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Tarkin (14 KP) rated Surprise Me in Books

Oct 27, 2018  
Surprise Me
Surprise Me
Sophie Kinsella | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
9
7.6 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Funny (2 more)
Relatable
Gripping
Took a while to get into the swing of it. (0 more)
Slow acceleration, but gripping once you get into it.
So started this book full of optimism, after all, I have loved every Sophie kinsella book I've read so far so why wouldn't I like this one? Took a while to get going, and I was starting to get bored and lose faith ,until about half way through when the plot and pace finally started to pick up. As soon as it got into the swing of it, I couldn't put the book down! Started reading while waiting for my hair dye to work, next thing I know 3 hours have gone by and I should have washed the dye out hours ago! (Its ok, it was non chemical dye, I'm good!) The ending of the book was also not a disappointment. Finished it feeling maybe a little wiser and much better about my own relationship, after relating to some of the thoughts of the main character. Anyway, this book kinda hits home once you've finished it, so if you do get bored, stick with it and you won't be able to put it down!!
  
Hol' It - Single by Keyz Vango
Hol' It - Single by Keyz Vango
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Keyz Vango is a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and producer from Montgomery, Alabama. Not too long ago, he released an affectionate R&B tune, entitled, “Hol’ It”.

‘Hol’ It’ contains a relatable storyline, harmonious vocals, and chill instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B, urban-pop, and hip-hop elements.

The likable tune tells an interesting tale of a young guy who anticipates that his success will create distance within his relationship which he shares with his significant other.

Therefore, he asks his girlfriend in advance, before he travels overseas, to hold things down until he returns home.

“‘Hol’ It’ is an intimate and amazing bit of 3 AM Soul and belongs in the ears of anyone who loves modern R&B. Also, the song is an emotive slow jam which deals with ideas of love and loyalty.”

Keyz Vango was born in Alabama to a gospel music family and moved to New York as a child. He attended college for a while but dropped out to pursue his musical ambitions.

Starting out as a versatile producer and ghostwriter across several genres, he grew into the multifaceted artist he is today over time.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/keyz-vango-hol-it/
  
S
Secret by Alli Fitz
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Alli Fitz is a talented singer-songwriter, YouTuber, and comedian. Not too long ago, she released a lovely urban-pop tune, entitled, “Secret”.

“Last night you called me to get it off your mind. ‘Cause we both know that her love ain’t quite like mine. Sooner or later you’ll be back for more and I’ll be waiting just like every time before.” – lyrics

‘Secret’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who desires to be with a guy who is in a romantic relationship with another woman.

Apparently, he’s confused, therefore, his lover, the woman, reveals to him that she’s a better fit for him than his current girlfriend.

Later, she urges him to let go of his girlfriend so they can be together as a couple. But in the meantime, she promises to keep what they got going on a secret.

‘Secret’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with an urban-pop aroma.

“This song describes the mood and feelings you get when you’re trying to convince that special someone that you’re better than the person they’re currently with. We’ve all been there.” – Alli Fitz

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/alli-fitz-secret/
  
Kisscut (Grant County, #2)
Kisscut (Grant County, #2)
Karin Slaughter | 2002 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
8
7.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
A disturbingly good thriller
The second in the Grant County series this book continues with the high shock value of the crimes involved. Seriously if you are squeamish or don’t want to be reading about rape, genital mutilation, paedophilia, child abuse, and/or suicide then you should probably avoid.

In this outing medical examiner Sara Linton and her on / off partner police chief Jeffery Tolliver investigate a tragic teenage argument that leads to the uncovering of a series of very dark secrets in the town. But with those around the victim closing ranks it’s tough to get to the bottom of who is responsible for some pretty disturbing stuff.

We get to see a bit more of the Sara and Jeffrey relationship dynamic; but more interesting in this book is the ongoing recovery of Detective Lena Adams. The horrendous experiences that were covered in the previous book in the series “Blindsighted” are taking their toll on Lena. I would recommend reading this series in order to fully get the back story to this.

Despite the uncomfortable nature of some of the subject matter this is another well written thriller from Slaughter.
  
VP
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
So this is the third of the Psy-Vamp series and Lydia and Roman's story. It starts with Lydia in a hospital bed and Damon making an appearance. Luckily for Lydia, so does Roman and it's not long before he whisks her away. The repartee between Roman and Lydia is very easy on the eyes and will bring a smile to your mouth, although I found myself laughing out loud on more than on occasion. This is definitely a case of opposites attract as Lydia loosens up the straitlaced Roman. There is some major intensity going on between the two of them.

There are other stories mixed up with this one, the heat is building between Justin and Caitlin. The relationship that is between Lydia and Drew and Sofia is perfect. Lydia is not a doormat and won't be treated as such. The reaction of Sofia upon first speaking with Lydia is absolutely brilliant.

There is a bit of something in here for everyone - everything from love and laughter to hate, tears and torture. A brilliant book in a series that just keeps on getting better. Highly recommended to all vamp fans.
  
