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David McK (3924 KP) rated Scoundrel (the sailing thrillers, #5) in Books
Nov 29, 2023
It's been a long time since a book has made me this angry.
Maybe because I'm *from* Belfast, Northern Ireland and have relatives who lived through the period of history colloquially known as The Troubles (I was a teenager in the 90s, when they 'ended', and when this is set), so know exactly what the IRA and their loyalist counterparts were/are like.
It made my blood boil to read passages in this where they were treated as heroes by some in Boston (and, yes, I know it's a fiction book): surely to goodness nobody could be that naive??
Anyway, I normally like Bernard Cornwell (Author) novels.
I know he spent a bit of time here (the BBC, I believe?), before moving to the States.
His knowledge of landmarks does show.
I would have thought he would have known better, though, in how he portrays the tangled mess that is politics and history that went on in this fair isle.
Sorry, Mr Paul Shanahan: you're unlikeable as a lead character; no match to a Richard Sharpe or an Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
(his other stand-alone sailing thrillers - those I have read, at least - are all much better)
Maybe because I'm *from* Belfast, Northern Ireland and have relatives who lived through the period of history colloquially known as The Troubles (I was a teenager in the 90s, when they 'ended', and when this is set), so know exactly what the IRA and their loyalist counterparts were/are like.
It made my blood boil to read passages in this where they were treated as heroes by some in Boston (and, yes, I know it's a fiction book): surely to goodness nobody could be that naive??
Anyway, I normally like Bernard Cornwell (Author) novels.
I know he spent a bit of time here (the BBC, I believe?), before moving to the States.
His knowledge of landmarks does show.
I would have thought he would have known better, though, in how he portrays the tangled mess that is politics and history that went on in this fair isle.
Sorry, Mr Paul Shanahan: you're unlikeable as a lead character; no match to a Richard Sharpe or an Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
(his other stand-alone sailing thrillers - those I have read, at least - are all much better)
Merissa (14198 KP) rated Safe Shores (Semper Fidelis) in Books
Oct 4, 2023
SAFE SHORES is a hot novella featuring Kirk and Shane. They have been together for three years, and both of them feel insecure about moving their relationship to the next stage. The next time Shane has shore leave, both of them blurt it out, but have no time to enjoy the moment as Shane is called out on a rescue, which also happens to involve Kirk's son, Joel.
This novella is very fast-paced. We learn of Kirk and Shane's past through inner musings, which seemed a little out of place considering how action-packed the rest of it was. I loved the sea rescue! I thought that was incredibly well-written, with enough detail to see what was happening, without being overloaded.
Overall, it was a quick and spicy novella. I would have liked more from these two though, even if we do find out what their future plans are.
** 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!
Oct 4, 2023
This novella is very fast-paced. We learn of Kirk and Shane's past through inner musings, which seemed a little out of place considering how action-packed the rest of it was. I loved the sea rescue! I thought that was incredibly well-written, with enough detail to see what was happening, without being overloaded.
Overall, it was a quick and spicy novella. I would have liked more from these two though, even if we do find out what their future plans are.
** 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!
Oct 4, 2023
Merissa (14198 KP) rated Forgiven (Forgiven #1) in Books
Jan 26, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
FORGIVEN is the first book in the Forgiven series, and we meet Luke and Mia. These two had an on-again/off-again relationship when they were younger until Luke left to join the Navy. Mia was upset and didn't forgive him... ever! She eventually left the village and moved to France. Now, she is back home for reasons explained and finds out Luke is also back in the village.
I have to say, this is not one of the best books by Garrett Leigh I have read. Although I enjoyed the storyline, especially the side story of who the stalker was, the relationship between Luke and Mia seemed just as messed up now they're adults as it was when they were teenagers. I know emotions are messy, but surely just one civil conversation wouldn't hurt?
Anyway, moving on. The story is well-written, and the pacing is smooth. I look forward to the next book in the series.
* 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 26, 2021
I have to say, this is not one of the best books by Garrett Leigh I have read. Although I enjoyed the storyline, especially the side story of who the stalker was, the relationship between Luke and Mia seemed just as messed up now they're adults as it was when they were teenagers. I know emotions are messy, but surely just one civil conversation wouldn't hurt?
Anyway, moving on. The story is well-written, and the pacing is smooth. I look forward to the next book in the series.
