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Merissa (13427 KP) rated Spark & Heir (Royal & Piper #3) in Books
Dec 10, 2024
SPARK & HEIR is the final part of this outstanding trilogy, so hold onto your hats because it's non-stop.
Quirin and Cal are with King Eryk, although neither of them knows for sure where or how they fit in. Cal bargains for her kingdom, paying a price she has always known about. Quirin finds himself torn between his old king who made him what he was, and the new queen who had won his loyalty and admiration. I absolutely loved how Quirin talked with Kylen about Cal. Kylen was also a character I grew to love, understated and shy, but with a massive heart for those he cares about.
Still told by three different people, you literally get the inside take on just how twisted and malicious Evalena is. My heart broke at times, not only for a specific character but also for Quirin.
Now, I'm going to be deliberately vague here, but I want to mention something without giving away any details... Quirin is sent away to gather information on what Evalena's doing, while Cal obviously stays behind. During that time, something absolutely necessary happened, but I didn't like it because Quirin wasn't there. After I got over my upset, I realised it was a perfect example of how war doesn't stop just because you're a main character!
The climax and epilogue are outstanding and I was hung on every word. I am sad to see this come to an end, although I still hope for more from this kingdom and for Quirin. A 5-star series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Just don't make me choose my favourite book out of the three because I'm stumped!
** 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!
Dec 10, 2024
Quirin and Cal are with King Eryk, although neither of them knows for sure where or how they fit in. Cal bargains for her kingdom, paying a price she has always known about. Quirin finds himself torn between his old king who made him what he was, and the new queen who had won his loyalty and admiration. I absolutely loved how Quirin talked with Kylen about Cal. Kylen was also a character I grew to love, understated and shy, but with a massive heart for those he cares about.
Still told by three different people, you literally get the inside take on just how twisted and malicious Evalena is. My heart broke at times, not only for a specific character but also for Quirin.
Now, I'm going to be deliberately vague here, but I want to mention something without giving away any details... Quirin is sent away to gather information on what Evalena's doing, while Cal obviously stays behind. During that time, something absolutely necessary happened, but I didn't like it because Quirin wasn't there. After I got over my upset, I realised it was a perfect example of how war doesn't stop just because you're a main character!
The climax and epilogue are outstanding and I was hung on every word. I am sad to see this come to an end, although I still hope for more from this kingdom and for Quirin. A 5-star series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Just don't make me choose my favourite book out of the three because I'm stumped!
** 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!
Dec 10, 2024
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Blood Trial (Supernatural Battle: Vampire Towers #1) in Books
Jan 8, 2021
I borrowed this from the Kindle Unlimited library.
This had a very slow start as we see Basilia - Basi - try to be a normal person instead of a rich snob as she runs away from her boring rich life and tries to fend for herself for the first time in her life. That starts with a job, so she and Tommy scour the newspapers looking for anything. She hands her resume into Kyros Tower, a real estate agents, and is surprised to be interviewed there and then. Things aren't all they seem, though, and soon Basi finds herself drawn into a strange game of monopoly with vampires.
The first 20% or so of this was rather slow and I was considering putting this down but I am so glad I carried on. It was good! It had me up until half eleven on my first night reading it just to see what was going to happen between Kyros and Basi. There was some serious sexual tension going on and I was hooked.
This definitely has a new take on vampires, and I don't want to go into detail as that would totally ruin it but it's different. I loved how Basi sort of slowly sank into their world and just went with it. Yeah, she freaked out at times but she did her best to make friends and get to know them, especially Laurel.
I've already borrowed book 2, off to start it now!
This had a very slow start as we see Basilia - Basi - try to be a normal person instead of a rich snob as she runs away from her boring rich life and tries to fend for herself for the first time in her life. That starts with a job, so she and Tommy scour the newspapers looking for anything. She hands her resume into Kyros Tower, a real estate agents, and is surprised to be interviewed there and then. Things aren't all they seem, though, and soon Basi finds herself drawn into a strange game of monopoly with vampires.
The first 20% or so of this was rather slow and I was considering putting this down but I am so glad I carried on. It was good! It had me up until half eleven on my first night reading it just to see what was going to happen between Kyros and Basi. There was some serious sexual tension going on and I was hooked.
