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Awix (3310 KP) rated Power Rangers (2017) in Movies
Feb 10, 2018 (Updated Feb 10, 2018)
Mmm, Doughnuts
I had no idea I'd been waiting all my life for a film which combined juvenile sci-fi, plastic karate, diversity-friendly teen angst, industrial levels of product placement for Krispy Kreme, and jokes about jerking off bulls, but it turned out that I was and here it is.
A bunch of high school kids discover magic medallions that turn them into (basically) action figures, tasked with stopping the evil Rita Repulsa from locating a mystical crystal hidden in a vital location somewhere on Earth (the vital location may or may not be connected to selling a range of delicious fried-dough confectionary), helped by the ghost of an ancient alien hero (the producers must have some juicy dirt on Bryan Cranston and have blackmailed him into appearing).
Now, the high school kids are all played by actors who are clearly in their 20s, the tone is all over the place (to put it mildly), and long before the end it has quietly transformed itself into a massive advert for toys, but this is still a weirdly diverting and undeniably fun film, mainly because - underneath all the complete nonsense - the script is solid and no-one seems to be taking it too seriously. All right, much of it makes no sense at all, but it does so in a rather charming way. The finest kind of bad movie. Best line - Bryan Cranston: 'Have you ever morphed before?' Black Power Ranger: 'Only in the shower.'
A bunch of high school kids discover magic medallions that turn them into (basically) action figures, tasked with stopping the evil Rita Repulsa from locating a mystical crystal hidden in a vital location somewhere on Earth (the vital location may or may not be connected to selling a range of delicious fried-dough confectionary), helped by the ghost of an ancient alien hero (the producers must have some juicy dirt on Bryan Cranston and have blackmailed him into appearing).
Now, the high school kids are all played by actors who are clearly in their 20s, the tone is all over the place (to put it mildly), and long before the end it has quietly transformed itself into a massive advert for toys, but this is still a weirdly diverting and undeniably fun film, mainly because - underneath all the complete nonsense - the script is solid and no-one seems to be taking it too seriously. All right, much of it makes no sense at all, but it does so in a rather charming way. The finest kind of bad movie. Best line - Bryan Cranston: 'Have you ever morphed before?' Black Power Ranger: 'Only in the shower.'
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Borrowing Blue: Made Marian Series Book 1 in Books
Apr 3, 2018
Borrowing Blue (Made Marian #1) by Lucy Lennox
Borrowing Blue is the first book in the Made Marian series, and it has immediately made me want to go out and buy the rest of the series! Blue and Tristan are amazing, and I love them both so much! Jeremy is a douche, and I feel sorry for Brad. As for Tristan's brother and ex-wife, I tried to like them, I really did. In fact, I probably like her more than him, because at least she was nice to Blue! Set mainly in a vineyard, this book is a feel-good book, but with enough angst to keep you on your toes. There are also some laugh out loud moments, and plenty of steam coming off the pages too.
Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this book grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let go until I'd finished it. Blue and Tristan are absolutely perfect for each other, although I love the Marian family as a whole. I really can't wait to read more. I just hope that Granny, Irene, and Aunt Tilly pay frequent visits, because they ROCK! Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, this book grabbed hold of me and wouldn't let go until I'd finished it. Blue and Tristan are absolutely perfect for each other, although I love the Marian family as a whole. I really can't wait to read more. I just hope that Granny, Irene, and Aunt Tilly pay frequent visits, because they ROCK! Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Melting For You (Neighborhood Shindig #1) in Books
Jun 19, 2019
Melting For You (Neighborhood Shindig #1) by A.M. Arthur
Melting For You is the first book in the Neighborhood Shindig series. This is decidedly lower angst than previous books by Ms. Arthur I have read, and we meet Joel and Isaiah. Joel has had the dirty done to him by his (ex) partner, in both his personal and professional lives. Isaiah has returned home to look after his dad after he had a heart attack, and also, hopefully, to build a better relationship with him.
The relationship between Joel and Isaiah starts off fast, but then slows down some, as they spend time together doing things, not just each other. I loved how the two of them worked together, and bounced ideas around. One major plus for me were the excellent descriptions of the Neighborhood Shindig itself. I could see it clearly in my mind, and my mouth was certainly watering with the descriptions given.
