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BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Tune In: The Beatles: All These Years in Books
Jan 2, 2019
If you don't know by now, I am a huge fan of the Beatles. Both of my children have their own Beatles song (Hey Jude and Help), however my general knowledge of their history is not so great. So when I saw Tune In, I didn't hesitate at the opportunity to read it. Being born in the late 80s I can only imagine what it was like to live in the world of Beatlemania, endure the sorrow of their breakup, and all the years in between. Which is why I am so excited about this book. Something else about me, is that I value history, learning the facts and details about people and time periods. Tune In is an extremely in depth look at the men that changed music forever.
Beginning with their family histories, we learn everything there is to know about the background, the life, the creation of the Beatles. Each chapter covers a few years to a few months, and a single day in some cases, beginning in 1845-1945 with the histories of their families, going through their childhood years in the next chapter (1945-1954), and taking us through to the end of 1962.
I have only begun to scratch the surface of this book and I think it is safe to say...Mind...Blown. So much detail, so much history. I love it! With about 80 pages of Notes and another 10 for Credits Mark Lewisohn has definitely done his research to give us such an in depth account of Beatles history. If you are a fan of the Beatles, you are sure to love reading Tune In. Now to wait for volume two...
I received a free copy of Tune In (The Beatles: All These Years) Volume 1, from the publisher through Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Beginning with their family histories, we learn everything there is to know about the background, the life, the creation of the Beatles. Each chapter covers a few years to a few months, and a single day in some cases, beginning in 1845-1945 with the histories of their families, going through their childhood years in the next chapter (1945-1954), and taking us through to the end of 1962.
I have only begun to scratch the surface of this book and I think it is safe to say...Mind...Blown. So much detail, so much history. I love it! With about 80 pages of Notes and another 10 for Credits Mark Lewisohn has definitely done his research to give us such an in depth account of Beatles history. If you are a fan of the Beatles, you are sure to love reading Tune In. Now to wait for volume two...
I received a free copy of Tune In (The Beatles: All These Years) Volume 1, from the publisher through Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Bill Nighy recommended Punch-Drunk Love (2002) in Movies (curated)
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Wrath of the Gods (The Titan's Saga, #2) in Books
Jan 10, 2021
I've borrowed this from the KU Library.
This starts a few months after the events of the last book. Maisey is trying to get on with life after being left by Cronus but it's hard to forget him when she fell hard for him in the time they were together and she's still wearing the necklace that holds some of the sins. When Hyperion comes back to get her so they can capture another sin, she's thrown straight back into the chaotic life of the Titans - and into Cronus' arms.
I did enjoy this one but not as much as the first. The relationship between Maisey and Cronus quickly went back to full throttle and I'll admit that I did get a little attached to them as a couple - so much so that I did have a few tears at the end. We meet more Titans - a race of Gods I don't know much about, really, apart from the fact that they were the parents of the Greek ones - and see their powers in action as they try to bring the last five/six sins back under control and into the necklace that Maisey wears. I think Cronus and Hyperion are my favourite Gods in this series.
The #hashtags were once again used annoyingly a little too often throughout the book and I started ignoring them after a while. They weren't adding anything to the story for me.
I can't decide whether to read book 3 or not. It's the last book in the series and I'm hoping that Maisey and Cronus will have some sort of HEA but I also can't say I'm that interested in how this particular series is going to end... I don't know. I did struggle at times with this one, preferring to do other things than finish this, but like I've already mentioned I am a little invested in Maisey and Cronus. Gah! Undecided...
This starts a few months after the events of the last book. Maisey is trying to get on with life after being left by Cronus but it's hard to forget him when she fell hard for him in the time they were together and she's still wearing the necklace that holds some of the sins. When Hyperion comes back to get her so they can capture another sin, she's thrown straight back into the chaotic life of the Titans - and into Cronus' arms.
I did enjoy this one but not as much as the first. The relationship between Maisey and Cronus quickly went back to full throttle and I'll admit that I did get a little attached to them as a couple - so much so that I did have a few tears at the end. We meet more Titans - a race of Gods I don't know much about, really, apart from the fact that they were the parents of the Greek ones - and see their powers in action as they try to bring the last five/six sins back under control and into the necklace that Maisey wears. I think Cronus and Hyperion are my favourite Gods in this series.
The #hashtags were once again used annoyingly a little too often throughout the book and I started ignoring them after a while. They weren't adding anything to the story for me.
I can't decide whether to read book 3 or not. It's the last book in the series and I'm hoping that Maisey and Cronus will have some sort of HEA but I also can't say I'm that interested in how this particular series is going to end... I don't know. I did struggle at times with this one, preferring to do other things than finish this, but like I've already mentioned I am a little invested in Maisey and Cronus. Gah! Undecided...
