Beyond Meridian - CC Bridges

More like 3.5 stars, not quite 4 because its too short.  I don't even know where to start.  I know I read the description before downloading it but I somehow missed that is was a "romance" M/M.  No issues just caught me off guard at first.  So we are following Raine and Karl.  Raine is a Spacer...he moves cargo.  And Karl needs help getting into "enemy" territory. 

Its Firefly with a two man crew and a really fancy ship.  Its a quick read but its honestly really good.   You want to hate Raine, he's a bastard but he isn't, he has a heart so to say.  Karl seems green but there is something lurking beneath the surface.  He is on a mission to save his friend and needs Raine.  The problem is Raine is a man ho (at least it seems) and Karl is "innocent". 

Together with the amazing ship they are going to save the galaxy, and each other. 

It's written to move quickly but its captivating.  It really does grab your interest.  My only issue is it moves so fast.  I like to see more development in characters and in story.  I like to see the build in the relationship.  But even with that lacking I like Raine and Karl.  It's good.  They are good.  It's...just read it.  Like I said Firefly...plus.

I got this book for free from Netgalley to read and give my honest review.  

SPOILERS

Relic - Alan Dean Foster

This is a beautifully written story about the end of our species.  We have wiped ourselves out.  The great human race reduced to one lonely survivor.  In our rush to inhabit the stars we somehow destroyed it all.  Everything we have worked on for millennia gone in the blink of an eye.  For all of our genius our future selves create a virus that literally cleanses the universe of our presence. 

Don't worry I didn't spoil anything and I won't until you get to the jump.  Throughout this book we follow the musing of Ruslan, the last surviving human.  He was rescued by an alien race from one of our colonies among the stars.  He's become something of a celebrity being the only living specimen of a once great species.  He's fairly old and a bit lonely even among his rescuers.  He yearns to hear another human but the virus made sure that never happens again.  This story hit on every emotion.  Its happy, sad, exciting, scary, you name it I felt it.  But the best part.  The absolute most amazing thing about this story is it gives you hope.  Hope that we learn from our mistakes...and don't kill ourselves off.  I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a new unique story about our future among the stars. 

I received this book for free from NetGalley to read and give my honest review.

Now I want to go "Camping"

Okay, I always say you have to give a show at least 2 episodes if not 3 to make sure if you like it or not...usually....some are amazing off the bat and some suck but I try to give them all a chance.

HBO's new show camping is annoyingly funny.  I am sitting here watching on my computer because the hubs is watching...something.  Anyways, I was silently snorting to myself so much he was like "are you okay...? *raised eyebrow*"  Turned the screen to show him what I was watching just as a very naked Julia Louis-Dreyfus turned around in all her naked glory.

He was like "She has a landing strip" as I laughed because only I could hear what was happening.

The show is fun.  I think (I hope) as it goes on it will compound on the silliness.  We all know these people.  These are city folks on a weekend camping trip.  But its not a bunch of 20 somethings going skinny dipping and shotgunning beers... its all older married (or divorced) couples with kids trying to have fun. 

You have your dorky husband/dad, controlling wife/mom, the sister with the reformed (?) deadbeat (?) husband and their angsty teen, the brother and his wife who CLEARLY have issues with controlling lady, and the recently separated friend with his new hippy girlfriend. 

I want to love it because I love Jennifer Garner and David Tennant.  Seriously, the 1st episode was a hoot.   I giggled quite a bit.  Hopefully it just gets funnier...and we talk more about her pelvic floor while the others are just annoyed and drink and totally go off schedule because AHAHAHAHA I have a friend like that...I love her but chill chickadee! 

Anyways, funny show...reminds me of camping with my boujee friends.  There are ALWAYS stories to tell after.

Oh and there's a bear.

Crimson Peak......I'm watching alone so I have to type my thoughts.....

I'm finally watching this .....

SPOILERS FOR CRIMSON PEAK if you haven't seen it.

First few minutes..."Beware the Crimson Peak". Okay...Hi to you to dead Mom.

Oh look its Bobby...is he gonna say "Balls"???

And then there is Thomas.  How does someone who by all accounts seems like a genuinely kind and amazing person play such a f**king creep?!?!?!  He walked in the room and I was like "danger danger...DANGER!" 

He even speaks creepy!  I love his voice, its very...nice....to listen to.  But in this movie his voice makes my f**king skin crawl!

What is up with the sister?!?!!?

