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Greeking Out (Destination Daddies)
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Apollo A year of messaging on the Cuffd app has led me to understand one thing: Troy is the one...
Contemporary MM Romance Destination Daddies
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Blood Quantum (2019) in Movies
Sep 3, 2021
"šš¢šŗš£š¦ šµš©š¦ šš¢š³šµš© š«š¶š“šµ š§š°š³šØš°šµ š¢š£š°š¶šµ š¶š“."
I know I'm not alone in feeling like this isn't exactly what I was expecting out of it - and normally I'm averse to this recent brand of doom-and-gloom, slow, often derivative apocalypse drama. But I think especially with the recent events in Canada as well as inequality during the COVID-19 pandemic this kind of authentic representation and potent anti-colonialist subtext rings as loud as it ever has - packs a *deafening* emotional wallop. I would have preferred trading out the A24-style blue collar weariness which I thought we were finally done with for something less purposefully sluggish, but on the same coin at least the metaphor actually works - and isn't about a random white person's trauma for the 800th time. Plus it's hard to shake a stick at anything that - at its best - harkens back to the days when "The Walking Dead" was actually good while featuring such strong, tangible moodiness and solid gore in its wake. And the cherry on top, it's only a cool 98 minutes so it's easily forgiven for being a tad messy and not focusing on enough characters properly. Looks mostly great, too - those animated segments ššš
I know I'm not alone in feeling like this isn't exactly what I was expecting out of it - and normally I'm averse to this recent brand of doom-and-gloom, slow, often derivative apocalypse drama. But I think especially with the recent events in Canada as well as inequality during the COVID-19 pandemic this kind of authentic representation and potent anti-colonialist subtext rings as loud as it ever has - packs a *deafening* emotional wallop. I would have preferred trading out the A24-style blue collar weariness which I thought we were finally done with for something less purposefully sluggish, but on the same coin at least the metaphor actually works - and isn't about a random white person's trauma for the 800th time. Plus it's hard to shake a stick at anything that - at its best - harkens back to the days when "The Walking Dead" was actually good while featuring such strong, tangible moodiness and solid gore in its wake. And the cherry on top, it's only a cool 98 minutes so it's easily forgiven for being a tad messy and not focusing on enough characters properly. Looks mostly great, too - those animated segments ššš
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2635 KP) rated Brie Careful What You Wish For in Books
Apr 10, 2024
Murder of a Bad Customer
Business is booming at Carly Haleās grilled cheese restaurant this summer, thanks in part to Ross Baxterās new cash delivery service. Heās saving money for college this fall by delivering orders to seniors. One, however, is giving him problems with her constant demands and complaints. But when Ross discovers her dead body one day, the police think he could be the killer. Can Carly clear him?
Iād fallen in love with this series, so I was happy to be back for book four. With the victim being difficult, we had plenty of suspects, although we soon focused in on a smaller group. They did their job well confusing me. I had a few pieces figured out, but most of it was still confusing to me until I reached the end, when things made sense. I appreciated other characters warning Carly about the danger of getting involved at first, but it felt a bit one note as the story went on. Still, thatās a minor complaint. All the series regulars have key parts in the story, and I loved getting updates on their lives. The two gourmet grilled cheese recipes at the end sound delicious. Fans will find themselves wishing for another book when they set this one down.
Iād fallen in love with this series, so I was happy to be back for book four. With the victim being difficult, we had plenty of suspects, although we soon focused in on a smaller group. They did their job well confusing me. I had a few pieces figured out, but most of it was still confusing to me until I reached the end, when things made sense. I appreciated other characters warning Carly about the danger of getting involved at first, but it felt a bit one note as the story went on. Still, thatās a minor complaint. All the series regulars have key parts in the story, and I loved getting updates on their lives. The two gourmet grilled cheese recipes at the end sound delicious. Fans will find themselves wishing for another book when they set this one down.
ClareR (6256 KP) rated The House of Odysseus in Books
Nov 19, 2024
Penelope is still fending off her unwanted suitors, thanks to the rules of Greek hospitality. The men are drinking the cellars dry and eating as much as they want, whenever they want, and still expecting Penelope to choose one of them. They all think Odysseus is dead.
Matters are only made more complicated by the arrival of Elektra and her brother Orestes, King of the Mycenae - and he isnāt doing at all well after his mothers murder. Then Menelaus turns up for a āvisitā.
Really, Penelope is being sorely tested, but sheās canny enough to cope with whatever the fates decide to throw at her.
