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Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated The House Swap in Books
May 29, 2018
Wow, did this book have me on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE TIME. So much tension in this book - a marriage in shambles, addictions of the physical and mental kind, suspicious neighbors, and a house full of devastating clues of an affair that had deadly consequences ... I found myself flipping pages at a rapid speed, watching these clues and secrets unfold.
Caroline and Francis swap houses in what seems to be an innocent week away to try to rekindle a very strained marriage. The narrative flips back from Caroline's past and future, with a bit of Francis injected thoughout, as well as this mysterious person they've swapped houses with. Things. Get. Weird. I felt myself having some heart palpitations at different points of the story and jumping at noises in my house as I was reading alone at night! What an awesome movie this would make.
Somehow this house is connected to her, and little snippets of a past life keep peeking through and they totally freak Caroline out and totally freaked me out as well! I cannot imagine going though such paranoia, but I also can't help but thinking Caroline made her bed, and now she has to lie in it. It's always safe to assume that when you hold on to such horrible secrets, eventually, no matter how hard you try to forget them, they'll be revealed when you least expect it - and in the most freakingly intense ways! And that just makes this book all the better.
Edge of my seat might be an understatement - I was totally entranced by this book and I enjoyed the suspense very much.
Caroline and Francis swap houses in what seems to be an innocent week away to try to rekindle a very strained marriage. The narrative flips back from Caroline's past and future, with a bit of Francis injected thoughout, as well as this mysterious person they've swapped houses with. Things. Get. Weird. I felt myself having some heart palpitations at different points of the story and jumping at noises in my house as I was reading alone at night! What an awesome movie this would make.
Somehow this house is connected to her, and little snippets of a past life keep peeking through and they totally freak Caroline out and totally freaked me out as well! I cannot imagine going though such paranoia, but I also can't help but thinking Caroline made her bed, and now she has to lie in it. It's always safe to assume that when you hold on to such horrible secrets, eventually, no matter how hard you try to forget them, they'll be revealed when you least expect it - and in the most freakingly intense ways! And that just makes this book all the better.
Edge of my seat might be an understatement - I was totally entranced by this book and I enjoyed the suspense very much.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated The Victim (2012) in Movies
Jul 21, 2018
Horrible acting (4 more)
Boring plot
Long talking scenes that add nothing
No likable characters
Predictable
Was this still worth £1?
So I paid £1 for this on blu ray from Poundland. You can't argue with that price even if you are going to just watch it once.
The tone confused me a lot at first. I wasn't sure what it was supposed to be. The lighting felt terrible and the plot was terrible.
Michael Beihn was pretty much the only good part. He's a great actor but not a good director sadly. Mostly the acting was just horrible.
None of the characters were particularly likable. Despite all this, I felt there was going to be a lot more to the story than I was led to believe at the beginning so I stuck with it expecting some kind of twist. Sadly the whole thing isn't like this and just has a predictable ending.
It is badly paced with boring scenes that go on far too long and a sex scene that feels too out of place. It is a movie that tries to rely on hot girls and sex (not much might I add) with flashbacks to tell a lot of the story. This does not work and takes away whatever suspense there was.
The movie was too predictable with no surprises. I wouldn't waste your time with it to be honest. You can't even laugh at it but for £1 I can't really argue. Somehow it ain't even worth that but at least I watched it so you don't have to.
The tone confused me a lot at first. I wasn't sure what it was supposed to be. The lighting felt terrible and the plot was terrible.
Michael Beihn was pretty much the only good part. He's a great actor but not a good director sadly. Mostly the acting was just horrible.
None of the characters were particularly likable. Despite all this, I felt there was going to be a lot more to the story than I was led to believe at the beginning so I stuck with it expecting some kind of twist. Sadly the whole thing isn't like this and just has a predictable ending.
It is badly paced with boring scenes that go on far too long and a sex scene that feels too out of place. It is a movie that tries to rely on hot girls and sex (not much might I add) with flashbacks to tell a lot of the story. This does not work and takes away whatever suspense there was.
The movie was too predictable with no surprises. I wouldn't waste your time with it to be honest. You can't even laugh at it but for £1 I can't really argue. Somehow it ain't even worth that but at least I watched it so you don't have to.
Louise (64 KP) rated Burned and Broken in Books
Jul 2, 2018
I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher, my opinions are honest and my own.
