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Rachel Maria Berney (114 KP) rated The Greatest Showman (2017) in Movies
Dec 7, 2018
A musical for non-musical fans
I hate musicals, I avoid them like the plague. My daughter decided to put this on and I ended up sitting and watching the whole thing by myself, she wandered off to play.
This is a musical that even the haters of musicals I think would enjoy. The only reason I can see why I didn't mind and actually liked some of the songs is the irony and sarcasm that was inherent in the songs and in the acting whilst they were singing. Normally, the people singing, whether it's a happy or sad song, have those insane asylum grins plastered to their faces, which make you feel uncomfortable. The songs were catchy, warning, they stay with you for days.
The story line was good, I enjoyed it. The acting was very good and the singing not that bad. I was surprised to find out Hugh Jackman was the leading man, I didn't recognise him at all at first. Took me a while to figure our that it was Zac Effron supporting too.
The costumes and make-up were fantastic and the actual shows were really good to watch. I would love to know what they would've been like at the real Barnum circus, as well as what the real relationships were within the troupe. Intrigued me enough that I am going to put my history at uni to use and research it.
I think if you take a chance and watch this, you will be pleasantly surprised.
This is a musical that even the haters of musicals I think would enjoy. The only reason I can see why I didn't mind and actually liked some of the songs is the irony and sarcasm that was inherent in the songs and in the acting whilst they were singing. Normally, the people singing, whether it's a happy or sad song, have those insane asylum grins plastered to their faces, which make you feel uncomfortable. The songs were catchy, warning, they stay with you for days.
The story line was good, I enjoyed it. The acting was very good and the singing not that bad. I was surprised to find out Hugh Jackman was the leading man, I didn't recognise him at all at first. Took me a while to figure our that it was Zac Effron supporting too.
The costumes and make-up were fantastic and the actual shows were really good to watch. I would love to know what they would've been like at the real Barnum circus, as well as what the real relationships were within the troupe. Intrigued me enough that I am going to put my history at uni to use and research it.
I think if you take a chance and watch this, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Merissa (13176 KP) rated Little Tree in Books
Dec 8, 2018
Little Tree by Rafe Jadison
Little Tree is a beauty of a book. Seasonal in that it takes place just before Christmas, this book is primarily a second-chance romance. Jared was a fool, and has paid the price. David was hurt, but carried on with his life. These two have baggage to contend with, and Jared can only hope that a past hurt won't take over the promise of a future.
I found this book to be 'sweeter' than the others by this author I have read. It was less eroticism, and more sensual. It was a delight to read, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. I loved both main characters, although I did want to whomp Jared around the head when we found out about his past! You could see it as lost opportunities, but I prefer to think the experiences will just have made these two fit together even better.
The characters are well-defined, and the situation the same. There are no doubts about this book, apart from whether they will end up together again or not. I'll leave that to you to find out! All I can say, is this is a great addition to Rafe Jadison's repertoire, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I found this book to be 'sweeter' than the others by this author I have read. It was less eroticism, and more sensual. It was a delight to read, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. I loved both main characters, although I did want to whomp Jared around the head when we found out about his past! You could see it as lost opportunities, but I prefer to think the experiences will just have made these two fit together even better.
The characters are well-defined, and the situation the same. There are no doubts about this book, apart from whether they will end up together again or not. I'll leave that to you to find out! All I can say, is this is a great addition to Rafe Jadison's repertoire, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Strings (Hard Rock Harlots, #1) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
12/6/2017 Review:
So I finally decided to reread this series and I still really enjoyed it. I obviously didn't enjoy it as much the second time around but I still love how outrageous this book is. What I find funny is how I read this book around the same time 4 years ago. The characters are still funny, and I'm looking forward to rereading the next in the series even though it doesn't compare to Strings. For those of you who are on the fence about this book please know that it is absolutely outrageous, you cannot take it seriously, it's not for the faint of heart, and it is steamy in a weird sort of way.
12/5/2013 Review:
Okay, so... this is not my typical book and I usually would only give this kind of book a 3 1/2 Stars but I have to say this definitely made me laugh!