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Worth the Fight (Worth It #2) in Books
Dec 22, 2025
WORTH THE FIGHT is the second book in the Worth It series, and features the cocky fireman from book one, Reece. It also stars Trent, the paramedic who seems to have all the answers. Guess what? He doesn't.
Told from dual perspectives, their story gives you all the information you need - from the current time to a couple of flashbacks, which help you understand their relationship better. I wasn't that bothered about Reese in the first book, and just saw what he presented to the world, but I really enjoyed him in this one. Seeing the man behind the mask, with all his vulnerabilities and wishes, really hit the mark. And I would say the same for Trent. Seeing this capable paramedic turn into something else when he's off shift was so well-written. And the two of them together? Hot!!! It's a good job Reese is a fireman, although I don't think he's got a snowball's chance in hell of putting this fire out.
The overall arc continues and moves forward, especially with Reece's twin brother, Ethan. And that was the other thing I loved. The similarities in looks, differences in personalities, and yet when the crunch came, Ethan was there for Reece. I'm hoping he is in the next book, just so I can see how his story pans out.
And happily for me, Nathan, Freddie, and Alfie were here too. I was a little traumatised during their story (as I was supposed to be), and I'm really hoping again that we catch up with them in the third book, as I NEED to know that Alfie is okay now.
A great read that had me gripped. A wonderful addition to the story, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 22, 2025
Told from dual perspectives, their story gives you all the information you need - from the current time to a couple of flashbacks, which help you understand their relationship better. I wasn't that bothered about Reese in the first book, and just saw what he presented to the world, but I really enjoyed him in this one. Seeing the man behind the mask, with all his vulnerabilities and wishes, really hit the mark. And I would say the same for Trent. Seeing this capable paramedic turn into something else when he's off shift was so well-written. And the two of them together? Hot!!! It's a good job Reese is a fireman, although I don't think he's got a snowball's chance in hell of putting this fire out.
The overall arc continues and moves forward, especially with Reece's twin brother, Ethan. And that was the other thing I loved. The similarities in looks, differences in personalities, and yet when the crunch came, Ethan was there for Reece. I'm hoping he is in the next book, just so I can see how his story pans out.
And happily for me, Nathan, Freddie, and Alfie were here too. I was a little traumatised during their story (as I was supposed to be), and I'm really hoping again that we catch up with them in the third book, as I NEED to know that Alfie is okay now.
A great read that had me gripped. A wonderful addition to the story, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 22, 2025
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Silas's Sweetheart (Divergent Omegaverse #4) in Books
Aug 14, 2025
SILAS'S SWEETHEART is the fourth book in the Divergent Omegaverse series. For the majority of this book, it takes place at the same time as Taylin's Temptation and Booker's Bliss. So while I suggest you do read those books first, it isn't 100% necessary. You just might miss little parts of the story, for example, the Omegas in the factory. That had a massive impact on me in the first book, less so in Booker's, and even less in this one.
Silas is the oldest of the brothers and a divergent. He has his concerns about taking over from Derick as the 'face' of Starling, as well as 101 concerns about working with his brothers. Throw in an Omega he met at Hidden Desires and can't get out of his mind, who turns up at his PA, and Silas has it all going on.
There were so many parts to their story that I enjoyed. Ziggy and his relationship with the other PAs, learning to be in a family, Silas learning to trust, to name just a few.
I just couldn't stretch to five stars for a couple of reasons, and let me tell you why. Firstly, the constant bickering between the brothers. Now, I know some families are like this in real life, but for me, it's just plain exhausting, and I found myself skipping over parts where they were acting like immature Alphaholes, instead of the adults they were supposed to be. And secondly, while I enjoyed reading events from Silas and Ziggy's point of view, I felt like it took up too much of their story. They didn't even get to the ranch, something I haven't yet read about, until 70% in. Add those things together, and it's a 4-star read from me.
Maybe I will enjoy the overlap more for the next book, when I haven't read the others so close together? I don't know. What I can say is I did enjoy this story and have no hesitation in recommending it. I look forward to returning to their world and seeing how the next one falls.
** 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!
Aug 14, 2025
Silas is the oldest of the brothers and a divergent. He has his concerns about taking over from Derick as the 'face' of Starling, as well as 101 concerns about working with his brothers. Throw in an Omega he met at Hidden Desires and can't get out of his mind, who turns up at his PA, and Silas has it all going on.
There were so many parts to their story that I enjoyed. Ziggy and his relationship with the other PAs, learning to be in a family, Silas learning to trust, to name just a few.
