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Rumble of the Crumble (The Rhubarb Effect #7)
10.0
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Two alphas. That couldn’t work, could it? If it could, would Leonidis be able to open up his...
MM Paranormal Romance Shifters Weird & Wacky series
Merissa (13178 KP) rated In Pain and Blood (Spellster #1) in Books
Jun 15, 2018
In Pain and Blood (Spellster #1) by Aldrea Alien
In Pain and Blood is the first book in the Spellster series, and has all the hallmarks of everything I enjoy - epic fantasy, m/m, romance, action, and adventure. Dylan has spent his life in 'the Tower' learning how to be a spellster. Magic comes easily to him, but his guardian keeps on telling him to stay safe in the tower, and not to make waves. However, one event shoves him to the forefront, and he sees more of life than he expected. Trying to make his way back to the Tower, he becomes part of a ragtag group and sees life in a completely different way.
This should have been a good book. I really wanted it to be a good book, but it fell short for me on a number of different levels. First of all, it's long. And I mean REALLY long. Now don't get me wrong, I love epic fantasy, and regularly read books of a thick volume. However, for this book, it felt like it needed some serious editing to get some of the monotonous repetition removed. Also, this land is supposed to be under attack, but they manage to completely miss any and every member of either army on their two month trek across the land - which we hear about in great detail. How this book started actually had me going back to check on the blurb as I thought I was reading a completely different book. It does change and become the story the blurb describes, but only after a long start. It is only the two main characters who we really meet, and I wouldn't say I 'know' them very well. Even their companions, who they spend so much time with, aren't really fleshed out. It didn't help when one of the main characters spoke to everyone as 'my dear hunter/my dear warrior/my dear spellster'. I know this was supposed to be one of his quirks, but I got it after the first dozen times. It really didn't need repeating multiple times on every page. The ending, such as it was, is the only thing in the book that felt rushed. Big events happen, something life-changing happens to a supporting character, opinions change, a lifetime's enduring love is pronounced, and it happens at the speed of light.
I struggled to finish this book. It was only my sheer stubborn nature and optimistic belief that it would get better (and if I finished it before it ended, I would never know) that kept me turning the pages to the very end. I am glad I've read it, but I wouldn't recommend it.
* 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!
This should have been a good book. I really wanted it to be a good book, but it fell short for me on a number of different levels. First of all, it's long. And I mean REALLY long. Now don't get me wrong, I love epic fantasy, and regularly read books of a thick volume. However, for this book, it felt like it needed some serious editing to get some of the monotonous repetition removed. Also, this land is supposed to be under attack, but they manage to completely miss any and every member of either army on their two month trek across the land - which we hear about in great detail. How this book started actually had me going back to check on the blurb as I thought I was reading a completely different book. It does change and become the story the blurb describes, but only after a long start. It is only the two main characters who we really meet, and I wouldn't say I 'know' them very well. Even their companions, who they spend so much time with, aren't really fleshed out. It didn't help when one of the main characters spoke to everyone as 'my dear hunter/my dear warrior/my dear spellster'. I know this was supposed to be one of his quirks, but I got it after the first dozen times. It really didn't need repeating multiple times on every page. The ending, such as it was, is the only thing in the book that felt rushed. Big events happen, something life-changing happens to a supporting character, opinions change, a lifetime's enduring love is pronounced, and it happens at the speed of light.
I struggled to finish this book. It was only my sheer stubborn nature and optimistic belief that it would get better (and if I finished it before it ended, I would never know) that kept me turning the pages to the very end. I am glad I've read it, but I wouldn't recommend it.
* 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!
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Beautiful Beast in Books
Nov 30, 2018
bloody awesome read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
SO!!! Now I've come down a bit, I *might * be able to write a coherent review! Let's see, shall we?
Axis doesn't like to be confined, but needs must. He just needs a get away for a while, to get something to help him deal. Layna is on a mission to interrupt the supply of that *something* and Axis puts her in terrible danger. So, he saves her the only way he knows how, he takes her home, where the secrets have secrets and more secrets. Then Layna's headaches begin. And those secrets begin to unravel. And it is not gonna be a picnic!
It seems, (correct me if I'm wrong but I can't find anything else by this author) that this is Ms Knight's FIRST novel. And Lord if that IS the case, I so wanna be on the end of the next one!!
Because I loved this! Bloody LOVED it!
