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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Raven (Raven Series #1) [Audiobook] in Books
Jul 17, 2022
![Raven (Raven Series #1) [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/1b0/513fd232-4ad4-4e17-bd29-bfd859ee91b0.jpg?m=1658054054)
As soon as I started to listen to this book, I was hooked. I am a sucker for an assassin story and even more so when that assassin is a female and this didn't disappoint.
Raven is a strong woman who can more than hold her own against the male of the species but she is tested to the limit when someone is stealing her jobs and ruining her reputation. Raven finds herself struggling to trust anyone and when her rival is revealed, the situation becomes increasingly personal and more complicated.
This is a long 'listen' and I had to take an enforced break for a couple of weeks when I was half way through but I was able to get back into the story seamlessly and I was soon engrossed again.
The narrator did an excellent job and despite there being a lot of characters, she was able to use her voice to distinguish between them all.
With strong characters, a great story, loads of action and violence but with some humorous moments, this is a series that I am looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into and I must thank W.F. Howes Ltd and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to Raven and share my thoughts.
Raven is a strong woman who can more than hold her own against the male of the species but she is tested to the limit when someone is stealing her jobs and ruining her reputation. Raven finds herself struggling to trust anyone and when her rival is revealed, the situation becomes increasingly personal and more complicated.
This is a long 'listen' and I had to take an enforced break for a couple of weeks when I was half way through but I was able to get back into the story seamlessly and I was soon engrossed again.
The narrator did an excellent job and despite there being a lot of characters, she was able to use her voice to distinguish between them all.
With strong characters, a great story, loads of action and violence but with some humorous moments, this is a series that I am looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into and I must thank W.F. Howes Ltd and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to Raven and share my thoughts.
LucyB (47 KP) rated Big Little Lies in Books
Jul 23, 2017
Magnificently clever, darkly humorous, thought-provoking read.
Sigh. I do so love it when I finish a book and wish it wasn't finished! Big Little Lies is absolutely one of the best books I've read for a while, and absolutely had me hooked from start to finish.
The story focuses on three main characters: bolshy Madeleine, mousy Jane and beautiful Celeste - who share a common bond; they have children starting the same kindergarten class. However, things go swiftly wrong when Jane's child Ziggy is accused of trying to strangle another child - a situation that soon escalates with alarming consequences.
The book captures playground politics to perfection (I'm wagering the author MUST have kids of her own), but goes far beyond exploring the behaviour of over-zealous school mums. It also examines the insanity of bullying, how quickly situations can spiral out of control, and the horror of domestic abuse. In spite of handling some weighty issues, it also manages to be quite darkly amusing and highly wry.
The characters are likeable, engaging and relateable (I'd guess most mothers reading this book would instinctively 'gravitate' towards one of the three protagonists). And the ending? I won't spoil it - but put it like this, I certainly didn't see it coming.
Love love love this book. Definitely one to read, folks!
The story focuses on three main characters: bolshy Madeleine, mousy Jane and beautiful Celeste - who share a common bond; they have children starting the same kindergarten class. However, things go swiftly wrong when Jane's child Ziggy is accused of trying to strangle another child - a situation that soon escalates with alarming consequences.
The book captures playground politics to perfection (I'm wagering the author MUST have kids of her own), but goes far beyond exploring the behaviour of over-zealous school mums. It also examines the insanity of bullying, how quickly situations can spiral out of control, and the horror of domestic abuse. In spite of handling some weighty issues, it also manages to be quite darkly amusing and highly wry.
The characters are likeable, engaging and relateable (I'd guess most mothers reading this book would instinctively 'gravitate' towards one of the three protagonists). And the ending? I won't spoil it - but put it like this, I certainly didn't see it coming.
Love love love this book. Definitely one to read, folks!
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Central Intelligence (2016) in Movies
Aug 11, 2017
The vast majority of the jokes fall flat (1 more)
Kevin Hart
Disappointed
The trailers for this movie looked okay, I'm sick to the back teeth of Kevin Hart, but I am a big fan of The Rock and the film looked fairly humorous. It wasn't going to get me into the cinema, but it did enough to warrant me to check it out once it left the cinema. Then the movie was recommended to me by several people who had been to see it, so I stuck it on, expected to have sore sides from laughing. I'm still waiting for the hilarious movie that I was promised by the folk who recommended this.
