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Merissa (11938 KP) rated Warrior's Heart (Iron Portal, #3) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
I am loving the Iron Portal series and Warrior's Heart is no exception. Vince was taken away abruptly by the army ten years ago, and presumed dead by his family for a long time. Zara was the one left behind that no one knew about but with a present of her own. Both these people have to fight to survive and have their own demons to bear, Vincent's just being more physical. What the 'Doctor' did to him was sickening, and his reasoning for it, although it sort of made sense in a twisted sort of way, absolutely did not excuse what he was doing to the Talents. Zara honed her Talent and used it to 'rescue' items that had been stolen from Cascadia. When she learns that Vincent is alive and can be found, she uses her Talent to rescue him too.
This book was harder to read as Vincent tries to deal with his past and his PTSD, while I was full of admiration for Zara and how she handled things. I fall more in love with Cascadia every time we visit and I loved the family reunion and yes, I shed a tear or two.
This is once again incredibly well-written, packed full of emotion and a delight to read. I would recommend this book and this series without any hesitation at all. Love it.
* 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!
Jul 02, 2015
This book was harder to read as Vincent tries to deal with his past and his PTSD, while I was full of admiration for Zara and how she handled things. I fall more in love with Cascadia every time we visit and I loved the family reunion and yes, I shed a tear or two.
This is once again incredibly well-written, packed full of emotion and a delight to read. I would recommend this book and this series without any hesitation at all. Love it.
* 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!
Jul 02, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Girl from Widow Hills in Books
May 7, 2023
55 of 235
Book
The Girl from Widow Hills
By Megan Miranda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Everyone knows the story of “the girl from Widow Hills.”
Arden Maynor was just a child when she was swept away while sleepwalking during a terrifying rainstorm and went missing for days. Strangers and friends, neighbors and rescue workers, set up search parties and help vigils, praying for her safe return. Against all odds, she was found, alive, clinging to a storm drain. The girl from Widow Hills was a living miracle. Arden’s mother wrote a book. Fame followed. Fans and fan letters, creeps, and stalkers. And every year, the anniversary. It all became too much. As soon as she was old enough, Arden changed her name and disappeared from the public eye.
Now a young woman living hundreds of miles away, Arden goes by Olivia. She’s managed to stay off the radar for the last few years. But with the twentieth anniversary of her rescue approaching, the media will inevitably renew its interest in Arden. Where is she now? Soon Olivia feels like she’s being watched and begins sleepwalking again, like she did long ago, even waking up outside her home. Until late one night, she jolts awake in her yard. At her feet is the corpse of a man she knows—from her previous life, as Arden Maynor.
I actually wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did! The story was really good and was written really well. I wasn’t expecting the end either. It was nice to have not worked out the culprit before the end for a change.
Book
The Girl from Widow Hills
By Megan Miranda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Everyone knows the story of “the girl from Widow Hills.”
Arden Maynor was just a child when she was swept away while sleepwalking during a terrifying rainstorm and went missing for days. Strangers and friends, neighbors and rescue workers, set up search parties and help vigils, praying for her safe return. Against all odds, she was found, alive, clinging to a storm drain. The girl from Widow Hills was a living miracle. Arden’s mother wrote a book. Fame followed. Fans and fan letters, creeps, and stalkers. And every year, the anniversary. It all became too much. As soon as she was old enough, Arden changed her name and disappeared from the public eye.
Now a young woman living hundreds of miles away, Arden goes by Olivia. She’s managed to stay off the radar for the last few years. But with the twentieth anniversary of her rescue approaching, the media will inevitably renew its interest in Arden. Where is she now? Soon Olivia feels like she’s being watched and begins sleepwalking again, like she did long ago, even waking up outside her home. Until late one night, she jolts awake in her yard. At her feet is the corpse of a man she knows—from her previous life, as Arden Maynor.
I actually wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did! The story was really good and was written really well. I wasn’t expecting the end either. It was nice to have not worked out the culprit before the end for a change.
weird and wacky but so bloody good!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Did you ever read a book and think "what the actual f88k did I just read?"
Cos let me tell ya, this book is such a book! But I mean this in the BEST way!
Frenchie is a potato shifter. Yes, you read that right, a POTATO. Tala is a wolf. And it makes for quite an interesting read, it really does!
It's quite hard, I think, to come up with a really NEW idea, but Ms Sayle proper nailed it here!
It's proper weird and wacky as the series title suggests, but it's also a lot of fun, with some sass and some smex and some danger and a whole sack full of hints and clues about this world that I want more, and I want it yesterday!
As well as feeling pleasantly buzzed and left warm and fuzzy by this book, I'm also left with a lot of questions (which Ms Sayle will know, for me, is dangerous ground!) I'm hoping they get answered in future books. I can't really voice them, for spoilers, but I know what they are, so that's good!