Yes, its very obviously a Beauty and the Beast kinda retell, but who cares?? Axis' beast is of a nature that doesn't become clear immediately, and I was left second guessing what kind of beast he was. Layna isn't such the good little girl she portrays, what with trying to blow up buildings and all. And deep down, she knows that something isn't quite right in the castle, with everyone whispering and keeping her out the way all day. She KNOWS what she is hearing is a pained animal, but why would there be an animal in the lower levels? And what calls to her from the wood.
When the whole story begins to unravel, when the secrets start to become clear, it moves fast!! You gotta pay attention, take in every little detail, because you will need it! I had to double back a couple of times, and it made me slow down to really concentrate. And if a book makes ME slow down, it's gotta be a good one!!
It's dark, Axis is in so much pain since The Making and he deals with how best he can. He knows what he is doing might well kill him, but he doesn't let the others know. He just deals with it. But Layna in his home, his bed, indeed, his HEART makes him want to not have to deal with it anymore, he wants it to go away. And if that means him giving up his life to free the others from his pain, Axis will do that.
It's sexy. Axis and Layna have instant and powerful attraction, and it isn't long before they are getting up close and personal. But it's Axis' giving control over to Layna that I particularly liked. I'm a sucker for an alpha male tied to the bed, I really am!
OH!!! It's just so good! So very bloody good!! Can't wait to see what Ms Knight comes up with next!
5 excellent stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
SO!!! Now I've come down a bit, I *might * be able to write a coherent review! Let's see, shall we?
Axis doesn't like to be confined, but needs must. He just needs a get away for a while, to get something to help him deal. Layna is on a mission to interrupt the supply of that *something* and Axis puts her in terrible danger. So, he saves her the only way he knows how, he takes her home, where the secrets have secrets and more secrets. Then Layna's headaches begin. And those secrets begin to unravel. And it is not gonna be a picnic!
It seems, (correct me if I'm wrong but I can't find anything else by this author) that this is Ms Knight's FIRST novel. And Lord if that IS the case, I so wanna be on the end of the next one!!
Because I loved this! Bloody LOVED it!
Yes, its very obviously a Beauty and the Beast kinda retell, but who cares?? Axis' beast is of a nature that doesn't become clear immediately, and I was left second guessing what kind of beast he was. Layna isn't such the good little girl she portrays, what with trying to blow up buildings and all. And deep down, she knows that something isn't quite right in the castle, with everyone whispering and keeping her out the way all day. She KNOWS what she is hearing is a pained animal, but why would there be an animal in the lower levels? And what calls to her from the wood.
When the whole story begins to unravel, when the secrets start to become clear, it moves fast!! You gotta pay attention, take in every little detail, because you will need it! I had to double back a couple of times, and it made me slow down to really concentrate. And if a book makes ME slow down, it's gotta be a good one!!
It's dark, Axis is in so much pain since The Making and he deals with how best he can. He knows what he is doing might well kill him, but he doesn't let the others know. He just deals with it. But Layna in his home, his bed, indeed, his HEART makes him want to not have to deal with it anymore, he wants it to go away. And if that means him giving up his life to free the others from his pain, Axis will do that.
It's sexy. Axis and Layna have instant and powerful attraction, and it isn't long before they are getting up close and personal. But it's Axis' giving control over to Layna that I particularly liked. I'm a sucker for an alpha male tied to the bed, I really am!
OH!!! It's just so good! So very bloody good!! Can't wait to see what Ms Knight comes up with next!
5 excellent stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Stumbling Stones: A Path Through Grief, Love and Loss
Book
This book is a beautifully written exploration of grief and loss. Thought-provoking, often poetic,...
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Call Me by Your Name (2017) in Movies
Sep 29, 2021
Of lazy Italian summer nights.
It took me two sittings on different transatlantic flights to get through Luca Guadagnino’s much vaunted coming of age film. And I accept that this piecemeal approach might not have enhanced my opinion of the movie. Because I’m going to upset some of you who claimed it to be your “film of the year” last year. While I enjoyed it, it certainly didn’t grab me like that.
What I will admit is that the film is gloriously sun-drenched and atmospheric, set as it is in the countryside around Crema in northern Italy. Shut your eyes and you can almost smell the olive trees and the bolognese simmering on the stove.
You have to hand it to them: the film just reeks of Italian class.
