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LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Hunted (The Gates Legacy, #1) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
Harrow Gates - vampire, diseased, hunted. Jordan - bereaved, determined, out for revenge. Pritchard Tack - entrepreneur, protector of the infected, searching for a cure. Altogether, they make a wonderful lead for a fantastic start to a series I know I will be watching closely for the foreseeable future!
My copy started with a glossary, which was a superb tease and left me rushing forward to find out what on earth could lead to all these ideas and words. Sure enough, within the first 5% I was completely hooked and didn't want to put my kindle down. I was totally drawn into the characters, drama and mystery, highlighting just how high the quality of writing was in this story. The way the perspective switches between the different characters is done with skill and is very clear to follow. This feeds into the mystery created by the glossary and the writing in general as you're ripped away from that character just as the next piece of information is about to be revealed! This makes it highly compulsive reading, with the 'one more chapter' syndrome being a real possibility when reading this book.
The characters are also fabulous, and we pick them apart just as carefully as the plot, slowly learning what makes each of them tick. Harrow, Tack and Jordan are wonderful to read, they engage you, pull you into your complicated life and leave you wanting to know more of them and their lives. Demetrius is a very odd character, driven by very different desires to the others, yet he is equally engaging to read about. It takes real skill to be able to pull a reader so completely into so many characters, and so I really must shower praise on Font for managing to do this.
The story is, at risk of repeating myself, fantastic. It thoroughly draws you in, instilling in you a need to keep reading and has you thinking about what is going to happen next. The momentum is excellently paced, particularly towards the end because even though you're expecting something big to happen, you're still shocked and hit just as hard as if it were a huge surprise! The deaths (not spoiling it though haha!) are quick and fast and really tug on your emotions, leaving you reeling as the end of the story arrives. I've got to warn you though, as these are the exact words a friend said to me, 'don't get too attached to anyone - you never know who is going to be next!' - and boy was she right! That said, I loved it, and I'm a convert to this series.
*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*
My copy started with a glossary, which was a superb tease and left me rushing forward to find out what on earth could lead to all these ideas and words. Sure enough, within the first 5% I was completely hooked and didn't want to put my kindle down. I was totally drawn into the characters, drama and mystery, highlighting just how high the quality of writing was in this story. The way the perspective switches between the different characters is done with skill and is very clear to follow. This feeds into the mystery created by the glossary and the writing in general as you're ripped away from that character just as the next piece of information is about to be revealed! This makes it highly compulsive reading, with the 'one more chapter' syndrome being a real possibility when reading this book.
The characters are also fabulous, and we pick them apart just as carefully as the plot, slowly learning what makes each of them tick. Harrow, Tack and Jordan are wonderful to read, they engage you, pull you into your complicated life and leave you wanting to know more of them and their lives. Demetrius is a very odd character, driven by very different desires to the others, yet he is equally engaging to read about. It takes real skill to be able to pull a reader so completely into so many characters, and so I really must shower praise on Font for managing to do this.
The story is, at risk of repeating myself, fantastic. It thoroughly draws you in, instilling in you a need to keep reading and has you thinking about what is going to happen next. The momentum is excellently paced, particularly towards the end because even though you're expecting something big to happen, you're still shocked and hit just as hard as if it were a huge surprise! The deaths (not spoiling it though haha!) are quick and fast and really tug on your emotions, leaving you reeling as the end of the story arrives. I've got to warn you though, as these are the exact words a friend said to me, 'don't get too attached to anyone - you never know who is going to be next!' - and boy was she right! That said, I loved it, and I'm a convert to this series.
*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*
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Good Thing by Leon Bridges in Music
Jun 7, 2019
Leon Bridges is a talented R&B/soul singer outta Fort Worth, Texas. Not too long ago, he released his second studio album, entitled, “Good Thing”.
BET AIN’T WORTH THE HAND
The artist sings a beautiful ballad about leaving a rocky relationship. He doesn’t want to leave because he still sees hope in making it work.
The Natalie Rae-directed video begins with Bridges walking the street. He’s hurt. The following scenes show him relating to other people going through the same emotional pain he’s experiencing.
The artist knows that’s a risky move staying in a broken relationship. Also, he looks at the cards he’s dealt with and realizes his best is to move on.
BAD BAD NEWS
The artist switches speed and takes listeners on a funky ride. It’s disco time and he celebrates on the dancefloor. Also, being there isn’t easy. So, he has to fight his way through the crowd to make it to the front.
The Natalie Rae-directed video begins with a voluptuous woman walking inside a train station. She hears someone whistling so she heads in that direction, following the whistler.
Somehow, Bridges’ music overtakes her soul and she begins to follow its funky rhythm. In the end, it leads her to the guy who was whistling in the beginning.
The artist sings a triumphant song. He questions people trying to hold him in the back. But that’s not where he belongs. So, he moves up front and kills them with style and grace.
SHY
The artist addresses a shy woman that he’s in love with. Also, he assures her that it doesn’t matter if she’s shy. He doesn’t care about her shyness because he’s into her.
BEYOND
Bridges is deep in love with the shy woman. Everything is moving fast. Also, he wants to slow things down but he can’t. Because of that, he’s scared to death that she might be the one.
FORGIVE YOU
The artist sings the blues. He admits he played the fool in the relationship where his girl took advantage of his kindness. But he forgives her even though it’s hard to. Also, his friends warned him not to be so gullible.
