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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The year’s best Fantasy and Horrror 2006 19th annual collection in Books
Dec 19, 2021
208 of 250
Book
The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror 19th annual collection
An anthology of stories edited by Ellen Datlow, Gavin J Grant and Kelly Link
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The legendary anthology is back, with witches and warlocks, fairy rings and gothic tales. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 presents the best short stories and poetry published in this genre, and takes readers into the most fantastic realms imaginable. Culled from thousands of annuals, acclaimed writers and genre specialists Ellen Datlow, Kelly Link and Gavin Grant offer a broad range of fantastical and horrific fiction, including work from Jeffery Ford, China Miville, Bruce Sterling, Mark Samuels, Barbara Rhoden and many more. In addition, this critically renowned series offers an extensive overview of the year in fantasy and horror. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 is the best source for fans or nascent readers of fantasy and horror.
There weren’t many that I actually enjoyed reading if I’m completely honest. Loved Adam Nevill’s short but this is one I’ve read a few times. These are great for finding authors I have a few on my tbr list now. Overall it was very average.
Book
The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror 19th annual collection
An anthology of stories edited by Ellen Datlow, Gavin J Grant and Kelly Link
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The legendary anthology is back, with witches and warlocks, fairy rings and gothic tales. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 presents the best short stories and poetry published in this genre, and takes readers into the most fantastic realms imaginable. Culled from thousands of annuals, acclaimed writers and genre specialists Ellen Datlow, Kelly Link and Gavin Grant offer a broad range of fantastical and horrific fiction, including work from Jeffery Ford, China Miville, Bruce Sterling, Mark Samuels, Barbara Rhoden and many more. In addition, this critically renowned series offers an extensive overview of the year in fantasy and horror. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 is the best source for fans or nascent readers of fantasy and horror.
There weren’t many that I actually enjoyed reading if I’m completely honest. Loved Adam Nevill’s short but this is one I’ve read a few times. These are great for finding authors I have a few on my tbr list now. Overall it was very average.
Merissa (11731 KP) rated Red Wolf Hunting (Wolves Ever After #2) in Books
Jul 12, 2023
RED WOLF HUNTING is the second book in the Wolves Ever After series. You don't need to have read book one, although the characters are mentioned in passing.
Aileen is prepared to partner with Rory in search of the Golden Shield. Rory wants to destroy it as it could control him and the rest of his wolf-kin. Aileen wants to protect it and hide it from sight, as it is a family relic. Together, they need to retrieve it from those who stole it.
Aileen and Rory didn't quite grab me as much as Sterling and Myra did in Book One, but I still enjoyed their story. What I've found with Amberlyn Holland books is that the story revolves around the main characters getting to know each other - usually through trying times - and leading up to their relationship together, not the relationship itself.
It is Aileen's sister and Rory's partner next up so who knows where their story will take us?
An enjoyable addition to the series and 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 12, 2023
Aileen is prepared to partner with Rory in search of the Golden Shield. Rory wants to destroy it as it could control him and the rest of his wolf-kin. Aileen wants to protect it and hide it from sight, as it is a family relic. Together, they need to retrieve it from those who stole it.
Aileen and Rory didn't quite grab me as much as Sterling and Myra did in Book One, but I still enjoyed their story. What I've found with Amberlyn Holland books is that the story revolves around the main characters getting to know each other - usually through trying times - and leading up to their relationship together, not the relationship itself.
It is Aileen's sister and Rory's partner next up so who knows where their story will take us?
An enjoyable addition to the series and 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 12, 2023
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Bad At Love: A Shimmer Pointe Romance (Book 2) in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Eve Quinn is having fun with Justin Glenn, but this relationship is much different than the typical casual relationships she is used to. Could she possibly be falling in love with Justin and does he feel the same way? Justin is having as much fun with Quinn as she is with him. Being away from Shimmer Pointe during the week may have something to do with it, or is it something more. When they are both given a shock during Eve's birthday party, they have to decide what the next step for them will be.
Thank you to Sterling Keyes for the opportunity to read and review her book. This is the second book in the Shimmer Pointe series and it was just as good as the first. The stories are short(I read this one in less than an hour) and grab you right from the start.
