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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2464 KP) rated They're Watching in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Someone is filming Patrick Davis doing his every day activities. Who are they? What do they want? And why are they focused on him? From that premise comes a tale so intriguing, I stayed up way too late two nights in a row to finish reading it. Definitely a book you won't want to put down.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-theyre-watching-by-gregg.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-theyre-watching-by-gregg.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kevin Phillipson (10072 KP) rated Doctor who: The Macra Terror in TV
Mar 28, 2019
Patrick troughton (1 more)
Macra
Watched last night it's not bad not one of the best doctor who's from the sixties due to the budget but we will get to that but first the story. For years this and many other who's had been missing from the BBC archive due to alot of episodes being junked destroyed especially the macra terror where it's been totally destroyed till now. Now a new audience can watch it for the first as an animated feature and it looks good the acting from Patrick troughton is getting into his stride finally after five adventures with support from his companions. Now to the macra they look so much more now scary than they did originally due to budget hope some day they will animate more lost who's we can dream
Merissa (13600 KP) rated Finding Harbor (The Long Shadow Series #3) in Books
Nov 21, 2025
FINDING HARBOR is the third book in The Long Shadow series, and I wonder if I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the other two.
The first half of the book is fairly fast-paced as Patrick lands on the shores of St. Ann's, a small village in the middle of nowhere, for a deal that was a scam. He doesn't have enough money on him for a return ticket and is unsure of what to do. Angus is the local giant who seems to have everyone's respect. Patrick asks for a job, Angus gives him not only that but a place to live too. They kiss. Everything's tickety-boo.
BUT then comes the second half which, for me, felt a little off in the pacing. It also felt a little repetitive. During this time, I didn't really feel anything significant between the two men, beyond a push/pull situation where nothing seemed resolved.
You see, Patrick goes to The Rusty Anchor, against Angus' advice, and gets into a situation where Angus rescues him. Angus literally carries him out, making a statement to the town. Then they drift apart. Preacher comes to town, making everyone question the morality of Angus and Patrick living together. Sailors come to the store and cause trouble, Angus deals with them, Patrick and Angus drift apart. Mary goes into a three-day labour, Patrick and Angus help, then they drift apart. Angus saves Patrick from runaway horses and carries him home, once again making a statement to the town.
Overall, this is a low steam story that I enjoyed. I'm struggling to say whether or not it's high angst or medium. There are also lots of things left open, so I'm unsure if they're in other books or if this is their story done with. There is no obvious cliffhanger or HEA, but more of a HFN. Considering the time of the story, that isn't really a surprise.
I do think that this story would be better read as part of the series, simply because I am unsure of how much I have missed by not having read the others. I am sure this book will be popular and have no hesitation in recommending it to readers of this author.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 21, 2025
The first half of the book is fairly fast-paced as Patrick lands on the shores of St. Ann's, a small village in the middle of nowhere, for a deal that was a scam. He doesn't have enough money on him for a return ticket and is unsure of what to do. Angus is the local giant who seems to have everyone's respect. Patrick asks for a job, Angus gives him not only that but a place to live too. They kiss. Everything's tickety-boo.
BUT then comes the second half which, for me, felt a little off in the pacing. It also felt a little repetitive. During this time, I didn't really feel anything significant between the two men, beyond a push/pull situation where nothing seemed resolved.
You see, Patrick goes to The Rusty Anchor, against Angus' advice, and gets into a situation where Angus rescues him. Angus literally carries him out, making a statement to the town. Then they drift apart. Preacher comes to town, making everyone question the morality of Angus and Patrick living together. Sailors come to the store and cause trouble, Angus deals with them, Patrick and Angus drift apart. Mary goes into a three-day labour, Patrick and Angus help, then they drift apart. Angus saves Patrick from runaway horses and carries him home, once again making a statement to the town.
Overall, this is a low steam story that I enjoyed. I'm struggling to say whether or not it's high angst or medium. There are also lots of things left open, so I'm unsure if they're in other books or if this is their story done with. There is no obvious cliffhanger or HEA, but more of a HFN. Considering the time of the story, that isn't really a surprise.
I do think that this story would be better read as part of the series, simply because I am unsure of how much I have missed by not having read the others. I am sure this book will be popular and have no hesitation in recommending it to readers of this author.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 21, 2025
Great plot (2 more)
split narrative to give it some spice
LGBQTIA+ representation
Love, heartbreak and a meth addiction.
