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Merissa (12051 KP) rated The Flight (Close Proximity #4) in Books
Nov 27, 2018
The Flight (Close Proximity #4) by Erin M. Leaf
The Flight is the fourth novella in the Close Proximity series. This time we meet up with Sebastian, a flight attendant, and Ethan, a musician. Now, you may think this is the normal rockstar romance, but it's not. This story is intricate in a way novellas rarely are. Not only do we see Sebastian as a flight attendant, but also as a young man who has lost his mum. A young man who writes music. And yet we still find out more about him as the story progresses. As for Ethan, tired musician, songwriter, travelling to a charity concert. When these two meet, sparks fly.
I loved this book! It's a novella, and I really wish it wasn't! I could have sat down with this one and read happily for much longer. Instead, I got all the good bits in one easy read, including a perfect HEA for our guys. There is plenty going on, but the pacing is smooth. With good supporting characters, a great storyline, and a couple of smoking hot MCs, this is a story I highly recommend.
* 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!
I loved this book! It's a novella, and I really wish it wasn't! I could have sat down with this one and read happily for much longer. Instead, I got all the good bits in one easy read, including a perfect HEA for our guys. There is plenty going on, but the pacing is smooth. With good supporting characters, a great storyline, and a couple of smoking hot MCs, this is a story I highly recommend.
* 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!
As with most comics/graphic novels-into-movies I've read, I'll admit that I saw the movie (quite a few years back) before reading this.
Essentially a comic-book-brought-to-screen, the movie iteself was incredibly violent (but enjoyable), with ridiculous amoutns of blood and body parts splattered across the screen, and with more nudity than I was expecting alongside the whole sub-plot of King Leonidas wife getting the Spartans to march.
An entire sub-plot that is not in the source material at all.
I also have to say that the violence in this - while still there - is actually toned down quite a bit from what I was expecting, with several of the panels virtually lifted from the pages and put on to the screen.
The story, for anyone who doesn't already know, is centred around King Leonidas' view of Thermopylae - or 'The Hot Gates' - , a narrow pass defended by the 300 Spartans of the title (plus miscellaneous other Greeks, although you'd be forgive for thinking they weren't there the way this, and the legend, is told!) to the death, and which was immortalised by the poet Simodides as follows on an epigram placed on theri burial mound:
"Go tell the Spartans, you who passeth by,
That here, obedient to their laws, we lie."
(see: http://www.poetryatlas.com/poetry/poem/1458/go-tell-the-spartans.html)
Essentially a comic-book-brought-to-screen, the movie iteself was incredibly violent (but enjoyable), with ridiculous amoutns of blood and body parts splattered across the screen, and with more nudity than I was expecting alongside the whole sub-plot of King Leonidas wife getting the Spartans to march.
An entire sub-plot that is not in the source material at all.
I also have to say that the violence in this - while still there - is actually toned down quite a bit from what I was expecting, with several of the panels virtually lifted from the pages and put on to the screen.
The story, for anyone who doesn't already know, is centred around King Leonidas' view of Thermopylae - or 'The Hot Gates' - , a narrow pass defended by the 300 Spartans of the title (plus miscellaneous other Greeks, although you'd be forgive for thinking they weren't there the way this, and the legend, is told!) to the death, and which was immortalised by the poet Simodides as follows on an epigram placed on theri burial mound:
"Go tell the Spartans, you who passeth by,
That here, obedient to their laws, we lie."
(see: http://www.poetryatlas.com/poetry/poem/1458/go-tell-the-spartans.html)
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Rescued (Rescued Hearts #1) in Books
Jan 31, 2019
Rescued (Rescued Hearts #1) by Felice Stevens
Rescued is the first book in the Rescued Hearts series, and we start off with Jason and Ryder. Jason has just finished with his long-term girlfriend, and Ryder has been alone for a long time, although he has his pitbull, Pearl, to keep him company. Ryder's life hasn't been that great, although he was born with the proverbial silver spoon. You find out just what a first class piece of work his mother is! Watching these two get together was superb. After Jason worked his own stuff out (which I do understand) I really didn't want Ryder to fall back in Jason's arms so quickly. Still, that's just one small point, and certainly did not affect my enjoyment of this story.
Exceedingly well written, with a sweet story, and hot and sexy intimate scenes, you really do get the best of both worlds with this book. I loved the characters, and the world-building, and would highly recommend this book.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and get the second book!
* 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!
Exceedingly well written, with a sweet story, and hot and sexy intimate scenes, you really do get the best of both worlds with this book. I loved the characters, and the world-building, and would highly recommend this book.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and get the second book!
* 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!
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Home Again (2017) in Movies
Jun 23, 2019 (Updated Sep 25, 2019)
Mother of two, Alice Kinney, is turning forty. She's separated from her husband and has just moved back to her father's old home in Los Angeles to start again. While out with her friends for her birthday she bumps into the youthful Harry, and his friends George and Teddy, who've come to LA to pitch their movie.
After an awkward encounter the morning after, Alice's mum convinces her to let the three of them stay in the guest house while they're in town. The three of them become part of family life, helping her with work and the kids. When her ex shows up unexpectedly, Alice is left in a confusing position, and when tension builds between everyone things start to change.
Is this the best rom-com? That's a strong no. Is it a bad film? Also no. It made me chuckle, and it brought a bit of a tear to my eye. It was just a nice film. The conclusion seemed to happen very suddenly, but then I feel that about quite a few films that I see. Personally if I fancied seeing a Reese Witherspoon film then I'd probably pick Sweet Home Alabama, Just Like Heaven, or even Hot Pursuit. I read online that the conclusion was that everyone in this film has done something better, and that is definitely true.
After an awkward encounter the morning after, Alice's mum convinces her to let the three of them stay in the guest house while they're in town. The three of them become part of family life, helping her with work and the kids. When her ex shows up unexpectedly, Alice is left in a confusing position, and when tension builds between everyone things start to change.
Is this the best rom-com? That's a strong no. Is it a bad film? Also no. It made me chuckle, and it brought a bit of a tear to my eye. It was just a nice film. The conclusion seemed to happen very suddenly, but then I feel that about quite a few films that I see. Personally if I fancied seeing a Reese Witherspoon film then I'd probably pick Sweet Home Alabama, Just Like Heaven, or even Hot Pursuit. I read online that the conclusion was that everyone in this film has done something better, and that is definitely true.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Daughter of Rage and Beauty (Berserker Academy #1) in Books
Dec 22, 2019
DAUGHTER OF RAGE AND BEAUTY is the first book in the Berserker Academy series, and if this is any indication of what is to come, then I can't wait for book 2.
Elin is a half-breed, part Fae and part Berserker. She has been looked down upon by her father from birth, and now, at twenty-one, she is being shipped off to the Berserker Academy in a last-ditch attempt of her not 'sullying' the family name. Trouble is, Berserkers can be just as judgmental as her father!
I was completely engrossed in this story. I loved Hauk and the connection that grew between him and Elin. There are other characters that stand out that I hope will get their own stories. So many parts of this that I enjoyed, it's hard to narrow it down. One scene I will mention is the incredibly hot scene between Hauk and Elin. I think my kindle nearly melted. It was perfectly done, being sexy and sensuous without being gratuitous.
I found the pacing to be spot on with this, giving the reader enough time to enjoy each scene without it being stuck. The world-building was great and is one I hope to return to.
For a fun, sexy and adventurous Norse fantasy, then I have no hesitation in recommending this!
Elin is a half-breed, part Fae and part Berserker. She has been looked down upon by her father from birth, and now, at twenty-one, she is being shipped off to the Berserker Academy in a last-ditch attempt of her not 'sullying' the family name. Trouble is, Berserkers can be just as judgmental as her father!
I was completely engrossed in this story. I loved Hauk and the connection that grew between him and Elin. There are other characters that stand out that I hope will get their own stories. So many parts of this that I enjoyed, it's hard to narrow it down. One scene I will mention is the incredibly hot scene between Hauk and Elin. I think my kindle nearly melted. It was perfectly done, being sexy and sensuous without being gratuitous.
I found the pacing to be spot on with this, giving the reader enough time to enjoy each scene without it being stuck. The world-building was great and is one I hope to return to.
For a fun, sexy and adventurous Norse fantasy, then I have no hesitation in recommending this!
Lee (2222 KP) rated Little Women (2019) in Movies
Dec 30, 2019
If I’m honest, Little Women probably isn’t the kind of movie I’d generally watch. But I’d heard great things about it, and my wife and daughter both wanted to watch it, so I decided to give it a shot. I haven’t read Little Women the book, and I haven’t seen any of the numerous adaptations prior to this one either, so you should probably take my opinion with a pinch of salt.
Little Women switches between two different periods in the lives of four sisters - their current lives and their lives seven years earlier. And I quite often struggled to tell when it switched, leaving me slightly confused on more than one occasion. I eventually learned to identify which timeframe we were in depending on which of the sisters Laurie (Timothée Chalamet) was currently hitting on, but there was a lengthy period around the middle where the meandering story, and the rather hot cinema, saw me gently closing my eyes for a short while
But, after my short power nap, I actually grew to enjoy the last third of the movie. I’m a big fan of Saoirse Ronan and, along with Florence Pugh, who is currently having the most amazing year, they really make this movie. Relaxed, authentic dialogue and great chemistry between the sisters and the other characters made this a lot more bearable than I was expecting!
Little Women switches between two different periods in the lives of four sisters - their current lives and their lives seven years earlier. And I quite often struggled to tell when it switched, leaving me slightly confused on more than one occasion. I eventually learned to identify which timeframe we were in depending on which of the sisters Laurie (Timothée Chalamet) was currently hitting on, but there was a lengthy period around the middle where the meandering story, and the rather hot cinema, saw me gently closing my eyes for a short while
But, after my short power nap, I actually grew to enjoy the last third of the movie. I’m a big fan of Saoirse Ronan and, along with Florence Pugh, who is currently having the most amazing year, they really make this movie. Relaxed, authentic dialogue and great chemistry between the sisters and the other characters made this a lot more bearable than I was expecting!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Hark! the Herald Angels Scream: An Anthology in Books
Jan 22, 2019
Anthology of Christmas or winter themed horror stories
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I waited until closer to the holiday to read this book and, with all of the rushing involved with the season, forgot to post my review. The Christmas season may be over, but it is still winter, so grab a cup of hot chocolate and be prepared to be entertained.