The story, set in 1983, concerns the 17 year-old musical prodigy Elio (Timothée Chalamet, “Lady Bird“, “Interstellar“) who, with his good looks, has the opportunity to seduce his fair share of Italian babes, specifically the gorgeous Marzia (Esther Garrel) who has the hots for him. Although not one to look a gift vagina in the mouth, Elio is sexually conflicted and finds himself increasingly drawn, romantically, to the dashing and cock-sure 24-year old American visitor Oliver (Armie Hammer, “Free Fire“, “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.“): a feeling that is, initially, reluctantly returned.
Love unrequited. Lady in red Marzia (Esther Garrel) – will she be eventually told to get on her bike?
The Oscar-winning screenplay by James Ivory (he of Merchant and Ivory production fame) is rich and deep with lines that roll off the actors’ tongues like syrup. The action also includes the most inappropriate use of foodstuffs since “American Pie” (and presumably that went in the bin afterwards!).
Family times around the dinner table can get exceptionally loud.
The drama is slow and drawn-out, so action-film fans will be asleep within the first 30 minutes. That wasn’t a problem for me…. it is a film in which you can really soak up the atmosphere. And it exquisitely explores the genuine pain of first love.
The pain of first love.
But what I’m afraid I really couldn’t relate to was Elio’s action about half-way through the film. In the main, he acts as a typically introspective and sensitive teenager, slightly awkward and bashful in approaching sexual matters. But then in a pivotal scene he makes a daring move which – to me – seemed completely out of character. This rather threw me, and I never really got my equilibrium back with the movie after that.
Elio and Oliver…. with Elio about to do something out of character.
It’s no doubt a finely crafted film. The sex scenes are beautifully shot and could never be accused of veering towards the pornographic. But I’m honestly not sure it’s a film that gripped me enough to seek it out to watch again in the future. (Sorry CMBYN lovers!)
What I will admit is that the film is gloriously sun-drenched and atmospheric, set as it is in the countryside around Crema in northern Italy. Shut your eyes and you can almost smell the olive trees and the bolognese simmering on the stove.
You have to hand it to them: the film just reeks of Italian class.
The story, set in 1983, concerns the 17 year-old musical prodigy Elio (Timothée Chalamet, “Lady Bird“, “Interstellar“) who, with his good looks, has the opportunity to seduce his fair share of Italian babes, specifically the gorgeous Marzia (Esther Garrel) who has the hots for him. Although not one to look a gift vagina in the mouth, Elio is sexually conflicted and finds himself increasingly drawn, romantically, to the dashing and cock-sure 24-year old American visitor Oliver (Armie Hammer, “Free Fire“, “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.“): a feeling that is, initially, reluctantly returned.
Love unrequited. Lady in red Marzia (Esther Garrel) – will she be eventually told to get on her bike?
The Oscar-winning screenplay by James Ivory (he of Merchant and Ivory production fame) is rich and deep with lines that roll off the actors’ tongues like syrup. The action also includes the most inappropriate use of foodstuffs since “American Pie” (and presumably that went in the bin afterwards!).
Family times around the dinner table can get exceptionally loud.
The drama is slow and drawn-out, so action-film fans will be asleep within the first 30 minutes. That wasn’t a problem for me…. it is a film in which you can really soak up the atmosphere. And it exquisitely explores the genuine pain of first love.
The pain of first love.
But what I’m afraid I really couldn’t relate to was Elio’s action about half-way through the film. In the main, he acts as a typically introspective and sensitive teenager, slightly awkward and bashful in approaching sexual matters. But then in a pivotal scene he makes a daring move which – to me – seemed completely out of character. This rather threw me, and I never really got my equilibrium back with the movie after that.
Elio and Oliver…. with Elio about to do something out of character.
It’s no doubt a finely crafted film. The sex scenes are beautifully shot and could never be accused of veering towards the pornographic. But I’m honestly not sure it’s a film that gripped me enough to seek it out to watch again in the future. (Sorry CMBYN lovers!)
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Luke (Learning to Love #3) in Books
Feb 24, 2022
Whatever happens, no matter how bad it gets, the sun ALWAYS rises.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Learning To Love series and can be read as a stand alone. I have read book 1, Charles but somehow missed book 2, Sol and now I want to go back and read it! Because I loved Charles, and I'm gutted to missed Sol, not because I NEED to, just because I want to.