Contains spoilers, click to show
Similar to his earlier book 'The Rest of Us Just Live Here', Patrick Ness switches betweens a main narrative and a parallel narrative within the same world, with an unexpected cross between the two at the end. I brought this book and finished it the day after, an easy read but one full of very real characters battling with homophobia and the inevitability of growing up and change. With this book I only hope more diverse LGBTQIA+ representation occurs throughout literature.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Valentine's Day (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
Ashton Kutcher has put down his pranks and camera to return to the big screen leading in this star packed Los Angeles romantic comedy. This feature ties together stories of love, truth, and romance, all taking place within the span of a single Valentine’s Day. The film considers relationships from multiple angles and does a fantastic job intertwining individual stories into a single plotline. Yet before preparing for another “Love Actually” let it be know that the tone of “Valentine’s Day” is entirely its own.
As previously mentioned the cast is comprised of film and television stars including but not limited to Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo, Queen Latifah and not one but two Jessicas (Biel and Alba). As if that were not enough to drawn in big numbers at the box office, “Valentine’s Day” also stars Jennifer Garner, Jamie Foxx, as well as the Mc-actors from Grey’s Anatomy (Patrick Dempsey and Eric Dane). Still not convinced? Then add in Shirley MacLaine, George Lopez and both Taylors (Swift and Lautner) and you’ve got yourself a guaranteed hit, but does the film actually utilize this outstandingly one of a kind cast? Actually it does.
The film is unexpectedly scattered with all the ups and downs of Valentine’s Day from pink and red color schemes to an anti-Valentine’s piñata beat down. All of the scenes are either engaging and honest or delightful and light covering romantic scenarios that truly run the gauntlet. Seriously where else are you going to see Julia Roberts in fatigues and Anne Hathaway as an adult phone entertainer?
I honestly wish there was more to gripe about considering that this film is just a fun romantic comedy, but “Valentine’s Day” is fresh and enjoyable for every minute of the film. Much funnier than I ‘d expected and not insultingly mushy, Valentine’s Day is a perfect date movie which will be a surprise hit even for those romance cynics.
As previously mentioned the cast is comprised of film and television stars including but not limited to Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo, Queen Latifah and not one but two Jessicas (Biel and Alba). As if that were not enough to drawn in big numbers at the box office, “Valentine’s Day” also stars Jennifer Garner, Jamie Foxx, as well as the Mc-actors from Grey’s Anatomy (Patrick Dempsey and Eric Dane). Still not convinced? Then add in Shirley MacLaine, George Lopez and both Taylors (Swift and Lautner) and you’ve got yourself a guaranteed hit, but does the film actually utilize this outstandingly one of a kind cast? Actually it does.
The film is unexpectedly scattered with all the ups and downs of Valentine’s Day from pink and red color schemes to an anti-Valentine’s piñata beat down. All of the scenes are either engaging and honest or delightful and light covering romantic scenarios that truly run the gauntlet. Seriously where else are you going to see Julia Roberts in fatigues and Anne Hathaway as an adult phone entertainer?
I honestly wish there was more to gripe about considering that this film is just a fun romantic comedy, but “Valentine’s Day” is fresh and enjoyable for every minute of the film. Much funnier than I ‘d expected and not insultingly mushy, Valentine’s Day is a perfect date movie which will be a surprise hit even for those romance cynics.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated A Monster Calls (2016) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
I hit Cineworld first thing on New Year's Day to get this month's monies worth out of my Unlimited Card. First up was A Monster Calls, based on the Patrick Ness/Siobhan Dowd book. Shame on me, I haven't read it, it never really seemed like something I would want to read. Even after seeing it I can't tell you if I enjoyed it or not. For those of you who saw My Sister's Keeper you'll be able to identify with the reaction in the cinema. There were under ten of us in there, and all you could hear was sniffing. I would imagine that if you could have seen everyone there would have been sleeves pulled down to wipe tears away.
Merissa (13600 KP) rated Agrippa My Heart: MM Daddy Romance (Destination Daddies Season Two) by J.P. Sayle in Books
Jun 24, 2022 (Updated Jun 24, 2023)
AGRIPPA MY HEART is a Destination Daddies story and is just what I needed to come next on my reading list! You know how sometimes, you read a couple of books that just don't quite do it for you, and then you find a gem which makes you smile? This is what happened to me in this book. I will admit to loving the Destination Daddies collection so call it a weakness if you want.
It starts off quite badly, with Patrick in a bad situation with a so-called daddy who doesn't listen. I don't want to say too much, but let's just say, I was glad when it moved on. Patrick and Akker are perfect for each other and, although Akker gives fate a helping hand, he does come clean to Patrick as soon as he can. Their idyll in Sorrento is interrupted by something unpleasant which has to be dealt with. Not only then, but after Patrick returns to London, he has to deal with his boss that has it in for him too. I honestly thought these two things were connected somehow. Maybe through friendship? I was surprised when they weren't.
Patty regresses further back than I have read before but I didn't find it off-putting or 'weird'. I thought their relationship was beautiful, with each of them providing what the other needed. If it works for them, then who am I to judge? What gives me the right?
One thing made me yelp with excitement! My name - the one that has never shown up on a mug, ruler, pen, etc. - was in here!!!! Blink and you miss it, but I didn't. Woohoo. It made my day.
I needed this warm and fuzzy story to give me a hug and that is exactly what it did. I loved the overlap with other stories from this author, especially Jessie and Smithy, who play supporting roles here.
Highly recommended by me.
** 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!
Jun 16, 2022
It starts off quite badly, with Patrick in a bad situation with a so-called daddy who doesn't listen. I don't want to say too much, but let's just say, I was glad when it moved on. Patrick and Akker are perfect for each other and, although Akker gives fate a helping hand, he does come clean to Patrick as soon as he can. Their idyll in Sorrento is interrupted by something unpleasant which has to be dealt with. Not only then, but after Patrick returns to London, he has to deal with his boss that has it in for him too. I honestly thought these two things were connected somehow. Maybe through friendship? I was surprised when they weren't.
Patty regresses further back than I have read before but I didn't find it off-putting or 'weird'. I thought their relationship was beautiful, with each of them providing what the other needed. If it works for them, then who am I to judge? What gives me the right?
One thing made me yelp with excitement! My name - the one that has never shown up on a mug, ruler, pen, etc. - was in here!!!! Blink and you miss it, but I didn't. Woohoo. It made my day.
I needed this warm and fuzzy story to give me a hug and that is exactly what it did. I loved the overlap with other stories from this author, especially Jessie and Smithy, who play supporting roles here.
Highly recommended by me.
** 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!
Jun 16, 2022
b.Young (97 KP) rated Apocalypticon in Books
Jun 1, 2018
Witty dialog (1 more)
Humorous take on apocalypse genre
The most humorous apocalypse book I've ever read
I found this book offered for Kindle and decided to read it based on the fact that it was humorous instead of serious.
Apocalypticon is a story of two friends in Chicago that somehow survived M-Day, the day the monkey shaped missiles were launched from Jamaica to destroy most of the inhabitants of Earth, only to pack up 3 years later and make a whirlwind trip to visit Disney World, of all places.
Along the way, Patrick and Ben come across some very colorful survivors like Violet, a woman who runs the only bridge out of town like a restaurant: hostess stand, bus boys, wine and all; an Amtrak Captain who happens to be the only one left in the country, that is obsessed with keeping a schedule he never can seem to keep; a futune teller that warns Patrick of his fate; a couple of religious cults, each morbidly twisted in their own way; zombie-like creatures called Runners that snorted their way into the realm of the semi-undead; a gun-toting chick that thinks that the Runners can be cured; and journalist who is trying to make sense of why certain people survived the decimation of 98% of the world's population.
Now, don't get me wrong, there were plenty of action scenes where people and things got effed up, but not so much of the blood and gore that typically goes along with genre.
I surprised myself by actually laughing out loud while reading this...several times, I might add.
I recommend Apocalypticon to anyone who enjoys a good apocalypse story and can accept the hilarity of the situation at hand.
Apocalypticon is a story of two friends in Chicago that somehow survived M-Day, the day the monkey shaped missiles were launched from Jamaica to destroy most of the inhabitants of Earth, only to pack up 3 years later and make a whirlwind trip to visit Disney World, of all places.
Along the way, Patrick and Ben come across some very colorful survivors like Violet, a woman who runs the only bridge out of town like a restaurant: hostess stand, bus boys, wine and all; an Amtrak Captain who happens to be the only one left in the country, that is obsessed with keeping a schedule he never can seem to keep; a futune teller that warns Patrick of his fate; a couple of religious cults, each morbidly twisted in their own way; zombie-like creatures called Runners that snorted their way into the realm of the semi-undead; a gun-toting chick that thinks that the Runners can be cured; and journalist who is trying to make sense of why certain people survived the decimation of 98% of the world's population.
Now, don't get me wrong, there were plenty of action scenes where people and things got effed up, but not so much of the blood and gore that typically goes along with genre.
I surprised myself by actually laughing out loud while reading this...several times, I might add.
I recommend Apocalypticon to anyone who enjoys a good apocalypse story and can accept the hilarity of the situation at hand.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Turtle Boy (Timmy Quinn #1) in Books
Sep 4, 2023
119 of 235
Kindle
The Turtle Boy ( Timmy Quinn 1)
By kealan Patrick Burke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
School is out and summer has begun. For eleven year old Timmy Quinn and his best friend Pete Marshall, the dreary town of Delaware Ohio becomes a place of magic, hidden treasure and discovery. But on the day they encounter a strange young boy sitting on the bank of Myers Pond a pond playground rumor says may hide turtles the size of Buicks everything changes. For it soon becomes apparent that dark secrets abound in the little community, secrets which come cupped in the hands of the dead, and in a heartbeat, Timmy and Petes summer of wonder becomes a season of terror, betrayal and murder.
This was really good! Well written you became involved with the story and the characters. Really good quick read.
Kindle
The Turtle Boy ( Timmy Quinn 1)
By kealan Patrick Burke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
School is out and summer has begun. For eleven year old Timmy Quinn and his best friend Pete Marshall, the dreary town of Delaware Ohio becomes a place of magic, hidden treasure and discovery. But on the day they encounter a strange young boy sitting on the bank of Myers Pond a pond playground rumor says may hide turtles the size of Buicks everything changes. For it soon becomes apparent that dark secrets abound in the little community, secrets which come cupped in the hands of the dead, and in a heartbeat, Timmy and Petes summer of wonder becomes a season of terror, betrayal and murder.
This was really good! Well written you became involved with the story and the characters. Really good quick read.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Car Dogs (2017) in Movies
Jul 12, 2019
One of the things that universally connects us in this world is driving. Eventually, in life, the other factor involved is buying a vehicle. Depending on your experience, it can be nerve wracking, intensely crazy or enjoyable. Almost everyone has a story about the first car they purchased. For some it is the entire process, spotting THE car or coming up against the salespeople. This common thread allows us to identify with each other. With Car Dogs, you will find yourself immersed in the world of car sales.
Mark Chamberlain (Patrick J. Adams) is a sales manager at his father’s dealership. He is in line to get his own shop once he fulfills the quota assigned by his dad. We see Mark go through his day handling purchase issues, client issues and his salespeople in the bullpen. Christian (George Lopez, playing against type) is one of the top dogs at Chamberlain. He gets assigned a fresh rookie on the day that he is busting to make his numbers. Sharon (Nia Vardalos) Is the clever sales guru that is always in competition with Christian. She plays Sharon as a tough but smart sales rep with a warm likability. George Lopez and Nia Vardalos are both well known for comedic parts and they play against type with such care that their performances are refreshingly unexpected.
Patrick J. Adams evokes the stress and pressure that he slowly builds throughout the day, taking us with him as the clock counts down to the hour of reckoning that is the sales goal of 35 cars for the day. This number is enforced by Mark’s father Malcolm (Chris Mulkey) embodying the old school stereotype of a car dealer, pushing his son in a supremely passive-aggressive dance with his brown nosing sadist sidekick Mike (Josh Hopkins).
Filmed on location in Scottsdale, Arizona. Directed by Adam Collis, taking us on a road trip that has familiar sites and unexpected surprises. Mark Edward King’s script pulls the curtain back from a world we rarely see the inner workings and shows us that even car salesmen, although can be real jerks to get the sale, are also human.
Whether you have bought or sold a car. Shopped or searched for the right one, dealt with some B.S. artist or had a fantastic experience. This movie provides the viewer with moments at a dealership that are so familiar, yet gives us a look at how they function behind the sales desk.
Mark Chamberlain (Patrick J. Adams) is a sales manager at his father’s dealership. He is in line to get his own shop once he fulfills the quota assigned by his dad. We see Mark go through his day handling purchase issues, client issues and his salespeople in the bullpen. Christian (George Lopez, playing against type) is one of the top dogs at Chamberlain. He gets assigned a fresh rookie on the day that he is busting to make his numbers. Sharon (Nia Vardalos) Is the clever sales guru that is always in competition with Christian. She plays Sharon as a tough but smart sales rep with a warm likability. George Lopez and Nia Vardalos are both well known for comedic parts and they play against type with such care that their performances are refreshingly unexpected.
Patrick J. Adams evokes the stress and pressure that he slowly builds throughout the day, taking us with him as the clock counts down to the hour of reckoning that is the sales goal of 35 cars for the day. This number is enforced by Mark’s father Malcolm (Chris Mulkey) embodying the old school stereotype of a car dealer, pushing his son in a supremely passive-aggressive dance with his brown nosing sadist sidekick Mike (Josh Hopkins).
Filmed on location in Scottsdale, Arizona. Directed by Adam Collis, taking us on a road trip that has familiar sites and unexpected surprises. Mark Edward King’s script pulls the curtain back from a world we rarely see the inner workings and shows us that even car salesmen, although can be real jerks to get the sale, are also human.
Whether you have bought or sold a car. Shopped or searched for the right one, dealt with some B.S. artist or had a fantastic experience. This movie provides the viewer with moments at a dealership that are so familiar, yet gives us a look at how they function behind the sales desk.