If I had anything bad to say about the book, it would be the ending felt a bit rushed to me. I only had six minutes reading time left, and neither Joel nor Isaiah had spoken to the other about staying. Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to returning to the Shindig. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
The relationship between Joel and Isaiah starts off fast, but then slows down some, as they spend time together doing things, not just each other. I loved how the two of them worked together, and bounced ideas around. One major plus for me were the excellent descriptions of the Neighborhood Shindig itself. I could see it clearly in my mind, and my mouth was certainly watering with the descriptions given.
If I had anything bad to say about the book, it would be the ending felt a bit rushed to me. I only had six minutes reading time left, and neither Joel nor Isaiah had spoken to the other about staying. Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to returning to the Shindig. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Dirty Angels (Dirty Angels, #1) in Books
Mar 11, 2020
I bought this years ago, 2015 to be exact, and have put it off for a long time when my taste changed from New Adult to Young Adult and Urban Fantasy. I chose it as a challenge read on here so I would finally read it.
So this starts with a prologue. Luisa decides to run away from her abusive drug lord husband in the spur of the moment decision, only to be captured by the enemy. It then moves into Chapter One and we see how she came to be married to Salvador and how she came to be in Javier's captivity. Javier wants her as a hostage so he can negotiate for something Salvador has and the longer they spend around each other, the more they begin to understand each other and feelings emerge.
I'm not really into mafia/cartel books. I find them to be rather violent and prefer sweeter stories with some angst in them. There were some times in this when I just couldn't read all the description and just skipped entire paragraphs, especially the bit with Franco. I also skipped quite a bit towards the end just wanting that final showdown between Javier and Salvador.
I didn't really get their romance. I understand Luisa looking for any light in the blackness that she's living but I still thought Javi was a bit dark, though he did have some nice moments.
I won't be continuing the series.
So this starts with a prologue. Luisa decides to run away from her abusive drug lord husband in the spur of the moment decision, only to be captured by the enemy. It then moves into Chapter One and we see how she came to be married to Salvador and how she came to be in Javier's captivity. Javier wants her as a hostage so he can negotiate for something Salvador has and the longer they spend around each other, the more they begin to understand each other and feelings emerge.
I'm not really into mafia/cartel books. I find them to be rather violent and prefer sweeter stories with some angst in them. There were some times in this when I just couldn't read all the description and just skipped entire paragraphs, especially the bit with Franco. I also skipped quite a bit towards the end just wanting that final showdown between Javier and Salvador.
I didn't really get their romance. I understand Luisa looking for any light in the blackness that she's living but I still thought Javi was a bit dark, though he did have some nice moments.
I won't be continuing the series.
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Art and Soul in Books
Sep 14, 2020
Art and Soul is the debut book by Claire Huston and is both genteel and charming.
Claire is returning to work after taking a year off on maternity leave but she is finding it hard to get her clients back. Charlie is a painter sinking into obscurity, through both circumstances and his own behaviour. Together, these two can get Charlie back into the limelight and get him the woman of his dreams... but what about Claire?
For a simple storyline, this book was surprisingly complex and intriguing. Claire was a great character, being straightforward in certain situations and yet completely blind in others. Charlie was the more tentative of the two, easily being led by Claire and Rachel. I would have liked him to have been a little stronger but then I'm not the author!
Two things I loved about this book - 1) the main characters are not in their 20's! and 2) it was set in the UK. It makes a nice change for it not to be the US.
The scene setting was brilliant and both Claire and Charlie are helped along by a wonderful supporting cast. This was a lighthearted read without any major angst that kept my interest and the pages turning. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Claire is returning to work after taking a year off on maternity leave but she is finding it hard to get her clients back. Charlie is a painter sinking into obscurity, through both circumstances and his own behaviour. Together, these two can get Charlie back into the limelight and get him the woman of his dreams... but what about Claire?
For a simple storyline, this book was surprisingly complex and intriguing. Claire was a great character, being straightforward in certain situations and yet completely blind in others. Charlie was the more tentative of the two, easily being led by Claire and Rachel. I would have liked him to have been a little stronger but then I'm not the author!
Two things I loved about this book - 1) the main characters are not in their 20's! and 2) it was set in the UK. It makes a nice change for it not to be the US.
The scene setting was brilliant and both Claire and Charlie are helped along by a wonderful supporting cast. This was a lighthearted read without any major angst that kept my interest and the pages turning. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Again Again in Books
Jun 12, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
In Again Again, E. Lockhart is inventive in the way she tells the story of Adelaide Buchwald and her life. Lockhart asks if you could redo some events or moments in your life, would you? Again Again shows for every opportunity you did not take; there is a different one that you did. It reminded me of the old saying, "When one door closes, another opens."
I found the synopsis misleading in that it did not match the energy of the book. The story is a nicely paced story about a teenage girl with ups and downs. The synopsis sounded as if it was describing an adventure movie.
I had difficulty getting into the story, but once I realized Lockhart's intent, I found it flowed well. Again Again is a charming story that is not a new one. However, how Lockart reveals the story is what makes this a good read.
Again Again is marketed as a romance. While there is some teenage angst, it is more of a book of Adelaide trying to live an as-happy/normal-as-a-teenager-can-be life and deal with complex emotions, happy, grief, fear, anger, love, etc.
Also, be sure to read Emily Lockhart's We Were Liars.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 6/12/20.
In Again Again, E. Lockhart is inventive in the way she tells the story of Adelaide Buchwald and her life. Lockhart asks if you could redo some events or moments in your life, would you? Again Again shows for every opportunity you did not take; there is a different one that you did. It reminded me of the old saying, "When one door closes, another opens."
I found the synopsis misleading in that it did not match the energy of the book. The story is a nicely paced story about a teenage girl with ups and downs. The synopsis sounded as if it was describing an adventure movie.
I had difficulty getting into the story, but once I realized Lockhart's intent, I found it flowed well. Again Again is a charming story that is not a new one. However, how Lockart reveals the story is what makes this a good read.
Again Again is marketed as a romance. While there is some teenage angst, it is more of a book of Adelaide trying to live an as-happy/normal-as-a-teenager-can-be life and deal with complex emotions, happy, grief, fear, anger, love, etc.
Also, be sure to read Emily Lockhart's We Were Liars.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 6/12/20.
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Rebel's Desire (Iron Portal #4) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Iron Portal series and I would recommend that you read them all. Not because of any links in the storyline but just because they are all quick, fantastic reads.
This story is about Keely and her sister, who were thrown out at a young age by their father, for being freaks. Taryn is a Cascadian who comes to the rescue of a damsel in distress, even though she is the one who acts first. Keely is a kick-ass warrior who will fight when necessary and has learnt to live on the streets. She knows the rules and which ones she can break or bend. Taryn doesn't like anyone and he trusts even less. So when these two get together, things are bound to get fiery.
The characters in this are as delightful as always, like them like Keely or dislike (loathe is too strong a word) like her sister, they are well-rounded and believable. The Iron Guild warriors are as united as ever.
A fast-paced and well-written story with no plot holes plus a good amount of angst. The Iron Portal series continues to deliver. Definitely 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!
Jul 17, 2015
This story is about Keely and her sister, who were thrown out at a young age by their father, for being freaks. Taryn is a Cascadian who comes to the rescue of a damsel in distress, even though she is the one who acts first. Keely is a kick-ass warrior who will fight when necessary and has learnt to live on the streets. She knows the rules and which ones she can break or bend. Taryn doesn't like anyone and he trusts even less. So when these two get together, things are bound to get fiery.
The characters in this are as delightful as always, like them like Keely or dislike (loathe is too strong a word) like her sister, they are well-rounded and believable. The Iron Guild warriors are as united as ever.
A fast-paced and well-written story with no plot holes plus a good amount of angst. The Iron Portal series continues to deliver. Definitely 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!
Jul 17, 2015
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Tic-Tac-Mistletoe (Hartbridge Christmas #1) in Books
Nov 24, 2021
TIC-TAC-MISTLETOE is the first book in the Hartbridge Christmas series and, honestly, this belongs on the Hallmark Channel. The book itself says so too!
Hamish is travelling from Australia to his sister's for Christmas - and the next two years. However, nothing has gone right for him, and he ends up going headfirst into a snowbank. Luckily for him, he is rescued by the local hardware shop owner, Ren. They click instantly but spend time trying to understand just what is going on, and how it will work when Ren is going to Mossley to be with his sister.
This is a low-angst full-of-Christmas-spirit book that will definitely give you the warm fuzzies! I loved Ren and Hamish together, together with Chutney the dog. I loved the TV references and how Ren and Hamish made it 'their thing'. We hear the back story of both of them, without it being an info dump.
