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Since this is the second in the series and emphasizes the story from the first part, I will include my review from that.

This is supposed to be a Snow White retelling but I really couldn’t see it. Regardless, it’s an erotic fairytale retelling which is right up my alley. It’s heavy on the erotica while still having enough plot to push the story forward. Normally I would be aggravated that this story is divided into three parts but I knew that going in and already had the rest of the story so I didn’t have to wait for the rest.

I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying “but you knew that going in!” Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a ménage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old “hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me” trope.

As the second in the series, Snow’s Submission continues with the heat and erotic scenes. However, I found myself disenchanted with Snow. I felt like she could have been a stronger lead and I wasn’t happy with how she handled the situation. At the same time, I understand the predicament she was in and furious with those who put her there.

That being said, I won’t ruin anything for you.
  
Taken 3 (2015)
Taken 3 (2015)
2015 | Action
6
6.3 (10 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Liam Neeson may be an actor, an actor with a “particular set of skills,” some of
which entertain audiences around the world with action packed thrills on the big
screen. Was he able to do it again in his latest film Taken 3?

The film centers around Bryan Mill’s (Neeson) ex wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) and
her relationship problems with Stuart (Dougray Scott). She seeks comfort in Mills
and though he remains in love with Lenore, he would rather she figure things out
in her marriage before anything happens between them. Stuart begins to be
suspicious of the relationship between the two and decides to ask Mills to stay
away from Lenore while they work things out. Mills receives a text the following
day asking him to meet her at his place for a shoulder tho cry on. Unfortunately
upon arriving with breakfast, he discovers her lifeless body in his bed. Before
he had a moment to take everything in, the police barge in and try to arrest him
for the murder. In true Mill’s fashion, he is able to escape though only steps
behind is inspector Dotzler (Forest Whitaker) who is trying to piece together
every clue that seemingly points away from Bryan Mills as the culprit. Let us not
forget about his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) who was the victim in the first film
and might just be in this film.

My expectations weren’t high for this installment of Taken. Some may agree with me
that as with most films that spawn sequels, the first film is usually the best. As
a huge fan of the first Taken I knew that the third one, just like the second one
would be worth seeing at least once but that would probably it. This film had far
less action than its predecessors which is a little strange if you ask me. Now
don’t get me wrong, Liam Neesen is an amazing actor in this genre however
sometimes that really isn’t enough. An actor can only do so much with what they
are given. In his case it might have been the script. The editing was a bit choppy
and the cinematography a bit sloppy.

In the case of this film, I would’ve expected a little bit more. I think it would
be wise to leave this film as the last and final one. I think that they have
milked this cow dry. As I have stated above, this film is worth seeing at least
once although you may want to leave it up to redbox and skip theatre prices.
  
AA
An Amish Homecoming
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What better way to spend a time lost in book than in a book by not just one of my top Amish authors, but by FOUR of them? There really isn't a better way if you ask me. When I received this book to review, I was sick. I didn't want to read much of anything. But I dove into it with highest of hopes to be able to finish it. I read not just Ms. Clipston's novella, but all of them and fell in love with these stories of hope, faith, understanding and acceptance. Each story, written by equally talented authors, is unique and filled with characters that will stay with you long after.  While I loved all the novellas in this story, I will focus on Clipston's and Fuller's. 

Amy Clipston's NO PLACE LIKE HOME is beautifully and tenderly written.  Her unique writing style shines through and the messages from God are woven throughout. The characters are chiseled beautifully and I could feel myself walking along side them, as Eva returned home and came face to face with a man she once knew, and know is unsure of. Her story of letting go and moving on, is truly a tender one and one that will have me coming back to this story again and again. 

Kathleen Fuller's WHAT LOVE BUILT is another beautiful, moving story. Carolyn quickly stole my heart and when Atlee is introduced, bless! These two sweet souls truly had me pulling for them!  I cold feel their heartaches, their love for the Lord, all of it, as if the story was written just for me. I loved the messages of acceptance, of faith, of trust, all woven together to spin a story I won't soon forget! 

These stories together create a 5 star worthy novella collection that will be on my keeper shelf for many years to come. The Amish simplicity and the hope and love within, will forever pull me back. Each author did a wonderful job in their stories and I am looking forward to another collection like this from these talented ladies! Well done, and I highly recommend this book to all! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
Keep Me On Edge (My Kinky Housemate, #4)
Keep Me On Edge (My Kinky Housemate, #4)
Colette Davison | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sad, hopeful, caring, sweet, HOT! I loved every word.
KEEP ME ON EDGE is the fourth book in the My Kinky Housemate series and it's time for the pro-Dom to take centre stage. Stefan has liked Quinn ever since he entered the house. Quinn has liked Stefan ever since he entered the house. And it's through my boy Hendrix's meddling that Quinn finally has the courage to ask Stefan out.

Ah, man. These two! They are absolutely gorgeous together. Not in the 'I now have cavities' way of Theo and Preston (who I still adore, btw!) but in a caring and totally loving way of looking out for someone. And it goes both ways. It's not all Stefan catering to Quinn. The storyline with Stefan is absolutely heart-breaking. We already know some of it due to having Beau's story already, but hearing Stefan's side of it was just as bad.

Moving onto the steamy side of things, it's hot! I don't expect anything less from Colette Davison, but I seriously love the thought she puts into her scenes. This book taught me things I never knew I didn't know about narcolepsy and cataplexy and not once did I feel as though I was reading an instruction manual. Stefan takes notice of Quinn at all times, giving him the time he needs. This includes when they're in the bedroom. This will sound crazy until you read the book, but the bit with the fan made my eyes leak! So sweet, so considerate. LOVED IT!!!

I am loving this series. It seems as though it may be Rory's story next but who knows? What I do know is I will wait patiently for each book and thoroughly enjoy it when I get my grabby hands on it. We learn a little more about Hendrix in this book but, once again, I'll wait.

Absolutely fantastic and highly 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!
  
Haven’t They Grown
Haven’t They Grown
Sophie Hannah | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A compelling story, with an unguessable ending - well, for me, anyway!
Haven’t They Grown starts off with what can only be described as a bizarre incident. Beth decides to go and see what her rich ex-best friend’s house looks like before she drops her son off at his football match - after all, its kind-of on the way. What she is confronted with though, is unbelievable: her friend, Flora, with her two children. Her two SMALL children. Which sounds perfectly normal, but the children look exactly the same as they did 12 years ago.

Beth becomes obsessed by this conundrum, and is determined to find out what is going on. Honestly, at several points I thought I might have picked up a science fiction novel, and there was going to be some rational, clone-based explanation (of course these kinds of explanations are ALWAYS rational in my world!). But there wasn’t. There is a perfectly TWISTED reason behind all of this (and you’ll have to read it to find out!). I didn’t for one moment guess the reason behind the ageless children.

Beth is a determined woman - luckily she seems to have a husband who backs down, supports her and lets her get on with it. Her daughter seems as persistent and driven as her mother - except for when her GCSE revision is involved. Living with a teenager in his final year at school, I can empathise with Beth here - my son will do anything to avoid his revision as well! But Beth’s daughter is a good sounding board for her, and pushes her to do things and ask people questions that her character probably wouldn’t have done on her own.

I really very much enjoyed this. The big reveal at the end completely floored me, and I most definitely hadn’t seen it coming. This is a great, entertaining story, and had me gripped throughout.

Many thanks to Readers First for my copy of this book to read and honestly review.
  
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You by Aretha Franklin
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You by Aretha Franklin
1967 | Rock
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"OMG, so I heard that in high school and I of course tried to sing along with it but as she's one of the best singers living or dead, she put the bar pretty high. I'd already learned projection, being able to project my voice by doing musical theatre as a kid, and she was somebody who could project really strongly, have a sweet sounding voice, a strong sounding voice; she had just a huge range. Definitely clever lyrics, her songs were the kind of songs you just wanted to belt out. I especially remember the song 'Do Right Woman, Do Right Man', it went, "So if you want/ A do-right-all-days woman/ You got to be/ A do-right-all-nights man", I was like, "What? You mean that you can ask your boyfriend that if you're supposed to be super awesome to him, he has to be super awesome to you back?" Because I always had awful boyfriends who were total dicks so I was like, "Wait, I deserve better?" Here was this woman telling me, "Look if you want me to stay home and not go running around, you gotta stay home and not go running around either, it's a two-way street here." She was basically staying: "I want equality in my relationship." That was a great message to me as high-school kids who had some pretty destructive relationships. Even though I wasn't really able to realise that until much later, it was a great thing to have in my head. I think my mum's boyfriend had her record so I was introduced to it because it was just there at home. I never had a huge record collection or anything, like five records. But when they started dating he had a bunch of records and I learnt about King Crimson, Van Morrison and Aretha Franklin.‬"

Source
  
Smith's Corner: Faith & Fox (The Heartwood Series #4)
Smith's Corner: Faith & Fox (The Heartwood Series #4)
Jayne Paton | 2021 | Contemporary, Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
SMITH'S CORNER: FAITH & FOX is the fourth book in the Heartwood series. Fox has been the strong, silent one throughout the story so far, but now we find out why, and how it has affected him. We also learn more about Faith and what she had to deal with. Let's just say, it hasn't been easy for either of them.

Kingsley, I knew was going to turn up. After all, he did in Ash and Alora's story so there's no way he wasn't going to show here. But then, we find out just how much of a sadistic jerk he is, and I really REALLY disliked him. And it was so true what Faith experienced. You can train and train, but when confronted by someone like that, sometimes you do freeze. That's where extra training comes in, to try and stop that reaction from happening.

The romance between Faith and Fox is hot and sweet. She has her concerns, to be fair, none of which have anything to do with Fox. And I loved how she could read him, giving him a voice when he didn't have one.

The thing I love about these books is the heartache you get. Because you know that it will be followed by all the love and romance you could ask for. Now, in true Jayne Paton style, although I thought it was Faith and Fox I wanted, she's moved me along, and now my heart is aching for Storm and Stone, and Hunter and Holden. So much pain!!!! I can't wait.

This is a brilliant series that now has an extra jewel in its crown. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 3, 2021
  
40x40

Hazel (2934 KP) rated My Lovely Wife in Books

Apr 6, 2019  
My Lovely Wife
My Lovely Wife
Samantha Downing | 2019 | Thriller
8
8.2 (12 Ratings)
Book Rating
A gem of a read
This book is like nothing I have read before ... in a good way of course but I am slightly worried that I may be moving onto the dark side of normal! Why? you may ask - just read this book and you'll understand!

What we have here is an absolute gem of a read that had me hooked from the start. I won't go into the plot as I don't want to give anything away but will describe it as being edgy, dark, twisted, engrossing, disturbingly entertaining and totally unique. The characters are just excellent but more than that, they are frighteningly believable and rarely do I find myself feeling so wrong about liking and rooting for someone so disturbed but scarily normal!

The writing is crisp and effective and easy to read with excellent pacing; great suspense and twists leave you reading way too late into the night in anticipation of what the heck is going to happen next.

I can't believe this is a debut and I am waiting on tenterhooks for Samantha Downing's next book and I only hope it's as disturbingly good as this one. On her website, she says that she wants to "tell stories that make people walk into walls"; I think she did with this one.

Thank you to the publisher, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph, and NetGalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
  
Kama Sutra Workout
Kama Sutra Workout
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I’m reviewing the Kama Sutra Workout: Work Hard, Play Harder with 300 Sensual Sexercises by DK, and it’s a mind-boggling, eye-opening read that I’m glad I got to see. I mean, surely this should be on everyone’s 1001 books to read before they die? (At least a version of the actual Kama Sutra). Even if it is just to see what you’re missing!

From “The Steamy Handstand” (is this even possible in real life?) to the “Thrust of Lust” (don’t ask!) there are some very colourful, and detailed (my husband says “disturbing!” LOL ) pictures to guide you through some equally creative Kama Sutra positions. These have accompanying “sexercises” to give you and your partner a full body workout. (What? On top of getting into these positions in the first place? That’s work out enough for me).

I wish I could share with you pictures, but I think I’d be banned from Amazon if I did. It’s a small book in size but has plenty of width to keep you happy. Innuendo intended.

The idea is you swap the gym for the bedroom and (depending on how young and /or flexible you are) choose the “workout” you most fancy from the back of the book. These consist of a complete sex session by following a sequence of three positions, or if you’re feeling really energetic you can use the position selectors to choose your next random sexercise.

Just don’t break anything!
  
The Big Sick (2017)
The Big Sick (2017)
2017 | Comedy, Drama, Romance
I like it when there's an Unlimited screening of a film I'm not entirely sure about. I'd seen adverts for The Big Sick and was on the fence about seeing it, but when you get a sneaky Unlimited you have to go.

Based on Kumail Nanjiani & Emily V. Gordon real-life story (click on that link to see them interviewed on The View), The Big Sick is a romantic comedy that will have you laughing out loud.

Kumail's family are determined to find him a Pakistani Muslim girl so that he might settle down and follow in their traditions. But Kumail is anything but traditional. He's trying to make it as a comedian, while driving Uber in his spare time.

He meets Emily at one of his gigs and the pair hit it off. As they get further into their relationship though, Kumail worries what his traditional family will say about her. But Emily finding his parent's catalogue cards of potential brides changes everything.

When Emily is taken sick, her friend call Kumail for help. With the hospital putting her into a medically induced coma, he's then left with the prospect of contacting her parents, who up until this point, he'd managed to avoid...

It's a recurring things with my friends that they always ask me what I've seen or have booked at the cinema now, and this is the first one that has pretty much made them all react in the same way...

Me: I'm going to see The Big Sick.
Them: *scrunches face up at the title of the film*

I'm not even kidding, something about the title just doesn't sit right with them. But I have been urging them to go and see it anyway. Kumail Nanjiani is such a funny guy, if you haven't seen him in Franklin and Bash you really need to.

This film was funny and emotional, and felt very real. I feel contented about having watched it, and that doesn't happen a lot with me. Ray Romano and Holly Hunter make a great pair alongside Nankiani and Kazan. It's an all-round nice film, heartbreaking at points, but still wonderful.