Luke is the head master at Glynn Harber and is doing his best to save the school. His friends-with-benefits comes to school to talk about his career path. But Luke needs to end it, and tells Nathan no more casual. Nathan agrees. But Nathan is hiding a lot of pain, and it takes a glance at a business card for everything to come tumbling down around his ears.
I loved Charles, I really did but Luke?? oh my days! Luke broke my heart, he really did. But equally, so did Nathan.
Luke loves Nathan, but he can't do the no strings anymore. Its clear from the start that it was never gonna happen, a clean break, hell, ANY sort of break was not happening, but Luke tries. Its also clear that even though he agrees to the no casual with Luke, that Nathan loves him too, HAS loved him for a long time.
And it's this that broke me. Both men loved each other, even if they didn't admit it to themselves, and were perfect for each other. But neither had been fully truthful with the other, even after their very long friendship/relationship. And when it all comes out, from both Luke and Nathan? Oh I cried, I really did.
And I gotta say, had Nathan been given a voice, I think that would have been too much pain in a single book, I really do. Because, as with Charles, only Luke is given a voice. Ordinarily, I would have said I wanted to hear from Nathan, and at points, I really did. Ordinarily, I would have possibly knocked a mark off for the single point of view. But Nathan delivers some serious romance to Luke in this book, when he talks about what he likes about Luke and I can't take that star off, I really can't.
And then Riley delivers the most devastatingly emotional line, when Luke takes to kids leaving school to the top of the tor. (I'm paraphrasing, cos I didn't highlight it! and I'm getting emotional writing the damn review!)
Whatever happens, no matter how bad it gets, the sun ALWAYS rises.
And THEN?? That bloody epilogue!! OH!!
So now I need Sol, and Riley with have systematically destroyed me, in 3 books. But then, Austin is next and you get glimspes of him here, and he gonna break me too, I just know it!
I can't give it any less than:
5 full and shiny stars
This is book 2 in the Learning To Love series and can be read as a stand alone. I have read book 1, Charles but somehow missed book 2, Sol and now I want to go back and read it! Because I loved Charles, and I'm gutted to missed Sol, not because I NEED to, just because I want to.
Luke is the head master at Glynn Harber and is doing his best to save the school. His friends-with-benefits comes to school to talk about his career path. But Luke needs to end it, and tells Nathan no more casual. Nathan agrees. But Nathan is hiding a lot of pain, and it takes a glance at a business card for everything to come tumbling down around his ears.
I loved Charles, I really did but Luke?? oh my days! Luke broke my heart, he really did. But equally, so did Nathan.
Luke loves Nathan, but he can't do the no strings anymore. Its clear from the start that it was never gonna happen, a clean break, hell, ANY sort of break was not happening, but Luke tries. Its also clear that even though he agrees to the no casual with Luke, that Nathan loves him too, HAS loved him for a long time.
And it's this that broke me. Both men loved each other, even if they didn't admit it to themselves, and were perfect for each other. But neither had been fully truthful with the other, even after their very long friendship/relationship. And when it all comes out, from both Luke and Nathan? Oh I cried, I really did.
And I gotta say, had Nathan been given a voice, I think that would have been too much pain in a single book, I really do. Because, as with Charles, only Luke is given a voice. Ordinarily, I would have said I wanted to hear from Nathan, and at points, I really did. Ordinarily, I would have possibly knocked a mark off for the single point of view. But Nathan delivers some serious romance to Luke in this book, when he talks about what he likes about Luke and I can't take that star off, I really can't.
And then Riley delivers the most devastatingly emotional line, when Luke takes to kids leaving school to the top of the tor. (I'm paraphrasing, cos I didn't highlight it! and I'm getting emotional writing the damn review!)
Whatever happens, no matter how bad it gets, the sun ALWAYS rises.
And THEN?? That bloody epilogue!! OH!!
So now I need Sol, and Riley with have systematically destroyed me, in 3 books. But then, Austin is next and you get glimspes of him here, and he gonna break me too, I just know it!
I can't give it any less than:
5 full and shiny stars
Merissa (13178 KP) rated Her Knight in Shining Stone in Books
Sep 26, 2017
Her Knight in Shining Stone (The Gargoyles of New York #1) by Tamsin Baker
Her Knight in Shining Stone is the first short story in The Gargoyles of New York series. We meet Roman, the elder of four brothers, all gargoyles who have yet to find their mate (Beloved). He is suffering pain when he shifts, a clear sign that he needs to meet his Beloved soon or he will be stuck in his gargoyle form. He finds her working as a waitress and the connection between them is instantaneous. Whilst she feels the connection, Cristiana also has doubts over whether she can be with Roman when she won't see him at all during the day.