I chuckled maybe a total of 4 times during the movies runtime and the 4 times I chuckled were during scenes that I had already seen in the trailers. I can't be the only one that is fed up with Kevin Hart doing the exact same shtick in every film he shows up in and he doesn't do anything to redeem himself here. Even The Rock, the most charismatic man in Hollywood, can't save this mess.
Give it a skip, just don't bother. Watch the trailers for a few chuckles and then go watch a funnier movie. It's not even an awful movie, it's just not funny and frankly boring at times.
I chuckled maybe a total of 4 times during the movies runtime and the 4 times I chuckled were during scenes that I had already seen in the trailers. I can't be the only one that is fed up with Kevin Hart doing the exact same shtick in every film he shows up in and he doesn't do anything to redeem himself here. Even The Rock, the most charismatic man in Hollywood, can't save this mess.
Give it a skip, just don't bother. Watch the trailers for a few chuckles and then go watch a funnier movie. It's not even an awful movie, it's just not funny and frankly boring at times.
Nikki Massey (8 KP) rated The Wish List in Books
Feb 7, 2019
I picked up this book after deciding I wanted to read an easy, light hearted and humorous novel. This ticked all the boxes.
It was the blurb on the rear cover that swayed it for me - Emma is approaching her thirties and realised she wanted to achieve so much more by this age. So she sets off on an experience adventure to ensure she ticks off as many of her bucket list wish items by her birthday.
I'm almost 6 months away from my thirties too and thought this book might give me the reassurance needed to approach this big birthday with a little less trepidation.
As some of the other reviews say, this book is laugh out loud funny. On one occasion I had quite a few odd stares when I burst out laughing in my work canteen during lunch. Other times I had to stifle my laughing with my hand over my mouth and even one time I had to put the book down and walk away as I felt like suffocation from laughter was imminent.
It is just the author's descriptive way with words and the hapless ways of the main character that got me giggling.
It is definitely worth a read just to brighten up a lazy day or any day for that matter.
It was the blurb on the rear cover that swayed it for me - Emma is approaching her thirties and realised she wanted to achieve so much more by this age. So she sets off on an experience adventure to ensure she ticks off as many of her bucket list wish items by her birthday.
I'm almost 6 months away from my thirties too and thought this book might give me the reassurance needed to approach this big birthday with a little less trepidation.
As some of the other reviews say, this book is laugh out loud funny. On one occasion I had quite a few odd stares when I burst out laughing in my work canteen during lunch. Other times I had to stifle my laughing with my hand over my mouth and even one time I had to put the book down and walk away as I felt like suffocation from laughter was imminent.
It is just the author's descriptive way with words and the hapless ways of the main character that got me giggling.
It is definitely worth a read just to brighten up a lazy day or any day for that matter.
Sam (228 KP) rated Bumblebee (2018) in Movies
Mar 3, 2019
Wonderful Acting (1 more)
Heartwarming
Not Much Action for an Action Film (1 more)
Expected More
More Adorable Than Action
I will be the first to admit that I'm not a huge transformers fan. However, my friend really wanted to see it and so I ended up seeing it through. I'll admit that I liked it more than I thought I would but I find this is due to the fact that this movie did not follow the typical layout for a transformers movie. Rather I found it to be more in the spirit of teenhood flick than an action packed movie about robots from outer space. I found bumblebee
to be humorous, fun loving character as he learned the basics of earth and his female friend to be... well more whimsical than the usual strong, overly sexualized female lead the transformers movies often portray. It was a nice change, the whole film was very different, not what I was expecting at all. Whether this is a good thing or not has yet to be decided though as I wait to watch whether the transformers movies are going to continue and what will be released next. However, if you've come looking for an Action flick to watch then I would suggest something else because you will find nothing more than a whimsical teen flick here, all about building friendships between alien races, much like E.T.
to be humorous, fun loving character as he learned the basics of earth and his female friend to be... well more whimsical than the usual strong, overly sexualized female lead the transformers movies often portray. It was a nice change, the whole film was very different, not what I was expecting at all. Whether this is a good thing or not has yet to be decided though as I wait to watch whether the transformers movies are going to continue and what will be released next. However, if you've come looking for an Action flick to watch then I would suggest something else because you will find nothing more than a whimsical teen flick here, all about building friendships between alien races, much like E.T.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Jackson's Trust (Fourth Down, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read any of the authors previous works, nor do I usually read sports romances. I requested this novel because I couldnt get over how hot the cover was. With a cover like that, it has to be good right? Right! I was definitely not disappointed.