What's in the Envelope??  What does dad want to tell Edith!!??!

OMG HE KILLED HER F**KING DAD!!!!

Ummm...."I know sir, you've been married a while".  What?!?!?!

Why is the floor "bleeding?!?!"  Why is there a hole in the ceiling?!?!

Edith...honey...go home....

Please don't kill the dog!!!

Ummmm do siblings hug like that...like I don't embrace my brothers like that....

Okay the sister is really creepy.

So he's already tried to kill the dog....great....

The ghost is missing its ring finger....

The house "breathes" what on Earth?!??!

"I'll have a bath".  Can we watch him bathe too? ahahahah

Confined to the nursery in the attic...?  Wow.....

She's so different...

Okay he kisses like....that... that was .... He's kinda hot...stop being creepy!

Does he not sleep!?!?!

WTF just crawled out of the floor?!?!!?

So the ghosts are trying to warn her....?

Sir Thomas is already married...?!?!?!

Finally!  Consummate that marriage muahahaha

Sister is jealous of him sleeping with his wife...I...WHAT'S WITH THE CREEPY SISTER?!?!!

JFC read the letter from Italy already!

Wait is he falling in love with Edith?  He wants to show her his invention....

Uh oh...sister is on to her!

So he's like the reverse black widow....?

They kill them with the tea..? Aw man I love tea

I made her better...I'll do the same with you...I'll make you better.  Sister is a f**king wacko!

He told her not to drink the tea....

He doesn't want to kill her....

Was that a baby crying....?

Ahhhhhhh what is happening?!??!!? 

He's f**king his sister!!!! Oh Thomas what are you doing?!?!?! My eyes, MY EYES!!!!

Now I know where he sleeps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That bitch stabbed the Doctor friend person!!!!

That bitch killed the dog!!!!!

"Your a Doctor, show me where."  He's not a bad guy...he's NOT!!! Right...?

The sister killed her Edith's dad.

She basically raped and coerced her BABY BROTHER into a love affair and killed their mom over it....OMG!

The baby was the sister's.  It was her niece/nephew and her child and I am not okay with this

Oh damn Edith stabbed her with a pen.

Oh he does love her, I knew he was good!

Oh $hit! She stabbed him because he loves Edith.

JFC in the face!!!  She stabbed him in the face! 

She killed him!!!! She killed her brother lover...

"Ghosts are real this much I know".  No $hit "Alice", Thomas' ghost just saved your life!

What did I just watch.

In summary, brother sister lovers convince lonely women to marry the brother lover and give him their fortune.  Sister lover poisons the wives and continues enjoying that good brother D. And what the f**k did I just type?!?!?  Except brother lover falls in love with his wife this time and sister lover kills him for it.  Oh and there are ghosts.  Have I covered everything?!?!  I need a drink.

All in all 3.5 out of 5.  It was weird but good weird...a little cheesy and you get to see Loki and Alice in love..what a world what a world.

NOLAGurl out...I need more wine. 

Lifel1k3 - Jay Kristoff

Wow.  This is a fascinating coming of age story.  I mean who doesn't want to read about a rebellious teen in a future where we almost destroyed all of life on earth.  That isn't sarcasm, I'm serious.  We are following the life of Eve.  She lives what used to be California but it broke off and is an island now.  She poor and scrappy. She has a cybernetic eye and a memory chip in her head.  She has her gramps, BFF named Lemon, robot sidekick named Cricket , and a robo dog with a real dog brain.  

Its not all what you think.  There are non humans out there.  They look like us but they aren't human.  They are called Lifelikes and they rebelled against their maker.  Don't worry, I didn't spoil anything you don't read in the first few pages.  Imagine that!  You get this much insanity and its only the beginning.  This story is full of adventure, heartbreak, friendship, and betrayal; all with a sci-fi base.  Its a captivating read that has more surprises than I thought possible.  The author did a wonderful job of creating characters you love.  Even with their flaws you love them.  That is why all the twists and turns are such punches in the gut  You are learning along with Eve which makes this story even more intriguing.  All leading up to the final showdown that completely blew my mind, and its only book one.  I would definitely recommend it.

SPOILERS in the  jump

Obscura - Joe Hart

This is a wonderfully written yet disturbing story. In the not so distant future we have reached a tipping point. Our beautiful blue marble is dying. Humanity has no choice but to look for a new home. In addition to this we are plagued by a new disease. It targets young and old, related and unrelated. There is no cure...there is no predicting it but once you have it you are done. Its a slow, tortuous death. Not just for you but for your loved ones who have to watch you slowly forget them...yourself...everything. 

