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Read my original review on my blog: https://bookmarkedreading.wordpress.com/2015/10/01/book-review-geekhood/

Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind is a greatly humorous, relatable book about the struggles of a 14-year-old Geek.

Archie, a true Geek to his core, has a lot going on in his life. His parents are divorced, his step-dad is a Tosser, the only thing his friends are good at is the Game, and, to top it all off, he is struck by surprise by a Close Encounter with a Beautiful Goth.

After Sarah tries to help him battle his problems and insecurities, Archie replaces his snarky interior monologue with the voice of his psychic self, trudging alone along the path to psychic alignment. But things don't go quite as he hopes, and he soon makes a serious mess of things. How has it all gone so wrong?!

When he no longer wants to be associated with the Geeks he once called friends, he starts to realise that maybe this isn't what he wants after all. After so long of trying to fit in and fly under the radar, it turns out that maybe doing what you love is enough to keep you truly happy.

Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind is a hilarious book, following Archie's combat with problems that are well-known among us teens. I love the script of the interior monologue, and I think a lot of people can appreciate Archie's attempts to mask his true feelings and use of his interior monologue to express himself without others hearing. Definitely a good book, which I enjoyed far more than I expected! A strong 4 stars from me.
  
No Expectations - Single by Jillian Steele
No Expectations - Single by Jillian Steele
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Jillian Steele is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter from New York. Not too long ago, she released a lovely pop tune, entitled, “No Expectations”.

“Maybe I’m talking myself out of love. But I don’t believe that the stars just line up. When you know then you know but I don’t think I’ll ever know. When it’s right, is it right second guessing every time. Yeah, making sure I won’t ever let myself down.” – lyrics

‘No Expectations’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who decides to let nature take its course instead of always trying to control things.

Apparently, she concludes that everything happens for a reason, and if she allows things to flow naturally, everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.

Later, she admits that it would be best if she became less controlling, stayed out of her own way, and let the pieces fall where they may.

‘No Expectations’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and warm acoustic guitar-driven instrumentation flavored with a modern-pop fragrance.

The likable tune was co-written by Michel Heyaca and James Shelley (American Authors) during a period of uncertainty and confusion.

“Life was happening around me and I was just in it without any control and through this song I gained insight that I do deserve things and I should have expectations of what I want.” – Julia Steele

Jillian Steele’s musical influences include Maggie Rogers, Sasha Sloan, Julia Michaels, and other strong female musicians.

She uses her music to emphasize the importance of self-love and empowerment. A running theme throughout her music is reflection and she hopes her use of thought-provoking lyrics will help others gain insight in times of need.
  
City Girl vs Country Boy (Forever Love #1)
City Girl vs Country Boy (Forever Love #1)
Jordan Ford | 2019 | Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
City Girl vs Country Boy is the first book in the Forever Love series, and we start with tragedy. Harper speaks to her mum only half an hour or so before they have a head on collision that changes the lives of so many.

Written mainly from Harper and Tane's point of view, but also with some from Stacey, this book was a delight to read, whilst also being very emotional. Harper is trying so hard to hold it together for everyone else, and yet is in desperate need herself. Tane can see the struggles she is having, and tries to help out in whatever way he can.

As for Stacey and Bianca, I can't wait for their book(s). I have no idea if they will be intertwined or separate, but either way... Stacey is dealing with her loss in the only way she knows how, the same as Bianca. Unfortunately, this is in two very different ways, and so their love for each other gets lost in the mix. I really hope they sort it out, and I want to Stacey to be happy. I just can't see it happening without some painful self-realisations. As for Bianca, she deserves someone who puts her first, and hopefully we've got a hint over just whom that might be.

Excellently written as expected, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. This was a gripping book that will definitely leave you wanting more. Highly recommended by me.

* 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!
  
Rabbit Ears: The Fool and the Flying Ship
Rabbit Ears: The Fool and the Flying Ship
1991 | Comedy, Family
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
TV Show Rating
Honestly, this is my most favorite story from the Rabbit Ears series because it has everything that you would want to see happen in a fairy tale: comedy, fantasy and creative storytelling! Robin Williams was brilliant in narrating this story as he gave each character a distinctive voice and brought so much life to this story! I really enjoyed the creative tone of this story as the idea about having a flying ship that can take you anywhere in the world and having friends who have special abilities that can help you in a tight situation was really amusing to me! I also loved the characters in this story, with my favorite characters being the Runner and the Fool as they were extremely hilarious and interesting to look at. I also loved the focus on humor in this story as it made the situation and the characters much more memorable and lovable. Henrik Drescher's artwork is what truly made this story worth watching as the illustrations are bizarre yet hilarious to look at and I always loved the artwork of all the characters, especially of the Fool (who almost looks like Pinocchio), the Runner who has antlers in his head and the Puffer who looks like He-Man when he transforms into his muscular self.

