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LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) in Movies
Sep 5, 2021 (Updated Oct 2, 2021)
The latest entry into the MCU is a definitely a ride, both in terms of quality and in what unfolds on screen. The things I disliked about Shang-Chi are very clear cut - it's pacing is all over the place, there's an unholy amount of exposition dumps, and the humourous moments didn't always land. I have nothing against Awkwafina, but her character here is a constant quip-machine, and takes up a hefty amount of screen time, whilst simultaneously feeling a little pointless when all is said and done.
However, the things I did like about Shang-Chi are also extremely clear cut. For a starter, I'm just generally stoked that the character himself has his own movie. We've come a long way since X-Men blew the superhero genre wide open back in 2000.
It has a great cast, including lead Simu Liu, as well as the likes of Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh. The inner comic book nerd in me was beyond excited to see minor villains such as Razor Fist and Death Dealer on screen, and then of course (no spoilers!) a third act villain that is a true deep cut from the comics. Tony Leung's Wenwu aka The Mandarin strikes an imposing presence as the main big bad, and the subsequent theme of power and family gives the movie a beating, if tragic, heart.
Pretty much all of the fight scenes are great, and any flaws that I found were completely obliterated by the batshit insane final third, that honestly verges on live action anime at times.
The general tone of this movie feels like something new for the MCU. From street level fighting, to crazy fantasy style set pieces, to the exploration of Asian culture, Shang-Chi is a fresh new entry for the MCU, as the studio steps a little further out of its comfort zone. Please try to see it on the big screen if you can!
However, the things I did like about Shang-Chi are also extremely clear cut. For a starter, I'm just generally stoked that the character himself has his own movie. We've come a long way since X-Men blew the superhero genre wide open back in 2000.
It has a great cast, including lead Simu Liu, as well as the likes of Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh. The inner comic book nerd in me was beyond excited to see minor villains such as Razor Fist and Death Dealer on screen, and then of course (no spoilers!) a third act villain that is a true deep cut from the comics. Tony Leung's Wenwu aka The Mandarin strikes an imposing presence as the main big bad, and the subsequent theme of power and family gives the movie a beating, if tragic, heart.
Pretty much all of the fight scenes are great, and any flaws that I found were completely obliterated by the batshit insane final third, that honestly verges on live action anime at times.
The general tone of this movie feels like something new for the MCU. From street level fighting, to crazy fantasy style set pieces, to the exploration of Asian culture, Shang-Chi is a fresh new entry for the MCU, as the studio steps a little further out of its comfort zone. Please try to see it on the big screen if you can!
Merissa (12906 KP) rated A Brat for Kinkmas (Naughty or Nice Season Three) in Books
Jan 6, 2023
A BRAT FOR KINKMAS is J.P. Sayle's addition to the Naughty or Nice Season #3 and you really need to take notice of the title! I've come to the conclusion that I definitely like the caring/nurturing daddies and sweet boys more than I like domineering daddies and bratty boys. It was a bit of a surprise for me as I like some books that are heavier on the BDSM side than this was. I think it's the daddy side of things that does it for me.
Anyway, moving on from my crisis, Beau and Ziv are hot on the page! Beau is a lover of pain, and Ziv has no issue providing it! Beau is friends with Jessie and Patrick, both of whom I have previously met. He says he wants a relationship just like theirs. I personally don't think that is what he wanted, but he was definitely happy with how the relationship with Ziv worked. It works for him and that's the main thing. Ziv isn't all cuddly as Smithy. He is more protective than Akker - maybe because of his life. He is definitely more dubious in morals than the others, but he does love Beau in his own way.
I did enjoy this story. I found Ziv's backstory to be heartbreaking and how it (obviously) had an impact on his views as he grew up. Beau is a pain but loveable. Beau and Ziv are good together and the epilogue was just perfect. It didn't work as well for me as with other stories in the Cuff'd range, but it was still a great story that I'm sure others will love.
** 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!
Anyway, moving on from my crisis, Beau and Ziv are hot on the page! Beau is a lover of pain, and Ziv has no issue providing it! Beau is friends with Jessie and Patrick, both of whom I have previously met. He says he wants a relationship just like theirs. I personally don't think that is what he wanted, but he was definitely happy with how the relationship with Ziv worked. It works for him and that's the main thing. Ziv isn't all cuddly as Smithy. He is more protective than Akker - maybe because of his life. He is definitely more dubious in morals than the others, but he does love Beau in his own way.
