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Debbiereadsbook (1684 KP) rated Poisoned Heart (Twisted Mafia Vows #1) in Books
Jan 21, 2026
Insane but so bloody good!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
While this is book 1 in the Twisted Mafia Vows series, I do receommend you read Christmas Mafia Prince by these authors first. It will introduce you first to Corvus, but more importantly, to this family and to The Hunt. And that book is insanely good so this one had to shine so very brightly to overtake that one.
And it does shine, beautifully! Insanely and nutty, much like Mafia Prince, but in a very different way and I bloody LOVED it!
The first line in the book: “You will fuck me like your life depends on it. Because it does.” So this book grabs you in immediately and it pulls you kicking and screaming and it does NOT let go, not til the end!!
Corvus is so far in the closet, he doesn't know if he will ever get out. Dalton is in a cell, waiting The Hunt. Since Dalton will die in the morning, Corvus decides to offer Dalton a (slight, but not guaranteed) way out: Sex, for the antidote to the poison the prisoners will be given. Dalton takes to offer, obviously but something is loosed within Corvus, and when the time comes, he can't let Dalton go. Then someone is hunting Dalton, away from The Hunt and Corvus pulls that thread tight and goes into protection mode, and he knows he will NEVER let Dalton go.
What I loved MOST about this book, and Mafia Prince, was I couldn't see where the threat was coming, not til the end! I love being kept on my toes, I really do. And for these authors to do it twice in a row? Awesome work, folks, awesome.
This is deadly, Corvus is Mafia and makes no bones about it. Someone is after Dalton and that someone does get their comeuppence, in the best way!
It's smexy, so super smexy. Dalton is, by his own words, a bit of a player, and once Corvus gets a taste?? He can see that light, that door in the closet opening in the most spectacular way, and it does!
But this family is Nuts, with a capital N, they really are and I love them! They are so far out of my radius, they really are. And I need more, I really do.
Damen and Killian take part, as do lots of others who appear in Mafia Prince. Loved catching up with them.
Who is next?? I dunno, and I really don't care, just so long as I can get my grubby mitts on it! Aspen speaks to me the most, but there are some others who I want to meet properly.
5 full and slightly deranged but so bloody good, stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
While this is book 1 in the Twisted Mafia Vows series, I do receommend you read Christmas Mafia Prince by these authors first. It will introduce you first to Corvus, but more importantly, to this family and to The Hunt. And that book is insanely good so this one had to shine so very brightly to overtake that one.
And it does shine, beautifully! Insanely and nutty, much like Mafia Prince, but in a very different way and I bloody LOVED it!
The first line in the book: “You will fuck me like your life depends on it. Because it does.” So this book grabs you in immediately and it pulls you kicking and screaming and it does NOT let go, not til the end!!
Corvus is so far in the closet, he doesn't know if he will ever get out. Dalton is in a cell, waiting The Hunt. Since Dalton will die in the morning, Corvus decides to offer Dalton a (slight, but not guaranteed) way out: Sex, for the antidote to the poison the prisoners will be given. Dalton takes to offer, obviously but something is loosed within Corvus, and when the time comes, he can't let Dalton go. Then someone is hunting Dalton, away from The Hunt and Corvus pulls that thread tight and goes into protection mode, and he knows he will NEVER let Dalton go.
What I loved MOST about this book, and Mafia Prince, was I couldn't see where the threat was coming, not til the end! I love being kept on my toes, I really do. And for these authors to do it twice in a row? Awesome work, folks, awesome.
This is deadly, Corvus is Mafia and makes no bones about it. Someone is after Dalton and that someone does get their comeuppence, in the best way!
It's smexy, so super smexy. Dalton is, by his own words, a bit of a player, and once Corvus gets a taste?? He can see that light, that door in the closet opening in the most spectacular way, and it does!
But this family is Nuts, with a capital N, they really are and I love them! They are so far out of my radius, they really are. And I need more, I really do.
Damen and Killian take part, as do lots of others who appear in Mafia Prince. Loved catching up with them.