Honestly? I have nothing bad to say. I would LOVE for Hallmark to grab this up and make a dream come true! A warm, fuzzy, cookies in the kitchen, sweet Christmas story that I adored. Absolutely 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Hamish is travelling from Australia to his sister's for Christmas - and the next two years. However, nothing has gone right for him, and he ends up going headfirst into a snowbank. Luckily for him, he is rescued by the local hardware shop owner, Ren. They click instantly but spend time trying to understand just what is going on, and how it will work when Ren is going to Mossley to be with his sister.
This is a low-angst full-of-Christmas-spirit book that will definitely give you the warm fuzzies! I loved Ren and Hamish together, together with Chutney the dog. I loved the TV references and how Ren and Hamish made it 'their thing'. We hear the back story of both of them, without it being an info dump.
Honestly? I have nothing bad to say. I would LOVE for Hallmark to grab this up and make a dream come true! A warm, fuzzy, cookies in the kitchen, sweet Christmas story that I adored. Absolutely 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Greeking Out (Destination Daddies) in Books
Aug 19, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
GREEKING OUT is part of the Destination Daddies series, and now I have a new series to read!
Troy and Apollo meet online through the Cuffd app and strike up a friendship. Troy is a boy who has been badly hurt, and Apollo is a porn star who wants more. With Troy's honesty and Myth of the Day, they become integrated into each other's lives, even though they have an ocean between them. When Troy bravely overcomes his fear of flying and goes to Greece, a very nice surprise awaits him.
I loved this story! From the slow, online friendship, to the meeting, to the constant love and assurance they both show each other. I loved how we were shown how Sean slipped out of Troy's mind under the loving care of Apollo. Told from dual perspectives, you really got a feel for these guys.
This is a sweet and steamy summer story that I thoroughly enjoyed with fantastic descriptions of Greece, enough to make me want to go there immediately. I really hope Collette (or someone else in the Destination Daddies series) gives Jared his HEA.
A low angst, friends-to-lovers story that you really need to read. Loved it.
** 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 19, 2021
Troy and Apollo meet online through the Cuffd app and strike up a friendship. Troy is a boy who has been badly hurt, and Apollo is a porn star who wants more. With Troy's honesty and Myth of the Day, they become integrated into each other's lives, even though they have an ocean between them. When Troy bravely overcomes his fear of flying and goes to Greece, a very nice surprise awaits him.
I loved this story! From the slow, online friendship, to the meeting, to the constant love and assurance they both show each other. I loved how we were shown how Sean slipped out of Troy's mind under the loving care of Apollo. Told from dual perspectives, you really got a feel for these guys.
This is a sweet and steamy summer story that I thoroughly enjoyed with fantastic descriptions of Greece, enough to make me want to go there immediately. I really hope Collette (or someone else in the Destination Daddies series) gives Jared his HEA.
A low angst, friends-to-lovers story that you really need to read. Loved it.
** 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 19, 2021
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Mr. Uptight in Books
Feb 16, 2021 (Updated Aug 3, 2023)
MR. UPTIGHT is a standalone novel that is about opposites (in some ways) attracting, and how you can know of someone for years without actually knowing them. This is what happens between Mason and Jude. Both of them have ideas of what the other is like, without actually finding out if it is correct or not.
Mason is the 'younger brother', the one always partying and getting into trouble... or so Jude thinks. And Jude is the one who always takes the hard line, without any compassion or empathy... or so Mason thinks. Both of them are proven wrong when they start working together, and the sparks fly.
I love the writing style of Felice Stevens. It flows from scene to scene, taking the reader along with it. Some issues are real and cause problems, others are talked out, which always makes a pleasant change. There is a great supporting cast who provide backup and help the story move along where necessary.
A warm, feel-good story, with low angst and high emotion. It's a book to be kept and re-read whenever you want a hug from a book. Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
Feb 16, 2021
Mason is the 'younger brother', the one always partying and getting into trouble... or so Jude thinks. And Jude is the one who always takes the hard line, without any compassion or empathy... or so Mason thinks. Both of them are proven wrong when they start working together, and the sparks fly.
I love the writing style of Felice Stevens. It flows from scene to scene, taking the reader along with it. Some issues are real and cause problems, others are talked out, which always makes a pleasant change. There is a great supporting cast who provide backup and help the story move along where necessary.
A warm, feel-good story, with low angst and high emotion. It's a book to be kept and re-read whenever you want a hug from a book. Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
Feb 16, 2021