I did enjoy this story. I found Ziv's backstory to be heartbreaking and how it (obviously) had an impact on his views as he grew up. Beau is a pain but loveable. Beau and Ziv are good together and the epilogue was just perfect. It didn't work as well for me as with other stories in the Cuff'd range, but it was still a great story that I'm sure others will love.
** 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!
Emsy would much rather spend her days in sunny California surfing or hanging out with her girlfriend than working on her elemental powers of fire. But when members of her family’s coven in New York are murdered under mysterious circumstances her family must suddenly return to help fight against what could only be a powerful witch. There, Emsy must focus on her neglected powers to help to hopefully find the killer before they strike again.
This was a fun and interesting read for me. It kept me turning the pages for the story as well as the artwork. I absolutely adored Kitty in this graphic novel - her expressions were always hilarious and adorable and anytime she was in the scene, I was looking at each panel to see her reaction (was also kind of hoping she would become Emsy’s familiar).
It did, however, feel a tad bit rushed and I felt like some scenes would sometimes abruptly end and I would flip back a page to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. This usually happened at the bottom of a right page and the next page would be the new scene, but I would usually feel like there could have been one or two more panels for that scene to be completed.
This was a quick read, but if it wasn’t and there was more time between Emsy’s family arriving and everything that happened, I could see this being split into two (or even three) books. I like the characters and I would love to see more of them and their relationship grow.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and had a fun time reading it - definitely gets me ready for the fall and spooky season. The artwork is beautiful and though the story is quick, I still recommend this for any and all who enjoy anything witchy.
*Thank you G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers and Bookish First for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This was a fun and interesting read for me. It kept me turning the pages for the story as well as the artwork. I absolutely adored Kitty in this graphic novel - her expressions were always hilarious and adorable and anytime she was in the scene, I was looking at each panel to see her reaction (was also kind of hoping she would become Emsy’s familiar).
It did, however, feel a tad bit rushed and I felt like some scenes would sometimes abruptly end and I would flip back a page to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. This usually happened at the bottom of a right page and the next page would be the new scene, but I would usually feel like there could have been one or two more panels for that scene to be completed.
This was a quick read, but if it wasn’t and there was more time between Emsy’s family arriving and everything that happened, I could see this being split into two (or even three) books. I like the characters and I would love to see more of them and their relationship grow.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and had a fun time reading it - definitely gets me ready for the fall and spooky season. The artwork is beautiful and though the story is quick, I still recommend this for any and all who enjoy anything witchy.
*Thank you G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers and Bookish First for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Merissa (12906 KP) rated Centaur Rift (Warrior Hearts Academy #1) in Books
Nov 25, 2023
CENTAUR RIFT is the first book in the Warrior Hearts Academy series BUT it appears to be a spin-off of either one or two previous series, so it did feel as though you were dropped into the middle of the action to begin with. On the cover, there is a IV but I only saw that once I had the book on my Paperwhite, as it didn't show up clearly on the book cover online.
That being said, I quickly became invested in Riley, Marcus, Rafael, and Havoc. Riley is awesome. She grew up as a foster kid and has dealt with horrible situations. This allows her to understand when Marcus swings back and forth with his moods, instead of throwing her own temper tantrum - even if she wants to! Marcus - oh, man! This poor male has had so much taken away and given so much sh!t in return, he breaks my heart. Rafael - I could see his storyline a mile away but the fun was in waiting for him to find out. He has been tormented in ways he doesn't even know about yet. I want to get him out of there! And speaking of getting out, poor Havoc! I want to wrap him up in the warm fuzzies, even if he does grumble about it. These four are brilliant and I can't wait for them to meet up.
I was thankful for Riley's ignorance as it meant I got explanations about the world and the different species in it, along with her. I can't wait to find out more about her!
Although I started off wondering what I'd let myself in for, I was in for a thoroughly enjoyable ride through this story, and can't wait to read more. Definitely 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!
Nov 25, 2023
That being said, I quickly became invested in Riley, Marcus, Rafael, and Havoc. Riley is awesome. She grew up as a foster kid and has dealt with horrible situations. This allows her to understand when Marcus swings back and forth with his moods, instead of throwing her own temper tantrum - even if she wants to! Marcus - oh, man! This poor male has had so much taken away and given so much sh!t in return, he breaks my heart. Rafael - I could see his storyline a mile away but the fun was in waiting for him to find out. He has been tormented in ways he doesn't even know about yet. I want to get him out of there! And speaking of getting out, poor Havoc! I want to wrap him up in the warm fuzzies, even if he does grumble about it. These four are brilliant and I can't wait for them to meet up.