First of all, I know nothing about sports so I was praying there wasnt a lot of terms I didnt understand. I was pleased that this was one of those novels that didnt leave nonsports fan in the dark. I loathe the trope of the man not liking commitment (for whatever reason), but I liked Jackson so much, I didnt even notice. Reading his interactions were both humorous and pleased the romantic in me.
Duke has an easy style that makes her writing a pleasure to read. I felt that I didnt have to force myself to be interested nor did I struggle to make it through. There were some twists, I guess, but I wasnt surprised by them. In fact, Leilas secret was kind of a joke.
If you are looking for a heart melting read that will have you both cursing and laughing out loud, then I suggest this novel to you.
I have not read any of the authors previous works, nor do I usually read sports romances. I requested this novel because I couldnt get over how hot the cover was. With a cover like that, it has to be good right? Right! I was definitely not disappointed.
First of all, I know nothing about sports so I was praying there wasnt a lot of terms I didnt understand. I was pleased that this was one of those novels that didnt leave nonsports fan in the dark. I loathe the trope of the man not liking commitment (for whatever reason), but I liked Jackson so much, I didnt even notice. Reading his interactions were both humorous and pleased the romantic in me.
Duke has an easy style that makes her writing a pleasure to read. I felt that I didnt have to force myself to be interested nor did I struggle to make it through. There were some twists, I guess, but I wasnt surprised by them. In fact, Leilas secret was kind of a joke.
If you are looking for a heart melting read that will have you both cursing and laughing out loud, then I suggest this novel to you.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Cameron's Law (Adelheid, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Masquerade Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review.
This story is about a vampire who 'came out' and, along with a close friend, helped to revolutionise the paranormal movement. This was not without consequences and, as such, Sadie works away the night trying hard to grow her paranormal business.
From the very start, you are in the thick of the action and find out just how inconvenient being staked can be. Although not life-threatening (she is dead, after all) she reports it to the police and deals with a new detective who becomes the love interest. However, their romance certainly doesn't overshadow the rest of the story. In fact, for most of it, they're not dating as she is a suspect on multiple murders plus there's the whole cahooney of vampire and werewolf attacks. She doesn't really have time for romance!
Sadie is sharp, quick-witted and sarcastic - character aspects that I love in either the main male or female. Vance is the perfect foil for her and certainly can give as much as he takes. The supporting characters are all interesting in their own right but help to make the mystery part of this book more interesting.
A humorous and intriguing start to a new series. Recommended for all Paranormal Mystery Romance fans.
This story is about a vampire who 'came out' and, along with a close friend, helped to revolutionise the paranormal movement. This was not without consequences and, as such, Sadie works away the night trying hard to grow her paranormal business.
From the very start, you are in the thick of the action and find out just how inconvenient being staked can be. Although not life-threatening (she is dead, after all) she reports it to the police and deals with a new detective who becomes the love interest. However, their romance certainly doesn't overshadow the rest of the story. In fact, for most of it, they're not dating as she is a suspect on multiple murders plus there's the whole cahooney of vampire and werewolf attacks. She doesn't really have time for romance!
Sadie is sharp, quick-witted and sarcastic - character aspects that I love in either the main male or female. Vance is the perfect foil for her and certainly can give as much as he takes. The supporting characters are all interesting in their own right but help to make the mystery part of this book more interesting.
A humorous and intriguing start to a new series. Recommended for all Paranormal Mystery Romance fans.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Guardian in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Goddess Fish Promotions in return for a fair and honest review.
Holy Smoke, this book will give you something new to read. The story starts with 17-year-old Maggie suffering from being bullied by a jock, Serge. As you read, you find out that Maggie has strange abilities although she is quite content and able to deal with them. What makes this all the better is that her dad knows and helps too. There is no absentee parenting with this pair!
There is no slacking off in this book, you are literally carried from one thing to another. It has multiple layers and is woven together so well, that you will go where the book takes you instead of trying to figure it out beforehand.
Along with trying to solve a murder and not being killed in the process, you also have teenage angst in there of the uncertainty of knowing if someone likes you or not. There are also humorous moments, scary moments, tragic moments and sad. This book basically has it all.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and I really hope there is more to come. Favourite line of the book has to be right at the end - "Who knew I'd have to die to start living?" Excellent stuff and highly recommended.
Holy Smoke, this book will give you something new to read. The story starts with 17-year-old Maggie suffering from being bullied by a jock, Serge. As you read, you find out that Maggie has strange abilities although she is quite content and able to deal with them. What makes this all the better is that her dad knows and helps too. There is no absentee parenting with this pair!