Who is next?? I dunno, and I really don't care, just so long as I can get my grubby mitts on it! Aspen speaks to me the most, but there are some others who I want to meet properly.
5 full and slightly deranged but so bloody good, stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ross (3284 KP) rated Death Note (2017) in Movies
Sep 26, 2017
The delivery (2 more)
The visual effects
Willem Dafoe
This premise had so much potential: the ability to write someone's name in a book and how they would die and then just watch it happen. Awesome.
However, this was wrongly painted as some sort of poisoned chalice and would lead the beholder to madness. If this was to be because of Ryuk's presence then this wasn't really carried out all that well. If it was meant to be "power corrupts" etc then it just didn't ring true for me.
I can't see someone spend all their spare time researching people's crimes and having them killed, maybe one or two but then they'd put the book away and think about it another time.
I watched the first half hour quite avidly but then just got bored.
It also felt like they had tried to retain too much of the anime spirit in the American movie - Ryuk's voice, provided by Willem Dafoe is like a bad English dub for a Japanese original, the father is not at all representative of a Western father, and L just came across as a strange Japanese Anime character rather than a teenage genius detective (I almost expected him close his eyes and do a big shoulder-lifting laugh every so often). I wouldn't have been surprised if Meowth had appeared at one point and made an oddly worded quip.
However, this was wrongly painted as some sort of poisoned chalice and would lead the beholder to madness. If this was to be because of Ryuk's presence then this wasn't really carried out all that well. If it was meant to be "power corrupts" etc then it just didn't ring true for me.
I can't see someone spend all their spare time researching people's crimes and having them killed, maybe one or two but then they'd put the book away and think about it another time.
I watched the first half hour quite avidly but then just got bored.
It also felt like they had tried to retain too much of the anime spirit in the American movie - Ryuk's voice, provided by Willem Dafoe is like a bad English dub for a Japanese original, the father is not at all representative of a Western father, and L just came across as a strange Japanese Anime character rather than a teenage genius detective (I almost expected him close his eyes and do a big shoulder-lifting laugh every so often). I wouldn't have been surprised if Meowth had appeared at one point and made an oddly worded quip.
Great Fitness Tracking app
This app provides the data for the Leaf fitness tracker by Bellabeat. It is the only way of having access to the data the tracker monitors throughout the day. The interface is easy to use and very clear to understand. You can customize your goals and alarms and track your progress towards them. Some things (steps takes and hours slept) are automatically recorded when you pair your leaf, but other things (meditation, water, and monthly cycle) need to be manually entered.
I love this app. Other fitness trackers have a display on them, however the Leaf does not. I wasn't necessarily bothered by this because it allows the piece to serve a dual purpose by also being able to be a piece of jewelry to be warn any time. The Leaf also can vibrate to indicate a certain amount of inactivity. If you want to be more active, you can set it to remind you to move around after so many hours of inactivity. I think this is an awesome feature- especially when I'm lost in a binge watching session of Scandal on Netflix!
You can also set alarms through the app so the Leaf vibrates which is a helpful feature if you need help remembering to take medication at a certain time or to drink more water throughout the day.
I love this app. Other fitness trackers have a display on them, however the Leaf does not. I wasn't necessarily bothered by this because it allows the piece to serve a dual purpose by also being able to be a piece of jewelry to be warn any time. The Leaf also can vibrate to indicate a certain amount of inactivity. If you want to be more active, you can set it to remind you to move around after so many hours of inactivity. I think this is an awesome feature- especially when I'm lost in a binge watching session of Scandal on Netflix!
You can also set alarms through the app so the Leaf vibrates which is a helpful feature if you need help remembering to take medication at a certain time or to drink more water throughout the day.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Kiss of Steel in Books
Sep 6, 2017
Well paced plot and action (3 more)
Great dialogue
Fleshed out characters
Amazing world-building
Victorian Steampunk with vampires, mechs, and werewolves. AND AWESOME.