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David McK (3632 KP) rated Hounded in Books

Jan 28, 2019  
Hounded
Hounded
Kevin Hearne | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
6
7.1 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
It's hard now-a-days to read urban fantasy without drawing comparisons with Jim Butchers superlative 'Dresden Files' series.

It's even harder when the story is told in the first person, and features a powerful magic-user who deals with all sorts of magical creatures.

That is most definitely the case with Kevin Hearne's 'Hounded' novel, the first in his Iron Druid series (and, I believe, also his first novel). However, unlike Harry Dresden, Atticus O'Sulivan is a centuries old Irish Druid and is already pretty powerful. Also, unlike Dresden, he does not deliberately draw attention to himself ('Wizard for hire'), nor does he have a relationship with the local PD.

Instead, Atticus is doing his best to live the quiet life, trying to stay away from the attention of a Celtic god who has hounded him for centuries and believes that Atticus has stolen a powerful magical sword from him (the sword is in Atticus possession, yes, but not stolen).

All in all, I found this to be a pleasant diversion while waiting for the next Dresden book, and will possibly read a few more to see if I 'grow into' the series any more.
  
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Andy K (10823 KP) rated Klute (1971) in Movies

Jul 21, 2019  
Klute (1971)
Klute (1971)
1971 | Classics, Drama, Mystery
Great 70s thriller!
Another great thriller from Alan J. Pakula, director of All the President's Men, The Parallax View and Presumed Innocent starring Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland.

A down and out call girl teams up with a private detective to try and solve a missing persons case.The two end up in a torrid relationship both persons seemingly using each other for their own gains. The investigation has several twists and turns through some drug addicts, an unsavory pimp and even some disco nightclubs. Tensions mount as the call girl herself becomes a target of the mysterious vigilante.

I love 70s thrillers like Play Misty for me, Blow Out, Dressed To Kill and this film. Something about the characters talk to each other and also seeing the vintage hairstyles, wardrobes, cars and music always puts you right in the mood.

Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland are perfect together onscreen as they both portray somewhat unsavory characters in this film but you are still rooting for them. Those who don't like slow developing stories might be bored; however, I thought it was well put together and worth the wait.

Highly recommended!

  
This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1)
This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1)
V.E. Schwab | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
7
8.0 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
I pick this book just after finishing “Shades of Magic” trilogy. I wanted to read more V.E Schwab and I like the premises of the story.

Things I like:
- The main idea of the book. Violence creates real and deadly monsters. I thought the was very unique.
-The idea of killing using something as beautiful as music create a beautiful was conflicted
-August is such a complex character. Was born from the worst act of violence, he very own nature is to kill humans that have committed crimes but his heart he just wants to be normal.
- How morally grey the whole story was and how it makes you reflect on how people think and act and how sometimes people do bad things for good reason and if they should or not being all punished in the same way.
- The relation between the two main characters. Their relationship grew in a nice and mature way.
-It does reflect some issue that we have in our society.

Things I didn’t like:
- Cliche school scene. Our two protagonists are teenagers and the beginning of the book start with a loot of overused scene.
  
100 Days of Sunlight
100 Days of Sunlight
Abbie Emmons | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, Young Adult (YA)
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
Imagine your a 16 year old girls who has just lost her sight. Who has be plunged into darkness in more way than one. This is what happens to Tessa in this story. Tessa is struggling to comes to terms with her disability when Weston comes along. He has a disability of his own, but Tessa can't see that, and he uses his experience to bring her out of the darkness and teaches her there is more than one way to see.

This is a story of growth, a story where two people save each other from their own barriers.

If you like A Fault in Their Stars or Everything, Everything you are going to love this! It is grasping from the outset. Each chapter lures you in more. You get tangled within the relationship. You get heartbroken from hearing the thoughts of Weston about his disability. And you feel joy when Tessa sees past it all!

I thoroughly enjoyed this read....and will definitely be reading it again soon. It is written so it's easy to read and the storyline is simple, slightly predictable but one that keeps you reading and engaged.
  
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Awix (3310 KP) rated Midsommar (2019) in Movies

Jul 10, 2019  
Midsommar (2019)
Midsommar (2019)
2019 | Drama, Horror, Mystery
American attempt at folk horror retains most of the strengths of the same director's Hereditary but also manages to come up with a more coherent plot. A young couple in a moribund relationship head off to a nine-day community festival in rural Sweden with several friends. It goes without saying that there is more on the festival's schedule than they have been told about - given the Swedish background, this is not so much the Wicker Man as the IKEA Man.

It is very easy to see where this is going from near the start, but the various grisly sights and ideas that Aster has come up with are much more difficult to predict. The slowly building atmosphere of unsettling, creeping wrongness is probably at least as effective as any of the film's more shocking moments. In these terms the film is undeniably successful, but the central metaphor of the film remains unclear, and while a slow build is all very well, the film arguably outstays its welcome at nearly two and a half hours long. Nevertheless, an extremely disturbing and powerful film, the simple label 'horror' doesn't do it justice.