I would actually give this book 4 1/2 stars so I rounded up. The description of this book is very accurate. The plot is kind of there but not amazing, Characters lacked depth, but the characters were hilarious, and I do mean HILARIOUS!
If you get offended by sex or curse words than you should definitely not read this book. Every sentence is filled with creative (and I do mean creative) descriptive words and a lot of cursing.
This book had me laughing, weirded out, & smiling the whole time. I found Kendall Grey's writing to be unique and that was exactly what I was looking for.
So I finally decided to reread this series and I still really enjoyed it. I obviously didn't enjoy it as much the second time around but I still love how outrageous this book is. What I find funny is how I read this book around the same time 4 years ago. The characters are still funny, and I'm looking forward to rereading the next in the series even though it doesn't compare to Strings. For those of you who are on the fence about this book please know that it is absolutely outrageous, you cannot take it seriously, it's not for the faint of heart, and it is steamy in a weird sort of way.
12/5/2013 Review:
Okay, so... this is not my typical book and I usually would only give this kind of book a 3 1/2 Stars but I have to say this definitely made me laugh!
I would actually give this book 4 1/2 stars so I rounded up. The description of this book is very accurate. The plot is kind of there but not amazing, Characters lacked depth, but the characters were hilarious, and I do mean HILARIOUS!
If you get offended by sex or curse words than you should definitely not read this book. Every sentence is filled with creative (and I do mean creative) descriptive words and a lot of cursing.
This book had me laughing, weirded out, & smiling the whole time. I found Kendall Grey's writing to be unique and that was exactly what I was looking for.
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Sweet Possession (Nights Series #5) in Books
Aug 9, 2018
I'm not liking Luke and Ash!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Nights series, and you should AT LEAST read book 4, Sweet Obsession before this one, this is a continuation of Ash and Luke's story.
I LOVED books one through three, but four and now five, have been a bit of a let down. Maybe I just don't like Luke and Ash, you know??
This has a little bit of a story, thrown in with some hot and steamy stuff, and a lot of Luke being a total twat of an idiot thinking about what he thinks Ash needs. And rather than talking to Ash, he runs. Much like Cam did when Gabe says those three little words.
I loved that Ash could make the famous Luke Rutherford lose his cool and totally let himself go and take from, and indeed GIVE to, Ash, what they both really need.
Loved that we get an appearance from Gabe and Cam, and Ethan and Joe.
I dunno WHY these two books didn't quite work for me, I really don't and you KNOW how much it pains me not being able to word the feelings!
BUT!! In book 3, I saw something going on between the two guys who own the company Gabe works for. THEIR story is next, and I cannot wait to read it!
So, I'm sorry, but...
3 stars (but please keep these coming!)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 5 in the Nights series, and you should AT LEAST read book 4, Sweet Obsession before this one, this is a continuation of Ash and Luke's story.
I LOVED books one through three, but four and now five, have been a bit of a let down. Maybe I just don't like Luke and Ash, you know??
This has a little bit of a story, thrown in with some hot and steamy stuff, and a lot of Luke being a total twat of an idiot thinking about what he thinks Ash needs. And rather than talking to Ash, he runs. Much like Cam did when Gabe says those three little words.
I loved that Ash could make the famous Luke Rutherford lose his cool and totally let himself go and take from, and indeed GIVE to, Ash, what they both really need.
Loved that we get an appearance from Gabe and Cam, and Ethan and Joe.
I dunno WHY these two books didn't quite work for me, I really don't and you KNOW how much it pains me not being able to word the feelings!
BUT!! In book 3, I saw something going on between the two guys who own the company Gabe works for. THEIR story is next, and I cannot wait to read it!
So, I'm sorry, but...
3 stars (but please keep these coming!)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Kinky Boots (2006) in Movies
Sep 4, 2018 (Updated Sep 4, 2018)
Fabulous
This is such a quintessentially British film that it’s hard not to love it. It’s full of humour, laughs, drama and is so heartwarming and entertaining. Whilst judgemental Northerners (well north of London) or backwards small British towns/locales in a film isn’t unusual, this film is a fun take on a slightly different true story.