I enjoyed reading everything from Aphroditeās point of view - at least you canāt accuse her of favouritism. These gods donāt seem to appreciate that humans have feelings too.
Claire Northās women in this story (Penelope, Elektra and Helen especially) is what makes it special. Itās clear that all three have been through a lot at the hands of men - yet they keep going.
Iām currently the third and final instalment from my local library. I know how it all ends, but I canāt wait to read Claire Northās version (no spoiler: itās not disappointing me at all so far!).
Matters are only made more complicated by the arrival of Elektra and her brother Orestes, King of the Mycenae - and he isnāt doing at all well after his mothers murder. Then Menelaus turns up for a āvisitā.
Really, Penelope is being sorely tested, but sheās canny enough to cope with whatever the fates decide to throw at her.
I enjoyed reading everything from Aphroditeās point of view - at least you canāt accuse her of favouritism. These gods donāt seem to appreciate that humans have feelings too.
Claire Northās women in this story (Penelope, Elektra and Helen especially) is what makes it special. Itās clear that all three have been through a lot at the hands of men - yet they keep going.
Iām currently the third and final instalment from my local library. I know how it all ends, but I canāt wait to read Claire Northās version (no spoiler: itās not disappointing me at all so far!).
Firefax
Book
"I would advise you, young man, to take care around anyone with the surname Firefax. I know not if...
ClareR (6256 KP) rated How To Save a Life in Books
Apr 16, 2024
This was a moving story about three school friends - one of whom goes into cardiac arrest on New Yearās Eve. Kerry begins CPR immediately, Tim freezes and finds himself unable to help, which is inconvenient as they both want to go to medical school. But when the paramedics arrive, Tim has at last started to help (even though Kerry has worked alone for about 15 minutes) and takes the praise as well as Kerry.
Itās here Tim starts to realise that being a doctor may not be what he thought it would be.
Kerryās life takes a turn when she fails her A Levels, and Joel finds it hard to accept his heart condition and the changes he has to make in his life.
I liked that each of the characters had the chance to tell their story in alternating chapters. These characters experienced addiction, depression and other health conditions, and the main theme of the story, Joelās heart condition, is revisited often. As are the mechanics of CPR, and itās pointed out by the author that a persons life is more likely to be saved if you at least try.
This is a lovely, and often moving story. I really enjoyed it.
Itās here Tim starts to realise that being a doctor may not be what he thought it would be.
Kerryās life takes a turn when she fails her A Levels, and Joel finds it hard to accept his heart condition and the changes he has to make in his life.
I liked that each of the characters had the chance to tell their story in alternating chapters. These characters experienced addiction, depression and other health conditions, and the main theme of the story, Joelās heart condition, is revisited often. As are the mechanics of CPR, and itās pointed out by the author that a persons life is more likely to be saved if you at least try.
This is a lovely, and often moving story. I really enjoyed it.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2635 KP) rated A Voyage of Vengeance in Books
Aug 5, 2024
Sailing with a Killer
Duchess Jacqueline Arienta Xavier is thrilled to be joining the maiden voyage of Rose of the Sea, a luxury vessel. The voyage is also a birthday celebration for one of her friends, Lady Carriena, the future ruler of Isla DeLacqua. But Jax is surprised to find that her fellow passengers are an odd assortment of people, more for the political gain of her friendās duchy than a true celebration. Then the weird things start happening. Can Jax figure out what is going on?
I was so happy to be back with these characters for the third novella; they already feel like old friends. While we get all the suspects introduced to us at once, it wasnāt long before I felt like I knew them well. The plot wandered a bit, but my patience was rewarded with a strong mystery and a great revelation. I also appreciated that the plot felt appropriate for the length of the story. The setting has just hints of a fantasy world to it while still being mainly about the mystery, and I love it. There are some hints at what came before, so know that going in. I enjoyed this story and canāt wait to see how the series transitions to full novels.
I was so happy to be back with these characters for the third novella; they already feel like old friends. While we get all the suspects introduced to us at once, it wasnāt long before I felt like I knew them well. The plot wandered a bit, but my patience was rewarded with a strong mystery and a great revelation. I also appreciated that the plot felt appropriate for the length of the story. The setting has just hints of a fantasy world to it while still being mainly about the mystery, and I love it. There are some hints at what came before, so know that going in. I enjoyed this story and canāt wait to see how the series transitions to full novels.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2635 KP) rated Villainsā Realm in Books
Jun 6, 2024 (Updated Jun 6, 2024)
Enchantment Creating New Lands
Disneyās CEO has completely changed his mind about opening a Villainsā Realm in each park. The man was opposing it because it was a clear threat, giving the villains a foothold. But now, heās greenlit them, and constructions has started immediately. In order to stop them from being completed, Eli and his friend Blair are going to have to team up with Cinderellaās Fairy Godmother. Can they stop it in time?