I just couldn't stretch to five stars for a couple of reasons, and let me tell you why. Firstly, the constant bickering between the brothers. Now, I know some families are like this in real life, but for me, it's just plain exhausting, and I found myself skipping over parts where they were acting like immature Alphaholes, instead of the adults they were supposed to be. And secondly, while I enjoyed reading events from Silas and Ziggy's point of view, I felt like it took up too much of their story. They didn't even get to the ranch, something I haven't yet read about, until 70% in. Add those things together, and it's a 4-star read from me.
Maybe I will enjoy the overlap more for the next book, when I haven't read the others so close together? I don't know. What I can say is I did enjoy this story and have no hesitation in recommending it. I look forward to returning to their world and seeing how the next one falls.
** 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!
Aug 14, 2025
Debbiereadsbook (1653 KP) rated To Beguile a Banished Lord (Regency Rossingley #3) in Books
Nov 13, 2025
loved this instalment!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy od this book.
This is book 3 in the Regency Rossingley series, and the blurb states you can read it as a stand alone.
I say, I would recommend that you read at LEAST book 2. That is Lyndon's brother's book and Lyndon was shocking to his brother in that book, and you need to knoww hat he did, because he comments on it a lot. It's not fully explained (I don't think) until late in this book. And he really was awful to his brother.
And, you know, I said so! I liked book 1, and I loved book two but I LOVED this one!
Lyndon is in exile in Norfolk at his estate. Rollo is sent there for the summer to repent for disobeying his father, Lando (book 1), again. Rollo wasn't expecting to enjoy himself, but Lyndon, or Fitz as Rollo takes to calling him, grows on him.
What I especially loved about this one, was apart from obvious attraction, the feelings creep up on them both. The silly little things, like Rollo calling him Fitz. Or Fitz calling Rollo, pup. The brightness Fitz feels in Rollo's company, or the way Fitz cannot NOT track Rollo's movements with his eyes.
Loved how we don't get the full story about Will and what happened in the lake for quite some time and it was so very not what I was thinking. I refer back to the review from book 2, I think this is just the way the author spins her webs and keeps us on our toes! Loved what Will does, for Fitz.
I loved that, while intially Fitz did not want Rollo there, when he left, Fitz was distraught. Hated what happened there.
But what surprised me most, was Lando's acceptence of Rollo and Fitz being together, given their history. And I think, deep down, Benedict (Fitz's brother) wanted him to be happy, even if he was awful to him in the past.
I loved this book, read it in one sitting, and I want more of these men and how they manage to live their lives, amid a time when being with a man is a capital offence.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Regency Rossingley series, and the blurb states you can read it as a stand alone.
I say, I would recommend that you read at LEAST book 2. That is Lyndon's brother's book and Lyndon was shocking to his brother in that book, and you need to knoww hat he did, because he comments on it a lot. It's not fully explained (I don't think) until late in this book. And he really was awful to his brother.
And, you know, I said so! I liked book 1, and I loved book two but I LOVED this one!
Lyndon is in exile in Norfolk at his estate. Rollo is sent there for the summer to repent for disobeying his father, Lando (book 1), again. Rollo wasn't expecting to enjoy himself, but Lyndon, or Fitz as Rollo takes to calling him, grows on him.
What I especially loved about this one, was apart from obvious attraction, the feelings creep up on them both. The silly little things, like Rollo calling him Fitz. Or Fitz calling Rollo, pup. The brightness Fitz feels in Rollo's company, or the way Fitz cannot NOT track Rollo's movements with his eyes.
Loved how we don't get the full story about Will and what happened in the lake for quite some time and it was so very not what I was thinking. I refer back to the review from book 2, I think this is just the way the author spins her webs and keeps us on our toes! Loved what Will does, for Fitz.
I loved that, while intially Fitz did not want Rollo there, when he left, Fitz was distraught. Hated what happened there.
But what surprised me most, was Lando's acceptence of Rollo and Fitz being together, given their history. And I think, deep down, Benedict (Fitz's brother) wanted him to be happy, even if he was awful to him in the past.
I loved this book, read it in one sitting, and I want more of these men and how they manage to live their lives, amid a time when being with a man is a capital offence.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1653 KP) rated Kiss Me Again in Books
Jun 28, 2019
difficult, but enjoyable
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Aiden fell from the tree he was working on, and ended up in hospital. The only person who seemed to be ale to get through to Aiden was Ludo. Ludo is fighting his own demons again, and Aiden seems to make him all . . well . . he doesn;t know the word but Aiden makes him feel good. And GOOD is not a thing Ludo has had for some time. When Aiden is released and Ludo not, things for oth of them spiral downhill. A chance meeting puts bth men back on track, but can they really be HAPPY? Either of them?
I found this a difficult read. But a very good one!
Ludo is bi-polar, and tries to keep up with his meds, but they keep changing his doses, and the type of meds he is taking, and he knows when he is going down, he can feel it. He can equally feel his highs. And these are the bits I struggled with the most. I have someone close to me who is bi-polar, and they are never able to voice how things make them feel. Getting into Ludo's head, difficult as it was, gave me a bit more insight into my friend's head. Scared me a bit, to be honest, but I really did not fully get what my friend was trying to tell me before. I do a bit better now. So hopefully I can be a better friend.
Aiden is GRUMPY! Oh he made me laugh, he really is a grumpy git, and he knows it! Ludo though, Ludo makes him want to NOT be and he tries, he really does. It just takes him time, since he's been so grumpy for so long.
The relationship between Ludo and Aiden moves at an even pace, steady and solid along the book. Its not overly sexy, but their is heat and steam aplenty. But its not about the sex between these two, it's about learning to love another, and what that menas for them.
Both Ludo and Aiden have their say. While both men are difficult to read, I did love them to pieces. I wanted to wrap them both up and be mum to them, I really did!
I loved the way Ms Leigh tells her tales. It takes time for Ludo's full medical history to come clear, and you get hints and snippets to put together your own version, not always correctly, mind!
I've not read anything else by Ms Leigh before, and this is what love most about reviewing for the blog. NEW to me authors pop up all the time. These authors have published many books, but not crossed my path before. So I'd love to read more by this author.
A thoroughly difficult but very enjoyable
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Aiden fell from the tree he was working on, and ended up in hospital. The only person who seemed to be ale to get through to Aiden was Ludo. Ludo is fighting his own demons again, and Aiden seems to make him all . . well . . he doesn;t know the word but Aiden makes him feel good. And GOOD is not a thing Ludo has had for some time. When Aiden is released and Ludo not, things for oth of them spiral downhill. A chance meeting puts bth men back on track, but can they really be HAPPY? Either of them?
I found this a difficult read. But a very good one!
Ludo is bi-polar, and tries to keep up with his meds, but they keep changing his doses, and the type of meds he is taking, and he knows when he is going down, he can feel it. He can equally feel his highs. And these are the bits I struggled with the most. I have someone close to me who is bi-polar, and they are never able to voice how things make them feel. Getting into Ludo's head, difficult as it was, gave me a bit more insight into my friend's head. Scared me a bit, to be honest, but I really did not fully get what my friend was trying to tell me before. I do a bit better now. So hopefully I can be a better friend.
Aiden is GRUMPY! Oh he made me laugh, he really is a grumpy git, and he knows it! Ludo though, Ludo makes him want to NOT be and he tries, he really does. It just takes him time, since he's been so grumpy for so long.
The relationship between Ludo and Aiden moves at an even pace, steady and solid along the book. Its not overly sexy, but their is heat and steam aplenty. But its not about the sex between these two, it's about learning to love another, and what that menas for them.
Both Ludo and Aiden have their say. While both men are difficult to read, I did love them to pieces. I wanted to wrap them both up and be mum to them, I really did!
I loved the way Ms Leigh tells her tales. It takes time for Ludo's full medical history to come clear, and you get hints and snippets to put together your own version, not always correctly, mind!
I've not read anything else by Ms Leigh before, and this is what love most about reviewing for the blog. NEW to me authors pop up all the time. These authors have published many books, but not crossed my path before. So I'd love to read more by this author.
A thoroughly difficult but very enjoyable
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
TheDefunctDiva (304 KP) rated Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) in Movies
Feb 17, 2019 (Updated Feb 17, 2019)
I want it all. I want it all. I want it all. And I want it now
Contains spoilers, click to show
“I want it all. I want it all. I want it all. And I want it now.”
“I Want It All,” Queen, The Miracle, 1989
I am hating having to write this review though I feel compelled to do so. I bought this movie knowing I would like it. I didn’t have much money left in my checking account, but I thought, yes, this would be worth what little I had left to spend. I gifted it to my kiddo for Valentine’s Day knowing she would surely love it, too.
I didn’t love it. I didn’t even really like it.
I haven’t made a mistake this bad since the much-renowned Lost in Translation. Why the ire? Because Bohemian Rhapsody taught me some things, but not enough. Not what I wanted to know. I wanted to learn more than what a rudimentary Google search would have taught me about the band. Instead, I obtained only basic information about the band’s success. I think to really do the band justice you would need a series. Maybe that is my problem. The film had too much general information crammed into it, and I needed MORE, PEOPLE.
I should have liked this film because it revolved around Queen’s music. The best thing about this film is the soundtrack. I think contemplating some of Queen’s lyrics throughout would have really enhanced the film, though. They talked about the poetry but didn’t examine it. And I was disappointed.
Malek’s Mercury just didn’t do it for me though I admire his dedication to the craft. I do think he did an excellent job, but there was something missing that I can’t put my finger on. It felt very much like pretending. And I can’t even adequately explain why. I did love the costuming though. Especially the hair. The transformation of Mercury from boy to man was impressive. It made me want to grow a mustache.
The supporting characters were stereotypical. The supporting cast members might have been cardboard cutouts for all of the attachment I felt to them. The film also didn’t undertake the concept of what it meant to be LGBT in that era. Therefore, it didn’t fully explore the ramifications of the risks that Mercury was taking both professionally and personally. Conflicts just didn’t resonate with the high drama I felt they should have especially considering the in-your-face elements of Mercury’s personality. The passion just wasn’t there. And a real miracle would have been adequately examining the collaboration between the musicians.
I also felt the film was generally stilted by the writing, which seemed comprised of the most overused clichés in the English language.
Bohemian Rhapsody didn’t delve into the AIDS crisis deep enough to evoke much of an emotional response in me. I appreciate that Freddie Mercury didn’t want his life to be a “cautionary tale.” I get that. But the tragedy of his death seemed really downplayed to me for some reason. I wasn’t expecting the emotional response you would get from a film like Philadelphia. But something close would have been nice. Maybe I’ve seen too many films that focus on tragedy and expected to be weeping by the end of the film. Or the beginning of the film, or at any point during the film. But I was left feeling hollow.
The crowd scene from Live Aid and the Live Aid performance rightfully stole what remained of this show. The looks on the faces of the crowd. The expanse of the crowd. The scene reflected what it must have felt like to be a performer or a fan in such a large venue. Malek was awesome in this scene and deserves his due. It might be what earns him the Oscar.
I hate to say it, but I liked Mark Wahlberg and Rock Star (2001) better than I liked this movie. I just felt they could have done a better job with it. It didn’t live up to the hype.
And now I’ve touched upon the real issue. I could never get enough of this band, or of Mercury, and DAMNIT. The experience they provided fans around the world was just gone too soon.
And I just don’t feel the movie did the band or Mercury’s life justice.
I spent my Saturday listening to music in my car, wondering what a septuagenarian Mercury would have thought of today’s saturated music market. I imagine he would have been like my late father, fascinated by both the popular and the underground.
Ok, NOW I’m crying.
But touch my tears, with your lips
Touch my world, with your fingertips.
And we can have forever
And we can love forever
Forever is our today…
Queen, “Who Wants to Live Forever,” It’s Kind of Magic, 1986
“I Want It All,” Queen, The Miracle, 1989
I am hating having to write this review though I feel compelled to do so. I bought this movie knowing I would like it. I didn’t have much money left in my checking account, but I thought, yes, this would be worth what little I had left to spend. I gifted it to my kiddo for Valentine’s Day knowing she would surely love it, too.
I didn’t love it. I didn’t even really like it.
I haven’t made a mistake this bad since the much-renowned Lost in Translation. Why the ire? Because Bohemian Rhapsody taught me some things, but not enough. Not what I wanted to know. I wanted to learn more than what a rudimentary Google search would have taught me about the band. Instead, I obtained only basic information about the band’s success. I think to really do the band justice you would need a series. Maybe that is my problem. The film had too much general information crammed into it, and I needed MORE, PEOPLE.
I should have liked this film because it revolved around Queen’s music. The best thing about this film is the soundtrack. I think contemplating some of Queen’s lyrics throughout would have really enhanced the film, though. They talked about the poetry but didn’t examine it. And I was disappointed.
Malek’s Mercury just didn’t do it for me though I admire his dedication to the craft. I do think he did an excellent job, but there was something missing that I can’t put my finger on. It felt very much like pretending. And I can’t even adequately explain why. I did love the costuming though. Especially the hair. The transformation of Mercury from boy to man was impressive. It made me want to grow a mustache.
The supporting characters were stereotypical. The supporting cast members might have been cardboard cutouts for all of the attachment I felt to them. The film also didn’t undertake the concept of what it meant to be LGBT in that era. Therefore, it didn’t fully explore the ramifications of the risks that Mercury was taking both professionally and personally. Conflicts just didn’t resonate with the high drama I felt they should have especially considering the in-your-face elements of Mercury’s personality. The passion just wasn’t there. And a real miracle would have been adequately examining the collaboration between the musicians.
I also felt the film was generally stilted by the writing, which seemed comprised of the most overused clichés in the English language.
Bohemian Rhapsody didn’t delve into the AIDS crisis deep enough to evoke much of an emotional response in me. I appreciate that Freddie Mercury didn’t want his life to be a “cautionary tale.” I get that. But the tragedy of his death seemed really downplayed to me for some reason. I wasn’t expecting the emotional response you would get from a film like Philadelphia. But something close would have been nice. Maybe I’ve seen too many films that focus on tragedy and expected to be weeping by the end of the film. Or the beginning of the film, or at any point during the film. But I was left feeling hollow.
The crowd scene from Live Aid and the Live Aid performance rightfully stole what remained of this show. The looks on the faces of the crowd. The expanse of the crowd. The scene reflected what it must have felt like to be a performer or a fan in such a large venue. Malek was awesome in this scene and deserves his due. It might be what earns him the Oscar.
I hate to say it, but I liked Mark Wahlberg and Rock Star (2001) better than I liked this movie. I just felt they could have done a better job with it. It didn’t live up to the hype.
And now I’ve touched upon the real issue. I could never get enough of this band, or of Mercury, and DAMNIT. The experience they provided fans around the world was just gone too soon.
And I just don’t feel the movie did the band or Mercury’s life justice.
I spent my Saturday listening to music in my car, wondering what a septuagenarian Mercury would have thought of today’s saturated music market. I imagine he would have been like my late father, fascinated by both the popular and the underground.
Ok, NOW I’m crying.
But touch my tears, with your lips
Touch my world, with your fingertips.
And we can have forever
And we can love forever
Forever is our today…
Queen, “Who Wants to Live Forever,” It’s Kind of Magic, 1986
Debbiereadsbook (1653 KP) rated Crossing the Touchline (Auckland Med. #2) in Books
May 7, 2019 (Updated Mar 3, 2021)
freaking loved this!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
*Edited to add the review for the AUDIO version.*
Gary Furlong narrates.
Now, I gotta say this. After listening to audio books for a good while now, I've noticed an influx of NON-American narrators. And I LOVE that, I really do. But Furlong narrates this book in the New Zealand accent, quite correctly, since that is where Reuben and Cam are from, and it just takes a little getting used to! This is the first I've listen to of his work, and I have to say, he NAILS this one!
Furlong gets over every single feeling, emotion, internal wrangling these guys have, and it's painful listening, it really is. It was difficult reading, but hearing it?? Oh Lord I wanted to wrap them both up and look after them so bad! And Reuben's dad?? He headed for another punching!
The emotions in the guy's voices, especially since this is first person, is amazing, and I had to stop what I was doing a time or two, to just LISTEN, you know? To hear the heartbreak pouring out for them, the rage, the passion, and finally, all that love.
I did have a little chuckle though. Michael (from book one, First Impressions, pops up. Michael is American, and it took me a little while to figure out why he sounded all kinds of wrong. It's because of that! His American accent, in the midst of all these New Zealand ones was odd, is all.
I loved this book when I read it, and listening to it?? Loved it more!
5 stars for the narration, my wish list just got a whole lot longer with Mr Furlong's books on it!
*Original Review*
Stealing the tagline from the official blurb, because it is just the perfect tagline I have ever come across!
What if your dream will cost you the man who's stolen your heart?
Reuben Taylor has a choice to make. Cameron Wano is that choice.
I'm struggling to say what I want to about this book, because I FREAKING loved it! So if this review runs away with the fairies, I apologise. I shall try to make a coherent sentence or two!
Reuben is so far in the closet, it's pitch black in his life. His brother is an alcoholic, trying to look after a small child, and his father is (in my humble opinion) an utter douchbag of a man. One kiss with Cameron and Reuben is scared. Scared of what could be, but also, scared of what could NEVER be.
Cam is well aware of his status with the rugby team his brother plays for. He is out and PROUD and loud about it. But becoming Reuben's friend is far more important than the possibility of losing Reuben altogether. When things spiral downwards, and passion between the two men spins out of control, Reuben has to make the one choice he never wanted to: his rugby career, or Cameron.
So, I make no bones that I am not a fan of first person books, especially if they are multi point of view. This book is written as such. But both Reuben and Cam have such distinct voices, it took me a while to actually figure out this was a first person book! So well done to Ms Hogan for that one.
I read this book in one sitting. It's not a short book, some three hundred pages. But I started it at 7pm, and did not stop til I ran out of book.
And I went through the whole gamut of human emotion and then some! I tell ya, this book has funny spots, dark spots, scary spots, sexy bits (so much with the sexy bits!) and points along the way that garnered so much rage out of me, had Reuben's father been around, that man would be flat on his back! You can't blame Reuben's brother for what he is doing to Reuben, because he really is not coping and not getting the correct help he and his son need, but I did want to punch him a time or two, too.
