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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Take Me for Granted (Take Me, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
For someone who doesnt like reading bad boy/good girl tropes, I seem to be reading a lot of them lately. I dont even know why I picked up a copy of Take Me for Granted. The synopsis was one I have read a thousand times and the cover was nothing eye catching.
But let me tell you I am sure glad I did. If downloading it was whim then I dont even know what opening it up was. I was hooked from the very first page though. I identified with Ari more than most female leads. While I didnt grow up in a rich family nor do I attend an Ivy League school, I care more about schoolwork than I do most people. Reading Aris inner monologues and thoughts had me laughing because I understood. Its so easy to push people away, create a cold demeanor, and escape into school work. School doesnt hurt you the way people can.
Grant was also absolutely charming. He reminds me so much of my own fiancé in ways and I loved listening to him banter with Ari. At first, his pushiness rubbed me the wrong way. Having been in an abusive relationship, I wanted so much to just scream no in his face over and over again until he understood. However, he wasn't actually harmful in his pushiness, just persistent, and, honestly, had the patience of saint when it came to Ari considering how wishy washy she was at times.
I really enjoyed the story. Linde has a lovely, easy style and is a fantastic storyteller. I especially liked being able to read from both Grant's and Ari's POVs. The cliffhanger nearly destroyed me though, so you better believe I am going to continue the series. Somehow Lindes characters crawled their way beneath my skin, and I wont be content until I know they received a happy ending.
But let me tell you I am sure glad I did. If downloading it was whim then I dont even know what opening it up was. I was hooked from the very first page though. I identified with Ari more than most female leads. While I didnt grow up in a rich family nor do I attend an Ivy League school, I care more about schoolwork than I do most people. Reading Aris inner monologues and thoughts had me laughing because I understood. Its so easy to push people away, create a cold demeanor, and escape into school work. School doesnt hurt you the way people can.
Grant was also absolutely charming. He reminds me so much of my own fiancé in ways and I loved listening to him banter with Ari. At first, his pushiness rubbed me the wrong way. Having been in an abusive relationship, I wanted so much to just scream no in his face over and over again until he understood. However, he wasn't actually harmful in his pushiness, just persistent, and, honestly, had the patience of saint when it came to Ari considering how wishy washy she was at times.
I really enjoyed the story. Linde has a lovely, easy style and is a fantastic storyteller. I especially liked being able to read from both Grant's and Ari's POVs. The cliffhanger nearly destroyed me though, so you better believe I am going to continue the series. Somehow Lindes characters crawled their way beneath my skin, and I wont be content until I know they received a happy ending.
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Room For Recovery (Hearts and Health #4) in Books
Mar 22, 2018
excellent addition to the series
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Hearts and Health series, but you don't need to have read the others first, they are all stand alones.
I don't usually much care for younger main characters; end of high school, beginning of college age; probably because I'm far older than that, but while I KNEW Beau and Wade were that age, it never really sunk in, you know?? I KNEW they were 18 and 19, but they did not SEEM that age.
Wade and Beau have crushed on each other for as long as they can remember, but Wade's coming out led to disastrous consequences, and he doesn't want to admit that he's gay, not to himself, nor to anyone else. Beau, while not fully OUT, certainly aware of what and who he wants. When Beau is attacked, Wade goes all protective and the two get to really know each other.
I can't quite file this book on the warm and fuzzies shelf, like Bedside Manner, because Wade carries a lot of guilt about one thing and another BUT it is a fantastic read. Watching Wade and Beau getting to know each other properly, after being around each other for years, watching Wade deal with his demons, and watching them both fall, and fall far is excellent reading.
Wade pops up in Urgent Care, he is Trent's nephew and Wade is ANGRY at everything and everyone. We get just WHY he is so angry here and its painful reading, listening to Wade deal internally with everything, it really is.
An excellent addition to this series, and it introduces us to Dr Casper Rollins, who has his story next. I look forward to reading it.
5 not quite warm and fuzzie stars, but very nearly.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 4 in the Hearts and Health series, but you don't need to have read the others first, they are all stand alones.
I don't usually much care for younger main characters; end of high school, beginning of college age; probably because I'm far older than that, but while I KNEW Beau and Wade were that age, it never really sunk in, you know?? I KNEW they were 18 and 19, but they did not SEEM that age.
Wade and Beau have crushed on each other for as long as they can remember, but Wade's coming out led to disastrous consequences, and he doesn't want to admit that he's gay, not to himself, nor to anyone else. Beau, while not fully OUT, certainly aware of what and who he wants. When Beau is attacked, Wade goes all protective and the two get to really know each other.
I can't quite file this book on the warm and fuzzies shelf, like Bedside Manner, because Wade carries a lot of guilt about one thing and another BUT it is a fantastic read. Watching Wade and Beau getting to know each other properly, after being around each other for years, watching Wade deal with his demons, and watching them both fall, and fall far is excellent reading.
Wade pops up in Urgent Care, he is Trent's nephew and Wade is ANGRY at everything and everyone. We get just WHY he is so angry here and its painful reading, listening to Wade deal internally with everything, it really is.
An excellent addition to this series, and it introduces us to Dr Casper Rollins, who has his story next. I look forward to reading it.
5 not quite warm and fuzzie stars, but very nearly.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Wanted- Bad Boyfriend (Island Classifieds #1) in Books
Aug 21, 2018
a great easy read
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.
Everyone thinks Nate should have a boyfriend, NEEDS one to be happy. But is ok by himself, mostly. So he hatches a plan with the island's resident bad boy. Pretend to be together for a bit, the Flynn can do his thing, dump Nate and everyone will leave him alone. Only, there are a couple of problems with said plan: both are surprised by the chemistry between them, and actually, Flynn turns out to be quite a good boyfriend. And it becomes a case on not pretending.
I LIKED this book. I did not love it though, and *insert wailing sound* I don't know why!
It's well told, from both Flynn and Nate's point of view, in the past tense. It has some sexy bits, some funny bits, some difficult reading bits and some emotional bits.
We don't get all of Flynn and Nate's history in one go, it comes along bits at time. In fact, much of Flynn's history is still unexplained. I still don't know which of those rumours were true, and just why he did not return for his father's funeral.
It does throw a CORKER twist at you though! I did NOT see that one coming, not at all!! There I was, merrily reading away *don't tell anyone* on a quiet Sunday afternoon at work, and BOOM!!! Moore throws that at me and I'm like SAY WHAT NOW!?!?!?!?!? Out loud! I rarely am vocal when reading (more so when listening) and my colleague is like "Are you okay?" And I'm like "but look what she did!" Seriously well played with that Ms Moore, very VERY well played!
Like I said, it's well told, well written and well delivered. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading experience and I read it in that one afternoon.
I'm just sorry I didn't love it though.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Everyone thinks Nate should have a boyfriend, NEEDS one to be happy. But is ok by himself, mostly. So he hatches a plan with the island's resident bad boy. Pretend to be together for a bit, the Flynn can do his thing, dump Nate and everyone will leave him alone. Only, there are a couple of problems with said plan: both are surprised by the chemistry between them, and actually, Flynn turns out to be quite a good boyfriend. And it becomes a case on not pretending.
I LIKED this book. I did not love it though, and *insert wailing sound* I don't know why!
It's well told, from both Flynn and Nate's point of view, in the past tense. It has some sexy bits, some funny bits, some difficult reading bits and some emotional bits.
We don't get all of Flynn and Nate's history in one go, it comes along bits at time. In fact, much of Flynn's history is still unexplained. I still don't know which of those rumours were true, and just why he did not return for his father's funeral.
It does throw a CORKER twist at you though! I did NOT see that one coming, not at all!! There I was, merrily reading away *don't tell anyone* on a quiet Sunday afternoon at work, and BOOM!!! Moore throws that at me and I'm like SAY WHAT NOW!?!?!?!?!? Out loud! I rarely am vocal when reading (more so when listening) and my colleague is like "Are you okay?" And I'm like "but look what she did!" Seriously well played with that Ms Moore, very VERY well played!
Like I said, it's well told, well written and well delivered. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading experience and I read it in that one afternoon.
I'm just sorry I didn't love it though.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Alicia S (193 KP) rated The Real Deal: A Novel in Books
Sep 28, 2018
Lauren Blakely has done it again!
Lauren Blakely has done it again! What an incredibly sweet and charming love story about two people who find that pretending can sometimes be just as exciting as the real thing! Imagine a reversed Pretty Woman story...
In preparation of going home to see the family in Connecticut, April has decided that hiring a pretend boyfriend to keep the family off her back is the next best thing after her bestie stand-in has to bail for a job. Tired of being set-up with every guy her family comes across, all in hopes of leading her back to her hometown and everything she is not interested in... she heads to the family reunion with her Craigslist hired boyfriend on her arm and a great backstory.
Turns out, Theo is perfection from the moment they meet. Ready to create any story she requires, it's obvious the sparks fly immediately with these two. Creating fun backstories that feel all too real for a couple that met only a few days ago.