Frenchie's brother and Tala's twin need their story. There is a lot of hurt between those two right now!
Or maybe a broccoli shifter? Or even a bean cos, apparently, beans are dull!
Please, though, read this. It really is a whole lot of fun, and a great start to what I can see being an fantastic series!
4 weird and wacky stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Did you ever read a book and think "what the actual f88k did I just read?"
Cos let me tell ya, this book is such a book! But I mean this in the BEST way!
Frenchie is a potato shifter. Yes, you read that right, a POTATO. Tala is a wolf. And it makes for quite an interesting read, it really does!
It's quite hard, I think, to come up with a really NEW idea, but Ms Sayle proper nailed it here!
It's proper weird and wacky as the series title suggests, but it's also a lot of fun, with some sass and some smex and some danger and a whole sack full of hints and clues about this world that I want more, and I want it yesterday!
As well as feeling pleasantly buzzed and left warm and fuzzy by this book, I'm also left with a lot of questions (which Ms Sayle will know, for me, is dangerous ground!) I'm hoping they get answered in future books. I can't really voice them, for spoilers, but I know what they are, so that's good!
Frenchie's brother and Tala's twin need their story. There is a lot of hurt between those two right now!
Or maybe a broccoli shifter? Or even a bean cos, apparently, beans are dull!
Please, though, read this. It really is a whole lot of fun, and a great start to what I can see being an fantastic series!
4 weird and wacky stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated Fall to Pieces in Books
Dec 11, 2021
loved the back seat the romance takes!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I liked this book, I liked it a lot!
Xavier is sent to assess Alexandra's mental capacity to do her job, following the suicide of her detective husband. But things are not as they seem and Xavier and Alex are soon fighting her department as well as a child killer hellbent on driving Alex mad.
This is a dark book. Suicide, child murder and abuse. How cops deal with stress. And I liked that. I liked that it made me think about those things. I have no triggers though, and some readers might not like it.
Both Alex and Xavier have a say, and they have a lot to say about a lot of things! Both of them are suffering from things that happened but while Alex' is (mostly) clear from the start, it takes time to get the whole picture. Xavier's pain is far deeper and we don't get the whole picture there til much later. I like being made to wait.
The romance between Alex and Xavier takes a back seat to the crime aspect of the book and I loved the twist that took. I did think Alex would push Xavier away more than once and, Lord she tries! But Xavier is strong and even though the reasons he comes into Alex' life are beyond his control, keeping her safe is within his control and he will do that.
I liked this, a lot. It's the first I've read of this author, I would like to read more.
4 stars
*same worded review ill appear elsewhere
I liked this book, I liked it a lot!
Xavier is sent to assess Alexandra's mental capacity to do her job, following the suicide of her detective husband. But things are not as they seem and Xavier and Alex are soon fighting her department as well as a child killer hellbent on driving Alex mad.
This is a dark book. Suicide, child murder and abuse. How cops deal with stress. And I liked that. I liked that it made me think about those things. I have no triggers though, and some readers might not like it.
Both Alex and Xavier have a say, and they have a lot to say about a lot of things! Both of them are suffering from things that happened but while Alex' is (mostly) clear from the start, it takes time to get the whole picture. Xavier's pain is far deeper and we don't get the whole picture there til much later. I like being made to wait.
The romance between Alex and Xavier takes a back seat to the crime aspect of the book and I loved the twist that took. I did think Alex would push Xavier away more than once and, Lord she tries! But Xavier is strong and even though the reasons he comes into Alex' life are beyond his control, keeping her safe is within his control and he will do that.
I liked this, a lot. It's the first I've read of this author, I would like to read more.
4 stars
*same worded review ill appear elsewhere
David McK (3369 KP) rated Obi-Wan Kenobi in TV
Jun 24, 2022
"Hello there"
For many viewers at the time, Ewan McGregor's Obi-Wan Kenobi was the highlight of the prequel trilogy.
Back before the dark days. Back before the Mouse House.
(sorry, couldn't resist).
The last of those movies - Revenge of the Sith - was released way back in 2005, with McGregor distancing himself from the role for a good decade and a half or so afterwards due to the flack he received. Time, however, has been kind to the prequel trilogy (well, that and the dumpster-fire that was the sequel trilogy, with The Last Jedi in particular being hugely divisive (I don't particularly rate it myself)), with McGregor agreeing to reprise the role in this limited-series on Disney+.
A series which, I've heard, has had the highest viewing figures of any yet-released on that platform (although I've no idea if that claim is accurate or not).
But the big question is, of course, was it worth the wait?
Absolutely yes - this blows The Book of Boba-Fett out of the water completely; even managing to over-shadow The Mandalorian. Which is impressive when you consider that most of the main characters - Obi-Wan, Vader, Luke, Owen and Beru - all benefit from having plot armour; all appearing in the original trilogy ...
