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LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Notes on a Scandal (2006) in Movies

Sep 20, 2020 (Updated Nov 29, 2020)  
Notes on a Scandal (2006)
Notes on a Scandal (2006)
2006 | Drama
9
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
Jesus - and I cannot stress this enough - CHRIST. 92 minutes of perfectly-paced, rhythmic showcases for some of the hardest-to-watch scenes in cinematic history which don't spill a single drop of blood. The last time I winced this violently at scenes that don't feature any gore was, fuck, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘯? Just explosive, thought I was going to pass out or have a heart attack before this (classily) fucked-up and abusive portrait of the different forms emotional manipulation can take was over. Dench, Blanchett, Nighy, and Simpson are stellar and the paranoid cinematography is genius; people are always walking over and into the frame, choking each shot with paranoia - you're always trying to look past something or someone just to get a glimpse of this dark, remorseless world. I'll also cop to just loving character studies about psychopaths, let alone ones with such savage views on class and the lies people are willing to tell themselves so that they can keep their moral privilege - so they aren't like their own definitions of 'the filth', even if they're demonstrably worse. Effortlessly one of the elite stalker/obsession movies.
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Taken in Books

Oct 18, 2020  
Taken
Taken
Lisa Stone | 2020 | Crime, Thriller
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Having previously read and enjoyed "Stalker" by Lisa Stone, I certainly wasn't going to pass the opportunity to read this one and I wasn't disappointed.

What we have in "Taken" is a complex and gripping story of the abduction of 8 year Leila whose life is far from perfect being the daughter of a mother (Kelsey) prostituting herself and fighting addiction who has already had her older children taken from her.

Told from multiple points of view, we get a real insight into all the main characters which is not as confusing as it sounds believe me ... it works really well and, I believe, it makes the characters more believable and memorable.

The pace is perfect, the plot is absorbing, despite it being a little unrealistic in parts, and I did get the twist fairly early on but it was such that I continued to question myself until it was revealed.

Overall, a thought-provoking and enjoyable read which deals with some difficult subjects that, sadly, are prevalent within today's society but without the usual gratuitous violence which made a refreshing change.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK / HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased review.
  
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Merissa (13194 KP) rated Forgiven (Forgiven #1) in Books

Jan 26, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)  
Forgiven (Forgiven #1)
Forgiven (Forgiven #1)
Garrett Leigh | 2021 | Contemporary, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FORGIVEN is the first book in the Forgiven series, and we meet Luke and Mia. These two had an on-again/off-again relationship when they were younger until Luke left to join the Navy. Mia was upset and didn't forgive him... ever! She eventually left the village and moved to France. Now, she is back home for reasons explained and finds out Luke is also back in the village.

I have to say, this is not one of the best books by Garrett Leigh I have read. Although I enjoyed the storyline, especially the side story of who the stalker was, the relationship between Luke and Mia seemed just as messed up now they're adults as it was when they were teenagers. I know emotions are messy, but surely just one civil conversation wouldn't hurt?

Anyway, moving on. The story is well-written, and the pacing is smooth. I look forward to the next book in 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!
Jan 26, 2021
  
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Merissa (13194 KP) rated Lyric (Love Sync Mates, Season Two) in Books

Feb 22, 2025  
Lyric (Love Sync Mates, Season Two)
Lyric (Love Sync Mates, Season Two)
Wendy Rathbone | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
LYRIC is part of the Love Sync Mates Season Two series. Lyric/Lyrican is an athlete, the best of the best, but he's in pain and Lyrican has had enough. Jinn has his drink spiked and is left with a feral alpha intent on claiming him, even though he doesn't want it. These two meet when Jinn is fleeing in terror and Lyrican is there to protect him.

This is well-paced but fast and, considering Jinn has a feral stalker, is very low angst. I loved how the dragons and the people were distinctly separate beings while still being one and the same. This is the first book in this series (or the first) that I have read and I definitely enjoyed it.

If I had a 'light and fuzzy' shelf, it would take pride of place. A great read that I absolutely recommend.

** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 22, 2025