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Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Fifty Shades of Grey in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I thought this book was an entertaining read. I started hearing about these books a couple weeks ago and I thought I would give them a try. This is one of those guilty pleasure reads. The basic premise of this book is that a rich man wants to make a non rich virgin his submissive. It is something that many women fantasize about but in real life would be terrifying. The rich man (Christian) is a stalker, but because he has money then it is fine.
The characters are easy to relate to. I found that the main character (Ana) held a lot of insecurities that many of us are scared to admit. With that said, I quickly became tired of "Oh My..." and "My inner goddess" being repeated over and over and over.
A lot of people are dwelling on the fact that the Ana was scared of Christian. But in all honesty, if someone new into the lifestyle is not scared than they do not know the full weight of what is involved in BDSM.
I think that this book has eased the reader into the world of BDSM. It is very witty and I found at times that I was laughing.
The writing skills were not extremely good. It felt that the author kept looking up words in the thesaurus and it did not seem to flow extremely well.
All in all, the book was entertaining and witty. I will continue on in the series.
The characters are easy to relate to. I found that the main character (Ana) held a lot of insecurities that many of us are scared to admit. With that said, I quickly became tired of "Oh My..." and "My inner goddess" being repeated over and over and over.
A lot of people are dwelling on the fact that the Ana was scared of Christian. But in all honesty, if someone new into the lifestyle is not scared than they do not know the full weight of what is involved in BDSM.
I think that this book has eased the reader into the world of BDSM. It is very witty and I found at times that I was laughing.
The writing skills were not extremely good. It felt that the author kept looking up words in the thesaurus and it did not seem to flow extremely well.
All in all, the book was entertaining and witty. I will continue on in the series.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Adrift (2018) in Movies
Jul 10, 2018
A very sad true story
I hadn't read many good reviews for this film so I honestly hadn't been expecting much, but it is actually quite good.
The film works well as it doesn't follow a linear narrative which would've been a little boring. Instead it opts to throw us straight into the immediate aftermath of the disaster, but flashing back to the couple and how they met, and how they came to be at sea. It also helps that Shailene Woodley is a great actress and very engaging and believable. This film wouldn't have worked half as well without her in it. Sam Claflin is perhaps a tad underused and I think there parts of this that maybe go a tad overboard (sorry) on the romance side. The effects may be slightly dodgy at times but the scenes at sea and in the aftermath are so harrowing and disturbing enough that it takes your mind off everything else. There is also a small "twist" in this which even I didn't see coming, which was quite refreshing. My only criticism is that despite it's short run time, the film does drag in a few parts and most of this run time is spent either on the boat or in flashbacks. Very little time is given to the ending so it feels a bit rushed and not quite wrapped up properly.
Overall though a very good and heartwrenching true story. Definitely one that could put you off sailing for life!
The film works well as it doesn't follow a linear narrative which would've been a little boring. Instead it opts to throw us straight into the immediate aftermath of the disaster, but flashing back to the couple and how they met, and how they came to be at sea. It also helps that Shailene Woodley is a great actress and very engaging and believable. This film wouldn't have worked half as well without her in it. Sam Claflin is perhaps a tad underused and I think there parts of this that maybe go a tad overboard (sorry) on the romance side. The effects may be slightly dodgy at times but the scenes at sea and in the aftermath are so harrowing and disturbing enough that it takes your mind off everything else. There is also a small "twist" in this which even I didn't see coming, which was quite refreshing. My only criticism is that despite it's short run time, the film does drag in a few parts and most of this run time is spent either on the boat or in flashbacks. Very little time is given to the ending so it feels a bit rushed and not quite wrapped up properly.
Overall though a very good and heartwrenching true story. Definitely one that could put you off sailing for life!
The Boomerang app is great for fans of classic cartoons. Their content includes the entirety of The Flintstones and The Jetsons as well as other Hanna-Barbera classics. They also have plenty of Looney Tunes and WB content. I'm hoping they continue to add to the catalog because no other streaming service carries much of this kind of content. They also stream some modern cartoons which some may be interested in.
I've tried the app on both my Android phone and my Fire Stick. I've had no issue with the streaming and it seems to run very smoothly. I also think the app looks great. The design is clean and colorful. I only have a couple of minor complaints about the app. First, it has a startup screen that has sound that you cannot turn off. This can be somewhat annoying. Second, when selecting a cartoon it automatically starts playing the first episode, or whichever episode you're on rather than taking you to a screen that shows all episodes. If you want to see all of the episodes you have to hit a tiny information button very precisely. I'd rather it just take me to the episode screen immediately.
