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Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Blue Zone in Books
May 10, 2018
From the outside, the Rabb family looks like the perfect family. They live in an amazing house, drive nice cars, their oldest daughter is a research assistant at the local University, their son get great grades, and the youngest is a ranked squash player. Benjamin Rabb is a gold dealer, and for the past twenty years has been doing very well for his family. When Benjamin Rabb is investigated by the FBI for money laundering, fraud, and conspiracy with known drug dealers, his family is placed in the Witness Protection Program. All, except Kate, who is old enough to do her own thing. When Kate makes some interesting discoveries and strange things start to happen, she may find that her perfect family may not be just so.
This is the first solo authored book I have read by Andrew Gross. I am pleased to say that this book had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning to the very end. So many different surprises and twists in this book. The book centers around Kate rabb and her life after her father has testified in court against the Mercado Family and her family has been in Witness Protection for more than a year. The thing I really like about this book is that I never knew what was going to happen next or who I could trust. Everytime you turn around, another something falls in your face that makes you yell expletives at the book. Not knowing who to believe and where to turn for help, makes a person feel lost. Kate's determination to find the truth and get her family back together, has her in the fight of her life, in more ways than one.
I listened to the audio of this book and it was read by Ilyana Kadushin. She gave an excellent performance and made me feel as if I was a part of the action. I could see the action as it played out. I can't wait to read other solo authored books by Andrew Gross. Another great author to add to my every growing list of favorites.
This is the first solo authored book I have read by Andrew Gross. I am pleased to say that this book had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning to the very end. So many different surprises and twists in this book. The book centers around Kate rabb and her life after her father has testified in court against the Mercado Family and her family has been in Witness Protection for more than a year. The thing I really like about this book is that I never knew what was going to happen next or who I could trust. Everytime you turn around, another something falls in your face that makes you yell expletives at the book. Not knowing who to believe and where to turn for help, makes a person feel lost. Kate's determination to find the truth and get her family back together, has her in the fight of her life, in more ways than one.
I listened to the audio of this book and it was read by Ilyana Kadushin. She gave an excellent performance and made me feel as if I was a part of the action. I could see the action as it played out. I can't wait to read other solo authored books by Andrew Gross. Another great author to add to my every growing list of favorites.
Lee (2222 KP) rated Last Christmas (2019) in Movies
Nov 16, 2019
I guess I’m not exactly the target audience for a Christmas rom-com, but I don’t usually mind them. Providing the leads have believable chemistry, there’s a good story behind it all, a few laughs and something that gives you that Christmas feel good feeling, I’m happy to watch them. Sadly though, for the most part, Last Christmas struggles to tick most of those boxes.
Emilia Clarke stars as Kate (short for Katerina, her original Yugoslav name), a 26 year old who’s struggling at life right now. Her nights are filled with one-night stands and sleeping over at friends houses, dragging her suitcase behind her the next morning as she either heads to work in a Covent Garden Christmas shop or off to an audition for a West end show. She’s also currently ignoring calls from her mum (Emma Thomson), disappointing her boss (Michelle Yeoh) and coming across as selfish and not really very likeable. It’s safe to say, she’s lost her way - “Why is my life so shit?!” she exclaims after yet another disaster happens.
And then one day, Kate notices a man gazing up at a bird outside the Christmas shop and goes outside to see what he’s doing. His name is Tom (Henry Golding) and he’s handsome and charming (but a bit wooden) and despite them turning out to have zero chemistry together, they strike up a relationship - because, y’know, this is a rom-com after all. Tom takes Kate on spontaneous walks down alleyways and into nearby pocket parks, making her look up regularly so that she can appreciate the world around her. He rides a bike everywhere, doesn’t have a mobile phone and disappears for days on end. Yet his presence and friendship appear to have a positive effect on Kate, who begins to start turning her life around.
The first half of the movie is just terrible. Badly written dialogue and characters in an attempt to try and recapture some kind of Love Actually spirit, but just failing. It even tries to cram in some Brexit references and a little bit of racism to highlight the plight of immigrants. Written by Emma Thomson and directed by Paul Feig, Last Christmas is said to be inspired by the music of George Michael although, aside from its namesake, not very much of it actually ends up featuring much in the movie.
If you’ve seen the trailer, then you may well have figured out the twist that comes towards the end of the movie. If not, then you’ll probably work it out pretty early on anyway. However, I’d be lying if I said that Last Christmas didn’t manage to hit me emotionally when the time came. It also managed to invoke some warm Christmas feels and spirit too, so not quite the complete disaster it started out as.
Emilia Clarke stars as Kate (short for Katerina, her original Yugoslav name), a 26 year old who’s struggling at life right now. Her nights are filled with one-night stands and sleeping over at friends houses, dragging her suitcase behind her the next morning as she either heads to work in a Covent Garden Christmas shop or off to an audition for a West end show. She’s also currently ignoring calls from her mum (Emma Thomson), disappointing her boss (Michelle Yeoh) and coming across as selfish and not really very likeable. It’s safe to say, she’s lost her way - “Why is my life so shit?!” she exclaims after yet another disaster happens.
And then one day, Kate notices a man gazing up at a bird outside the Christmas shop and goes outside to see what he’s doing. His name is Tom (Henry Golding) and he’s handsome and charming (but a bit wooden) and despite them turning out to have zero chemistry together, they strike up a relationship - because, y’know, this is a rom-com after all. Tom takes Kate on spontaneous walks down alleyways and into nearby pocket parks, making her look up regularly so that she can appreciate the world around her. He rides a bike everywhere, doesn’t have a mobile phone and disappears for days on end. Yet his presence and friendship appear to have a positive effect on Kate, who begins to start turning her life around.
The first half of the movie is just terrible. Badly written dialogue and characters in an attempt to try and recapture some kind of Love Actually spirit, but just failing. It even tries to cram in some Brexit references and a little bit of racism to highlight the plight of immigrants. Written by Emma Thomson and directed by Paul Feig, Last Christmas is said to be inspired by the music of George Michael although, aside from its namesake, not very much of it actually ends up featuring much in the movie.
If you’ve seen the trailer, then you may well have figured out the twist that comes towards the end of the movie. If not, then you’ll probably work it out pretty early on anyway. However, I’d be lying if I said that Last Christmas didn’t manage to hit me emotionally when the time came. It also managed to invoke some warm Christmas feels and spirit too, so not quite the complete disaster it started out as.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated It's Always the Husband in Books
May 16, 2018
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Michele Campbell Books, and SheSpeaks.com for the opportunity to read #AlwaysTheHusband for an honest review!
While I do agree with other reviewers that the 3 main characters, and most of the secondary characters were not very likable (I mean, Chief Rizzo? What a dick.), I very much enjoyed this book. True, these women (girls, really, when the story begins) are not likable, and maybe not even that relatable, but I still wanted to know what happened to them and why. More often than not, I found myself feeling pity for the men in their lives. And, honestly, Kate was SUCH a terrible person that I ended up feeling like she deserved what she got.
Yes, there were portions that made me literally roll my eyes, but in my opinion did not take away from the story. The second half of the story is more fast-paced, however that slower-paced first half is necessary so that the reader can more clearly understand the characters' motives and personalities, and how they all fit (or clash, as the case may be) together.
MAJOR SPOILER ALERT:
I truly did not think it would end up being the husband, despite (or perhaps because of) the title. There were several points in the story where I was 100% convinced either Aubrey or Jenny had killed Kate. Well done, Ms. Campbell, you got me!
While I do agree with other reviewers that the 3 main characters, and most of the secondary characters were not very likable (I mean, Chief Rizzo? What a dick.), I very much enjoyed this book. True, these women (girls, really, when the story begins) are not likable, and maybe not even that relatable, but I still wanted to know what happened to them and why. More often than not, I found myself feeling pity for the men in their lives. And, honestly, Kate was SUCH a terrible person that I ended up feeling like she deserved what she got.
Yes, there were portions that made me literally roll my eyes, but in my opinion did not take away from the story. The second half of the story is more fast-paced, however that slower-paced first half is necessary so that the reader can more clearly understand the characters' motives and personalities, and how they all fit (or clash, as the case may be) together.
MAJOR SPOILER ALERT:
I truly did not think it would end up being the husband, despite (or perhaps because of) the title. There were several points in the story where I was 100% convinced either Aubrey or Jenny had killed Kate. Well done, Ms. Campbell, you got me!
The Practical Spinner's Guide - Wool
Book
For centuries, fiber artists have been using wool at their spinning wheels to create beautiful...
47 Meters Down (2017)
5.8
Rate It
Movie Watch
On the rebound after a devastating break-up, Lisa (Mandy Moore) is ready for adventure while on...
Shark Sharks
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated A Girl’s Guide to the Outback in Books
Feb 24, 2021
It is amazing to me how just a few words can make you smile or tug at your heartstrings. Jessica Kate really took me on a marvelous ride in this book. I loved the fun cover, the textured feel to it and all the quotable moments in this book.
When I started reading this book, I immediately noticed how easy it was to relate to the characters. I personally think that it is because deep inside most of us associate with either Sam or Kimberly on some level. They had fun together, teased each other, and they did hurt each other (unintentionally). The making of a quintessentially fun couple. Any great relationship or story is based on how people handle themselves when they are faced with obstacles and Jessica Kate made these characters shine in the way that they handled the obstacles that came up.
In the Girl’s Guide to the Outback, we see some really great examples of overcoming obstacles, building friendships, compassion, and patience. There are two main characters Sam and Kimberly who made me smile more in the space of an hour than I usually do all day, and whom I feel will go down as some of my top favorite characters of all time. I would argue that Julie and Mick could be considered somewhat main characters as well, they were great and put smiles on my face as well
When I started reading this book, I immediately noticed how easy it was to relate to the characters. I personally think that it is because deep inside most of us associate with either Sam or Kimberly on some level. They had fun together, teased each other, and they did hurt each other (unintentionally). The making of a quintessentially fun couple. Any great relationship or story is based on how people handle themselves when they are faced with obstacles and Jessica Kate made these characters shine in the way that they handled the obstacles that came up.
In the Girl’s Guide to the Outback, we see some really great examples of overcoming obstacles, building friendships, compassion, and patience. There are two main characters Sam and Kimberly who made me smile more in the space of an hour than I usually do all day, and whom I feel will go down as some of my top favorite characters of all time. I would argue that Julie and Mick could be considered somewhat main characters as well, they were great and put smiles on my face as well
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated The Bounty in Books
Apr 23, 2021
Hunting Gold
FBI Agent Kate O’Hare and semi-reformed thief and conman Nick Fox are on loan to Interpol to stop a theft at The Vatican. Nick is shocked when he recognizes the thief – his father Quentin. Quentin made it out of The Vatican with one part of a map that is supposed to show where stolen gold was hidden during World War II. Who is he working for? Is there gold? Can Nick and Kate figure out what is going on?
This is an over-the-top book that would have made a perfect action movie. You have to let go of logic and just enjoy the ride, and if you do, you’ll find that the book is fun. The story can be a bit repetitive, but the set pieces (and there are several of them) are filled with creative, over-the-top action. The characters are a little thin, and we really only have three returning characters, but they are developed enough to keep us engaged. Nick and Kate’s relationship seems to have recovered a little from the previous book, but it isn’t where we left them at the end of book five. If you are looking for something serious or realistic, don’t even think about picking up this book. But if you are in the mood for mindless over-the-top action (sensing a theme?), you’ll enjoy this book.
This is an over-the-top book that would have made a perfect action movie. You have to let go of logic and just enjoy the ride, and if you do, you’ll find that the book is fun. The story can be a bit repetitive, but the set pieces (and there are several of them) are filled with creative, over-the-top action. The characters are a little thin, and we really only have three returning characters, but they are developed enough to keep us engaged. Nick and Kate’s relationship seems to have recovered a little from the previous book, but it isn’t where we left them at the end of book five. If you are looking for something serious or realistic, don’t even think about picking up this book. But if you are in the mood for mindless over-the-top action (sensing a theme?), you’ll enjoy this book.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Jolt (2021) in Movies
Aug 3, 2021
The main thing that Jolt has going for it is Kate Beckinsale. Her protagonist is likable enough to just about carry the finished product through the finish line, and into vaguely entertaining territory. The rest of the cast ain't to shabby either - Bobby Cannavale, Stanley Tucci, Laverne Cox, David Bradley - all do pretty well with a patchy script (patchy sure, but I will admit that it made me laugh a few times...)
Other than that though, Jolt feels so familiar. It doesn't do anything new, which wouldn't be such an issue if it was exciting, but it just isn't. The action scenes are underwhelming, and it leans too heavily into the humorous side of things to be a serious thriller, whilst simultaneously trying too hard at the serious thriller aspect to be overly funny. The twist during the films finale is dumb as well - the whole thing would have worked better as a straightforward revenge flick. I also found the obvious sound stage set completely distracting. The scenery looked like and episode of Friends pretty frequently!
Got to admire the ambition to include a blatant set up for a sequel thats probably never going to happen though (complete with a mid credits scene...)
Jolt is a movie that thinks is smarter than it actually is, but it's entertaining enough (thanks in no small part to Kate Beckinsale) to justify a one time watch.
Other than that though, Jolt feels so familiar. It doesn't do anything new, which wouldn't be such an issue if it was exciting, but it just isn't. The action scenes are underwhelming, and it leans too heavily into the humorous side of things to be a serious thriller, whilst simultaneously trying too hard at the serious thriller aspect to be overly funny. The twist during the films finale is dumb as well - the whole thing would have worked better as a straightforward revenge flick. I also found the obvious sound stage set completely distracting. The scenery looked like and episode of Friends pretty frequently!
Got to admire the ambition to include a blatant set up for a sequel thats probably never going to happen though (complete with a mid credits scene...)
Jolt is a movie that thinks is smarter than it actually is, but it's entertaining enough (thanks in no small part to Kate Beckinsale) to justify a one time watch.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Labyrinth (Languedoc, #1) in Books
Aug 30, 2023
115 of 235
Book
Labyrinth ( Languedoc 1)
By Kate Mosse
⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Dr Alice Tanner discovers two skeletons during an archaeological dig in southern France, she unearths a link with a horrific and brutal past. But it's not just the sight of the shattered bones that makes her uneasy; there's an overwhelming sense of evil in the tomb that Alice finds hard to shake off, even in the bright French sunshine. Puzzled by the words carved inside the chamber, Alice has an uneasy feeling that she has disturbed something which was meant to remain hidden... Eight hundred years ago, on the night before a brutal civil war ripped apart Languedoc, a book was entrusted to Alais, a young herbalist and healer. Although she cannot understand the symbols and diagrams the book contains, Alais knows her destiny lies in protecting their secret, at all costs. Skilfully blending the lives of two women divided by centuries but united by a common destiny, LABYRINTH is a powerful story steeped in the atmosphere and history of southern France.
I really enjoy historical fiction and I like how this brought the lives of these two women to life. There were some parts I felt were a chore to read but overall it was a good read. I like Kate Mosse and her writing style so that pulled me through those hard parts. The link between these women was special and so well written!
Book
Labyrinth ( Languedoc 1)
By Kate Mosse
⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Dr Alice Tanner discovers two skeletons during an archaeological dig in southern France, she unearths a link with a horrific and brutal past. But it's not just the sight of the shattered bones that makes her uneasy; there's an overwhelming sense of evil in the tomb that Alice finds hard to shake off, even in the bright French sunshine. Puzzled by the words carved inside the chamber, Alice has an uneasy feeling that she has disturbed something which was meant to remain hidden... Eight hundred years ago, on the night before a brutal civil war ripped apart Languedoc, a book was entrusted to Alais, a young herbalist and healer. Although she cannot understand the symbols and diagrams the book contains, Alais knows her destiny lies in protecting their secret, at all costs. Skilfully blending the lives of two women divided by centuries but united by a common destiny, LABYRINTH is a powerful story steeped in the atmosphere and history of southern France.
I really enjoy historical fiction and I like how this brought the lives of these two women to life. There were some parts I felt were a chore to read but overall it was a good read. I like Kate Mosse and her writing style so that pulled me through those hard parts. The link between these women was special and so well written!
Elizabeth (1521 KP) rated Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, #1) in Books
Apr 24, 2019
I received a free copy of this book after winning a goodreads contest. It was a decent book; interesting enough to keep me reading, but not enough to have me hooked and reading through the night to find out what happened next.
I am left with a lot of questions at the end. What is Kate? What's up with her blood? If it's so sacred, why did she perform a blood ritual in front of a virtual stranger in her apartment? Why did she leave said stranger in her apartment with access to her bloody clothes while she went to take a shower?
Hopefully the other books in the series will answer some of my questions.
I am left with a lot of questions at the end. What is Kate? What's up with her blood? If it's so sacred, why did she perform a blood ritual in front of a virtual stranger in her apartment? Why did she leave said stranger in her apartment with access to her bloody clothes while she went to take a shower?
Hopefully the other books in the series will answer some of my questions.