But it's not just Reuben who has such extreme's of emotions. Cam does too. He did all the "in the closet thing" and swore never to again. Which is why he decides Reuben needs him to be his friend. But Cam's emotions run away with him, and he can't stop the avalanche of feelings he gets every time he touches Reuben, even if it's just a brush past, or something. He didn't have the difficult upbringing Reuben did, his family love him just as he is, but he can understand why Reuben is hiding. It HURTS Cam, but he gets it.
But ultimately, it isn't something Reuben or Cam does that outs them, someone else does that. And the fall out?? Well, let's just say, I was very surprised about that! In a good way!
There is a wedding in this book, that Cam and Reuben attend (not together!): Michael and Josh work with Cam at the hospital. Cam says some things about these two guys that make me want to go back and read THEIR book, First Impressions. It's a stand alone to this one, but my interest is piqued and I will go back, at some point, and read. THAT book is Ms Hogan's first, that I can see. And THIS one, her second.
I'm a-gonna be following this one, I reckon!
5 emotional, gut wrenching stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
*Edited to add the review for the AUDIO version.*
Gary Furlong narrates.
Now, I gotta say this. After listening to audio books for a good while now, I've noticed an influx of NON-American narrators. And I LOVE that, I really do. But Furlong narrates this book in the New Zealand accent, quite correctly, since that is where Reuben and Cam are from, and it just takes a little getting used to! This is the first I've listen to of his work, and I have to say, he NAILS this one!
Furlong gets over every single feeling, emotion, internal wrangling these guys have, and it's painful listening, it really is. It was difficult reading, but hearing it?? Oh Lord I wanted to wrap them both up and look after them so bad! And Reuben's dad?? He headed for another punching!
The emotions in the guy's voices, especially since this is first person, is amazing, and I had to stop what I was doing a time or two, to just LISTEN, you know? To hear the heartbreak pouring out for them, the rage, the passion, and finally, all that love.
I did have a little chuckle though. Michael (from book one, First Impressions, pops up. Michael is American, and it took me a little while to figure out why he sounded all kinds of wrong. It's because of that! His American accent, in the midst of all these New Zealand ones was odd, is all.
I loved this book when I read it, and listening to it?? Loved it more!
5 stars for the narration, my wish list just got a whole lot longer with Mr Furlong's books on it!
*Original Review*
Stealing the tagline from the official blurb, because it is just the perfect tagline I have ever come across!
What if your dream will cost you the man who's stolen your heart?
Reuben Taylor has a choice to make. Cameron Wano is that choice.
I'm struggling to say what I want to about this book, because I FREAKING loved it! So if this review runs away with the fairies, I apologise. I shall try to make a coherent sentence or two!
Reuben is so far in the closet, it's pitch black in his life. His brother is an alcoholic, trying to look after a small child, and his father is (in my humble opinion) an utter douchbag of a man. One kiss with Cameron and Reuben is scared. Scared of what could be, but also, scared of what could NEVER be.
Cam is well aware of his status with the rugby team his brother plays for. He is out and PROUD and loud about it. But becoming Reuben's friend is far more important than the possibility of losing Reuben altogether. When things spiral downwards, and passion between the two men spins out of control, Reuben has to make the one choice he never wanted to: his rugby career, or Cameron.
So, I make no bones that I am not a fan of first person books, especially if they are multi point of view. This book is written as such. But both Reuben and Cam have such distinct voices, it took me a while to actually figure out this was a first person book! So well done to Ms Hogan for that one.
I read this book in one sitting. It's not a short book, some three hundred pages. But I started it at 7pm, and did not stop til I ran out of book.
And I went through the whole gamut of human emotion and then some! I tell ya, this book has funny spots, dark spots, scary spots, sexy bits (so much with the sexy bits!) and points along the way that garnered so much rage out of me, had Reuben's father been around, that man would be flat on his back! You can't blame Reuben's brother for what he is doing to Reuben, because he really is not coping and not getting the correct help he and his son need, but I did want to punch him a time or two, too.
But it's not just Reuben who has such extreme's of emotions. Cam does too. He did all the "in the closet thing" and swore never to again. Which is why he decides Reuben needs him to be his friend. But Cam's emotions run away with him, and he can't stop the avalanche of feelings he gets every time he touches Reuben, even if it's just a brush past, or something. He didn't have the difficult upbringing Reuben did, his family love him just as he is, but he can understand why Reuben is hiding. It HURTS Cam, but he gets it.
But ultimately, it isn't something Reuben or Cam does that outs them, someone else does that. And the fall out?? Well, let's just say, I was very surprised about that! In a good way!
