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Spontaneous (2020)
Spontaneous (2020)
2020 | Comedy, Horror, Romance
9
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Movie Rating
I'm not someone who typically ventures into Romance territory (although I will quietly admit to quite liking The Notebook...) but the promise of people exploding at random intervals drew me in... I have simple needs.
Turns out that Spontaneous is a wonderfully heartfelt (and gory) tale of two college kids who fall in love.
The two leads played by Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer are some of the most likable characters I've seen in ages. Their chemistry is top tier, and their relationship feels real and relatable and is the glue that holds the whole narrative together.
The gory side of things is quite something. It's nicely spaced out so it doesn't steal the spotlight, but Jesus Christ it's anxiety inducing. I was just on edge for the whole runtime wondering when someone else would violently explode. Would it be mid sentence? Would it be one of the characters I liked? "No one has blown up in a while, and I'm so nervous" is a thought that kept popping (pun fully intended) into my head. Somehow, it's a cute enough love story that is just tense as fuck. Hats off to everyone involved!

Watching Spontaneous is a ride. It's uplifting, suitably visceral, wonderfully acted, and feels meaningful.... definitely nearly(...) cried on more than one occasion. It's all backed by a great soundtrack, and has some lovely cinematography and inspired style choices. Absolutely recommend this one, for romance and horror fans alike.
  
The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl
The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl
Melissa Keil | 2014 | Young Adult (YA)
6
6.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
2.5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Someone recommended this book to me a few months ago but I was a little wary of reading it, since I wasn't a fan of graphic novels back then--though I have discovered a like of manga since--and then I saw it on Netgalley and decided to just go for it.

Unfortunately, I felt like I was chucked straight into the middle of the story. I didn't have a clue who was who or how they fit into the story at the start, which made it hard for me to get into. I persevered over several days and I got used to the amount of friends in Alba's little group but the whole end of the world thing threw me a little. I didn't quite get that part of the story.

But then we get the hint of a little romance for our main character and I cheered up a bit. I was only going to give it 2 stars up until the 90% mark and then Grady melted my heart a little so I pushed my rating a little higher.

Not really my kinda thing. I prefer my girl's to be receptive to the idea of romance and not as into comics as Alba was--especially when she was naming some I'd never heard of.

I may read other books by the author at some point.
  
I recently had the opportunity to do some editing on this book and here are my thoughts on it:

If you are looking for a wickedly sexy paranormal romance read with lycans, vampires and even a witch or two then look no further. Julia and Seth will captivate and tantalize all of your senses as you can feel their chemistry jump right off the pages. I was immediately tangled up in the steamy web that the author weaved. The story line is well developed and all the characters are strong and full of individual characteristics. You will quickly find yourself choosing a side to root for and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.
  
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
Mariana Zapata | 2016 | Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sports romance with a slow burn
Zapata has mastered the story line that builds over significant time to create the most believable relationship. For some reason, I don't mind a slow burn when she writes it. Aiden 'the wall' wasn't immediately a likeable character but alongside Vanessa, I fell for him. Vanessa taught him what it meant to care, to be friends. This book has left me with a grin on my face and an full feeling in my heart.

This was an audio and Callie Dalton does a great job on male and female dialogue. I will definitely re-listen or read.

2017 Ebook re-read, this was as wonderful second time around.
  
TW
The Warrior Maiden (Hagenheim, #9)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Another fantastic addition to some wonderfully reimagined fairy tales. The author does a beautiful job weaving the classic story of Mulan in a Lituanian world. It also gives us a look at two of the youngest members of the Duke of Hagenheims family.
Throughout each book another fairytale unfolds and one of the Dukes children is a central part. I enjoy seeing what happened to the older children now married and how we receive a glimpse of their furtures through these books.
As always it is a well done version of Mulan that captures the soul of a warrior. A must read for fans of romance, fairy tales, and Melanie Dickerson's stories.
  
40x40

Sarah (7798 KP) rated How to Walk Away in Books

Jan 26, 2019  
How to Walk Away
How to Walk Away
Katherine Center | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.6 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
A heartwarming read
Whilst this is definitely a very well written and heartening read, I'm surprised at some of the reviews mentioning the unpredictability of the twists and turns. For me the downside to this book was that it was very predictable. This isn't unsurprising as it is a drama/romance, and I've read a lot of books so nothing surprises me anymore. But this didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book too much. It was still a heart warming tale with a well developed and relatable main character, with a truly sad and interesting story. There's a lot of important and poignant messages this book raises, and it makes for a very thought provoking read.
  
Passengers (2016)
Passengers (2016)
2016 | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Sci-Fi romance starring Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence (with support from Michael Sheen and Laurence Fishbourne) as two travellers aboard an interstellar vessel, who awaken out of hibernation 30 years into a 90 year journey (I think those are both right) to their new home planet, with no means of getting back to sleep or of waking up any other passengers or crew.

What follows, then, mostly - of necessity - follows those two characters (and Sheen's android bartender), asking just what you would do in their circumstances? How would you live out your life?

Beautiful cinematography and some fancy effects, however, can not fully make up for (at times) as dull as dishwater and leaden pacing ...