Mark Hardie’s debut novel is set in Essex following our main protagonists DS Frank Pearson, DC Catherine Russell and young girl called Donna. DI Sean Carragher has been found burned to death in his car and Donna’s best friend Alicia was found dead in an underpass. Could these two deaths be connected? That’s the job for Pearson Russell to find out!
Starting off the book was very slow-paced, difficult to follow and the writing was very descriptive…maybe too much. The timeline of the book felt very jumpy and the POV’s would switch without so much as a warning. The first part of the book was setting the scene and some of the characters I felt unnecessary and were there just to fill a few more pages. The second half of the book was a lot better and Hardie get’s in to the flow of things. The ending was ok, but there wasn’t enough suspense in the book. I wasn’t excited to find out ‘whodunnit’.
This isn’t a bad book, especially for a debut but there is a lot of Police/Crime books out on the market and this doesn’t really stand out.
I believe there is going to be more books that continue following Pearson and Russell on more investigations. I might read them to see how Mark Hardie’s writing develops.
If you are a fan of Crime/Mystery novels..still check this out as though it wasn’t for me.. you may love it.
Mark Hardie’s debut novel is set in Essex following our main protagonists DS Frank Pearson, DC Catherine Russell and young girl called Donna. DI Sean Carragher has been found burned to death in his car and Donna’s best friend Alicia was found dead in an underpass. Could these two deaths be connected? That’s the job for Pearson Russell to find out!
Starting off the book was very slow-paced, difficult to follow and the writing was very descriptive…maybe too much. The timeline of the book felt very jumpy and the POV’s would switch without so much as a warning. The first part of the book was setting the scene and some of the characters I felt unnecessary and were there just to fill a few more pages. The second half of the book was a lot better and Hardie get’s in to the flow of things. The ending was ok, but there wasn’t enough suspense in the book. I wasn’t excited to find out ‘whodunnit’.
This isn’t a bad book, especially for a debut but there is a lot of Police/Crime books out on the market and this doesn’t really stand out.
I believe there is going to be more books that continue following Pearson and Russell on more investigations. I might read them to see how Mark Hardie’s writing develops.
If you are a fan of Crime/Mystery novels..still check this out as though it wasn’t for me.. you may love it.
Kelly (279 KP) rated Orphan Black - Season 1 in TV
Dec 6, 2018
Unique plot line (1 more)
Fantastic actors
Hooked!
I was originally drawn to the series after reading the synopsis, and was hooked in the first 10 minutes. The story centres around Sarah, who assumes the identity of a woman who looks identical to her, trying to escape her own troublesome past, but instead finding she has just stepped into more trouble. As the story develops, we find out that they are actually clones of each other, and are not alone in the world.
The plot thickens quickly as the series develops, becoming more sinister as Sarah tries to protect her foster family and young daughter. In all, I could the plot line unique and refreshing in comparison to what is currently out their.
The clones are played by Tatiana Maslany, who acts each one individually, the fact that she is able to demonstrate a clear identity of several characters at the same time, is a credit to her acting career.
The show itself does have a lot of drama, suspense and a little violence throughout the series, however it never takes itself too seriously, with regular breaks to add a little light heartedness into the show. The clone Alison/ soccer mom, in particular adds an air of humour to the show, particularly with her turbulent relationship with her husband and the stark contrast between herself and Sarah.
The series itself is worthy of a complete box set binge, and is definitely not one that you want to stop until the very end. This has made it to my list of favourite TV shows of all time.
The plot thickens quickly as the series develops, becoming more sinister as Sarah tries to protect her foster family and young daughter. In all, I could the plot line unique and refreshing in comparison to what is currently out their.
The clones are played by Tatiana Maslany, who acts each one individually, the fact that she is able to demonstrate a clear identity of several characters at the same time, is a credit to her acting career.
The show itself does have a lot of drama, suspense and a little violence throughout the series, however it never takes itself too seriously, with regular breaks to add a little light heartedness into the show. The clone Alison/ soccer mom, in particular adds an air of humour to the show, particularly with her turbulent relationship with her husband and the stark contrast between herself and Sarah.
The series itself is worthy of a complete box set binge, and is definitely not one that you want to stop until the very end. This has made it to my list of favourite TV shows of all time.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Behind the Scenes (Apart from the Crowd, #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Undoubtedly Jen Turano's BEST book yet! A healthy dose of mystery, the suspense of the romance, the antics of Permilia...And Asher...*SWOON*
"Turn your troubles over to God, and...accept what He may have in store for you." - Behind the Scenes
It is a well established fact that Jen Turano is a TOP favorite author of mine. And Behind the Scenes has surpassed all the others to take its place at the top of her books. Very well written with a lot to keep the reader engaged it was HARD to put this one down! The opening scene with Alva Vanderbilt's ball swept me into the era and had me swooning and giggling and gasping and holding my breath. Permilia and Asher danced, argued, and perhaps encounter a dastardly plot...As the story unfolds, more pieces to the puzzle are laid, but you also find out that the puzzle is much larger than originally anticipated. All the while Asher and Permilia are learning to trust that maybe God's plan for their lives can be something AMAZING!!!
Behind the Scenes wouldn't be complete without Jen's unique style and sense of humour that she weaves into her storylines. Never fear dear reader! Jen does not disappoint. This book is full of new predicaments, comedic escapades, and dramatic rescues. I simply can not wait to continue this series with Gertrude's story in Out of the Ordinary releasing this fall!
I received a complimentary copy of Behind the Scenes from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
"Turn your troubles over to God, and...accept what He may have in store for you." - Behind the Scenes
It is a well established fact that Jen Turano is a TOP favorite author of mine. And Behind the Scenes has surpassed all the others to take its place at the top of her books. Very well written with a lot to keep the reader engaged it was HARD to put this one down! The opening scene with Alva Vanderbilt's ball swept me into the era and had me swooning and giggling and gasping and holding my breath. Permilia and Asher danced, argued, and perhaps encounter a dastardly plot...As the story unfolds, more pieces to the puzzle are laid, but you also find out that the puzzle is much larger than originally anticipated. All the while Asher and Permilia are learning to trust that maybe God's plan for their lives can be something AMAZING!!!
Behind the Scenes wouldn't be complete without Jen's unique style and sense of humour that she weaves into her storylines. Never fear dear reader! Jen does not disappoint. This book is full of new predicaments, comedic escapades, and dramatic rescues. I simply can not wait to continue this series with Gertrude's story in Out of the Ordinary releasing this fall!
I received a complimentary copy of Behind the Scenes from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Merissa (12943 KP) rated Maggie's Man (The Cowboys of Cavern Country #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Maggie's Man is the second book in The Cowboys of Cavern County series. In this one, we meet up with Aiden, who appeared in book one. This time, he has his eye on Maggie, a waitress at a small cafe. They have spoken for a while, but Aiden hasn't had the courage to ask her out. Eventually he does, and although the date starts well, misunderstandings quickly overtake things (read, 'foot-in-mouth'!!)
The relationship between Maggie and Aiden is full of ups and downs, misunderstandings, and embarrassments. Although it is full of heat, I wasn't completely taken with their relationship. There seemed to be too many misunderstandings for me, although to be fair, Aiden wouldn't have known half of it because Maggie was too prideful to actually talk to him - for example, the cab after the dinner party.
However, what made up for it, was the whole suspense/mystery side of things. Robert is a complete scoundrel, and it looks like he will get away scot-free yet again. However, Bella Settarra has written an amazing story with more twists, turns, double dealing, and red-herrings than you can shake a stick at. Absolutely loved this side of the story.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this book was completely enjoyable. Maggie's Man can be read as a standalone as apart from Aiden, there are no crossover characters to mention. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
The relationship between Maggie and Aiden is full of ups and downs, misunderstandings, and embarrassments. Although it is full of heat, I wasn't completely taken with their relationship. There seemed to be too many misunderstandings for me, although to be fair, Aiden wouldn't have known half of it because Maggie was too prideful to actually talk to him - for example, the cab after the dinner party.
However, what made up for it, was the whole suspense/mystery side of things. Robert is a complete scoundrel, and it looks like he will get away scot-free yet again. However, Bella Settarra has written an amazing story with more twists, turns, double dealing, and red-herrings than you can shake a stick at. Absolutely loved this side of the story.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this book was completely enjoyable. Maggie's Man can be read as a standalone as apart from Aiden, there are no crossover characters to mention. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Don't Breathe (2016) in Movies
Jul 15, 2019
The petty crime trio of Rocky, Alex, and Money make a living from burglarizing homes throughout Detroit. They feel trapped by the poverty and destitution of the area and hope that one big score will allow them to escape their
circumstances. The opportunity appears in the form of a blind, reclusive war veteran living in an abandoned neighborhood. They quickly realize that they have underestimated this man.
Don’t Breathe is filled with tension and has audiences confused as to whether they want the trio to survive the night as they go from being the aggressors to the prey of this man as he defends himself and his home from these invaders.
The film turns the horror/suspense genre around and allows for the audience to feel the tension without being too predictable. You feel as limited as the thieves as they try to escape from the house that they have entered. You feel as though, at any moment, they will be caught, injured, or even killed in this deadly game that the blind man has started with them.
The strength of the film is not in gore or shocking moments, it is in the reality of the fear and anxiety that builds throughout Don’t Breathe. The film allows for depth of the storyline and ability for audiences to find themselves conflicted as to whether or not they should cheer for anyone in the film.
8No one is innocent. Don’t Breathe is multidimensional and does not insult the intelligence of its audience with contrived plots and clichés. The film allows us to realize that monsters exist everywhere, even in the most unassuming places and people.
circumstances. The opportunity appears in the form of a blind, reclusive war veteran living in an abandoned neighborhood. They quickly realize that they have underestimated this man.
Don’t Breathe is filled with tension and has audiences confused as to whether they want the trio to survive the night as they go from being the aggressors to the prey of this man as he defends himself and his home from these invaders.
The film turns the horror/suspense genre around and allows for the audience to feel the tension without being too predictable. You feel as limited as the thieves as they try to escape from the house that they have entered. You feel as though, at any moment, they will be caught, injured, or even killed in this deadly game that the blind man has started with them.
The strength of the film is not in gore or shocking moments, it is in the reality of the fear and anxiety that builds throughout Don’t Breathe. The film allows for depth of the storyline and ability for audiences to find themselves conflicted as to whether or not they should cheer for anyone in the film.
8No one is innocent. Don’t Breathe is multidimensional and does not insult the intelligence of its audience with contrived plots and clichés. The film allows us to realize that monsters exist everywhere, even in the most unassuming places and people.
Merissa (12943 KP) rated Speak No Evil (Brotherhood, #2) in Books
Jan 17, 2019
Speak No Evil (Brotherhood #2) by Jordan Ford
Speak No Evil is the second of the Brotherhood series, and focuses on Kade as he decides that he can't stay on the mountain any longer. He needs to live... he's only 18 years old! This obviously brings a rift between him and Trey, as Trey can't believe that he would abandon them. Riley is stoic throughout, he doesn't want Kade to go, but knows that he will anyway so why make a fuss? Kade has a couple of epiphanies during this book, mainly because of something that Jules has said or done. Jules is also 18 and is pregnant. She has run away from home as she made a decision about the baby different to what the father wanted her to do. Together, these two help the other to heal. Something in Jules makes Kade want to be different; something in Kade makes Jules more certain, more outgoing.
This is a wonderful heartwarming story, with a hint of suspense on the level with book one. With different circumstances to contend with, you will be cheering on and hoping that Jules and Kade get their HEA. There are still a lot of questions to be answered, which I presume will happen in Riley's book, which I can't wait for. With appearances from Trey, Ana, and Riley, plus a host of new characters, the story moves along at a steady and smooth pace. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a wonderful heartwarming story, with a hint of suspense on the level with book one. With different circumstances to contend with, you will be cheering on and hoping that Jules and Kade get their HEA. There are still a lot of questions to be answered, which I presume will happen in Riley's book, which I can't wait for. With appearances from Trey, Ana, and Riley, plus a host of new characters, the story moves along at a steady and smooth pace. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12943 KP) rated HIS Desire (HIS, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Hot Tree Promotions as part of the blog tour in return for a fair and honest review.
When we first meet Kate and Jesse, they don't exactly get along. Jesse comes across as quite arrogant whereas Kate isn't prepared to accept his attitude and so dishes out one of her own. As the story gets going and you understand more about how these two know each other and the details behind H.I.S. then it just rockets away. The story is fast paced, well written and plotted out to the nth degree which shows in how it flows.
Although this story can be read as a standalone, I personally am reading it as the first in a series because, believe me, I'm hooked. I want to know ALL the brother's (and Emily's) stories - why doesn't Devon go out in the field, is AJ going to be okay, did Rylee and Devon meet in Vegas, and that's just to name a few of the questions this book has left me with. To become that invested from the first book means its a winner for me.
This book is not an insta-love book (thank goodness!), insta-lust yes, but not insta-love. That grows steadily as both our main characters work through their issues, not the least of which is that someone is trying to kill one or both of them. You will be following the story along with baited breath as you try to figure out "whodunnit" but the twists at the end are jaw-droppingly excellent.
First in a series, first by this author - excellent all round Romantic Suspense. Highly recommended.
When we first meet Kate and Jesse, they don't exactly get along. Jesse comes across as quite arrogant whereas Kate isn't prepared to accept his attitude and so dishes out one of her own. As the story gets going and you understand more about how these two know each other and the details behind H.I.S. then it just rockets away. The story is fast paced, well written and plotted out to the nth degree which shows in how it flows.
Although this story can be read as a standalone, I personally am reading it as the first in a series because, believe me, I'm hooked. I want to know ALL the brother's (and Emily's) stories - why doesn't Devon go out in the field, is AJ going to be okay, did Rylee and Devon meet in Vegas, and that's just to name a few of the questions this book has left me with. To become that invested from the first book means its a winner for me.
This book is not an insta-love book (thank goodness!), insta-lust yes, but not insta-love. That grows steadily as both our main characters work through their issues, not the least of which is that someone is trying to kill one or both of them. You will be following the story along with baited breath as you try to figure out "whodunnit" but the twists at the end are jaw-droppingly excellent.
First in a series, first by this author - excellent all round Romantic Suspense. Highly recommended.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Archangel MC in Books
Jan 19, 2020
Brilliant
Contains spoilers, click to show
“Even shattered wings hold heavenly beauty.”
I don’t know who I am.
I don’t even remember what my name is.
I was lost, confused and broken the day I met them.
My Angels.
To the world, they’re nothing but leather wearing, foul-mouthed bikers, but to me, they are my saviors.
The light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
However, as my memory starts to come back to me in pieces, I fear the darkness ahead. Maybe the reason why I can’t recollect anything is because I don’t want to.
Life is sweet in heaven.
But hell doesn’t want to let me go.
Archangels MC is a Contemporary Romance Reverse Harem Standalone story where the heroine is just as fearless as her men, but the mystery that torments her once unraveled might be too much for them to overcome.
If you like hot bikers with attitude with a soft gooey center, a little suspense in a story with twists and spins that will make your jaw drop and whole bunch of hotness mixed with sweet tender moments, well then this baby is for you!
My view
This book has so many emotional twists and turns I was so engrossed. The trauma we see Hope go through from crawling out of her shallow grave to finally getting revenge on the person who put her there. For once you are rooting for that happily ever after! The 3 gorgeous,kind and amazing men helping her every step of the way. Really was an emotional roller coaster!
Love the little nod to Freya and her 5 boys too!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don’t know who I am.
I don’t even remember what my name is.
I was lost, confused and broken the day I met them.
My Angels.
To the world, they’re nothing but leather wearing, foul-mouthed bikers, but to me, they are my saviors.
The light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
However, as my memory starts to come back to me in pieces, I fear the darkness ahead. Maybe the reason why I can’t recollect anything is because I don’t want to.
Life is sweet in heaven.
But hell doesn’t want to let me go.
Archangels MC is a Contemporary Romance Reverse Harem Standalone story where the heroine is just as fearless as her men, but the mystery that torments her once unraveled might be too much for them to overcome.
If you like hot bikers with attitude with a soft gooey center, a little suspense in a story with twists and spins that will make your jaw drop and whole bunch of hotness mixed with sweet tender moments, well then this baby is for you!
My view
This book has so many emotional twists and turns I was so engrossed. The trauma we see Hope go through from crawling out of her shallow grave to finally getting revenge on the person who put her there. For once you are rooting for that happily ever after! The 3 gorgeous,kind and amazing men helping her every step of the way. Really was an emotional roller coaster!
Love the little nod to Freya and her 5 boys too!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