Even though this book is short, it is chock full of interesting stuff. Love, kids, the beach, food, and even a hostage situation. There is never a dull moment in Shimmer Pointe. I'm intrigued to find out what is going to happen next with Eve and Justin as well as Charlotte and Theo. Will their love grow to marriage and growing families, or is this where their story ends. We shall wait to see.
Thank you to Sterling Keyes for the opportunity to read and review her book. This is the second book in the Shimmer Pointe series and it was just as good as the first. The stories are short(I read this one in less than an hour) and grab you right from the start.
Even though this book is short, it is chock full of interesting stuff. Love, kids, the beach, food, and even a hostage situation. There is never a dull moment in Shimmer Pointe. I'm intrigued to find out what is going to happen next with Eve and Justin as well as Charlotte and Theo. Will their love grow to marriage and growing families, or is this where their story ends. We shall wait to see.
David McK (3219 KP) rated Black Widow (2021) in Movies
Aug 8, 2021
The first Marvel movie out of the stables since the start of the Worldwide Covid-19 pandemic; I believe this was originally to be released before the likes of even WandaVision (shown on Disney+).
This was alos released concurrently on Disney+ (behind a paywall) and in the cinema: indeed, this is the very reason for ScarJo's lawsuit against Disney (she says she was told it would be theatres first, then Disney+ and that she only gets a percentage of box office takings).
Anyway, all that aside: this is actually set pre-snap; the majority of it back just after the events of 'Captain America: Civil War' (and thus before 'Avengers: Infinty War'), with Natasha on the run from the US government having broken the Sokovia Accords. It's not long, however, before she receives a package from a previous safe-house (Budapest. Yes, the Budapest mentioned before with Hawkeye: 'remember Budapest?') that leads her into a further adventure, this time involving her surrogate 'family' from when she was undercover in America as a kid in the mid 1990s.
Her 'dad' (David Harbour) 'Red Guardian' steals the show, while Florence Pugh (as her younger 'sister') and Rachel Weisz (as her 'mum') also provide sterling back-up.
Plenty of action, but the film does, perhaps, fall into the common Marvel trap of having a CGI-heavy ending ...
This was alos released concurrently on Disney+ (behind a paywall) and in the cinema: indeed, this is the very reason for ScarJo's lawsuit against Disney (she says she was told it would be theatres first, then Disney+ and that she only gets a percentage of box office takings).
Anyway, all that aside: this is actually set pre-snap; the majority of it back just after the events of 'Captain America: Civil War' (and thus before 'Avengers: Infinty War'), with Natasha on the run from the US government having broken the Sokovia Accords. It's not long, however, before she receives a package from a previous safe-house (Budapest. Yes, the Budapest mentioned before with Hawkeye: 'remember Budapest?') that leads her into a further adventure, this time involving her surrogate 'family' from when she was undercover in America as a kid in the mid 1990s.
Her 'dad' (David Harbour) 'Red Guardian' steals the show, while Florence Pugh (as her younger 'sister') and Rachel Weisz (as her 'mum') also provide sterling back-up.
Plenty of action, but the film does, perhaps, fall into the common Marvel trap of having a CGI-heavy ending ...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Ex Hex in Books
Jan 12, 2023
8 of 235
Kindle
The Ex Hex
By Erin Sterling
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.
That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.
Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.
This was a fun light read. Inoffensive and such a joy to read. Funny in places too. It was a very hyped up book and for once I was glad I actually lived up to expectations.
Kindle
The Ex Hex
By Erin Sterling
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.
That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.
Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.
This was a fun light read. Inoffensive and such a joy to read. Funny in places too. It was a very hyped up book and for once I was glad I actually lived up to expectations.
Merissa (11731 KP) rated The Snow Wolf (Wolves Ever After #1) in Books
Jul 10, 2023
THE SNOW WOLF is the first book in the Wolves Ever After series. Now, apparently, this is a spin-off from Ms Holland's Dragons series which I haven't read. I personally don't believe it necessary to have read those to enjoy this, but I will now be reading those anyway, as I love the world they are set in.
