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Debbiereadsbook (1478 KP) rated Better Together (One Fond Embrace #1) in Books
Aug 24, 2018
a great lazy afternoon read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Britney and Alex had a week in Vegas, a whirlwind romance, followed by a wedding. But Britney runs from Alex on their wedding night and ahs been pushing for a divorce ever since. Alex needs a wife to secure his family ranch's future. So, Alex will give Britney her divorce, if she will give him two weeks. Will that be enough for them both to get what they want? Who they want?
This review will be short, and I apologise for that!
I liked this. It was a n..n..n...n......it was an easy read, perfect way to pass a rainy afternoon, a perfect hangover cure, both book and alcohol induced!
I just can't get passed that N word for this book, and ya'll know how much it pains me to use that word, and how much it pains me not to be able to say what I want!
It's not overly complicated, nor is it explicit, but it is sexy. It's full of Hawaiian (sorry if this is spelt wrong!) words, with translations both in the main body of the text, and a glossary at the front of the book. I didn't look at the glossary; I had all the information given to me as the words popped up. Lots of beautiful scenery described too.
I saw no editing or spelling errors to spoil my reading enjoyment, and I read it in one sitting.
This is the first I've read of this author. Will I read more? Possibly. I really did LIKE this book.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Britney and Alex had a week in Vegas, a whirlwind romance, followed by a wedding. But Britney runs from Alex on their wedding night and ahs been pushing for a divorce ever since. Alex needs a wife to secure his family ranch's future. So, Alex will give Britney her divorce, if she will give him two weeks. Will that be enough for them both to get what they want? Who they want?
This review will be short, and I apologise for that!
I liked this. It was a n..n..n...n......it was an easy read, perfect way to pass a rainy afternoon, a perfect hangover cure, both book and alcohol induced!
I just can't get passed that N word for this book, and ya'll know how much it pains me to use that word, and how much it pains me not to be able to say what I want!
It's not overly complicated, nor is it explicit, but it is sexy. It's full of Hawaiian (sorry if this is spelt wrong!) words, with translations both in the main body of the text, and a glossary at the front of the book. I didn't look at the glossary; I had all the information given to me as the words popped up. Lots of beautiful scenery described too.
I saw no editing or spelling errors to spoil my reading enjoyment, and I read it in one sitting.
This is the first I've read of this author. Will I read more? Possibly. I really did LIKE this book.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated The Waking Land (The Waking Land, #1) in Books
Oct 1, 2018
**3.75 stars rounded up**
I really wish we had half stars to use at least. This one was difficult for me to nail down for a rating. I don't think it's really a solid 4 stars but not 3 either so somewhere in between.
That said, I did enjoy the book. I thought the plot was unique and the world building was decent. The characters were my main issue. There is a bit of a lack of depth in some of the supporting characters that I feel could have used a little more development. However, my main problem was with Elanna. She seemed a bit... well, flaky at times. She clearly had Stockholm's in the beginning but she changed her beliefs every time someone told her something. She went from hating her father to loving him as soon as she saw him to almost indifference when he died as well as from hiding and fearing her magic to loving it with no real in between. There was also A LOT of repetition, especially in her inner monologues. She didn't want to fight in a war for her dad, she wanted to run away, then it was steward of the land and born for this over and over. This book does have its redeeming qualities tho. Despite my irritation with the characters at times, the action kept me invested in the story. I needed to know what was going to happen, will their small band of revolutionaries win or lose and at what cost? I also liked the mythology woven into the story, especially about the ancestors.
Overall, I think it's a promising start for a first novel and am looking forward to the sequel and to seeing what Ms. Bates comes up with next.
**Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!**
I really wish we had half stars to use at least. This one was difficult for me to nail down for a rating. I don't think it's really a solid 4 stars but not 3 either so somewhere in between.
That said, I did enjoy the book. I thought the plot was unique and the world building was decent. The characters were my main issue. There is a bit of a lack of depth in some of the supporting characters that I feel could have used a little more development. However, my main problem was with Elanna. She seemed a bit... well, flaky at times. She clearly had Stockholm's in the beginning but she changed her beliefs every time someone told her something. She went from hating her father to loving him as soon as she saw him to almost indifference when he died as well as from hiding and fearing her magic to loving it with no real in between. There was also A LOT of repetition, especially in her inner monologues. She didn't want to fight in a war for her dad, she wanted to run away, then it was steward of the land and born for this over and over. This book does have its redeeming qualities tho. Despite my irritation with the characters at times, the action kept me invested in the story. I needed to know what was going to happen, will their small band of revolutionaries win or lose and at what cost? I also liked the mythology woven into the story, especially about the ancestors.
