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Merissa (14048 KP) rated Warlord's Oath (Legends of Kilrhinn #1) in Books
Sep 6, 2021
WARLORD'S OATH is the first book in the Legends of Kilrhinn series and, if this is the first, then I really can't wait for the second!
The main story takes place between the Kilrhinn and the Lhianne. The Kilrhinn are stronger and faster than the Lhianne (to name a couple of differences) but the Lhianne can control the wind. Freya is seen as a Lhianne but she is actually a half-breed, which is a dangerous thing for her as she is being hunted by someone who wants to make her his bride due to her powers. And he won't take no for an answer.
I loved this story. In fact, if I did half stars, it would a 4-and-a-half-star book. Freya is a strong-will individual who wants to settle down but is afraid to. She desperately wants friends, but worries she will only have to leave them behind. Garrett will do all he can to protect Freya, even from herself. I adored how Garrett was with her, and how completely oblivious she was to it all, not surprising considering her past.
There are other 'breeds' in this story and I really can't wait to learn more about them, their strengths and weaknesses. I am also hoping to learn more about the world, as well as more from the Lhianne and Kilrhinn people.
A slow-burn romance with plenty of action and told from dual POVs. There are so many characters whose stories I now want. A great start to the series, and absolutely 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!
The main story takes place between the Kilrhinn and the Lhianne. The Kilrhinn are stronger and faster than the Lhianne (to name a couple of differences) but the Lhianne can control the wind. Freya is seen as a Lhianne but she is actually a half-breed, which is a dangerous thing for her as she is being hunted by someone who wants to make her his bride due to her powers. And he won't take no for an answer.
I loved this story. In fact, if I did half stars, it would a 4-and-a-half-star book. Freya is a strong-will individual who wants to settle down but is afraid to. She desperately wants friends, but worries she will only have to leave them behind. Garrett will do all he can to protect Freya, even from herself. I adored how Garrett was with her, and how completely oblivious she was to it all, not surprising considering her past.
There are other 'breeds' in this story and I really can't wait to learn more about them, their strengths and weaknesses. I am also hoping to learn more about the world, as well as more from the Lhianne and Kilrhinn people.
A slow-burn romance with plenty of action and told from dual POVs. There are so many characters whose stories I now want. A great start to the series, and absolutely 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!
Merissa (14048 KP) rated The Hellion is Tamed (League of Lords #4) in Books
Sep 14, 2021
THE HELLION IS TAMED is the fourth book in the League of Lords series. We jump forward a few years in this one, to ensure Simon is now an adult. It is made very clear that he has spent the past years searching for a way to find, and bring back, Emma. Although, saying that, he is still hurt by her not coming back to him after stealing the stone from Sebastian. As for Emma, well, she did return but, being as she doesn't have full control of her gift, she caught Simon in a compromising situation and hightailed it out of there.
Miscommunication and avoidance are the two words I would use to describe this book. Now, of course, if love ran smoothly then there would be no romance books to read but Simon and Emma seemed to take it to the extreme.
The focus is also on Emma's gift, not so much Simon's. I would like to have learnt more about him and his gift. How the ghosts see him as their benefactor/protector. Why? How? What does he do? And how do they protect him in return? We saw one example but are there others?
I would definitely recommend reading this as a series, rather than a set of standalones as I do feel the other books help set the situation up for the next one along. And as Simon and Emma are fourth, then it was good to have some background information on them, and the world they inhabit.
Still, a good addition to the series that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
Miscommunication and avoidance are the two words I would use to describe this book. Now, of course, if love ran smoothly then there would be no romance books to read but Simon and Emma seemed to take it to the extreme.
The focus is also on Emma's gift, not so much Simon's. I would like to have learnt more about him and his gift. How the ghosts see him as their benefactor/protector. Why? How? What does he do? And how do they protect him in return? We saw one example but are there others?
I would definitely recommend reading this as a series, rather than a set of standalones as I do feel the other books help set the situation up for the next one along. And as Simon and Emma are fourth, then it was good to have some background information on them, and the world they inhabit.
Still, a good addition to the series that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
How Not to Worry: The Remarkable Truth of How a Small Change Can Help You Stress Less and Enjoy Life More
7.5
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How to defeat stress, worry, and anxiety to achieve more in business and life. From the...
