than people see. I can't wait for the reactions when word gets out that he isn't an omega. Those poor omegas!

I was thoroughly engrossed by this story, so completely different from any other. I really did not want the story to end. I will have to (im)patiently wait for books two and three. I want more!

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!
Aug 26, 2021