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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Secret Sisters in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Madeline and Daphne grew up as close as sisters, until, at the age of twelve, Maddie is attacked one night in her grandmother's hotel. Daphne saves her from a worse fate, but Madeline's grandmother and Daphne's mother separate the girls and each move far away from the hotel in Washington state--and all the secrets it holds. However, 18 years later, Madeline and Daphne find themselves back at the hotel, after the death of Madeline's grandmother. Madeline receives a call from the hotel's caretaker, Tom, which causes her to return. Scared and afraid, she returns with Jack Rayner, her recently hired new security consultant. But can Jack protect Madeline (and Daphne) from the secrets hiding in wait on the island?
Per usual, I can't remember why I put this book on my library list, but I probably read a review somewhere. I did not realize it was written by an author who has truly written hundreds of books under various pseudonyms and hence has probably a fairly formulaic approach to writing. The book is more enjoyable if you just sort of embrace that and give into the "cheesiness factor" -- otherwise, it's a little too much at times.
It's a decently plotted mystery - the romance portion seems rather lacking, though. The character development is really thin, and hence the characters' motives and actions all seem really overblown. A lot of their actions are extreme without any background to justify them. Madeline, Jack, Daphne, and Jack's brother, Abe, are interesting characters, but you just don't get enough about them to really know them, or know what's behind them - beyond grand sweeping gestures and ideas ("something bad happened, so she or he is beyond damaged FOREVER!"). The various characters presented as villains are even more caricatured - all the way down to a pyromaniac brother who is portrayed as one step away from the insane asylum at every second.
The plot keeps you guessing, somewhat, even if I figured it out pretty early on (it's so clearly thought to be someone, that you realize it can't possibly be that easy). It's kind of sad, because Jack and Maddie definitely had possibility, as did Daphne and Abe. I could see all four being follow-up/sequel characters if they had more definition and grit to them. This is a fairly quick read with a serviceable mystery plot, but mostly it leaves you wanting more (especially if you are looking for romance).
Per usual, I can't remember why I put this book on my library list, but I probably read a review somewhere. I did not realize it was written by an author who has truly written hundreds of books under various pseudonyms and hence has probably a fairly formulaic approach to writing. The book is more enjoyable if you just sort of embrace that and give into the "cheesiness factor" -- otherwise, it's a little too much at times.
It's a decently plotted mystery - the romance portion seems rather lacking, though. The character development is really thin, and hence the characters' motives and actions all seem really overblown. A lot of their actions are extreme without any background to justify them. Madeline, Jack, Daphne, and Jack's brother, Abe, are interesting characters, but you just don't get enough about them to really know them, or know what's behind them - beyond grand sweeping gestures and ideas ("something bad happened, so she or he is beyond damaged FOREVER!"). The various characters presented as villains are even more caricatured - all the way down to a pyromaniac brother who is portrayed as one step away from the insane asylum at every second.
The plot keeps you guessing, somewhat, even if I figured it out pretty early on (it's so clearly thought to be someone, that you realize it can't possibly be that easy). It's kind of sad, because Jack and Maddie definitely had possibility, as did Daphne and Abe. I could see all four being follow-up/sequel characters if they had more definition and grit to them. This is a fairly quick read with a serviceable mystery plot, but mostly it leaves you wanting more (especially if you are looking for romance).
Carma (21 KP) rated Taking a Shot in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Taking a Shot is the first book I’ve read by this author but apparently, reading more information about the series, I’ve found Brett was one of the most requested characters fans asked to get his own book. And I can definitely see why. Brett and Chelsea have undeniable chemistry that you can almost feel popping off the page. As a first read, it caught my attention and held it for the entire read.
Brett Sillinger is a hockey player that is on the back end of a very illustrious career. After a few bad choices, including a disastrous marriage, he is starting over at a franchise in Montanta. After landing in his new “hometown” he makes his way to the hotel bar to relax and unwind thinking he’d find himself alone. Too bad a marketing convention had just let out and the men hightailed it to the hotel bar. He was starting to use that “cursed” word again when a gorgeous woman bumped into him spilling his drink. Well, this could change things.
Chelsea London was tired of being the good girl. Tired of having lists and clipboards and doing or saying the right thing all the time. After her ex broke up with her for being too “boring” she finds herself on a mission. A one night stand kinda mission. It goes against everything she feels right down deep in her soul but she needs to try something wild for once. She picks the perfect spot, a hotel bar with lonely men attending a marketing conference and away she goes. Too bad these men are totally not doing anything for her libido. She wants fire, she wants spark, instant attraction that happens once in a lifetime. Bump And there he is.
Brett and Chelsea, though seemingly opposite on paper, find themselves in all too familiar surroundings and expectations. They both fight the attraction they have for one another tooth and nail but realize in the end, they are who they both want and need in their life. Fairytales and clipboards, who knew they made they best combinations.