We are following Gillian a Doctor, mother, and now Astronaut who is on the verge of curing this awful disease. She has her own issues and reasons for wanting a cure but when NASA calls upon her she goes...a tad unwillingly but she goes. This book is a total mystery. From the opening pages to the last line. Its a roller coaster of emotion and distrust. There is the dying Earth, the incurable disease, a new technology that could change the future of humanity, and death...lots of death. Its a whodunit wrapped up in a what would you do. And it has space travel so win win win, right?! 

I absolutely loved this book. I was confused, concerned, disturbed, terrified, and happy. The whole gambit of emotions. Just when I thought I knew what to expect something else slapped me in the face. I didn't know who to trust. Half the time I didn't even trust Gillian and it was from her POV. I wanted to love so many of the characters but I just didn't know. The only one I fully trusted was Birk, he was an open book. In a heartbeat I would recommend this book. Anyone who loves a good murder mystery and/or sci-fi should read it. It is by far one of the better near future space travel books I've read, and I've read quite a few. Check it out, you wont be sorry.

SPOILERS in the jump

I hate networks *ahem* FOX *ahem*

I know "ratings" count.  Well ratings count because of advertisers, right?  But based off of what I've seen online ratings don't tell the whole story. 

Ratings CLEARLY lie.  They only take into account live viewings and even then I think its skewed. 

IMO somethings gotta give.  They need to start looking at other ways people watch TV because its clear not everyone views things live.  We have options...LOTS OF OPTIONS.  I can tell you with 100% certainty I watch a lot of shows the next day or so after they air...on the network's app.  If I'm home I watch live but that's not always the case. 

So why why why why why did FOX cancel Lucifer?!?!?!?  I know there is a giant fan following for this show.  "But the ratings weren't there."

F**k off!  The ratings weren't there my @$$!  Open twitter and you can see the f**king insane following for that show.  Open Tumblr (with caution) and you see even more.  So how are the "ratings not there"?!?!?

My only conclusion is they literally only consider Live Broadcasts and you are right, not everyone watches live.  And by Live I mean the time the show airs. 

The excuse is "because we need the pull for the advertisers".  Okay...hear me out....PUT THE ADVERTS ON THE STREAMING APPS!  Yea yea yea, its not the same.  And you people wonder why cable is dying out?!?!?  People pay to DVR, but you punish them by canceling their favorite shows because they DVR'd and didn't watch live. 

Its a f**king double edged sword. 

I said I hated FOX in 2002 when they canceled Firefly.  That was stupid.  That show was f**king gold and I will never be over it!  I hated them again when they canceled  Futurama in 2003.  I wanted to spit nails when they axed Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles in 2009.  

They realized their mistake kind of with Firefly and did a movie to "appease" the fans.  Yes, we appreciated it but would have LOVED MORE DAMMIT.  Same with Futurama...Comedy Central  brought it back and it was wildly successful until it was axed again *rolling eyes*.  

They never brought back Terminator...boooo stupid FOX.

Anyways they have now axed LUCIFER and The Exorcist and Brooklyn nine nine!!!  The Exorcist...okay fine...I guess.  I really liked it but whatever.  Brooklyn was picked up by NBC so ok ok...But LUCIFER!?!?!?  I don't get it!  

In the edited words of Shepherd "...you're going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters and people who talk at the theater....and FOX for cancelling amazing shows!!!"

The Good Samaritan by John Marrs

I'm not sure what I just read. I am so disturbed by this book. Let me start by saying I got this for free somehow. With that said I had no idea the can of worms I was opening myself up to.

It's a story about a Suicide hotline operator who "helps" people kill themselves. That in and of itself is disturbing. But as we delve deeper into the psyche of said operator a horrible truth is revealed. This person is psychotic. They should be diagnosed with numerous mental illnesses. As the story unfolds we see the insanity that is brewing just below the surface. To everyone looking in they are the perfect spouse, parent, person but to those who know them its all a ruse. Its to the point where even the reader isn't sure what is real and what is a story made up by them to fit their needs. This book hooked me. At the beginning it was okay but as Steven came into the picture it became hard to put down. I wanted to know who would "win" and I hoped beyond hope it wouldn't be the operator. If you love a good suspense/thriller pick this up but be warned it highlights the depths of insanity that lurk in the human psyche. To say I'm disturbed by this story is an understatement but I would recommend it because it is quite intriguing.

