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Phil Rosenthal recommended Sweet Smell of Success (1957) in Movies (curated)
David McK (3623 KP) rated Four Days in June: Waterloo: A Battle for Honour and Glory in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The title, of course, is a reference to the Waterloo campaign of 1815, where the Emperor Napoleon was finally defeated for good by a combined Anglo-Prussian army led by Wellington (for the Anglo-Dutch army) and Blucher (Prussian).
This novel tells the story through the eyes of five different characters involved in that battle: De Lancey, MacDonnell, Ziethen, Ney and Napoleon. While it also involves the battles of Quatre-Bras and Ligny, a ;arge part of the novel - not surprisingly - concentrates on the Battle of Waterloo itself. What may be surprising, however, is on how much it concentrates on the battle for La Haye Sainte (within Waterloo)!
I must admit, I also found. Some of the. Writing. To be a bit dis. jointed (I'm exaggerating here for effect), with very short, 'choppy' sentences.
As it's a period of history I'm interested in, I can now say that I've read the book. However, it's not one that I'd be rushing back to: not as good as, say, 'Sharpe's Waterloo' which has a similar approach.
This novel tells the story through the eyes of five different characters involved in that battle: De Lancey, MacDonnell, Ziethen, Ney and Napoleon. While it also involves the battles of Quatre-Bras and Ligny, a ;arge part of the novel - not surprisingly - concentrates on the Battle of Waterloo itself. What may be surprising, however, is on how much it concentrates on the battle for La Haye Sainte (within Waterloo)!
I must admit, I also found. Some of the. Writing. To be a bit dis. jointed (I'm exaggerating here for effect), with very short, 'choppy' sentences.
As it's a period of history I'm interested in, I can now say that I've read the book. However, it's not one that I'd be rushing back to: not as good as, say, 'Sharpe's Waterloo' which has a similar approach.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Take Your Time - Single by Decent at Best in Music
Jun 21, 2019
Decent at Best is a four piece Hybrid-electronic funky R&B outfit from Tacoma, Washington. Not too long ago, they released a danceable pop tune, entitled, “Take Your Time”.
“I got something else to say to you, I want you to know that you’ve been on my mind. I got nothing left to say to ya. Don’t waste my time.” – lyrics
‘Take Your Time’ is a funk and disco-inspired pop tune with infectious vocals and a groovy baseline.
The likable tune is perfectly suited for any outdoor function in the sun. Also, it was co-written and produced by Liz Scarlett of the Fame Riot.
The narrative tells an interesting tale which explores the complicated perspectives of a love connection.
Decent at Best continues to evolve as each member brings their own unique style and taste to the group.
They believe there are no rules when it comes to music, and they love to dabble in just about every genre.
Their only goal is to make music that compels you to move, and lyrics that can resonate with just about anyone.
“I got something else to say to you, I want you to know that you’ve been on my mind. I got nothing left to say to ya. Don’t waste my time.” – lyrics
‘Take Your Time’ is a funk and disco-inspired pop tune with infectious vocals and a groovy baseline.
The likable tune is perfectly suited for any outdoor function in the sun. Also, it was co-written and produced by Liz Scarlett of the Fame Riot.
The narrative tells an interesting tale which explores the complicated perspectives of a love connection.
Decent at Best continues to evolve as each member brings their own unique style and taste to the group.
They believe there are no rules when it comes to music, and they love to dabble in just about every genre.
Their only goal is to make music that compels you to move, and lyrics that can resonate with just about anyone.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Handy Men in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I love erotica and ménage a trois is my current drug of choice. However, a lot can go wrong with said topic. And I am not just talking story line. Many authors are prone to write threesomes that are just flat out unrealistic and laughable to say that least.
That being said, I quite enjoyed Schmidts The Handy Men. It not only brought the delicious sex scenes and love that comes with a mutual ménage, but it also brought the ugly and the awkward. Humans are unapologetically complicated, awkward, and over dramatic. We as readers may think well they are ridiculous and this is overdramatic. But lets be honest, we dont always act/respond the way we think we would especially since we are disconnected from what we are reading about (a.k.a. its not happening to us.)
While I have to agree that The Handy Men does seem a bit dramatic at times, I appreciate that it brought more to table than just try to get the female to be onboard with a threesome. The characters had depth and personality not always seen in erotica much the ménages. And to say their relationship is anything less that sexy would be a lie.
