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Dana (24 KP) rated Flame in the Mist in Books
Sep 8, 2017
Enjoyed from beginning to end
Overall, I freaking loved this novel. It's set in feudal Japan and follows a young woman as she is being married off the the emperor's second son. Mariko is a badass, There's no other way to put it. She will take no shit from others which gets her into a lot of trouble. She's also flawed in that aspect too; she's so blinded by her stubbornness to see the actual world around her sometimes. But she's not the only character who gets depth. Her brother, who we see in almost alternating viewpoints in the story, is a character filled with flaws and pride. But that's not all. Several characters get fleshed out back stories (some more in depth than others) and seeing them all grow was a delight to read.
Let's move on to the rich details of the setting. Feudal Japan can be tricky and Renee Ahdieh did it so much justice. It's described so well, I could easily put myself into Mariko's shoes and lose myself in the story. It's so nice to have that level of detail paid attention to in novels set in a different time and place.
And that romance.... oh boy, it was steamy. I must admit my weakness for slow burn romances (especially ones that are hate-to-love) and this did not disappoint. It was a bit awkward; at first I wasn't sure who she was going to get together with, but when it hit it's stride, I was in love. I really don't want to give much away, but it was fantastic to read and fall in love with them.
I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series!
Let's move on to the rich details of the setting. Feudal Japan can be tricky and Renee Ahdieh did it so much justice. It's described so well, I could easily put myself into Mariko's shoes and lose myself in the story. It's so nice to have that level of detail paid attention to in novels set in a different time and place.
And that romance.... oh boy, it was steamy. I must admit my weakness for slow burn romances (especially ones that are hate-to-love) and this did not disappoint. It was a bit awkward; at first I wasn't sure who she was going to get together with, but when it hit it's stride, I was in love. I really don't want to give much away, but it was fantastic to read and fall in love with them.
I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series!
Merissa (11774 KP) rated Prophecy (Prophecy #1) in Books
Aug 8, 2017
Prophecy (Prophecy #1) by Lea Kirk
Prophecy is the first book in the Prophecy series, and we start off with Alex as she is thrown into a cell after aliens have invaded earth. She has no idea what has happened to her family or friends, but is determined to do what she can. The first time she meets Gryf, she lays one on him and gives him a black eye. Gryf takes it, not only because it goes against in him to 'attack' a woman, but also because he believes it is deserved. He feels an immense amount of guilt in allowing the earth to be attacked. These two have to work together if there is to be any chance of survival.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Alex and Gryf are fantastic together. They have a slow-burn romance with some steamy moments, but not too many. As Alex rightly says 'it can be hard getting private time in a refugee camp'. Okay, so I'm paraphrasing, but you know what I mean! Alex is a straight-talking, no-nonsense character who does her best no matter what the situation. Gryf is the honourable Captain who will do anything to protect those who can't protect themselves. He even lumps Alex into that category until she proves otherwise. So many characters in this book, and I loved all of them! Well, apart from the baddies ;) Graig has to be a favourite of mine, and Dante, and Nick, and Ora, and... oh you get the idea! Really pleased to hear that Nick will be getting his own book, and the extra chapter with Graig was sheer perfection.
This story was very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pace was smooth, the action was exciting, and the romance was wonderful. I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and I look forward to reading more in this series, and by this author.
* 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!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Alex and Gryf are fantastic together. They have a slow-burn romance with some steamy moments, but not too many. As Alex rightly says 'it can be hard getting private time in a refugee camp'. Okay, so I'm paraphrasing, but you know what I mean! Alex is a straight-talking, no-nonsense character who does her best no matter what the situation. Gryf is the honourable Captain who will do anything to protect those who can't protect themselves. He even lumps Alex into that category until she proves otherwise. So many characters in this book, and I loved all of them! Well, apart from the baddies ;) Graig has to be a favourite of mine, and Dante, and Nick, and Ora, and... oh you get the idea! Really pleased to hear that Nick will be getting his own book, and the extra chapter with Graig was sheer perfection.
This story was very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pace was smooth, the action was exciting, and the romance was wonderful. I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and I look forward to reading more in this series, and by this author.
* 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!
Debbiereadsbook (1097 KP) rated Snowed In: Ross and Ashton in Books
Feb 4, 2019
kinda fell into this one, loved it!
Totally unprepared for the snow storm, Ash drives to his new job. Or at least, he tries to. He runs his car off the road and is found by Ross. The same Ross who broke his heart in college. But Ross doesn't recognise Ash straight away, although he thinks him familiar. When the penny finally drops, all the heartbreak that both suffered all those years ago comes rushing back, along with the intense chemistry they had. Can they survive the monster storm? Could they try again?
