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Bike Doctor - Easy bike repair and maintenance
Sports and Health & Fitness
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Have you ever wanted to maintain your bike yourself? Bike Doctor 2.0 has been created to make...
Scenic Motorcycle Touring
Navigation and Travel
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Why spend hundreds of dollars on an extra device while your phone can do the same and more? Find,...
Time Trainer Metronome
Music and Education
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Way more than a metronome, the Time Trainer adds five training tools to help you develop your own...
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Broken Horses in Books
Aug 12, 2021
A great memoir for music fans
BROKEN HORSES is Brandi Carlile's story. She grew up poor in Seattle, moving constantly as a child. Her family was musical, giving Brandi a love of music as a young child. She knew was gay since she was a teen--something that wasn't always appreciated in her rural town. She tells her story from childhood, where her love of music began, to coming out, to her marriage and life with her two children, to her musical successes.
"I was a mean, scrappy little trailer girl with the wrong clothes and a very sensitive soul that I was hiding behind a bravado that I had developed performing onstage."
I adore Brandi Carlile and have for a long time. Having such a talented out singer in our community makes us all feel proud. "See her, she's one of us!!" Having followed Brandi's career from the beginning, I know a decent amount about her. Hence my problem with a number of celebrity memoirs I read: if I read a memoir about someone I really love and already know a lot about them, if they write a fairly superficial memoir, I only learn so much.
Don't get me wrong, Carlile has written a good and interesting book. She's a fascinating person, and I enjoyed learning about her rather wild journey. I didn't know much about her childhood, so I found those pieces to be the most intriguing. She was a wild and tough kid, who was so musically talented from the beginning. Imagine being one of the people who heard her perform in a pageant or talent show when she was a young kid or teen!
After going through her coming out story, Carlile talks about her musical career, and it's all really amazing, but sometimes feels fast and glossed over. I always love knowing the history of songs, but would have liked knowing more details about things. We skip over full albums, time periods, and more. And, as many celebrity memoirs do, it often feels a bit preachy and overly me-oriented at times (something she'll laughingly and freely admit to). When we get to her meeting her wife, it's a fun story, but also really quick. Still, it's so nice to see a queer woman's story so normalized, and to have someone talk about gay motherhood so matter of factly.
Overall, I'm so glad Carlile decided to share her thoughts on her life. She's such an amazing individual who has lived such an intense and fascinating life so far. I wish she had gone more in-depth with her stories at times, but this is still a great book and certainly worth your time. At some point, I hope to get the audio version, as she sings versions of the songs she discusses in each chapter.
I read this book as part of my new reading project--choosing books off my shelves based on their Goodreads rankings. This is my second book of the project, forcing me out of my comfort zone and to try books in genres I don't usually read!
"I was a mean, scrappy little trailer girl with the wrong clothes and a very sensitive soul that I was hiding behind a bravado that I had developed performing onstage."
I adore Brandi Carlile and have for a long time. Having such a talented out singer in our community makes us all feel proud. "See her, she's one of us!!" Having followed Brandi's career from the beginning, I know a decent amount about her. Hence my problem with a number of celebrity memoirs I read: if I read a memoir about someone I really love and already know a lot about them, if they write a fairly superficial memoir, I only learn so much.
Don't get me wrong, Carlile has written a good and interesting book. She's a fascinating person, and I enjoyed learning about her rather wild journey. I didn't know much about her childhood, so I found those pieces to be the most intriguing. She was a wild and tough kid, who was so musically talented from the beginning. Imagine being one of the people who heard her perform in a pageant or talent show when she was a young kid or teen!
After going through her coming out story, Carlile talks about her musical career, and it's all really amazing, but sometimes feels fast and glossed over. I always love knowing the history of songs, but would have liked knowing more details about things. We skip over full albums, time periods, and more. And, as many celebrity memoirs do, it often feels a bit preachy and overly me-oriented at times (something she'll laughingly and freely admit to). When we get to her meeting her wife, it's a fun story, but also really quick. Still, it's so nice to see a queer woman's story so normalized, and to have someone talk about gay motherhood so matter of factly.
Overall, I'm so glad Carlile decided to share her thoughts on her life. She's such an amazing individual who has lived such an intense and fascinating life so far. I wish she had gone more in-depth with her stories at times, but this is still a great book and certainly worth your time. At some point, I hope to get the audio version, as she sings versions of the songs she discusses in each chapter.
I read this book as part of my new reading project--choosing books off my shelves based on their Goodreads rankings. This is my second book of the project, forcing me out of my comfort zone and to try books in genres I don't usually read!
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Marvels (2022) in Movies
Nov 10, 2023
Fun. Lightweight Romp
If you, like many others, have opted out of the past few Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films and are, likewise, suffering from “SuperHero” fatigue but are now looking for a re-entry into the MCU, then THE MARVELS is the film for you, for unlike some previous MCU films, it does not take much in the way of previous knowledge to get into the flow of this (somewhat) lightweight, fun action comic-book flick.
Academy Award winner Brie Larson returns as Captain Marvel and is joined (literally) with Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris - who’s SuperHero Origin story can be found in the DisneyPlus TV Series WANDAVISION, but is summed up pretty quickly here, so you’ll get the drift) as well as young MS. MARVEL (Iman Vellani, who’s origin story is told in the DisnePlus TV Series MS. MARVEL but who’s story is summed pretty quickly - and pretty well - here). They join forces to fight a villain, Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) intent on inflicting revenge/punishment on Captain Marvel. Also along for the ride is good ol’ Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury (in his 15th appearance in an MCU vehicle). They all bounce around the scenarios with a winking knowledge - and earnestness - about what kind of movie they are making…and with which what tone they need to hit.
In the hands of Director Nia DaCosta (the 2020 remake of CANDYMAN), THE MARVELS moves along at a brisk pace, injecting some humor and decent (enough) action sequences and CGI mixed in with a clever segment or 2 (one scene set to a classic Musical Theater song is worth the price of admission in and of itself). There is enough light, breezy sequences and banter that the main word that comes out of this film is “fun”. DaCosta succeeds, very well, with fun in this film. Where she doesn’t succeed as well is in emotional heft. Captain Marvel is given a few “self reflective” moments and while Larson is a terrific actor and tries to succeed with these moments, they didn’t feel earned, so they fell flat. Unfortunately, the other characters are there to battle and throw off one-liners…and not much more.
Wisely, DaCosta limits this film to 1 hours and 45 minutes - the shortest MCU film to date - and this is a positive for she just “gets to it” and doesn’t linger on any of the moments that don’t work or would fall apart if anyone had anytime to think about them.
And, of course, the “extra scenes” (an MCU staple) set up 2 new franchises, so you want to stick around for them (but you don’t need to stick around to the end of the credits).
All-in-all - Ms. Marvel is a fun, lightweight romp that will entertain for the time you are in the cineplex. But not much more. But…isn’t that what going to the movies is all about?
Letter Grade: B+
7 1/2 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Academy Award winner Brie Larson returns as Captain Marvel and is joined (literally) with Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris - who’s SuperHero Origin story can be found in the DisneyPlus TV Series WANDAVISION, but is summed up pretty quickly here, so you’ll get the drift) as well as young MS. MARVEL (Iman Vellani, who’s origin story is told in the DisnePlus TV Series MS. MARVEL but who’s story is summed pretty quickly - and pretty well - here). They join forces to fight a villain, Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) intent on inflicting revenge/punishment on Captain Marvel. Also along for the ride is good ol’ Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury (in his 15th appearance in an MCU vehicle). They all bounce around the scenarios with a winking knowledge - and earnestness - about what kind of movie they are making…and with which what tone they need to hit.
In the hands of Director Nia DaCosta (the 2020 remake of CANDYMAN), THE MARVELS moves along at a brisk pace, injecting some humor and decent (enough) action sequences and CGI mixed in with a clever segment or 2 (one scene set to a classic Musical Theater song is worth the price of admission in and of itself). There is enough light, breezy sequences and banter that the main word that comes out of this film is “fun”. DaCosta succeeds, very well, with fun in this film. Where she doesn’t succeed as well is in emotional heft. Captain Marvel is given a few “self reflective” moments and while Larson is a terrific actor and tries to succeed with these moments, they didn’t feel earned, so they fell flat. Unfortunately, the other characters are there to battle and throw off one-liners…and not much more.
Wisely, DaCosta limits this film to 1 hours and 45 minutes - the shortest MCU film to date - and this is a positive for she just “gets to it” and doesn’t linger on any of the moments that don’t work or would fall apart if anyone had anytime to think about them.
And, of course, the “extra scenes” (an MCU staple) set up 2 new franchises, so you want to stick around for them (but you don’t need to stick around to the end of the credits).
All-in-all - Ms. Marvel is a fun, lightweight romp that will entertain for the time you are in the cineplex. But not much more. But…isn’t that what going to the movies is all about?
Letter Grade: B+
7 1/2 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Remind Me (Mystic Beach Fantasy Rockstar Romances, #4)
10.0
Rate It
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Recipe for a Delicious Love Story: • 1 spicy rockstar • 1 salty chef • a sweet first love ...