* 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 26, 2021
Merissa (14198 KP) rated Escape from Witchwood Hollow in Books
May 29, 2023
This is a Young Adult Fantasy set in a contemporary setting. Honoria, and her brother Geoffrey, are still recovering from the loss of their parents in the Twin Towers. They now live with their aunt and uncle and have moved to Arnn where Honoria quickly becomes intrigued and ensnared by the local legend of Witchwood Hollow.
Set in many different times, they do link up as the story progresses. Elizabeth, Lady Clifford, I just couldn't figure out how I felt about her. Honoria and Leon were fantastic characters that were completely real to their natures and the times.
Well written, with a fast-moving story, this definitely has more of a mystery theme than romance, although there is a hint of it. I liked how it all tied up together at the end, complete with the twist.
If you want a Young Adult Fantasy Mystery, then I can definitely recommend this.
* 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 13, 2016
Set in many different times, they do link up as the story progresses. Elizabeth, Lady Clifford, I just couldn't figure out how I felt about her. Honoria and Leon were fantastic characters that were completely real to their natures and the times.
Well written, with a fast-moving story, this definitely has more of a mystery theme than romance, although there is a hint of it. I liked how it all tied up together at the end, complete with the twist.
If you want a Young Adult Fantasy Mystery, then I can definitely recommend this.
* 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 13, 2016
Merissa (14198 KP) rated Plaything (My Kinky Housemate #2) in Books
Apr 13, 2022 (Updated Jun 26, 2023)
PLAYTHING is the second book in the My Kinky Housemate series and definitely best read after Sugar Bunny. In this one, we learn more about one half of the twins, Beau, and Fraser.
There is a slight crossover at the beginning as Oscar is moving out, but then they're on their own. The relationship between Beau and Fraser changes from housemates -- to playing -- to something a whole lot more serious. The sex side stays full of fun and steam. This is sweet without giving you a toothache.
Although I was carried away with this story, it didn't quite push as many buttons for me as Oscar's story did. So, for me, this would be a 3.5-star read, although I've rounded it up for the blog and for Goodreads.
Perfectly paced with lots of interplay between the housemates, more than in book one. Definitely a good addition to the series and 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 8, 2022
There is a slight crossover at the beginning as Oscar is moving out, but then they're on their own. The relationship between Beau and Fraser changes from housemates -- to playing -- to something a whole lot more serious. The sex side stays full of fun and steam. This is sweet without giving you a toothache.
Although I was carried away with this story, it didn't quite push as many buttons for me as Oscar's story did. So, for me, this would be a 3.5-star read, although I've rounded it up for the blog and for Goodreads.
Perfectly paced with lots of interplay between the housemates, more than in book one. Definitely a good addition to the series and 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 8, 2022
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David McK (3924 KP) rated The Last Samurai (2003) in Movies
Feb 6, 2021 (Updated Oct 24, 2026 - 3:55 PM)
Who is The Last Samurai?
In the early noughties, following the success of Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator', there was a rash of historical epic films - 'Alexander', 'Troy', 'Kingdom of Heaven'.
And this.
Which is a strong contender for one of the best of those films.
The film stars Tom Cruise (who, for once, is not playing Tom Cruise) and Ken Wattanabe, with the former a world weary US Civil War veteran (suffering from PTSD?) who is hired to train the modernising Japanese army, and the latter a Samurai leader who thinks Japan is losing its identity; moving too fast into the future.
Captured by that Samurai leader following an early battle, Algren (Cruise's character) soon finds himself beginning to wonder is he fighting in the right side...
Yes, the plot is somewhat akin to 'Dances with Wolves' (or even 'Avatar'), and I've heard the charge of the film being a White Saviour story - a charge, I have to say, that I do NOT find any merit in: indeed, I would argue the opposite (that Cruise's character is saved rather than the one doing the saving) is more true.
And this.
Which is a strong contender for one of the best of those films.
The film stars Tom Cruise (who, for once, is not playing Tom Cruise) and Ken Wattanabe, with the former a world weary US Civil War veteran (suffering from PTSD?) who is hired to train the modernising Japanese army, and the latter a Samurai leader who thinks Japan is losing its identity; moving too fast into the future.
Captured by that Samurai leader following an early battle, Algren (Cruise's character) soon finds himself beginning to wonder is he fighting in the right side...
Yes, the plot is somewhat akin to 'Dances with Wolves' (or even 'Avatar'), and I've heard the charge of the film being a White Saviour story - a charge, I have to say, that I do NOT find any merit in: indeed, I would argue the opposite (that Cruise's character is saved rather than the one doing the saving) is more true.
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