This definitely has a new take on vampires, and I don't want to go into detail as that would totally ruin it but it's different. I loved how Basi sort of slowly sank into their world and just went with it. Yeah, she freaked out at times but she did her best to make friends and get to know them, especially Laurel.
I've already borrowed book 2, off to start it now!
Kurt Vile recommended Live At The East by Pharoah Sanders in Music (curated)
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Coconut Island - Single by Meresha in Music
Jul 10, 2019
Meresha is a Florida-based electro-pop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Not too long ago, she released a lyric video for her “Coconut Island” single.
“So we crossed the sea again looking to find a land where we could thrive, you and I. Then a storm came suddenly, shook us up so violently, and we lost all track of time. The warm sand beneath my cold body, I rose with the sun when you found me.” – lyrics
‘Coconut Island’ tells a dreamy tale of a young woman who enjoys a sweet-like-candy-life on a tropical island with her significant other in the summertime.
Apparently, the breezy and warm air is fresh and pure, and the deep blue sea entices them to take a swim. Later, they savor the yummy juice from coconuts while the gentle waves crash the shore.
‘Coconut Island’ contains a fun storyline, pleasing vocals, and harmonious instrumentation flavored with a tropical-pop aroma.
Also, the likable tune sends an evergreen message which states that coco is good for your soul and nature is the remedy.
Meresha considers herself an #AlienPop innovator with a wide-ranging soulful voice and quirky sonic vision.
Her last single, “Jungle Potion”, went viral, hitting a million streams within a few weeks. Also, it was included on Ariana Grande‘s official personal playlist.
Meresha has landed on the Billboard charts 7 times, including peaking at #3 on Billboard’s Next Big Chart globally.
“So we crossed the sea again looking to find a land where we could thrive, you and I. Then a storm came suddenly, shook us up so violently, and we lost all track of time. The warm sand beneath my cold body, I rose with the sun when you found me.” – lyrics
‘Coconut Island’ tells a dreamy tale of a young woman who enjoys a sweet-like-candy-life on a tropical island with her significant other in the summertime.
Apparently, the breezy and warm air is fresh and pure, and the deep blue sea entices them to take a swim. Later, they savor the yummy juice from coconuts while the gentle waves crash the shore.
‘Coconut Island’ contains a fun storyline, pleasing vocals, and harmonious instrumentation flavored with a tropical-pop aroma.
Also, the likable tune sends an evergreen message which states that coco is good for your soul and nature is the remedy.
Meresha considers herself an #AlienPop innovator with a wide-ranging soulful voice and quirky sonic vision.
Her last single, “Jungle Potion”, went viral, hitting a million streams within a few weeks. Also, it was included on Ariana Grande‘s official personal playlist.
Meresha has landed on the Billboard charts 7 times, including peaking at #3 on Billboard’s Next Big Chart globally.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Tenet (2020) in Movies
Sep 2, 2020 (Updated Sep 5, 2020)
I saw this film, FINALLY; the first showing in IMAX on the 31st via 'Early Access'. It was completely amazing on IMAX and it definitely needs to be seen that way, since that was the film Nolan shot it on.
I was glad that a movie made me think and I gave all of my attention to it. Honestly, I was able to figure out a lot of it before it was revealed, but that wasn't a bad, Hint, whenever you think something is a weird continuity error, it's not, it's intentional. The in-camera effects (as Nolan calls it) were AMAZING, Only Nolan could convince a working airport to let him crash a real plane into a building. Directors should take note that practical effects will ALWAYS look better than CGI.
The cast was amazing, and John David Washington, holy cow does he have physical prowess. I love Robert Pattinson in almost everything, and I really liked his character.
I can't say at this point whether I absolutely loved it, or just like it. I had this same issue with Dunkirk, where I know I liked it, but not how much (BTW I loved it after the 2nd viewing). I've already booked my ticket to see Tenet again on Friday.
EDIT: I saw Tenet again, and now I know for sure, that I really liked it! I'm pretty sure Robert Pattinson is my favorite character in the whole film.
I was glad that a movie made me think and I gave all of my attention to it. Honestly, I was able to figure out a lot of it before it was revealed, but that wasn't a bad, Hint, whenever you think something is a weird continuity error, it's not, it's intentional. The in-camera effects (as Nolan calls it) were AMAZING, Only Nolan could convince a working airport to let him crash a real plane into a building. Directors should take note that practical effects will ALWAYS look better than CGI.