Myra hasn't had it easy and has isolated herself from everyone, living her life as a weaver in solitude. Sterling is looking for someone though, and thinks she can help. Being wolf-kin gives him an advantage because he can pick up on signs Myra tries so hard to hide from everyone else. What follows is a story full of action and adventure, with the slow blossoming of love along the way. I loved that neither of them tried to hide how they felt, which could have led to unnecessary arguments or drama. Instead, they are both there for each other, content to see where it goes.
Full of interesting characters and a storyline that will leave you wanting the next book, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending. Another winner by this author!
** 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!
Jul 10, 2023
Myra hasn't had it easy and has isolated herself from everyone, living her life as a weaver in solitude. Sterling is looking for someone though, and thinks she can help. Being wolf-kin gives him an advantage because he can pick up on signs Myra tries so hard to hide from everyone else. What follows is a story full of action and adventure, with the slow blossoming of love along the way. I loved that neither of them tried to hide how they felt, which could have led to unnecessary arguments or drama. Instead, they are both there for each other, content to see where it goes.
Full of interesting characters and a storyline that will leave you wanting the next book, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending. Another winner by this author!
** 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!
Jul 10, 2023
ClareR (5589 KP) rated Double Blind in Books
Jul 28, 2023
I really enjoyed Double Blind, not least because of Benedict Cumberbatch’s excellent narration on the audiobook!
There’s a lot packed in to this book: mental health, love, bravery, illness, fear, adoption, climate change, genetics, inheritance and technology (there might be more, but this is off the top of my head!). These are all pretty meaty themes, but I think they were all addressed with sensitivity, and nothing seemed contrived - even though one of the characters was ridiculously rich!
There’s a fair bit of internal dialogue going on, but it’s all relevant to the story itself, and I feel it was easier to listen to than it might have been to read. In fact, this book seemed to go by really quickly - I thoroughly enjoyed it, and listened to it whenever I could.
The characters were all very likeable: Lucy has a brain tumour, and after the initial shock she takes the news very well. She works for an American called Hunter Sterling, a tycoon and hedonist. He takes a lot of drugs.
Francis is a conservationist on an estate, and he meets Olivia, a biologist. Her father is a psychoanalyst who works with schizophrenics (amongst others), in particular a man called Sebastian. His deeper connections emerge in the story.
All of these people and themes are woven into a beautifully written book. I loved it, and it looks as though I have another authors backlist to investigate!
There’s a lot packed in to this book: mental health, love, bravery, illness, fear, adoption, climate change, genetics, inheritance and technology (there might be more, but this is off the top of my head!). These are all pretty meaty themes, but I think they were all addressed with sensitivity, and nothing seemed contrived - even though one of the characters was ridiculously rich!
There’s a fair bit of internal dialogue going on, but it’s all relevant to the story itself, and I feel it was easier to listen to than it might have been to read. In fact, this book seemed to go by really quickly - I thoroughly enjoyed it, and listened to it whenever I could.
The characters were all very likeable: Lucy has a brain tumour, and after the initial shock she takes the news very well. She works for an American called Hunter Sterling, a tycoon and hedonist. He takes a lot of drugs.
Francis is a conservationist on an estate, and he meets Olivia, a biologist. Her father is a psychoanalyst who works with schizophrenics (amongst others), in particular a man called Sebastian. His deeper connections emerge in the story.
All of these people and themes are woven into a beautifully written book. I loved it, and it looks as though I have another authors backlist to investigate!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated She Won’t Leave in Books
May 5, 2024
84 of 220
Booksirens ARC
She Won’t Leave
By James Caine
⭐️⭐️⭐️
She has taken over my life.
Everything was perfect until tragedy brought my mother-in-law, Delores Sterling, to my front door with extra baggage at her side. After the sudden death of her husband, she asked if she could live with us temporarily.
I knew that living with my mother-in-law wouldn’t be easy. She’s made it obvious ever since I married her only son, that I’m not worthy of him. After all, I was his housemaid until he fell in love with the ‘help’, as Delores puts it. Because of that, I’ve kept her at arm’s length, which was easy until she knocked at my door.
My husband doesn’t see what she’s doing to us. It’s clear she has it in for me, and is destroying my marriage while living in my home.
But there’s something even worse at play.