I REALLY enjoyed this! It was a great easy read, and I mean that in a good way!
Sometimes, you just need a book that isn't too complicate, not to taxing on the old brain. A book that throws enough hints at you that you know there was something that happened, but you aren't sure what. A book that pulls you in, and doesn't let you in for the next hour or so, the 90 pages that this book is.
Ash knows his rescuer straight away but it takes time for Ross to know it's Ash. But Ross hasn't seen Ash since college, and Ash has been dropping into Ross' social media from time to time, cos he's a sucker for punishment.
What I particularly liked about this book, was how much BOTH men were affected by what happened all those years ago. For very different reasons. But they are different men now. I'm not going into spoiler, really I'm not, but it's great reading the same situation from both sides, and seeing both of them realise just what could have been.
It's not overly explicit but that's not needed here. The whole book takes place over a matter of HOURS so there really isn't a lot of hot and steamy stuff. It is sexy though, what's here.
I just FELL into this book and I really REALLY enjoyed it!
Ah sod it! I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page when I wrote this review, but now I'm typing it up? Can't figure out a single reason why!
So!
5 full and snow covered stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I REALLY enjoyed this! It was a great easy read, and I mean that in a good way!
Sometimes, you just need a book that isn't too complicate, not to taxing on the old brain. A book that throws enough hints at you that you know there was something that happened, but you aren't sure what. A book that pulls you in, and doesn't let you in for the next hour or so, the 90 pages that this book is.
Ash knows his rescuer straight away but it takes time for Ross to know it's Ash. But Ross hasn't seen Ash since college, and Ash has been dropping into Ross' social media from time to time, cos he's a sucker for punishment.
What I particularly liked about this book, was how much BOTH men were affected by what happened all those years ago. For very different reasons. But they are different men now. I'm not going into spoiler, really I'm not, but it's great reading the same situation from both sides, and seeing both of them realise just what could have been.
It's not overly explicit but that's not needed here. The whole book takes place over a matter of HOURS so there really isn't a lot of hot and steamy stuff. It is sexy though, what's here.
I just FELL into this book and I really REALLY enjoyed it!
Ah sod it! I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page when I wrote this review, but now I'm typing it up? Can't figure out a single reason why!
So!
5 full and snow covered stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated The Blue Room (2014) in Movies
Sep 24, 2018
Not Bad
Two lovers involved in an affair explore the possibilities of murder.
Acting: 10
Top to bottom the acting is absolutely magnificent. Each actor/actress excels in their role and gets you completely wrapped up in the story. There is so much intrigue and passion to convey in a story like this and this stellar group didn’t disappoint.
Beginning: 10
A steamy beginning introduces the characters and gives you a taste of what you can expect from the film. Again, this story succeeds by intriguing you from one moment to the next. The tone is set from jump, capturing your attention with the intro to the lovers and a police case we have yet to uncover.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 6
This is where the story loses me a bit. You can tell things are bubbling up behind the scenes, but I always had the strangest feeling that I was in for a let down. There wasn’t as much implosion as I was hoping for or that should come with a story of this magnitude. This man’s world is falling apart, yet it felt like the movie went through the paces for me at times.
Genre: 9
I think this scoring might be more of a result of not as many strong films in the genre. I classify this as an erotic drama or a drama centered around sexuality. It’s not a genre I’m well-versed in, but I will say that it’s one of the best I’ve seen considering the strong cast and overall appeal.
Memorability: 9
Pace: 5
Plot: 5
Resolution: 1
Shoddy and predictable. This film deserved better. Perhaps if it had gotten better, The Blue Room would have moved from decent to great. Seriously, it made the entire movie feel like a waste of time due to a lack of payoff. I don’t know what I expected…but it wasn’t this.
Overall: 75
While the film definitely gets a lot of things right with solid acting and beautiful shots that stand out in your brain, it lacks the proper punch to get it over the hump of mediocrity. While I would watch it again, The Blue Room won’t go down as one of my favorites.
Acting: 10
Top to bottom the acting is absolutely magnificent. Each actor/actress excels in their role and gets you completely wrapped up in the story. There is so much intrigue and passion to convey in a story like this and this stellar group didn’t disappoint.
Beginning: 10
A steamy beginning introduces the characters and gives you a taste of what you can expect from the film. Again, this story succeeds by intriguing you from one moment to the next. The tone is set from jump, capturing your attention with the intro to the lovers and a police case we have yet to uncover.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 6
This is where the story loses me a bit. You can tell things are bubbling up behind the scenes, but I always had the strangest feeling that I was in for a let down. There wasn’t as much implosion as I was hoping for or that should come with a story of this magnitude. This man’s world is falling apart, yet it felt like the movie went through the paces for me at times.
