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Merissa (13394 KP) rated Everything (Songbird, #3) in Books
Apr 11, 2023
Everything is the third book in the Songbird Series and is about the baby of the 3 - Jody. She was the one who was always bubbly and positive but that changed when she went to college, fell in love with the wrong man, got pregnant and had to put her life on hold. Instead of moving forwards, she finds herself moving back home to her father as she tries to cope with having a young baby whilst being so very young herself.
The thing I loved about this book is that Jody feels sorry for herself at times, but she doesn't wallow in it. Feeling sorry for yourself when things get on top of you - especially when you're dealing with the constant tiredness that comes with a newborn! - is only natural. She has her moment and then tries to think of what she can do to change matters. She's afraid to go it alone but is also prepared to face that fear to make a better life for herself and her daughter.
Leo has his own struggles to deal with and does sort of have an ulterior motive when offering Jody a place to live and a job, but he doesn't act on anything. He gives Jody the space and confidence she needs to stand tall. Of course, the fact that he's completely in love with Angelia is completely irrelevant ;)
This is a wonderful story which can be read as a standalone but I personally would recommend reading the whole series, simply because you're missing out on two other fantastic books if you don't read them.
Highly recommended for all fans of Contemporary Romance.
* 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!
August 7, 2016
The thing I loved about this book is that Jody feels sorry for herself at times, but she doesn't wallow in it. Feeling sorry for yourself when things get on top of you - especially when you're dealing with the constant tiredness that comes with a newborn! - is only natural. She has her moment and then tries to think of what she can do to change matters. She's afraid to go it alone but is also prepared to face that fear to make a better life for herself and her daughter.
Leo has his own struggles to deal with and does sort of have an ulterior motive when offering Jody a place to live and a job, but he doesn't act on anything. He gives Jody the space and confidence she needs to stand tall. Of course, the fact that he's completely in love with Angelia is completely irrelevant ;)
This is a wonderful story which can be read as a standalone but I personally would recommend reading the whole series, simply because you're missing out on two other fantastic books if you don't read them.
Highly recommended for all fans of Contemporary Romance.
* 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!
August 7, 2016
Merissa (13394 KP) rated The Fulbourn (Pitch & Sickle, #5) in Books
Apr 18, 2023
THE FULBOURN is the fifth book in the Pitch & Sickle series and oh, man. Hold on to your seatbelt as you're in for a bumpy ride!!
I said in my review of The Greensward that it was the best one. Well, let me rephrase that. It was the best one up to that point! THE FULBOURN takes Pitch and Silas' story to another level and I loved every single word.
Pitch and Silas are now close to realising just how much the other one means and it is so well-written! Their relationship may seem gruff to some but that is only until they know them. The bonds between the two are there to see and I'm loving it. The slow burn that started them off is now moving to steamy - whenever their lives give them a moment's peace. And sometimes, you just have to make the time!
Not only is their relationship changing, but the overall story arc is moving along swiftly too. You honestly don't get a chance to catch your breath. Filled with characters from previous books, Pitch and Silas are on the hunt for Charlie and Edward. It takes them to London and Cambridgeshire. The descriptions of the asylum are horrific - exactly as they are supposed to be during that time.
Absolutely gripping, I am thoroughly loving every book in this series and have no hesitation in recommending any of them. Just make sure you start at the beginning or you will miss the full effect.
** 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!
Apr 17, 2023
I said in my review of The Greensward that it was the best one. Well, let me rephrase that. It was the best one up to that point! THE FULBOURN takes Pitch and Silas' story to another level and I loved every single word.
Pitch and Silas are now close to realising just how much the other one means and it is so well-written! Their relationship may seem gruff to some but that is only until they know them. The bonds between the two are there to see and I'm loving it. The slow burn that started them off is now moving to steamy - whenever their lives give them a moment's peace. And sometimes, you just have to make the time!
Not only is their relationship changing, but the overall story arc is moving along swiftly too. You honestly don't get a chance to catch your breath. Filled with characters from previous books, Pitch and Silas are on the hunt for Charlie and Edward. It takes them to London and Cambridgeshire. The descriptions of the asylum are horrific - exactly as they are supposed to be during that time.
Absolutely gripping, I am thoroughly loving every book in this series and have no hesitation in recommending any of them. Just make sure you start at the beginning or you will miss the full effect.