As Delores’ presence at my home becomes more suffocating, I begin unraveling her dark secrets. The more I dig into my mother-in-law’s past, the more I realize I’m fighting for more than just my marriage.
This was pretty good. The mother in law from hell springs to mind. It was well paced and easy to read. If I’m totally honest it was a little predictable which is why I gave a 3 star.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Booksirens ARC
She Won’t Leave
By James Caine
⭐️⭐️⭐️
She has taken over my life.
Everything was perfect until tragedy brought my mother-in-law, Delores Sterling, to my front door with extra baggage at her side. After the sudden death of her husband, she asked if she could live with us temporarily.
I knew that living with my mother-in-law wouldn’t be easy. She’s made it obvious ever since I married her only son, that I’m not worthy of him. After all, I was his housemaid until he fell in love with the ‘help’, as Delores puts it. Because of that, I’ve kept her at arm’s length, which was easy until she knocked at my door.
My husband doesn’t see what she’s doing to us. It’s clear she has it in for me, and is destroying my marriage while living in my home.
But there’s something even worse at play.
As Delores’ presence at my home becomes more suffocating, I begin unraveling her dark secrets. The more I dig into my mother-in-law’s past, the more I realize I’m fighting for more than just my marriage.
This was pretty good. The mother in law from hell springs to mind. It was well paced and easy to read. If I’m totally honest it was a little predictable which is why I gave a 3 star.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lee (2222 KP) rated Spies in Disguise (2019) in Movies
Jan 1, 2020
I’m not exactly complaining, but Tom Holland does seem to literally be in everything right now. As I sat ready to watch Spies in Disguise, which features the voice of Tom Holland, there was a trailer for upcoming Pixar movie Onward, featuring the voice of Tom Holland. Then a trailer for Dolittle, starring Robert Downey Jr and featuring the voice of Tom Holland as loyal dog Jip. On top of starring in 2019s highest grossing movie, as everyone’s favourite neighbourhood webslinger, he’s certainly having quite the year right now. And well deserved it is too.
But before we get to his voicing of Walter in Spies in Disguise, we meet much younger Walter, 14 years earlier, building gadgets and being branded a weirdo at school. His police officer mum comforts Walter, telling him that weird is good and the world needs weirdos. And that one day, the invention he’s just tested on his unsuspecting mum - a grenade which explodes into glitter and projects cute kittens - might just come in handy...
Will Smith on the other hand, hasn’t had quite as great a year as Tom Holland. Ridiculed for his blue genie in the run up to the release of Aladdin, he actually wasn’t too bad when the movie came out. But then came the disaster that was Gemini Man. Hopefully though, the upcoming sequel ‘Bad Boys for Life’ will be a return to form for Smith, but for now, starring as the voice of Lance Sterling, the worlds greatest spy, has certainly landed him a winner. A suave, charming, one man operation, we’re shown just how cool and impressive Sterling is as he single-handedly and effortlessly takes out dozens of bad guys using combat skills and a variety of spy gadgets. But Lance is suddenly caught off guard when, instead of releasing a more traditional explosive to take out some goons, he releases a glitter-kitty explosion.
Returning to headquarters a hero, we discover that Walter is now working in the gadgets department, where new tricks and toys for spies are designed and tested. Lance is not impressed with Walter messing up his operation and the pair don’t exactly hit it off on the right foot. But when Lance is wrongly accused of committing a crime, he must go on the run and reluctantly team up with Walter to get the bad guy and clear his name. And how is he going to do that without being seen and caught? Well, just so happens that Walter has invented a way of turning humans into pigeons!
There’s nothing particularly new about the main plot of Spies in Disguise, aside from the pigeon aspect of it all of course. But it’s the fast paced action and humour that really sets this apart from the crowd and quite often reminded me of The Incredibles - great characters and great ideas all mixed together with some impressive visuals and slick action. Both Tom Holland and Will Smith are perfect in their roles and, aside from a bit of a mid-movie dip, Spies in Disguise actually proved to be hugely entertaining.
But before we get to his voicing of Walter in Spies in Disguise, we meet much younger Walter, 14 years earlier, building gadgets and being branded a weirdo at school. His police officer mum comforts Walter, telling him that weird is good and the world needs weirdos. And that one day, the invention he’s just tested on his unsuspecting mum - a grenade which explodes into glitter and projects cute kittens - might just come in handy...
