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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2484 KP) rated Lone Wolf in Books
Mar 15, 2024 (Updated Mar 15, 2024)
A Missing Dog Leads to…an Assassin?
Evan Smoak is trying to deal with some emotional baggage when he gets a phone call asking for his help. It’s a girl looking for a lost dog. Normally, this isn’t the kind of case he would take, but because of who she is, he agrees. When he does find the dog, he also finds himself in a situation much more up his usual alley. Can he figure out how to stop what he has found?
Because of the set up for this book, it starts a little slower than normal, but then the plot gets jump started with a bang and an extended action scene, and we are off and running. The plot touches on AI and social media, and I found it interesting to think about what Evan was seeing here, especially in light of what’s been going on in the world recently. We see a lot of Joey, Evan’s protégé, and I found her annoying at times. On the other hand, I loved the growth we got for her and Evan over the course of the novel. A couple of my favorite supporting players weren’t in this one, but I did like the new characters, and there is a great subplot involving Evan’s neighbors. As expected, there is more language and violence in a thriller than the cozies I normally read, although I did find the language to be excessive, even for the genre. Overall, the writing continues to be lyrical, and I get lost in it as I read. If you are looking for a smart, fun thriller, you’ll be glad you picked up their series.
Because of the set up for this book, it starts a little slower than normal, but then the plot gets jump started with a bang and an extended action scene, and we are off and running. The plot touches on AI and social media, and I found it interesting to think about what Evan was seeing here, especially in light of what’s been going on in the world recently. We see a lot of Joey, Evan’s protégé, and I found her annoying at times. On the other hand, I loved the growth we got for her and Evan over the course of the novel. A couple of my favorite supporting players weren’t in this one, but I did like the new characters, and there is a great subplot involving Evan’s neighbors. As expected, there is more language and violence in a thriller than the cozies I normally read, although I did find the language to be excessive, even for the genre. Overall, the writing continues to be lyrical, and I get lost in it as I read. If you are looking for a smart, fun thriller, you’ll be glad you picked up their series.
Warrior Hearts Academy: Dragon Lost
8.0
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I want nothing more than to save the world—but what I get is nothing but trouble. Granted, most...
Dark Fantasy Romance Shifters Dragons Why Choose
Whispers and Wings (Brodyr Alarch #6)
10.0
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For twenty-four years, Gerallt has borne Arianrhod’s blessing of a swan’s wing in place of his...
Fantasy Romance Welsh Celtic Mythology Fairytale Retelling Brothers Grimm
Debbiereadsbook (1659 KP) rated Cowboy Watch (The Watchers #1) in Books
May 11, 2025
I found it kinda sweet, with very little spice.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Kellan inherits her mother's house. She doesn't want it, it holds too many bad memories. But things start to change when she goes home to close up the house and land for sale. She meets Luke for a start. He doesn't want her to sell, for his own reasons. Then someone starts shooting at Kellan, and there is someone watching Kellan.
I liked this. I found it kinda sweet, with very little spice. Not a bad thing, but it needs mentioning. It does carry some violence, on page, to both Kellan and Luke, I do, however, think it was necessary for the pinnacle of the plot.
I think what . . bothered. . . me the most was this book is billed as the Watchers stories. Taken straight from the blurb: Offered parole in exchange for penance, these Watchers are given the toughest bodyguard missions with little leeway for success.
One last chance.
These are their stories . . .
And we get very little, only a teeny tiny bit in the last chapter! I wanted more from The Watchers, how they were feeling about how things were going, and what they were going to do next. How they felt about being given this last chance, and there is nothing from them, other than when they reveal who they are to Kellan and Luke right at the end.
So, a Nice book, with a little drama, that filled a gap between two very heavy reads, but doesn't quite deliver what it promised.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Kellan inherits her mother's house. She doesn't want it, it holds too many bad memories. But things start to change when she goes home to close up the house and land for sale. She meets Luke for a start. He doesn't want her to sell, for his own reasons. Then someone starts shooting at Kellan, and there is someone watching Kellan.
I liked this. I found it kinda sweet, with very little spice. Not a bad thing, but it needs mentioning. It does carry some violence, on page, to both Kellan and Luke, I do, however, think it was necessary for the pinnacle of the plot.
I think what . . bothered. . . me the most was this book is billed as the Watchers stories. Taken straight from the blurb: Offered parole in exchange for penance, these Watchers are given the toughest bodyguard missions with little leeway for success.
One last chance.
These are their stories . . .
And we get very little, only a teeny tiny bit in the last chapter! I wanted more from The Watchers, how they were feeling about how things were going, and what they were going to do next. How they felt about being given this last chance, and there is nothing from them, other than when they reveal who they are to Kellan and Luke right at the end.
So, a Nice book, with a little drama, that filled a gap between two very heavy reads, but doesn't quite deliver what it promised.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Missing Piece (Neon Scars #2)
8.0
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When addiction recovery meets immortal obsession, some hungers can't be cured—they can only be...
Dark MM Paranormal Romance
All the Devils are Here (The Wild Hunt #3)
10.0
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I serve the Wild Hunt. I failed the Huntsman once. I will not do so again. Once. Once in my long,...
Contemporary Urban Fantasy MM Romance
Merissa (13770 KP) rated Under Your Care in Books
Mar 19, 2025
UNDER YOUR CARE is the first book in the Twisted Desires series and PLEASE READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS!!! If you do, and you're happy to proceed, then you're in for a great read.
This is a dark romance in so many ways - morally grey and downright black too! Lane is a femme who was s3xually assaulted by his cousin when he was younger. Greyson is his therapist, a dark empath, who is a hobby killer. Yep, you read that right. Well, Greyson decides Lane is his and nothing will move him from that path. Lane is also attracted to Greyson, a shock in itself for understandable reasons, and makes a comment which leads Greyson to move his agenda forward by quite some time.
I love dark romances where it is them against the world, and this one fits that bill. Lane knows Greyson is bad in a lot of ways, but is also 100% correct in thinking Greyson would never hurt him. Not in a bad way, at least. This one is graphic with its violence and filled with dark themes. It is obsessive and possessive, and full of hurt / comfort. It in no way represents a real relationship between a patient and a therapist so suspend your beliefs and enjoy all the kinks.
The next book is about Oliver, a trans man, and Greyson's twin brothers, Hayes and Hudson. I can't wait!
** 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 18, 2025
This is a dark romance in so many ways - morally grey and downright black too! Lane is a femme who was s3xually assaulted by his cousin when he was younger. Greyson is his therapist, a dark empath, who is a hobby killer. Yep, you read that right. Well, Greyson decides Lane is his and nothing will move him from that path. Lane is also attracted to Greyson, a shock in itself for understandable reasons, and makes a comment which leads Greyson to move his agenda forward by quite some time.
I love dark romances where it is them against the world, and this one fits that bill. Lane knows Greyson is bad in a lot of ways, but is also 100% correct in thinking Greyson would never hurt him. Not in a bad way, at least. This one is graphic with its violence and filled with dark themes. It is obsessive and possessive, and full of hurt / comfort. It in no way represents a real relationship between a patient and a therapist so suspend your beliefs and enjoy all the kinks.
The next book is about Oliver, a trans man, and Greyson's twin brothers, Hayes and Hudson. I can't wait!
** 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 18, 2025
Mekkin B. (122 KP) rated The Dark Tower (2017) in Movies
Oct 9, 2017
Boring male power fantasy with little to no character development
It's hard to tell who is meant to be the protagonist of this film, the young boy, Jake, or the Gunslinger. Sure, we're introduced to Jake first, and only really meet the Gunslinger towards the end of Act 1, which should signal that it's Jake.
But Jake is boring. SO BORING. He doesn't really have any character flaws. Oh sure, he has problems, expositionally convenient plot device "visions", but no real, tangible character elements. He reacts violently towards another kid at school, but this isn't treated as a flaw and this isn't a movie where Jake is going to learn that there's a better solution than violence. At best he's going to learn that it's bad to use your fists to solve problems - guns are much more efficient.
The Gunslinger is presented with all the hallmarks of a protagonist. He's got a defined past and a defined character flaw. He's consumed with thoughts of revenge and will let the world burn around him to get it. The problem is, the story never gives him a point where he actually has to make a choice between revenge and something better.
The villain, while fun, seems to have no internal motivation whatsoever. Why does he want to destroy the universe? Because that's what semi-omnipotent bad guys want to do, I guess.
And I get it, he's called the Gunslinger, he shoots guns. It's all very straightforward. But that doesn't mean it's not still kind of boring to watch EVERY problem they encounter get solved by just shooting at it enough while every single woman in the movie exists to be murdered, assaulted, and grossly sexualized by the villain.
It used every trope in the book, it used them badly, and the script was just...not good.
But Jake is boring. SO BORING. He doesn't really have any character flaws. Oh sure, he has problems, expositionally convenient plot device "visions", but no real, tangible character elements. He reacts violently towards another kid at school, but this isn't treated as a flaw and this isn't a movie where Jake is going to learn that there's a better solution than violence. At best he's going to learn that it's bad to use your fists to solve problems - guns are much more efficient.
The Gunslinger is presented with all the hallmarks of a protagonist. He's got a defined past and a defined character flaw. He's consumed with thoughts of revenge and will let the world burn around him to get it. The problem is, the story never gives him a point where he actually has to make a choice between revenge and something better.
The villain, while fun, seems to have no internal motivation whatsoever. Why does he want to destroy the universe? Because that's what semi-omnipotent bad guys want to do, I guess.
And I get it, he's called the Gunslinger, he shoots guns. It's all very straightforward. But that doesn't mean it's not still kind of boring to watch EVERY problem they encounter get solved by just shooting at it enough while every single woman in the movie exists to be murdered, assaulted, and grossly sexualized by the villain.
It used every trope in the book, it used them badly, and the script was just...not good.
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Bronson (2009) in Movies
Nov 14, 2017
Beautifully Brutal
I saw this movie years ago and recently re-watched it. Tom Hardy has given some great performances over the years, but an argument could be made for this being his best. He is in almost every scene in the movie and he commands the screen masterfully. He is domineering yet endearing, in other words you can't take your eyes off of this guy, but you wouldn't want to be left in a room alone with him either. You really do get a sense of him being extremely dangerous and highly unpredictable.
The movie was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and his unique directorial style works well in the context of this insane story. Refn clearly took influence from other stories of violent insanity, such as A Clockwork Orange and Natural Born Killers, but the movie wears this on its sleeve and never feels derivative for it. The cinematography and lighting are also well implanted in the film, shot by Larry Smith, who has previously worked with Kubrick on Eyes Wide Shut and The Shining. The addition of Smith's eerily pretty camera work adds to the off kilter tone that the movie maintains throughout.
I also like the way that this movie is structured. It comes across as erratic and unconventional, but this is intentional and serves the bizarre narrative perfectly. You have to remember that this is an insane person recalling his deranged memories to an audience inside his own head, it is going to be sporadic and manic at times.
Overall, I think Bronson is a fantastic view into a severely fractured psyche. It is a disturbing and intense watch, so it may not be for everyone, especially if aggressive violence bothers you, but I think it is a masterful film, with one of the greatest lead performances I have ever seen.
The movie was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and his unique directorial style works well in the context of this insane story. Refn clearly took influence from other stories of violent insanity, such as A Clockwork Orange and Natural Born Killers, but the movie wears this on its sleeve and never feels derivative for it. The cinematography and lighting are also well implanted in the film, shot by Larry Smith, who has previously worked with Kubrick on Eyes Wide Shut and The Shining. The addition of Smith's eerily pretty camera work adds to the off kilter tone that the movie maintains throughout.
I also like the way that this movie is structured. It comes across as erratic and unconventional, but this is intentional and serves the bizarre narrative perfectly. You have to remember that this is an insane person recalling his deranged memories to an audience inside his own head, it is going to be sporadic and manic at times.
Overall, I think Bronson is a fantastic view into a severely fractured psyche. It is a disturbing and intense watch, so it may not be for everyone, especially if aggressive violence bothers you, but I think it is a masterful film, with one of the greatest lead performances I have ever seen.
Debbiereadsbook (1659 KP) rated The Hideaway (Lavender Shores #5) in Books
Dec 15, 2017
Loving this series
When Micah Bryant was 9 years old, his future was pulled into his family. It takes Connor Clark a long time to realise that Micah was always The One, will only ever be The One. They just need to tell the family. And avoid Connor's past.
Loving this series, I really am, despite the fact its first person multi point of view ? or maybe even BECAUSE it's written that way, regardless, loving this series.
You don't need to have read the other four books, although they are all 4 and 5 star reads, they can all be read as stand alones, but it would give you a better understanding of the Founding Families of Lavender Shores, and the strong bond they have. It will give you a better understanding of just WHY Connor is so reluctant to become official with Micah.
I enjoyed this one, not as much as book4, The Shipwreck, but it's still a very good read. I think more could have been made of the Moses' (Connor's nephew) return home story line, because let's face it, the Clark family are not the nicest bunch of folks, and I would like to have known how Connor ended up with Moses in his custody in the first place, that was not really explained.
But I am enjoying that there is no real break ups in these books, there is no real violence to deal with. They really are just great reads, books to fall into and forget about the world for a few hours.
Seth though, he needs a story! The poor guy is hard done by here, and I want to see him happy!
A great, well written, well delivered story.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Loving this series, I really am, despite the fact its first person multi point of view ? or maybe even BECAUSE it's written that way, regardless, loving this series.
You don't need to have read the other four books, although they are all 4 and 5 star reads, they can all be read as stand alones, but it would give you a better understanding of the Founding Families of Lavender Shores, and the strong bond they have. It will give you a better understanding of just WHY Connor is so reluctant to become official with Micah.
I enjoyed this one, not as much as book4, The Shipwreck, but it's still a very good read. I think more could have been made of the Moses' (Connor's nephew) return home story line, because let's face it, the Clark family are not the nicest bunch of folks, and I would like to have known how Connor ended up with Moses in his custody in the first place, that was not really explained.
But I am enjoying that there is no real break ups in these books, there is no real violence to deal with. They really are just great reads, books to fall into and forget about the world for a few hours.
Seth though, he needs a story! The poor guy is hard done by here, and I want to see him happy!
A great, well written, well delivered story.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**