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Girls Trip (2017)
Girls Trip (2017)
2017 | Comedy, Drama
The previews for “Girls Trip” are a bit deceiving. Like many comedies, the trailer only shows half jokes and makes the film look like it leans toward the slap stick side of comedy rather one filled with clever humor. The first few minutes feel a little forced in their attempt to make people laugh. But rather quickly that impression fades.

The audience rolled with laughter at the screening for “Girls Trip” for pretty much the entire length of the film. Perhaps the funniest comedy about a squad of misbehaving women since “Bridesmaid;” each moment comes at you fast and is funnier than the last.

Highschool friends Ryan (Regina Hall), Sasha (Queen Latifa), Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith), and Dina (Tiffany Haddish) travel to New Orleans for a girls trip to reconnect and cut loose after years apart. Hot guys, loud music, and adults-only jokes, their trip is filled with mishaps. The comedic style is a little chaotic, but its so much fun to watch.

Also really enjoyable are the musical appearances by Ne-Yo, Mariah Carey, and Diddy. The plot is largely about the entertainment industry and its more human side.

“Girls Trip” also has a surprising amount of depth running through its storyline. The four ladies had grown apart and had their issues with each other here and there after high school. On the trip, years of misunderstandings surface to get hashed out. Strong themes of friendship, inner strength and honesty with oneself are a core part of the film.

Ryan herself has become a celebrity over the years alongside her famous football player husband, and Sasha has developed a tabloid website. The two women are diametrically opposed to each other at points. Their struggle for understanding gives viewers a glimpse of the effect the scorning public eye has on celebrities and their personal lives.
  
The Shadow Cabinet (Shades of London, #3)
The Shadow Cabinet (Shades of London, #3)
Maureen Johnson | 2015 | Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I read nearly 3/4 of this book curled up in my easy chair while the kids napped, snow falling softly outside. It is rare that I get that much peace and quiet anymore, so I roared through the book, wanting to finish it before the twins awoke and shattered the peace.

Therefore, any nitpicks I have about anything in the book feeling rushed are no doubt of my own doing, as I manically flipped pages, wanting to find out what happened to Rory and the rest of the gang. When the series is over, I look forward to reading all the books again, and savoring them a bit more.

Needless to say, I loved this book. Definitely my favorite novel to date this year. I am sure Johnson's Shade of London series isn't for everyone, but I've fallen for American-based Rory, a transplant in London, who can now see ghosts. It sounds preposterous, but Johnson has made it work- and work well- in all three novels so far. I love Rory, I love her character, and I love the group of people she's come to surround herself in London - far away from the home she knows in New Orleans.

<i>*spoilers if you haven't read the first two books - which you should, immediately!*</i>

In book three, Rory is dealing with the grief of losing Stephen, as the team frantically tries to find his ghost. They are also trying to find her prefect, Charlotte, who was kidnapped by Rory's therapist, Jane. We learn more about Jane and her past involvement in an ancient cult and a likely string of murders. It all involves a much bigger plot involving London's ability to harness its dead, and the existence of a murky, rumored government organization who polices ghosts.

We also meet a new character in this novel, Freddie (a girl), who is quite bright, but of whom I still remain suspicious - silly, perhaps, but it's so hard to trust new people coming into the gang. We see more of Jerome, which is nice, and Boo and Callum, of course. There's actually less focus on actual ghosts than you'd think and more on some big conspiracies, but it all works, really well. The camaraderie of the team, and the way Johnson voices Rory is just lovely, and the book reads so well. Even what should be a crazy plot is made readable and believable through the lens of these developed characters.

As always, I'm left a bit bereft, waiting for the next book. (And, for the record, I finished the last few pages right before the twins woke up. I feel like that's fate, right?)
  
    Redfin Real Estate

    Redfin Real Estate

    Lifestyle and Business

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    Take it from our users: “It’s the only real estate app you’ll need.” See every nearby home...

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Rue Toulouse
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Caterine Douchette, envied by her family, loved by her friends and in fear of her life finds herself in the safe and loving arms of Remi Michaud, a pirate who lost his heart to an ice princess. Family turmoil, a whodunnit, a new and exotic lover, all with a backdrop of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Rue Toulouse is a refreshing romance which blends together action, adventure, love, sex and so many other features as well.

I read the summary to this book and I was, if I'm honest, ambivalent. I thought it would be an ok read that I would find pretty run of the mill as far as romances go. I couldn't have been more wrong.Rue Toulouse boasts an excellent premise for the story, which is well set up, well paced, well developed and well written. It hooked me in and left me turning pages with frantic abandon as I tried to figure out the whodunnit whilst also waiting rather impatiently to find out if Remi and Caterine would have a permanent, lasting relationship.

The characters are fabulous, especially Remi and Caterine. Caterine is the epitome of good society, a lady through and through. Remi is an enticing and spicy piece of something unknown, but something you would very much like to get to know. He exudes sex appeal and hooks you with his easy cher's and occasional French dialogue. Although Remi and Caterine lead a cast of excellent characters, they are all well written throughout, with the characters all developing nicely in ways you hadn't quite expected. The blossoming romance is not overdone, but realistic and enjoyable. The only quibble I have is that Paulette, Charlotte and Hyacinth did annoy me somewhat, but that was understandable given their treatment of Caterine who you get behind from the get go.

The whodunnit element of the story is excellent and had me guessing right up until the very end, and even then I was shocked. Grahl throws in so many red herrings along the way that you are constantly questioning and thinking of new solutions to the mystery, which was a refreshing angle to add to the romance. I love a book that keeps me thinking, and I have to say that Grahl had my grey matter working overtime trying to second guess what would happen next.

The ending itself was super, tying everything up nicely and leaving the reader with a feeling of quiet satisfaction. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, it's pacy, sexy and incredibly engaging. I will definitely be watching out for more from this author and will be recommending this book to all those who like a romance with a bit more of a kick to it.

*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
  
    Parkmobile

    Parkmobile

    Business and Travel

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    Parking just got a whole lot easier! Parkmobile provides a better and more convenient way to pay for...