The cast was amazing, and John David Washington, holy cow does he have physical prowess. I love Robert Pattinson in almost everything, and I really liked his character.
I can't say at this point whether I absolutely loved it, or just like it. I had this same issue with Dunkirk, where I know I liked it, but not how much (BTW I loved it after the 2nd viewing). I've already booked my ticket to see Tenet again on Friday.
EDIT: I saw Tenet again, and now I know for sure, that I really liked it! I'm pretty sure Robert Pattinson is my favorite character in the whole film.
Merissa (13427 KP) rated Loyalties (BBS #1) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
Regina turns up in Diego's care after her last pack wanted rid of her. She has a very large chip on her shoulder and as the story progresses, you find out exactly why. Regina is a prickly character to start with but, you know what, that absolutely suited her.
I will admit, I thought I'd started the wrong book when I read the prologue but it all ties together perfectly. The character and world-building in this book are second to none. Everything slots into place but not without difficulties arising from miscommunication, circumstances etc.
One thing that I need to emphasise right now is just how good this shifter world is!! The ties that bind them are so strong. You learn a lot about 'pack life' and can imagine it being just this way. The explanations given on vampires, on how silver hurts the shifter, on how pack law rules are the only way, just fantastic!
This is a chunky book which I am so thankful for! This is a book to lose yourself in, to immerse yourself in and to thoroughly enjoy! Take your time with this book and enjoy every single word. Highly recommended!
* 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!
Sep 30, 2015
I will admit, I thought I'd started the wrong book when I read the prologue but it all ties together perfectly. The character and world-building in this book are second to none. Everything slots into place but not without difficulties arising from miscommunication, circumstances etc.
One thing that I need to emphasise right now is just how good this shifter world is!! The ties that bind them are so strong. You learn a lot about 'pack life' and can imagine it being just this way. The explanations given on vampires, on how silver hurts the shifter, on how pack law rules are the only way, just fantastic!
This is a chunky book which I am so thankful for! This is a book to lose yourself in, to immerse yourself in and to thoroughly enjoy! Take your time with this book and enjoy every single word. Highly recommended!
* 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!
Sep 30, 2015
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2440 KP) rated Rivers and Creaks in Books
Jan 11, 2025
Andy Finds a Corpse on His First Day
Andy Shirley and his late wife had planned to run a bed and breakfast in Monte Rio after they retired. Now that the time has come, he has to take it on by himself. While he’s been figuring out how to be a good host, something that doesn’t come naturally to him, he runs into a problem he wasn’t expecting – murder. When he takes over the business, there is a wedding party staying there, and one of the bridesmaids has been killed. Can he solve the crime, or will it destroy his business?
This author has been on my radar to try for a while, and I finally got a chance with this book. Sadly, the results were mixed for me. I grew up near where this book is set, so I enjoyed that aspect of things. However, the plot was uneven, with as much focus on Andy settling into his new life as the murder. This led to a weak climax that at least did answer our questions. Meanwhile, Andy was a bit pricklier that I found enjoyable. I get it, but it took a while to warm up to him. Some of that came from the new relationships he is forming, and I enjoyed reading about those. I also enjoyed the humor of the book. I’d give a second book in this series a try, but I hope the issues with the first are ironed out.
This author has been on my radar to try for a while, and I finally got a chance with this book. Sadly, the results were mixed for me. I grew up near where this book is set, so I enjoyed that aspect of things. However, the plot was uneven, with as much focus on Andy settling into his new life as the murder. This led to a weak climax that at least did answer our questions. Meanwhile, Andy was a bit pricklier that I found enjoyable. I get it, but it took a while to warm up to him. Some of that came from the new relationships he is forming, and I enjoyed reading about those. I also enjoyed the humor of the book. I’d give a second book in this series a try, but I hope the issues with the first are ironed out.
Carma (21 KP) rated The Lemon Sisters (Wildstone, #3) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
I absolutely love reading Jill Shalvis books. She has the uncanny ability to get right into my head and thought process to lead me on an extraordinary adventure from the first page. The Lemon Sisters is no exception, with life quotes on every chapter and stories like popcorn farting, this is a true to life story.
Brooke and Mindy are the Lemon Sisters. Separated by time and distance, they each are settled into their own crazy lives. Brooke is busy adventure journalist who had a little hiccup in her career and Mindy is a mom to 3 wild kids. Mindy shows up and Brookes door and needs a break so Brooke agrees to take the kids home for a couple days to give Mindy the time she needs. Not wanting to mention to Mindy how close the edge Brooke was herself, she keeps her mouth shut and helps get Mindys life back on track.
Wildstone is a place Brooke never wanted to head back to, ever. She ran fast and far as soon as she could seven years ago and never looked back. Putting Garrett out of her every thought has been the hardest part of living away from home. This could get very interesting.
Garrett has lived next door to Mindy and Linc for years, he loves being a psuedo uncle to their 3 kids. Hes tried hard to keep Brooke from encroaching on his daily thoughts, but that has proven to be futile. Now with her next door again for who knows how long, his thoughts are no longer his own.
I love the flow of storylines from Brooke to Mindy to Linc and Garrett. Add in a quirky OCD like storyline with Brooke and her niece and you have a perfect flow of characters both main and secondary. Telling storylines within the main storyline including lines like Popcorn Farts and the cool quotes Ms. Shalvis puts at the beginning of chapters is just one of the many reasons I flock to books by this author. 5 out of 5 stars for a book I voluntarily read and reviewed without expectations. Wildstone hooked me again, toss me back and Ill get hooked again Im sure.
Brooke and Mindy are the Lemon Sisters. Separated by time and distance, they each are settled into their own crazy lives. Brooke is busy adventure journalist who had a little hiccup in her career and Mindy is a mom to 3 wild kids. Mindy shows up and Brookes door and needs a break so Brooke agrees to take the kids home for a couple days to give Mindy the time she needs. Not wanting to mention to Mindy how close the edge Brooke was herself, she keeps her mouth shut and helps get Mindys life back on track.
Wildstone is a place Brooke never wanted to head back to, ever. She ran fast and far as soon as she could seven years ago and never looked back. Putting Garrett out of her every thought has been the hardest part of living away from home. This could get very interesting.
Garrett has lived next door to Mindy and Linc for years, he loves being a psuedo uncle to their 3 kids. Hes tried hard to keep Brooke from encroaching on his daily thoughts, but that has proven to be futile. Now with her next door again for who knows how long, his thoughts are no longer his own.
I love the flow of storylines from Brooke to Mindy to Linc and Garrett. Add in a quirky OCD like storyline with Brooke and her niece and you have a perfect flow of characters both main and secondary. Telling storylines within the main storyline including lines like Popcorn Farts and the cool quotes Ms. Shalvis puts at the beginning of chapters is just one of the many reasons I flock to books by this author. 5 out of 5 stars for a book I voluntarily read and reviewed without expectations. Wildstone hooked me again, toss me back and Ill get hooked again Im sure.
Mothergamer (1601 KP) rated Death Stranding in Video Games
Jan 7, 2020
I just finished Death Stranding and it was quite the incredible journey for me. I have been a long time fan of Kojima's work so I was intrigued by this game. So many people have made the jokes about Sam being a glorified postman, but the game is so much more than that. Once the game started going, I got hooked into the story and was fascinated by the connections Sam made with each person during his arduous deliveries and how he connected them to each other. Seeing how people connect and witnessing how those bonds drew them together created a powerful and beautiful story.
One game mechanic I absolutely enjoyed was the fact that there is a multiplayer, but it's not multiplayer in the way you think. You never actually see the other players and they never see you. What you do see is what is left behind to help you on your journey and you can leave behind things to help other players. You can build roads, bridges, ziplines, or leave ladders and climbing ropes on steep cliffs to help others on their journey. There is also a shared locker function which allows you and other players to donate weapons and items for use on your travels. Again, it is a way we as people connect to each other from all over the world. You can also give likes to the helpful things people leave behind.
Exploring the open world of Death Stranding is an adventure in itself with treacherous terrain, dangerous people trying to attack you,(known as mules) and scary ghost like monsters (known as beached things or BTS) it makes you take your time planning out your routes and how you want to get out of those situations. The performances by everyone in the game is fantastic. There are raw emotional moments in parts of the story that moved me to tears. There are beautiful moments that gave me cause to smile as well and I had such a wonderful time with this game. Death Stranding is more than just a delivery game. It is a story about the strength of our connections, bonds, and a promise of hope.
One game mechanic I absolutely enjoyed was the fact that there is a multiplayer, but it's not multiplayer in the way you think. You never actually see the other players and they never see you. What you do see is what is left behind to help you on your journey and you can leave behind things to help other players. You can build roads, bridges, ziplines, or leave ladders and climbing ropes on steep cliffs to help others on their journey. There is also a shared locker function which allows you and other players to donate weapons and items for use on your travels. Again, it is a way we as people connect to each other from all over the world. You can also give likes to the helpful things people leave behind.
Exploring the open world of Death Stranding is an adventure in itself with treacherous terrain, dangerous people trying to attack you,(known as mules) and scary ghost like monsters (known as beached things or BTS) it makes you take your time planning out your routes and how you want to get out of those situations. The performances by everyone in the game is fantastic. There are raw emotional moments in parts of the story that moved me to tears. There are beautiful moments that gave me cause to smile as well and I had such a wonderful time with this game. Death Stranding is more than just a delivery game. It is a story about the strength of our connections, bonds, and a promise of hope.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Mine to Keep (Mine, #2) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This follows the events of the last one with Skye and Trace on an island as Trace tries to help Skye get over the terrible ordeal she suffered at the hands of her ex. Soon after they arrive back in Chicago, they are met by an old colleague of Trace’s who warns them that someone is coming after them. Then the intrigue begins…
This one focuses more on Trace and things that happened in his past that he wishes he could forget. I was intrigued to find out what he’d done that was so bad that someone was trying to get to him and Skye. To get to him through Skye. And I’ll tell you now I wasn’t quite expecting it to be that.
We see bits from the POV of the person after Trace and it’s slightly creepy how cold the person is at the thought of killing anyone who stood in his way.
Once again the books feature some really intense sex scenes between the two main characters and shows how they struggle to keep their relationship afloat as lies come out of the woodwork that have been buried for years.
I’m lucky that the author goes over a lot of the things that happened in the previous book because I will admit I read a lot of books and it’s sometimes hard to remember what happened in certain ones.
It all came back to me within the first 15% or so and then I could get on with my detective work of trying to figure out who was behind it all. It kept me guessing throughout, just like in the first one and I found myself going “Ooooooh!” as new information was uncovered. I was most definitely intrigued by this. Well done to the author for such brilliant writing!
I really enjoyed this, believe it or not it got better the more I read. That last 15% or so made it 5 star worthy for me!
If you plan on reading this, then read Mine to Take first as this is a continuation. If you enjoyed the first then you should definitely read this one too.
This follows the events of the last one with Skye and Trace on an island as Trace tries to help Skye get over the terrible ordeal she suffered at the hands of her ex. Soon after they arrive back in Chicago, they are met by an old colleague of Trace’s who warns them that someone is coming after them. Then the intrigue begins…
This one focuses more on Trace and things that happened in his past that he wishes he could forget. I was intrigued to find out what he’d done that was so bad that someone was trying to get to him and Skye. To get to him through Skye. And I’ll tell you now I wasn’t quite expecting it to be that.
We see bits from the POV of the person after Trace and it’s slightly creepy how cold the person is at the thought of killing anyone who stood in his way.
Once again the books feature some really intense sex scenes between the two main characters and shows how they struggle to keep their relationship afloat as lies come out of the woodwork that have been buried for years.
I’m lucky that the author goes over a lot of the things that happened in the previous book because I will admit I read a lot of books and it’s sometimes hard to remember what happened in certain ones.
It all came back to me within the first 15% or so and then I could get on with my detective work of trying to figure out who was behind it all. It kept me guessing throughout, just like in the first one and I found myself going “Ooooooh!” as new information was uncovered. I was most definitely intrigued by this. Well done to the author for such brilliant writing!
I really enjoyed this, believe it or not it got better the more I read. That last 15% or so made it 5 star worthy for me!
If you plan on reading this, then read Mine to Take first as this is a continuation. If you enjoyed the first then you should definitely read this one too.