That being said, I quite enjoyed Schmidts The Handy Men. It not only brought the delicious sex scenes and love that comes with a mutual ménage, but it also brought the ugly and the awkward. Humans are unapologetically complicated, awkward, and over dramatic. We as readers may think well they are ridiculous and this is overdramatic. But lets be honest, we dont always act/respond the way we think we would especially since we are disconnected from what we are reading about (a.k.a. its not happening to us.)
While I have to agree that The Handy Men does seem a bit dramatic at times, I appreciate that it brought more to table than just try to get the female to be onboard with a threesome. The characters had depth and personality not always seen in erotica much the ménages. And to say their relationship is anything less that sexy would be a lie.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Ready or Not (2019) in Movies
Oct 3, 2019
Wonderfully dark fun
I went into this film not even having seen the trailer, instead going in blind based on having read some favourable reviews. And I can say that I was very pleasantly surprised.
This is a rather wonderful and fun horror, with a lot of laughs, a bit of gore and some marvellous dark comedy. This really doesn’t take itself too seriously and it’s all the better for it, some of the best scenes in this are of the family bickering between each other. That’s not to say the darker and more thrilling scenes in the film aren’t good, because they are. It’s rather tense watching Grace try and escape and her encounters with the deranged family members, and Samara Weaving plays her perfectly. I love the strong heroine aspect of this film, and that they haven’t gone down the stereotypical female needing to be rescued plot. I do think the scary and horror aspects of the film could have been increased and made more of, but it’s still a rather surprisingly good and bonkers film. The ending, whilst parts of it were potentially predictable, was absolutely genius and hilarious and such a fantastic way to end the film.
This is a rather wonderful and fun horror, with a lot of laughs, a bit of gore and some marvellous dark comedy. This really doesn’t take itself too seriously and it’s all the better for it, some of the best scenes in this are of the family bickering between each other. That’s not to say the darker and more thrilling scenes in the film aren’t good, because they are. It’s rather tense watching Grace try and escape and her encounters with the deranged family members, and Samara Weaving plays her perfectly. I love the strong heroine aspect of this film, and that they haven’t gone down the stereotypical female needing to be rescued plot. I do think the scary and horror aspects of the film could have been increased and made more of, but it’s still a rather surprisingly good and bonkers film. The ending, whilst parts of it were potentially predictable, was absolutely genius and hilarious and such a fantastic way to end the film.
Merissa (13398 KP) rated Amethyst Flame (Butterfly Witch #2) in Books
Mar 7, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
AMETHYST FLAME is the second book in The Butterfly Witch series. We return to Mo as she heads out for a weekend in Vegas. She is still living with her mum and Manager at the Desert Freeze shop. Both she and her mum are still reeling from what happened at the end of the first book.
If I had to say what this book is about - in a nutshell - I would say trust. Or lack of it. Whatever. Basically, this whole book is a mindf*ck of who Mo can trust and rely on. There are secrets within secrets with all of them, but it is Mo on the frontline.
This book expands on what started in the first part, including a revelation about Mo's moths, and will absolutely leave you wanting more. My Kindle nearly hit the wall with the ending and I can't wait for the next book!!!
An Urban Fantasy where the heroine doesn't have all sorted within five minutes. 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!
Mar 4, 2022
If I had to say what this book is about - in a nutshell - I would say trust. Or lack of it. Whatever. Basically, this whole book is a mindf*ck of who Mo can trust and rely on. There are secrets within secrets with all of them, but it is Mo on the frontline.
This book expands on what started in the first part, including a revelation about Mo's moths, and will absolutely leave you wanting more. My Kindle nearly hit the wall with the ending and I can't wait for the next book!!!
An Urban Fantasy where the heroine doesn't have all sorted within five minutes. 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!
Mar 4, 2022
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated Two Steps Forward (The Deacon's Family #3) in Books
Feb 28, 2020
Have you ever been caught off guard, that you got emotional from a book? Well if you did not know Suzanne Woods Fisher books. This one made me get emotional in a good way. Though I was in tears trying to read a few chapters. I would wipe them away and try and continue reading the book. Well, this did not help. It just keeps happening. Though I can say they were happy tears over sad ones. What triggered them I do not know.
