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Alicia S (193 KP) rated The Girl and Her Ren in Books
Jun 18, 2018
I am a complete blubbering mess after finishing this book. After so many times of having to walk away because I couldn't read through my tears.. I made it. WOW, was this story heartbreaking and breathtakingly beautiful. One of those stories that will stay with me forever..
So much love... more than anything else I can say about this book, so. much. love. A beautiful story about true soulmates, two people born for one another and strangers that become more than family.
Pepper never sugar coats it and this story was no different. Ripping my heart out yet again. But real life happens, the ups and downs, good and bad and I couldn't help but experience every emotion right along with them. "This is how humans are supposed to exist." So true, in so many ways in this incredible story about love, loss, and perseverance.
Beautifully written, as always. An absolute emotional rollercoaster for those that are brave enough. I couldn't possibly love this Duet more.
So much love... more than anything else I can say about this book, so. much. love. A beautiful story about true soulmates, two people born for one another and strangers that become more than family.
Pepper never sugar coats it and this story was no different. Ripping my heart out yet again. But real life happens, the ups and downs, good and bad and I couldn't help but experience every emotion right along with them. "This is how humans are supposed to exist." So true, in so many ways in this incredible story about love, loss, and perseverance.
Beautifully written, as always. An absolute emotional rollercoaster for those that are brave enough. I couldn't possibly love this Duet more.
Liliannar (58 KP) rated 13 Reasons Why - Season 1 in TV
Jun 19, 2018
Detail to the book (1 more)
Spot on casting
I just finished the first season of this show last night and though there were some major issues that turned me away from giving this a higher rating, overall it was a good show and one that i intend to share with my teenage sister. This show may be extremely difficult to watch for someone who may be suicidal, or who has experienced sexual assault. The casting was done extremely well and in a manner that really makes you hate the characters you're supposed to hate.
Unfortunately the last few episodes really turned the story from about about WHY the main character killed herself and instead turned it into a revenge story of sorts. It really took quite a bit away from what I felt was the take-home message of the book. It certainly didn't glorify suicide, but it turned the story away from looking at the deeper issues and how one small event can lead down a very dark path and into making it feel like it was drama for the sake of drama. I don't know if I'll continue on to Season 2.
Unfortunately the last few episodes really turned the story from about about WHY the main character killed herself and instead turned it into a revenge story of sorts. It really took quite a bit away from what I felt was the take-home message of the book. It certainly didn't glorify suicide, but it turned the story away from looking at the deeper issues and how one small event can lead down a very dark path and into making it feel like it was drama for the sake of drama. I don't know if I'll continue on to Season 2.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2532 KP) rated Back in the Habit in Books
Jun 26, 2018
The Return of Sister Mary Regina Coelis
The last thing former nun Giulia ever wanted to do was go back to her former life, but that’s just what she’s had to do. Her PI company has been hired to find out why a Novice committed suicide, and the best way to do that is for Giulia to become Sister Mary Regina Coelis again. Not only is she confronting her past 18 months on the outside, but she’s having to look for secrets. Was it a simple suicide? Or will Giulia uncover more?
I waited too long to get back to Giulia, but I’m pleased I got to visit her again. This book really allows her quite a bit of character growth since it is forcing her to face her past. We do not see as much of the other series regulars as a result, but when we did, we got some of the laughs I expect with the characters. The mystery does take us to some darker places, but it is good. I do feel that the character growth overshadowed the mystery at times, but overall I enjoyed this book.
I waited too long to get back to Giulia, but I’m pleased I got to visit her again. This book really allows her quite a bit of character growth since it is forcing her to face her past. We do not see as much of the other series regulars as a result, but when we did, we got some of the laughs I expect with the characters. The mystery does take us to some darker places, but it is good. I do feel that the character growth overshadowed the mystery at times, but overall I enjoyed this book.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Secrets of the Apple Tree Tavern in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Francis is a scared little boy who just lost his entire family. Luckily, he has a guardian angel in the form of a policeman who smuggles him to a friend who will raise little Francy as her own. Over the years, Francy grows into Frank, a wonderful young man who travels to Dublin and back during the height of World War II and shares many exciting adventures and mysteries with friends and family along the way.
This is a well-researched story that really makes you feel as though you are in 1930s/40s/50s Brooklyn, as well as Dublin during the war. The characters are easy to identify with, and the story itself keeps a very good pace while still providing detailed background on the locations, time period, and characters themselves. You can almost picture yourself as a patron at the bar, sitting right alongside Frank, Butch, Johnny, etc., listening to all the stories from over the years. The cliffhanger is one that I’m interested to see resolved, and I will certainly be awaiting the next installment to see how everything falls in line.
4 ½ stars
Francis is a scared little boy who just lost his entire family. Luckily, he has a guardian angel in the form of a policeman who smuggles him to a friend who will raise little Francy as her own. Over the years, Francy grows into Frank, a wonderful young man who travels to Dublin and back during the height of World War II and shares many exciting adventures and mysteries with friends and family along the way.
This is a well-researched story that really makes you feel as though you are in 1930s/40s/50s Brooklyn, as well as Dublin during the war. The characters are easy to identify with, and the story itself keeps a very good pace while still providing detailed background on the locations, time period, and characters themselves. You can almost picture yourself as a patron at the bar, sitting right alongside Frank, Butch, Johnny, etc., listening to all the stories from over the years. The cliffhanger is one that I’m interested to see resolved, and I will certainly be awaiting the next installment to see how everything falls in line.
4 ½ stars
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2532 KP) rated A Souffle of Suspicion in Books
Jul 11, 2018
Crush Week, Sweets Fest, and Murder
Things are hopping at Bistro and Maison Rousseau. Tourists have flocked to the Napa Valley for Crush Week and the first Sweet Treat festival is being hosted on the grounds of the hotel. Mimi is thrilled that both hotel and restaurant are booked solid for the week. Things take a deadly turn when Renee, the festival organizer and sister of Mimi’s head chef Camille, is found murdered in Camille’s kitchen. Who had a reason to murder the woman?
It was nice to return to the Napa Valley with Mimi as our host. The book starts out strongly. While I did feel the pace lagged a time or two, these were minor issues. The puzzle was very good with some clues coming into play late in the mystery that I had completely missed, yet they helped make the resolution completely believable. I did have trouble buying Mimi’s relationship with her friend and police chief Tyson, but the rest of the characters were great. The food left me drooling, so the recipes are the back are a welcome addition to this fun mystery.
It was nice to return to the Napa Valley with Mimi as our host. The book starts out strongly. While I did feel the pace lagged a time or two, these were minor issues. The puzzle was very good with some clues coming into play late in the mystery that I had completely missed, yet they helped make the resolution completely believable. I did have trouble buying Mimi’s relationship with her friend and police chief Tyson, but the rest of the characters were great. The food left me drooling, so the recipes are the back are a welcome addition to this fun mystery.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Avarice (Hell on Earth, #1) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have been debating on what my rating for this book would be and I would give it a 3 1/2 star review so I rounded up to 4. This is the very first of A.C. Melody's books that I have ever read and I have to say, I will be coming back for more. A.C. Melody did what not many people can do, they didn't fall into the curse of the novella. This book is 114 pages on my nook. Generally, when I read a book that is less than 200 pages I do not feel connected to the characters, this was a rare occurrence where I found the characters enduring.
I tend to love myself a good dark & gritty romance and this was a lot of fun to read. The humor in here had me smiling and the characters were well done. My only critic was the ending but then again, the ending is what has me wanting to read the next book.
Ultimately, I enjoyed the book and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.
I have been debating on what my rating for this book would be and I would give it a 3 1/2 star review so I rounded up to 4. This is the very first of A.C. Melody's books that I have ever read and I have to say, I will be coming back for more. A.C. Melody did what not many people can do, they didn't fall into the curse of the novella. This book is 114 pages on my nook. Generally, when I read a book that is less than 200 pages I do not feel connected to the characters, this was a rare occurrence where I found the characters enduring.
I tend to love myself a good dark & gritty romance and this was a lot of fun to read. The humor in here had me smiling and the characters were well done. My only critic was the ending but then again, the ending is what has me wanting to read the next book.
Ultimately, I enjoyed the book and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.
Merissa (13942 KP) rated Dire Straits (Aspen Falls #4) in Books
Jul 18, 2018
Dire Straits (Aspen Falls #4) by Melissa Pearl & Anna Cruise
Dire Straits is the fourth book in the Aspen Falls series, and we get to know Jessica and Jarrett a bit better. Both of them are unhappy in their current jobs/situation, but neither of them feel able to make a change. Just before Jessica has a week's vacation, a dead body is found. This leads to questions being asked by Jarrett and Jess, both professionally and personally.
The romance side of this was a slow burn, and going behind closed doors when necessary. The mystery side kept me guessing all the way through, although I had my own suspects.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is always a pleasure to catch up with old characters, and I loved the cameos we got.
This is a great series that I am thoroughly enjoying. Can't wait for the next one.
* 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!
The romance side of this was a slow burn, and going behind closed doors when necessary. The mystery side kept me guessing all the way through, although I had my own suspects.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is always a pleasure to catch up with old characters, and I loved the cameos we got.
This is a great series that I am thoroughly enjoying. Can't wait for the next one.
* 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!