The only problem with this story is that Henrik Drescher's illustrations might be an acquired taste for many people. Some people might like Henrik Drescher's illustrations for its creativity and its bizarre style while others might hate the artwork for being too ugly or too bizarre.

Overall, "The Fool and the Flying Ship" is a fun and creative video to watch and I am sure that many viewers will enjoy this story for its surreal humor and creative tone!
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Oct 16, 2021  
Today on my blog, author Dana Knox Wright stops by with a fascinating author interview. I also spotlight her self-help memoir HOLDING ON LOOSELY: OPENING MY HANDS, LIGHTENING MY LOAD AND SEEING SOMETHING ELSE. There's also a great giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of the book, a goodie basket, and an overnight stay at the Llano Line Shack!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2021/10/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-holding-on.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
Helicopter parents. Control freaks. Perfectionists. Intolerants. Over-consumers. Social media junkies. We all fit in there somewhere. Read one woman’s stories of clinging, turning loose, and becoming free.

We are overly busy helicopter parents, control freaks, perfectionists, intolerants, over-consumers and social media junkies--who worry, fear, laugh less, and always want more. In the midst of it, we wonder what it would feel like to open our hands and turn loose of all of it.

In HOLDING ON LOOSELY: Opening My Hands, Lightening My Load, and Seeing Something Else, author Dana Knox Wright tells stories of one who is hardwired to cling. To her children when they asked for a blessing to go. To someone else’s ideas, when she didn’t trust her own. She held on to prejudice when she would tell you she didn’t. She shut down for days while clinging to fear. She clung to youthfulness as if what would come next couldn’t be her life’s cherry on top.

In a particular season of her life, she recognized her bent to possess, to keep, to hold tightly, and to control was completely contrary to Jesus’ example. This is one woman’s history of holding on and her stories of turning loose--stories of the gentle and firm, humorous and heartbreaking ways God led her to turn loose. It is living minimally from the inside out.
     
Her Demonic Angel (Her Angel: Eternal Warriors #2)
Her Demonic Angel (Her Angel: Eternal Warriors #2)
Felicity Heaton | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Amelia's sister has been kidnapped by the devil so she asks Veiron, the fallen angel with attitude, to go and rescue her sister. He agrees (after some snarky comments) and heads off to help. Erin meanwhile is trapped inside a three-walled cell with an open drop to a river of lava on the fourth wall. She is beaten, and starved, but still keeps her sense of self. When Veiron comes to her rescue, she can't quite believe her luck. Rescued at last and by a hottie too.

These two certainly have fun along the way as they find out each other's secrets, amongst other things. They are a perfect match in that Erin's feisty attitude doesn't take any of Veiron's snarkiness. This doesn't mean that there aren't misunderstandings and differences of opinion along the way.

Their path is not a straight one, mind you, and they have to deal with Erin's secret and what happens to Veiron (trying really hard not to spoil anything here!).

Amelia also tries her best to keep Erin and Veiron apart although the reasons for this, apart from her thinking that Veiron isn't good enough for Erin, aren't clear. I did like Erin's response though that she should get off her power trip before she gets knocked off it!

A brilliantly written, fast-paced and full of action addition to the Her Angel series, definitely my favourite so far. I'm off to read Her Wicked Angel now though so that may change.
 
* 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!
September 10, 2016
  
The newlyweds window
The newlyweds window
Unknown | 2022 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Will be writing a review for the couple story's I enjoyed in this book:

Gasping for Air
Author: Ogechukwu Emmanuel Samuel

"Humans! They are the worst thing to have happened to Earth since the beginning" I agree with this 100% humans have ruined the earth with their greed.
I liked this story was very interesting. It was scary but caught my attention. The ending was super confusing.

Border Control
Author: Aldine Jojo Elhassan

This story was sad due to this girl's traumatic delivery and mistreatment from the nurses. Scary to read to being pregnant currently it gave me anxiety and almost had me crying.

The Newlyweds' Window
Author: Husnah Mad-hy

"But her fate was like the rest of the unmarried women; marry young, give the husband and their families some children (at least one boy), and subdue her dreams to the more practical and 'real life' expectations of Swahili women- cooking, cleaning, raising, tending to her husband, attending weddings and funerals, and the likes." This is ok if you want this in life but every girl should not be forced into it.