Spoilers after the jump....

Just kiss already!!!!!!!

What I seem to be screaming every new episode of Timeless.  Wyatt and Lucy are so f**king adorable and I need them to just be...something!

I love this show sooooooooo much.  I am so glad it can back for Season 2.  I have ZERO faith in NBC doing the right thing and keeping this show.  Because they are so f**king stupid when it comes to good shows, with good plots, and a good fanbase.  They are like "this show seems to be internet popular...LET'S KILL IT!"  F**king @$$holes.  


SPOILERS for Episode 3:



And OMG I am watching Season 2 Episode 3 and f**king FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am legit dying over here.  Eeeeeeeeee!

They basically just professed their undying love.  You saved me...you saved me...when I thought you were dead...I....

Then they are in a room..and....and...are they going to be interrupted...?!?!!?  Ahhhhh they are kissing.  like good kissing.  Like oh...oh this may be more than kissing and I can't deal right now.  Yaaaaaaaaassss!!!!!

Okay I am done now.  I am smiling like an idiot over two fictional characters FINALLY admitting they are @$$ over tit in love and its amazing.  Alright, I'm going finish Episode 3 and squee a little more!

UPDATE: OMG Rufus' reaction!  I love love love love it!

UPDATE 2: F**K you writers!!!  You can't give me Lyatt or Wucy (I don't know what we call them) and then f**king bring her back.  You can't bring the LOVE OF HIS LIFE back!  How...why...goddammit!!!! I'm so angry right now!

Nyxia - Scott Reintgen

What an intriguing story!  In the semi-distant future we have expanded into the cosmos.  We have found an amazing new natural resource on an alien planet that will change everything, the problem is the locals don't much like adult humans but they love and respect children.  Solution, send a bunch of poor "kids" into space to harvest this stuff for them.  The catch...oh the catch is they are taking a bunch of you into space but only a few actually get to go down to the planet.  Those that go will have their families taken care of generously, the rest get a consolation prize.

So begins a story of deception, friendship, love, and betrayal.  Emmett, the main character and story teller is a hardened poor kid who makes the list.  The big corp (Babel) is in complete control.  You will fight, ruthlessly, to earn your way to the surface.  People are hurt, people die, enemies are made, and friendships are formed.  The emotions Emmett must endure are a roller-coaster.   Who can he trust?  What is Babel hiding?  Will he ever make it home again to see that moms and pops are actually being taken care of?  The entire story is high energy and stressful.  You want to hate some and love others but who is being real?  You are just are distrustful as Emmett.  This might be a story about a bunch of teens but its relatable to any age.  Its a great read that captures you from the beginning and doesn't let go.  Just when you think you know what Babel is up to something else insane happens.  You experience the lies and deceit with Emmett and the hope as well.  I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi/space travel. 

SPOILERS 







He was supposed to be with Kaya!  They freaking killed Kaya!  I did not see that coming.  Maybe she's alive and Babel is hiding her...wishful thinking.  I mean I like Morning and while I didn't trust her at first, I think she is genuinely interested in Emmett and a good person.  I'm glad the "love" scene wasn't done in more detail.  It always makes me a little uncomfortable when authors go into detail about 1st times or anything sexual between minors.  Yes, we all know it happens but that is not necessary so kudos to this author for glazing over that piece. 

I did not see that ending coming.  I knew Babel had one more thing up their sleeve but to pit two kids against each other TO THE DEATH is insane!  Roathy probably deserved to die but I am so proud of Emmett for taking the high road. For not killing him and actually trying to save him.  It showed immense character development. 

I adored Bilal.  He always sees the best in everyone and everything, even when the world turns against him.  He is a true friend and derserves better than what happened to him.  I hope he comes back somehow or is in one of the pods headed to the surface.

Vademeer is an enigma.  I thought he was a Babel bad guy at first but he is a mentor.  He genuinely cares about Emmett & Kaya when she was alive.  Sure he gets more money if his kids win but he actually cares.  He wasn't just in it for the money.  He mourned Kaya.  He was worried about Emmett and genuinely proud when he made the adult decision, i.e. not killing someone as revenge...even it it was warranted. 