4.5 star read for Taking a Shot (Montana Wolfpack series) from this reader. I received a copy without expectation for review that I enjoyed very much. I will be adding this author to my go to list of authors for the future. Any and all opinions expressed above are my own.
Brett Sillinger is a hockey player that is on the back end of a very illustrious career. After a few bad choices, including a disastrous marriage, he is starting over at a franchise in Montanta. After landing in his new “hometown” he makes his way to the hotel bar to relax and unwind thinking he’d find himself alone. Too bad a marketing convention had just let out and the men hightailed it to the hotel bar. He was starting to use that “cursed” word again when a gorgeous woman bumped into him spilling his drink. Well, this could change things.
Chelsea London was tired of being the good girl. Tired of having lists and clipboards and doing or saying the right thing all the time. After her ex broke up with her for being too “boring” she finds herself on a mission. A one night stand kinda mission. It goes against everything she feels right down deep in her soul but she needs to try something wild for once. She picks the perfect spot, a hotel bar with lonely men attending a marketing conference and away she goes. Too bad these men are totally not doing anything for her libido. She wants fire, she wants spark, instant attraction that happens once in a lifetime. Bump And there he is.
Brett and Chelsea, though seemingly opposite on paper, find themselves in all too familiar surroundings and expectations. They both fight the attraction they have for one another tooth and nail but realize in the end, they are who they both want and need in their life. Fairytales and clipboards, who knew they made they best combinations.
4.5 star read for Taking a Shot (Montana Wolfpack series) from this reader. I received a copy without expectation for review that I enjoyed very much. I will be adding this author to my go to list of authors for the future. Any and all opinions expressed above are my own.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Trying to Float: Coming of Age in the Chelsea Hotel in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
Written about a young girl by a young girl, <i>Trying To Float</i> is the amusing, witty story of Nicolaia Rips’ life thus far. About to graduate from LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts in New York City, Nicolaia talks the reader through her life from birth, through preschool and elementary school, before coming to rest at the end of her middle school experiences.
As the strap line <i>Coming of Age in the Chelsea Hotel</i> indicates, Nicolaia has lived in the Chelsea Hotel in New York for her entire life. Her unconventional father and travel obsessed mother decided to settle there after the birth of their only child, resulting in an unusual upbringing surrounded by avant-garde writers, artists and musicians, as well as the plethora of drug addicts, alcoholics and eccentrics.
Although Nicolaia’s lifestyle caused her to be the worldliest wise of five year olds, she was completely alien to the knowledge of friendships, hard work and the generally accepted behaviour of children. This resulted in numerous, often awkward, situations throughout her schooling which, although must have been soul destroying at the time, Nicolaia writes in a highly amusing tone.
<i>Trying to Float</i> reminded me of a television programme aired on the BBC last year: <i>The Kennedys</i> – a story of the daughter of highly peculiar and embarrassing parents, who was constantly surrounded by a mass of oddball characters. I could not help but see similarities even though there is absolutely no correlation between the two stories.
While Nicolaia has based this book on a journal she kept during her childhood, there are many scenes that have been warped by exaggeration and imagination to add comedic effect. Due to this, her original writing has been worked over so much in order for it to flow like a story, that it is more fiction than biographical.
It is not completely clear who the target audience is. Naturally a story about a child’s experiences at school would relate more to young adults, however the coarse language used by the inhabitants of the hotel make it more appropriate for adults. Whatever your age and background, you are likely to relate to something in this gem of a book. Nicolaia makes light of her experiences, but deep down it is a very heart-wrenching story.
Written about a young girl by a young girl, <i>Trying To Float</i> is the amusing, witty story of Nicolaia Rips’ life thus far. About to graduate from LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts in New York City, Nicolaia talks the reader through her life from birth, through preschool and elementary school, before coming to rest at the end of her middle school experiences.
As the strap line <i>Coming of Age in the Chelsea Hotel</i> indicates, Nicolaia has lived in the Chelsea Hotel in New York for her entire life. Her unconventional father and travel obsessed mother decided to settle there after the birth of their only child, resulting in an unusual upbringing surrounded by avant-garde writers, artists and musicians, as well as the plethora of drug addicts, alcoholics and eccentrics.
Although Nicolaia’s lifestyle caused her to be the worldliest wise of five year olds, she was completely alien to the knowledge of friendships, hard work and the generally accepted behaviour of children. This resulted in numerous, often awkward, situations throughout her schooling which, although must have been soul destroying at the time, Nicolaia writes in a highly amusing tone.
<i>Trying to Float</i> reminded me of a television programme aired on the BBC last year: <i>The Kennedys</i> – a story of the daughter of highly peculiar and embarrassing parents, who was constantly surrounded by a mass of oddball characters. I could not help but see similarities even though there is absolutely no correlation between the two stories.
While Nicolaia has based this book on a journal she kept during her childhood, there are many scenes that have been warped by exaggeration and imagination to add comedic effect. Due to this, her original writing has been worked over so much in order for it to flow like a story, that it is more fiction than biographical.
It is not completely clear who the target audience is. Naturally a story about a child’s experiences at school would relate more to young adults, however the coarse language used by the inhabitants of the hotel make it more appropriate for adults. Whatever your age and background, you are likely to relate to something in this gem of a book. Nicolaia makes light of her experiences, but deep down it is a very heart-wrenching story.
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated 1408 (2007) in Movies
Jan 20, 2020
The original story (1 more)
John Cusack is a fucking God
John.... Sam.... Stephen.... What could go wrong??
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages... Well... Not all... Kids should definitely not watch this one.
John Cusack stars as a writer who specializes in debunking alleged haunted locations.
He heads into the city to stay at the famed Dolphin Hotel. One room has had more deaths in it since the place cracked its doors nearly 100 years before.
The writer heads in with a skeptics attitude. But within minutes his attitude changes. And so does the viewers.
Sam Jackson is phenomenal as the manager of the hotel... All but climbs inside Cusacks head and fills him full of personal doubt and failure.
What follows is one helluva roller coaster ride that takes you from the past to the present to all points in between.
And just when you think you have it figured out... The room turns on you and tries to swallow your soul whole.
King left an easy road map to follow for a successful film. And the crew took the ball and ran through the defense for the easy score.
A good little film that leaves you impressed and amazed... All be it a little bored during the second act. But the climax is worth the payoff.
Talk about your mind fucking psychology damaging portions of the ending.
Good job ladies and gentlemen... You left me sasified
John Cusack stars as a writer who specializes in debunking alleged haunted locations.
He heads into the city to stay at the famed Dolphin Hotel. One room has had more deaths in it since the place cracked its doors nearly 100 years before.
The writer heads in with a skeptics attitude. But within minutes his attitude changes. And so does the viewers.
Sam Jackson is phenomenal as the manager of the hotel... All but climbs inside Cusacks head and fills him full of personal doubt and failure.
What follows is one helluva roller coaster ride that takes you from the past to the present to all points in between.
And just when you think you have it figured out... The room turns on you and tries to swallow your soul whole.
King left an easy road map to follow for a successful film. And the crew took the ball and ran through the defense for the easy score.
A good little film that leaves you impressed and amazed... All be it a little bored during the second act. But the climax is worth the payoff.
Talk about your mind fucking psychology damaging portions of the ending.
Good job ladies and gentlemen... You left me sasified
David LaChapelle: Heaven to Hell
Book
"LaChapelle Heaven to Hell" is the long-awaited third volume in an exhilarating trilogy that began...
TG
The Girl Who Knew Too Much
8.0
Rate It
Book
Amanda Quick, the bestselling author of 'Til Death Do Us Part, transports readers to 1930s...
Leah (: (569 KP) rated Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! (2018) in Movies
Aug 5, 2018
I was left feeling disappointed after seeing this film. The first one was such a feel good comedy with a great storyline and this film just didn’t measure up.
It still had a fantastic cast and great songs so I think it was the storyline that was lacking for me. A lot of the film was telling Donna’s story of how she met Sam, Bill and Harry, this was nice but I didn’t feel it added anything new to the story. The present was Sophie trying to get the hotel ready for its grand opening. To be honest not much happened in this part of the story.
Overall the film was okay I just didn’t feel there was enough of a storyline.
It still had a fantastic cast and great songs so I think it was the storyline that was lacking for me. A lot of the film was telling Donna’s story of how she met Sam, Bill and Harry, this was nice but I didn’t feel it added anything new to the story. The present was Sophie trying to get the hotel ready for its grand opening. To be honest not much happened in this part of the story.
Overall the film was okay I just didn’t feel there was enough of a storyline.
Milleen (47 KP) rated You Me Everything in Books
Nov 14, 2018 (Updated Nov 14, 2018)
Anyone who needs a dose of warm sunshine will enjoy this novel set over a long hot summer in the French countryside. Jess and her ten-year-old son William set off to spend a summer in a chateau restored by Adam, his father and Jess' ex-partner. Jess wants William and Adam to form a closer bond and finds herself impressed with Adam's successful hotel venture. Friends arrive and the summer rolls on, secrets and stories unfold. This novel emerges you in the lavender scented warmth of France, the dynamics of family, old friends and new acquaintances and heart wrenching decisions. Isaac' scharacters are believable and pull you into their world. This could be equally appreciated on a sun-lounger or curled up by the fire.
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