I was thankful for Riley's ignorance as it meant I got explanations about the world and the different species in it, along with her. I can't wait to find out more about her!
Although I started off wondering what I'd let myself in for, I was in for a thoroughly enjoyable ride through this story, and can't wait to read more. Definitely 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!
Nov 25, 2023
Merissa (12906 KP) rated She's the One Who Doesn't Say Much (War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters #4) in Books
Sep 13, 2021 (Updated Jul 14, 2023)
SHE'S THE ONE WHO DOESN'T SAY MUCH is the fourth book in the War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters series and we get Olivine's story.
Olivine is the one who has long eyes and is an artist. She isn't bothered about marriage, let alone to a prince. She doesn't face her problems head-on. Instead, she buries her head in the sand and hopes they fade away. When one problem, in particular, doesn't disappear, she makes a false vow of celibacy which you immediately know will come back to bite her in the ass! And it does.
I am loving this series. Each story tells the same story but from a different perspective and, trust me, it really works! The only downside is it makes me want to read all the books at the same time so I can see the different viewpoints as they happen. Instead, I have to contain myself and stick with one story.
Bless her, I did love Olivine. She doesn't want to be involved but, in the end, has no choice. Her life choices are not easy ones, but with her loved ones (including friends) surrounding her, she stands by what she wants.
With each book, I am left wanting to know more... more about after the end of the war, more about the sisters, and, in this case, more about the supporting characters. Of course, I want to know how Olivine and Bohdran are getting on, but I also NEED to know about Magomet!
A brilliant addition to a fantastic series. I really can't recommend these highly enough and can't wait to see who comes next.
** 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!
Sep 13, 2021
Olivine is the one who has long eyes and is an artist. She isn't bothered about marriage, let alone to a prince. She doesn't face her problems head-on. Instead, she buries her head in the sand and hopes they fade away. When one problem, in particular, doesn't disappear, she makes a false vow of celibacy which you immediately know will come back to bite her in the ass! And it does.
I am loving this series. Each story tells the same story but from a different perspective and, trust me, it really works! The only downside is it makes me want to read all the books at the same time so I can see the different viewpoints as they happen. Instead, I have to contain myself and stick with one story.
Bless her, I did love Olivine. She doesn't want to be involved but, in the end, has no choice. Her life choices are not easy ones, but with her loved ones (including friends) surrounding her, she stands by what she wants.
With each book, I am left wanting to know more... more about after the end of the war, more about the sisters, and, in this case, more about the supporting characters. Of course, I want to know how Olivine and Bohdran are getting on, but I also NEED to know about Magomet!
A brilliant addition to a fantastic series. I really can't recommend these highly enough and can't wait to see who comes next.
** 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!
Sep 13, 2021
Merissa (12906 KP) rated Claw of Exile (Exiled #1) in Books
Mar 15, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
CLAW OF EXILE is the first book in the Exiled series and tells the story of Ryu and Micah. Ryu is an Omega, captured from a warring clan, and given as a slave. The only person who loves and believes in him is his mistress. Even Micah, the heir apparent Alpha, pretends he doesn't know him when people are around.
The story starts off in the present, returns to the past, comes back to the present, and retreats to the past once more. Not only that, but the tense of the story changes from present to past, sometimes within the same sentence. This makes for a slightly disjointed read. I'm not sure if I read an unedited ARC or not, but there were also quite a few spelling mistakes, words used in error, or missed out completely. Amazingly enough, this did not detract away from the story itself. It's just something I feel should be mentioned.
Of the characters, the story is told from Ryu's perspective, and you never really find out Micah's motives or understandings from times gone by. I would have liked to have known what happened, especially when it had such a major impact on Ryu. Micah was also more difficult to like, which is not surprising, considering the circumstances. There are characters to like and loathe that make up this novel, and I would like to find out more about them.
All in all, this was a great story with some obvious events, and some red-herring twists and turns. It does finish on a cliffhanger so be prepared! This is definitely a series I would like to continue.
* 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!
Mar 15, 2021
The story starts off in the present, returns to the past, comes back to the present, and retreats to the past once more. Not only that, but the tense of the story changes from present to past, sometimes within the same sentence. This makes for a slightly disjointed read. I'm not sure if I read an unedited ARC or not, but there were also quite a few spelling mistakes, words used in error, or missed out completely. Amazingly enough, this did not detract away from the story itself. It's just something I feel should be mentioned.