"She watched and could sometimes hear as they made love every night for six months straight." This is majorly creepy.

This story was creepy and confusing the main character gave off stalker vibes and needs to mind their own business and give the people some privacy.

Black Pawpaw
Author: Obinna Ezeodili
This ones really sad how they have to beg for help and than the abuse the main character receives. Also Binye seeing her as mama instead of his mom is sad. The mom should be around more. The sexual assault is sad and screwed up too and very triggering. And the Aunt died from self defense this girl shouldn't have to be punished for it she was defending herself during sexual assault.
  
Superman and Lois
Superman and Lois
2021 | Action, Adventure, Drama
I don't know about you, but when I think of Superman I tend to think of his Clark Kent early Daily Planet days, back when he was a reporter and when Lois didn't know his alter-ego.

That seems to be the period in which most of the Superman films have been set in (and is probably why I think of that), with his earlier teenage/Young Adult days explored more in TVs Smallville.

I'd never come across a 'mainline' story with a hook just like this before: Clark Kent is no longer a reporter at the Daily Planet, is now married to Lois who knows his secret and has kids (teenage twin boys) of his own.

Yes, I know that's been covered in the comic books.

Anyway, this is another entry in what-is-sometimes-known-as The Arrowverse, with both Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane having previously 'popped up' in some of it's sister shows - I think first appearing in the second season of 'Supergirl' - before putting in an appearance in some of the crossover events.

Having said that, this is largely a self-contained series (post Crisis), although there are points where you just have to wonder why Kal-El doesn't put out a call to his cousin Kara Zor-El to help! Setting that aside, however, this is beautifully shot (and generally written/performed better than most of the other Arrowverse shows), with Tyler Hoechlin continuing to prove himself a far lighter, more comic-accurate (I feel) version than that shown by Henry Cavill in 'Man of Steel' and 'Batman Vs Superman' or 'Dawn of Justice', and with Elizabeth Tulloch also winning me over as Lois Lane.
  
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Merissa (11805 KP) rated Cupcakes & Christmas in Books

Nov 27, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)  
Cupcakes & Christmas
Cupcakes & Christmas
RJ Scott | 2020 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
9.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
CUPCAKES & CHRISTMAS is a sweet, seasonal romance that actually takes place for the most part in October. Stick with me, it does make sense, I promise.

Justin and Brody are both chefs and have been asked to take part in a charity show that is featuring six season's winners. Justin won season one and although he still bakes, most of his time now is being an 'influencer'. He has imposter syndrome and doesn't think he'll be able to stay past week one. Oh, and he also had a crush on Brody when he watched season four. Brody is, as you may have guessed, the winner from season four. He has had his self-confidence severely knocked by his ex-husband and doesn't feel like he should be there, even though he desperately wants to win. Oh, and he had a crush on Justin from season one!

These two connect in an adorably sweet and awkward way. I loved how Justin stood up for himself against Erin. Both of them need to find themselves and they both help the other with that. Along with the aid of a magical snowman called Jeremy!

The pace is fast but both our guys know what they want. There are flies in the ointment but nothing is going to come in between Brody and Justin. I have never watched GBBO or been to Banff but this book made me want to do both.

A book guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies in time for the Yuletide season, CUPCAKES & CHRISTMAS is a story I definitely recommend.

* 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!
Nov 27, 2020
  
Hope (Indigo Dreams #2)
Hope (Indigo Dreams #2)
Grier Cooper | 2016 | Contemporary, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
In the second book of Indigo Dreams, we are with Indigo as she goes to school in New York. Not only does she have to contend with a roommate that she has nothing in common with, but also strict teachers, self-doubt and an inner core that needs strengthening.

Indigo's character changes throughout this book, as she learns more about herself and sees what she has allowed herself to become. Be warned, there are parts when I didn't like Indigo at all, and I was glad that she and Jesse weren't together as I didn't want him to see her like that! However, through a series of life lessons and help/advice given, Indigo is able to turn that around and become the person she wants to be, rather than one driven by her own fears. And yes, Jesse has a helping hand in this way too.

Grier Cooper in no way glamorises the hard work that goes into being a dancer. The descriptions are raw and real, managing to show the hard work and dedication that is needed. Exceedingly well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this was a thoroughly enjoyable second book. I am hoping for more from Indigo, as I really don't want her dreams to end. And, of course, if Jesse could feature some more, I would be very happy. 😉

For anyone with an interest in Young Adult Contemporary Dance stories, then I can highly recommend this book and this series, although I would recommend you read Wish first to get Indigo's full story.

* 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 26, 2016