Will Smith on the other hand, hasn’t had quite as great a year as Tom Holland. Ridiculed for his blue genie in the run up to the release of Aladdin, he actually wasn’t too bad when the movie came out. But then came the disaster that was Gemini Man. Hopefully though, the upcoming sequel ‘Bad Boys for Life’ will be a return to form for Smith, but for now, starring as the voice of Lance Sterling, the worlds greatest spy, has certainly landed him a winner. A suave, charming, one man operation, we’re shown just how cool and impressive Sterling is as he single-handedly and effortlessly takes out dozens of bad guys using combat skills and a variety of spy gadgets. But Lance is suddenly caught off guard when, instead of releasing a more traditional explosive to take out some goons, he releases a glitter-kitty explosion.
Returning to headquarters a hero, we discover that Walter is now working in the gadgets department, where new tricks and toys for spies are designed and tested. Lance is not impressed with Walter messing up his operation and the pair don’t exactly hit it off on the right foot. But when Lance is wrongly accused of committing a crime, he must go on the run and reluctantly team up with Walter to get the bad guy and clear his name. And how is he going to do that without being seen and caught? Well, just so happens that Walter has invented a way of turning humans into pigeons!
There’s nothing particularly new about the main plot of Spies in Disguise, aside from the pigeon aspect of it all of course. But it’s the fast paced action and humour that really sets this apart from the crowd and quite often reminded me of The Incredibles - great characters and great ideas all mixed together with some impressive visuals and slick action. Both Tom Holland and Will Smith are perfect in their roles and, aside from a bit of a mid-movie dip, Spies in Disguise actually proved to be hugely entertaining.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Destined Dragons (Dragons of New York #3) in Books
Aug 7, 2020
144 of 200
Kindle
Destined Dragons ( New York dragons book 3)
By Terry Bolryder
Roxy is just a normal girl working hard to achieve her dreams. Until she saves someone's life, gets on the news, and winds up kidnapped by a group of mysterious men targeting brave-hearted women. Just when she's about to give up hope, two gorgeous men appear, rescue her and whisk her away to their castle-like mansion to keep her safe. It's all good, until the men claim to be dragon shifters who want her for their mate.
Sterling and Gentry are the powerful leaders of the New York dragons and still looking for the perfect mate. From the moment they meet the brave, independent, and curvy Roxy, they're sure she's the one for them. Now they just have to show her all the reasons she should be the mate of two sexy, capable dragon shifters who live for nothing but to please her, while keeping her safe from the men still stalking her.
But while things quickly get hot between Roxy and her sexy shifters, evil forces are also building to mount an attack. If the dragons want to protect Roxy from the most dangerous foes they've ever faced, they may have to make choices that could lose her forever.
The last of the anew stork dragons! We see the leader pair complete their triad! It was a quick read possibly could have had more depth but Overall it was ok! The series on a whole was good getting to know the dragon higheracy.
Kindle
Destined Dragons ( New York dragons book 3)
By Terry Bolryder
Roxy is just a normal girl working hard to achieve her dreams. Until she saves someone's life, gets on the news, and winds up kidnapped by a group of mysterious men targeting brave-hearted women. Just when she's about to give up hope, two gorgeous men appear, rescue her and whisk her away to their castle-like mansion to keep her safe. It's all good, until the men claim to be dragon shifters who want her for their mate.
Sterling and Gentry are the powerful leaders of the New York dragons and still looking for the perfect mate. From the moment they meet the brave, independent, and curvy Roxy, they're sure she's the one for them. Now they just have to show her all the reasons she should be the mate of two sexy, capable dragon shifters who live for nothing but to please her, while keeping her safe from the men still stalking her.
But while things quickly get hot between Roxy and her sexy shifters, evil forces are also building to mount an attack. If the dragons want to protect Roxy from the most dangerous foes they've ever faced, they may have to make choices that could lose her forever.
The last of the anew stork dragons! We see the leader pair complete their triad! It was a quick read possibly could have had more depth but Overall it was ok! The series on a whole was good getting to know the dragon higheracy.