Holy crap. I have only read the first two of this series – I have three more to read. (My Lady Quicksilver, Forged By Desire, and Of Silk and Steam, with a second series in the same universe called The Blue Blood Conspiracy.) (Edit: I have now read three and four, and they are also excellent!)
THESE ARE SO GOOD.
Victorian Steampunk in London with vampires, mechs, and werewolves (sort of) with romance, a political conspiracy plot, and plenty of action? YES PLEASE. These books are excellently written, with a hefty plot that moves at a perfect pace. Both romances have been very believable and intertwined seamlessly with the larger world’s plot. Each book is a hefty length, enough to really get absorbed in and flesh out everything that needs to be covered, without dragging on and getting old. The characters are fascinating – even the side characters are interesting enough that I really hope future books focus on them.
I don’t have a single bad thing to say about this series, and I can’t wait to read the next books. I am forcing myself to take a break from the series, even though I have the next two books, because I have library books that are due sooner that I need to read!
See all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
THESE ARE SO GOOD.
Victorian Steampunk in London with vampires, mechs, and werewolves (sort of) with romance, a political conspiracy plot, and plenty of action? YES PLEASE. These books are excellently written, with a hefty plot that moves at a perfect pace. Both romances have been very believable and intertwined seamlessly with the larger world’s plot. Each book is a hefty length, enough to really get absorbed in and flesh out everything that needs to be covered, without dragging on and getting old. The characters are fascinating – even the side characters are interesting enough that I really hope future books focus on them.
I don’t have a single bad thing to say about this series, and I can’t wait to read the next books. I am forcing myself to take a break from the series, even though I have the next two books, because I have library books that are due sooner that I need to read!
See all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Deep Blue Sea (1999) in Movies
May 12, 2018
Deep Blue Sea will always have a special place in my heart. At the time of its release, I was eight years old and it’s one of the few horror movies (if you can call it that) that I was allowed to watch. With that said, it’s a guilty pleasure and finding it on Netflix the other night was pretty amazing.
They say the path to Hell is paved with good intentions and Deep Blue Sea reminds us exactly how such proverbs can come true. Dr. Susan McAlester’s unhealthy obsession with finding a cure for Alzheimer’s guides her to costly extremes – and no price is too high in her book. It’s a classic example of sacrificing the few to aid the many, and it is, admittedly, a little overdone.
That said, this movie has some pretty awesome, if dated, death scenes – which I won’t go into detail about in case you haven’t seen it. What I can say is that this is actually a movie where Samuel L. Jackson doesn’t say “motherfucking.” (Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t recall hearing it at all, which was a shocker.)
Naturally, Deep Blue Sea isn’t something that’s breathtakingly amazing. It’s got its moments though, and it is a fun jaunt through what goes wrong when you mess with things you don’t know about. Seriously, it’s worth a watch for some of its silly little comedic moments, at that. Pretty solid three out of five.
They say the path to Hell is paved with good intentions and Deep Blue Sea reminds us exactly how such proverbs can come true. Dr. Susan McAlester’s unhealthy obsession with finding a cure for Alzheimer’s guides her to costly extremes – and no price is too high in her book. It’s a classic example of sacrificing the few to aid the many, and it is, admittedly, a little overdone.
That said, this movie has some pretty awesome, if dated, death scenes – which I won’t go into detail about in case you haven’t seen it. What I can say is that this is actually a movie where Samuel L. Jackson doesn’t say “motherfucking.” (Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t recall hearing it at all, which was a shocker.)
Naturally, Deep Blue Sea isn’t something that’s breathtakingly amazing. It’s got its moments though, and it is a fun jaunt through what goes wrong when you mess with things you don’t know about. Seriously, it’s worth a watch for some of its silly little comedic moments, at that. Pretty solid three out of five.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Girl Before in Books
Feb 25, 2019
J.P. Delaney is a new-to-me author and one that I will definitely be checking out again. I saw this book and read the synopsis while standing in Barnes and Noble, and took a chance on it, as it sounded phenomenal. It was.......to a point. The switching between two characters got a little confusing but the plot line itself was outstanding.
