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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Sleepless in Books

Nov 11, 2021  
Sleepless
Sleepless
Romy Hausmann | 2021 | Thriller
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Nadja had a difficult childhood and spent time in prison after being convicted for a crime. But it's been years since her release and she's wanted nothing more than a normal life since: a quiet flat, a job, and maybe some friends. But when one of those few friends, Lauren--the wife of her boss--asks for help covering up a murder, Nadja cannot help but agree. Even if it means endangering all the peace she's worked for. The women quickly make a plan, but when it all starts to crumble, Nadja begins to question exactly what her role is in this plan.

I really enjoyed Hausmann's book DEAR CHILD, but this one didn't have quite the same flair. There are books with confusing timelines that you enjoy and then there are books with confusing timelines that simply muddle things and make it hard to enjoy the plot. This book was the latter for me. There are a lot of interconnected stories in varying timelines and points of view and, truly, it's a lot to follow.

This read seems rather slow and rather blah until the last bit, where it takes off and gets exciting. You sort of know where it's going, which makes it even harder to keep reading. The characters are not that engaging, making it hard to get attached. It's difficult to root for this gang--especially Lauren and her husband. The plot is crazy and rather violent, spinning toward preposterous. If you can suspend disbelief, you'll enjoy things a lot more.

Overall, this had hints of enjoyment, but wasn't my favorite. 2.5 stars.
  
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Merissa (12911 KP) rated A Better Man (The Men of Halfway House #1) in Books

Apr 10, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
A Better Man (The Men of Halfway House #1)
A Better Man (The Men of Halfway House #1)
Jaime Reese | 2014 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I first want to thank my partner in crime, Debbie, for recommending this book to me. She has read a lot more of the m/m genre than I, for no other reason than I've been catching up on fantasy and paranormal genres. This one though, she said I had to read. I did and I'm damned glad she was insistent!

There is simply nothing that I can criticise about this book and trust me, I was looking. I adore how the characters get to know each other over time - yes, there's instant attraction and we all know that exists but this pair actually had time to get to know each other before moving the relationship on any further. For this reason, although they argue and fall out, they are stronger together. J never reacts the way that Matt expects him to which makes for good reading because it means you're not sure about the reaction either. There is a lot going for this pair and a lot of obstacles in their way too but because of the strength of their foundation, they face it together.

This is an excellently written, well-paced and moving story that brought both disbelief and tears to my eyes. A fantastic start to the series and I will definitely be looking for more by this author as well as the continuation of the series. 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!
August 10, 2016
  
The Starfolk Arcana (The Starfolk Trilogy #1) by Martha Dunlop
The Starfolk Arcana (The Starfolk Trilogy #1) by Martha Dunlop
Martha Dunlop | 2020 | Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE STARFOLK ARCANA is the first book in the Starfolk Trilogy and we are introduced to a contemporary world where Beth has never felt as though she fitted in, due to her gut feelings and intuition. On her birthday, she goes to a TV show that her friend got tickets for. There, she sees a celebrity, Amelia, who speaks a lot of nonsense but nevertheless manages to sway over the audience apart from Beth. It is also there she meets Jonan for the first time. Life is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

I wouldn't call this a romance book, but rather a story with romantic elements. There is a lot of back and forth between Beth and Jonan as they try to work together, past lives and tarot cards notwithstanding. The whole world seems to be under Amelia's spell, and they need to stop it. It is an uphill battle though, as it is easier to give in to fear than to fight it.

Full of twists and turns, you are never completely sure who to trust. I understood Beth's frustration and hope for the general population but I found her blindness to her roommate to be just as irritating for me.

It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger which definitely left me wanting more. A great read I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

** 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!
Jul 11, 2022
  
American Assassin (2017)
American Assassin (2017)
2017 | Action, Thriller
Good, but....
This film was a good watch

It had a good story, good action, good acting, but there was a torture scene which could have been better acted in my opinion


But the only problem with it was it was called American Assassin, and I don't think there was an assassination in the film, there was a lot of killing, but not what I call an assassination


But it was enjoyable, but I've seen better


I would probably wait till it's on Netflix or something
  
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
2017 | Comedy, Crime, Drama
Holy %$#
Contains spoilers, click to show
I believe the speech Milldred gives to the Priest will go down in cinematic history. Overall the movie is such a harsh insight into the midwest's politics, police abuse, race, homophobia and more. It is almost uncomfortable to watch which is the exact reason I believe it is so important for everyone to see. A tale with no hero and plenty of villains, no happy ending (or ending at all), and a lot to tell. I see this as an awards season gem.
  
Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike
Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike
2003 | Action/Adventure
Vehicles and third person (1 more)
Could go back and play classic missions
Some campaigns were short (0 more)
The 3rd in the Rogue Squadron series was probably the most fun as it added several modes not in the previous two games and also gameplay as improved. Who doesn't love to run around on Hoth, run up beneath an AT-AT, and destroy it with a grenade? Most of the vehicle missions were a lot of fun too and this was a very memorable Star Wars GameCube game.
  
Persona 5
Persona 5
2016 | Action/Adventure, Role-Playing
Not just the puzzles and turn base combat, the story is fun and entertaining. (0 more)
This one is hard. Maybe have more opportunities for gaining points for each friend. (0 more)
Fans of the Persona series or new to the franchise would love this game!
If you are a fan or not a fan of anime or the other Persona games this one is fun, entertaining, and funny. The puzzles are challenging but not crazy hard. There is a lot to do and can build your personality for your character.
  
Suicide Squad (2016)
Suicide Squad (2016)
2016 | Action
The music (1 more)
Will Smith as deadshot
The story (2 more)
The joker
Trying to be overly funny
Let down
Suicide Squad was a film that had a lot of hype and fell curse to it as many films do, I think the storyline for this film was rubbish, the humor was always forced and didn't really flow in my opinion. The music I did enjoy it did fit really well. Will Smith as deadshot was a great choice as I think he acted the part the best.
  
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Dean (6927 KP) rated Spectre (2015) in Movies

Jul 21, 2017  
Spectre (2015)
Spectre (2015)
2015 | Action
Christoph Waltz (2 more)
The Day of the dead festival scenes
Aston Martin DB10
Didn't live up to the trailer (0 more)
Spectacular? Almost
Not quite hitting the highs of Casino Royale or Skyfall but not far off it. Another deep, dark and menacing Bond film. However it feels like something is missing. A lot of slow building up without actually delivering what I hoped for. Again Christoph Waltz steals every scene he is in. A very good film but I like my Bond films a bit more shaken and stirred.