Paranormal RockStar Romance
SMART Futures for a Flourishing World
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We know we have to change but the question is how. Many of us feel powerless to solve the looming...
Debbiereadsbook (1617 KP) rated Her Reluctant Heart in Books
May 23, 2024
bloody LOVED this book!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
What this is, my good book peeps, is the story of a woman, who has twice been burned, finding that sometimes, the third time really is a charm!
I LOVED this book! I have a minor niggle, but it really is a minor one, and I'll come back to that.
Sam is working hard to keep her family together. She struggles as a single parent to three exceptionally gifted children, without any help from their sperm donor (Eldest child's words, not mine!) or loser number two. Then Tony rail-roads himself into her life, and knocks things way off kilter.
What I especially loved about this, was the patience that Sam had with Tony, and vice versa, except maybe the spoiling thing. Sam is wary, and it takes time for her to fully open up to Tony about loser numbers one and two. Once he knows this, he tries, really REALLY hard to see things from Sam's point of view. He messes up, yes, but once Sam realises he only did that thing for HER and her children, with nothing wanted in return, she comes around.
I loved the kids: they really are amazing and they take to Tony wonderfully well. They warn him to look after their mum, and he takes that very VERY seriously.
I loved how Sam, once she found her feet, slotted into Tony's world. It was daunting, meeting all these Hollywood A-listers was difficult at best, but Tony's real friends, not the three dollar bills ones, took to Sam equally well. And the kids too!
It's deeply emotional, given what Sam has been through, and I felt her at some points, having been through some things like her myself. It's not overly smexy though, and I think for this book, it was a perfect amount of smexiness. It takes Sam time to let Tony get that close to her, and I loved that he was willing to wait for this amazing woman who couldn't see that she was!
I adored, I mean, it made me cry, what Tony did with Sam's house plans. That really was a wonderful way to show here that he was serious about her and the kids. Bawled my head off when she discovered the kitchen!
So, my niggle. And as I said, it really is just a niggle and me being greedy, but it's my review, and this is how I feel.
We don't get Tony. At all. And I desperately wanted to hear from him at some point along the way. Once I realised it was just Sam's point of view, I was resigned to not hearing from him. It would have just made this book, I think. Not that it takes away from this outstanding piece of work!
I wonder how much of the author I see in Sam. It's written in such a way that makes me think there is SOME author in Sam, and I loved that.
I loved this book, no Tony notwithstanding so it can only get. . . .
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
What this is, my good book peeps, is the story of a woman, who has twice been burned, finding that sometimes, the third time really is a charm!
I LOVED this book! I have a minor niggle, but it really is a minor one, and I'll come back to that.
Sam is working hard to keep her family together. She struggles as a single parent to three exceptionally gifted children, without any help from their sperm donor (Eldest child's words, not mine!) or loser number two. Then Tony rail-roads himself into her life, and knocks things way off kilter.
What I especially loved about this, was the patience that Sam had with Tony, and vice versa, except maybe the spoiling thing. Sam is wary, and it takes time for her to fully open up to Tony about loser numbers one and two. Once he knows this, he tries, really REALLY hard to see things from Sam's point of view. He messes up, yes, but once Sam realises he only did that thing for HER and her children, with nothing wanted in return, she comes around.
I loved the kids: they really are amazing and they take to Tony wonderfully well. They warn him to look after their mum, and he takes that very VERY seriously.
I loved how Sam, once she found her feet, slotted into Tony's world. It was daunting, meeting all these Hollywood A-listers was difficult at best, but Tony's real friends, not the three dollar bills ones, took to Sam equally well. And the kids too!
It's deeply emotional, given what Sam has been through, and I felt her at some points, having been through some things like her myself. It's not overly smexy though, and I think for this book, it was a perfect amount of smexiness. It takes Sam time to let Tony get that close to her, and I loved that he was willing to wait for this amazing woman who couldn't see that she was!
I adored, I mean, it made me cry, what Tony did with Sam's house plans. That really was a wonderful way to show here that he was serious about her and the kids. Bawled my head off when she discovered the kitchen!
So, my niggle. And as I said, it really is just a niggle and me being greedy, but it's my review, and this is how I feel.
We don't get Tony. At all. And I desperately wanted to hear from him at some point along the way. Once I realised it was just Sam's point of view, I was resigned to not hearing from him. It would have just made this book, I think. Not that it takes away from this outstanding piece of work!
I wonder how much of the author I see in Sam. It's written in such a way that makes me think there is SOME author in Sam, and I loved that.