It was something that the author wrote in the chapter that made me start the tears. This book “Two Steps Forwards” is written well. The storyline behind Issy in this book is done well. Sylvie King and Jimmy Fisher's storylines were decent. It was not that much that it made me emotional. That does not mean that it was written well.
I do enjoy it when there is a repeat of characters that come from previous books. The storylines do flow well. You can read these books out of order. They can read as standalone. The background does get explained a bit as you read.
I have read “Mending Fences” which is the first book of this series. Two Steps Forward is better than the first one only because it got me a bit more emotional. I would still read the first book as well of this series as I would love to pick up the second book of this series which is called “Stitches in Time”. If you would like to you read my review of Mending Fences.
It was something that the author wrote in the chapter that made me start the tears. This book “Two Steps Forwards” is written well. The storyline behind Issy in this book is done well. Sylvie King and Jimmy Fisher's storylines were decent. It was not that much that it made me emotional. That does not mean that it was written well.
I do enjoy it when there is a repeat of characters that come from previous books. The storylines do flow well. You can read these books out of order. They can read as standalone. The background does get explained a bit as you read.
I have read “Mending Fences” which is the first book of this series. Two Steps Forward is better than the first one only because it got me a bit more emotional. I would still read the first book as well of this series as I would love to pick up the second book of this series which is called “Stitches in Time”. If you would like to you read my review of Mending Fences.
Merissa (13398 KP) rated The Elusive Sun (Etherya's Earth #2) in Books
Feb 9, 2022
THE ELUSIVE SUN is the second full-length novel in the Etherya's Earth series. Sathan and Miranda are happy as can be, so now it's turn for Lila and Latimus to work out their issues. And, boy, do they have a few!!!
It is so easy to return to this world as it has been described and built with such detail as to make it incredibly easy to believe in. My heart broke for Lila at the same time as my respect for her and her abilities rose sky-high. She may be polite and well-mannered but don't ever mistake her for being weak-willed. She can hold her own against Latimus, so that tells you something!
As for Latimus, well, he's a jerk. Always has been, always will be... or will he? Is Lila actually going to be able to work her magic on his stubbornness? These two really are a match made in heaven, and I loved reading every single word. There is one other word I need to say - Jack. So adorable and rounds out his little family. What a warrior.
This book is now without losses, and my eyes definitely leaked when Takel was so heroic. I won't say anything else because of spoilers but ALL. THE. FEELS.
A fantastic addition to the series that I have loved - although I will admit to not thinking much of Etherya herself. I look forward to seeing how she manipulates things in the future. 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!
It is so easy to return to this world as it has been described and built with such detail as to make it incredibly easy to believe in. My heart broke for Lila at the same time as my respect for her and her abilities rose sky-high. She may be polite and well-mannered but don't ever mistake her for being weak-willed. She can hold her own against Latimus, so that tells you something!
As for Latimus, well, he's a jerk. Always has been, always will be... or will he? Is Lila actually going to be able to work her magic on his stubbornness? These two really are a match made in heaven, and I loved reading every single word. There is one other word I need to say - Jack. So adorable and rounds out his little family. What a warrior.
This book is now without losses, and my eyes definitely leaked when Takel was so heroic. I won't say anything else because of spoilers but ALL. THE. FEELS.
A fantastic addition to the series that I have loved - although I will admit to not thinking much of Etherya herself. I look forward to seeing how she manipulates things in the future. 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!
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Queen's Accomplice (Maggie Hope Mystery, #6) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
I enjoy a 'nice' murder (as my mother likes to say!), so I was happy to read and review this through the Amazon Vine programme. I realised it was part of a series, but when I got to it I found it was a fair few books in (6th I think) and the beginning was a little confusing as there is quite a strong 'through' story as well as the plot for this particular instalment. At the other end of the spectrum, this also meant that there were plot threads left hanging at the end - obviously to pull you into purchasing the next book! Sometimes in a series you can pick things up fairly easily even if you happen upon it in the middle, but I would suggest not so much with this one.
Overall it was well written and pretty gripping. It was rather gruesome though as the murderer was certifiably nuts and the victims butchered. It's also a book full of misogyny, so it's not comfortable to read. Yes, I know that's how things were, but it got to the point that it was so gruesome and so hard on women I was losing the enjoyment/relaxation that I want from reading a good novel.