Yes, it's not perfect - Moses Ingram Reva, in particular annoys at first - and may be a bit slow in the first episode or two, but the finale plays off beautifully, tying in perfectly with A New Hope and even adding another layer to Obi-Wan's claim that "From a certain point of view ..."
Back before the dark days. Back before the Mouse House.
(sorry, couldn't resist).
The last of those movies - Revenge of the Sith - was released way back in 2005, with McGregor distancing himself from the role for a good decade and a half or so afterwards due to the flack he received. Time, however, has been kind to the prequel trilogy (well, that and the dumpster-fire that was the sequel trilogy, with The Last Jedi in particular being hugely divisive (I don't particularly rate it myself)), with McGregor agreeing to reprise the role in this limited-series on Disney+.
A series which, I've heard, has had the highest viewing figures of any yet-released on that platform (although I've no idea if that claim is accurate or not).
But the big question is, of course, was it worth the wait?
Absolutely yes - this blows The Book of Boba-Fett out of the water completely; even managing to over-shadow The Mandalorian. Which is impressive when you consider that most of the main characters - Obi-Wan, Vader, Luke, Owen and Beru - all benefit from having plot armour; all appearing in the original trilogy ...
Yes, it's not perfect - Moses Ingram Reva, in particular annoys at first - and may be a bit slow in the first episode or two, but the finale plays off beautifully, tying in perfectly with A New Hope and even adding another layer to Obi-Wan's claim that "From a certain point of view ..."
Merissa (11938 KP) rated Remind Me (Mystic Beach Fantasy Rockstar Romances, #4) in Books
Feb 6, 2023
Totally invested with every word!
REMIND ME is the fifth book in the Mystic Beach series and it's time for Dicklan's story! And, oh boy, it's a good 'un. Remember that egotistical jerk, who loved all the groupies, and didn't ever think of anyone but himself? Remember him? Well, he's about to disappear for good as Declan reappears.
This is a long book, which I love. Aislinn Archer's stories always take me to places unknown, with a group of people who are their own found family. I love being the fly on the wall and seeing what happens behind the scenes with them. And Declan and Callie's story was no different. Both of them hurting for the same-but different-reasons.
There are mysteries in here. There are stories not yet told hinted at. There is literally something to keep you turning over every page and totally invested in the story. And one thing I need to add is the amount of research that has been put into all the different dishes. Either that or Ms Archer is a world-renowned chef in her own right!
I loved every word of this story. I love how the other stories intermingle and yet never take the spotlight off our leading couple. And I love the hints of what is to come. Absolutely brilliant, once again, and HIGHLY 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!
This is a long book, which I love. Aislinn Archer's stories always take me to places unknown, with a group of people who are their own found family. I love being the fly on the wall and seeing what happens behind the scenes with them. And Declan and Callie's story was no different. Both of them hurting for the same-but different-reasons.
There are mysteries in here. There are stories not yet told hinted at. There is literally something to keep you turning over every page and totally invested in the story. And one thing I need to add is the amount of research that has been put into all the different dishes. Either that or Ms Archer is a world-renowned chef in her own right!
I loved every word of this story. I love how the other stories intermingle and yet never take the spotlight off our leading couple. And I love the hints of what is to come. Absolutely brilliant, once again, and HIGHLY 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!
Book Mate
8.0
Rate It
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I’d had a hard start in life, but now things were finally going my way. That is until the front...
Contemporary Time Travel Erotica Interracial
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Fresh (2022) in Movies
Apr 6, 2022
Mimi Cave's feature debut is a delightfully slick, quirky, and gruesomely entertaining thriller that dives head first into the perils of dating in the modern world. Its first 30 minutes are pretty light hearted, with a whole bunch of funny moments, and a relatable and likable protagonist in Daisy Edgar-Jones' Noa. The chemistry she shares with Steve (Sebastian Stan) feels natural and the two of them make for an enjoyable couple to watch onscreen, and exactly the same can be said when it goes full horror suddenly. If it wasn't for the fairly aggresive advertising campaign that heavily focused on the cannibal side of the plot, one could be forgiven for thinking that Fresh was a straight up rom-com. The sudden change in vibe is executed nicely, complete with a title card 30 minutes in, and I'm a sucker for that shit.
What follows is a sometimes fun, sometimes grim, fight for survival. Edgar-Jones is a solid Final Girl, and Sebastian Stan is picture perfect as the suave psychopath that we've seen a fair few times before at this point, but he's clearly having a blast. It helps no end that he's so well known as Bucky Barnes, ensuring that his sinister role here hits even harder.