I loved this book, no Tony notwithstanding so it can only get. . . .
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated Evergreen Forevermore in Books
Jun 16, 2024
Evergreen Forevermore is a captivating tale set in the picturesque hometown of Whitecap. It is a book brimming with mystery and intrigue. We are introduced to a young man named John Devore, who, driven by a deep sense of duty, becomes a paramedic to serve his community.
We are introduced to a judge who is a friend of John's. We meet a young woman named Katherine who needs to learn a few things about people. The story starts in a shelter in New York, where John volunteers and has met some friends along the way.
John and the Judge share a unique bond, a friendship that transcends their professional lives. The Judge, intrigued by John's tales of his hometown, expresses a desire to visit Whitecap. Will this wish be fulfilled? This book, with its rich tapestry of characters, holds the answer.
John sees a man working on the streets and wonders about him. His grandfather tells him his name is Fred Bates. John appears to start a conversation with Fred and introduces him. He also sees Fred Bates's interest in the new medic truck and wonders why. He finds a way to get Fred to work with him at the firehouse.
As the story goes on, there seems to be secrecy and mystery around every door. What are these mysteries, and will John be able to help? The story begins when the Judge has to sentence a woman he meets. Will a change of scenery and learning about others help the young woman? What about her father? There is more to the plot than just learning about expectations and how others feel. The young woman needs an attitude change or will be in much more trouble if she continues her path. Will her father understand that he needs to let his daughter learn the hard lessons and stand on her own to two feet?
Judge James Wilcox, a pivotal character, embarks on a journey with John to uncover long-awaited hidden secrets. Will his efforts lead to a long-overdue family reunion for Katherine and Fred? Will a sweet handyman, be haunted by the memory of his lost and beloved wife, find closure? Fred, a veteran, is finally recognized for his bravery. Will he be able to forgive himself for the past?
This book is heartwarming. I really enjoyed it. I love how this ends. The characters are my favorite. However, each main character's story is involved in the other's. It is more about a story about a town and town folk than just a personal story. TA Cline does a wonderfully good job on this. I recommend this book and these other two books as well. This one is a top favorite. I would like to know if this book can be beaten from the top of the list.
This book is a treasure trove for those who seek a rollercoaster of emotions. This book is a must-read if you are a fan of heartfelt stories, mysteries that keep you on the edge of your seat, and the complexities of family dynamics. It skillfully weaves together a diverse cast of characters, including a veteran, each adding a unique flavor to the narrative.
We are introduced to a judge who is a friend of John's. We meet a young woman named Katherine who needs to learn a few things about people. The story starts in a shelter in New York, where John volunteers and has met some friends along the way.
John and the Judge share a unique bond, a friendship that transcends their professional lives. The Judge, intrigued by John's tales of his hometown, expresses a desire to visit Whitecap. Will this wish be fulfilled? This book, with its rich tapestry of characters, holds the answer.
John sees a man working on the streets and wonders about him. His grandfather tells him his name is Fred Bates. John appears to start a conversation with Fred and introduces him. He also sees Fred Bates's interest in the new medic truck and wonders why. He finds a way to get Fred to work with him at the firehouse.
As the story goes on, there seems to be secrecy and mystery around every door. What are these mysteries, and will John be able to help? The story begins when the Judge has to sentence a woman he meets. Will a change of scenery and learning about others help the young woman? What about her father? There is more to the plot than just learning about expectations and how others feel. The young woman needs an attitude change or will be in much more trouble if she continues her path. Will her father understand that he needs to let his daughter learn the hard lessons and stand on her own to two feet?
Judge James Wilcox, a pivotal character, embarks on a journey with John to uncover long-awaited hidden secrets. Will his efforts lead to a long-overdue family reunion for Katherine and Fred? Will a sweet handyman, be haunted by the memory of his lost and beloved wife, find closure? Fred, a veteran, is finally recognized for his bravery. Will he be able to forgive himself for the past?
This book is heartwarming. I really enjoyed it. I love how this ends. The characters are my favorite. However, each main character's story is involved in the other's. It is more about a story about a town and town folk than just a personal story. TA Cline does a wonderfully good job on this. I recommend this book and these other two books as well. This one is a top favorite. I would like to know if this book can be beaten from the top of the list.
This book is a treasure trove for those who seek a rollercoaster of emotions. This book is a must-read if you are a fan of heartfelt stories, mysteries that keep you on the edge of your seat, and the complexities of family dynamics. It skillfully weaves together a diverse cast of characters, including a veteran, each adding a unique flavor to the narrative.