LIONS
The aftermath of experiencing bad love has Bridges feeling like a thirsty lion. But through his trials and tribulations, he remains true to himself. Also, he refuses to conform to who the woman wants him to be.
IF IT FEELS GOOD (THEN IT MUST BE)
The artist removes the bad love aura and freshens the air with truth and honesty. Also, he perfumes the dancefloor with a splash of funkiness and rhythm and blues.
He wants the mysterious lady bad. So, he tells her to let her guards down and enjoy herself. He doesn’t want her to act so seriously.
YOU DON’T KNOW
The artist continues dancing in the name of love. He’s head over heels for the woman in his life and he wants the world to know that. Also, he wants her to stop thinking because their loving might not go down if she continues to do so.
MRS.
The artist addresses his love and hate relationship with his girl. When they’re good they’re good, but when they’re bad they’re really bad. Also, whenever she shows him affection, he remembers that she still loves him.
GEORGIA TO TEXAS
The artist sings about his mother carrying him in her womb, while his father drove them from Atlanta to Texas. But years later, he admits that adapting to his surrounding wasn’t easy.
Apparently, the 504 black girl is Bridges’ mother, Lisa Sawyer. The number 504 is the area code where she’s from in New Orleans, Lousiana.
CONCLUSION
Leon Bridges’ “Good Thing” is a classic album perfumed with soul ballads, spicy topics, and danceable tunes. Its soulful sound is the perfect soundtrack for those who have loved and lost, and those who are in love for the very first time. It’s romantic, celebratory, with lush experiences. Also, it takes listeners on an emotional journey through the hills and valleys where love dwells.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/leon-bridges-good-thing/
BET AIN’T WORTH THE HAND
The artist sings a beautiful ballad about leaving a rocky relationship. He doesn’t want to leave because he still sees hope in making it work.
The Natalie Rae-directed video begins with Bridges walking the street. He’s hurt. The following scenes show him relating to other people going through the same emotional pain he’s experiencing.
The artist knows that’s a risky move staying in a broken relationship. Also, he looks at the cards he’s dealt with and realizes his best is to move on.
BAD BAD NEWS
The artist switches speed and takes listeners on a funky ride. It’s disco time and he celebrates on the dancefloor. Also, being there isn’t easy. So, he has to fight his way through the crowd to make it to the front.
The Natalie Rae-directed video begins with a voluptuous woman walking inside a train station. She hears someone whistling so she heads in that direction, following the whistler.
Somehow, Bridges’ music overtakes her soul and she begins to follow its funky rhythm. In the end, it leads her to the guy who was whistling in the beginning.
The artist sings a triumphant song. He questions people trying to hold him in the back. But that’s not where he belongs. So, he moves up front and kills them with style and grace.
SHY
The artist addresses a shy woman that he’s in love with. Also, he assures her that it doesn’t matter if she’s shy. He doesn’t care about her shyness because he’s into her.
BEYOND
Bridges is deep in love with the shy woman. Everything is moving fast. Also, he wants to slow things down but he can’t. Because of that, he’s scared to death that she might be the one.
FORGIVE YOU
The artist sings the blues. He admits he played the fool in the relationship where his girl took advantage of his kindness. But he forgives her even though it’s hard to. Also, his friends warned him not to be so gullible.
LIONS
The aftermath of experiencing bad love has Bridges feeling like a thirsty lion. But through his trials and tribulations, he remains true to himself. Also, he refuses to conform to who the woman wants him to be.
IF IT FEELS GOOD (THEN IT MUST BE)
The artist removes the bad love aura and freshens the air with truth and honesty. Also, he perfumes the dancefloor with a splash of funkiness and rhythm and blues.
He wants the mysterious lady bad. So, he tells her to let her guards down and enjoy herself. He doesn’t want her to act so seriously.
YOU DON’T KNOW
The artist continues dancing in the name of love. He’s head over heels for the woman in his life and he wants the world to know that. Also, he wants her to stop thinking because their loving might not go down if she continues to do so.
MRS.
The artist addresses his love and hate relationship with his girl. When they’re good they’re good, but when they’re bad they’re really bad. Also, whenever she shows him affection, he remembers that she still loves him.
GEORGIA TO TEXAS
The artist sings about his mother carrying him in her womb, while his father drove them from Atlanta to Texas. But years later, he admits that adapting to his surrounding wasn’t easy.
Apparently, the 504 black girl is Bridges’ mother, Lisa Sawyer. The number 504 is the area code where she’s from in New Orleans, Lousiana.
CONCLUSION
Leon Bridges’ “Good Thing” is a classic album perfumed with soul ballads, spicy topics, and danceable tunes. Its soulful sound is the perfect soundtrack for those who have loved and lost, and those who are in love for the very first time. It’s romantic, celebratory, with lush experiences. Also, it takes listeners on an emotional journey through the hills and valleys where love dwells.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/leon-bridges-good-thing/
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Just Like in the Movies (Summer Heat) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
This review was originally posted over on Lily Loves Indie here - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=201
As with 'Right Click, Love', I really don't know where to start showering praise on this story. A happy ever after but with all the integrity and realism of the life of someone who just got lucky. Quirky, easy to relate to, completely believable and just a delight to read. There are so many things I just loved about it that I'm struggling to put them into words. That being said, you might need to wade through some gushing from myself as I try to pin down just a few key features for you....
I guess I'll start with Ava. She is so like me it is unbelievable, down to the relationships and everything (the books, the pets, the house). But I don't think that is the only reason I love her, it's her down to earth attitude to life and her personality as a whole. She's just so likeable! And so utterly believable as well! It's like she just hops out the page and starts talking to you, like a friend we probably all have (or the person we are in my case), she's just a delightful lead character. Her relationship with Morgan, and her friendship with Erica are also incredibly well written, again believable, realistic and enjoyable interactions throughout. They're all characters that we could encounter at work or amongst friends, and as a result of that we can engage with them so much easier, welcoming them into our lives like we would their real life counterparts. I've digressed, and waffled (no change there!) but what I'm getting at is that they are all fabulous characters, but especially Ava, she just has a certain something that makes her that extra bit more wonderful.
Another thing which I loved was the style in which this was written. Feeney includes everything we need to know, yet cleverly leaves little gaps to stimulate our imagination. I love finding this in a book as it gives the reader a little scope to make the characters their own, there's that little bit of wriggle room for interpretation. There's also a wonderfully dry sense of humour to Feeney's writing, a sort of wit and sarcasm that feels so natural and enjoyable to read. It makes it feel familiar, and it's more like chatting with a friend rather than reading a book. It's very well done and is so enjoyable to read, a much needed change from the ooey-gooey romances that line the shelves at the moment!
When you consider the length of the book, and the amount of content included, plus the space for your own ideas, Feeney shows great skill in developing a wonderful plot and cast of characters in such a relatively short amount of pages. This makes it so much easier for you to read because you get all the enjoyment and detail you'd find in a full length novel, yet you could easily read the story in a day without feeling you were being cheated or missing any of the action. I've not encountered many authors who has grasped such a skill for this genre and length, but Feeney is definitely one of them. She pitches it perfectly every time, doesn't miss a beat or opportunity to seize on a plot development point yet still keeps us guessing as to exactly what is going to happen. Even though I had an inkling Ava and Morgan would get it on, I in no way expected the ending that occurred!
In conclusion, I guess what I'm trying to say is that this book is rather amazing. I experienced a wide range of emotions, from warm fuzzies, to anger, laughing and crying, tutting at characters and cheering them on. For such a short story it doesn't half pack a punch, but I'm learning that this is Feeney's style. I cannot recommend this story highly enough, and really, truly, honestly think you should all go add it to Goodreads lists, and one-click it on Amazon UK or Amazon US.
As with 'Right Click, Love', I really don't know where to start showering praise on this story. A happy ever after but with all the integrity and realism of the life of someone who just got lucky. Quirky, easy to relate to, completely believable and just a delight to read. There are so many things I just loved about it that I'm struggling to put them into words. That being said, you might need to wade through some gushing from myself as I try to pin down just a few key features for you....
I guess I'll start with Ava. She is so like me it is unbelievable, down to the relationships and everything (the books, the pets, the house). But I don't think that is the only reason I love her, it's her down to earth attitude to life and her personality as a whole. She's just so likeable! And so utterly believable as well! It's like she just hops out the page and starts talking to you, like a friend we probably all have (or the person we are in my case), she's just a delightful lead character. Her relationship with Morgan, and her friendship with Erica are also incredibly well written, again believable, realistic and enjoyable interactions throughout. They're all characters that we could encounter at work or amongst friends, and as a result of that we can engage with them so much easier, welcoming them into our lives like we would their real life counterparts. I've digressed, and waffled (no change there!) but what I'm getting at is that they are all fabulous characters, but especially Ava, she just has a certain something that makes her that extra bit more wonderful.
Another thing which I loved was the style in which this was written. Feeney includes everything we need to know, yet cleverly leaves little gaps to stimulate our imagination. I love finding this in a book as it gives the reader a little scope to make the characters their own, there's that little bit of wriggle room for interpretation. There's also a wonderfully dry sense of humour to Feeney's writing, a sort of wit and sarcasm that feels so natural and enjoyable to read. It makes it feel familiar, and it's more like chatting with a friend rather than reading a book. It's very well done and is so enjoyable to read, a much needed change from the ooey-gooey romances that line the shelves at the moment!
When you consider the length of the book, and the amount of content included, plus the space for your own ideas, Feeney shows great skill in developing a wonderful plot and cast of characters in such a relatively short amount of pages. This makes it so much easier for you to read because you get all the enjoyment and detail you'd find in a full length novel, yet you could easily read the story in a day without feeling you were being cheated or missing any of the action. I've not encountered many authors who has grasped such a skill for this genre and length, but Feeney is definitely one of them. She pitches it perfectly every time, doesn't miss a beat or opportunity to seize on a plot development point yet still keeps us guessing as to exactly what is going to happen. Even though I had an inkling Ava and Morgan would get it on, I in no way expected the ending that occurred!
In conclusion, I guess what I'm trying to say is that this book is rather amazing. I experienced a wide range of emotions, from warm fuzzies, to anger, laughing and crying, tutting at characters and cheering them on. For such a short story it doesn't half pack a punch, but I'm learning that this is Feeney's style. I cannot recommend this story highly enough, and really, truly, honestly think you should all go add it to Goodreads lists, and one-click it on Amazon UK or Amazon US.
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Tormented (The Gates Legacy, #2) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
If you follow my reviews then you'll know I loved Hunted and I'm a sucker (pun intended) for anything connected to vampires. That said, I always worry with series that they won't match up to the hype or the quality, but rest assured, Font hit the ground running with this one and it does not disappoint.
It continues on flawlessly from the first book, with a odd bod gang of vamps and humans still reeling from the twists and turns they've been subjected to (apologies for the vagueness, but I loathe spoilers). As always with Font's writing, there are many perspectives from which to tell a story, but as always, she's written it splendidly and it's always clear exactly which POV and which character you're following - a skill of hers I've loved since the first piece of writing I sampled. I love how we see the perspectives of new characters in this book, namely more of Tor and Ally, alongside familiar favourites Harrow and Jordan.
The character development, as a whole, is fabulous, Font is skilled in showing such growth in all characters in such a short space of narrative, but Tor in particular really stands out for all the right reasons in this story. His growth as a character is phenomenal, and the changes are superbly written. As a reader, you want to be able to get into the heads of the characters and Font does just that for us with Tor.
She writes in the same vein of twisting and turning and never quite fully letting you know what's going to happen. As a result, the plot twists are fabulous and completely unexpected. Furthermore, the way the information is drip fed, oh so slowly, keeps you completely hooked, like an addict after their next fix you turn each page and devour it in no time. You feel everything that happens - the thrill of the battle, the horror of loss, the sorrow for thee deaths which come thick and fast. It's all brilliantly done.
This is a stunning piece of storytelling and a series I have added to my favourites list. I cannot wait to see what Font does next with these characters, but I have a feeling I should heed the warnings of a friend and not get too attached to anyone. A very worthy 5 stars and an excellent continuation of what promises to be a phenomenal series.
*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*
It continues on flawlessly from the first book, with a odd bod gang of vamps and humans still reeling from the twists and turns they've been subjected to (apologies for the vagueness, but I loathe spoilers). As always with Font's writing, there are many perspectives from which to tell a story, but as always, she's written it splendidly and it's always clear exactly which POV and which character you're following - a skill of hers I've loved since the first piece of writing I sampled. I love how we see the perspectives of new characters in this book, namely more of Tor and Ally, alongside familiar favourites Harrow and Jordan.
The character development, as a whole, is fabulous, Font is skilled in showing such growth in all characters in such a short space of narrative, but Tor in particular really stands out for all the right reasons in this story. His growth as a character is phenomenal, and the changes are superbly written. As a reader, you want to be able to get into the heads of the characters and Font does just that for us with Tor.
She writes in the same vein of twisting and turning and never quite fully letting you know what's going to happen. As a result, the plot twists are fabulous and completely unexpected. Furthermore, the way the information is drip fed, oh so slowly, keeps you completely hooked, like an addict after their next fix you turn each page and devour it in no time. You feel everything that happens - the thrill of the battle, the horror of loss, the sorrow for thee deaths which come thick and fast. It's all brilliantly done.
This is a stunning piece of storytelling and a series I have added to my favourites list. I cannot wait to see what Font does next with these characters, but I have a feeling I should heed the warnings of a friend and not get too attached to anyone. A very worthy 5 stars and an excellent continuation of what promises to be a phenomenal series.
*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*
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Hey, That's My Fish! in Tabletop Games
Jul 1, 2020
How do you like your games, reader? Heavy and themeless? Dark and themey? ZANY AND KOOKY?! Well, this game is a combination of several categories of game type. I consider it cute and cutthroat. There aren’t many games that can fall into those two categories simultaneously, and maybe that’s why we like this one. Spoilers, sweetie.
Hey, That’s My Fish! is a game of attempting to gather the most fish possible before climate change engulfs your little penguin minis. I mean, before the land sinks into the sea. To setup, place all the shuffled fish tiles in a grid of alternating 8 and 7-tile rows. Then, each player will, in turn, place their penguins on tiles showing one fish until their play pieces are on the board. That’s the setup. Quick and easy.
Like I said, the idea here is to gather the most fish to be crowned the winner. You can gather fish tiles by simply moving off them and onto another tile. Choose a direction to travel from your hex, and travel to any fish tile along a straight line – stopping before jumping over any penguin and not travelling over a blank space. Collect the fish tile from where you originally left and add it to your pile. Play continues in this fashion until all players are stalemated and can no longer make any further legal moves on the ever-shrinking board of fish snacks.
So here’s the rub with this one. It’s simple. Like, really simple. Pick up your penguieeple (sheesh) and move them to another hex tile in a straight line without jumping over any obstacle. Take the tile from which you left. Repeat. It sounds so stinking boring. But when you actually have your little peng… minis… and you are trying to get those elusive 3-fish tiles, but you have no way of getting there because your dang brother cut off your route so that only he and Josh can get them because they’re jerks – sorry. I got a bit carried away. But it really do be like that sometimes.
Components. This is an easy one. There are a bunch of cardboard hex tiles and some great little penguineeples. The penguins are brightly colored, and the hexes are very easy to understand and read. No issues here at all. Bonus: the pengeeples have such awesome little sassy poses hahahaha!
So what do I think? As a seasoned gamer and the most elder of our group, I absolutely adore it. It’s not the greatest game ever published, but sometimes you want to let off some steam and play a little cutthroat. So don’t let the cute penguins fool you – this is survival and you NEEEEED those little fishies! I have now owned this game twice (which my wife totally loves when she hears that), because I did miss having it available to me. So it is no surprise that we at Purple Phoenix Games give this little darling a fishy-fishy-bite-my-hook 18 / 24. Go on, grab a copy and destroy friendships!