Joel Edgerton is great as Charlie. I wasn’t expecting him to be, but he did very well and his accent was flawless. I actually spent the entire film doubting myself that he was Australian, because he did that well. The star of this film though is undoubtedly Chiwetel Ejiofor. He is an absolute riot as Lola and brings such joy to every scene that he’s in, from the musical numbers to the factory scenes. He seems to be channeling Tim Curry in parts (which isn’t a bad thing) and he’s such a hoot. I don’t think there are many that could pull off Lola quite as well as he has.
I do have a few minor criticisms though. The story itself is pretty predictable, but then would anyone expect any less from such a premise? The film though for me was for a change a little too short. I would’ve happily watched a lot more of this without getting bored.
I’m going to watch the musical of this in the theatre in a few months, and this has really got me excited. Just a shame Chiwetel Ejiofor isn’t appearing in the theatre version, I’d love to see that!
Joel Edgerton is great as Charlie. I wasn’t expecting him to be, but he did very well and his accent was flawless. I actually spent the entire film doubting myself that he was Australian, because he did that well. The star of this film though is undoubtedly Chiwetel Ejiofor. He is an absolute riot as Lola and brings such joy to every scene that he’s in, from the musical numbers to the factory scenes. He seems to be channeling Tim Curry in parts (which isn’t a bad thing) and he’s such a hoot. I don’t think there are many that could pull off Lola quite as well as he has.
I do have a few minor criticisms though. The story itself is pretty predictable, but then would anyone expect any less from such a premise? The film though for me was for a change a little too short. I would’ve happily watched a lot more of this without getting bored.
I’m going to watch the musical of this in the theatre in a few months, and this has really got me excited. Just a shame Chiwetel Ejiofor isn’t appearing in the theatre version, I’d love to see that!
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Station Eleven in Books
Oct 15, 2018
Beautifully written and just so human.
I had this book recommended quite a few times to me I even bought it almost a year ago and just never got around to picking it up and it kept popping up in one of my Facebook groups so I thought I'd finally give it a chance since all the comment were very positive and I cannot tell you how glad I am that I finally gave it a chance. The story in itself is really simple but it's absolutely beautifully written Mandel really has a way with words that I can't even describe her whole story just flow together so beautifully I love the back and forth between the time before and after the epidemic the characters flawed and honestly it's just so human and beautiful that I couldn't stop reading. One of the things that really stuck out to me most was that when it came to Station Eleven and when certain characters had to take a life it wasn't some proud moment like it is in most dystopian books it was a heartbreaking moment it was something that the characters didn't want to have to go through and I found it so beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. As the story progresses and you find out more about certain characters and how everything connected it was just so beautifully done and I really could just go on forever praising this book definitely one of the best books I've read this year.
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No more bad Secret Santa pairings! With the Secret Santa Maker app you are able to take out some of...
Merissa (13176 KP) rated Courtship (Voodoo Butterfly #4) in Books
Aug 7, 2020
Courtship is the fourth and final (so far) book in the Voodoo Butterfly series and, my word, but it ends with a bang!
Madame LaLaurie and Dr Bones are still causing chaos in Sophie's life but now she has a wedding to plan as well as continue her priestess training. Something has to come first - but what? Not only that but Jacques is still ignoring Sophie to the best of his ability and although she understands why, it still hurts.
This book is full of revelations, some obvious, some not. The characters and situations take on a life of their own and you will continue turning pages, not wanting to put it down in case something happens whilst you're away!
I have loved every book in this series and have made no secret of being #TeamJacques. However, I have come to the reluctant conclusion that Taj is right for Sophie. I still don't quite see it but I'm stubborn like that.
So is this the end? I really hope not. After all, Sophie still has one more wish from Amir and she is not yet Queen. I really, REALLY, hope there is more to come in this series and, you never know, maybe Jacques will tell his story so he can get his HEA!!!
A brilliant book most 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Madame LaLaurie and Dr Bones are still causing chaos in Sophie's life but now she has a wedding to plan as well as continue her priestess training. Something has to come first - but what? Not only that but Jacques is still ignoring Sophie to the best of his ability and although she understands why, it still hurts.
This book is full of revelations, some obvious, some not. The characters and situations take on a life of their own and you will continue turning pages, not wanting to put it down in case something happens whilst you're away!
I have loved every book in this series and have made no secret of being #TeamJacques. However, I have come to the reluctant conclusion that Taj is right for Sophie. I still don't quite see it but I'm stubborn like that.
So is this the end? I really hope not. After all, Sophie still has one more wish from Amir and she is not yet Queen. I really, REALLY, hope there is more to come in this series and, you never know, maybe Jacques will tell his story so he can get his HEA!!!
A brilliant book most 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 the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (13176 KP) rated Daimon (Guardians of Hades #6) in Books
Sep 29, 2020
Daimon is the sixth book in the Guardians of Hades series and we finally meet Mr Cool himself, Daimon. From the start, my heart has gone out to him. Just like Ares, he can't touch anyone without his power hurting them. Ares was lucky with Meghan but Daimon is still alone.
Cass first showed up with Mari and Cal in book five. She is strong and not prepared to sit on the side-lines. She can't help but be near to Daimon. At first, she thinks it's just an itch but realises it's so much more.
I loved this one and, to be honest, that took me by surprise. Although I have loved Daimon from the start, Cass came across as a bit abrasive in the other book. So I was delighted to find out there was a heart there after all AND the reasons behind her mask.
As with the others, the connection is immediate but these two sure work hard to make anything happen. A cat and mouse game of give and take, one step forward, two back... and it was PERFECT!
I am loving the overall story arc which becomes more intense with each book, plus the hint to Keras' book. A fantastic addition to the series that I absolutely recommend. Now I really can't wait for Keras!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Cass first showed up with Mari and Cal in book five. She is strong and not prepared to sit on the side-lines. She can't help but be near to Daimon. At first, she thinks it's just an itch but realises it's so much more.
I loved this one and, to be honest, that took me by surprise. Although I have loved Daimon from the start, Cass came across as a bit abrasive in the other book. So I was delighted to find out there was a heart there after all AND the reasons behind her mask.
As with the others, the connection is immediate but these two sure work hard to make anything happen. A cat and mouse game of give and take, one step forward, two back... and it was PERFECT!
I am loving the overall story arc which becomes more intense with each book, plus the hint to Keras' book. A fantastic addition to the series that I absolutely recommend. Now I really can't wait for Keras!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Learwife was so much more than I expected it to be. I’ll be honest: I haven’t read King Lear, and I thought I’d struggle to understand this, and the fact that I’ve recently read The Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton (and really enjoyed it) I thought would confuse me more (the Queen isn’t sent to a nunnery in TQoIL). I needn’t have worried though.
This book is narrated by the former queen, whilst she’s living in the convent, reflecting on her time as a queen two times, as the wife of Lear, and a mother to her three daughters. Even though she has been exiled from her former life and forbidden from seeing her daughters for a very long time, when she hears of their deaths she’s devastated. She imagines that she can see their ghosts. She comes close to madness herself. This is a very human woman, not just a queen. In fact, most of the other women living in the convent, don’t know that she was once their queen. They do know that she was a woman of status, and they defer to her - not least because of her steely demeanour. She’s a formidable woman.
This did take me longer than usual to read, but there were several factors involved in this: taking in the gorgeous prose, and the fact that I desperately needed reading glasses (which I now thankfully have! 🤭). It really is beautifully written, and I think that it’s going to be one of those rare books that I’ll read again.
This book is narrated by the former queen, whilst she’s living in the convent, reflecting on her time as a queen two times, as the wife of Lear, and a mother to her three daughters. Even though she has been exiled from her former life and forbidden from seeing her daughters for a very long time, when she hears of their deaths she’s devastated. She imagines that she can see their ghosts. She comes close to madness herself. This is a very human woman, not just a queen. In fact, most of the other women living in the convent, don’t know that she was once their queen. They do know that she was a woman of status, and they defer to her - not least because of her steely demeanour. She’s a formidable woman.
This did take me longer than usual to read, but there were several factors involved in this: taking in the gorgeous prose, and the fact that I desperately needed reading glasses (which I now thankfully have! 🤭). It really is beautifully written, and I think that it’s going to be one of those rare books that I’ll read again.