Debbiereadsbook (1617 KP) rated Blood of the Damned - Thorn (Vaughn Winery #1) in Books
Oct 15, 2025
I liked that it doesn't focus so much on the Divergent part of Ledger.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is set in the Divergent Omegaverse world, but spins off. You don't need to read those books before this one, you can pick it straight up. However, I personally recommend you read at least Alpha's Divergent Omega. It will give you a better picture of this world, and what it means to be Divergent here. Lane and Derick make a visit here.
Ledger is Divergent: He has an inner animal, a squirrel, but he cannot shift. He runs to the Vaugn Winery to get away from a break up. Meeting his mate was never in the plan, finding out that mate is his new boss AND a vampire?? Mind blowing but Ledger and Thorn run with it, until Thorn discovers just how vampire babies are born.
I love Ms Sayle, you know I do, but this book takes me back to the very beginning of her author career and I'm left with questions!
So many bloody questions and feelings!! And, as is par for the course with this author, I cannot voice all of them and that is so frustrating!! My book brain is doing overtime, while battling a nasty cold and I can't get them all out.
I can voice some though!
I liked this a lot. It doesn't focus so much on the divergent part of Ledger and more on the vampire part of Thorn, and his brothers: Calvert and Dacian. There is a sister, Elouise, but she is only talked about and to on the phone but doesn't really play a part, other than to tell Thorn just how vampire babies are born!
I found the relationship between the others amusing, Dacian takes great pleasure in winding Thorn up, but Calvert is more subdued. His feelings about Thorn and Ledger become known through the book and I wonder if Ms Sayle will make him wait til last to find his dhampir, his fated mate.
It's steamy, and that steam runs right through the book.
so, questions! What was the thing with the increased wine order?? That was mentioned and left hanging. And I wanna know!
Who is next?? Will each vampire be mated to a Divergent? Or will there be some surprises? OOOH Will Elouise get a book too??
Feelings?? You should know this is an m-preg world, and there is a male pregnancy in this book AND a vampire birth. (which was slightly faded to grey and I'm so glad it was! But now I know, I can prepare myself for next time, cos I have a feeling that the next one might not be quite so simple as using thrall!)
I feel this has been deliberately left sort of open ended. While there is the birth of Ledger's babies, the book ends there. And that is my biggest and strongest feeling: There is more to come for Thorn and Ledger.
And I want to be front and centre!!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book is set in the Divergent Omegaverse world, but spins off. You don't need to read those books before this one, you can pick it straight up. However, I personally recommend you read at least Alpha's Divergent Omega. It will give you a better picture of this world, and what it means to be Divergent here. Lane and Derick make a visit here.
Ledger is Divergent: He has an inner animal, a squirrel, but he cannot shift. He runs to the Vaugn Winery to get away from a break up. Meeting his mate was never in the plan, finding out that mate is his new boss AND a vampire?? Mind blowing but Ledger and Thorn run with it, until Thorn discovers just how vampire babies are born.
I love Ms Sayle, you know I do, but this book takes me back to the very beginning of her author career and I'm left with questions!
So many bloody questions and feelings!! And, as is par for the course with this author, I cannot voice all of them and that is so frustrating!! My book brain is doing overtime, while battling a nasty cold and I can't get them all out.
I can voice some though!
I liked this a lot. It doesn't focus so much on the divergent part of Ledger and more on the vampire part of Thorn, and his brothers: Calvert and Dacian. There is a sister, Elouise, but she is only talked about and to on the phone but doesn't really play a part, other than to tell Thorn just how vampire babies are born!
I found the relationship between the others amusing, Dacian takes great pleasure in winding Thorn up, but Calvert is more subdued. His feelings about Thorn and Ledger become known through the book and I wonder if Ms Sayle will make him wait til last to find his dhampir, his fated mate.
It's steamy, and that steam runs right through the book.
so, questions! What was the thing with the increased wine order?? That was mentioned and left hanging. And I wanna know!
Who is next?? Will each vampire be mated to a Divergent? Or will there be some surprises? OOOH Will Elouise get a book too??
Feelings?? You should know this is an m-preg world, and there is a male pregnancy in this book AND a vampire birth. (which was slightly faded to grey and I'm so glad it was! But now I know, I can prepare myself for next time, cos I have a feeling that the next one might not be quite so simple as using thrall!)
I feel this has been deliberately left sort of open ended. While there is the birth of Ledger's babies, the book ends there. And that is my biggest and strongest feeling: There is more to come for Thorn and Ledger.
And I want to be front and centre!!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere