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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2072 KP) rated Murder with a Cherry on Top in Books
Jul 6, 2019
Rival’s Murder Cools Off Opening Week
Kate McKay has returned to her hometown of Wolfet’s Roost in the Hudson River Valley of New York, and she has opened her own ice cream shop. Her only possibly concern is that it is across the street from the bakery owned by Ashley Winthrop. The two have known each other all their lives, and they have never gotten along. Sadly, Kate hasn’t even been opened a week before she gets proof that Ashley intends to continue their feud. But when Ashley is murdered the day after the two have a very public fight, Kate finds herself questioned by the police. Can she figure out what really happened before she is arrested for a crime she didn’t commit?
First books in series walk a fine line between introducing us to characters and giving us a good mystery. This one errs on the side of character backstory, which makes the first quarter very slow plot wise. Things do pick up as we go along, and by the second half the mystery is in full swing. Once it got going, I found the mystery good with an ending I didn’t suspect yet one that made sense. Kate, her Gran, and her niece are all solid characters and I enjoyed spending time with them. I am curious where Kate’s love life will go after what we learned and the characters we met here. The suspects don’t get much page time, but they seem real from the little bit of time we did get to spend with them. And there is plenty of talk about ice cream, which made me crave one of my favorite desserts. There are four delicious sounding recipes at the end, so you can bring a bit of Kate’s shop home with you. If you are looking for a new series to help you cool off as the summer heats up, this debut is for you.
First books in series walk a fine line between introducing us to characters and giving us a good mystery. This one errs on the side of character backstory, which makes the first quarter very slow plot wise. Things do pick up as we go along, and by the second half the mystery is in full swing. Once it got going, I found the mystery good with an ending I didn’t suspect yet one that made sense. Kate, her Gran, and her niece are all solid characters and I enjoyed spending time with them. I am curious where Kate’s love life will go after what we learned and the characters we met here. The suspects don’t get much page time, but they seem real from the little bit of time we did get to spend with them. And there is plenty of talk about ice cream, which made me crave one of my favorite desserts. There are four delicious sounding recipes at the end, so you can bring a bit of Kate’s shop home with you. If you are looking for a new series to help you cool off as the summer heats up, this debut is for you.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated It Takes Two (1995) in Movies
May 19, 2020
The frustration I feel from watching this film is steaming off of me. This film is basically Parent Trap but with actual twins and far less talented ones at that. Lindsey Lohan was able to play an American and a British version of herself for the Parent Trap and blew Mary-Kate and Ashley out of the park - literal twins. This film was predictable from the beginning and it was kind of frustrating. It seems like the off-brand you buy at the store because name brands are too expensive and not always worth it. In this case, I'd take the name brand any day.
Carma (21 KP) rated 12 Nights of Christmas in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Reviewed multiple books from anthology (see below)
~~~~THE MEANT TO BE GIRL by TAWDRA KANDLE~~~~~
Ashley Webbar remembers the exact moment Zane Fletcher stormed in to her life, and her salon. Over the past 6 months she has watched him fall for someone else and wished with everything that it was her that caught his eye. Not that she would ever think he could fall for someone like her. She isnt worthy, she never has been but maybe the magical love fruitcake knows something she doesnt.
Zane has been trying to months to let Ashley know how he feels about her. Each time he tries they get interrupted in some way, shape or form. It is now or never, he has to lay it all out on the line. Too bad when he starts she shoves a fruitcake in his face. What??
Can Ashley and Zane finally realize they are falling for each other with or without the fruitcake? Back to Burton in this quick read that is part of a multiple author Christmas anthology. I received an advance copy without any expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own. The Meant to be Girl gets 4 stars from this reader.
****Scrooge You by MK Schiller ******
Eva is a total scrooge for Christmas, well not just for Christmas it seems anymore. She works for a small company, owned by the man that has been part of her family as long as she can remember so that should account for something, right? She is restless and looking to move on but also feeling guilty like she is abandoning them. She doesnt know what else to do. When she gets home and finds her boyfriend has invited more people over for the holiday, then finds an engagement ring hidden in a drawer she freaks out. When Jack leaves, Eva goes to bed and is then visited by the ghosts (Jack) of Christmases past, present and future. Figure in the magical romance fruitcake from Delilahs Cove and you have a quick, romantic, holiday spirit filled story fitting for the anthology.
Ive never read anything by this author before and this was a cute, quick read. I voluntarily read a copy of this 3 ½ star story from Booksprout without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
~~~~THE MEANT TO BE GIRL by TAWDRA KANDLE~~~~~
Ashley Webbar remembers the exact moment Zane Fletcher stormed in to her life, and her salon. Over the past 6 months she has watched him fall for someone else and wished with everything that it was her that caught his eye. Not that she would ever think he could fall for someone like her. She isnt worthy, she never has been but maybe the magical love fruitcake knows something she doesnt.
Zane has been trying to months to let Ashley know how he feels about her. Each time he tries they get interrupted in some way, shape or form. It is now or never, he has to lay it all out on the line. Too bad when he starts she shoves a fruitcake in his face. What??
Can Ashley and Zane finally realize they are falling for each other with or without the fruitcake? Back to Burton in this quick read that is part of a multiple author Christmas anthology. I received an advance copy without any expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own. The Meant to be Girl gets 4 stars from this reader.
****Scrooge You by MK Schiller ******
Eva is a total scrooge for Christmas, well not just for Christmas it seems anymore. She works for a small company, owned by the man that has been part of her family as long as she can remember so that should account for something, right? She is restless and looking to move on but also feeling guilty like she is abandoning them. She doesnt know what else to do. When she gets home and finds her boyfriend has invited more people over for the holiday, then finds an engagement ring hidden in a drawer she freaks out. When Jack leaves, Eva goes to bed and is then visited by the ghosts (Jack) of Christmases past, present and future. Figure in the magical romance fruitcake from Delilahs Cove and you have a quick, romantic, holiday spirit filled story fitting for the anthology.
Ive never read anything by this author before and this was a cute, quick read. I voluntarily read a copy of this 3 ½ star story from Booksprout without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Best Family Ever (Baxter Family Children, #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I was so excited for the release of this novel. Karen Kingsbury is one of my absolute favorite authors and her Baxter family has been my favorite for a long time now. This book is the start of books about her Baxter family characters as children. I've always wondered about the Baxter kids and what there life was like growing up, and with this book, we get just that and so much more!
This one focuses on Ashley Baxter. Ashley was one of my favorite characters in the Baxter series and her character as a child......let me tell you, she was full of mischief and I saw myself in her so much! The experiences of having to move and make new friends and adjust to life in a new way, was something that I could relate to, after my dad retired from the military and I had to leave my best friend. The faith, the hope, the love that the Baxter children had as young ones was inspiring, even for this adult!
Whether you have a child or grandchild, niece or nephew, who loves to read, this book is perfect for them! Every child, and adult needs to read this sweet book! I read it in one sitting. Mother and Son did a phenomenal job on this creation! If you're 8, or 98, this is a 5 star read that you will want on your shelf forever! Bravo and magnificently done, Mrs. Kingsbury and Mr. Russell. I can't wait to read the next one!
This one focuses on Ashley Baxter. Ashley was one of my favorite characters in the Baxter series and her character as a child......let me tell you, she was full of mischief and I saw myself in her so much! The experiences of having to move and make new friends and adjust to life in a new way, was something that I could relate to, after my dad retired from the military and I had to leave my best friend. The faith, the hope, the love that the Baxter children had as young ones was inspiring, even for this adult!
Whether you have a child or grandchild, niece or nephew, who loves to read, this book is perfect for them! Every child, and adult needs to read this sweet book! I read it in one sitting. Mother and Son did a phenomenal job on this creation! If you're 8, or 98, this is a 5 star read that you will want on your shelf forever! Bravo and magnificently done, Mrs. Kingsbury and Mr. Russell. I can't wait to read the next one!
Brandy Bentley (3 KP) rated Complicated in Books
Jan 21, 2018
Good small town, law enforcement romance
Contains spoilers, click to show
Complicated is classic Kristen Ashley! Lots of alpha male action that you either love or hate at times, but ultimately love because he's our hero.
Hixon Drake and Greta Dare begin their story with misunderstanding and hurt feelings. After a night together, Hix brushes Greta off like a one night stand and drives off. Greta, a kind-hearted and generous soul, does not know how to hold a grudge, though, so when Hix gets another chance, she lets him in.
Both characters have issues: Hix is a newly single dad with a slightly unstable ex-wife. Greta is responsible for the care of her mentally disabled younger brother (made so by an accident caused by their self-involved mother.) Both have to overcome their hang-ups and interfering third parties in order to finally find their HEA.
Outside of family drama, Hix is the county sheriff investigating a murder in a town that hasn't had a homicide in decades. Greta finds herself attacked by a stalker, which leads her to seek Hix's help.
Ashley is well known in the romance world for crafting swoonworthy alpha heroes and kickass heroines. Complicated is one of her rare standalones, and is not connected to any of her other books.
I really, really LIKED this book, but I can't say that I LOVED it. I'm not sure if I can put my finger on why. I am a huge KA fan, and LOVE many of her books; most of which I've read more than once.
Hixon Drake and Greta Dare begin their story with misunderstanding and hurt feelings. After a night together, Hix brushes Greta off like a one night stand and drives off. Greta, a kind-hearted and generous soul, does not know how to hold a grudge, though, so when Hix gets another chance, she lets him in.
Both characters have issues: Hix is a newly single dad with a slightly unstable ex-wife. Greta is responsible for the care of her mentally disabled younger brother (made so by an accident caused by their self-involved mother.) Both have to overcome their hang-ups and interfering third parties in order to finally find their HEA.
Outside of family drama, Hix is the county sheriff investigating a murder in a town that hasn't had a homicide in decades. Greta finds herself attacked by a stalker, which leads her to seek Hix's help.
Ashley is well known in the romance world for crafting swoonworthy alpha heroes and kickass heroines. Complicated is one of her rare standalones, and is not connected to any of her other books.
I really, really LIKED this book, but I can't say that I LOVED it. I'm not sure if I can put my finger on why. I am a huge KA fan, and LOVE many of her books; most of which I've read more than once.
The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) rated Blindspot - Season 1 in TV
May 23, 2018
Intriguing premise, overly serious with itself
There is only one person on this show worth watching and it's the scientist behind the scenes, with less machismo and more brains:
Episode 11: "Can you land this plane?"
Patterson, to Jane and Kurt: “You can for sure maintain enough airspeed. I did the math.”
Fisher: “How? Where?”
Patterson: “In my head, where math is done. Please don’t interrupt.”
I can literally drop a dun dun dun dramatic drop every other sentence. Everything is the most important thing they have ever done and nothing is light or inconsequential. there is very little humor except when it's unintended. it got frustrating after time. After the first season ended I didn't feel compelled to watch another episode.
Episode 11: "Can you land this plane?"
Patterson, to Jane and Kurt: “You can for sure maintain enough airspeed. I did the math.”
Fisher: “How? Where?”
Patterson: “In my head, where math is done. Please don’t interrupt.”
I can literally drop a dun dun dun dramatic drop every other sentence. Everything is the most important thing they have ever done and nothing is light or inconsequential. there is very little humor except when it's unintended. it got frustrating after time. After the first season ended I didn't feel compelled to watch another episode.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Hellraiser: Hellseeker (2002) in Movies
Apr 27, 2022
The first five Hellraiser movies range from love to like for me, which means that Hellseeker is the first in the series that I downright dislike.
The narrative is purposefully confusing, but not in a clever way. It's frustrating and has an underwhelming payoff, whilst not even trying to make any sense. Something will happen to the painfully bland main dude, and then it's like "lol, that didn't actually happen you mad bastard" over and over again for 90 minutes, whilst every female character inexplicably tries to shag him. Most importantly, it manages to be horrifically boring. It's nice to see Ashley Laurence back, but she's under utilised, as is Pinhead with his 3 seconds of screentime.
An absolute chore of an experience.
The narrative is purposefully confusing, but not in a clever way. It's frustrating and has an underwhelming payoff, whilst not even trying to make any sense. Something will happen to the painfully bland main dude, and then it's like "lol, that didn't actually happen you mad bastard" over and over again for 90 minutes, whilst every female character inexplicably tries to shag him. Most importantly, it manages to be horrifically boring. It's nice to see Ashley Laurence back, but she's under utilised, as is Pinhead with his 3 seconds of screentime.
An absolute chore of an experience.
mostlyinpyjamas (13 KP) rated Geekerella (Once Upon a Con #1) in Books
Nov 28, 2017
Fairytale meets fandom.
The blurb: ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN ONCE UPON A CON. When geek girl Elle Wittimer sees a cosplay contest sponsored by the producers of Starfield she has to enter.
First prize is an invitation to the Excelsicon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot.
Elle’s been scraping together tips from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck behind her stepmothers back, and winning this contest could be her ticket out once and for all. Not to mention a fan girls dream come true.
Teen actor Darien Freeman is less than thrilled about this year’s Excelsicon. He used to live for conventions, but know they’re nothing but jaw-aching photo sessions and awkward meet-and-greets.
Playing Federation Prince Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the die-hard Starfield fandom has already dismissed him as just another heartthrob.
As Excelsicon draws near, closet nerd Darien feels more and more like a fake – until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.
Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, GEEKERELLA is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. ~~
Fairytale meets fandom in this modern day retelling of Cinderella.
I am always here for a new take on a well loved story, and Ashley Poston has delivered a faithful to the original story that also makes for a good tale on its own right.
I have to start by saying look at that cover! When I saw it on the shelf in Waterstones *other bookshops are available* I knew I had to buy it.
I love the modern versions of the well known characters, Elle is a Starfield nerd. Her love of the classic tv show comes from her parents, who originally founded the Starfield convention.
Catherine, the stepmother, and the stepsisters, Chloe and Cal are perfectly spiteful as overwork and under appreciate Elle.
The prince in this version is Darien, a young Hollywood golden boy with insured abs, while the fairy godmother role is filled by Sage, the punk wannabe-fashion-designer. I love Sage!
There’s also a canine sidekick, Franco, a.k.a Frank the tank, any story that includes a very good boy has the makings of a winner for me.
Ashley Poston gives a nod to the coach from the original story with The magic pumpkin, Sage’s vegan food van and the ending is perfect with the ball and even the glass shoe.
Obviously we all know how Cinderella goes but Ashley Poston gets us to the end via a geek-tastic tale of fandoms, fan blogs, cosplay conventions and the movie making world.
The way that Elle and Darien begin to get to know each other via text makes for a sweet romance, each not knowing who the other is – Darien, who Elle doesn’t believe will make a good Carmindor, and Elle, being rebelgunner the blogger who slated Darien – I’ve seen some reviews saying it’s not realistic that they fall for each other via text, and so quickly, but it does happen, and anyway, come on! This is Cinderella, and in the original her and the prince fall in love after just a dance.
Geekerella is such a heartwarming story, it’s not often I read a book again, but this is one I’ll definitely turn to when I need cheering up.
I’m giving Geekerella 5/5 stars and I can’t wait to read more of Ashley Poston’s work. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First prize is an invitation to the Excelsicon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot.
Elle’s been scraping together tips from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck behind her stepmothers back, and winning this contest could be her ticket out once and for all. Not to mention a fan girls dream come true.
Teen actor Darien Freeman is less than thrilled about this year’s Excelsicon. He used to live for conventions, but know they’re nothing but jaw-aching photo sessions and awkward meet-and-greets.
Playing Federation Prince Carmindor is all he’s ever wanted, but the die-hard Starfield fandom has already dismissed him as just another heartthrob.
As Excelsicon draws near, closet nerd Darien feels more and more like a fake – until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise.
Part romance, part love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, GEEKERELLA is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom. ~~
Fairytale meets fandom in this modern day retelling of Cinderella.
I am always here for a new take on a well loved story, and Ashley Poston has delivered a faithful to the original story that also makes for a good tale on its own right.
I have to start by saying look at that cover! When I saw it on the shelf in Waterstones *other bookshops are available* I knew I had to buy it.
I love the modern versions of the well known characters, Elle is a Starfield nerd. Her love of the classic tv show comes from her parents, who originally founded the Starfield convention.
Catherine, the stepmother, and the stepsisters, Chloe and Cal are perfectly spiteful as overwork and under appreciate Elle.
The prince in this version is Darien, a young Hollywood golden boy with insured abs, while the fairy godmother role is filled by Sage, the punk wannabe-fashion-designer. I love Sage!
There’s also a canine sidekick, Franco, a.k.a Frank the tank, any story that includes a very good boy has the makings of a winner for me.
Ashley Poston gives a nod to the coach from the original story with The magic pumpkin, Sage’s vegan food van and the ending is perfect with the ball and even the glass shoe.
Obviously we all know how Cinderella goes but Ashley Poston gets us to the end via a geek-tastic tale of fandoms, fan blogs, cosplay conventions and the movie making world.
The way that Elle and Darien begin to get to know each other via text makes for a sweet romance, each not knowing who the other is – Darien, who Elle doesn’t believe will make a good Carmindor, and Elle, being rebelgunner the blogger who slated Darien – I’ve seen some reviews saying it’s not realistic that they fall for each other via text, and so quickly, but it does happen, and anyway, come on! This is Cinderella, and in the original her and the prince fall in love after just a dance.
Geekerella is such a heartwarming story, it’s not often I read a book again, but this is one I’ll definitely turn to when I need cheering up.
I’m giving Geekerella 5/5 stars and I can’t wait to read more of Ashley Poston’s work. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Merissa (11704 KP) rated Daughter of the King (The Derbfine Series #3) in Books
May 18, 2018
Daughter of the king (The Derbfine Series #3) by Ashley York
Daughter of the King is the third book in The Derbfine Series, but could be read as a standalone as most of the characters are not major ones in the first two books. Brighit and Darragh have been promised to each other, almost from birth. And whilst there is comfort in the familiarity, there is also worry for Brighit as she fears Darragh will want her to change, to become the 'perfect little wifey'. Darragh is aware of Brighit's behaviour and loves her spirit. The only way for these two to work together is to trust each other, and that doesn't appear to be happening any time soon.
Once again, this book will draw you in. Not so much for the mystery, as that is quite straightforward, but for the complications and restrictions upon others in that time. Brighit and Darragh have to talk to each other about what happened, truthfully, for any headway to be made. I loved how Darragh worked things to allow Brighit more freedom, and how she realised Darragh wasn't how she had pictured him.
I'm putting this one as my favourite out of the three, simply because of how well written Brighit and Darragh were. With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a delight to read, and Ashley York is a fantastic historical romance writer that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Once again, this book will draw you in. Not so much for the mystery, as that is quite straightforward, but for the complications and restrictions upon others in that time. Brighit and Darragh have to talk to each other about what happened, truthfully, for any headway to be made. I loved how Darragh worked things to allow Brighit more freedom, and how she realised Darragh wasn't how she had pictured him.
I'm putting this one as my favourite out of the three, simply because of how well written Brighit and Darragh were. With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a delight to read, and Ashley York is a fantastic historical romance writer that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Jenny Pox (The Paranormals, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[Jenny Pox]by [J.L. Bryan] is a different twist on teen paranormal. No stupid sparkly vampires here! Instead teens with special powers all in the same small town.
Jenny can kill with a touch but does her best to protect everyone even though it brings her ridicule and bullying.
Seth can heal people with his touch.
Ashley can control people with hers and she does for her own benefit.
No one knows about these powers except the person with them until an accidental encounter between Jenny and Seth. All the pieces begin to fit.
This was a really enjoyable story and the fact that the teenagers had normal teenage personalities and issues made it all the better. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Jenny can kill with a touch but does her best to protect everyone even though it brings her ridicule and bullying.
Seth can heal people with his touch.
Ashley can control people with hers and she does for her own benefit.
No one knows about these powers except the person with them until an accidental encounter between Jenny and Seth. All the pieces begin to fit.
This was a really enjoyable story and the fact that the teenagers had normal teenage personalities and issues made it all the better. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.