If you havenāt been following this saga, youāll probably be lost trying to follow what is happening. Fans will want to read this book since it sets up the next book. Unfortunately, it falls into middle book trap. We donāt get any real battles with the villains, just stand offs. The climax is abrupt and the story just kind of stops. As usual in the series, the characters are thin as well. Plus some editing left me confused a couple of times. On the positive side, itās always fun to watch the Kingdom Keepers interacting with Disney characters, and I enjoyed seeing a lot of the action taking place at the California parks. Iām curious to see where things are going, so Iāll be back for the conclusion.
If you havenāt been following this saga, youāll probably be lost trying to follow what is happening. Fans will want to read this book since it sets up the next book. Unfortunately, it falls into middle book trap. We donāt get any real battles with the villains, just stand offs. The climax is abrupt and the story just kind of stops. As usual in the series, the characters are thin as well. Plus some editing left me confused a couple of times. On the positive side, itās always fun to watch the Kingdom Keepers interacting with Disney characters, and I enjoyed seeing a lot of the action taking place at the California parks. Iām curious to see where things are going, so Iāll be back for the conclusion.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2635 KP) rated Thereās No Murder Like Show Murder in Books
Jun 1, 2025 (Updated Jun 1, 2025)
Local Theater Rocked by Murder
Tasha Weaver is the head of the costume shop at the regional theater in Eastbrook, Connecticut. Theyāve been struggling financially, so they are hoping that bringing in a couple of Broadway stars for their latest production will help the theater return to black. But Kurt Mozer, the male lead, is being very difficult. Still, itās a surprise when someone shots him center stage when the theater is mostly empty. Who would want to kill the star?
Since I love theater, this book caught my attention, and Iām so glad it did. The story is strong with plenty of suspects, motives, and twists to keep me engaged until we reach the logical ending. There were a couple of leaps of logic, but they were minor overall. Tasha is a wonderful lead, and the rest of the cast was entertaining. A few have room to grow, but they work for the amount of page time they get. And the suspects were strong. Plus I enjoyed this look at life behind the scenes in a theater. Well, behind the scenes when a murder is thrown into the mix. This is a strong debut that cozy mystery fans will devour. Iām hopeful that we will get another book from this author soon.
Since I love theater, this book caught my attention, and Iām so glad it did. The story is strong with plenty of suspects, motives, and twists to keep me engaged until we reach the logical ending. There were a couple of leaps of logic, but they were minor overall. Tasha is a wonderful lead, and the rest of the cast was entertaining. A few have room to grow, but they work for the amount of page time they get. And the suspects were strong. Plus I enjoyed this look at life behind the scenes in a theater. Well, behind the scenes when a murder is thrown into the mix. This is a strong debut that cozy mystery fans will devour. Iām hopeful that we will get another book from this author soon.
Merissa (14152 KP) rated All Twisted Up (FBI Files (Spec. Ops. Tac Team) #1) in Books
Oct 30, 2025
ALL TWISTED UP is the first book in the FBI Files (Spec. Ops. Tac Team), featuring Nash and Joshua. Nash is on the team, a bit of a playboy (I'm being polite!), while Joshua looks after his family and works two jobs. These two couldn't be any different. Trying to keep Joshua alive after he's targeted by a cartel is what unites them.
This was a page-turner, for sure. Each of the main characters in the group was interesting, and I can't wait to learn more about each of them. As for Nash and Joshua, well, there's plenty of heat between them, but feelings too. Let's just say the playboy stops playing away.
I will admit, I wasn't paying too much attention when the different cartels were mentioned. It was good enough for me to know 'a' cartel was after Joshua, and Candy's team were on hand to save the day.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and absolutely recommend. Now, when's the next one out?
** 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 30, 2025
This was a page-turner, for sure. Each of the main characters in the group was interesting, and I can't wait to learn more about each of them. As for Nash and Joshua, well, there's plenty of heat between them, but feelings too. Let's just say the playboy stops playing away.
I will admit, I wasn't paying too much attention when the different cartels were mentioned. It was good enough for me to know 'a' cartel was after Joshua, and Candy's team were on hand to save the day.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and absolutely recommend. Now, when's the next one out?
** 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 30, 2025