Being as this is a short story, it moves along at a very swift pace. I would have preferred to have it 'fleshed out' a bit more - more detail on the history of Gargoyles, the mystery surrounding the danger that is coming to them, Cristiana's history - but that is just me. This was very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I have been left wanting to know more, especially about Rafe. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and would recommend it as a quick read, coffee break, book.
* 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!
Being as this is a short story, it moves along at a very swift pace. I would have preferred to have it 'fleshed out' a bit more - more detail on the history of Gargoyles, the mystery surrounding the danger that is coming to them, Cristiana's history - but that is just me. This was very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I have been left wanting to know more, especially about Rafe. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and would recommend it as a quick read, coffee break, book.
* 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!
Merissa (13178 KP) rated Offered to the Cyborg (Cy-Con #2) in Books
May 25, 2018
Offered to the Cyborg (Cy-Con #2) by Jessica Coulter Smith
Offered to the Cyborg is the second book in the Cy-Con series, but can be read as a standalone. Shaylee was kidnapped from Earth, and has been used and passed around as a slave since then. Although she has had children, she has never found pleasure in the making of them, due to the pain and humiliation she has endured. So when Wrylack enters the medbay where she is being held, she really has no idea of what is going to happen next as he treats her in a way she is totally unused to.
This is a fast-paced story that will draw you in and leave you wanting that HEA for Shaylee, Wrylack, and Shaylee's babies. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the scenes flowed from one to the next. The characters were enjoyable and complemented each other. This is the first book in this series I have read, but I am intrigued now about other stories featuring other characters that I haven't read yet. Norvak definitely needs his own story!
For a quick and enjoyable Sci-Fi steamy read, I can definitely recommend this one.
* 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!
This is a fast-paced story that will draw you in and leave you wanting that HEA for Shaylee, Wrylack, and Shaylee's babies. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the scenes flowed from one to the next. The characters were enjoyable and complemented each other. This is the first book in this series I have read, but I am intrigued now about other stories featuring other characters that I haven't read yet. Norvak definitely needs his own story!
For a quick and enjoyable Sci-Fi steamy read, I can definitely recommend this one.
* 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!
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Whistle for the Crows in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Whistle for the Crows was a very easy read that quickly took my attention and held it until I could not put the book down. Gothics are generally predictable, and although I don't think this one proved much differently, the characters and plot were interesting, plus I liked that it was a contemporary set in the sixties instead of further back.
Cathleen Lamb is the English protagonist who takes a job as a secretary and researcher to an elderly woman at an Irish castle. Six months previously she had lost her husband and infant daughter to a car accident, so she's looking for a change that will help ease the pain. Living in the castle with the woman's grown niece and nephews, all of whom are a strange and mysterious bunch who seem to be hiding the truth of the eldest son's death. Cathleen hears a strange cry one night and investigates, the beginning of the mystery she is soon drawn into. Without giving anything away, of course she finds herself in the midst of a love triangle with the two brothers, which was done in a way that was believable to the situation and didn't overwhelm the plot. The story was well-constructed and paced, so nothing felt unnecessary or out of place. I had great fun with the book, excepting the gypsy bashing that went on, and would recommend it to those who like Gothics and mysteries.
<i>3.5 to 4 stars</i>
Cathleen Lamb is the English protagonist who takes a job as a secretary and researcher to an elderly woman at an Irish castle. Six months previously she had lost her husband and infant daughter to a car accident, so she's looking for a change that will help ease the pain. Living in the castle with the woman's grown niece and nephews, all of whom are a strange and mysterious bunch who seem to be hiding the truth of the eldest son's death. Cathleen hears a strange cry one night and investigates, the beginning of the mystery she is soon drawn into. Without giving anything away, of course she finds herself in the midst of a love triangle with the two brothers, which was done in a way that was believable to the situation and didn't overwhelm the plot. The story was well-constructed and paced, so nothing felt unnecessary or out of place. I had great fun with the book, excepting the gypsy bashing that went on, and would recommend it to those who like Gothics and mysteries.
<i>3.5 to 4 stars</i>