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Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Never Fear the Reaper in Books
May 22, 2019
In a world filled with darkness
can true love spark just enough light to save it?
When Chase hires the mysterious ghost exterminator, Ryder, to cleanse his house from a pesky poltergeist he gets way more than hes paying her for
Theres just something about Ryder that has him mesmerized.
Is it the fact that hes witnessed her do the unexplainable? Or the fact that shes absolutely breathtaking? Or perhaps its that eerie familiar feeling that theyve met before, perhaps in another lifetime.
Chase desperately tags along with Ryder on a whirlwind of life threatening adventures in exchange for a few precious moments of alone time with her. With the Grimm Reapers Scythe as their defense, Chase developing some supernatural gifts of his own and an intense crush developing between the both of them what crazy supernatural force will target them next?
Never Fear the Reaper (A Never Fear the Reaper Series Book 1) Ashley Pagano is an original read that is full of non stop action and the paranormal/supernatural.
Ghosts, Poltergeists and Demons abound in our world and a pair of reckless humans are determined to either help them move on, or make them.
Ms. Pagano is a new-to-me author and I have very much enjoyed my first experience of her work.
I loved reading it. I was hooked from the very beginning and found myself lost in the pages. It not only has a wonderful storyline it has characters that I loved reading about.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
can true love spark just enough light to save it?
When Chase hires the mysterious ghost exterminator, Ryder, to cleanse his house from a pesky poltergeist he gets way more than hes paying her for
Theres just something about Ryder that has him mesmerized.
Is it the fact that hes witnessed her do the unexplainable? Or the fact that shes absolutely breathtaking? Or perhaps its that eerie familiar feeling that theyve met before, perhaps in another lifetime.
Chase desperately tags along with Ryder on a whirlwind of life threatening adventures in exchange for a few precious moments of alone time with her. With the Grimm Reapers Scythe as their defense, Chase developing some supernatural gifts of his own and an intense crush developing between the both of them what crazy supernatural force will target them next?
Never Fear the Reaper (A Never Fear the Reaper Series Book 1) Ashley Pagano is an original read that is full of non stop action and the paranormal/supernatural.
Ghosts, Poltergeists and Demons abound in our world and a pair of reckless humans are determined to either help them move on, or make them.
Ms. Pagano is a new-to-me author and I have very much enjoyed my first experience of her work.
I loved reading it. I was hooked from the very beginning and found myself lost in the pages. It not only has a wonderful storyline it has characters that I loved reading about.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Anatomy of a Scandal in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Anatomy of a Scandal is based around three central characters. First there’s James, the suave, charismatic family man and politician who is also good friends with the Prime Minister. He’s wealthy and over-privileged. Then we meet Kate, the young, ruthlessly ambitious prosecutor, who’s determined to see James get the guilty verdict he deserves. She’s also good at her job and made her name prosecuting the very worst sexual assault cases. Finally we meet Sophie, James’ wife who has been dating James since college and knows him better than anyone else. All have a vital part to play in this psychological, legal drama, which starts with a shocking scandal being revealed, which is then dissected in court.
James is accused of rape one of his assistants, but did he do it? While his wife Sophie is seemingly supportive on the outside, on the inside her mind is going crazy thinking about his alleged crimes and what he could in fact be capable of. Just how long can she remain loyal as the story unfolds?
We travel from the court case, back in time to Oxford in the 90s and into the current murky goings on within the privileged political world, where money, corruption and power rule the day.
This is an extremely well written and cleverly plotted, insightful story, which I can easily see adapted into a BBC drama, very much like Louise Doughty’s Apple Tree Yard.
Sarah Vaughan has mastered a treat for us with Anatomy of a Scandal, a sharp, engrossing and poignant political drama, which highlights some shocking hard-hitting facts with sensitivity and realism. Terrific!
James is accused of rape one of his assistants, but did he do it? While his wife Sophie is seemingly supportive on the outside, on the inside her mind is going crazy thinking about his alleged crimes and what he could in fact be capable of. Just how long can she remain loyal as the story unfolds?
We travel from the court case, back in time to Oxford in the 90s and into the current murky goings on within the privileged political world, where money, corruption and power rule the day.
