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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Ariadne in Books
May 31, 2022
95 of 230
Book
Ariadne
By Jennifer Saint
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ariadne, Princess of Crete, grows up greeting the dawn from her beautiful dancing floor and listening to her nursemaid’s stories of gods and heroes. But beneath her golden palace echo the ever-present hoofbeats of her brother, the Minotaur, a monster who demands blood sacrifice.
When Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives to vanquish the beast, Ariadne sees in his green eyes not a threat but an escape. Defying the gods, betraying her family and country, and risking everything for love, Ariadne helps Theseus kill the Minotaur. But will Ariadne’s decision ensure her happy ending? And what of Phaedra, the beloved younger sister she leaves behind?
Hypnotic, propulsive, and utterly transporting, Jennifer Saint's Ariadne forges a new epic, one that puts the forgotten women of Greek mythology back at the heart of the story, as they strive for a better world.
I love Greek Mythology and I liked this I was expecting to love it as everyone is raving about it and although it was good and well written I didn’t love it like I would! It possibly deserves a 3.5 almost 4 star but I don’t know I felt a little flat about it. I would recommend it but I would advise possibly not to read the hype on TikTok then you will have a more balanced read and opinion I think.
Book
Ariadne
By Jennifer Saint
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ariadne, Princess of Crete, grows up greeting the dawn from her beautiful dancing floor and listening to her nursemaid’s stories of gods and heroes. But beneath her golden palace echo the ever-present hoofbeats of her brother, the Minotaur, a monster who demands blood sacrifice.
When Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives to vanquish the beast, Ariadne sees in his green eyes not a threat but an escape. Defying the gods, betraying her family and country, and risking everything for love, Ariadne helps Theseus kill the Minotaur. But will Ariadne’s decision ensure her happy ending? And what of Phaedra, the beloved younger sister she leaves behind?
Hypnotic, propulsive, and utterly transporting, Jennifer Saint's Ariadne forges a new epic, one that puts the forgotten women of Greek mythology back at the heart of the story, as they strive for a better world.
I love Greek Mythology and I liked this I was expecting to love it as everyone is raving about it and although it was good and well written I didn’t love it like I would! It possibly deserves a 3.5 almost 4 star but I don’t know I felt a little flat about it. I would recommend it but I would advise possibly not to read the hype on TikTok then you will have a more balanced read and opinion I think.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated A Love to Behold in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Two years after the Civil War, Lydia Albright, 27, is an established teacher in Boston when she senses God’s call to leave the comfort and security of her job and go south. She accepts a position to teach in a school for former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. A church there that’s affiliated with the American Missionary Association offers support, along with room and board at the parsonage. The Ku Klux men are hell-bent on seeing that the new school fails. Lydia’s life is threatened, and the parsonage, church, and school are vandalized. But they haven’t contended with a strong, determined woman like Lydia before. It also helps that she has a couple potential suitors on her side. A Love to Behold is a tale of people who grow strong in the face of adversity and a church that learns love, compassion, and acceptance, even in the face of just cruelty and hatred.
My Thoughts: This is more than just a charming romance novel. It is the story of a young woman determined to answer God's calling on her life and nothing will stop her from doing so.
This is also a novel teaching us to love one another no matter what our differences may be. This is a story about compassion, determination, acceptance and overcoming affliction hen it is presented to us. It's holding on through the storm.
I really truly enjoyed this novel. The characters were all amazing, both the main and the supporting characters all worked well together. The storyline was fast-paced; there are no slow spots in this book.
This book comes highly recommended.
My Thoughts: This is more than just a charming romance novel. It is the story of a young woman determined to answer God's calling on her life and nothing will stop her from doing so.
This is also a novel teaching us to love one another no matter what our differences may be. This is a story about compassion, determination, acceptance and overcoming affliction hen it is presented to us. It's holding on through the storm.
I really truly enjoyed this novel. The characters were all amazing, both the main and the supporting characters all worked well together. The storyline was fast-paced; there are no slow spots in this book.
This book comes highly recommended.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Forever Layla in Books
Apr 3, 2019
David Foster is 17 years old, a few days away from being 18, on the road as a sound guy for his best friend, Michael's Band, and his life is about to change forever.
Layla is 24. She's in town from California and when she see David for the first time, like this, she's not quite sure what to do.
How does Layla know so much about David? Did his friends put her up to this as a prank for his birthday? But Layla knows things he would never tell Michael. So as David gets to know Layla better and as she gets to know the David she already knows in a whole other way, they form a bond that is not so easily broken.
Forever Layla is a story of love, happiness, trust, and science all wrapped up in one. David is living in 1994 and Layla shows up in his life from 2014. David is the kind of man every girl dreams of meeting, but Layla is afraid to mess up his life what she already knows. How can she make a life with him without giving away too much about who she is and how and why is now in his life.
This is a very well written book and it was very difficult to put down.
I loved the story of David and Layla. I was rooting for them to be together Forever as the title suggests. Their love was intense and amazing. To have a love like that with someone that you are willing to give up so much of yourself in order to make them happy and make their dreams come true.
