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Merissa (12720 KP) rated Bitten By Fate (Regent's Park Pack #6) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Bitten By Fate (Regent's Park Pack #6) by Annabelle Jacobs
Bitten by Fate is the sixth and final book in the Regent's Park Pack series, and we see how Cam is still trying to bring together both sides of his new pack. Calling in the big guns, he sends two units, plus two betas to 'oversee', off to a couple of weeks "bonding session", held by the Alpha Council. Daryl and Jason are the two betas there as support. Their time together has some unexpected side-affects for both of them.
I am so sad to see this series come to an end, but I am supremely happy with how it was done. Daryl and Jason are complete opposites in nearly every way, but this is what makes them so perfect for each other. Their characters are written so well that even when one of them acts like a d*ck, you can understand the whys of it! With laughs at the bonding activities and tension (both sexual and otherwise), there is something here for everyone.
Exceedingly well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I am sad to leave this Regent's Park Pack. Their world is clear and concise, with strong characters, both main and supporting. I would love to hear more about how they are getting on further down the line, but I will just have to read this author's other books in the meantime. ? It's a hard job, but someone's got to do it!
Absolutely recommended by me. This is one of my favourites of the series, although Cam and Gareth still hold the highest honour.
* 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!
I am so sad to see this series come to an end, but I am supremely happy with how it was done. Daryl and Jason are complete opposites in nearly every way, but this is what makes them so perfect for each other. Their characters are written so well that even when one of them acts like a d*ck, you can understand the whys of it! With laughs at the bonding activities and tension (both sexual and otherwise), there is something here for everyone.
Exceedingly well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I am sad to leave this Regent's Park Pack. Their world is clear and concise, with strong characters, both main and supporting. I would love to hear more about how they are getting on further down the line, but I will just have to read this author's other books in the meantime. ? It's a hard job, but someone's got to do it!
Absolutely recommended by me. This is one of my favourites of the series, although Cam and Gareth still hold the highest honour.
* 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!
Jessi Bone (48 KP) rated Effective Leaders and Leadership by Mildred Stallworth in Books
Mar 7, 2019
Leadership
“The best leaders are the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants to do, and the self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
Mildred Stallworth takes us on the journey of what a leader actually is. She breaks it down to being defined as the head or principle person and authority figure with the most significant position in the business, organization household, body or group of people. She points out all leaders needs to be prepared and ready for the task; how each should open to the thoughts of others and be able to put others before themselves. Mrs. Stallworth take on leadership is not a new concept, in fact, many have spoken on the same points. What makes her thoughts and process different are that she goes beyond the thoughts of others and speaks of spiritual leadership also. She takes the knowledge from other leaders and even the bible to give direction on what a leader actually is beyond quotes.
This is a good book that is you give yourself a couple of hours you can easily start and complete but if you are wise you will have a highlighter close by and keep it close because you can use it as a great reference later on and continue to come back to for a future refresher. I would advise spending the little bit of the cost for this book and read it for yourself. It will be a wonderful asset to anyone in a leadership position, whether a parent, supervisor or pastor.
Mildred Stallworth takes us on the journey of what a leader actually is. She breaks it down to being defined as the head or principle person and authority figure with the most significant position in the business, organization household, body or group of people. She points out all leaders needs to be prepared and ready for the task; how each should open to the thoughts of others and be able to put others before themselves. Mrs. Stallworth take on leadership is not a new concept, in fact, many have spoken on the same points. What makes her thoughts and process different are that she goes beyond the thoughts of others and speaks of spiritual leadership also. She takes the knowledge from other leaders and even the bible to give direction on what a leader actually is beyond quotes.
This is a good book that is you give yourself a couple of hours you can easily start and complete but if you are wise you will have a highlighter close by and keep it close because you can use it as a great reference later on and continue to come back to for a future refresher. I would advise spending the little bit of the cost for this book and read it for yourself. It will be a wonderful asset to anyone in a leadership position, whether a parent, supervisor or pastor.
Sam (74 KP) rated How Do You Like Me Now? in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Okay, so I think I’m the only person left who hasn’t read anything by Holly Bourne before this point. I didn’t even realise she was a YA author before checking out her twitter, and I’m definitely going to get some of her YA novels now.
Tori is an author of a self-help novel about how to survive your twenties. Now in her thirties, she’s lost, unhappy, and worried about where her life is going. On top of that, she has got another inspirational book about how brilliant and perfect her life is waiting to be written.
Only her life isn’t perfect. She’s falling out of love with ‘The One’, constantly worried about looking too old and not seeming perfect enough on social media for her fans, and she feels unsuccessful.
It was really nice to read an honest book for once that shows that someone’s persona on social media is not who they really are. Tori is constantly posting on social media about how perfect her relationship is and how successful she is, when really, her life is the exact opposite.
The novel focused on Tori trying to find her happiness again without hurting people around her, and trying to write her next novel that thousands of people are desparate for.
The whole book was a nice surprise, as it was brutally honest and still an entertaining read. I devoured it in a couple of days, never wanting to put it down.
I did feel that the plot was lacking a bit. It did just seem like the whole thing was a bit of a sub-plot, but that did make it a nice, easy, and quick read.
I will definitely be checking out more of Holly Bourne’s books now.
Tori is an author of a self-help novel about how to survive your twenties. Now in her thirties, she’s lost, unhappy, and worried about where her life is going. On top of that, she has got another inspirational book about how brilliant and perfect her life is waiting to be written.
Only her life isn’t perfect. She’s falling out of love with ‘The One’, constantly worried about looking too old and not seeming perfect enough on social media for her fans, and she feels unsuccessful.
It was really nice to read an honest book for once that shows that someone’s persona on social media is not who they really are. Tori is constantly posting on social media about how perfect her relationship is and how successful she is, when really, her life is the exact opposite.
The novel focused on Tori trying to find her happiness again without hurting people around her, and trying to write her next novel that thousands of people are desparate for.
The whole book was a nice surprise, as it was brutally honest and still an entertaining read. I devoured it in a couple of days, never wanting to put it down.
I did feel that the plot was lacking a bit. It did just seem like the whole thing was a bit of a sub-plot, but that did make it a nice, easy, and quick read.
I will definitely be checking out more of Holly Bourne’s books now.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Chat Love in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Let me start by saying that this was a cute little love story, that I read quickly. I give it such a low rating mainly because it was pretty predictable and I figured out what was going to happen 1/3 of the way into the book.
Lucia is from an Italian family. Being 28 and single means she is practically an old maid. She has a couple of serious boyfriends, but she has never found THE ONE. One of her co-workers has recently found the man of her dreams on an online dating site called Chat Love. When her married younger sister announces that she is pregnant, the pressure is really on then. After pressure from her friends, Lucia decides to join Chat Love and try something new. Her dates are very interesting, to say the least. But you never know where you will find love.
As I stated before, this was a quick and fun read. The story is cute, but very predictable. The dates that she goes on are always dinner dates, there is no variety to them. The main character Lucia is an Italian bombshell from the way she is described by her dates and her peers. She is loved by all, but can't seem to find love. She goes on several dates in the book that range from good to just plain weird. She even had a stalker for a brief moment. In the end, she ends up with the guy she would have least expected, but the reader knew from the start. There is a part in the book, where I wanted to jump through the pages and smack Lucia for not knowing she was talking to the man she wanted online the whole time.
I will try another title by Justine Faeth.
Lucia is from an Italian family. Being 28 and single means she is practically an old maid. She has a couple of serious boyfriends, but she has never found THE ONE. One of her co-workers has recently found the man of her dreams on an online dating site called Chat Love. When her married younger sister announces that she is pregnant, the pressure is really on then. After pressure from her friends, Lucia decides to join Chat Love and try something new. Her dates are very interesting, to say the least. But you never know where you will find love.
As I stated before, this was a quick and fun read. The story is cute, but very predictable. The dates that she goes on are always dinner dates, there is no variety to them. The main character Lucia is an Italian bombshell from the way she is described by her dates and her peers. She is loved by all, but can't seem to find love. She goes on several dates in the book that range from good to just plain weird. She even had a stalker for a brief moment. In the end, she ends up with the guy she would have least expected, but the reader knew from the start. There is a part in the book, where I wanted to jump through the pages and smack Lucia for not knowing she was talking to the man she wanted online the whole time.
I will try another title by Justine Faeth.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2324 KP) rated A Dream of Death in Books
Apr 11, 2019
Don’t Miss This Debut
Kate Hamilton has returned to the Isle of Glenroth off the coast of Scotland, something she swore she would never do after the death of her husband three years ago. She’s come in response to a plea for help from her sister-in-law, Elenor, but Elenor won’t say more until after the Tartan Ball she is hosting for island residence the night Kate arrives. Elenor makes a couple of shocking announcements during the ball and then turns up murdered the next morning. Kate sees parallels to a 200-year-old crime from the island’s past that has recently been brought to back to prominence thanks to a bestselling novel. The police dismiss the similarity as a coincidence, but is Kate on to something?
I was hesitant to pick up this book because of all the books already on my to be read mountain range, but I’m glad I did. This book has a lot going on with a possible ghost, an old house, and the mystery from the past that might be leading to the murder in the present all coming into play. Coupled with the dreary weather, and I got a Gothic feel as I read this book. That atmosphere is enhanced by characters who are all strong, giving us plenty of suspects with motives and secrets all their own. With everything going on, the pace never lags, and I was frustrated every time I had to put the book down. Even though Kate isn’t at home for this book, we still got a glimpse of her family, and I hope we get to see more of them in future books. Kate owns an antique shop, and her knowledge of antiques came into play here in an interesting way. This is a strong debut that needs to be on your to be read list.
I was hesitant to pick up this book because of all the books already on my to be read mountain range, but I’m glad I did. This book has a lot going on with a possible ghost, an old house, and the mystery from the past that might be leading to the murder in the present all coming into play. Coupled with the dreary weather, and I got a Gothic feel as I read this book. That atmosphere is enhanced by characters who are all strong, giving us plenty of suspects with motives and secrets all their own. With everything going on, the pace never lags, and I was frustrated every time I had to put the book down. Even though Kate isn’t at home for this book, we still got a glimpse of her family, and I hope we get to see more of them in future books. Kate owns an antique shop, and her knowledge of antiques came into play here in an interesting way. This is a strong debut that needs to be on your to be read list.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2324 KP) rated Barking Mad at Murder in Books
Apr 30, 2019
Something Different, but Fun
Frankie Chandler makes her living as a pet psychic in a small town in Arizona. There’s just one problem – she’s a fake. She really uses cues from her knowledge of human and animal behavior and fakes her visions to help pet owners with their pets’ behavior. So, you can imagine how surprised Frankie is when a dog named Sandy actually gets through and gives her a vision of a murder. She’s willing to write off the entire thing as a bad dream until a body matching the victim in the vision turns up in the desert. Can Frankie figure out what really happened? Does Sandy know more than Frankie got in the first vision?
This is definitely a step away from my normal cozy choices, but I picked it up after chatting with the author for most of the day at an event. I’m glad I took a chance on it. With Frankie just developing her powers, this book had some fun exploring that and what it meant for her. The mystery was good. There were occasional pacing issues, but for the most part it kept me engaged until the wonderful climax. A solid sub-plot helped keep me interested as well. A couple of the supporting characters have room to grow as the series develops, but for the most part the cast is solid, and I certainly hope to see more of many of them in later books. The book kept me grinning as I read as Frankie gets into some pretty fun situations over the course of the story. This is a solid series debut anyone looking for a light, fun read will enjoy.
This is definitely a step away from my normal cozy choices, but I picked it up after chatting with the author for most of the day at an event. I’m glad I took a chance on it. With Frankie just developing her powers, this book had some fun exploring that and what it meant for her. The mystery was good. There were occasional pacing issues, but for the most part it kept me engaged until the wonderful climax. A solid sub-plot helped keep me interested as well. A couple of the supporting characters have room to grow as the series develops, but for the most part the cast is solid, and I certainly hope to see more of many of them in later books. The book kept me grinning as I read as Frankie gets into some pretty fun situations over the course of the story. This is a solid series debut anyone looking for a light, fun read will enjoy.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Predators (2010) in Movies
May 14, 2019 (Updated Dec 4, 2019)
Another Predator movie, another misfire
Contains spoilers, click to show
In reality, the only truly decent Predator film is the original (although I do have a soft spot for Predator 2 but shhh).
Predators is just a bit of a mess from the get go. We're very swiftly introduced to a cast of bland, cliched, "badass" characters, none of whom are particularly likable, and I can only find myself blaming the script for the most part. This cast includes true talents, including Adrian Brody, Laurence Fishburne, and Mahershala Ali, and none them succeed in making positive impact.
It also stars Topher Grace, who's character goes through some absolute-nonsense-sudden-shift-to-evil-douche plot twist near the end, by which point, you just struggle to care.
As for the actual Predator side of things - it's pretty underwhelming. The trailer promised a big number of the alien hunters, where in reality we get 4, who hardly get any screen time (which wouldn't be a problem if the human characters were actually interesting).
The opportunity to explore an alien world, rather than the usual setting of Earth is a nice idea, but mostly wasted bar a couple of nice looking landscape shots.
The whole thing comes down to a showdown between a lone Predator, and a shirtless Adrian Brody covered in mud, in what I Imagine was supposed to be an ode and call back to the original, but in reality, it just reminds you that you could be spending your time watching that instead.
Final thought - after the lengths that Arnie went through in the original to take down the Predator, I absolutely refuse to accept that one dude with a katana can cut one down with relative ease.
Predators is just a bit of a mess from the get go. We're very swiftly introduced to a cast of bland, cliched, "badass" characters, none of whom are particularly likable, and I can only find myself blaming the script for the most part. This cast includes true talents, including Adrian Brody, Laurence Fishburne, and Mahershala Ali, and none them succeed in making positive impact.
It also stars Topher Grace, who's character goes through some absolute-nonsense-sudden-shift-to-evil-douche plot twist near the end, by which point, you just struggle to care.
As for the actual Predator side of things - it's pretty underwhelming. The trailer promised a big number of the alien hunters, where in reality we get 4, who hardly get any screen time (which wouldn't be a problem if the human characters were actually interesting).
The opportunity to explore an alien world, rather than the usual setting of Earth is a nice idea, but mostly wasted bar a couple of nice looking landscape shots.
The whole thing comes down to a showdown between a lone Predator, and a shirtless Adrian Brody covered in mud, in what I Imagine was supposed to be an ode and call back to the original, but in reality, it just reminds you that you could be spending your time watching that instead.
Final thought - after the lengths that Arnie went through in the original to take down the Predator, I absolutely refuse to accept that one dude with a katana can cut one down with relative ease.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Andreas Moss by Andreas Moss in Music
Jun 7, 2019
Andreas Moss is a Swedish-born, Nashville-bred, and Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter. Not too long ago, he released his self-titled 7-track debut EP featuring Yachtmoney and Melanie Pfirrman.
Moss (Jonathan Thulin) has amassed Dove Awards, number-one records, and headlined tours as a Christian recording artist before making the transition to pop music in recent years. After struggling with the acceptance of his sexuality within the church, the sexually fluid singer decided to go his own way. And now, he’s unveiling what he has discovered on his debut project.
“STUCK IN MY FEELINGS”
The Matthew Underwood-directed video shows a couple making love. Also, the following scenes aren’t too cozy, as their communication dwindles.
“KODAK”
Moss sings about a relationship issue. He’s over his head in a relationship with a woman he loves. His adoration for her is tearing him up and he knows it. Also, he references the relationship being kodak or looking picture perfect on the outside. But internally, he’s dead like a corpse.
“KOKAIN”
Moss sings about being addicted to cocaine. Also, he highlights the pain of a woman he hurt while being an addict. She’s had it up to here with his inability to rid himself of an addiction that’s detrimental to their long-term relationship.
“DEAR MISERY”
Moss bares his soul and unveils his departure from being an addict and living in misery. He sings about this touching breakup on a remarkable ballad perfumed with hopefulness.
CONCLUSION
Andrea Moss’s self-titled debut project takes listeners on a relatable journey through love, addiction, and redemption. There’s a myriad of emotions felt
throughout the voyage, but the outcome is attractively wonderful.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/andreas-moss-debut-ep/
Moss (Jonathan Thulin) has amassed Dove Awards, number-one records, and headlined tours as a Christian recording artist before making the transition to pop music in recent years. After struggling with the acceptance of his sexuality within the church, the sexually fluid singer decided to go his own way. And now, he’s unveiling what he has discovered on his debut project.
“STUCK IN MY FEELINGS”
The Matthew Underwood-directed video shows a couple making love. Also, the following scenes aren’t too cozy, as their communication dwindles.
“KODAK”
Moss sings about a relationship issue. He’s over his head in a relationship with a woman he loves. His adoration for her is tearing him up and he knows it. Also, he references the relationship being kodak or looking picture perfect on the outside. But internally, he’s dead like a corpse.
“KOKAIN”
Moss sings about being addicted to cocaine. Also, he highlights the pain of a woman he hurt while being an addict. She’s had it up to here with his inability to rid himself of an addiction that’s detrimental to their long-term relationship.
“DEAR MISERY”
Moss bares his soul and unveils his departure from being an addict and living in misery. He sings about this touching breakup on a remarkable ballad perfumed with hopefulness.
CONCLUSION
Andrea Moss’s self-titled debut project takes listeners on a relatable journey through love, addiction, and redemption. There’s a myriad of emotions felt
throughout the voyage, but the outcome is attractively wonderful.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/andreas-moss-debut-ep/
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2324 KP) rated Murder Knocks Twice in Books
Jun 14, 2019
Bringing 1929 Chicago to Life
Gina Ricci is thrilled when she lands a job at The Third Door, one of many speakeasies in 1929 Chicago. Her friend, Lulu, already works there, and she has promised the tips are good. Since Gina needs to support herself and her sick father, the promised money is very welcome, and the glitch, glamour, and possibility of meeting some celebrities captivates Gina. As Gina settles into her new job, she starts to hear that her predecessor was murdered, but no one seems willing to talk about it. Besides, it happened away from The Third Door, so surely the murder was unrelated to the job Gina has now, right? Gina has just convinced herself of that when she witnesses a murder. Is she safe in her new job? Can she figure out what is really happening?
Since I love history, especially US history, I’m always looking for promising sounding new historical mysteries to add to my to be read list. This one does a great job of bringing the era and location to life as we get plenty of discussions about life during the time, including celebrities of the day. However, this detail took away from the mystery. The murder I teased takes place a third of the way into the book, and that does make the plot move forward a little faster, but still, we could have used some more clues and red herrings. The climax does explain everything, but it feels very rushed. The characters are a little thin as well, although I did feel we got to know Gina and a couple others well. In you are interested in the time or location, I definitely recommend you pick up the book. Hopefully, with some things now established, the next in the series will be stronger.
Since I love history, especially US history, I’m always looking for promising sounding new historical mysteries to add to my to be read list. This one does a great job of bringing the era and location to life as we get plenty of discussions about life during the time, including celebrities of the day. However, this detail took away from the mystery. The murder I teased takes place a third of the way into the book, and that does make the plot move forward a little faster, but still, we could have used some more clues and red herrings. The climax does explain everything, but it feels very rushed. The characters are a little thin as well, although I did feel we got to know Gina and a couple others well. In you are interested in the time or location, I definitely recommend you pick up the book. Hopefully, with some things now established, the next in the series will be stronger.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Angelmonster in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I am just going to come out and say that I though this novel was terrible. Not because it was written poorly or because it was unbelievable, but because it just made one feel depressed and dark reading it.
After reading the description, I was excited to read a fictional novel about how Mary and Percy Shelley cam e together, and how Mary received her inspiration for Frankenstein. From page one, however, it was hard to push through the pages. It wasnt until Percy came in around the second chapter that there was any real reason to be interested. At first, their relationship starts out romantic and ideal for any woman searching for love. However, the novel quickly turns sour after that. Everything turns so dark and negative, that reading the novel actually put me in a dark mood.
Mary and Percy were constantly at odds, stuck with each other and pining for the love they once had, but not actually loving each other. They only seemed to care for each other like old friends who are stuck with each other. It was very depressing to read.
Not to mention, the only straight forth explanation for Frankensteins inspiration lasts only a couple of sentences. Of course, the entire novel explains how Mary came to write the novel, but one does not necessarily pick up on that until the end, which is probably the darkest part of the novel.
No happy ending for Angelmonster. I will admit that it was a new and different take on the Shelleys life, for me anyway, and was interesting to read. As long as you do not expect any optimism or positivity.
After reading the description, I was excited to read a fictional novel about how Mary and Percy Shelley cam e together, and how Mary received her inspiration for Frankenstein. From page one, however, it was hard to push through the pages. It wasnt until Percy came in around the second chapter that there was any real reason to be interested. At first, their relationship starts out romantic and ideal for any woman searching for love. However, the novel quickly turns sour after that. Everything turns so dark and negative, that reading the novel actually put me in a dark mood.
Mary and Percy were constantly at odds, stuck with each other and pining for the love they once had, but not actually loving each other. They only seemed to care for each other like old friends who are stuck with each other. It was very depressing to read.
Not to mention, the only straight forth explanation for Frankensteins inspiration lasts only a couple of sentences. Of course, the entire novel explains how Mary came to write the novel, but one does not necessarily pick up on that until the end, which is probably the darkest part of the novel.
No happy ending for Angelmonster. I will admit that it was a new and different take on the Shelleys life, for me anyway, and was interesting to read. As long as you do not expect any optimism or positivity.