At only $4.99 a month, I'm really happy with this service. It's pretty inexpensive and I've probably watched more on it than a lot of my other streaming subscriptions (which, as an adult with no children, I probably should be embarrassed by). They also have a 7-day free trial, so I recommend giving it a try!
I've tried the app on both my Android phone and my Fire Stick. I've had no issue with the streaming and it seems to run very smoothly. I also think the app looks great. The design is clean and colorful. I only have a couple of minor complaints about the app. First, it has a startup screen that has sound that you cannot turn off. This can be somewhat annoying. Second, when selecting a cartoon it automatically starts playing the first episode, or whichever episode you're on rather than taking you to a screen that shows all episodes. If you want to see all of the episodes you have to hit a tiny information button very precisely. I'd rather it just take me to the episode screen immediately.
At only $4.99 a month, I'm really happy with this service. It's pretty inexpensive and I've probably watched more on it than a lot of my other streaming subscriptions (which, as an adult with no children, I probably should be embarrassed by). They also have a 7-day free trial, so I recommend giving it a try!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Death Over Easy in Books
Aug 3, 2018
Did Robbie Open Her Bed and Breakfast to a Killer?
Robbie Jordan, Pans ‘n Pancakes’ proprietor, has just opened the few rooms she’s been working on as a bed and breakfast, and it’s just in time for a visit from her father from Italy as well as the Bluegrass festival being held in the area. The biggest problem at the festival seems to be Pia Bianchi, a woman that annoys just about everyone who gets to know her. Then Pia’s body is found early one morning in a covered bridge in the area. With Robbie’s guests some of the police’s suspects, she finds herself in the thick of things again. Will she figure out what is going on?
This was a fun book in the series since it worked in several sub-plots that have been woven through the series – Robbie’s father and opening the bed and breakfast part of the business among others. These work themselves nicely into the mystery, providing a reason for Robbie to be involved and giving her access to gather clues. The suspects are great, and they provide us with some good twists before we reach the creative climax. The series has always featured some local (to southern Indiana) expressions to provide local color, but a couple of times, they started to annoy more than charm. Fortunately, those were rare moments that were over quickly. If you find yourself drooling over some of the food, you’ll be happy with the recipes at the end of the book.
This was a fun book in the series since it worked in several sub-plots that have been woven through the series – Robbie’s father and opening the bed and breakfast part of the business among others. These work themselves nicely into the mystery, providing a reason for Robbie to be involved and giving her access to gather clues. The suspects are great, and they provide us with some good twists before we reach the creative climax. The series has always featured some local (to southern Indiana) expressions to provide local color, but a couple of times, they started to annoy more than charm. Fortunately, those were rare moments that were over quickly. If you find yourself drooling over some of the food, you’ll be happy with the recipes at the end of the book.
MoMoBookDiary (20 KP) rated Interference in Books
Oct 1, 2018
My Amazon Prime Membership Kindle First book - August 2016.
This month I chose the Psychological Suspense “Interference” written by Amélie Antoine and flawlessly translated from French to English by Maren Baudet-Lackner.
The book is set in current times and told from the view of the three main characters.
Chloé and Gabriel are a young married couple, who appear to be living the perfect life until Chloé drowns while swimming in the ocean early one morning. Heartbroken Gabriel feels Chloé’s presence wherever he goes and whatever he does and finds it extremely difficult to move on until he joins a support group for the recently bereaved.
This is where Gabriel meets Emma a photographer who has joined the support group to offer to create memory-books for the bereaved to remember their loved ones. The two are drawn to each other but Gabriel finds it very difficult let go of Chloé and feels her presence everywhere.
There is a point, about halfway, where the story twists, almost unbelievably so. I won’t give anything away but I will say that some of the reviews I have read suggest that this storyline is just too far fetched. I am not so sure, I worry that in these times we are living in today if this could actually happen somewhere to someone… The tone of the book switched at this point and I found I wasn’t enjoying it quite so much. I continued to read and I am glad I did as it was well written and kept me wondering until the very end…
This month I chose the Psychological Suspense “Interference” written by Amélie Antoine and flawlessly translated from French to English by Maren Baudet-Lackner.
The book is set in current times and told from the view of the three main characters.
Chloé and Gabriel are a young married couple, who appear to be living the perfect life until Chloé drowns while swimming in the ocean early one morning. Heartbroken Gabriel feels Chloé’s presence wherever he goes and whatever he does and finds it extremely difficult to move on until he joins a support group for the recently bereaved.
This is where Gabriel meets Emma a photographer who has joined the support group to offer to create memory-books for the bereaved to remember their loved ones. The two are drawn to each other but Gabriel finds it very difficult let go of Chloé and feels her presence everywhere.
There is a point, about halfway, where the story twists, almost unbelievably so. I won’t give anything away but I will say that some of the reviews I have read suggest that this storyline is just too far fetched. I am not so sure, I worry that in these times we are living in today if this could actually happen somewhere to someone… The tone of the book switched at this point and I found I wasn’t enjoying it quite so much. I continued to read and I am glad I did as it was well written and kept me wondering until the very end…
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Killed on Blueberry Hill in Books
Nov 6, 2018
Death Leaves Marlee Blue
Summer may be winding down, but Oriole Point, Michigan, is getting in one more berry inspired festival to bring in the tourists. The Blueberry Blow Out Festival includes carnival games, booths, and friendly competition between the various berry growers in the area. At least it is supposed to be friendly. Marlee Jacobs is shocked when she witnesses a fight between her fiance, Ryan Zeller, and Porter Gale, the owner of one of the biggest blueberry farms in the country. Yes, there is bad blood between the two families, but this went much further than a rivalry normally would. When Porter dies a few hours later, people think it is complications from his diabetes. However, the police believe it is something more, and they are looking at Ryan as a suspect. Can Marlee clear him?
I love this series, and this book is another example of why. The characters are strong. The series regulars are fun, and a couple even made me laugh, but we spend more time with the suspects, and they actually felt better developed to me than the regulars. Not that I'm complaining. The strong suspects helped drive a complex plot where the red herrings provided their own complications, not just as a distraction from figuring out who the killer is. I enjoyed the book the entire way through, but the final third got so compelling I really didn't want to put the book down. Throw in a few blueberry infused recipes, and you've got a fantastic book.
I love this series, and this book is another example of why. The characters are strong. The series regulars are fun, and a couple even made me laugh, but we spend more time with the suspects, and they actually felt better developed to me than the regulars. Not that I'm complaining. The strong suspects helped drive a complex plot where the red herrings provided their own complications, not just as a distraction from figuring out who the killer is. I enjoyed the book the entire way through, but the final third got so compelling I really didn't want to put the book down. Throw in a few blueberry infused recipes, and you've got a fantastic book.
Debbie (52 KP) rated Hooks Can Be Deceiving in Books
Nov 10, 2018
Hooks Can Be Deceiving By: Betty Hechtman
Published By Crooked Lane Books Published Date 11 December 2018
Mystery and Thriller 320 Pages
#HooksCanBeDeceiving #NetGalley
<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/9a41056d7201c045d3f9e5c161f9569494687ae1"; width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>
I just love her books. I have read a few of her books and enjoy them. At the end of the book she always has a pattern or two for you try and also recipes. These recipes and pattern are mentioned in the book.
The main character in this book is Molly Pink. She works in a book store which has a yarn area to do projects. Within the first couple of chapters in these books there is always a murder. Molly usually gets herself involved with trying to solve them.
I won't go into too much detail because it is a mystery novel and I don't want to give too much away. The story is about a fellow crocheter who is killed. They want to put it as an accidental death but there are too many discrepancies. Molly gets involves because a friend asks her to do some quite investigating. Molly finds out some things and more questions come and a lot of other people need to be questioned by the police.
This was one of her better books because it had me guessing all the way to the end and I was surprised by who the murderer was.
I highly recommend this book when it comes out. I gave it 5 stars.
Published By Crooked Lane Books Published Date 11 December 2018
Mystery and Thriller 320 Pages
#HooksCanBeDeceiving #NetGalley
<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/9a41056d7201c045d3f9e5c161f9569494687ae1"; width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>
I just love her books. I have read a few of her books and enjoy them. At the end of the book she always has a pattern or two for you try and also recipes. These recipes and pattern are mentioned in the book.
The main character in this book is Molly Pink. She works in a book store which has a yarn area to do projects. Within the first couple of chapters in these books there is always a murder. Molly usually gets herself involved with trying to solve them.
I won't go into too much detail because it is a mystery novel and I don't want to give too much away. The story is about a fellow crocheter who is killed. They want to put it as an accidental death but there are too many discrepancies. Molly gets involves because a friend asks her to do some quite investigating. Molly finds out some things and more questions come and a lot of other people need to be questioned by the police.
This was one of her better books because it had me guessing all the way to the end and I was surprised by who the murderer was.
I highly recommend this book when it comes out. I gave it 5 stars.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Night Shadows: Queer Horror in Books
Nov 14, 2018
I found this book whilst browsing the shelves at my local library, the front cover intrigued me and the genre even more so. I love horror novels and when I noticed that this had a LGBT theme I thought 'how brilliant!', I didn't hesitate to pick this up. Once I got the book home I decided to look up some reviews and noticed that the majority were 4 and 5 stars...I was excited as I thought I had found a gem. Well...I'm the minority.
Me whilst reading <i>Night Shadows</i>...
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/qh14c.gif"; width="320" height="160"/>
I was so disappointed and really thought I must have missed something due to all of the glowing reviews but I only liked 4 out of the 14 stories. My favourite was definitely <i>'Ordinary Mayhem'</i> which was the longest story in the book. I thought it was gripping, gruesome and positively twisted. Unfortunately I couldn't give this book any more than 2 stars because as a collection this was pretty poor. I don't recommend purchasing this book. As far as I know <i>'Ordinary Mayhem'</i> is being released as a full length novel so I highly recommend just waiting for that (I wish I did).
I found the majority of the stories either confusing, repetitive, dry or just plain pointless to be honest...the ones that were a couple of pages in length just had me sighing in frustration.
This, for me, would not be a re-read.
Me whilst reading <i>Night Shadows</i>...
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/qh14c.gif"; width="320" height="160"/>
I was so disappointed and really thought I must have missed something due to all of the glowing reviews but I only liked 4 out of the 14 stories. My favourite was definitely <i>'Ordinary Mayhem'</i> which was the longest story in the book. I thought it was gripping, gruesome and positively twisted. Unfortunately I couldn't give this book any more than 2 stars because as a collection this was pretty poor. I don't recommend purchasing this book. As far as I know <i>'Ordinary Mayhem'</i> is being released as a full length novel so I highly recommend just waiting for that (I wish I did).
I found the majority of the stories either confusing, repetitive, dry or just plain pointless to be honest...the ones that were a couple of pages in length just had me sighing in frustration.
This, for me, would not be a re-read.
Carma (21 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
Jun 17, 2019 (Updated Jun 23, 2019)
Thanos show down part two
Contains spoilers, click to show
I absolutely couldn't wait for the conclusion to Infinity War to see how our heroes reverse the snap. Honestly I have to say I read some spoilers before and had an idea of what might happen (not that most of that did) but I can say I was a little disappointed. Full disclosure, I saw the movie 4 times, I didn't plan to but I did. Anyway, while I appreciated the movie working on the core 6 and finishing up their story arcs, I still can't get on board with the total movie "knocking my socks off". There were too little fight scenes for me, too much filler in spots and conversations that didn't move the story line forward for me. Now the end big assemble was exactly what I was looking for but wishing it was a couple more time throughout the movie. The humor was high in this one (I think making up for Infinity Wars darkness) and some points were worth it, others the humor was a little much. I definitely enjoyed Infinity War better than Endgame but I am still a MCU fan forever. I did the culmination of Tony becoming the hero in the end, something he struggled with but had in him from the first Avengers movie in 2012. We see Cap call him out as not falling on the sword for others and in each movie after Tony definitely has his sword moments.
Merissa (11953 KP) rated See No Evil (Brotherhood, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I will admit, when I started reading See No Evil I rolled my eyes a couple of times. A young girl, innocent of all knowledge of what her family is actually like. Oh please! However, within the first chapter, that swiftly became unimportant as I was entwined in Chris' life, and her struggles to fit in at a boy's school. Enter Trey, Riley, and Kade - the Wolf Pack, or Brotherhood, that proves that family is what you make it, not what you are born with. Chris' struggles are real, and it broke my heart. Showing an inner core of strength, yet bowing under the pressure of what she is doing, Chris manages to find a way to cope at the school. Things take a turn for the better though, when Trey takes her under his wing and she becomes enfolded into their lives.
This is incredibly well written, with plenty of layers to every character and situation. Heart stopping romance, with 'normal' boy reactions, as well as situations pertinent to this story alone. I don't think there were any editing or grammatical errors, none disrupted me anyway. Although I will say that I was that engrossed in the story, I may not have realised anyway!
The start of another exceptional series from Jordan Ford, and highly recommended by me. Absolutely loved this story, and can't wait for Kade's.
* 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!
This is incredibly well written, with plenty of layers to every character and situation. Heart stopping romance, with 'normal' boy reactions, as well as situations pertinent to this story alone. I don't think there were any editing or grammatical errors, none disrupted me anyway. Although I will say that I was that engrossed in the story, I may not have realised anyway!
The start of another exceptional series from Jordan Ford, and highly recommended by me. Absolutely loved this story, and can't wait for Kade's.
* 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!