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) in Movies
Sep 28, 2021
Wowee! From the ridiculous to the sublime. This is how to make a Star Trek movie! If you were trying to bring back the action and fun of the original TV series, then what better than to bring back one of the original villains in a sequel to that story? And being able to cast the original actor (Ricardo Montalban) is just perfect.
Nicholas Meyer also clearly had the same frustrations about that first movie. The film barely pauses for breath. Interestingly, it clearly reuses footage from the original movie in travelling to the Enterprise in space dock, but cuts that 6 minute special-effects-porn-fest to about 20 seconds! It’s a striking comparison!
The movie “introduces” Kirstie (“Cheers”) Alley as Vulcan officer Saavik (although she was in a student-made feature the year before). She makes quite an impression. Also new to the series is Merritt Buttrick, playing Kirk’s son David. Sadly, like Khambatta from the last film, his Trek-voyage was to be short lived. Although he appeared in Star Trek III, he died of Aids just three years later.
The movie is also notable for launching the late James Horner onto the world stage as a leading film composer. Horner cleverly associates the “ship” in starship with a roistering seafaring motif that would be equally at home in a Hornblower movie as it is here. I remember leaving the cinema when this was released and heading STRAIGHT into HMV to buy the vinyl soundtrack!
There are very few things I can find to critique in this movie. It all holds up pretty well, even after nearly 40 years (MAN, I FEEL OLD NOW!) The only scene that perhaps grates with modern sensitivities is in the (supposedly comic) “lady driver” reactions from Kirk.
Nicholas Meyer also clearly had the same frustrations about that first movie. The film barely pauses for breath. Interestingly, it clearly reuses footage from the original movie in travelling to the Enterprise in space dock, but cuts that 6 minute special-effects-porn-fest to about 20 seconds! It’s a striking comparison!
The movie “introduces” Kirstie (“Cheers”) Alley as Vulcan officer Saavik (although she was in a student-made feature the year before). She makes quite an impression. Also new to the series is Merritt Buttrick, playing Kirk’s son David. Sadly, like Khambatta from the last film, his Trek-voyage was to be short lived. Although he appeared in Star Trek III, he died of Aids just three years later.
The movie is also notable for launching the late James Horner onto the world stage as a leading film composer. Horner cleverly associates the “ship” in starship with a roistering seafaring motif that would be equally at home in a Hornblower movie as it is here. I remember leaving the cinema when this was released and heading STRAIGHT into HMV to buy the vinyl soundtrack!
There are very few things I can find to critique in this movie. It all holds up pretty well, even after nearly 40 years (MAN, I FEEL OLD NOW!) The only scene that perhaps grates with modern sensitivities is in the (supposedly comic) “lady driver” reactions from Kirk.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Dawn of the Dead (2004) in Movies
Oct 15, 2021
The 2004 remake of the hugely influential Dawn of the Dead retains some key elements from it 70s counterpart, but is essentially, its own separate thing (This doesn't really bother me, because truth be told, I'm not the biggest fan of the original...)
The iconic shopping mall setting remains, and like the OG film, it's the best character. The mall lends such a unique feel to a genre that is well trodden. The similarities essentially end there. This time around, the zombies themselves are fast, vicious, definitely a modern upgrade to Romero's classic slow moving bois. There are some decent action scenes throughout (the opening 10 minutes is genuinely fantastic) and doesn't skimp on the gory stuff. It's ticks all the right zombie boxes.
Unfortunately, this version is absolutely brimming with asshat characters that really drag the experience down. With the exception of Ving Rhames, the dude who owns the gun shop, and the dog (because dog), it's really difficult to give a flying shit about any of these walking horror clichés - I genuinely think this movie takes the gold for the characters-who-make-really-dumb-decisions-and-put-everyone-else-in-danger category.
What's worse is that just when you're about getting used to all of these douches, a whole bunch more are suddenly introduced at the half way point!
That being said, Dawn of the Dead is still a perfectly entertaining popcorn horror that will satiate zombie fans. It's unsurprisingly not-as-good as the original, but I fully respect that Snyder tried to do something different instead of going through the motions, even if that does mean it loses most of the subtext that runs beneath the original's surface. Worth it if anything, for the weird CGI zombie baby....
