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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Dead Man's Grave (DS Max Craigie #1) in Books
Jul 16, 2021
One of the best books I have read this year and one of the best in this genre I have read for a very long time!
I have never read anything by Neil Lancaster before but the blurb sounded right up my street so gave it a punt and I'm so glad I did because what a brilliant start to a series.
Max is a very interesting character with a strong back story which most definitely adds to the story as a whole. There are some dark moments interspersed with lighter times and I particularly like the relationship Max has with his boss, Ross, and colleague, Janie, which felt authentic.
What can I say ... brilliant characters, gripping story line, excellent pace, full of tension and action featuring historical feuds, revenge, dirty coppers, gangsters and all set in beautiful Scotland ... just a fantastic book all round really and I can't wait for the next instalment.
Thank you HQ Digital and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I have never read anything by Neil Lancaster before but the blurb sounded right up my street so gave it a punt and I'm so glad I did because what a brilliant start to a series.
Max is a very interesting character with a strong back story which most definitely adds to the story as a whole. There are some dark moments interspersed with lighter times and I particularly like the relationship Max has with his boss, Ross, and colleague, Janie, which felt authentic.
What can I say ... brilliant characters, gripping story line, excellent pace, full of tension and action featuring historical feuds, revenge, dirty coppers, gangsters and all set in beautiful Scotland ... just a fantastic book all round really and I can't wait for the next instalment.
Thank you HQ Digital and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Journey To The West: Conquering the Demons (2014) in Movies
Sep 21, 2020
Transcendent. A purified gonzo spectacle with enough madcap panache to measure on the Richter scale. Stephen Chow really is the *fucking* man, like if Ang Lee in the early aughts did enough acid to choke out a small village. Like all of Chow's work, it's got it all: riveting emotion, uproarious comedy, zany action, stellar production, and less than zero visible self consciousness to speak on. Exactly what these movies oughta be - plays with space like a champ and stages itself like an old school cult classic with a heavy emphasis on rubberlike physicality and Rube Goldberg-esque setpieces brought lovingly into the modern era, then injected with numerous hallucinogens. A gigantic Buddha bitch slaps the entire planet in this (literally). Have some issues with underwriting in its core relationship, and a bit too loose of pacing near the end; but it whips itself into shape enough to hardly notice too much. Balances silly with serious really formidably. The tectonic, slapstick partner piece to the blood-gushing, limb-loathing ššŖšÆš«š¢ šš“š“š¢š“š“šŖšÆ.
Kristina (502 KP) rated Fractured (Will Trent, #2) in Books
Dec 7, 2020
3.5 stars
Karin Slaughter goes straight for the jugular with her books! Nothing is sugar coated or wrapped up a pretty little bow. She comes by her work honestly and the picture she paints is dark, demented, and brutal. But it's so close to reality; much more so than books filled with fluffy unicorns and endless rainbows. As depressing and soul-wrenching as it is, Karin makes it work. She pulls you in and hypnotizes you with a fresh, albeit insidious, point of view. "Fractured" deals with the violent murder of a teenage girl, a seemingly-impossible-to-figure-out kidnapping, and a terrifying story of a serial rapist. Karin doesn't hold anything back and I, for one, don't have any complaints! I also enjoy the little snippets of the relationship between Will and Angie - though I must admit, I don't like Angie very much - because it appeals to my romantic side and proves that Karin can be sweet when she wants to be. Two books down, I believe six more to go!
Karin Slaughter goes straight for the jugular with her books! Nothing is sugar coated or wrapped up a pretty little bow. She comes by her work honestly and the picture she paints is dark, demented, and brutal. But it's so close to reality; much more so than books filled with fluffy unicorns and endless rainbows. As depressing and soul-wrenching as it is, Karin makes it work. She pulls you in and hypnotizes you with a fresh, albeit insidious, point of view. "Fractured" deals with the violent murder of a teenage girl, a seemingly-impossible-to-figure-out kidnapping, and a terrifying story of a serial rapist. Karin doesn't hold anything back and I, for one, don't have any complaints! I also enjoy the little snippets of the relationship between Will and Angie - though I must admit, I don't like Angie very much - because it appeals to my romantic side and proves that Karin can be sweet when she wants to be. Two books down, I believe six more to go!
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated Christopher: A Tale of Seduction in Books
Oct 7, 2020
Burnett's debut novel introduces us to us a most interesting protagonist - B. K. Troop - a heavy set, less than aesthetic, aging homosexual man who becomes obsessed with the title character. Christopher is young, handsome, naive and painfully straight. Despite the seemingly hopeless situation, B.K. believes that he can still turn the boy into a conquest by taking advantage of his delicate situation. Christopher is a freshly divorced English teacher who has run away from the pain of losing his ex and suffering his overbearing mother has put him through, in order to write his long suppressed novel. Burnett takes us on a bumpy ride as the relationship develops and changes throughout the year 1984. This character-driven story pulls the reader in, as we start out disgusted and then fascinated by the workings of B.K's mind and his less than savory tactics to reach his goal. Burnett uses the flamboyance of his narrator's personality to embellish his prose with quips and high-brow remarks, making it not only an intelligent read, but one that sparkles with wit and humor.
AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated Date with a Devil (Dallas Devils #1) in Books
Jan 14, 2021
First Read of the Year
258 Pages
Kindle Edition
This light and at times steamy kicked off the start of 2021 with a bang (of bodies hitting the boards, and the clashing of hockey sticks as pucks hit the ice)!
Austen hosts a popular online section for the Dallas Devils, going on "dates" with the players and introducing them to the fans... All went well until it was the turn of jock Dane, an athlete with a reputation for disliking the media and being a fan of the puck bunnies!
What follows for the duo with a great deal of chemistry, is a bumpy road which threatens to impact both of their careers and their relationship!
The first in the Dallas Devils series, and Winters does not disappoint with this contemporary sports romance. It was an easy read with a great deal of depth, well paced and oozing chemistry.
The story progression worked well with Winters' writing style, with added drama from a historical back story which is explained in further books, and a great antagonist.
Hoping book 2 is just as interesting!
Kindle Edition
This light and at times steamy kicked off the start of 2021 with a bang (of bodies hitting the boards, and the clashing of hockey sticks as pucks hit the ice)!
Austen hosts a popular online section for the Dallas Devils, going on "dates" with the players and introducing them to the fans... All went well until it was the turn of jock Dane, an athlete with a reputation for disliking the media and being a fan of the puck bunnies!
What follows for the duo with a great deal of chemistry, is a bumpy road which threatens to impact both of their careers and their relationship!
The first in the Dallas Devils series, and Winters does not disappoint with this contemporary sports romance. It was an easy read with a great deal of depth, well paced and oozing chemistry.
The story progression worked well with Winters' writing style, with added drama from a historical back story which is explained in further books, and a great antagonist.
Hoping book 2 is just as interesting!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Sometimes Always Never (2019) in Movies
Jun 26, 2019
Bill Nighy's deadpan comic performance as a obsessive Scrabble player trying to reconnect with his family is the best reason to go and see this movie. Nighy's character has a strained relationship with the rest of his clan, partly because one of his children walked out, never to return, after a row over a contentious two-letter word. The film, which is not exactly over-burdened with plot, shows them trying to work out their various issues.
Not nearly as wacky as it possibly sounds; it is certainly a very whimsical film, but handled in an extremely dry and low-key way. There is something very quiet and English about it, possibly due to the fact it has clearly been made on a vanishingly tiny budget. Nighy is excellent, and there are some very funny moments (such as when he hustles Tim McInnerny's character into playing Scrabble for cash). No real flaws, but at the same time it does feel a little under-powered as a piece of drama.
Not nearly as wacky as it possibly sounds; it is certainly a very whimsical film, but handled in an extremely dry and low-key way. There is something very quiet and English about it, possibly due to the fact it has clearly been made on a vanishingly tiny budget. Nighy is excellent, and there are some very funny moments (such as when he hustles Tim McInnerny's character into playing Scrabble for cash). No real flaws, but at the same time it does feel a little under-powered as a piece of drama.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Dumped, Actually in Books
Sep 28, 2019
Fun and heartwarming
Nick Spaldingās books can always be relied on to be lighthearted and entertaining, and Dumped, Actually is no exception. To be frank, his writing style is basic and uncomplicated, and itāll never win any awards. However that doesnāt make it any less enjoyable.
I decided to read this as it rather reminded me of my doomed relationship last year, and there is a lot in this book that i could relate to about how I felt (and still do). Of course Ollieās exploits are entirely over the top and farcical, but thatās what makes this book so enjoyable to read and itās laugh out loud funny in parts. Thereās a moment just over half way through that throws the momentum of the book a little, but itās still very heartwarming and has a lot of feel good moments and messages. Part of the ending is a bit cliched and the writing does get a bit basic at times, but itās still a rather fun moving book that really got me thinking (and crying).
I decided to read this as it rather reminded me of my doomed relationship last year, and there is a lot in this book that i could relate to about how I felt (and still do). Of course Ollieās exploits are entirely over the top and farcical, but thatās what makes this book so enjoyable to read and itās laugh out loud funny in parts. Thereās a moment just over half way through that throws the momentum of the book a little, but itās still very heartwarming and has a lot of feel good moments and messages. Part of the ending is a bit cliched and the writing does get a bit basic at times, but itās still a rather fun moving book that really got me thinking (and crying).
Sammeh Lowry (15 KP) rated If I Stay (If I Stay, #1) in Books
Jul 13, 2019
The hype was far too much for me. I went into this book hoping for amazing things and it fell rather flat. I don't know if because of my age this book was too young for me, I just didn't feel I could relate on many levels. I liked the way it was written, I liked the going back and forth between the time periods but I didn't feel connected to the story in anyway. The one thing I did love about this though was how real it was,it wasn't love can conquer all, it wasn't well as long as I have another half in my life I shall be fine. It was real,and I loved the relationship between the main character and her parents.The whole plot completely threw me I was not expecting that at all, so I did love how different that was. I think someone who is 14 would enjoy this book I at an age of *coughs* almost26* *coughs* didn't find it that enjoyable I'm afraid.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Playing For Keeps in Books
Sep 3, 2019
This is my first book by the author and I can't help wondering why that is because this is a perfect mix of romance, humour and awww moments, especially with Lollipop--the three legged dog they rescue and joint adopt at the beginning of the book.
And Lollipop is what brings our two characters together. They may have already known each other but their love for the cute dog made them finally connect. The broke sarcastic girl and the rich suit wearing do-gooder.
I actually liked both Sadie and Caleb. To see the two relationship wary people slowly open up and let themselves feel something. To be themselves around each other instead of the person they feel they need to be. The eventual teasing as they begin to fall. It was super cute. Add in the dog and I was hooked.
I would love to read more of this series in the future whether it be previous books or Ivy's story which is next up, as they all seem like a great group of friends.
And Lollipop is what brings our two characters together. They may have already known each other but their love for the cute dog made them finally connect. The broke sarcastic girl and the rich suit wearing do-gooder.
I actually liked both Sadie and Caleb. To see the two relationship wary people slowly open up and let themselves feel something. To be themselves around each other instead of the person they feel they need to be. The eventual teasing as they begin to fall. It was super cute. Add in the dog and I was hooked.
I would love to read more of this series in the future whether it be previous books or Ivy's story which is next up, as they all seem like a great group of friends.
Janeeny (200 KP) rated The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae in Books
Sep 13, 2019
Ailsa Rae is a woman with a terminal heart condition, until the day she receives a heart transplant. Ailsa is adjusting to life, a life that actually has a future. Now Ailsa is no longer dying she has to start living, but itās hard. Sheās struggling with her relationship with her mother and the father sheās never known, and coping with emotions controlled by a heart that isnāt really hers. Is it ungrateful to be so unhappy when your very existence is a gift?
Ailsa Rae is quirky and bold. She writes a blog about her illness and subsequent transplant, asking her followers to assist in some major life decisions. Itās a very clever device as whilst she is writing for her blog followers it feels like sheās talking to you so it fully engrosses you in the story. There is of course a love interest in there somewhere, but itās not clichĆ©. In fact in true style of Ailsaās new life, itās complicated. I really enjoyed this.
Ailsa Rae is quirky and bold. She writes a blog about her illness and subsequent transplant, asking her followers to assist in some major life decisions. Itās a very clever device as whilst she is writing for her blog followers it feels like sheās talking to you so it fully engrosses you in the story. There is of course a love interest in there somewhere, but itās not clichĆ©. In fact in true style of Ailsaās new life, itās complicated. I really enjoyed this.