Hark! The Herald Angels Scream by Edited by Christopher Golden is an "anthology of all-new short fiction from some of the most talented and original writers of horror today." Included are eighteen stories of Christmas or winter themed horror from authors: Kelley Armstrong, Christopher Golden, Elizabeth Hand, Michael Koryta, Sarah Langan, Joe R. Lansdale, Tim Lebbon, Sarah Lotz, Jonathan Maberry, Josh Malerman, Seanan McGuire, John M. McIlveen, James A. Moore, Sarah Pinborough, Angela Slatter, Scott Smith,Thomas E. Sniegoski, and Jeff Strand.
The cover quickly bring to mind "Tales from the Crypt", a campy, horror anthology television series with a memorable narrator, Crypt Keeper. The stories written could have been been portrayed in any of the episodes. As with "Tales from the Crypt", the stories in "Hark! The Herald Angels Scream" were creepy, funny, chilling, gruesome, dark, and definitely worth your time.
The stories are well written and stand alone.
I waited until closer to the holiday to read this book and, with all of the rushing involved with the season, forgot to post my review. The Christmas season may be over, but it is still winter, so grab a cup of hot chocolate and be prepared to be entertained.
Hark! The Herald Angels Scream by Edited by Christopher Golden is an "anthology of all-new short fiction from some of the most talented and original writers of horror today." Included are eighteen stories of Christmas or winter themed horror from authors: Kelley Armstrong, Christopher Golden, Elizabeth Hand, Michael Koryta, Sarah Langan, Joe R. Lansdale, Tim Lebbon, Sarah Lotz, Jonathan Maberry, Josh Malerman, Seanan McGuire, John M. McIlveen, James A. Moore, Sarah Pinborough, Angela Slatter, Scott Smith,Thomas E. Sniegoski, and Jeff Strand.
The cover quickly bring to mind "Tales from the Crypt", a campy, horror anthology television series with a memorable narrator, Crypt Keeper. The stories written could have been been portrayed in any of the episodes. As with "Tales from the Crypt", the stories in "Hark! The Herald Angels Scream" were creepy, funny, chilling, gruesome, dark, and definitely worth your time.
The stories are well written and stand alone.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated To Covet The Fae in Books
Dec 17, 2018
To Covet The Fae is the first book in the spin off series, The Kincaid Wolves. As such, it involves characters and places that we have already met. Although you could read this as a standalone, to get the full benefit I would recommend reading the Deathless Night series first. Plus the fact, they are wonderful books so it will be no hardship, I assure you.
Heather is Grace's friend and has come with her from China to Seattle. However, there is more to her than meets the eye as Brock finds out when she is taken unwillingly to meet with "the Prince". Through certain machinations, Brock and Heather find themselves separated in a different dimension, with only the toss of a coin to guide them.
This is well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors. However, as the first of a series, even a spin-off, there is a lot of groundwork that has to be laid. Also, it helps to provide the build up to the future books. This looks like it is going to be a series just as hot as the Deathless Nights, and so I have no hesitation in recommending it!
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Heather is Grace's friend and has come with her from China to Seattle. However, there is more to her than meets the eye as Brock finds out when she is taken unwillingly to meet with "the Prince". Through certain machinations, Brock and Heather find themselves separated in a different dimension, with only the toss of a coin to guide them.
This is well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors. However, as the first of a series, even a spin-off, there is a lot of groundwork that has to be laid. Also, it helps to provide the build up to the future books. This looks like it is going to be a series just as hot as the Deathless Nights, and so I have no hesitation in recommending it!
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Bared to You (Crossfire, #1) in Books
Nov 21, 2019
Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness. He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily.
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart
This is possibly my 10th reread I have lost track. So I ask myself why do I keep coming back to this book and series? Well I can honestly say I just love how Sylvia Day writes I've read almost everything she has written. I enjoy reading the Cross series especially this one. Gideon Cross is just so yummy I adore Eva and Cary. I do have people who just don't understand why these books are so enticing to me and no it's not just the sex!! I think this says to me that no matter how hard your life is or how screwed up your past is you can still find love in the darkest places!!
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart
This is possibly my 10th reread I have lost track. So I ask myself why do I keep coming back to this book and series? Well I can honestly say I just love how Sylvia Day writes I've read almost everything she has written. I enjoy reading the Cross series especially this one. Gideon Cross is just so yummy I adore Eva and Cary. I do have people who just don't understand why these books are so enticing to me and no it's not just the sex!! I think this says to me that no matter how hard your life is or how screwed up your past is you can still find love in the darkest places!!