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated The Dinosaur Project (2012) in Movies
Jul 22, 2018
I stuck with it (1 more)
I've seen worse CGI and acting
Forgettable movie (2 more)
Not enough dinosaurs
Boring
Blair witch project meets Jurassic park?
Yet another £1 movie I discovered and I have to say it is not worth it. That is 1 hour and 20 mins I will never get back.
The front of the blu ray case says 'the best Dino film since Jurassic park". That is laughable. It might as well have been a monster movie because I did not see that many dinosaurs. Maybe 3 different types?
This is a found footage movie. This genre has been, I feel, exhausted. It is no longer fresh and unique. It felt a lot like Blair witch project with them trying to build a suspense but that was not there. A fear of the unknown which meant there was no action.
The acting isnt horrible and neither is the CGI. Only good things about it I guess. But the characters were forgettable and their relationships were not believable.
It is badly paced with a lot of slow talking scenes while doing a lot of travelling. It is a predictable movie with an obvious betrayal and and ending.
The front of the blu ray case says 'the best Dino film since Jurassic park". That is laughable. It might as well have been a monster movie because I did not see that many dinosaurs. Maybe 3 different types?
This is a found footage movie. This genre has been, I feel, exhausted. It is no longer fresh and unique. It felt a lot like Blair witch project with them trying to build a suspense but that was not there. A fear of the unknown which meant there was no action.
The acting isnt horrible and neither is the CGI. Only good things about it I guess. But the characters were forgettable and their relationships were not believable.
It is badly paced with a lot of slow talking scenes while doing a lot of travelling. It is a predictable movie with an obvious betrayal and and ending.
Lee (2222 KP) rated A Star Is Born (2018) in Movies
Oct 6, 2018 (Updated Oct 6, 2018)
Bradley Cooper (1 more)
Lady Gaga
Disappointing
Last night I took Mrs B along to see this, much anticipated, much hyped movie. And to say we came away disappointed is an understatement.
Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga are both amazing in this, particularly in the early parts of the movie as we're introduced to both characters - music legend Jackson Maine and aspiring singer/songwriter Ally. The songs they sing, the story of them meeting up, falling in love and touring together, it's all good. But then things begin to go downhill for Jackson, while Ally gradually becomes more and more like Lady Gaga. There are some great moments in the latter half of the movie, but it's mostly Jackson slurring his words while you try and work out what he's saying and Ally doing choreography with her dancers and playing big gigs. And it drags, it really drags.
I actually heard some people behind me in the cinema complaining how boring it was. That's a little unfair, but there are certainly a lot of boring moments and I didn't feel it was worthy of all the hype.
Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga are both amazing in this, particularly in the early parts of the movie as we're introduced to both characters - music legend Jackson Maine and aspiring singer/songwriter Ally. The songs they sing, the story of them meeting up, falling in love and touring together, it's all good. But then things begin to go downhill for Jackson, while Ally gradually becomes more and more like Lady Gaga. There are some great moments in the latter half of the movie, but it's mostly Jackson slurring his words while you try and work out what he's saying and Ally doing choreography with her dancers and playing big gigs. And it drags, it really drags.
I actually heard some people behind me in the cinema complaining how boring it was. That's a little unfair, but there are certainly a lot of boring moments and I didn't feel it was worthy of all the hype.
Jarom Solar Norris (186 KP) rated A Star Is Born (2018) in Movies
Oct 9, 2018
I'm Very Conflicted
I'm having a really hard time judging this movie. Minor spoilers below.
Most of the movie was amazing. It moved kind of fast but told a really good story about two messy people putting their lives in front of each other and the world. The songs had great lyrics that made you think. And the dialogue made you think too: about careers, about relationships, about the responsibility that comes with talent and the choices we make.
The ending threw all of that away. I'm really opposed to the point of view that a sad ending makes a movie bad. But this movie's ending had no purpose. It didn't make some grand message, or underline the other messages the movie had already made. It didn't add anything to the film other than a sad ending. It just made me mad and upset, and sure, sometimes art does that, but not without purpose.
How do you give a score to a movie that made you feel so much and think about so many things and then decided it wanted you to walk away feeling empty instead of thoughtful?
Most of the movie was amazing. It moved kind of fast but told a really good story about two messy people putting their lives in front of each other and the world. The songs had great lyrics that made you think. And the dialogue made you think too: about careers, about relationships, about the responsibility that comes with talent and the choices we make.
The ending threw all of that away. I'm really opposed to the point of view that a sad ending makes a movie bad. But this movie's ending had no purpose. It didn't make some grand message, or underline the other messages the movie had already made. It didn't add anything to the film other than a sad ending. It just made me mad and upset, and sure, sometimes art does that, but not without purpose.
How do you give a score to a movie that made you feel so much and think about so many things and then decided it wanted you to walk away feeling empty instead of thoughtful?