Overall, I think it's a promising start for a first novel and am looking forward to the sequel and to seeing what Ms. Bates comes up with next.
**Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!**
Lee (2222 KP) rated The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) in Movies
Nov 12, 2018
It's Victorian London, Christmas time, and a family mourning the recent loss of their mother is preparing to go to a Christmas party. Their father hands out some gifts left to them by their mother and eldest daughter Clara (Mackenzie Foy) receives an egg shaped box, locked and with the keys whereabouts unknown. Disappointed, they head off to the lavish Christmas party hosted by Claras godfather (Morgan Freeman) and while there, Clara discovers a hidden world consisting of four realms. War is brewing and in the absence of her mother, who discovered this world and became its queen, it's up to Clara to bring everyone together once more.
First things first, this movie is just beautiful to look at. Such attention to detail, with vibrant sets and costumes throughout. Mackenzie Foy is wonderful as Clara, dealing with grief while coming to terms with trying to live up to her mothers legacy. Keira Knightley is good, if a little annoying at times, and Helen Mirren is also reliably interesting. And Morgan Freeman is just.... Morgan Freeman!
It's all very Alice in Wonderland or The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe. Despite their faults though, the Narnia movies always seemed to explore the vast world introduced to us, taking the time to meet many of it's inhabitants. While this movie introduces us briefly to the realms as part of a wonderful ballet sequence, only to not show any of it again for the rest of the movie. Instead, the plot all seems very contained and all over far too quickly. I liked what I saw, it just didn't really leave much of a lasting impression at all. Nor did it leave me feeling very magical or festive.
First things first, this movie is just beautiful to look at. Such attention to detail, with vibrant sets and costumes throughout. Mackenzie Foy is wonderful as Clara, dealing with grief while coming to terms with trying to live up to her mothers legacy. Keira Knightley is good, if a little annoying at times, and Helen Mirren is also reliably interesting. And Morgan Freeman is just.... Morgan Freeman!
It's all very Alice in Wonderland or The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe. Despite their faults though, the Narnia movies always seemed to explore the vast world introduced to us, taking the time to meet many of it's inhabitants. While this movie introduces us briefly to the realms as part of a wonderful ballet sequence, only to not show any of it again for the rest of the movie. Instead, the plot all seems very contained and all over far too quickly. I liked what I saw, it just didn't really leave much of a lasting impression at all. Nor did it leave me feeling very magical or festive.
Chris Sawin (602 KP) rated Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019 (Updated Jun 21, 2019)
An axe to the head was surely enough to stop Jason Voorhees in the last film, right? Wrong. After taking care of a few orderlies at the hospital his "corpse" was taken to, Jason sets his sights on Tommy Jarvis, his family, and the group of teenagers who came to party at the house next door. Tommy loves to make monster masks and loves video games. He could be the key ingredient to Jason's downfall.
This is actually another one of my favorite films of the franchise. The main reason being that the kills in this film are arguably the best so far and quite possibly the best of the franchise. Jason must have a thing against Crispin Glover though or maybe he just saw him having a spasm and seizure fit in the living room earlier on in the film. Nevertheless, I've never seen any one victim in the franchise get as much punishment as he did. First, a corkscrew in the hand and followed by a meat cleaver to the face. As if that wasn't enough, Jason nails up his corpse over one of the doorways by his hands and feet to block anyone from escaping. Then later on, rips him down the hard way.
Another interesting kill is the shower scene. What makes it a bit more unique is that it's a guy who bites it this time around. Face-palmed to death by Jason's massive hand. Jason's "death" is also quite grotesque and spectacular. Tommy Jarvis swings a machete into the side of Jason's head and Jason falls to the ground landing face first onto the handle of the machete causing it to slide through his skull. The weirdest part of the film has to be when the dog jumps through the glass window. I mean...what the heck?
This is actually another one of my favorite films of the franchise. The main reason being that the kills in this film are arguably the best so far and quite possibly the best of the franchise. Jason must have a thing against Crispin Glover though or maybe he just saw him having a spasm and seizure fit in the living room earlier on in the film. Nevertheless, I've never seen any one victim in the franchise get as much punishment as he did. First, a corkscrew in the hand and followed by a meat cleaver to the face. As if that wasn't enough, Jason nails up his corpse over one of the doorways by his hands and feet to block anyone from escaping. Then later on, rips him down the hard way.
Another interesting kill is the shower scene. What makes it a bit more unique is that it's a guy who bites it this time around. Face-palmed to death by Jason's massive hand. Jason's "death" is also quite grotesque and spectacular. Tommy Jarvis swings a machete into the side of Jason's head and Jason falls to the ground landing face first onto the handle of the machete causing it to slide through his skull. The weirdest part of the film has to be when the dog jumps through the glass window. I mean...what the heck?
Chris Sawin (602 KP) rated Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019 (Updated Jun 21, 2019)
It's been five years since that fateful night Alice beheaded Pamela Voorhees. Unfortunately for Alice, Jason, Mrs. Voorhees son, saw everything. A camp located near Camp Crystal Lake opens up and its flooding with counselors. Everything seems to be going fine until a few of them decide to go exploring the infamous Camp Blood. From there, it's a bloodbath and Jason Voorhees is finally introduced as the killer of this franchise.
I'm one of the people who thinks the bag is scarier than the hockey mask, so I'm a pretty big fan of this one. While I was watching it this time around though, it just reminded me of The Town That Dreaded Sundown since the killer also wears a bag over his head. I think I give both films a similar rating, as well. Weird. There were a few things that crossed my mind during this viewing though. Like when everyone in camp goes to town and only a few counselors stay behind, Paul says they only have two cars. They take the two cars and drive off into town. Then when Vickie is getting ready for her evening with Mark, she runs out...to her car. These films definitely aren't without their flaws obviously, but the majority of them are still a lot of fun.
I also loved the pitchfork even though you never really got to see it used on anyone. Seeing Ralph finally get offed wasn't too shabby either. One thing that kind of left me scratching my head was the ending. Ginny gets carted off into an ambulance, but that's it. You don't see Jason's body or Paul's. Nobody is saying anything other than Ginny. Did Paul die? Did Jason get away? Did Ginny dream the whole thing? Was it Colonel Mustard with the candlestick in the dining room? Nobody knows.
I'm one of the people who thinks the bag is scarier than the hockey mask, so I'm a pretty big fan of this one. While I was watching it this time around though, it just reminded me of The Town That Dreaded Sundown since the killer also wears a bag over his head. I think I give both films a similar rating, as well. Weird. There were a few things that crossed my mind during this viewing though. Like when everyone in camp goes to town and only a few counselors stay behind, Paul says they only have two cars. They take the two cars and drive off into town. Then when Vickie is getting ready for her evening with Mark, she runs out...to her car. These films definitely aren't without their flaws obviously, but the majority of them are still a lot of fun.
I also loved the pitchfork even though you never really got to see it used on anyone. Seeing Ralph finally get offed wasn't too shabby either. One thing that kind of left me scratching my head was the ending. Ginny gets carted off into an ambulance, but that's it. You don't see Jason's body or Paul's. Nobody is saying anything other than Ginny. Did Paul die? Did Jason get away? Did Ginny dream the whole thing? Was it Colonel Mustard with the candlestick in the dining room? Nobody knows.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Mr. Kiss and Tell (Veronica Mars #2) in Books
Jan 4, 2019
Can Veronica Track Down an Attacker?
This book finds Veronica Mars hired by the Neptune Grand to clear them of responsibility for an attack that left a young woman almost dead several miles away. Before she was found, she was last in the hotel. At first, she claims she can't remember what happened in the attack, but then she names someone on the hotel's staff. With a client who wants Veronica to prove them innocent and a victim who thinks Veronica's only motive is to discredit her, can she find the truth? Meanwhile, Weevil's trial is winding down. Will the jury reach the correct verdict? And will Veronica's father ever be able to use the stories he's found of the Sherriff department's evidence planting?
Having been a fan of the Veronica Mars TV show since the pilot aired, I'm a bit surprised it took me so long to read this second book. I'm glad I finally did because I loved it. The mystery introduced here was great, and it gave us a good excuse to check in with many of our favorite characters. We even saw some minor characters again. The characters are all fantastic. I was most surprised by how much I grew to appreciate Veronica and Logan's relationship, something I'd never been a fan of in the TV series. Like with the first book, I wish this had been told in Veronica's first-person narration – I missed her snarky narration from the series. But that's a minor complaint. Fans of the series will definitely love it. Those new to the franchise might have trouble appreciating everything that happens here, but the obvious solution is to go back and watch the show. You'll find it is well worth your time.