The dark, psychological twists that Delaney implements in this story are incredible. The creepy factor of this is off the charts awesome. I found myself white knuckling the book while turning each page to find out what was happening with Jane and with Emma. I can't imagine living in a house like they did, let alone experiencing the same thing as the girl before me. But, I felt it. I felt transported to London, felt the insane twists, and the roller coaster turns of the story.
While I would love to give this a 4 star review, I can't. I give it 3.5 stars. The switching between Jane and Emma sometimes had me confused on whose story was whose. That's the one and only downside to the book. But, I still highly recommend this! The actual plot line, is as I said before, outstanding! This is one book you don't want to miss! It's creepy, it's twisty, it's thrilling. I'm looking forward to reading more of Delaney's work!
*I purchased my own copy of this book. All opinions, positive or negative, are my own.*
The dark, psychological twists that Delaney implements in this story are incredible. The creepy factor of this is off the charts awesome. I found myself white knuckling the book while turning each page to find out what was happening with Jane and with Emma. I can't imagine living in a house like they did, let alone experiencing the same thing as the girl before me. But, I felt it. I felt transported to London, felt the insane twists, and the roller coaster turns of the story.
While I would love to give this a 4 star review, I can't. I give it 3.5 stars. The switching between Jane and Emma sometimes had me confused on whose story was whose. That's the one and only downside to the book. But, I still highly recommend this! The actual plot line, is as I said before, outstanding! This is one book you don't want to miss! It's creepy, it's twisty, it's thrilling. I'm looking forward to reading more of Delaney's work!
*I purchased my own copy of this book. All opinions, positive or negative, are my own.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Theory of Happily Ever After in Books
Feb 25, 2019
What’s better for a book than an awesome comedy filled with inspiring messages and sparks of romance? That’s what Mrs. Billerbeck’s new novel has! But, it’s so much more than it! It’s captivating, and on more than one occasion , it had me laughing out loud and people looking funny at me! Each turn of the page brought me a little closer to Maggie and Sam and their quirky, Austenesque story.
What is the meaning of your happiness? Did you have to search it out or did it seek you out? That’s what Maggie Maguire encounters in this fun chick lit novel. I felt myself turning into Maggie, wondering what will happen next, what’s in store, is there a happily ever after. And, when Sam entered the picture, being a fan of Jane Austen, I was instantly pulled to him and his grump like self! The interaction between Maggie and Sam was fun and I was rooting for them the whole way through the story.
This is definitely a 4 star novel and one you shouldn’t miss! You’ll laugh out loud more times than not and you’ll find yourself instantly a part of this well written, inspiring novel of happy ever afters and true love. Well done, Ms. Billerbeck! Definitely a keeper on my shelf for sure!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
What is the meaning of your happiness? Did you have to search it out or did it seek you out? That’s what Maggie Maguire encounters in this fun chick lit novel. I felt myself turning into Maggie, wondering what will happen next, what’s in store, is there a happily ever after. And, when Sam entered the picture, being a fan of Jane Austen, I was instantly pulled to him and his grump like self! The interaction between Maggie and Sam was fun and I was rooting for them the whole way through the story.
This is definitely a 4 star novel and one you shouldn’t miss! You’ll laugh out loud more times than not and you’ll find yourself instantly a part of this well written, inspiring novel of happy ever afters and true love. Well done, Ms. Billerbeck! Definitely a keeper on my shelf for sure!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated My Daughter's Legacy (Cousins of the Dove #3) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I love these two authors and their work, and I was excited to see where this book went. And honestly, while I loved that these authors came together and created a captivating story, I was a little lost in some of the areas of the story, so I'll definitely be going back to read the first two in the series.
That said, these characters, both present day, and historical, are beautifully chiseled. Told between two points of view, the authors take the reader on a whirlwind ride through history and contemporary times. I loved visiting Richmond during the Civil War. Historical eras are my favorite! Nicole and Therese quickly swept me into the heart of the story and I felt both of their emotions like they were my own!
Despite not reading book 1 and 2 and occasionally struggling to follow the story line, this conclusional book is definitely worth 4 stars. The writing styles of these two authors are beautiful, and mysterious and historical elements are awesome. This book is filled with emotions, thought provoking story lines, family legacies, and Godly messages of faith, trust and hope. I definitely suggest you get this book if you've read the first two! It will steal you away to another place in time and keep you up long into the night.<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/13819-revision-v1/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
That said, these characters, both present day, and historical, are beautifully chiseled. Told between two points of view, the authors take the reader on a whirlwind ride through history and contemporary times. I loved visiting Richmond during the Civil War. Historical eras are my favorite! Nicole and Therese quickly swept me into the heart of the story and I felt both of their emotions like they were my own!
Despite not reading book 1 and 2 and occasionally struggling to follow the story line, this conclusional book is definitely worth 4 stars. The writing styles of these two authors are beautiful, and mysterious and historical elements are awesome. This book is filled with emotions, thought provoking story lines, family legacies, and Godly messages of faith, trust and hope. I definitely suggest you get this book if you've read the first two! It will steal you away to another place in time and keep you up long into the night.<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/13819-revision-v1/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones, #3) in Books
Jan 30, 2018
oh nooo.. It's over. This was amazing... so much AMAZING! I can't believe it is over it was soo good. When I started this series I was iffy.. Fantasy isn't always a favorite genre for me. It is hit or miss, but this series is a total HIT. The depth in this series is wonderful. The scenery and imagery that is portrayed is also wonderful. I felt as if I was seeing everything through Ian's eyes as it was happening. I felt as if I was feeling everything through him as well. This was action packed and fast moving. The characters were complex and felt things so strongly. I really enjoyed the sex and love parts as well. I don't think I see much sex in fantasy books I've read in the past and this was well done, not erotic. It was very enjoyable. The writing kept me on the edge of my seat. I had to keep going and keep going and stay up late to read. C.L. described the beauty in such a way that it felt as if I was there with them, but also the battles and the bloody. It was so awesome to read and see in my mind as it was happening in the story. I am so glad I gave this series a chance and fell in love with these words and this author. Amazing, so very amazing.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Year's Work at the Zombie Research Center in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I had to read this book for my zombie film course at UCI and I can honestly say it was incredibly interesting. I loved seeing all these ideas about how deep the zombie narrative is because it made me think in ways I would not have otherwise.
There are essays on race, post feminism, the health care system, and so many more.
I loved how it related to both zombie films from the 1930s as well as the more prevalent films known about today. These essays took into consideration the history of zombies and the actual cultural significance of these monsters instead of ignoring it. Many of these essays made references to the Haitian culture surrounding zombies which was awesome.
I enjoyed seeing the different cultural and gender perspectives on all of these issues. Instead of only seeing the viewpoint of some middle aged white male, we get to see women and men of color all engaging in this scholarship and being able to keep it entertaining enough to keep the readers engaged.
If you like reading essays on popular culture connecting to both social and political issues of the time period, then definitely pick this book up, it is worth the read. Honestly, even if you don't like reading those types of books, pick it up because it could give you a different perspective on something you feel like you already know.
There are essays on race, post feminism, the health care system, and so many more.
I loved how it related to both zombie films from the 1930s as well as the more prevalent films known about today. These essays took into consideration the history of zombies and the actual cultural significance of these monsters instead of ignoring it. Many of these essays made references to the Haitian culture surrounding zombies which was awesome.
I enjoyed seeing the different cultural and gender perspectives on all of these issues. Instead of only seeing the viewpoint of some middle aged white male, we get to see women and men of color all engaging in this scholarship and being able to keep it entertaining enough to keep the readers engaged.
If you like reading essays on popular culture connecting to both social and political issues of the time period, then definitely pick this book up, it is worth the read. Honestly, even if you don't like reading those types of books, pick it up because it could give you a different perspective on something you feel like you already know.