** 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!
Apr 17, 2023
Merissa (13394 KP) rated Under a Wicked Moon (The Crown's Wolves #2) in Books
Oct 17, 2022
UNDER A WICKED MOON is the second book in The Crown's Wolves series. Roman and Nova started the series; Vivi and Ky continue it. We start off with Ky going undercover - alone. He knows his brothers will be slightly miffed as they've always agreed to never go it alone. However, when the douchebag - sorry, I mean, the monarch - gives an order, Ky has no option but to do as he is told. There, he meets Vivi. The attraction is instantaneous but, being as the humans appear to want them to breed, both Vivi and Ky are determined to fight it every step of the way. It gets more complicated once they escape, moving the story along in leaps and bounds.
I thoroughly enjoyed book one, and book two is no different. I love these brothers, how they are so different in so many ways, and yet loyalty runs strong and true amongst them all. You get more hints at another brother, which I am also loving. Of course, you know it's not going to be easy for Vivi and Ky but I never realised just how hard. Oh, my poor heart got pummelled!
However, it was a brilliant read, keeping my attention from the first word to the last. I am loving how this story is moving and changing, even though the monarch doesn't appear to change at all. Jerk! I'm guessing it will be Shane's turn next, but whether it's him or Flynn, I'll be happy either way.
A great addition to the series that I 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!
I thoroughly enjoyed book one, and book two is no different. I love these brothers, how they are so different in so many ways, and yet loyalty runs strong and true amongst them all. You get more hints at another brother, which I am also loving. Of course, you know it's not going to be easy for Vivi and Ky but I never realised just how hard. Oh, my poor heart got pummelled!
However, it was a brilliant read, keeping my attention from the first word to the last. I am loving how this story is moving and changing, even though the monarch doesn't appear to change at all. Jerk! I'm guessing it will be Shane's turn next, but whether it's him or Flynn, I'll be happy either way.
A great addition to the series that I 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!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Call Me By Your Name in Books
Apr 21, 2018
Very moving
I don’t know what I’d expected from this book, but I hadn’t anticipated liking it as much as I did. And I haven’t seen the film yet either.
This is a beautifully written tale of a kind of love story between a young teenager and his family’s summer house guest. The confusion, frustration and heartbreak of his first gay relationship really comes across throughout the entire novel, and you really feel for him. Elio is an endearing protagonist and I was really invested in the outcome although I feel like the ending and the summary of the 20 years following that summer were a little too short and very sad. I would’ve happily read on for longer for a slightly happier ending. But that said, it’s still a well written book and a very interesting plot.
This is a beautifully written tale of a kind of love story between a young teenager and his family’s summer house guest. The confusion, frustration and heartbreak of his first gay relationship really comes across throughout the entire novel, and you really feel for him. Elio is an endearing protagonist and I was really invested in the outcome although I feel like the ending and the summary of the 20 years following that summer were a little too short and very sad. I would’ve happily read on for longer for a slightly happier ending. But that said, it’s still a well written book and a very interesting plot.
Awix (3310 KP) rated If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) in Movies
Feb 23, 2019 (Updated Feb 24, 2019)
Barry Jenkins' follow-up to Moonlight manages to be utterly gorgeous and profoundly moving while also being serious and thoughtful. A young black man is arrested for a crime he couldn't have committed (but you try telling the authorities that); the film backtracks to show his relationship with his girlfriend and details her life after his imprisonment, when she learns she is pregnant with his child.
A film of extraordinarily restrained anger and tremendous tenderness and delicacy; the non-linear storytelling structure and emphasis on character and atmosphere over plot may not be to everyone's taste, but every frame of this movie has clearly had serious thought devoted to it, and the performances are uniformly excellent. Would have been a vastly more worthy Oscar nominee than most of the films on the 2019 Best Picture shortlist.
A film of extraordinarily restrained anger and tremendous tenderness and delicacy; the non-linear storytelling structure and emphasis on character and atmosphere over plot may not be to everyone's taste, but every frame of this movie has clearly had serious thought devoted to it, and the performances are uniformly excellent. Would have been a vastly more worthy Oscar nominee than most of the films on the 2019 Best Picture shortlist.
Dork_knight74 (881 KP) rated Polar (2019) in Movies
Apr 16, 2019 (Updated Apr 16, 2019)
Good movie!