This is an extremely well written and cleverly plotted, insightful story, which I can easily see adapted into a BBC drama, very much like Louise Doughty’s Apple Tree Yard.
Sarah Vaughan has mastered a treat for us with Anatomy of a Scandal, a sharp, engrossing and poignant political drama, which highlights some shocking hard-hitting facts with sensitivity and realism. Terrific!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2450 KP) rated Murder at the Palace in Books
Jun 14, 2019
First Days are Murder
When Nora Paige’s movie star husband is caught having an affair with a co-star, she decides it is time to start over. Fortunately, Nora’s friend Robbie needs someone to manage the Palace Theater up in San Francisco. However, Nora’s first day doesn’t go as planned. She’s barely met the staff when she finds a dead body in the backup ice maker in the basement. Naturally, she doesn’t recognize the victim, but none of the staff know who he is either. Could his murder be tied to the death of the previous manager? And, if that shock weren’t enough, Nora starts to see a hallucination that just might be the ghost of an usherette named Trixie from the 1930’s. Is Nora going crazy? Can she figure out what is going on?
Since I rarely do paranormal cozies, I almost skipped this book, but I was so drawn to the classic movies theme that I had to give it a try. I’m very glad I did because it was fun. While we find the body early on, the set up, including introducing Trixie to the mix, does slow thing down at the beginning, but there is a strong mystery for Nora to solve. Nora, Trixie, and the rest of the cast are a hoot, and I can’t wait to hang out with all of them again. And there is plenty of talk about old movies. While I haven’t seen many of the movies mentioned yet, the discussion certainly made me want to fix that. I’m already buying my ticket for the next entry in this series.
Since I rarely do paranormal cozies, I almost skipped this book, but I was so drawn to the classic movies theme that I had to give it a try. I’m very glad I did because it was fun. While we find the body early on, the set up, including introducing Trixie to the mix, does slow thing down at the beginning, but there is a strong mystery for Nora to solve. Nora, Trixie, and the rest of the cast are a hoot, and I can’t wait to hang out with all of them again. And there is plenty of talk about old movies. While I haven’t seen many of the movies mentioned yet, the discussion certainly made me want to fix that. I’m already buying my ticket for the next entry in this series.
Lilyn G - Sci-Fi & Scary (91 KP) rated The A-Team (2010) in Movies
Feb 7, 2018
Goofy fun!
Oh, good lord, this movie is just ridiculously fun. Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley, and Quinton Jackson are pretty much the perfect cast for this movie. They were together so well, and watching them go in the midst of absolute chaos just had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. The A-Team movie takes all the best parts of the original show (which I very vaguely remember), and ramps it up a notch with outrageous stunts and great special effects.
Quinton Jackson is a bit more baby-faced than the original Mr. T, but when he’s screaming in the helicopter and other places at Sharlto/Murdock? It’s enough to put an ear-to-ear smile on your face. He was probably my favorite person in the film. Liam Neeson – well, he plays a slightly more fun version of his normal characters, so there’s not much to say about him. Bradley Cooper was a treat – mainly when he was shirtless – playing Face. He’s not particularly memorable – except, again, when shirtless – but still did a great job. Sharlto? Sharlto was pure crazy in the best possible way.
In terms of the others, seeing a younger Patrick Wilson was a treat. His tantrum scene was great. Jessica Biel is, erm, a good straight shooter? Really, she was pretty unmemorable.
The action combined with the humor was perfect. I mean, I like Mission Impossible as much as the next adrelaline-driven female, but it takes itself too seriously. You need the giggles to be the icing on the cake. Hm, and a half-naked Bradley Cooper to be the cherry on top.
Quinton Jackson is a bit more baby-faced than the original Mr. T, but when he’s screaming in the helicopter and other places at Sharlto/Murdock? It’s enough to put an ear-to-ear smile on your face. He was probably my favorite person in the film. Liam Neeson – well, he plays a slightly more fun version of his normal characters, so there’s not much to say about him. Bradley Cooper was a treat – mainly when he was shirtless – playing Face. He’s not particularly memorable – except, again, when shirtless – but still did a great job. Sharlto? Sharlto was pure crazy in the best possible way.