On the murders, I was certain fairly early on who it had to be. I've deduced successfully in other novels, but then kept on wondering if I had it right, where here I never doubted it. I suppose part of this is personal taste - I prefer something like an Agatha Christie where the clues are all there and you can try and work things out rather than a blood-and-guts thriller. Your mileage may vary!
To conclude, well written, good characterisation, but a bit gory for my taste and I don't think I'll read any more in the series.
Overall it was well written and pretty gripping. It was rather gruesome though as the murderer was certifiably nuts and the victims butchered. It's also a book full of misogyny, so it's not comfortable to read. Yes, I know that's how things were, but it got to the point that it was so gruesome and so hard on women I was losing the enjoyment/relaxation that I want from reading a good novel.
On the murders, I was certain fairly early on who it had to be. I've deduced successfully in other novels, but then kept on wondering if I had it right, where here I never doubted it. I suppose part of this is personal taste - I prefer something like an Agatha Christie where the clues are all there and you can try and work things out rather than a blood-and-guts thriller. Your mileage may vary!
To conclude, well written, good characterisation, but a bit gory for my taste and I don't think I'll read any more in the series.
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated The Goblin King's Mischief in Books
Oct 29, 2024
The world building is excellent and you can digest each little new bit of information as it comes.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
When Melody first met Aodh, they were but children, but they promised themselves to each other. When Melody's father found out, he was not happy, and bound Aodh memories of Melody, and took her away. Now, on the verge of being made the mistress of another king, she does something drastic to win the Goblin King's heart. The road to true love is never easy, as Melody soon finds out. Can she make Aodh see her, really SEE that she is his, in every way?
I really only have one niggle about this book! Only Melody gets a say and I really REALLY wanted to hear from Aodh as well. I think, for me, had he been given a say, this would be a 5 star read from me.
That said, what Melody does say is that she gets across all of that heartbreak she faced when her father took her away. All of the emotion she feels, when she makes the dangerous decision to outsmart the Goblin King. And the pain she feels, when Aodh pushes her away.
There is a large supporting cast, with a betrayal thrown in, coming from a very unexpected source! But given the choice this person had to make, you can see why they did it. Melody's brother did something a bit questionable, but he got the answers he needed for Melody.
It's not especially explicit, but there is much emotion here. It's more about Melody winning Aodh over, rather than getting into his bed. Although, she wants that too :0 Some ideas are a little darker, but perfectly normal for this world. Melody is promised to another king as his mistress, and her parents are very happy about that.
No real violence, either.
The world building is excellent. Not everything is thrown at you all at once, and you can digest each little new bit of information as it comes. You can immerse yourself into this world, so beautifully.
First I've read of this author, I'd like to read more.
4 very VERY good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
When Melody first met Aodh, they were but children, but they promised themselves to each other. When Melody's father found out, he was not happy, and bound Aodh memories of Melody, and took her away. Now, on the verge of being made the mistress of another king, she does something drastic to win the Goblin King's heart. The road to true love is never easy, as Melody soon finds out. Can she make Aodh see her, really SEE that she is his, in every way?
I really only have one niggle about this book! Only Melody gets a say and I really REALLY wanted to hear from Aodh as well. I think, for me, had he been given a say, this would be a 5 star read from me.
That said, what Melody does say is that she gets across all of that heartbreak she faced when her father took her away. All of the emotion she feels, when she makes the dangerous decision to outsmart the Goblin King. And the pain she feels, when Aodh pushes her away.
There is a large supporting cast, with a betrayal thrown in, coming from a very unexpected source! But given the choice this person had to make, you can see why they did it. Melody's brother did something a bit questionable, but he got the answers he needed for Melody.
It's not especially explicit, but there is much emotion here. It's more about Melody winning Aodh over, rather than getting into his bed. Although, she wants that too :0 Some ideas are a little darker, but perfectly normal for this world. Melody is promised to another king as his mistress, and her parents are very happy about that.
No real violence, either.
The world building is excellent. Not everything is thrown at you all at once, and you can digest each little new bit of information as it comes. You can immerse yourself into this world, so beautifully.
First I've read of this author, I'd like to read more.
4 very VERY good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere