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Carma (21 KP) rated Cold Hearted Bastard (Bastard Series, #1) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Jackson is an in demand former chef who returned home because it was something he had to do. Many restaurant owners and high powered food industry personnel have come to Louisiana to try and lure him to the big city restaurants. He is a self proclaimed man whore who lets each conquest know exactly where he stands beforehand, to give them a chance to decline the encounter. He cant be involved right now, he has more important things in his life to focus on. But when a tall redhead walks into his bar he feels the connection instantly. He knows she will be the one to break him.
Gwen is used to getting what she wants, when she wants it. And right now she wants Jackson to be the head chef at a new restaurant she wants to open. When she sees him in person though she realizes all the photos shes seen havent done him justice. Their eyes lock across the bar and she feels it through her entire body. This isnt going to end well.
Jackson and Gwen realize a few things; they have amazing chemistry, they want more than one night, and neither is going to change their minds about her proposition. Gwen knows that Jackson wont leave his hometown but she doesnt know why. They decide to make the most of their 2 weeks and thats it for their relationship. Gwen falls fast though going against her better judgment and decides to leave early. Jacksons family steps in as theyve never seen Jackson so affected by a woman. When Gwen goes to his family home, she learns exactly why he can never leave.
Jackson fought the good fight but wasnt able to outrun his feelings for Gwen. She helps him see that there is more to life than just being a man whore. Will he be willing to compromise his life to have happiness though?
This was the first novel Ive read by the author and I read it all in one sitting front to back. I was drawn in by the great storyline and all the hot, hot, hot, full on chemistry scenes. Solid 4 ½ stars for a cold hearted bastard no more. I received an advance copy without expectation for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Gwen is used to getting what she wants, when she wants it. And right now she wants Jackson to be the head chef at a new restaurant she wants to open. When she sees him in person though she realizes all the photos shes seen havent done him justice. Their eyes lock across the bar and she feels it through her entire body. This isnt going to end well.
Jackson and Gwen realize a few things; they have amazing chemistry, they want more than one night, and neither is going to change their minds about her proposition. Gwen knows that Jackson wont leave his hometown but she doesnt know why. They decide to make the most of their 2 weeks and thats it for their relationship. Gwen falls fast though going against her better judgment and decides to leave early. Jacksons family steps in as theyve never seen Jackson so affected by a woman. When Gwen goes to his family home, she learns exactly why he can never leave.
Jackson fought the good fight but wasnt able to outrun his feelings for Gwen. She helps him see that there is more to life than just being a man whore. Will he be willing to compromise his life to have happiness though?
This was the first novel Ive read by the author and I read it all in one sitting front to back. I was drawn in by the great storyline and all the hot, hot, hot, full on chemistry scenes. Solid 4 ½ stars for a cold hearted bastard no more. I received an advance copy without expectation for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Get Hard (2015) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
For high rolling stock trader James King (Will Ferrell), life is pretty amazing. Not only does he live in a lavish house in an exclusive Los Angeles community, but he is engaged to the lovely Alissa (Allison Brie). James is oblivious to many of those around him save for his future father in law Martin (Craig T. Nelson), who has recently rewarded him with a partnership at his brokerage.
Life has not been as sunny for Darnelll (Kevin Hart), a devoted family man who runs his car detailing place and looks to find a way to get the $30,000 he needs to purchase a better home in a better neighborhood for his family.
Fate steps in when James is charged with several trading violations and is sentenced to ten years in San Quentin. For the self-absorbed and highly-sheltered James this is equivalent to a death sentence and he is eager to find a way out of his mess.
With his world in chaos, James hires Darnell to be his prison consultant, as he is convinced Darnell must have done time due to his color and station in life. Although offended, Darnell hides this and agrees to spend the next few weeks before James has to report to jail training him to survive.
Although motivated to earn the money he needs, Darnell soon gains sympathy for James and in time, begins to believe he may be innocent of the charges levied upon him. In between the crude but often very funny training segments James endures, the two bond and work with one another to overcome the challenges presented to them before time runs out.
Ferell and Hart have a very good chemistry with one another and there are some very funny moments in the film. One moment had Hart portraying various prison yard characters at the same time and his frantic way of moving between characters at the same time was something to behold.
The film does tread on some racial stereotypes often but they at least mix it up and do not focus entirely upon one race or group.
While at times slow and requiring some leaps of faith from the audience, the two leads make the film a funny and enjoyable distraction that will keep you laughing enough to make it worth your while.
http://sknr.net/2015/03/27/get-hard/
Life has not been as sunny for Darnelll (Kevin Hart), a devoted family man who runs his car detailing place and looks to find a way to get the $30,000 he needs to purchase a better home in a better neighborhood for his family.
Fate steps in when James is charged with several trading violations and is sentenced to ten years in San Quentin. For the self-absorbed and highly-sheltered James this is equivalent to a death sentence and he is eager to find a way out of his mess.
With his world in chaos, James hires Darnell to be his prison consultant, as he is convinced Darnell must have done time due to his color and station in life. Although offended, Darnell hides this and agrees to spend the next few weeks before James has to report to jail training him to survive.
Although motivated to earn the money he needs, Darnell soon gains sympathy for James and in time, begins to believe he may be innocent of the charges levied upon him. In between the crude but often very funny training segments James endures, the two bond and work with one another to overcome the challenges presented to them before time runs out.
Ferell and Hart have a very good chemistry with one another and there are some very funny moments in the film. One moment had Hart portraying various prison yard characters at the same time and his frantic way of moving between characters at the same time was something to behold.
The film does tread on some racial stereotypes often but they at least mix it up and do not focus entirely upon one race or group.
While at times slow and requiring some leaps of faith from the audience, the two leads make the film a funny and enjoyable distraction that will keep you laughing enough to make it worth your while.
http://sknr.net/2015/03/27/get-hard/
Adnan's Story
8.3
Rate It
Book
'The first letter I received after being arrested in 1999 was from Rabia. Since that time until now,...
Crime true crime non-fiction
Fun & engaging read
Allison and her family move to New York City from Dallas for her husband, Michael's, job. At first, Allison is excited--ready for the glitz and glamour of the city. Instead, she finds herself and her family (including her three children) living in a cramped small apartment within a high-rise building. She has no friends and no one to confide in and shortly after moving, she loses her job. Things go from bad to worse when she hits an empty parked car outside her son Jack's school--right in front of the judgemental eyes of all the other mothers. The note Allison leaves leads her to a fancy penthouse, which she finds occupied by young pop star, Carter Reid. Allison doesn't see Carter as a pop star, however: she sees an abandoned kid, friendless, without parents, and about to ruin his career by backing out of the Broadway musical in which he agreed to star. Somehow, Allison becomes involved in Carter's life and as she does, she finally finds a reason to embrace New York.
This was such a fun book and such an engaging read. Now, at first, Allison is adrift in New York and in the beginning of the book, I was so frustrated with the abuse she took from Carter that I was a bit annoyed with the story. But Poeppel gets you past that pretty quick. The entire book is humorous, as it's filled with funny moments with Allison, her family, and the cast of supporting characters. Howard, a security guard Allison helps tutor, particularly shines, as does Owen, Carter's butler. Poeppel is very adept at capturing the individual voice of each of her characters. I loved Allison's kids, too. I fell for her eldest daughter, Charlotte, because I could have been her 20 years ago (geez I'm old), but teenage Megan and funny, quirky Jack were awesome too. The characters truly become like family.
Even if Allison frustrated me at times, with her coddling of Carter, I certainly found her relatable. The fact that she wasn't a morning person, her love for her children yet inability to always know what was happening in their lives, and her closeness with her own mom. She comes across as a real person, and I was incredibly impressed at how well she handled Carter and the celebrity world. The theme of family runs across the book--not just Allison's family, but how the disparate characters in the novel become their own family, and you really find yourself rooting for Carter because of it.
And, indeed, the magic of the book is how it transforms Carter. In the beginning, I couldn't believe anyone would like this kid, but as you read on... well, let's just say you will be rooting for Carter Reid. Poeppel captures Carter so precisely--his mannerisms, his dialect, his voice--it's amazing. It's easy to picture him, and he grows on you, for sure. By the end of the novel, you may feel a little misty. Sure, it's sometimes easy to see where things may be going, but that's OK, because it is such a rather enjoyable ride to be on. Plus, you never know exactly what wrench Carter is going to throw in Allison's carefully laid plans.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It started off a little slow, and I was initially frustrated with Carter's behavior (and Allison's acceptance of it). However, the book then takes off, and I was quickly immersed in the well-written characters and the arc of the story. It's such a fun book in so many ways--and touching too--plus there's a celebrity aspect that gives it an enjoyable twist, and you often feel like you're in NYC on a Broadway set. Definitely an enjoyable read.
This was such a fun book and such an engaging read. Now, at first, Allison is adrift in New York and in the beginning of the book, I was so frustrated with the abuse she took from Carter that I was a bit annoyed with the story. But Poeppel gets you past that pretty quick. The entire book is humorous, as it's filled with funny moments with Allison, her family, and the cast of supporting characters. Howard, a security guard Allison helps tutor, particularly shines, as does Owen, Carter's butler. Poeppel is very adept at capturing the individual voice of each of her characters. I loved Allison's kids, too. I fell for her eldest daughter, Charlotte, because I could have been her 20 years ago (geez I'm old), but teenage Megan and funny, quirky Jack were awesome too. The characters truly become like family.
Even if Allison frustrated me at times, with her coddling of Carter, I certainly found her relatable. The fact that she wasn't a morning person, her love for her children yet inability to always know what was happening in their lives, and her closeness with her own mom. She comes across as a real person, and I was incredibly impressed at how well she handled Carter and the celebrity world. The theme of family runs across the book--not just Allison's family, but how the disparate characters in the novel become their own family, and you really find yourself rooting for Carter because of it.
And, indeed, the magic of the book is how it transforms Carter. In the beginning, I couldn't believe anyone would like this kid, but as you read on... well, let's just say you will be rooting for Carter Reid. Poeppel captures Carter so precisely--his mannerisms, his dialect, his voice--it's amazing. It's easy to picture him, and he grows on you, for sure. By the end of the novel, you may feel a little misty. Sure, it's sometimes easy to see where things may be going, but that's OK, because it is such a rather enjoyable ride to be on. Plus, you never know exactly what wrench Carter is going to throw in Allison's carefully laid plans.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It started off a little slow, and I was initially frustrated with Carter's behavior (and Allison's acceptance of it). However, the book then takes off, and I was quickly immersed in the well-written characters and the arc of the story. It's such a fun book in so many ways--and touching too--plus there's a celebrity aspect that gives it an enjoyable twist, and you often feel like you're in NYC on a Broadway set. Definitely an enjoyable read.
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LucyB (47 KP) rated Dark Matter in Books
Jul 23, 2017
Mind-bending, fast-pasted, gripping to the end
Every so often, I come across an author who is so different, it blows me away. Blake Crouch is definitely one of those authors! The storyline is so completely 'way out' that I'm amazed he pulled it off, and his style of writing (short to the point of sparse) shouldn't work, but really does!
The story is about Martin, the man who has the perfect life, the perfect wife, a lovely son...but fifteen years ago, gave up his illustrious science career to have a family. Suddenly, he's kidnapped, drugged, and (wait for it), forced into an alternate reality. I can't say anymore without spoiling the plot, but what follows is a frenetic race through alternative realities to get back to the life he once knew, at any cost.
The storyline is impressive, not least because the concept is so complex, yet Crouch handles it with ease. I'd say that this is the author's greatest gift - being able to simplify and abbreviate, without dumbing down. In fact, this book is probably the best example of 'all killer, no filler' that I've ever read.
A formidable book... I'll be looking forward to reading the Wayward Pines series next!
The story is about Martin, the man who has the perfect life, the perfect wife, a lovely son...but fifteen years ago, gave up his illustrious science career to have a family. Suddenly, he's kidnapped, drugged, and (wait for it), forced into an alternate reality. I can't say anymore without spoiling the plot, but what follows is a frenetic race through alternative realities to get back to the life he once knew, at any cost.
The storyline is impressive, not least because the concept is so complex, yet Crouch handles it with ease. I'd say that this is the author's greatest gift - being able to simplify and abbreviate, without dumbing down. In fact, this book is probably the best example of 'all killer, no filler' that I've ever read.
A formidable book... I'll be looking forward to reading the Wayward Pines series next!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Microman USA: The "right" Hero at the Right Time in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Microman USA is a book of political cartoons, focusing on anti-socialism, the Tea Party Movement, and… lunch. Microman really likes lunch. You’ll have to read the book to know why.
The concept behind Microman is simple: Stop worrying about the country’s problems, because they’re not yours to worry about… and live in your own life, socialize with your neighbors, be with your family, and only get involved with politics when you absolutely have to. Focus on you. Focus on the small community… hence Microman.
It’s a great philosophy, and Microman shares my viewpoint on politics… but half of the cartoons weren’t what I expected. I was expecting political cartoons to be funny, witty, and a little sarcastic. These weren’t that entertaining. They had their points, they were interesting, and the characters said some good stuff, but they just weren’t funny… to me anyway. Please know that this has nothing to do with not knowing what politician they’re talking about, or the like. I understood them all, they just weren’t what I expected.
Microman has it’s goods and it’s not-so-goods. Not so good for the reasons I just explained, but good for it’s straight-forward viewpoints on socialism, the community, and the philosophy about living in your life, not your politician’s.
Content/recommendation: clean, Ages 14+
The concept behind Microman is simple: Stop worrying about the country’s problems, because they’re not yours to worry about… and live in your own life, socialize with your neighbors, be with your family, and only get involved with politics when you absolutely have to. Focus on you. Focus on the small community… hence Microman.
It’s a great philosophy, and Microman shares my viewpoint on politics… but half of the cartoons weren’t what I expected. I was expecting political cartoons to be funny, witty, and a little sarcastic. These weren’t that entertaining. They had their points, they were interesting, and the characters said some good stuff, but they just weren’t funny… to me anyway. Please know that this has nothing to do with not knowing what politician they’re talking about, or the like. I understood them all, they just weren’t what I expected.
Microman has it’s goods and it’s not-so-goods. Not so good for the reasons I just explained, but good for it’s straight-forward viewpoints on socialism, the community, and the philosophy about living in your life, not your politician’s.
Content/recommendation: clean, Ages 14+
Andy K (10823 KP) rated First Man (2018) in Movies
Apr 9, 2019
Dull and boring
Anyone asking me how First Man was or should they see it I would tell to watch Apollo 13 instead!
The writing for Apollo 13 was very familiar subject matter, but kept things interesting even though the audience knows ahead of time how both stories end up. At nearly 2 1/2 hours, there were lots of drawn out/boring sequences of NASA getting ready for the launches and Armstrong's family life. I just wanted it to be more exciting.
I hate to say it, but the fact Apollo 13 was the one where the mission went wrong and they had to struggle to figure out a way to get back to Earth under extraordinary circumstances is more compelling than the story of landing on the moon where everything basic went to plan.
I have never been a Ryan Gosling fan (he always looks like he just woke up and needs a shower) and my opinion did not change here. I'm sure the studious Armstrong did not have a robust personality in real life; however, Gosling didn't seem to do much for the character.
Apollo 13 was released in 1995 and I still remember almost the entire film whereas I will have forgotten everything about this film in less than 2 years.
The writing for Apollo 13 was very familiar subject matter, but kept things interesting even though the audience knows ahead of time how both stories end up. At nearly 2 1/2 hours, there were lots of drawn out/boring sequences of NASA getting ready for the launches and Armstrong's family life. I just wanted it to be more exciting.
I hate to say it, but the fact Apollo 13 was the one where the mission went wrong and they had to struggle to figure out a way to get back to Earth under extraordinary circumstances is more compelling than the story of landing on the moon where everything basic went to plan.
I have never been a Ryan Gosling fan (he always looks like he just woke up and needs a shower) and my opinion did not change here. I'm sure the studious Armstrong did not have a robust personality in real life; however, Gosling didn't seem to do much for the character.
Apollo 13 was released in 1995 and I still remember almost the entire film whereas I will have forgotten everything about this film in less than 2 years.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Heart Keeper in Books
May 22, 2019
How do you mend a broken heart?
It's been three months since Alison Miller-Juul's world fell apart when her six-year-old daughter, Amalie, died in an accident. Three months of sympathy cards, grief counselling and gritting her teeth, but it's still only the vodka and pills that seem to help.
Across town, Iselin Berg's life is finally looking up. Her seven-year-old daughter, Kaia, has survived a life-changing operation. After years of doctors, medication and hope, they can now start thinking about the future.
When Alison uncovers a dangerous secret, she is left in turmoil. She can now see a way to heal her broken heart, but will she risk everything to do so?
This is an intense family drama, it is being told from the viewpoints of two mothers.
Both of their stories start off separately but the they do become connected dramatically.
This such an emotional read, very intense and realistic.
The emotional turmoil was heartbreaking; as a mother could totally relate.
The characters were complex and very believably written.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat.
Totally gripping and magnificent story.
Recommend reading!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victoria Joss at Aria / Head of Zeus and Alex Dahl for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
It's been three months since Alison Miller-Juul's world fell apart when her six-year-old daughter, Amalie, died in an accident. Three months of sympathy cards, grief counselling and gritting her teeth, but it's still only the vodka and pills that seem to help.
Across town, Iselin Berg's life is finally looking up. Her seven-year-old daughter, Kaia, has survived a life-changing operation. After years of doctors, medication and hope, they can now start thinking about the future.
When Alison uncovers a dangerous secret, she is left in turmoil. She can now see a way to heal her broken heart, but will she risk everything to do so?
This is an intense family drama, it is being told from the viewpoints of two mothers.
Both of their stories start off separately but the they do become connected dramatically.
This such an emotional read, very intense and realistic.
The emotional turmoil was heartbreaking; as a mother could totally relate.
The characters were complex and very believably written.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat.
Totally gripping and magnificent story.
Recommend reading!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Victoria Joss at Aria / Head of Zeus and Alex Dahl for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.