Genre: 9
I think this scoring might be more of a result of not as many strong films in the genre. I classify this as an erotic drama or a drama centered around sexuality. It’s not a genre I’m well-versed in, but I will say that it’s one of the best I’ve seen considering the strong cast and overall appeal.
Memorability: 9
Pace: 5
Plot: 5
Resolution: 1
Shoddy and predictable. This film deserved better. Perhaps if it had gotten better, The Blue Room would have moved from decent to great. Seriously, it made the entire movie feel like a waste of time due to a lack of payoff. I don’t know what I expected…but it wasn’t this.
Overall: 75
While the film definitely gets a lot of things right with solid acting and beautiful shots that stand out in your brain, it lacks the proper punch to get it over the hump of mediocrity. While I would watch it again, The Blue Room won’t go down as one of my favorites.
Merissa (11774 KP) rated Wolf Tamer (Claiming My Pack #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Wolf Tamer (Claiming My Pack #1) by Yumoyori Wilson
Wolf Tamer is the first book in the Claiming My Pack series, and right off, I will say it's NOT Reverse Harem. Not yet. It's leading up to it, but not in this book.
Harper watches her family being murdered and manages to escape, although at a cost. She finds her way into the forest and is found by Wolfie. She is then found by Sam and Dolly, together with Rogan, who put her in the system to see if she can find a forever home away from them. This doesn't work, so she ends up with them, much to little Ian's happiness.
The author tried something very difficult in this book, and that is to have the character change from being a child to an adult IN the story. Not viewing her childhood as an adult, but actually being a child. This is hard because it's a RH book, so you've got to have the innocence of the child, and then steamy, multi-partner scenes later on.
I did enjoy this book, although there were parts that didn't make sense to me. I'm hoping they will in the later books. For example, Ian has the ability to be an Alpha, but can't be bothered even though he and Carter butt heads all the time. He is the one who mated Harper first, and has been her mate for years. So why does he back down so damned quickly to Carter at one point. And who was the strange, disembodied voice?
I also would have liked more character development about Rogan, Sam, and Dolly. All three of these characters are pivotal to the story, but all three sort of fade out until the ending.
On the whole, this was a thoroughly enjoyable book, and I would carry on with the series. Like I said though, for this book, it's NOT a RH.
* I received a copy of this book with no requirement or obligation to review. I voluntarily read this book, and the review here is my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Harper watches her family being murdered and manages to escape, although at a cost. She finds her way into the forest and is found by Wolfie. She is then found by Sam and Dolly, together with Rogan, who put her in the system to see if she can find a forever home away from them. This doesn't work, so she ends up with them, much to little Ian's happiness.
The author tried something very difficult in this book, and that is to have the character change from being a child to an adult IN the story. Not viewing her childhood as an adult, but actually being a child. This is hard because it's a RH book, so you've got to have the innocence of the child, and then steamy, multi-partner scenes later on.
I did enjoy this book, although there were parts that didn't make sense to me. I'm hoping they will in the later books. For example, Ian has the ability to be an Alpha, but can't be bothered even though he and Carter butt heads all the time. He is the one who mated Harper first, and has been her mate for years. So why does he back down so damned quickly to Carter at one point. And who was the strange, disembodied voice?
I also would have liked more character development about Rogan, Sam, and Dolly. All three of these characters are pivotal to the story, but all three sort of fade out until the ending.
On the whole, this was a thoroughly enjoyable book, and I would carry on with the series. Like I said though, for this book, it's NOT a RH.
* I received a copy of this book with no requirement or obligation to review. I voluntarily read this book, and the review here is my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated His Frozen Heart in Books
Feb 3, 2020
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<b><i>His Frozen Heart pulled me into an idyllic winter paradise and made me want to cuddle up with a warm blanket and a hot chocolate in my bed.</i></b>
This is the most romantic novel by Georgia Le Carre I have read so far. Don’t you worry, the steamy scenes are there too, but for the first time, they are not the main focus of the book.
Cade lives alone on the mountain side. He is there to escape both his reality and his troubled past. When a woman crashes her car and a blizzard is coming up, she needs to spend a few days in his cottage.
Sometimes, you only need a few days with a person to know whether they are right for you. What begins as a lust turns into a deep relationship, full of love and caring.
But with an unexpected twist, I started doubting everything I had read and all the characters involved. With an even more unexpected ending, I felt so disappointed…
When you find out a dark secret that makes you double-check your feelings, you need to talk to the other person. You need to get face to face and bloody talk. No matter your decision, whether you’re going to stay or go. No matter if you have already made your mind, you need to say something. If nothing is said, how can it be a happy ending?