Defoe...I want to think he's bad.  But I just don't think he is.  Something about him says he is different.   Yes he has done, is doing horrible things for Babel, but we get these glimpses of him that make me think he has some good hidden in there.  That he is not just a pawn for this huge corporation.  I could be totally wrong but I swear he cares, slightly, for Emmett and the other kids (well his, not the other team). 

I still do not trust Isadora.  She is crazy.  She is vengeful.  She should NOT be going to Eden.  But she was grandfathered in.  Babel and their games.  Will they ever end?  Can't wait for the rest of this story!

I got this book for free from Blogging for Books to give my honest review.  

What do they feed them in Sweden?!?!

So I got a Netflix "98% match" show.  I've seen some adverts for it but didn't know much about it so I started watching it. 

Very crazy bloody opening, hmmm interesting.  Then the guy who dies is brought back in a new "sleeve".  If you don't know what I'm watching, its called "Altered Carbon" and its kind of crazy!

In the way way way way future we have apparently expanded into the stars AND figured out how to be basically immortal.  K....  At the ripe age of 1 every person is implanted with a disc that can pretty much be reinstalled into new bodies (sleeves) indefinitely.  Well unless the disc is damaged. 

Anyways, the bad@$$ ripped Asian that dies in the first few minutes is resleeved into this 6' something blonde Adonis looking mother f**ker.  He is butt@$$ nekkid and has the "v".  The "V"!!!  I was like God Damn, who is this guy?!?!?!  Then he walked away and sweet baby Jes...nice @$$!

So I looked him up and apparently he was most recently Robocop in the reboot of Robocop.  Have I mentioned he is dead sexy?!?!  Joel Kinnaman, is a Swedish actor and was born in 1979.  What the hell do they feed them??? Between him and the freaking Skarsgård family we all look like a bunch of wet trash.   

Maybe not that bad but you get the idea.  Anyways, this show is fascinating! And the lead is not bad to look at.  Well he has some weird looks sometimes...kinda goofy but his body helps.

I mean that's not why I'll watch it but its definitely lagniappe.  

Side Note - I've seen more dicks flapping around in 1 hour than I can ever recall...

What's with the implants?!? So much of this show is based on IMPLANTS!

Black Mirror is f**king me up! I love it!

Every episode is more and more OH MY GOD!!!!

The first season was messed up but as I watch...I think I am going have some serious issues.

Just...just...just....Episode 4 SOBBING with happiness...then this $hitshow happened....

Season 3: Episode 5 - Men Against Fire 

Why are they called "Roaches"??!?! 

I STG if a giant f**king bug comes on my screen I'm going to ......

AHhhhhhhhh! 

Okay okay they are "people" with something in their blood making them...mutants...? 

They look a lot like those "Gangers" from Doctor Who....

Wait...what's with that green light...

dude don't point it at your face...

OMG!

wait will he be a "roach" now?!?!!??!!??!

Wait...wait.....does the implant make them see non-implants as evil???? 

What is happening?!?!? 

OMG I was right!!!!  Its the f**king implant!

Buy whyyyyyyyyyyy?

Is this like the next step in justified genocide????

This is like some extreme Hitler level $hit!

"We don't actually want to kill each other."  No $hit!!!!

It helps you see the "enemy" as the monster

"Its a lot easier to pull the trigger when they are the Boogyman" WHAT?!?!?!

Talk about cleansing the gene pool

HOLY $HIT this is terrifying!

Ummm have you ever heard of the Holocaust....?

"Protecting the bloodline"

He made him f**king blind with the push of a button!!!

That is some psychological torture....

And he caved...can't say I blame him...

So it makes him see a gorgeous welcoming house and a wife when its actually a $hithole....whoa.

I can't.  This is 1000% disturbing...I love it...I need more.  This show has me like...

Comfort is key

I received these for free to try from Smiley 360.  I'll be honest at first I was not excited to try these.  I've always used tampons with applicators so this is something new to me.  

I will say I wasn't that comfortable putting them in while on my cycle, it seemed like it would be "messy".  But it wasn't.  It was easy actually.  And more comfortable to insert versus the plastic or cardboard applicators, so that is a plus.  I don't have a heavy flow but I was concerned about the absorbancy.  But they worked just fine.  I barely noticed it was there.  They worked just as well if not better as my regular tampons but with less waste.  Also, because they are so small without the applicators they are much easier to travel with.  I just put a few in my purse and go one my way. 

Honestly, I liked them more than what I've been using.  I think everyone should try them...well every female who is having monthly cycles.