Hey, That’s My Fish! is a game of attempting to gather the most fish possible before climate change engulfs your little penguin minis. I mean, before the land sinks into the sea. To setup, place all the shuffled fish tiles in a grid of alternating 8 and 7-tile rows. Then, each player will, in turn, place their penguins on tiles showing one fish until their play pieces are on the board. That’s the setup. Quick and easy.
Like I said, the idea here is to gather the most fish to be crowned the winner. You can gather fish tiles by simply moving off them and onto another tile. Choose a direction to travel from your hex, and travel to any fish tile along a straight line – stopping before jumping over any penguin and not travelling over a blank space. Collect the fish tile from where you originally left and add it to your pile. Play continues in this fashion until all players are stalemated and can no longer make any further legal moves on the ever-shrinking board of fish snacks.
So here’s the rub with this one. It’s simple. Like, really simple. Pick up your penguieeple (sheesh) and move them to another hex tile in a straight line without jumping over any obstacle. Take the tile from which you left. Repeat. It sounds so stinking boring. But when you actually have your little peng… minis… and you are trying to get those elusive 3-fish tiles, but you have no way of getting there because your dang brother cut off your route so that only he and Josh can get them because they’re jerks – sorry. I got a bit carried away. But it really do be like that sometimes.
Components. This is an easy one. There are a bunch of cardboard hex tiles and some great little penguineeples. The penguins are brightly colored, and the hexes are very easy to understand and read. No issues here at all. Bonus: the pengeeples have such awesome little sassy poses hahahaha!
So what do I think? As a seasoned gamer and the most elder of our group, I absolutely adore it. It’s not the greatest game ever published, but sometimes you want to let off some steam and play a little cutthroat. So don’t let the cute penguins fool you – this is survival and you NEEEEED those little fishies! I have now owned this game twice (which my wife totally loves when she hears that), because I did miss having it available to me. So it is no surprise that we at Purple Phoenix Games give this little darling a fishy-fishy-bite-my-hook 18 / 24. Go on, grab a copy and destroy friendships!
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Playing the Part (A Class of Their Own, #3) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
When an aggressive admirer pursues Lucetta Plum, she must flee for her own safety. You will find danger, mystery and love in Playing the Part. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
About the Book
In 1884, Lucetta Plum is a well known actress on the stage in New York City. Despite her many attempts to discourage
the ever persistent Silas Ruff, he is determined to make Lucetta his. Being the strong-willed, independent woman that she is, Lucetta wishes for no man to be infatuated with her. With a new drive to possess the beautifully unique Miss Plum, Silas arrives back in New York unexpectedly. Lucetta must escape the city with none other than Mrs. Abigail Hart, the scheming matchmaker who took Harriet, Millie and Lucetta into her care. Determined to see Lucetta settled with her own grandson, Mr. Bram Haverstein, Mrs. Hart suggests they flee to his castle of Ravenwood. Surprisingly, upon their arrival Lucetta finds that Mr. Haverstein holds a particular actress in high regard. But is Lucetta really the person he believes her to be? With an unconventional staff and secretive habits, Lucetta is unsure what to make of Bram. When there appears to be some strange goings on at Ravenwood, Lucetta is convinced that the castle and it's owner are of a peculiar nature. Will their pasts and their secrets be enough to keep them apart? Or will she allow God to heal her pain, allowing her to trust again?
My Thoughts
Jen's books are always an absolute delight to read! I have never laughed so much while reading a single book (except maybe Jen's other books). Playing the Part is not only full of witty dialogue, it is also full of truth. It is so easy for us to think that we know someone. To judge by appearances or by profession. But do we see the heart? Do we really know the person who is just playing a part that they think is required of them? God created each and every one of us individually and uniquely. We should never hide our true self, but proudly play the part that God has given us! I found every chapter full of surprises and mystery. A continuous page turner and a thrilling adventure. All the time, rooting for Lucetta and that she would find the freedom to truly be the person God created her to be. Although this book can stand alone, I strongly suggest starting at the beginning of the series with After a Fashion, followed by the second book In Good Company I highly recommend this book (and series) to anyone who loves a witty adventure!
I received a free copy of Playing the Part from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review for Celebrate Lit blog tour.
About the Book
In 1884, Lucetta Plum is a well known actress on the stage in New York City. Despite her many attempts to discourage
the ever persistent Silas Ruff, he is determined to make Lucetta his. Being the strong-willed, independent woman that she is, Lucetta wishes for no man to be infatuated with her. With a new drive to possess the beautifully unique Miss Plum, Silas arrives back in New York unexpectedly. Lucetta must escape the city with none other than Mrs. Abigail Hart, the scheming matchmaker who took Harriet, Millie and Lucetta into her care. Determined to see Lucetta settled with her own grandson, Mr. Bram Haverstein, Mrs. Hart suggests they flee to his castle of Ravenwood. Surprisingly, upon their arrival Lucetta finds that Mr. Haverstein holds a particular actress in high regard. But is Lucetta really the person he believes her to be? With an unconventional staff and secretive habits, Lucetta is unsure what to make of Bram. When there appears to be some strange goings on at Ravenwood, Lucetta is convinced that the castle and it's owner are of a peculiar nature. Will their pasts and their secrets be enough to keep them apart? Or will she allow God to heal her pain, allowing her to trust again?
My Thoughts
Jen's books are always an absolute delight to read! I have never laughed so much while reading a single book (except maybe Jen's other books). Playing the Part is not only full of witty dialogue, it is also full of truth. It is so easy for us to think that we know someone. To judge by appearances or by profession. But do we see the heart? Do we really know the person who is just playing a part that they think is required of them? God created each and every one of us individually and uniquely. We should never hide our true self, but proudly play the part that God has given us! I found every chapter full of surprises and mystery. A continuous page turner and a thrilling adventure. All the time, rooting for Lucetta and that she would find the freedom to truly be the person God created her to be. Although this book can stand alone, I strongly suggest starting at the beginning of the series with After a Fashion, followed by the second book In Good Company I highly recommend this book (and series) to anyone who loves a witty adventure!
I received a free copy of Playing the Part from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review for Celebrate Lit blog tour.
Darren (1599 KP) rated Drag Me to Hell (2009) in Movies
Oct 14, 2019
“I beg you and you shame me? ” – Mrs. Ganush
Number of Times Seen – Twice (28 Jun 2009 and 2 Oct 2019)
Brief Synopsis – A young ambitious loan officer rejects an extension on a loan form an old woman and has a demonic curse placed on her.
My Take on it – As a film lover who is not a big fan of horror films, this was a hard month for me to choose what movies to watch for this series.
This is actually a movie that I recalled going to see on a date over a decade ago because the girl was a horror fan and I decided to indulge her wishes to see it.
I even recall inquiring why she loves horror genre so much and her response was “because it is so unpredictable and anything can happen at any point in time.”
This film actually has an intriguing plot that works most of the time and stays entertaining.
Unfortunately, it probably could have been a bit more impactful, but still manages to get across what it attempts to.
The story remains unpredictable throughout and finds ways to keep surprising as things move along and the story unfolds.
Allison Lohman is an interesting choice as the lead especially since she feels so miscast in the role yet excels in every scene she is given.
As expected from a Sam Raimi horror film, this movie has a fair amount of blood and gore that might seem a bit excessive yet helps make this even more horrific along the way.
The film has lost of twists and turns along the way that helps keep it feeling fresh and interesting as the story gets more and more intriguing especially given the fact that we never truly know where things are heading.
Bottom Line – Interesting idea that works most of the time, but fails to really be more impactful. The way that the story remains unpredictable is done quite well and keeps things surprising as the story unfolds. Lohman is quite good in the lead because she seems so miscast and that helps keep things intriguing as the plot thickens. The amount of blood and gore is on par with what one should expect from Raimi even if at some points if feels excessive. The story stays full of twists and turns that helps keep it enjoyable throughout. Recommended!
MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – In the movie, Shaun San Dena (Adriana Barraza) mentions her late husband Sander, a reference to both Sam Raimi’s older sibling, Sander Raimi, who died in a swimming accident at age fifteen while on a trip to Israel, and his oldest nephew, Sander Rubin. (From IMDB)
Rating – Globe Worthy (7/10)
Number of Times Seen – Twice (28 Jun 2009 and 2 Oct 2019)
Brief Synopsis – A young ambitious loan officer rejects an extension on a loan form an old woman and has a demonic curse placed on her.
My Take on it – As a film lover who is not a big fan of horror films, this was a hard month for me to choose what movies to watch for this series.
This is actually a movie that I recalled going to see on a date over a decade ago because the girl was a horror fan and I decided to indulge her wishes to see it.
I even recall inquiring why she loves horror genre so much and her response was “because it is so unpredictable and anything can happen at any point in time.”
This film actually has an intriguing plot that works most of the time and stays entertaining.
Unfortunately, it probably could have been a bit more impactful, but still manages to get across what it attempts to.
The story remains unpredictable throughout and finds ways to keep surprising as things move along and the story unfolds.
Allison Lohman is an interesting choice as the lead especially since she feels so miscast in the role yet excels in every scene she is given.
As expected from a Sam Raimi horror film, this movie has a fair amount of blood and gore that might seem a bit excessive yet helps make this even more horrific along the way.
The film has lost of twists and turns along the way that helps keep it feeling fresh and interesting as the story gets more and more intriguing especially given the fact that we never truly know where things are heading.
Bottom Line – Interesting idea that works most of the time, but fails to really be more impactful. The way that the story remains unpredictable is done quite well and keeps things surprising as the story unfolds. Lohman is quite good in the lead because she seems so miscast and that helps keep things intriguing as the plot thickens. The amount of blood and gore is on par with what one should expect from Raimi even if at some points if feels excessive. The story stays full of twists and turns that helps keep it enjoyable throughout. Recommended!
MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – In the movie, Shaun San Dena (Adriana Barraza) mentions her late husband Sander, a reference to both Sam Raimi’s older sibling, Sander Raimi, who died in a swimming accident at age fifteen while on a trip to Israel, and his oldest nephew, Sander Rubin. (From IMDB)
Rating – Globe Worthy (7/10)
Kara Skinner (332 KP) rated The Mistletoe Bride in Books
Sep 10, 2019
Sometimes we all need a little bit of a pick-me-up during the holiday season. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year and all that, but it’s frickin’ stressful. Between the in-laws and the holiday shopping (not to mention the calories. Yikes!), December can quickly turn into a jolly nightmare. However, The Mistletoe Bride is perfect for getting into the holiday season.
You see, Eve is having her own trouble this Christmas season. Two weeks before Christmas, her fiance breaks everything off with her because he had been having an affair with his secretary and had gotten her pregnant. This leaves her single and with two tickets to paradise she had been going to surprise her husband with. And she plans to do something crazy. Instead of moping at home, or going on vacation by herself, she plans on asking a perfect stranger on going on vacation with her.
Nick Christmas is shocked when a beautiful and mysterious woman asks him to go on a trip with her, and he’s a little wary, too. But after talking with her for a few minutes in a coffee shop, he’s drawn to her. He’s more than ready to go on vacation with Eve and help her forget her sorrows, but he knows there’s more to everything than an innocent holiday when she starts hearing bells in his laugh. After all, Nick is destined to become the next Santa Claus– and it looks like Eve is destined to be his bride.
First of all, “Two Tickets to Paradise” by Eddie Money will get stuck in your head when you’re reading this. So if you know the song but hate it (but why would you hate it, unless you’re insane?), this might not be the best stress reliever. (I happen to like the song just fine, so no harm done to me.)
Like I said before, this is a great pick-me-up for the holiday season. And that’s all it is: a pick me up to enjoy that will get you in the mood for Christmas. If you like made-for-TV Christmas romances, then you’ll probably like The Mistletoe Bride. It’s adorable. Eve is all innocent and vulnerable and kind, and Nick is all strong and protective and kind. He really wants to help Eve heal from the damage done from her last relationship, and he doesn’t rush her even though he knows she’s his mistletoe bride. It’s incredibly sweet. And I really like how Scarlett Jade build the magic and myth of Santa Claus like she did. Inheriting the role of Santa, a magic suit that fits all Santas perfectly, the knowledge of everyone, as if he’s a god…. it’s pretty awesome.
But the book isn’t perfect. It was anticlimactic, honestly. Yes, there was a lot of suspense what with the Winter Elf trying to destroy Christmas and the race to the altar and everything, but it was rushed. The Winter Elf didn’t even come in until later and probably just to add a little spice to the mainly bland aftermath of Eve’s and Nick’s betrothal. The big villain in the whole book just wanted to make toys for Santa’s workshop. That’s it. I mean really? It’s a romance, not a thriller, I know, but we could have drawn it out a little bit more.
There also shouldn’t have been any sex scenes in this book. I know, this is a really strange complaint for me. After all I love sex scenes and they’re never a problem, right? (But hell is not freezing over right now because the Winter Elf is too effing busy making toys for Santa to cause some damn chaos!) The thing is, the love interest is Santa. Even if he’s young and about to marry his soul mate, he should not have sex appeal. Why? Because he’s Santa. He defined at least a third of my childhood (I really love Christmas) and he’s supposed to be a jolly gift-giver who loves cookies. Having a Santa Clause with sex appeal is like having a Mickey Mouse with sex appeal. Just. Don’t. Do it.
Even Spock thinks a sexy Santa is weird.
Since I was in the right mood for this book when I read it, I’m giving it four out of five stars. But most days I would probably only give it three.
You see, Eve is having her own trouble this Christmas season. Two weeks before Christmas, her fiance breaks everything off with her because he had been having an affair with his secretary and had gotten her pregnant. This leaves her single and with two tickets to paradise she had been going to surprise her husband with. And she plans to do something crazy. Instead of moping at home, or going on vacation by herself, she plans on asking a perfect stranger on going on vacation with her.
Nick Christmas is shocked when a beautiful and mysterious woman asks him to go on a trip with her, and he’s a little wary, too. But after talking with her for a few minutes in a coffee shop, he’s drawn to her. He’s more than ready to go on vacation with Eve and help her forget her sorrows, but he knows there’s more to everything than an innocent holiday when she starts hearing bells in his laugh. After all, Nick is destined to become the next Santa Claus– and it looks like Eve is destined to be his bride.
First of all, “Two Tickets to Paradise” by Eddie Money will get stuck in your head when you’re reading this. So if you know the song but hate it (but why would you hate it, unless you’re insane?), this might not be the best stress reliever. (I happen to like the song just fine, so no harm done to me.)
Like I said before, this is a great pick-me-up for the holiday season. And that’s all it is: a pick me up to enjoy that will get you in the mood for Christmas. If you like made-for-TV Christmas romances, then you’ll probably like The Mistletoe Bride. It’s adorable. Eve is all innocent and vulnerable and kind, and Nick is all strong and protective and kind. He really wants to help Eve heal from the damage done from her last relationship, and he doesn’t rush her even though he knows she’s his mistletoe bride. It’s incredibly sweet. And I really like how Scarlett Jade build the magic and myth of Santa Claus like she did. Inheriting the role of Santa, a magic suit that fits all Santas perfectly, the knowledge of everyone, as if he’s a god…. it’s pretty awesome.
But the book isn’t perfect. It was anticlimactic, honestly. Yes, there was a lot of suspense what with the Winter Elf trying to destroy Christmas and the race to the altar and everything, but it was rushed. The Winter Elf didn’t even come in until later and probably just to add a little spice to the mainly bland aftermath of Eve’s and Nick’s betrothal. The big villain in the whole book just wanted to make toys for Santa’s workshop. That’s it. I mean really? It’s a romance, not a thriller, I know, but we could have drawn it out a little bit more.
There also shouldn’t have been any sex scenes in this book. I know, this is a really strange complaint for me. After all I love sex scenes and they’re never a problem, right? (But hell is not freezing over right now because the Winter Elf is too effing busy making toys for Santa to cause some damn chaos!) The thing is, the love interest is Santa. Even if he’s young and about to marry his soul mate, he should not have sex appeal. Why? Because he’s Santa. He defined at least a third of my childhood (I really love Christmas) and he’s supposed to be a jolly gift-giver who loves cookies. Having a Santa Clause with sex appeal is like having a Mickey Mouse with sex appeal. Just. Don’t. Do it.
Even Spock thinks a sexy Santa is weird.
Since I was in the right mood for this book when I read it, I’m giving it four out of five stars. But most days I would probably only give it three.
Sarah Betts (103 KP) rated New Moon (Twilight, #2) in Books
Dec 30, 2019
I remember this book being a lot worse. I was actually pleasantly surprised when, on reading it again, I felt some empathy for Bella.
Here's the story:
Bella and Edward are happy, lalala. Jasper freaks out at her birthday and Edward decides this would be a great time to desert Bella and tell her he doesn't love her anymore. The thing here, is...I understand the motivation, and it kinda makes sense, but it was executed so bady, you have to wonder if Edward actually <i>loves</i> Bella or is just toying with her emotions.
Bella ends up transferring her codependence on Jacob and trying dangerous things so she can hear Edward's voice in her head. Now, in my opinion, this book would have been much better if Edward and Bella were presented as mentally unstable and emotionally damaged, because that's how they come across.
As much as I have been unimpressed with Meyer's writing in the past, the scenes depicting Bella's depression were pretty much on target, and in a way almost painful to read.
I still don't get the swooning over Edward thing. I'm just not that impressed with him. He spent the first book alternately growling, sneering, and laughing at Bella. It makes me want to lock him in a room with Stefan Salvatore and see who whines the most.
To recap: this book would be amazing if it had different characters who acted competely differently. As it stands, it's just "okay".
Here's the story:
Bella and Edward are happy, lalala. Jasper freaks out at her birthday and Edward decides this would be a great time to desert Bella and tell her he doesn't love her anymore. The thing here, is...I understand the motivation, and it kinda makes sense, but it was executed so bady, you have to wonder if Edward actually <i>loves</i> Bella or is just toying with her emotions.
Bella ends up transferring her codependence on Jacob and trying dangerous things so she can hear Edward's voice in her head. Now, in my opinion, this book would have been much better if Edward and Bella were presented as mentally unstable and emotionally damaged, because that's how they come across.
As much as I have been unimpressed with Meyer's writing in the past, the scenes depicting Bella's depression were pretty much on target, and in a way almost painful to read.
I still don't get the swooning over Edward thing. I'm just not that impressed with him. He spent the first book alternately growling, sneering, and laughing at Bella. It makes me want to lock him in a room with Stefan Salvatore and see who whines the most.
To recap: this book would be amazing if it had different characters who acted competely differently. As it stands, it's just "okay".
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Billy and Me in Books
Jun 24, 2019
This is a very, very different genre than I usually read. It was romantic and contemporary and kind of cliche and gross. But I will admit that it was written well.
Despite the gooey topics, this book was easy to sit and read through. The writing was good, though some of the speech didn't feel particularly authentic. My main problem was how cliche this was. A young woman who loves classic literature andworks in a tea shop meets a movie star without realising who he is and falls in love... Yeah, it's kind of a stereotypical romance. I hate this sort of thing. It's tacky and just ugh. But there was more to it than just the romance, which was very good. Sophie had her own issues to deal with, stemming from childhood grief and caring for her mother. It even had a really tragic moment toward the end, that didn't involve the actor - Billy - much at all.
As I mentioned above, the language wasn't always particularly fluid. It sometimes felt like Fletcher was trying too hard to make it more romantic and emotional. Billy was pretty much 'perfect' and extremely romantic, probably extremely unrealistically so. He was likeable, still, just not very realistic.
Sophie herself was a bit... not annoying, but she's not my favourite protagonist ever. She was trying too hard to be unique and strong and independent and it just irritated me. I get what Fletcher was going for (I think) but I just didn't love Sophie that much at all.
Like most other contemporary novels (not that I've actually read many of them), Sophie's life comes together perfectly at the end. Well, not quite perfectly, but the ending was sickly sweet. But I'm a bit of a cynic. You might like this more than me.
Despite the genre and gross cutesy lovey stuff, I think this deserves 3.5 stars. The writing was good and I did actually enjoy reading it.
Despite the gooey topics, this book was easy to sit and read through. The writing was good, though some of the speech didn't feel particularly authentic. My main problem was how cliche this was. A young woman who loves classic literature andworks in a tea shop meets a movie star without realising who he is and falls in love... Yeah, it's kind of a stereotypical romance. I hate this sort of thing. It's tacky and just ugh. But there was more to it than just the romance, which was very good. Sophie had her own issues to deal with, stemming from childhood grief and caring for her mother. It even had a really tragic moment toward the end, that didn't involve the actor - Billy - much at all.
As I mentioned above, the language wasn't always particularly fluid. It sometimes felt like Fletcher was trying too hard to make it more romantic and emotional. Billy was pretty much 'perfect' and extremely romantic, probably extremely unrealistically so. He was likeable, still, just not very realistic.
Sophie herself was a bit... not annoying, but she's not my favourite protagonist ever. She was trying too hard to be unique and strong and independent and it just irritated me. I get what Fletcher was going for (I think) but I just didn't love Sophie that much at all.
Like most other contemporary novels (not that I've actually read many of them), Sophie's life comes together perfectly at the end. Well, not quite perfectly, but the ending was sickly sweet. But I'm a bit of a cynic. You might like this more than me.
Despite the genre and gross cutesy lovey stuff, I think this deserves 3.5 stars. The writing was good and I did actually enjoy reading it.