The iconic shopping mall setting remains, and like the OG film, it's the best character. The mall lends such a unique feel to a genre that is well trodden. The similarities essentially end there. This time around, the zombies themselves are fast, vicious, definitely a modern upgrade to Romero's classic slow moving bois. There are some decent action scenes throughout (the opening 10 minutes is genuinely fantastic) and doesn't skimp on the gory stuff. It's ticks all the right zombie boxes.
Unfortunately, this version is absolutely brimming with asshat characters that really drag the experience down. With the exception of Ving Rhames, the dude who owns the gun shop, and the dog (because dog), it's really difficult to give a flying shit about any of these walking horror clichés - I genuinely think this movie takes the gold for the characters-who-make-really-dumb-decisions-and-put-everyone-else-in-danger category.
What's worse is that just when you're about getting used to all of these douches, a whole bunch more are suddenly introduced at the half way point!
That being said, Dawn of the Dead is still a perfectly entertaining popcorn horror that will satiate zombie fans. It's unsurprisingly not-as-good as the original, but I fully respect that Snyder tried to do something different instead of going through the motions, even if that does mean it loses most of the subtext that runs beneath the original's surface. Worth it if anything, for the weird CGI zombie baby....
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn in Books
May 14, 2024
97 of 220
Book
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
By Taylor Jenkins Reid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn's luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn's story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique's own in tragic and irreversible ways.
I went into this book hoping that the hype was worth it. It certainly was you completely forget that this is a fictional character and start thinking she’s real. The tragic underlying lying story is not being able to love who you want to until it’s just to late. This was genuinely heartbreaking In places and really well written. I didn’t think it was as mind blowing as some say but it was definitely a very very interesting read. Also how self destructive some people can be especially when they want that fame in life.
Book
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
By Taylor Jenkins Reid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn's luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the '80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn's story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique's own in tragic and irreversible ways.
I went into this book hoping that the hype was worth it. It certainly was you completely forget that this is a fictional character and start thinking she’s real. The tragic underlying lying story is not being able to love who you want to until it’s just to late. This was genuinely heartbreaking In places and really well written. I didn’t think it was as mind blowing as some say but it was definitely a very very interesting read. Also how self destructive some people can be especially when they want that fame in life.
Debbiereadsbook (1777 KP) rated Mirror Image in Books
Feb 13, 2024
Not really for me.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is a short story collection, with tales of reaping what you sow. Of being held accountable for your actions, whether recent or a long time ago.
I think what I struggled the most with was this: the whole book is 85 pages, and there are 24 stories in this collection. So they are VERY short, some only a page or two. And I wanted to get my teeth into them a little more, but couldn't.
Each story is well written, from various points of view. Some are aacrier than others but I read them all. I didn't find myself with a favourite, though. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It really was just the SHORTNESS of all the stories, that I struggled with. I was just getting into them, and boof! All finished.
What I wanted to know, was where did the mirror come from? How did it come to be in everyone's presence?
I am curious to read something else by this author. Something longer and deeper. I tried to read another short collection some time ago, but didn't get very far with that one and it was only coming to write this review that I clicked it was the same author. So reading a longer book, will tell me one of two things: I like this author, but only their longer work; or this author is not for me. Time will tell.
I did finish the collection, and was suitably cringed at some of them, so:
3 good, but maybe not for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is a short story collection, with tales of reaping what you sow. Of being held accountable for your actions, whether recent or a long time ago.
I think what I struggled the most with was this: the whole book is 85 pages, and there are 24 stories in this collection. So they are VERY short, some only a page or two. And I wanted to get my teeth into them a little more, but couldn't.
Each story is well written, from various points of view. Some are aacrier than others but I read them all. I didn't find myself with a favourite, though. I didn't see any spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It really was just the SHORTNESS of all the stories, that I struggled with. I was just getting into them, and boof! All finished.
What I wanted to know, was where did the mirror come from? How did it come to be in everyone's presence?
I am curious to read something else by this author. Something longer and deeper. I tried to read another short collection some time ago, but didn't get very far with that one and it was only coming to write this review that I clicked it was the same author. So reading a longer book, will tell me one of two things: I like this author, but only their longer work; or this author is not for me. Time will tell.
I did finish the collection, and was suitably cringed at some of them, so:
3 good, but maybe not for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Welcome Home to Murder
8.0
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From author Rosalie Spielman comes a heartfelt cozy mystery that proves sometimes coming home again...
Merissa (14048 KP) rated Untouchable (Creekside Valley #1) in Books
Oct 17, 2025
UNTOUCHABLE is the first book in the Creekside Valley series, and the first book by this author I have read. Please take note of the trigger warnings!
We start with a trio of friends moving from Metro City to Creekside Valley, trying to find peace in a world where they have all been mistreated and abused to varying degrees. Rory is the main character here, and was abused in horrible ways by his father and uncle from the age of eight. He hates being touched in any way, suffers from horrendous nightmares, and can't sleep unless he has a lock on the door (understandably!) On his first night in the new place, he meets Denver at the local food shop, which sparks a connection neither of them was looking for or ready for.
This is a fast-paced story where I will admit some things didn't make much sense to me. I get how Rory is able to have Denver touch him (because of the dreams), but for it to be so quickly, with no outside (therapy) help? And to work in a crowded restaurant? How the hell is he supposed to do his job without someone accidentally bumping into him? Maybe I'm nitpicking, but this stood out to me.
This is a dark story with plenty of flashbacks, so please look after yourself first. If you are reading a book about a bear shifter omegaverse, then your reality is already suspended, which works well for this story! I did enjoy this story and look forward to reading more in this series. Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 17, 2025
We start with a trio of friends moving from Metro City to Creekside Valley, trying to find peace in a world where they have all been mistreated and abused to varying degrees. Rory is the main character here, and was abused in horrible ways by his father and uncle from the age of eight. He hates being touched in any way, suffers from horrendous nightmares, and can't sleep unless he has a lock on the door (understandably!) On his first night in the new place, he meets Denver at the local food shop, which sparks a connection neither of them was looking for or ready for.
This is a fast-paced story where I will admit some things didn't make much sense to me. I get how Rory is able to have Denver touch him (because of the dreams), but for it to be so quickly, with no outside (therapy) help? And to work in a crowded restaurant? How the hell is he supposed to do his job without someone accidentally bumping into him? Maybe I'm nitpicking, but this stood out to me.
This is a dark story with plenty of flashbacks, so please look after yourself first. If you are reading a book about a bear shifter omegaverse, then your reality is already suspended, which works well for this story! I did enjoy this story and look forward to reading more in this series. Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 17, 2025
Merissa (14048 KP) rated Sugar Rush in Books
Nov 24, 2025
SUGAR RUSH is set in an A/B/O world that reads like a contemporary in many ways. Jordy and Kieran are stepbrothers. Kieran (alpha) is a tattoo artist, well on his way to being a success, while Jordy (omega) is about set to go to college with his best friend, Dani. Jordy has crushed on Kieran for a long time - years, in fact - but doesn't think anything will come of it, UNTIL one night when Kieran gets sh!t-faced and blurts out the truth to Jordy before falling asleep. He doesn't remember what he said or did the night before, but Jordy certainly does, and he plans ways to annoy, irritate, and generally get under the skin of Kieran before Kieran submits to Jordy's will.
This was a high-angst read, with plenty of toing and froing from Kieran. And, to be honest, I can't blame the guy. He didn't have the easiest childhood, and is now worried about how it would be seen by those he loves. He doesn't want to lose their love, even if he does gain Jordy's.
I loved how Jordy and Kieran balanced each other out. Jordy needed every single drop of brattiness, some could say resilience, when dealing with Kieran. And Kieran is all growly possessiveness. Yum!
I won't say anymore for fear of spoilers, but I will say this was an excellent read, and the first by this author I have read. Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 23, 2025
This was a high-angst read, with plenty of toing and froing from Kieran. And, to be honest, I can't blame the guy. He didn't have the easiest childhood, and is now worried about how it would be seen by those he loves. He doesn't want to lose their love, even if he does gain Jordy's.
I loved how Jordy and Kieran balanced each other out. Jordy needed every single drop of brattiness, some could say resilience, when dealing with Kieran. And Kieran is all growly possessiveness. Yum!
I won't say anymore for fear of spoilers, but I will say this was an excellent read, and the first by this author I have read. Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 23, 2025