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Strike a Pose (Model Love, #1)
8.5
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Make a wish on a shooting star. Cry to the moon like the coyotes do. There are so many things Sid...
Contemporary MM Romance Found Family Opposites Attract Hurt/Comfort
Merissa (14100 KP) rated Something Shattered in Books
May 8, 2023
This is the story of how a man moves to a small town to escape a horrifying event, that has affected him physically, mentally and emotionally. Caleb was attacked outside his home and the police never caught his attackers. So he moves to a small town, El Jardin, in New Mexico in the hope of it helping to heal him. However, his agoraphobia gets worse until just getting his mail is a massive achievement. With the help and friendship of Jesse, he starts to put himself back together and they can both move on.
This is a heart-warming and poignant story, that details brilliants the effects of an attack on a person and how debilitating they can be. It is a story of hope, of love, and yes, of hot and steamy sex too. Being well-written and with a steady pace, you are drawn into the story and the lives of these two men, who seem to face incredible odds and yet still are there for each other. Definitely recommended for all fans of MM Romance.
* 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!
Jan 4, 2016
This is a heart-warming and poignant story, that details brilliants the effects of an attack on a person and how debilitating they can be. It is a story of hope, of love, and yes, of hot and steamy sex too. Being well-written and with a steady pace, you are drawn into the story and the lives of these two men, who seem to face incredible odds and yet still are there for each other. Definitely recommended for all fans of MM Romance.
* 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!
Jan 4, 2016
Merissa (14100 KP) rated Empress of Storms (Two Thrones #1) in Books
May 17, 2023
This is the story of Matthias and Danae, rulers of their countries, aligned in a political marriage that Danae hopes will become the real thing. She has had a 'crush' on Matthias for years, but he was happily married. Matthias is the one to marry Danae due to the fact that his wife died and his son, who was supposed to marry her, has disappeared.
This is an exceptional story, with undercurrents all the way through that will grip and entice you. The steamy scenes were certainly hot, but different to Nicola Cameron's other works. A lot more was left to the reader's imagination, which was a good thing for this book. I found the 'traitor' before the name was revealed, HOWEVER, it still came as a surprise, especially with the reasons given behind it. That is how well this book is written!
With a steady and flowing pace, this book with entice you from start to finish. Absolutely recommended and thoroughly enjoyed.
* 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!
Jan 16, 2016
This is an exceptional story, with undercurrents all the way through that will grip and entice you. The steamy scenes were certainly hot, but different to Nicola Cameron's other works. A lot more was left to the reader's imagination, which was a good thing for this book. I found the 'traitor' before the name was revealed, HOWEVER, it still came as a surprise, especially with the reasons given behind it. That is how well this book is written!
With a steady and flowing pace, this book with entice you from start to finish. Absolutely recommended and thoroughly enjoyed.
* 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!
Jan 16, 2016
Merissa (14100 KP) rated Leading Me Home (Harrington Hills #1) by in Books
May 20, 2023
This is a real friends-to-lovers story, complete with hidden feelings on one side. However, what made this story exceptional to me is the way in which it is written and the believable, likeable characters that Megan Linden gives us. Told from dual points of view, you hear from both Tyler and Kevin as they realise how deep their feelings for each other are, and what this means as one is an Alpha's Son, whilst the other is a lone wolf.
I loved how it was Mom B, the Beta, who spoke to Kevin and gave him the reassurance he needed. It wasn't just swept under the carpet in a "love conquers all" way. No, he was told that loving a Harrington was tough, but it was worth it!
This novella has it all - friendship, romance, it has some hot scenes without being gratuitous, and it has definitely left me wanting more. Absolutely adored this book and I'm looking forward to returning to Harrington Hills as soon as I can. Highly 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!
Feb 16, 2016
I loved how it was Mom B, the Beta, who spoke to Kevin and gave him the reassurance he needed. It wasn't just swept under the carpet in a "love conquers all" way. No, he was told that loving a Harrington was tough, but it was worth it!
This novella has it all - friendship, romance, it has some hot scenes without being gratuitous, and it has definitely left me wanting more. Absolutely adored this book and I'm looking forward to returning to Harrington Hills as soon as I can. Highly 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!
Feb 16, 2016
Merissa (14100 KP) rated Geomancist (7 Forbidden Arts #5) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
Sean is our Geomancist, but he can't access his power any longer, following a traumatic event with his twin sister. He is desperate to own the bar he works in, so he can fulfil his dream. Then Asia walks into his life, and tells him that SHE wants the bar - to change it into a spa to fulfil HER dream! The race is on to see which will raise the money first, and be the owner of the bar/spa.
To do this they have to do something that neither of them wanted to - attend a week-long private party on a private island owned by a Columbian drug lord. Things don't go according to plan and the book takes a sinister twist. Parts of this story are incredibly 'uncomfortable' to read, as well as hot and spicy bits of the story.
It unfolds in a way that could only be written by Charmaine Pauls, she keeps you guessing and the story moving in ways that you just don't anticipate. Absolutely thrilling and heart-wrenching, this story is a fantastic addition to the Seven Forbidden Arts series. Highly recommended and I'm already looking forward to the next book!
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 1, 2016
To do this they have to do something that neither of them wanted to - attend a week-long private party on a private island owned by a Columbian drug lord. Things don't go according to plan and the book takes a sinister twist. Parts of this story are incredibly 'uncomfortable' to read, as well as hot and spicy bits of the story.
It unfolds in a way that could only be written by Charmaine Pauls, she keeps you guessing and the story moving in ways that you just don't anticipate. Absolutely thrilling and heart-wrenching, this story is a fantastic addition to the Seven Forbidden Arts series. Highly recommended and I'm already looking forward to the next book!
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 1, 2016
Merissa (14100 KP) rated Hot StepDad Summer (Stepdad Summer #1) in Books
Mar 3, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
HOT STEPDAD SUMMER is the first book in the Stepdad Summer series and we are introduced to Dillon and Steven. Dillon's mum had him when she was only twenty and they got on great until Dillon came out. Steven is only eight years older than Dillon and walks a fine line between the two of them as the peacemaker.
Told from both Steven and Dillon's perspectives, this is a fast-paced story that brushes over some of the darker themes mentioned (mafia, suspense,). The issues between Steven and Dillon being together are quickly worked out, helped along by cheating (not the MC's). Also, the nicknames and how they spoke to each other, especially during sex, made me laugh out loud, and I'm not sure that was the intention!
This was an entertaining read where problems are dealt with without too much hassle, a hint of possible trouble, and love wins overall. If that's what you want, then you'll enjoy this book.
** 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!
Mar 3, 2022
Told from both Steven and Dillon's perspectives, this is a fast-paced story that brushes over some of the darker themes mentioned (mafia, suspense,). The issues between Steven and Dillon being together are quickly worked out, helped along by cheating (not the MC's). Also, the nicknames and how they spoke to each other, especially during sex, made me laugh out loud, and I'm not sure that was the intention!
This was an entertaining read where problems are dealt with without too much hassle, a hint of possible trouble, and love wins overall. If that's what you want, then you'll enjoy this book.
** 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!
Mar 3, 2022
Love Potions (Warlocks MacGregor #1)
6.0
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A little magickal mischief never hurt anyone… Erik MacGregor is from a clan of ancient Scottish...
Paranormal Romance Scotland
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Some Like It Hot (1959) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
The dilemma of an obsessed movie-goer is choosing what films to watch when things clash. It really wasn't a tough choice when an Unlimited Screening was announced for the same evening as Some Like It Hot. The screening was only two days before release, I could wait. It wasn't big enough to miss the chance to see this classic on the big screen.
It's been a long time since I've seen this and I'm always a little cautious about revisiting old favourites as my taste in films gradually changes. But luckily this one hadn't lost any of it's magic. It's a simple idea that's taken to the next level by a talented cast and wonderful script.
One of the reasons I think I love old movies so much is that they had a love of musical elements. I was always a fan of The Andrews Sisters, the Road movies, and of course musicals. A jazzy little number kept you buzzing and always knocked the entertainment value up a notch. This is no exception. Everyone loves some sultry Monroe be-dooping on screen.
There are lots of snippets online about the production and it give you a fantastic background. Monroe was terrible at remembering even that basic lines and they ended up writing lots of them down to hide on set, but some how that still didn't help to reduce the number of takes they needed to do. Curtis' prim and proper Josephine actually came about from him being uncomfortable dressed as a woman. Lemmon gave up being taught how to walk in heels because he wanted to look like a man wearing heels for the part. Despite it being in Monroe's contract that all her films had to be in colour they agreed to film in black and white because the make-up Curtis and Lemmon were wearing made them looking slightly green on camera... that's just some of it. It's well worth having a look around for other tidbits.
It's amazing to think that the flawless looking make-up in black and white looks completely different in colour. Let's face it, they both turn out looking pretty good dressed as women.
As a double act Curtis and Lemmon are wonderful together, both and Joe & Jerry and Josephine and Daphne. The dialogue, timing and the way they interact physically is all brilliant. One of my favourite bits is very early on when they realise the "funeral" is about to get raided. It's cool, calm and coordinated, not a beat is missed and the whole sequence puts a smile on my face.
I went to log this film on Letterboxd and noticed that I'd rated it as a four star film. Accurate, I thought to myself. But as I started to write notes for this review I realised I was sorely under appreciating it. How could I not give this five stars? Everything it does, it nails.
Being really picky, I'm not a big fan of Marilyn Monroe as an actress. I never feel that she stood up on her own, it tends to be the effort of everyone else that makes her shine better. That being said, she still has that massive impact on the screen and a naivety that needs to be there for some of the humour to work. Curtis dropping the dead pan line about water polo wouldn't have worked with any other type of character.
If I were to list the best bits of the film here I might as well just narrate you the whole movie. There are so many fun bits but one of my top ones is the engagement. That childlike glee is just so much fun that you're rooting for it to work too.
What you should do
There's no way that you should go through life without seeing Some Like It Hot. While there are a couple of moments that feel dated the humour is so good it would be a travesty to miss it.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
Tough choice... Curtis' agility when climbing the front of the hotel, Lemmon's dance moves, or the ability to make a cocktail in a hot water bottle... decisions decisions!
It's been a long time since I've seen this and I'm always a little cautious about revisiting old favourites as my taste in films gradually changes. But luckily this one hadn't lost any of it's magic. It's a simple idea that's taken to the next level by a talented cast and wonderful script.
One of the reasons I think I love old movies so much is that they had a love of musical elements. I was always a fan of The Andrews Sisters, the Road movies, and of course musicals. A jazzy little number kept you buzzing and always knocked the entertainment value up a notch. This is no exception. Everyone loves some sultry Monroe be-dooping on screen.
There are lots of snippets online about the production and it give you a fantastic background. Monroe was terrible at remembering even that basic lines and they ended up writing lots of them down to hide on set, but some how that still didn't help to reduce the number of takes they needed to do. Curtis' prim and proper Josephine actually came about from him being uncomfortable dressed as a woman. Lemmon gave up being taught how to walk in heels because he wanted to look like a man wearing heels for the part. Despite it being in Monroe's contract that all her films had to be in colour they agreed to film in black and white because the make-up Curtis and Lemmon were wearing made them looking slightly green on camera... that's just some of it. It's well worth having a look around for other tidbits.
It's amazing to think that the flawless looking make-up in black and white looks completely different in colour. Let's face it, they both turn out looking pretty good dressed as women.
As a double act Curtis and Lemmon are wonderful together, both and Joe & Jerry and Josephine and Daphne. The dialogue, timing and the way they interact physically is all brilliant. One of my favourite bits is very early on when they realise the "funeral" is about to get raided. It's cool, calm and coordinated, not a beat is missed and the whole sequence puts a smile on my face.
I went to log this film on Letterboxd and noticed that I'd rated it as a four star film. Accurate, I thought to myself. But as I started to write notes for this review I realised I was sorely under appreciating it. How could I not give this five stars? Everything it does, it nails.
Being really picky, I'm not a big fan of Marilyn Monroe as an actress. I never feel that she stood up on her own, it tends to be the effort of everyone else that makes her shine better. That being said, she still has that massive impact on the screen and a naivety that needs to be there for some of the humour to work. Curtis dropping the dead pan line about water polo wouldn't have worked with any other type of character.
If I were to list the best bits of the film here I might as well just narrate you the whole movie. There are so many fun bits but one of my top ones is the engagement. That childlike glee is just so much fun that you're rooting for it to work too.
What you should do
There's no way that you should go through life without seeing Some Like It Hot. While there are a couple of moments that feel dated the humour is so good it would be a travesty to miss it.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
Tough choice... Curtis' agility when climbing the front of the hotel, Lemmon's dance moves, or the ability to make a cocktail in a hot water bottle... decisions decisions!
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Artemis in Books
May 25, 2018
Huge Martian fan here! And this one, while totally different, did not disappoint! There is plenty of space drama, including the fear of what could happen when crisis occurs, but also some charm, witty characters and some pretty crazy daredevil situations.
I didn't particularly like Jazz, the main character. Shes got man drama, friend drama, family drama, work drama.... BUT she is one pretty bad-ass chick who does whatever she wants and for the most part, takes no blame. She's extremely immature for her age (late 20s?) and incredibly irresponsible, and I couldn't believe she got away with some of the antics that went on in this book. Especially on the Moon!
Artemis is just that - a city - but on the moon! Very cool concept, totally different idea than The Martian. It's a pretty common practice to travel back and forth from Earth to the Moon occurs, but only if you are a zillionaire and can afford to do so. It is a hot vacation destination for rich and famous travelers, but like a lot of vacation hot spots - there are those who live and work there, like Jazz, and are natives, born there, work there, and are neither rich nor famous.
Jazz works in transportation, unloading the ships that bring stuff from Earth - which covers for her side job as a smuggler - bringing in contraband to those who request it- like cigars, etc. (um hellooo? we all know fire does not bode well in space!) One request for a pretty shady request, sends the entire city into complete chaos. Why on Moon (see what I did there?) would Jazz stoop so low and put the entire city in danger? Money - and lots of it. Jazz is saving up for something, and money is her answer to everything. And we slowly unfold the story that makes up Jazz and start to understand why she is the way she is. We also see how ridiculously smart and courageous she is and you may even start to like her a little!
There is a LOT of science in this book. I now know exactly how to weld on the moon. I mean, exactly. My husband is a welder and I read some parts to him and he said it all sounded pretty legit, so I can imagine the research that went into crafting some parts of the story.
Overall it was a lot of fun - Jazz is quite the character and I'd totally read a sequel if Jazz had another story to tell. Andy Weir knows his space, and I'm quite glad he loves it so much to write such entertaining and engaging stories for us.
I didn't particularly like Jazz, the main character. Shes got man drama, friend drama, family drama, work drama.... BUT she is one pretty bad-ass chick who does whatever she wants and for the most part, takes no blame. She's extremely immature for her age (late 20s?) and incredibly irresponsible, and I couldn't believe she got away with some of the antics that went on in this book. Especially on the Moon!
Artemis is just that - a city - but on the moon! Very cool concept, totally different idea than The Martian. It's a pretty common practice to travel back and forth from Earth to the Moon occurs, but only if you are a zillionaire and can afford to do so. It is a hot vacation destination for rich and famous travelers, but like a lot of vacation hot spots - there are those who live and work there, like Jazz, and are natives, born there, work there, and are neither rich nor famous.
Jazz works in transportation, unloading the ships that bring stuff from Earth - which covers for her side job as a smuggler - bringing in contraband to those who request it- like cigars, etc. (um hellooo? we all know fire does not bode well in space!) One request for a pretty shady request, sends the entire city into complete chaos. Why on Moon (see what I did there?) would Jazz stoop so low and put the entire city in danger? Money - and lots of it. Jazz is saving up for something, and money is her answer to everything. And we slowly unfold the story that makes up Jazz and start to understand why she is the way she is. We also see how ridiculously smart and courageous she is and you may even start to like her a little!
There is a LOT of science in this book. I now know exactly how to weld on the moon. I mean, exactly. My husband is a welder and I read some parts to him and he said it all sounded pretty legit, so I can imagine the research that went into crafting some parts of the story.
Overall it was a lot of fun - Jazz is quite the character and I'd totally read a sequel if Jazz had another story to tell. Andy Weir knows his space, and I'm quite glad he loves it so much to write such entertaining and engaging stories for us.