Despite the ending though, and my emotional reaction, this is so far the most thrilling book I read by this author. Unpredictable and satisfying, she did manage to keep me on my toes, and actually managed to get me to care about the characters.
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<b><i>His Frozen Heart pulled me into an idyllic winter paradise and made me want to cuddle up with a warm blanket and a hot chocolate in my bed.</i></b>
This is the most romantic novel by Georgia Le Carre I have read so far. Don’t you worry, the steamy scenes are there too, but for the first time, they are not the main focus of the book.
Cade lives alone on the mountain side. He is there to escape both his reality and his troubled past. When a woman crashes her car and a blizzard is coming up, she needs to spend a few days in his cottage.
Sometimes, you only need a few days with a person to know whether they are right for you. What begins as a lust turns into a deep relationship, full of love and caring.
But with an unexpected twist, I started doubting everything I had read and all the characters involved. With an even more unexpected ending, I felt so disappointed…
When you find out a dark secret that makes you double-check your feelings, you need to talk to the other person. You need to get face to face and bloody talk. No matter your decision, whether you’re going to stay or go. No matter if you have already made your mind, you need to say something. If nothing is said, how can it be a happy ending?
Despite the ending though, and my emotional reaction, this is so far the most thrilling book I read by this author. Unpredictable and satisfying, she did manage to keep me on my toes, and actually managed to get me to care about the characters.
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Debbiereadsbook (1097 KP) rated Fade In (Tales of Bryant Novellas #1) in Books
Jan 29, 2020
I NEEDED Caiden!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book three in the Tales of Bryant series, and while I would RECOMMEND that you read the other two books first, its not really necessary. Books one and two are abotu Isamu and Brian, and this book is about Isamu's friend, Devon. It woud just give you a better picture of these people and how they interact.
It was the interaction between Brian and Caiden in the first two books that piqued my interest in Caiden! Devon is smitten immediately, and you knew when they eventually came together it was gonna be hot and it really is! I just didn't expect to he hauled through the emotional wringer too!
Caiden and Devon get together at Brian and Isamu's wedding and they fall into a brief affair, thats all it can be, cos Caiden leaves twon for 3 months shortly. But Devon can't fight his feelings and runs. Caiden brings him back, time again until Devon finally calls time, when Caiden is leaving town.
Because a huge chunk of the book is set over two weeks, it IS fast that Devon falls, and utters those 3 little words, and usually I wouldn't like that but since Devon knows there is a limited time available, he goes in feet first. While Caiden doesn't say them til MUCH later, I felt he did fell the words for Devon, he showed him in other ways. It's just, Devon doesn't see it like that and all his past insecurities come crashing down around his ears.
It's hot and steamy in places, and sweet and emotional in others. It hit THAT spot in all but one.
Again, its only Devon who has a say, and thats the only reason I can't stretch to 5 stars! Cos let me tell ya, Devon falling hard and fast for Caiden was great reading but I NEEDED Caiden too, and I don't get him. So I'm a bit miffed about that!
Adrian is up next, the wedding planner who lost the plot when dealing with Isamu's Baba (grandmother) and he is a character and a half!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book three in the Tales of Bryant series, and while I would RECOMMEND that you read the other two books first, its not really necessary. Books one and two are abotu Isamu and Brian, and this book is about Isamu's friend, Devon. It woud just give you a better picture of these people and how they interact.
It was the interaction between Brian and Caiden in the first two books that piqued my interest in Caiden! Devon is smitten immediately, and you knew when they eventually came together it was gonna be hot and it really is! I just didn't expect to he hauled through the emotional wringer too!
Caiden and Devon get together at Brian and Isamu's wedding and they fall into a brief affair, thats all it can be, cos Caiden leaves twon for 3 months shortly. But Devon can't fight his feelings and runs. Caiden brings him back, time again until Devon finally calls time, when Caiden is leaving town.
Because a huge chunk of the book is set over two weeks, it IS fast that Devon falls, and utters those 3 little words, and usually I wouldn't like that but since Devon knows there is a limited time available, he goes in feet first. While Caiden doesn't say them til MUCH later, I felt he did fell the words for Devon, he showed him in other ways. It's just, Devon doesn't see it like that and all his past insecurities come crashing down around his ears.
It's hot and steamy in places, and sweet and emotional in others. It hit THAT spot in all but one.
Again, its only Devon who has a say, and thats the only reason I can't stretch to 5 stars! Cos let me tell ya, Devon falling hard and fast for Caiden was great reading but I NEEDED Caiden too, and I don't get him. So I'm a bit miffed about that!
Adrian is up next, the wedding planner who lost the plot when dealing with Isamu's Baba (grandmother) and he is a character and a half!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Fears and Scars
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Mysteries of Paris
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