Having been a fan of the Veronica Mars TV show since the pilot aired, I'm a bit surprised it took me so long to read this second book. I'm glad I finally did because I loved it. The mystery introduced here was great, and it gave us a good excuse to check in with many of our favorite characters. We even saw some minor characters again. The characters are all fantastic. I was most surprised by how much I grew to appreciate Veronica and Logan's relationship, something I'd never been a fan of in the TV series. Like with the first book, I wish this had been told in Veronica's first-person narration – I missed her snarky narration from the series. But that's a minor complaint. Fans of the series will definitely love it. Those new to the franchise might have trouble appreciating everything that happens here, but the obvious solution is to go back and watch the show. You'll find it is well worth your time.
Little Ray Of Sunshine (41 KP) rated The Lemon Grove in Books
Jan 11, 2019 (Updated Feb 10, 2019)
Book Review | The Lemon Grove by Helen Walsh
I haven't heard of this book and author before but I saw this book in the charity shop and the front cover grabbed my eye. I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but I always do lol. I'm like a magpie shiny bright colours on the cover drew me in.
I did then read the blurb and the story intrigue me as I ain't read this sort of book before but I'm trying to widen my variety of genre I read as I always read romance.
The story is about Jenn and her husband Greg. They have returned to their beloved rented villa in Deia in West Coast of Mallorca.
They usually go here by theirselves each year but this year her husband's daughter Emma wants to come along with her new boyfriend Nathan. So while her step daughter Emma is settling into the villa in the spare room her boyfriend decides to go in the swimming pool in the back garden. Jenn is drawn to this guy by hes body and she starts to see that he loves the attention from her and he likes her. She starts getting obsessed with him being around and they start a sordid affair. She loved the fact that his younger and brings her sexy side to her out. This is all happening right under the nose of her husband and step daughter and you grabbed by the story as you wondering what is going to happen are they gonna get caught.
You need to read it to find out for yourself. It's just the ending I wanted more but you tell me what you think when you read it.
I do book reviews on my blog xxlittlerayofsunshinexx.blogspot.co.uk, Please could you check it out.
I did then read the blurb and the story intrigue me as I ain't read this sort of book before but I'm trying to widen my variety of genre I read as I always read romance.
The story is about Jenn and her husband Greg. They have returned to their beloved rented villa in Deia in West Coast of Mallorca.
They usually go here by theirselves each year but this year her husband's daughter Emma wants to come along with her new boyfriend Nathan. So while her step daughter Emma is settling into the villa in the spare room her boyfriend decides to go in the swimming pool in the back garden. Jenn is drawn to this guy by hes body and she starts to see that he loves the attention from her and he likes her. She starts getting obsessed with him being around and they start a sordid affair. She loved the fact that his younger and brings her sexy side to her out. This is all happening right under the nose of her husband and step daughter and you grabbed by the story as you wondering what is going to happen are they gonna get caught.
You need to read it to find out for yourself. It's just the ending I wanted more but you tell me what you think when you read it.
I do book reviews on my blog xxlittlerayofsunshinexx.blogspot.co.uk, Please could you check it out.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated The Last Unicorn (The Last Unicorn, #1) in Books
Dec 11, 2018
harpy scene (2 more)
the characters
The timelessness and that it grows with you
As a child l loved this movie. And I cannot write a review with out chiming in with the movie. Both the book and screenplay was written by Peter S. Beagle. So they are very similar the book expands most of the scenes. And the only thing that is omitted is basically chapter 10(?). I had watched the movie the first time when I was around 5 or 6 and first read the book while I was a college student 17 or 18 and loved it too. The book and movie is for all ages (although that harpy scene...) and it does and doesn’t change as you grow older. It’s about love and duty, innocence and aging, loss and sorrow and many many things in between. Smendrick is still my favorite character although know I’m older I realize the importance of Molly Grue. A very well written story. Good on a lazy day when you don’t want to rush through a book.
I will leave with this one quote:
“It’s a rare man who is taken for what he truly is,...there is much misjudgment in the world. Now, I knew you for a unicorn when I first saw you, and I know I am your friend. Yet you take me for a clown, or a clod, or a betrayer, and so must I be if you see me so. The magic on you is only magic and will vanish as soon as you are free, but the enchantment of error that you put on me I must wear forever in your eyes. We are not always what we seem, and hardly what we dream.”
I will leave with this one quote:
“It’s a rare man who is taken for what he truly is,...there is much misjudgment in the world. Now, I knew you for a unicorn when I first saw you, and I know I am your friend. Yet you take me for a clown, or a clod, or a betrayer, and so must I be if you see me so. The magic on you is only magic and will vanish as soon as you are free, but the enchantment of error that you put on me I must wear forever in your eyes. We are not always what we seem, and hardly what we dream.”
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Upgrade (2018) in Movies
Aug 16, 2019
Robocop meets All of Me?
I found this film in a bargain bin at my local video shop for only $1 to purchase and after reading many good reviews I thought I couldn't go wrong and I was right.
Maybe a sci-fi/horror version of "The Six Million Dollar Man" is more appropriate.
In the future, a man and his wife have a car accident. Afterwards the woman is murdered and the man is shot leaving him paralyzed. Rather than living life with a severe handicap, the man decides to undergo an experimental medical procedure which would give him augmented abilities through the implantation of a mysterious computer chip which would control his ability to walk and use his arms.
Once he is back to "normal" he feels compelled to investigate the circumstances of his wife's death and hunt down those responsible. His ability start to manifest themselves once he is interacting with his new friend STEM.
His quest for vengeance and justice leads him through some interesting twists and turns before its unexpected conclusion.
This films pulls no punches (literally) and some of the fight scenes are not only well choreographed, but downright vicious and gory. The inaction between the main character and his mind are cool and unexpected. Even though you feel like you have seen this before in other movies, this one takes a fresh spin and keeps you guessing the majority of the time.
It appears writer/director Leigh Whannell (who also wrote the original Saw) is headed for great things probably because of this film as IMDb lists remakes of The Invisible Man and Escape From New York as his next projects.
Maybe a sci-fi/horror version of "The Six Million Dollar Man" is more appropriate.
In the future, a man and his wife have a car accident. Afterwards the woman is murdered and the man is shot leaving him paralyzed. Rather than living life with a severe handicap, the man decides to undergo an experimental medical procedure which would give him augmented abilities through the implantation of a mysterious computer chip which would control his ability to walk and use his arms.
Once he is back to "normal" he feels compelled to investigate the circumstances of his wife's death and hunt down those responsible. His ability start to manifest themselves once he is interacting with his new friend STEM.
His quest for vengeance and justice leads him through some interesting twists and turns before its unexpected conclusion.
This films pulls no punches (literally) and some of the fight scenes are not only well choreographed, but downright vicious and gory. The inaction between the main character and his mind are cool and unexpected. Even though you feel like you have seen this before in other movies, this one takes a fresh spin and keeps you guessing the majority of the time.
It appears writer/director Leigh Whannell (who also wrote the original Saw) is headed for great things probably because of this film as IMDb lists remakes of The Invisible Man and Escape From New York as his next projects.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Road (2009) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
“The Road” takes us on the post-apocalyptic story of the man, played by Viggo Morganson and the boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee), a father and son doing their best to get along in a world which is no longer suitable for humanity. Constantly teaching his son survival skills and doing his best not to focus on his lost love the man attempts to explain the essence of humanity to his boy who has never known a better world. Add in the ever-present threat of cannibals and you have the film adaptation of this best selling book.
The echoed use of color takes the viewer directly into the unnamed devastation that riddles the world of our two heroes. Moreover, the small sounds from the creeks of not quite abandoned buildings to the harrowing screams of cannibal victims make the world of “the Road” wholly engrossing. Maybe that is the problem.
Riddled with themes of devastation, survival, faith, and family, “The Road” is a piece of cinema significantly different from anything else. With all that said I am not sure this was a horrific and arduous journey one needs to go through.
After I first saw it I didn’t like “The Road”, and I couldn’t figure out who would want to watch this film. Too mature for many audiences and appearing to lack the complication to appeal to intellectual film crowd, it took a few days for me to develop the merit of the film. Now, I can’t stop thinking about the string of moments presented as powerful small scenes that compose “The Road” even though I wish I could.
If you have read the book, then “The Road” delivers a vivid understanding of the story, but before paying to see the film I ask you, is that a story you really want to experience on screen?
The echoed use of color takes the viewer directly into the unnamed devastation that riddles the world of our two heroes. Moreover, the small sounds from the creeks of not quite abandoned buildings to the harrowing screams of cannibal victims make the world of “the Road” wholly engrossing. Maybe that is the problem.
Riddled with themes of devastation, survival, faith, and family, “The Road” is a piece of cinema significantly different from anything else. With all that said I am not sure this was a horrific and arduous journey one needs to go through.
After I first saw it I didn’t like “The Road”, and I couldn’t figure out who would want to watch this film. Too mature for many audiences and appearing to lack the complication to appeal to intellectual film crowd, it took a few days for me to develop the merit of the film. Now, I can’t stop thinking about the string of moments presented as powerful small scenes that compose “The Road” even though I wish I could.
If you have read the book, then “The Road” delivers a vivid understanding of the story, but before paying to see the film I ask you, is that a story you really want to experience on screen?