Layla is 24. She's in town from California and when she see David for the first time, like this, she's not quite sure what to do.
How does Layla know so much about David? Did his friends put her up to this as a prank for his birthday? But Layla knows things he would never tell Michael. So as David gets to know Layla better and as she gets to know the David she already knows in a whole other way, they form a bond that is not so easily broken.
Forever Layla is a story of love, happiness, trust, and science all wrapped up in one. David is living in 1994 and Layla shows up in his life from 2014. David is the kind of man every girl dreams of meeting, but Layla is afraid to mess up his life what she already knows. How can she make a life with him without giving away too much about who she is and how and why is now in his life.
This is a very well written book and it was very difficult to put down.
I loved the story of David and Layla. I was rooting for them to be together Forever as the title suggests. Their love was intense and amazing. To have a love like that with someone that you are willing to give up so much of yourself in order to make them happy and make their dreams come true.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated I Heart Geeks in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for a review.
The good thing about anthologies is that if you dont like the story you are reading, you can move on to the next one. Unfortunately, I found myself doing that a lot with this anthology. I requested it because it showcases a culture I am apart of. I go to cons, I read comics books, and play video games. I even have a twitch account where I stream.
But this just wasnt what I was looking for. Out of all the stories, I only enjoyed a couple. I felt that many of the characters and situations were cliché and stereotypical. While I understand that those type of people and situations exist, I felt that each story was a repeat of the others. When I say those people and those situations, I am talking about the anti-social, socially awkward people who are sensitive and easily hurt.
I understand, I get it. Those people need representation, too. But these werent the people I wanted to read about. I wanted to read about the happy, friendly, quirky people you cant help but love. The people who are unapologetic in their love of all things nerdy regardless of what that includes. Most of the protagonists in their stories were fragile and delicate. It seems that every protagonists I read about has been hurt before and is resolved to not love again.
Its an old tired trope. I wish I would have enjoyed it more. I loathe writing negative reviews, but reading this anthology just frustrated me.
The good thing about anthologies is that if you dont like the story you are reading, you can move on to the next one. Unfortunately, I found myself doing that a lot with this anthology. I requested it because it showcases a culture I am apart of. I go to cons, I read comics books, and play video games. I even have a twitch account where I stream.
But this just wasnt what I was looking for. Out of all the stories, I only enjoyed a couple. I felt that many of the characters and situations were cliché and stereotypical. While I understand that those type of people and situations exist, I felt that each story was a repeat of the others. When I say those people and those situations, I am talking about the anti-social, socially awkward people who are sensitive and easily hurt.
I understand, I get it. Those people need representation, too. But these werent the people I wanted to read about. I wanted to read about the happy, friendly, quirky people you cant help but love. The people who are unapologetic in their love of all things nerdy regardless of what that includes. Most of the protagonists in their stories were fragile and delicate. It seems that every protagonists I read about has been hurt before and is resolved to not love again.
Its an old tired trope. I wish I would have enjoyed it more. I loathe writing negative reviews, but reading this anthology just frustrated me.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Defense of Honor (Haven Manor, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
The first thing I said to my hubby after I started reading this book was, "It has been WAY too long since I have read a Kristi Ann Hunter book." I absolutely LOVE her style and voice. The humor infused with the stark realities of life. The faith combined with growth. And the adventures...OH, the adventures these characters have is of epic proportions.
The first thing that stood out to me in this story is the completely new-to-me setting and theme. Although set in Regency England, we spend most of our time outside of London in a forgotten manor. Our leading lady is one who has been scorned by society and lives to protect those who would also be outcasts. I love Kit's passion and heart. She learns so much along her journey and in the end, becomes even more beautiful because of the trust she puts in God. Lord Wharton is swoony on all accounts. His love for the children and for Kit produce such tingling sensations as to set my heart ablaze with admiration.
If you are a fan of Regency books and haven't read a Kristi Ann Hinter book...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? If you HAVE read her books...You NEED to get this one in your hands...like yesterday. A Defense of Honor is my favorite KAH story to date and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
I received a complimentary copy of A Defense of Honor through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
The first thing that stood out to me in this story is the completely new-to-me setting and theme. Although set in Regency England, we spend most of our time outside of London in a forgotten manor. Our leading lady is one who has been scorned by society and lives to protect those who would also be outcasts. I love Kit's passion and heart. She learns so much along her journey and in the end, becomes even more beautiful because of the trust she puts in God. Lord Wharton is swoony on all accounts. His love for the children and for Kit produce such tingling sensations as to set my heart ablaze with admiration.
If you are a fan of Regency books and haven't read a Kristi Ann Hinter book...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? If you HAVE read her books...You NEED to get this one in your hands...like yesterday. A Defense of Honor is my favorite KAH story to date and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
I received a complimentary copy of A Defense of Honor through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
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Merissa (12861 KP) rated Fighting Fate (Monsters of London #3.5) in Books
Mar 14, 2025
FIGHTING FATE is part of the Monsters of London series and I highly recommend you read those first as most of this one takes place after those events.