There is no slacking off in this book, you are literally carried from one thing to another. It has multiple layers and is woven together so well, that you will go where the book takes you instead of trying to figure it out beforehand.
Along with trying to solve a murder and not being killed in the process, you also have teenage angst in there of the uncertainty of knowing if someone likes you or not. There are also humorous moments, scary moments, tragic moments and sad. This book basically has it all.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and I really hope there is more to come. Favourite line of the book has to be right at the end - "Who knew I'd have to die to start living?" Excellent stuff and highly recommended.
Darren Fisher (2447 KP) rated Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) by Brian Eno in Music
Dec 18, 2020 (Updated Jan 15, 2021)
Eno On Peak
In the 80's I got into Brian Eno via Talking Heads (with the excellent Remain in Light alvum) and David Bowie (Low, Heroes and Lodger), rather than through early Roxy Music.
My first introduction to Eno's solo work was the compilation More Blank Than Frank in 1986, which after listening to, was enough to convince me that I really needed to check out more of his work. I found Taking Tiger Mountain on cassette in the bargain bins at Our Price (I think). No inlay card but it was going cheap. Taking a punt I got it home and was instantly blown away. Musically upbeat for most of its duration, the lyrics told dark, humorous and downright weird tales about espionage, Limbourg Asylum and the rape of a woman by a crazed machine. There's also a lot of references to China (as the album title suggests).
So obssessed by this album I once recycled my smashed up electric guitar body in to a 'skinning up' table (with coaster bed legs so you could push it from person to person). The main centrepiece of this 'table' was a big mound of wax which I attempted to mould into my own Tiger Mountain... Damn the drugs were good back then hahaha 😎✌
Album Highlights:
Burning Airlines Give You So Much More
Third Uncle
The True Wheel
My first introduction to Eno's solo work was the compilation More Blank Than Frank in 1986, which after listening to, was enough to convince me that I really needed to check out more of his work. I found Taking Tiger Mountain on cassette in the bargain bins at Our Price (I think). No inlay card but it was going cheap. Taking a punt I got it home and was instantly blown away. Musically upbeat for most of its duration, the lyrics told dark, humorous and downright weird tales about espionage, Limbourg Asylum and the rape of a woman by a crazed machine. There's also a lot of references to China (as the album title suggests).
So obssessed by this album I once recycled my smashed up electric guitar body in to a 'skinning up' table (with coaster bed legs so you could push it from person to person). The main centrepiece of this 'table' was a big mound of wax which I attempted to mould into my own Tiger Mountain... Damn the drugs were good back then hahaha 😎✌
Album Highlights:
Burning Airlines Give You So Much More
Third Uncle
The True Wheel
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Keeping Her (Losing It, #1.5) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved both Losing It and Faking it so I was so happy when the publishers accepted my request to read this too :D
This one alternates between Garrick and Bliss POV with each chapter and we see how they feel about going to London and meeting his family and friends. Garrick is worried how is mum will treat her and Bliss is worried they wont like her. Bliss being Bliss worries far too much but in that humorous way she has that leaves you smiling if not laughing out loud and Garrick is just his charming self trying to make things as easy as possible for her.
One scene I liked was where they go to meet his parents and Bliss, being her clumsy self, knocks over his mothers favourite vase and it smashes into pieces and she just stands there like a rabbit caught in headlights while going through this funny mental conversation with herself.
It isnt a full length novel but plugs the gaps of what happened between Losing It and Faking It with Garrick and Bliss. It was short and sweet and if you are a fan of the series then you have to read this. (Just make sure you do it in order or you may get a little confused :D )
I loved both Losing It and Faking it so I was so happy when the publishers accepted my request to read this too :D
This one alternates between Garrick and Bliss POV with each chapter and we see how they feel about going to London and meeting his family and friends. Garrick is worried how is mum will treat her and Bliss is worried they wont like her. Bliss being Bliss worries far too much but in that humorous way she has that leaves you smiling if not laughing out loud and Garrick is just his charming self trying to make things as easy as possible for her.
One scene I liked was where they go to meet his parents and Bliss, being her clumsy self, knocks over his mothers favourite vase and it smashes into pieces and she just stands there like a rabbit caught in headlights while going through this funny mental conversation with herself.
It isnt a full length novel but plugs the gaps of what happened between Losing It and Faking It with Garrick and Bliss. It was short and sweet and if you are a fan of the series then you have to read this. (Just make sure you do it in order or you may get a little confused :D )