Of the characters, the story is told from Ryu's perspective, and you never really find out Micah's motives or understandings from times gone by. I would have liked to have known what happened, especially when it had such a major impact on Ryu. Micah was also more difficult to like, which is not surprising, considering the circumstances. There are characters to like and loathe that make up this novel, and I would like to find out more about them.
All in all, this was a great story with some obvious events, and some red-herring twists and turns. It does finish on a cliffhanger so be prepared! This is definitely a series I would like to continue.
* 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!
Mar 15, 2021
Merissa (12906 KP) rated Mad World (Mystic Beach #5) in Books
Aug 4, 2023
MAD WORLD is the fifth book in the Mystic Beach series and I get to reunite with aMUSEd. It's time for the drummer, Rhys, to find his perfect match, but his path is anything but smooth.
Oh, boy! What a story!!! My heart was split in two for the whole of this book - loving Rhys and his quirks, but also understanding where Lyric was coming from. I loved the comments from Adam and Herself that helped to lighten the mood when needed.
I found this to be such an emotional read. My eyes were leaking on more than one occasion! So much so, I didn't think they'd stop. But they did as the story progressed in ways that made me so happy for them. The connection between them was so deep, it was almost tangible through my Kindle. And, yes, it's sexy too, in a way that was sheer perfection.
The whole cast of characters is simply outstanding, but the supporting ones in Mad World were simply the best. And let's not forget KITT! Yep, I'm that age, and it made me smile! I really hope I see more of Iris, Sheryl, Tommy, and Aria in future books.
And speaking of future books, it seems as though it may be Kieran's turn next. As with every Aislinn Archer book, I adore the one I've just read, but she tempts me with the next one. Oh, dear. Damn shame. It seems as though I'll have to read that one too!
The best in the series so far in my humble opinion and HIGHLY recommended by me. But if you want the best out of this series, start at the beginning! You're welcome. 😁
** 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!
Aug 4, 2023
Oh, boy! What a story!!! My heart was split in two for the whole of this book - loving Rhys and his quirks, but also understanding where Lyric was coming from. I loved the comments from Adam and Herself that helped to lighten the mood when needed.
I found this to be such an emotional read. My eyes were leaking on more than one occasion! So much so, I didn't think they'd stop. But they did as the story progressed in ways that made me so happy for them. The connection between them was so deep, it was almost tangible through my Kindle. And, yes, it's sexy too, in a way that was sheer perfection.
The whole cast of characters is simply outstanding, but the supporting ones in Mad World were simply the best. And let's not forget KITT! Yep, I'm that age, and it made me smile! I really hope I see more of Iris, Sheryl, Tommy, and Aria in future books.
And speaking of future books, it seems as though it may be Kieran's turn next. As with every Aislinn Archer book, I adore the one I've just read, but she tempts me with the next one. Oh, dear. Damn shame. It seems as though I'll have to read that one too!
The best in the series so far in my humble opinion and HIGHLY recommended by me. But if you want the best out of this series, start at the beginning! You're welcome. 😁
** 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!
Aug 4, 2023
Debbiereadsbook (1441 KP) rated The Red Dragon of Oxford (Wings over Albion #1) in Books
Jan 26, 2024
Cute and Sweet and fairly low on the angst scale.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Mark is in Oxford to get his doctorate. He never expected to find an injured DRAGON on his walk. But the dragon was real, he spoke to Mark. Then, it was gone and Mark couldn't find it. The library provides him with the solitude to do his research. It helps, though, that the librarian, Rufus, is so hawt. But Rufus has a secret, one that might destroy everything.
I have read a couple of Fielding's books, and I think this was my favourite. She writes very easy to read books, and sometimes, that's just what you need.
I enjoyed this, greatly. Lots of descriptions of Oxford, and the university. Having never been, I did like them.
I liked how the relationship between Mark and Rufus developed and once they went in, they went ALL in! Steamy in places and emotional in others. Mark is dealing with his feelings about not being intelligent enough to be in Oxford and Rufus about his being a red dragon. Cos in this world, red dragons are not good.
But then WHITE dragons appear and Rufus' red dragon has a skill he didn't see coming.
I didn't fully get the point of the white dragons appearing, and the problems they were causing til that was all explained. There is also the issue of the cyber attacks on the Mortimer finances that Nate, Rufus' brother, is off dealing with.
It's cute and sweet and fairly low on the angst scale. But steamy and smexy in places!
