Search

Search only in certain items:

Raiventon (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria #2)
Raiventon (Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria #2)
Sarah Westill | 2021 | Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
RAIVENTON is the second book in the Gen-Heirs: The Guardians of Sziveria series and we move onto Raina and Kevin. They have been married for years but don't have what you might call a conventional marriage!

Kevin has his team and is with them a lot of the time. During his absence, Raina has been striking out on her own, trying to get out from under her father's thumb. Unfortunately, her naivety brings about her downfall, with the not-so-nice Shield Guardian Enbrackon 'helping' her along.

Wow, this series just keeps getting better! I'm sorry Kat and Sean, but it's true! Whilst I loved your book, this one edges it. Maybe because I'm now used to this world. Maybe it's because I really, REALLY, don't like Enbrackon and loved him not getting his way. Maybe it's seeing Kevin and Raina fall in love and her finally being able to show her strengths. I don't know. All I do know is I read this book from beginning to end, losing myself in their world.

The intrigue continues and I am loving every word. Kevin, Mason, Sean, and Katria may be a team when they go on a mission, but they have a team already at home, and I am loving the additions to it with each story.

A fantastic story set in a world I am loving. I have no hesitation in recommending this book, or the series, and I really can't wait for book 3. Bring it on!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa

Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Round Up the Usual Peacocks
Round Up the Usual Peacocks
Donna Andrews | 2022 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Will Killers Crash the Wedding of the Century?
Meg’s brother is getting married and their mother is working on turning it into the wedding of the century. However, Meg’s nephew, Kevin, comes to her with a request for help. Kevin and a friend have started a true crime podcast focusing on cold cases, and they think one of their episodes hit too close to home since someone has tried to kill Kevin’s friend. Meg begins investigating the most likely cases. But can she figure out what is going on before the wedding?

Longtime fans of this series know this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Meg at weddings involving peacocks. However, this isn’t a retread in any way. And, if you are new to the series, you can jump in here and enjoy the antics. With three cases for Meg to consider, there is plenty to keep her hopping. I was hooked the entire way, even though I suspected where the stories were going. For the record, I was right on some things and wrong on others. The climax was a little weaker than I would have liked, but it was a minor issue. We have the usual large cast of characters, and it was fantastic to spend time with them. There may not be a laugh on every page here, but there are some classic moments that made me laugh. This is a delightful book that will please Meg’s fans old and new.
  
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
2017 | Action, Adventure, Comedy
Loved the humor and comedy they brought with this cast. The Rock speaks for himself. Adding the comedic nature of Kevin Hart and Jack Black just made this movie well rounded and a fitting sequel to the original. (0 more)
There were a few moments that the characters I believe were overplayed but not enough to deter from the movie. (0 more)
Entertaining continuation of the original.
Contains spoilers, click to show
I feel that there will never be a replacement for the original with Robin Williams, but this was a fitting continuation and I loved that they added in the tie in from "Alan's Cabin". I had many laugh out loud moments and have even went twice to see this movie. I don't do that often.
  
The Punisher (2004)
The Punisher (2004)
2004 | Action, Drama
10
7.0 (4 Ratings)
Movie Rating
When former Navy Seal Frank Castle's family is gunned down at a family reunion in an act of revenge ordered by mob boss Howard saint, frank is forced to leave his life behind and take up arms against all those who wronged him - with extreme violence. Turning to his inner darkness to extract justice, frank becomes a symbol of both Justice & Fear known as The Punisher!

This movie has great plot points, great casting, excellent stunt work and memorable quotes packed with scenes that hit hard, the punisher is something not to be missed.

Starring Tom jane, John Travolta, Samantha mathis, will patton, laura harring, ben foster, James carpinello, John pinette, eddie jemison, kevin Nash, Rebecca Romijn & Mark Collie.
  
Crazy Rich Asians
Crazy Rich Asians
Kevin Kwan | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
6
8.4 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Nick Young and Rachel Chu are both professors at NYU and have been dating for a couple of years. With the summer off, Nick invites Rachel home with him to Singapore to attend his best friend's wedding and spend the summer exploring the place he grew up. Nick hasn't told Rachel much about his family and she has only met his cousin, Astrid, but she is ready to take this next step in their relationship. What Rachel doesn't know is that Nick's family is among some of the wealthiest in Singapore and when Rachel steps off that plane, her life will never be the same.

I feel as though I cheated myself a bit when I read this book because, I had already read the sequel [bc:China Rich Girlfriend|22674105|China Rich Girlfriend (Crazy Rich Asians #2)|Kevin Kwan|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419179404s/22674105.jpg|42179165] so I knew what was going to happen. Although it was very interesting at this point to get the back story. I'm not quite sure what I would do if I were in Rachel's shoes. Nick didn't tell her about the status of his wealth, because he was sure she would be able to handle it. But after being constantly asked about her family and where she comes from and finding fish guts in her hotel room, Rachel decides that she might not be cut out for this kind of life. She loves Nick a lot, but having to deal with his family is a whole other ballgame.

I really like the characters Kevin Kwan has created in this series. The book made me laugh out loud and cry to myself. It make me want to travel to Singapore or China and see this first hand. Although, with my financial status, I would never be able to come close. I hear there are talks of a movie for this http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/bookmark/crazy-rich-asians-author-kevin-804381 and I would definitely go to see it. Not sure if there are more books to come for this series, but I'm looking forward to reading more by Kevin Kwan.
  
The Brides of the Big Valley
The Brides of the Big Valley
Wanda E. Brunstetter, Jean Brunstetter, Richelle Brunstetter | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Deanna's Determination By Wanda E. Brunstetter:

This story is really compelling. I really like the fact that this story is about to main characters and they it centers somewhat around being blind. What would happen if you lost your sight? We get to experience this though the eyes of Elmer.

Though we see how strong Deanna's faith is? How she handles her self and her child needs is something special of it. Will Deanna's determination help or hurt her love. Will her love find out that she loves him for him and not his sight? Wanda can make you feel like you are a part of the family when reading her stories or books. This story plot is really something and refreshing to read.

 Rose Mary's Resolve By Jean Brunstetter:

Rose Mary seem to get quite a few things about what she is doing. Though she seems smart enough to figure it out. Though she seem to need a little help from her friend and family. He current boyfriend seem to be pushing Rosemary and trying to go English? Will Rosemary keep her resolve or will she be tempted?

She meet an Englisher that befriends her who is a pilot? What will she decide to do? Her mother is worried she will leave the faith? Her mother can not figure out why he husband his so calm about their daughter Rosemary? We meet Kevin. Kevin seem to be interested in Amish way of life, and Rosemary? Will get figure out what he wants and needs in his life?
 
Leila's Longing By Richelle Brunstetter:

Leila has some struggles we all seem to have growing up. Leila is helping out her mother. Leila seem to struggle with making friends. Don't we all. Though she does not know that her friend reason for treating her badly.

She seem to think she is cause to all her friends and community problem. Though maybe she not. The way she over thinks things. Mollie finds her when she in the store. Will Mollie help her and be friends with Leila.

Aden seems to find that Leila is a catch but he want to get to know her for himself. His friend Samuel seem to see her at singing and cause hurt to Leila. Leila seem to doubt herself once more and fall into not trusting her friends or herself. Can she let go of the past and trust god? Will she hold on to that past? Can she learn from her past and forgive those that hurt her?

The author tell a story about a girl that want to control everything and worrying about things may be hurting her more then helping her move on. The way the author does this helps show us everyone deal with some of the same issues as everyone else does. It may just be a bit different in the way they live and how they deal with their struggles.
  
Loot Time Podcast
Loot Time Podcast
Games & Hobbies, TV & Film
6
7.9 (17 Ratings)
Podcast Rating
Great content, discussion of things most people don't discuss, brings back memories (0 more)
Hosts don't mesh too well yet, almost a one-sided conversation - just wish more interaction and back and forth conversation. (0 more)
Love the content - An 80s kids dream conversation!
So, I really enjoyed most of this - the content is awesome and the discussion is really thoughtful and thorough and different from most podcasts of this genre. I loved how it would bring up things from my childhood in the 80s. How things scared me (Ghostbusters 1 vs 2 - definitely 1 OMG!) And I love that they talk about not all the mainstream stuff - hell Bill & Ted!! I really like listening to Steven - he's solid, talks really well and is easy to follow. Kevin needs to jump in more with conversation... he does a lot of agreeing and sound effects (Yea. Right? HaHa!) it's a bit distracting (and kinda loud) and doesn't add much to the conversation (the Colossal ep specifically). Steven really does well running the conversations and his voice is pretty smooth and mellow which is why I think maybe it's just as simple as Kevin turning his mic down a bit?! I'm sure you guys will find your groove - and I look forward to seeing it happen!
  
Split (2016)
Split (2016)
2016 | Horror, Thriller
This movie keeps you on the edge of your seat with the tension, mystery and entertainment of the character of Kevin Wendellcrumb (2 more)
Secret shared universe
Fantastic performance from James McAvoy
Some unnecessary deaths which were executed cheaply but were not enough to bring this fantastic film down (0 more)
Split: The film that brought M.Night Shymalan to the top
Split is a mysterious thriller staringa great performance by James McAvoy, which has shown that M.Night Shymalan really can make a good film as this film has brought him to top form. This film has terrific performances, mainly by James McAvoy, entertaining suspense which will keep you on the edge of your seat. Go and buy a ticket. Twice! You won't regret it.
  
H(
Hexed (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #2)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The second book in Kevin Hearne's 'The Iron Druid' series which, I have to say, I actually preferred over the first.

This might be because, I feel, that Hearne is beginning to find his feet more, with the series beginning to get its own distinct style rather than the very Dresden-ish feeling I got from [b:Hounded|18404329|Hounded|David Rosenfelt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382758931s/18404329.jpg|26038191].

I also like the glimpses back into Atticus's history, and the plot strands left for future entries, with his world (as a whole) now beginning to develop further.

While still not (yet) up to Dresden standards, this is beginning to get there: I think I will read a few more of these :)
  
Missionary (2014)
Missionary (2014)
2014 | Drama, Mystery
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Directed by Anthony DiBlasi (whom is no stranger to the horror genre) ‘Missionary’ stars Dawn Olivieri (Heroes, True Blood, House Of Lies, CSI, How I Met Your Mother, Stargate Atlantis, The Vampire Diaries, Entourage, American Hustle) as Katherine, a young single mother recently separated from her husband Ian portrayed by actor Kip Pardue (Remember The Titans, Driven, The Rules Of Attraction, Hostel: Part 3, Mad Men, House) who is struggling to work full time, go to school, and raise their son Kesley (Conner Christie). One afternoon while helping Kelsey practice before tryouts for the junior high football team they are visited buy two Mormon missionaries. One of the two, Elder Kevin Brock (Mitch Ryan) offers to help Kelsey practice thereby ‘bending the rules’ regarding Mormons and sports under the guise of hoping to convert Katherine and Kelsey to the Mormon faith. In reality, Kevin and Katherine become infatuated with each other despite their 10 year age difference and begin an affair which also seriously compromises what Katherine likes to refer to as ‘the rules in the Mormon handbook’. While Katherine sees this as only a ‘temporary’ yet passionate sexual relationship, Kevin becomes more and more obsessed not only with Katherine but becoming a father figure to her young son Kelsey and based upon ‘his interpretation’ of Mormon doctrine believes that Katherine and Kesley are the family he’s been seeking since he joined the Mormon and that they will become his ‘celestial family’. Eventually, Katherine decides that the relationship is not good for either of them and instead choose to reconcile with her husband Ian and attempts to quietly end her relationship with Kevin. Now obsessed and bordering on psychotic, Kevin begins to stalk Katherine and her son determined to make them his ‘family’ at any cost.

 

For a film that follows the blueprint for the classic slasher/stalker, I have to give it a great deal of credit.

The introduction of the ‘Mormon Component’ was an original idea that to the best of my knowledge no one had dared to utilize in a movie. Probably out of fear that it might anger the leadership and followers of the Mormon faith. This film did an exceptional job though of creating a ‘distance’ between the antagonist and the other characters in the movie who were Mormons so even those who are not familiar with the religion almost instantly know that Kevin is not a legitimate follower of the faith and that his actions are NOT those of an everyday follower of that faith. The casting of Dawn Olivieri, Connor Christie, and Kip Pardue as the Kingsmen family were spot on. They were truly believable as a struggling family that was going through rough times and trying to work through their difficulties only to be thwarted by a most unlikely circumstance in the form of a crazed stalker-type who twists his religious beliefs into justifying his violent and evil actions.

 

On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, I’d give this film 3 stars. The film may not win any awards with the exception being an excellent job on the part of the actors and crew. The film does follow a blueprint of sorts as mentioned earlier for a slasher/stalker film and combined with original components definitely deserves a place in the scary movie section. Definitely NOT one for the kids as the film contains violence, gore, and some partial nudity. I would include it in a movie marathon on a Friday or Saturday night with a group of friends and some popcorn.