We have two very different MCs - Vince, who has declared love off limits, and Dax, who is the cutest cinnamon roll who ever rolled! And when I say Vince has declared love off limits, I mean it. This dude has his heart locked away and only allows himself one-and-done's. That is until Dax! Even then, they have time apart.
This was a great read. Not only did I have the chance to see all of my other pairings and how things are for them after the climax of the other three books, but I also got to spend time with Dax and Vince. There are other characters here that I'm hoping will have their story told at some point too.
Told from both Dax and Vince's perspective, you get a nicely rounded story that was perfectly paced. I don't fully understand why Dax's old pack treated him the way they did and I really wanted an explanation for that. However, I did love how protective of him Vince was.
A great addition to the series that still gave me much-wanted time with Kieran's pack while following the MCs too. My rating is 4.5 out of 5 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 14, 2025
We have two very different MCs - Vince, who has declared love off limits, and Dax, who is the cutest cinnamon roll who ever rolled! And when I say Vince has declared love off limits, I mean it. This dude has his heart locked away and only allows himself one-and-done's. That is until Dax! Even then, they have time apart.
This was a great read. Not only did I have the chance to see all of my other pairings and how things are for them after the climax of the other three books, but I also got to spend time with Dax and Vince. There are other characters here that I'm hoping will have their story told at some point too.
Told from both Dax and Vince's perspective, you get a nicely rounded story that was perfectly paced. I don't fully understand why Dax's old pack treated him the way they did and I really wanted an explanation for that. However, I did love how protective of him Vince was.
A great addition to the series that still gave me much-wanted time with Kieran's pack while following the MCs too. My rating is 4.5 out of 5 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 14, 2025
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Call Me by Your Name (2017) in Movies
Jan 19, 2020
I think this film is wonderfully made. I love the story, the characters, the plot, the setting, all of it. I almost wish they didn't set it in time though. It's supposed to be 1983, but what I loved so much about the book is how timeless the story felt. It didn't feel like it belonged to any one decade, it felt like something that could withstand the tests of time and I wish they would've let that play in the movie too.
I love Timothée Chalamet as Elio so much, I think he's perfect. I loved Armie Hammer as Oliver too, there were some points, though, where he definitely seemed older than 24. I loved their chemistry, I think it's obvious that they got along and they had a lot of trust in one another. My favorite character though is Mr. Pearlman. I love his love for Elio and the way that he talks to him, especially after Oliver leaves and he sees that Elio is so obviously heartbroken. I love that he is just accepting and loves him unconditionally but also pushes him to not run from his feelings and to allow them to wash over him. I hope to be that kind of parent when I have kids.
I think this is the type of film that the LGBTQ+ community has been asking for for so long. I love coming out stories and coming of age stories as much as the next person but the stories where it's just comfortable and it's already there and there isn't any need for them to question who they are, those stories are important too. I don't know that this film entirely fits that box, but I think it fits more into that one than the coming of age type. I don't think Elio ever questioned whether or not he liked boys, I think he just questioned whether or not he should if that makes any sense.
I would've loved to see some scenes in the book make it to the screen, but I know that that isn't always possible. Additionally, the only other downside to this film in it's comparison to the book is that the book is written from Elio's perspective so you get all his thoughts and his loves and his assumptions about Oliver as he falls for him and you can only portray so much of that on film without a narration of sorts and if they did that, it would just take away from the story and the things that aren't said.
Lastly, a random side note, in this film, Timothée reminds me a lot of Shia LaBeouf. I have absolutely no idea why, but he does. I wonder if this would be a film Shia would've done if it was made when he was younger.
Anyways, phenomenal film.
I love Timothée Chalamet as Elio so much, I think he's perfect. I loved Armie Hammer as Oliver too, there were some points, though, where he definitely seemed older than 24. I loved their chemistry, I think it's obvious that they got along and they had a lot of trust in one another. My favorite character though is Mr. Pearlman. I love his love for Elio and the way that he talks to him, especially after Oliver leaves and he sees that Elio is so obviously heartbroken. I love that he is just accepting and loves him unconditionally but also pushes him to not run from his feelings and to allow them to wash over him. I hope to be that kind of parent when I have kids.
I think this is the type of film that the LGBTQ+ community has been asking for for so long. I love coming out stories and coming of age stories as much as the next person but the stories where it's just comfortable and it's already there and there isn't any need for them to question who they are, those stories are important too. I don't know that this film entirely fits that box, but I think it fits more into that one than the coming of age type. I don't think Elio ever questioned whether or not he liked boys, I think he just questioned whether or not he should if that makes any sense.
I would've loved to see some scenes in the book make it to the screen, but I know that that isn't always possible. Additionally, the only other downside to this film in it's comparison to the book is that the book is written from Elio's perspective so you get all his thoughts and his loves and his assumptions about Oliver as he falls for him and you can only portray so much of that on film without a narration of sorts and if they did that, it would just take away from the story and the things that aren't said.
Lastly, a random side note, in this film, Timothée reminds me a lot of Shia LaBeouf. I have absolutely no idea why, but he does. I wonder if this would be a film Shia would've done if it was made when he was younger.
Anyways, phenomenal film.