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Dark Horse (Aspen Falls #3)
Dark Horse (Aspen Falls #3)
Melissa Pearl, Anna Cruise | 2018 | Romance, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dark Horse (Aspen Falls #3) by Melissa Pearl & Anna Cruise
Dark Horse is the third book in the Aspen Falls series, and I have been waiting for this story from book one. Nate is a driven detective, you could say hard core, and Sally is his long-suffering and seemingly ever-patient girlfriend. But the thing is, people will only be long-suffering and ever-patient for so long, and I couldn't wait to see how this would pan out.

I wasn't disappointed.

Nate is an arse, pure and simple. He doesn't get on with Sally's family (and yes, they may be just slightly judgemental and over-bearing). He doesn't see the reason they don't like him though - because he never puts Sally first. It will take losing Sally and realising just exactly what she means to him, before Nate has a snowball's chance in hell of changing his ways.

I loved how this story progressed. There wasn't much from previous characters in this one, apart from Blaine telling him a few uncomfortable home truths. I don't think it needed it though. There was enough story going on with the historical murder, and what was happening now between Nate, Sally, and Oscar.

There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I adored the character development both Nate and Sally went through as they came to their own realisations.

This is a great series that I am thoroughly enjoying. Can't wait for the next one.

* 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!
  
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
2019 | Drama, Horror, Mystery
Lacking In the Entertainment Realm
Netflix has some solid hits on their hands…but they can’t all be hits. Velvet Buzzsaw is proof (just like The Dead Don’t Die) that you can add all the starpower in the world and it won’t be enough to save a bad movie. This satirical movie tells the story of what happens when art becomes real and consumes our lives.

Acting: 10

Beginning: 1

Characters: 9
The story revolves around a solid group of characters. In their own way, they each play a part in contributing to the chaos of the story as a whole. Their individual lives are unique and come crashing together to keep the story somewhat afloat. They are a great foundation indeed. Unfortunately, it’s the rest of the house that sucks.

Cinematography/Visuals: 10

Conflict: 10
There is enough within the story to keep you intrigued for most of it. You don’t know what’s real and what’s not which helps to build the intrigue. Every new scene brings the possibility of something bad happening and it definitely made for a bumpy, fun ride.

Entertainment Value: 5
To counter the above, however, there were a number of times where I expected something to happen and I was left disappointed. I feel like the movie spent so much time trying to be artsy fartsy that it forgets to actually entertain in spots. I hate to say it, but I spent half the movie bored, hence the 5.

Memorability: 4

Pace: 7

Plot: 10
The premise is intriguing and unique. Despite the poor translation to the big screen, I can’t deny the daring it took to attempt something like this. The movie’s intent isn’t to wow you with big blockbuster moments, but to make you think. As our movie world continues to become more money-driven daily, this was a refreshing change.

Resolution: 2
Totally unnecessary. I’ll just leave it at that.

Overall: 68
To its credit, Velvet Buzzsaw does spin a great tune about the dangers of selling out and the downside of being willing to do anything to get ahead. What good is art if it’s never seen? Probably not very good at all, which is why I can tell you it’s safe to stay away from this movie.
  
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Merissa (11950 KP) rated Landscape of a Marriage in Books

Aug 2, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)  
Landscape of a Marriage
Landscape of a Marriage
Gail Ward Olmsted | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
LANDSCAPE OF A MARRIAGE is a historical fiction story based on true events and people. In fact, the author is distantly related to one of the main characters by marriage.

Instead of focusing on the man himself, we follow his wife, Mary, and see their life through her eyes. They had good times and, undeniably, bad times too. Mary fell in love with her husband of convenience, and he, with her. That led them to a life of adventure and hardship, love and loss.

This was a great read, full of freeze-frame moments, stuck in time. The emotions come across clearly and help move this character-driven story forward. Some of the real-life events were glossed over slightly and I would have liked to have known more, but then, was Mary involved in them anyway?

I will admit to getting lost in the times given. I relied on Mary to tell me that Marion had grown, or that John was now forty-one, as there was no way I would remember from just seeing dates at the beginning of each chapter.

This was a historical fiction novel that I 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 2, 2021