In terms of the others, seeing a younger Patrick Wilson was a treat. His tantrum scene was great. Jessica Biel is, erm, a good straight shooter? Really, she was pretty unmemorable.
The action combined with the humor was perfect. I mean, I like Mission Impossible as much as the next adrelaline-driven female, but it takes itself too seriously. You need the giggles to be the icing on the cake. Hm, and a half-naked Bradley Cooper to be the cherry on top.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Second House from the Corner in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Felicia Lyons seems to have it all - three healthy children, a loving husband, and a busy life juggling the occasional acting gig and stay-at-home motherhood. She's come a long way since a troubled childhood in Philly. Still, Felicia can't help but dreaming of getting away from it all sometimes. Then, suddenly, a blast from her past appears, threatening to upend the life Felicia has so carefully created for herself. Will Felicia be able to save her family and marriage?
This was an interesting and well-written book. Honestly, it was almost too stressful for me to read, which reduced its enjoyment level for me at times. However, it certainly doesn't diminish the writing or the quality of the book - if anything, it was so well-constructed that it made me tense! Felicia is an excellent portrayal of a stressed mother. So often, it seems like books actually gloss over the difficulty of juggling motherhood and life. It will hit home with many parents.
For me, this book rests on some crazy premises - if Felicia and her husband had just *talked* in the beginning, we wouldn't have gone on this whole journey. Still, Johnson does a good job of explaining her Felicia's background, giving us insight into why she's become the person she is today. She's a well-developed and real character, albeit slightly frustrating at times! The ancillary characters are fun and real, especially her grandmother.
Overall, a good read, though just 3/3.5 stars for me personally, because it stressed me out!
(Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
This was an interesting and well-written book. Honestly, it was almost too stressful for me to read, which reduced its enjoyment level for me at times. However, it certainly doesn't diminish the writing or the quality of the book - if anything, it was so well-constructed that it made me tense! Felicia is an excellent portrayal of a stressed mother. So often, it seems like books actually gloss over the difficulty of juggling motherhood and life. It will hit home with many parents.
For me, this book rests on some crazy premises - if Felicia and her husband had just *talked* in the beginning, we wouldn't have gone on this whole journey. Still, Johnson does a good job of explaining her Felicia's background, giving us insight into why she's become the person she is today. She's a well-developed and real character, albeit slightly frustrating at times! The ancillary characters are fun and real, especially her grandmother.
Overall, a good read, though just 3/3.5 stars for me personally, because it stressed me out!
(Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Smashbomb in Apps
Mar 14, 2018 (Updated Mar 15, 2018)
Reviewing made easier
Okay I wanted to use the app a few days as well as using as many features as I can before writing a review and after a week I can honestly say I really do love the app.
While I do enjoy the site the app really is a welcome addition since I mainly access the site on my phone and the app has just made using Smashbomb so much better.
Everything is really easy to navigate between the app and the website so far everything seems to be in the same places so right off the back I felt like I've been using the app the whole time.
I really like the Home Discover list etc buttons at the bottom of the screen makes everything easy to use.
The only issues I've run into so far is the app won't open up every once in while it just stays frozen on the Smashbomb logo page and I have to clear the app and reopen it for it work. One time after I first installed it did it completely refuse to open for a bit no matter what I did but I haven't run into that problem again.
The second issue is not being able to use my back button to go back to previous pages since as soon as I hit it it takes me all the way out of the app and to my phones homescreen which I'm not going to lie is kind of driving me crazy and making looking up things a bit of a pain.
Over all thr app is really great and I'm so glad that it was finally added.
While I do enjoy the site the app really is a welcome addition since I mainly access the site on my phone and the app has just made using Smashbomb so much better.
Everything is really easy to navigate between the app and the website so far everything seems to be in the same places so right off the back I felt like I've been using the app the whole time.
I really like the Home Discover list etc buttons at the bottom of the screen makes everything easy to use.
The only issues I've run into so far is the app won't open up every once in while it just stays frozen on the Smashbomb logo page and I have to clear the app and reopen it for it work. One time after I first installed it did it completely refuse to open for a bit no matter what I did but I haven't run into that problem again.
The second issue is not being able to use my back button to go back to previous pages since as soon as I hit it it takes me all the way out of the app and to my phones homescreen which I'm not going to lie is kind of driving me crazy and making looking up things a bit of a pain.
Over all thr app is really great and I'm so glad that it was finally added.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) in Movies
Apr 1, 2018
Charlize Theron (4 more)
Tom Hardy
The Sets and the Crazy Cars
This wild conjured apocalyptic world they created.
Driving thru hell and back.
An Adrenaline ride filled with nitrous oxide, and greasepaint galone...
My wife hates this film, but I loved it.... she normally has great taste. This time I respectfully disagree...
I didn't expect much of this film and it completely blew me ou of the water, I was amazed and I'm not the only one: In a Cannes press conference for the movie, Tom Hardy apologized to George Miller for the reportedly complicated relationship between the star and the director during filming. He stated: "There was no way, I mean, I have to apologize to you because I got frustrated. There was no way George could have explained what he could see in the sand when we were out there. Because of the due diligence that was required to make everything safe and so simple, what I saw was a relentless barrage of complexities, simplified for this fairly linear story. I knew he was brilliant, but I didn't know how brilliant until I saw it. So, my first reaction was 'Oh my god, I owe George an apology for being so myopic'." Charlize Theron mentioned similar experiences where she had no idea what she was filming, up to the point where she would ask the director what the hell he was doing. In the end, seeing the finished film greatly exceeded her expectations as well.
Give it a shot... it won an Oscar for gawds sake...
plus an alternate movie poster for your enjoyment.
I didn't expect much of this film and it completely blew me ou of the water, I was amazed and I'm not the only one: In a Cannes press conference for the movie, Tom Hardy apologized to George Miller for the reportedly complicated relationship between the star and the director during filming. He stated: "There was no way, I mean, I have to apologize to you because I got frustrated. There was no way George could have explained what he could see in the sand when we were out there. Because of the due diligence that was required to make everything safe and so simple, what I saw was a relentless barrage of complexities, simplified for this fairly linear story. I knew he was brilliant, but I didn't know how brilliant until I saw it. So, my first reaction was 'Oh my god, I owe George an apology for being so myopic'." Charlize Theron mentioned similar experiences where she had no idea what she was filming, up to the point where she would ask the director what the hell he was doing. In the end, seeing the finished film greatly exceeded her expectations as well.
Give it a shot... it won an Oscar for gawds sake...
plus an alternate movie poster for your enjoyment.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Learn To Love Me in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I was given an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is an exciting mystery/crime thriller/suspense/sort-of-romance all wrapped together with a tight little bow. Emily is a journalist trying to break into the exciting world of news instead of just writing a column. She gets her wish, but only after a girl she interviewed for her column goes missing. While trying to cope with the tragedy, her marriage is starting to falter, she's not so sure her husband is still the man she fell in love with, and to beat it all, she's getting harassing phone calls at work and home. When the detective assigned to her case turns out to be an old flame, things get really interesting, and Emily's whole life seems to spiral out of control.
This story has everything: journalists, cops, quarreling spouses, old boyfriends, haunted pasts, kidnapping, etc. etc. Once I started reading, I only put it down because my husband yelled at me to go to bed. I kept trying to guess who the bad guy was throughout the story, and I just couldn't settle on one person for too long. The author definitely keeps you guessing until the reveal at the end, and then the explanation is just as crazy as those we hear on the news. I can say, I totally didn't see the Epilogue coming, but it's just fantastic!!
I would definitely recommend this to fans of mysteries, suspense thrillers, crime thrillers, and anybody who just wants to read an awesome story that'll keep you guessing. =)
5 stars (wish I could give more)
This is an exciting mystery/crime thriller/suspense/sort-of-romance all wrapped together with a tight little bow. Emily is a journalist trying to break into the exciting world of news instead of just writing a column. She gets her wish, but only after a girl she interviewed for her column goes missing. While trying to cope with the tragedy, her marriage is starting to falter, she's not so sure her husband is still the man she fell in love with, and to beat it all, she's getting harassing phone calls at work and home. When the detective assigned to her case turns out to be an old flame, things get really interesting, and Emily's whole life seems to spiral out of control.
This story has everything: journalists, cops, quarreling spouses, old boyfriends, haunted pasts, kidnapping, etc. etc. Once I started reading, I only put it down because my husband yelled at me to go to bed. I kept trying to guess who the bad guy was throughout the story, and I just couldn't settle on one person for too long. The author definitely keeps you guessing until the reveal at the end, and then the explanation is just as crazy as those we hear on the news. I can say, I totally didn't see the Epilogue coming, but it's just fantastic!!
I would definitely recommend this to fans of mysteries, suspense thrillers, crime thrillers, and anybody who just wants to read an awesome story that'll keep you guessing. =)
5 stars (wish I could give more)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2450 KP) rated Til Death Do Us Party (A Liv And Di In Dixie Mystery #4) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
That's Not an Elvis Tribute Artist. That's a Corpse!
Liv, Di, and much of Liv's family is heading to Vegas for Liv's mother's wedding to Earl. They are excited to meet up with Liv's cousin, Little Junior, who is trying to become an Elvis impersonator, but in the meantime is driving a cab in the city. The wedding is supposed to take place in the Burning Love Wedding Chapel, but before the bride and groom can even get to "I Do," the Elvis impersonator who is supposed to be marrying them drops dead. When the police decide it was murder, they begin looking at Liv's cousin as the killer. Even though Liv is far from home, can she still figure out who the killer really is?
I have found the pacing in the series to be off, and this book continues the trend as the murder comes late in the book. We get some set up before that happens, but there is plenty of time spent with some sub-plots early in the book as well. The mystery, when it starts, is strong, providing some fun suspects and surprises before we reach the logical ending. The sub-plots partially allow us to check in with folks back in Dixie, Tennessee, so I'm not complaining too much. Having said that, the sub plot involving Liv's best friend Di and her boyfriend drove me crazy since both of them were behaving stupidly. This book is best for fans of the series since they will fully appreciate some of what happens here. And they will really enjoy this trip.
I have found the pacing in the series to be off, and this book continues the trend as the murder comes late in the book. We get some set up before that happens, but there is plenty of time spent with some sub-plots early in the book as well. The mystery, when it starts, is strong, providing some fun suspects and surprises before we reach the logical ending. The sub-plots partially allow us to check in with folks back in Dixie, Tennessee, so I'm not complaining too much. Having said that, the sub plot involving Liv's best friend Di and her boyfriend drove me crazy since both of them were behaving stupidly. This book is best for fans of the series since they will fully appreciate some of what happens here. And they will really enjoy this trip.
Phoebe (0 KP) rated Pitch Perfect 3 (2017) in Movies
Nov 19, 2018
Sometimes there just shouldn’t be a 3rd one
Contains spoilers, click to show
Back with the Bellas after college to find their lives just aren’t all that great in the “real world”. They’re all in jobs that they seem to hate and miss singing together. They’re thrilled when they’re invited to a performance by the current Barton Bellas only to end up disappointed that they’re not performing themselves. Then it just gets crazy. They end up on tour with other artists who are (unsurprisingly) a lot more talented than the Bellas. Some very well done “riff offs” ensue and of course when the Bellas stop taking themselves seriously they get a lot more popular. This storyline was a bit of fun if not completely predictable and as a Pitch Perfect fan I wasn’t really complaining - I’m mostly there for the music at the end of the day. It was after this though that the movie lost me completely. Turning into an espionage movie where they do indeed sing to get out of trouble. The Bellas are luckily rescued by the military and Beca is encouraged to take an offer from DJ Khaled to sing alone. Then in the final seen Beca opens for DJ Khaled alone but invites the Bellas onstage to sing Freedom! ‘90 with her creating a touching scene that Pitch Perfect always manages to do - especially as this seems to be the end of the road for the group. I loved the song choices in the movie and that the competition was higher stakes but between the convoluted plot line and sometimes forced comedic moments this definitely wasn’t my favourite Pitch Perfect installment.