This movie was a bit slow moving but one it picked up, it was intense. Mads Mikkelsen is a very good actor and not seen enough in movies, in my opinion. His performance here was great. There's plenty of blood and violence for any action fan. There's also more than a bit of sex and nudity. The characters were creative and the effects were great. Definitely doesn't hurt that Kathryn Winnick is in this one, either(no, she doesn't get nude but who cares, it's KW!)and she puts on a good performance, as well. Some parts of the story were predictable but it unfolded well and did have a couple pretty good twists. Overall, I'd recommend this one to any action fan, though it may be a bit dark for some and definitely not for the kids! Worth a watch!
ArecRain (8 KP) rated To Seduce a Lady's Heart (The Landon Sisters #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
If I could kiss Ingrid Hahn I would! There are legitimately no words to describe how happy her hero made me in this novel. Despite some of his stupid actions due to his hurt pride, it was refreshing to find a male in a historical romance put faith in his wife and defend her. Not because he is in love with her or because she his wife, but because he truly believes the opposing party was wrong. Seriously. Bless you Hahn.
But moving on, I enjoyed this novel as a whole. There were certain things that aggravated me like the male lead not being able to see past his hurt pride at times. But their love can naturally rather the forced. It was a delight to read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
But moving on, I enjoyed this novel as a whole. There were certain things that aggravated me like the male lead not being able to see past his hurt pride at times. But their love can naturally rather the forced. It was a delight to read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Only Lovers Left Alive (2014) in Movies
Feb 10, 2018
Gosh, I love this movie. The soundtrack is great to start out with, I own it, and frequently listen to it when I'm at work. Tom Hiddleston's character, Adam, is so melodramatic and sarcastic and it's oh-so amusing. Anton Yelchin (RIP) is Ian, Adam's music agent, and basically one of two humans Adam has contact with. Tilda Swinton is Eve, Adam's wife, who lives in Tangiers, while Adam lives in Detroit, visits him because he's depressed and suicidal. And, while the word is never said, Adam, Eve, Kit (John Hurt/RIP playing Kit Marlow), and Ava (Mia Wasikowska) are all vampires, who deal with vampire probs. Anyway, it may seem like there's no plot, but there is, it's just slow moving. One particular thing I liked was the filming in Detroit and the beauty in the ruin.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Cloche and Dagger (Hat Shop Mystery, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Scarlett Parker's life is falling apart between loosing her job and a breakup gone viral, so she moves to London to help run the hat shop she and her cousin inherited from their grandmother. However, when she arrives, her cousin is missing. Her bad feeling about everything only grows with one of their customers is murdered.
The book is very engaging with delightful characters who feel fully formed from the moment they step on to the page. In fact, it took me a little while to realize the plot was moving rather slowly. That's my only complaint with the book, however, and I'm certainly looking forward to the next book when it comes out in May.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-review-cloche-and-dagger-by-jenn.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The book is very engaging with delightful characters who feel fully formed from the moment they step on to the page. In fact, it took me a little while to realize the plot was moving rather slowly. That's my only complaint with the book, however, and I'm certainly looking forward to the next book when it comes out in May.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-review-cloche-and-dagger-by-jenn.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Fiddler on the Roof (1971) in Movies
Feb 22, 2018
Anti-semitic pogroms in the Russian pale don't sound like the stuff of fabulous family entertainment, but this is one of the last truly classic movie musicals. Lovable Jewish milkman Tevye finds the ground shifting under his feet as his daughters begin to reject the husbands he has arranged for them, marry for love, and even consider romance with people of other faiths. Is nothing sacred any more?
Performed with great gusto by a rather eclectic cast, but it's Topol's ebullient performance that carries the movie along, keeping the audience firmly on Tevye's side even when his faith forces him into some harsh choices. Some heartbreakingly lovely songs, although the downbeat trajectory of the movie (opening in a hopeful spring and concluding in a winter of bitter misery) may be slightly off-putting for some. A heartfelt and very moving film.
Performed with great gusto by a rather eclectic cast, but it's Topol's ebullient performance that carries the movie along, keeping the audience firmly on Tevye's side even when his faith forces him into some harsh choices. Some heartbreakingly lovely songs, although the downbeat trajectory of the movie (opening in a hopeful spring and concluding in a winter of bitter misery) may be slightly off-putting for some. A heartfelt and very moving film.