Can't forget the family aspect here... some people have family and never see how wonderful they are and never know how good they have it. Some have no family and only dream of being "harassed" by those who love you and it was beyond heartwarming to watch such a loving group of people together. April clearly has a wonderful family and they so lovingly welcome Theo and his family into theirs.
So heartwarming, this book brought a smile to my face over and over. Didn't want to put it down yet I didn't want it to end!? Such wonderful characters, I loved April's strength, and determination and listening to the two of them together was beyond adorable. Loved that she was so quick, funny and smart and he was just a sweetheart, afraid of his past, afraid of letting her down, afraid this would never be more than a fake weekend... boy was he wrong!? ;-) Highly recommended read and author!!
In preparation of going home to see the family in Connecticut, April has decided that hiring a pretend boyfriend to keep the family off her back is the next best thing after her bestie stand-in has to bail for a job. Tired of being set-up with every guy her family comes across, all in hopes of leading her back to her hometown and everything she is not interested in... she heads to the family reunion with her Craigslist hired boyfriend on her arm and a great backstory.
Turns out, Theo is perfection from the moment they meet. Ready to create any story she requires, it's obvious the sparks fly immediately with these two. Creating fun backstories that feel all too real for a couple that met only a few days ago.
Can't forget the family aspect here... some people have family and never see how wonderful they are and never know how good they have it. Some have no family and only dream of being "harassed" by those who love you and it was beyond heartwarming to watch such a loving group of people together. April clearly has a wonderful family and they so lovingly welcome Theo and his family into theirs.
So heartwarming, this book brought a smile to my face over and over. Didn't want to put it down yet I didn't want it to end!? Such wonderful characters, I loved April's strength, and determination and listening to the two of them together was beyond adorable. Loved that she was so quick, funny and smart and he was just a sweetheart, afraid of his past, afraid of letting her down, afraid this would never be more than a fake weekend... boy was he wrong!? ;-) Highly recommended read and author!!
Fred (860 KP) rated Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) in Movies
Jan 24, 2019
Listening to other people's reviews, I thought I would see a great movie about one of the greatest bands of all time & maybe the greatest singer of all time. But, in the end, I thought it was just okay.
Let's start with Rami Malek. Rami Malek was unbelievable & he deserves to win best actor. One of the best portrayals of a real person I've ever seen. He was Freddie Mercury. every move, every mannerism, perfect. The music is the best, because it's Queen & a couple of other great songs. Although the movie was over 2 hours long, it seemed rushed. Some great songs were missing and the time frame for some of the songs seemed way off. But any Queen songs is good enough.
But my main problem was I did find the movie to not be that interesting. There was nothing shocking, nothing we didn't already know. Freddie comes off as an egotistical prick, which he deserved to be, but it's not enjoyable to watch. There was not that much drama. And the drama there is, was just not played out right. Like the father is against his ways, but doesn't say anything. There's no tension there. When Mary breaks up with him because she knows he's gay, it's like nothing happens. Freddie is lonely so he throws big parties with people who aren't his friends. Yeah, we've seen that before. They play "Under Pressure" but no mention of David Bowie at all. Felt like they had to keep Freddie lonely for an attempt at some fake drama. They end the movie with a replica of Queen's appearance at Live Aid, which was great. It sent chills down my spine. And I'm guessing people are basing their love for the film, based on how the movie leaves them feeling. It was also great seeing Freddie Mercury himself singing during the credits. I enjoyed the movie over-all, but don't think I'd watch it again. I'd rather watch a Queen concert or Live Aid again.
Let's start with Rami Malek. Rami Malek was unbelievable & he deserves to win best actor. One of the best portrayals of a real person I've ever seen. He was Freddie Mercury. every move, every mannerism, perfect. The music is the best, because it's Queen & a couple of other great songs. Although the movie was over 2 hours long, it seemed rushed. Some great songs were missing and the time frame for some of the songs seemed way off. But any Queen songs is good enough.
But my main problem was I did find the movie to not be that interesting. There was nothing shocking, nothing we didn't already know. Freddie comes off as an egotistical prick, which he deserved to be, but it's not enjoyable to watch. There was not that much drama. And the drama there is, was just not played out right. Like the father is against his ways, but doesn't say anything. There's no tension there. When Mary breaks up with him because she knows he's gay, it's like nothing happens. Freddie is lonely so he throws big parties with people who aren't his friends. Yeah, we've seen that before. They play "Under Pressure" but no mention of David Bowie at all. Felt like they had to keep Freddie lonely for an attempt at some fake drama. They end the movie with a replica of Queen's appearance at Live Aid, which was great. It sent chills down my spine. And I'm guessing people are basing their love for the film, based on how the movie leaves them feeling. It was also great seeing Freddie Mercury himself singing during the credits. I enjoyed the movie over-all, but don't think I'd watch it again. I'd rather watch a Queen concert or Live Aid again.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated On a Clear Day in Books
Jan 23, 2020
I've never been so confused with an audiobook. I don't really know why, either.
<b>There's not much of a plot going on just a group of teenagers from random parts of the world (I think) banding together to take down a major company while figuring out how a terrorist fits in with it all.</b> If you want a shorter version, it's a group of teenagers coming together to take down a monopolizer.
<i>On a Clear Day</i> is probably <b>better to listen to than actually reading the book</b>. There are some parts that are read rapid fast, but Rebecca Soler is an amazing narrator. Like Amanda Dolan in <i>Red Queen</i>, <b>the story is narrated realistically and it was just far more enjoyable to listen to.</b> I felt like I was listening to a recording of a conversation (that might actually be very accurate).
The narration might have been why I even completed the book. Maybe the heat is getting to me (not likely), but I feel like <b>I'm just chugging along and nodding without interpreting anything going on. I don't feel like I know much about any of the group of teenagers aside from what they're well-known for</b> chess prodigy, math/computer whiz, athlete, musician, etc.
<b>I feel like I'm reading the middle of a stand alone series</b> where I'm supposed to know all the major characters really well and Myers can just focus on developing the plot. The points to the point disappeared somewhere. <b>The end feels like a pause that Myers will never get around to. It's a happily ever after with loose ends and an unknown future.</b>
<blockquote>C-8 had backed off from acquiring another company. For now.</blockquote>
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/audiobook-review-on-a-clear-day-by-walter-dean-myers/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
<b>There's not much of a plot going on just a group of teenagers from random parts of the world (I think) banding together to take down a major company while figuring out how a terrorist fits in with it all.</b> If you want a shorter version, it's a group of teenagers coming together to take down a monopolizer.
<i>On a Clear Day</i> is probably <b>better to listen to than actually reading the book</b>. There are some parts that are read rapid fast, but Rebecca Soler is an amazing narrator. Like Amanda Dolan in <i>Red Queen</i>, <b>the story is narrated realistically and it was just far more enjoyable to listen to.</b> I felt like I was listening to a recording of a conversation (that might actually be very accurate).
The narration might have been why I even completed the book. Maybe the heat is getting to me (not likely), but I feel like <b>I'm just chugging along and nodding without interpreting anything going on. I don't feel like I know much about any of the group of teenagers aside from what they're well-known for</b> chess prodigy, math/computer whiz, athlete, musician, etc.
<b>I feel like I'm reading the middle of a stand alone series</b> where I'm supposed to know all the major characters really well and Myers can just focus on developing the plot. The points to the point disappeared somewhere. <b>The end feels like a pause that Myers will never get around to. It's a happily ever after with loose ends and an unknown future.</b>
<blockquote>C-8 had backed off from acquiring another company. For now.</blockquote>
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/audiobook-review-on-a-clear-day-by-walter-dean-myers/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
ClareR (5726 KP) rated The Foundling in Books
Jan 14, 2020
Gothic historical fiction - just my cup of tea!
The Foundling is set in Georgian London, and is packed full of secrets. No-one in it appears to be telling the truth.
Bess Bright, a hawker of shrimps on London’s streets, leaves her newborn, Clara, at the London Foundling Hospital with every intention of reclaiming her when she is older. When Bess does return having saved the money to pay for the care her daughter has received over the last six years, it’s to discover that Bess Bright has already claimed her baby the day after she left her. So someone has taken her daughter.
In a much wealthier part of London, a widow is persuaded by her doctor to take on a nursemaid for her daughter. The widow rarely leaves her home, and doesn’t let her daughter play outside. The child’s only time outside is the journey to church at the Foundling Hospital every Sunday. The new nursemaid, along with the doctor, convince the widow that she should allow the child some times outside to play, and some fresh air.
This is just the tip of the iceberg though. The widow is a complex, damaged character who tries to hide from her past - but as secrets have a habit of doing, hers catch up with her. The nursemaid is instrumental in this.
The descriptions in this book are all so vivid - I was transported into the contrasting world of Georgian London and those who lived in poverty living alongside (streets away from) those who lived with unmentionable amounts of money. The oppression in the widows household was overwhelming: claustrophobic, even.
I loved everything about this book - I loved the gothic, suspense-filled atmosphere, and spent a large part of the book with my heart in my mouth!
Another wonderful book by Stacey Halls, and one I’d highly recommend reading!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for the reading AND the listening experience (I loved the narrators on the audio book!), and Stacey Halls for reading along, too!
Bess Bright, a hawker of shrimps on London’s streets, leaves her newborn, Clara, at the London Foundling Hospital with every intention of reclaiming her when she is older. When Bess does return having saved the money to pay for the care her daughter has received over the last six years, it’s to discover that Bess Bright has already claimed her baby the day after she left her. So someone has taken her daughter.
In a much wealthier part of London, a widow is persuaded by her doctor to take on a nursemaid for her daughter. The widow rarely leaves her home, and doesn’t let her daughter play outside. The child’s only time outside is the journey to church at the Foundling Hospital every Sunday. The new nursemaid, along with the doctor, convince the widow that she should allow the child some times outside to play, and some fresh air.
This is just the tip of the iceberg though. The widow is a complex, damaged character who tries to hide from her past - but as secrets have a habit of doing, hers catch up with her. The nursemaid is instrumental in this.
The descriptions in this book are all so vivid - I was transported into the contrasting world of Georgian London and those who lived in poverty living alongside (streets away from) those who lived with unmentionable amounts of money. The oppression in the widows household was overwhelming: claustrophobic, even.
I loved everything about this book - I loved the gothic, suspense-filled atmosphere, and spent a large part of the book with my heart in my mouth!
Another wonderful book by Stacey Halls, and one I’d highly recommend reading!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for the reading AND the listening experience (I loved the narrators on the audio book!), and Stacey Halls for reading along, too!
JT (287 KP) rated Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (2014) in Movies
Mar 3, 2020
Exciting action (1 more)
Tension and drama
Enjoyable summer blockbuster
No question that this sequel went straight into my top ten films for 2014. Exceptionally shot with astounding special effects in part thanks to performance capture king Andy Serkis this is a film that delivers.
Ten years on and with the epidemic wiping out most of the world’s population humans are very much becoming the minority species. A small band of immune survivors still hold out hope that there are others out there and look to make contact with anyone who might be listening.
The apes have now settled deep in the San Francisco forests building their own fully functioning civilisation led by chimpanzee Caesar. What makes this film rise above (sorry) the first is much of the attention focuses on the apes and deep-rooted character development.
Caser is supported by fellow performance-capture actor Toby Kebbell who plays Koba. An ape with a chip on his shoulder after years of being tested on. His dislike for the human race is made obvious to his best friend.
Their simmering relationship is one of the highlights of the film as they battle they decide whether to stay hidden in peace or go to war. With James Franco gone (albeit making a cameo via archived footage), the human-ape relationship is centred on Malcolm (Jason Clarke) and Caeser, who are bonded by a begrudging truce for peace.
It’s a film that soaks up tension extremely well. Grand battle sequences are cut between emotional and compelling moments interlocked by a very well written script.
The technical aspects of the film are simply stunning and the large set-pieces make for cataclysmic viewing. Caeser’s army arriving on horseback in a show of force to their human foes is captivating. As is the vertigo wincing finale and attack on the human stronghold.
This is was everything a summer blockbuster should be and is most certainly a template to follow.
Ten years on and with the epidemic wiping out most of the world’s population humans are very much becoming the minority species. A small band of immune survivors still hold out hope that there are others out there and look to make contact with anyone who might be listening.
The apes have now settled deep in the San Francisco forests building their own fully functioning civilisation led by chimpanzee Caesar. What makes this film rise above (sorry) the first is much of the attention focuses on the apes and deep-rooted character development.
Caser is supported by fellow performance-capture actor Toby Kebbell who plays Koba. An ape with a chip on his shoulder after years of being tested on. His dislike for the human race is made obvious to his best friend.
Their simmering relationship is one of the highlights of the film as they battle they decide whether to stay hidden in peace or go to war. With James Franco gone (albeit making a cameo via archived footage), the human-ape relationship is centred on Malcolm (Jason Clarke) and Caeser, who are bonded by a begrudging truce for peace.
It’s a film that soaks up tension extremely well. Grand battle sequences are cut between emotional and compelling moments interlocked by a very well written script.
The technical aspects of the film are simply stunning and the large set-pieces make for cataclysmic viewing. Caeser’s army arriving on horseback in a show of force to their human foes is captivating. As is the vertigo wincing finale and attack on the human stronghold.
This is was everything a summer blockbuster should be and is most certainly a template to follow.
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