The last 40 minutes or so suffer from being quite predictable in how the narrative unfolds, but the films cast and some nice camera work ensure that it crosses the finish line without too many hiccups.
Horror comedy is a sub genre that shows no sign of dying anytime soon, and films like Fresh make sure of that. Definitely worth your attention.
What follows is a sometimes fun, sometimes grim, fight for survival. Edgar-Jones is a solid Final Girl, and Sebastian Stan is picture perfect as the suave psychopath that we've seen a fair few times before at this point, but he's clearly having a blast. It helps no end that he's so well known as Bucky Barnes, ensuring that his sinister role here hits even harder.
The last 40 minutes or so suffer from being quite predictable in how the narrative unfolds, but the films cast and some nice camera work ensure that it crosses the finish line without too many hiccups.
Horror comedy is a sub genre that shows no sign of dying anytime soon, and films like Fresh make sure of that. Definitely worth your attention.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Blind Side in Books
Nov 22, 2022 (Updated Nov 22, 2022)
Did a Frog Contest Jump Start a Murder?
It’s time for the annual frog jumping contest in nearby Angel’s Camp, and this year it seems to be a hotbed of controversy. A group is protesting the mistreatment of animals, and the reigning champ’s top entry turns up dead. He accuses Miah Mercer of the sabotage, but Connor Westphal is certain that her part time employee is innocent. However, the stakes are raised when Connor finds a bunch of dead frogs and a dead body in the creek near the contest grounds. Can she figure out what is going on?
I enjoyed being back in Connor’s presence again. I felt the plot went a bit away from the initial premise, and I’m not sure I felt it earned it. Meanwhile, the ending is a bit abrupt while still answering our questions. These are minor since I was pulled into the story and kept turning pages to see what Connor would uncover next. As usual for the series, the characters are wonderful. Unfortunately, the language continues to be a bit extreme for a cozy series as well. I read the paperback that was originally published in 2001, so keep in mind that some technology references are going to be outdated. I enjoyed the humor at the beginning of the book – I think we got every frog pun imaginable. Connor is deaf, and she makes a new friend who is blind in this book. I appreciate how both characters are portrayed and this look at how they are able to handle the things I take for granted. All told, I enjoyed this book in the series.
I enjoyed being back in Connor’s presence again. I felt the plot went a bit away from the initial premise, and I’m not sure I felt it earned it. Meanwhile, the ending is a bit abrupt while still answering our questions. These are minor since I was pulled into the story and kept turning pages to see what Connor would uncover next. As usual for the series, the characters are wonderful. Unfortunately, the language continues to be a bit extreme for a cozy series as well. I read the paperback that was originally published in 2001, so keep in mind that some technology references are going to be outdated. I enjoyed the humor at the beginning of the book – I think we got every frog pun imaginable. Connor is deaf, and she makes a new friend who is blind in this book. I appreciate how both characters are portrayed and this look at how they are able to handle the things I take for granted. All told, I enjoyed this book in the series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Bayou Book Thief in Books
Jun 13, 2022
Stealing Books Should be Punished, but Maybe Not by Death
Ricki James-Diaz is looking to start over in New Orleans, and her interest in opening a vintage cookbook store is a perfect match for the Bon Vee Culinary House Museum. As she gets to know her new coworkers, she quickly realizes just how much of a grump Franklin Finbloch is. Still, the man isn’t fired until he is caught trying to steal from Ricki’s new gift shop. Then his body turns up in what Ricki thought was a trunk of books donated to Bon Vee. With the suspicion falling on people Ricki was beginning to consider friends, she jumps in to figure out what really happened. Will she solve the case?
As is often the case with a series debut, the beginning was a little slow as it set up the premise of the series and began introducing us to the characters. The ending was a bit abrupt, although everything that happened did follow logically from what came before. And what came before? It was wonderful, with plenty of twists to keep me engaged. The sub-plots helped as well. Ricki has quite the interesting background, and I appreciated how it was doled out as we needed it. Being a series debut, the potential series regulars also serve as suspects, and that made me care about the outcome that much more. Naturally, there are recipes at the end, but in a twist that fits this book, all six are from vintage cookbooks. This is a fun series debut. I’m already looking forward to revisiting Ricki again in a few months.
As is often the case with a series debut, the beginning was a little slow as it set up the premise of the series and began introducing us to the characters. The ending was a bit abrupt, although everything that happened did follow logically from what came before. And what came before? It was wonderful, with plenty of twists to keep me engaged. The sub-plots helped as well. Ricki has quite the interesting background, and I appreciated how it was doled out as we needed it. Being a series debut, the potential series regulars also serve as suspects, and that made me care about the outcome that much more. Naturally, there are recipes at the end, but in a twist that fits this book, all six are from vintage cookbooks. This is a fun series debut. I’m already looking forward to revisiting Ricki again in a few months.