An easy read that landed in my queue right when I needed it. I'd like to read more of this series as they come out, cos Nate needs a story, given his current job chasing the cyber attacks.
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Mark is in Oxford to get his doctorate. He never expected to find an injured DRAGON on his walk. But the dragon was real, he spoke to Mark. Then, it was gone and Mark couldn't find it. The library provides him with the solitude to do his research. It helps, though, that the librarian, Rufus, is so hawt. But Rufus has a secret, one that might destroy everything.
I have read a couple of Fielding's books, and I think this was my favourite. She writes very easy to read books, and sometimes, that's just what you need.
I enjoyed this, greatly. Lots of descriptions of Oxford, and the university. Having never been, I did like them.
I liked how the relationship between Mark and Rufus developed and once they went in, they went ALL in! Steamy in places and emotional in others. Mark is dealing with his feelings about not being intelligent enough to be in Oxford and Rufus about his being a red dragon. Cos in this world, red dragons are not good.
But then WHITE dragons appear and Rufus' red dragon has a skill he didn't see coming.
I didn't fully get the point of the white dragons appearing, and the problems they were causing til that was all explained. There is also the issue of the cyber attacks on the Mortimer finances that Nate, Rufus' brother, is off dealing with.
It's cute and sweet and fairly low on the angst scale. But steamy and smexy in places!
An easy read that landed in my queue right when I needed it. I'd like to read more of this series as they come out, cos Nate needs a story, given his current job chasing the cyber attacks.
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Who Said Witness Protection Was Boring? (Mobster Mayhem #2)
J.F. Miev and Aria Clark
8.0
Rate It
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MATTHEW It was supposed to be a quiet night of gaming. But then the power went out. No biggie—it...
Merissa (12906 KP) rated Resolute (Kinsmen Billionaires #3) in Books
Mar 10, 2025
RESOLUTE is the third book in the Kinsmen Billionaires series but can be read as a standalone.
Vicente is the oldest brother, the one who will take over the family vineyard in Chile, and the only one still single. So his parents add a proviso to him taking over - he must be married too. Vicente's executive assistant has just retired although she has found a replacement in Camila. How they know each other becomes clear as you read on.
Now, the three characters - Vicente, Camila, and Ava - are all brilliant and I enjoyed each of them in my own way. Vicente was the grumpy-pants big-time CEO who just needed someone to be his partner in every sense of the word. Camila was the sunshine who needed someone to stand by her when things got tough. And Ava was just a cutie who sometimes spoke more wisely than any five-year-old I've ever heard. BUT...
I was only 18% in, and the term 'Let's Boogie' was annoying me so much. I know this is a romance between Camila and her boss, but it is so unprofessional, it's crazy. Also, two other things bothered me as I read. The first one was Owen. That massive turnaround and for what? I'm sorry but, for me, that just didn't work. And the second involved Ava. There is a big scene where she isn't sure if Vicente likes her and gives her reasons. He apologises and asks to call her a special name which is then NEVER mentioned again. I will also admit to being baffled by the term 'Wife' being used all the time!
A story of growth, of families, and of choices, this was a quick, short read that I did enjoy and would recommend. 3.5 rounded up.
** 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!
Mar 8, 2025
Vicente is the oldest brother, the one who will take over the family vineyard in Chile, and the only one still single. So his parents add a proviso to him taking over - he must be married too. Vicente's executive assistant has just retired although she has found a replacement in Camila. How they know each other becomes clear as you read on.
Now, the three characters - Vicente, Camila, and Ava - are all brilliant and I enjoyed each of them in my own way. Vicente was the grumpy-pants big-time CEO who just needed someone to be his partner in every sense of the word. Camila was the sunshine who needed someone to stand by her when things got tough. And Ava was just a cutie who sometimes spoke more wisely than any five-year-old I've ever heard. BUT...
I was only 18% in, and the term 'Let's Boogie' was annoying me so much. I know this is a romance between Camila and her boss, but it is so unprofessional, it's crazy. Also, two other things bothered me as I read. The first one was Owen. That massive turnaround and for what? I'm sorry but, for me, that just didn't work. And the second involved Ava. There is a big scene where she isn't sure if Vicente likes her and gives her reasons. He apologises and asks to call her a special name which is then NEVER mentioned again. I will also admit to being baffled by the term 'Wife' being used all the time!
A story of growth, of families, and of choices, this was a quick, short read that I did enjoy and would recommend. 3.5 rounded up.
** 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!
Mar 8, 2025