There is a wedding in this book, that Cam and Reuben attend (not together!): Michael and Josh work with Cam at the hospital. Cam says some things about these two guys that make me want to go back and read THEIR book, First Impressions. It's a stand alone to this one, but my interest is piqued and I will go back, at some point, and read. THAT book is Ms Hogan's first, that I can see. And THIS one, her second.
I'm a-gonna be following this one, I reckon!
5 emotional, gut wrenching stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Need for Speed in Video Games
Apr 13, 2018 (Updated Apr 13, 2018)
Time To Move On
One of the reasons that I love the medium of video games so much, is because there are times that you absolutely do not expect to feel anything for a game that you download on a whim and end up pouring an abundance of hours into it until you have almost earned the platinum trophy without even realising it.
By no means am I saying that this is a masterpiece, but I had downloaded it months ago in a PSN sale and totally forgot about it, then while I was playing through Evil Within 2, I wanted something else to break up the time spent in Union, so I stuck it on as sort of a backburner game. At first I hated it, I cringed at every cheesy cutscene and longed for the old days of the Underground games and Most Wanted (OG version,) but slowly, I came to accept the updated version of NFS and before too long, I was spending more time with NFS than I was with Evil Within 2. In fact, I sort of rushed my way through Evil Within 2 against my better judgement, so that I could spend more time in NFS guilt free.
The game isn't very hard once you get the knack for drifting. Choose the Subaru at the start of the game and pour all of your in game cash into upgrades for the car until you max it out with what you have unlocked at that stage, then save up and buy the 1999 Skyline and max that out with upgrades, then buy the Lamborghini Aventador as soon as you can afford it and you won't be faced with many losses, as long as you don't wipe out too often. You will have to go back and buy a lower horsepower car for certain missions in the game, but other than that, just pour all of your money into upgrades and you are golden. (Note: don't waste your money on the F132 Hotrod. It's the most expensive car in the game, but it's balls compared to the Lambo and can't be upgraded.)
Also, this is my first platinum trophy since Infamous: First Light and is by far my most surprising platinum. (I'm not the trophy whore that I used to be.) I played through the story until the end and levelled up to 50 with very minimal grinding, then I checked the trophy list and saw that I was only 2 arbitrary trophies short of the platinum, so I worked towards them and popped the platinum. For those of you that aren't Playstation gamers or trophy hunters, this may mean nothing to you, but let's just say I sincerely didn't believe that I was going to platinum this game back when I first downloaded it, in fact I would have put money on the fact that I wouldn't.
Overall, this is hot trash, but it's fun. Need For Speed is never going to be what it was in the PS2 days, but if you can accept that and stomach the excessive amount of inane fistbumps and cringey dialogue spouted by the game's stereotypical cool kids, there is an enjoyable game in here.
By no means am I saying that this is a masterpiece, but I had downloaded it months ago in a PSN sale and totally forgot about it, then while I was playing through Evil Within 2, I wanted something else to break up the time spent in Union, so I stuck it on as sort of a backburner game. At first I hated it, I cringed at every cheesy cutscene and longed for the old days of the Underground games and Most Wanted (OG version,) but slowly, I came to accept the updated version of NFS and before too long, I was spending more time with NFS than I was with Evil Within 2. In fact, I sort of rushed my way through Evil Within 2 against my better judgement, so that I could spend more time in NFS guilt free.
The game isn't very hard once you get the knack for drifting. Choose the Subaru at the start of the game and pour all of your in game cash into upgrades for the car until you max it out with what you have unlocked at that stage, then save up and buy the 1999 Skyline and max that out with upgrades, then buy the Lamborghini Aventador as soon as you can afford it and you won't be faced with many losses, as long as you don't wipe out too often. You will have to go back and buy a lower horsepower car for certain missions in the game, but other than that, just pour all of your money into upgrades and you are golden. (Note: don't waste your money on the F132 Hotrod. It's the most expensive car in the game, but it's balls compared to the Lambo and can't be upgraded.)
Also, this is my first platinum trophy since Infamous: First Light and is by far my most surprising platinum. (I'm not the trophy whore that I used to be.) I played through the story until the end and levelled up to 50 with very minimal grinding, then I checked the trophy list and saw that I was only 2 arbitrary trophies short of the platinum, so I worked towards them and popped the platinum. For those of you that aren't Playstation gamers or trophy hunters, this may mean nothing to you, but let's just say I sincerely didn't believe that I was going to platinum this game back when I first downloaded it, in fact I would have put money on the fact that I wouldn't.
Overall, this is hot trash, but it's fun. Need For Speed is never going to be what it was in the PS2 days, but if you can accept that and stomach the excessive amount of inane fistbumps and cringey dialogue spouted by the game's stereotypical cool kids, there is an enjoyable game in here.