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Carma (21 KP) rated Hot Winter Nights (Heartbreaker Bay, #6) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Lucas Knight never wants to get shot again. If thinking the pain from a bullet in your side was bad, being stuck at home not released for work duty is a bigger pain to deal with. To top it off he wakes up with a woman at his side and no memory of how they got there. He gets the hell out of his apartment before she wakes up and it gets awkward. Making his way into the office to see if maybe he could fudge his way around his non-release and get back into a case. Joe and Archer might throw him a bone if they see him around the office.
Molly Malone is tired of living as Joes younger sister or just the office help. She wants to get her own case to solve for their company and thinks Santa might just be the way. Waking up in Lucas bed, even knowing nothing happened, lands her the perfect opportunity to get what she wants one way or another.
Molly and Lucas set out to vindicate the angry elves and figure out the money trail. All the while they start understanding their attraction to each other. Can they find a way to mix business and pleasure for the whole package?
I loved this book, my first Heartbreaker Bay book to read (though I have most on my TBR shelf). I absolutely loved the hashtags as chapter titles angle. And the relationship between Molly and Lucas has all the dimensions we look for in a partner. Her father brings awareness to PTSD and protective fathers humor where their daughters are concerned. I voluntarily read an advance copy without expectations for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own. 4 ½ stars for this return to Heartbreaker Bay.
Molly Malone is tired of living as Joes younger sister or just the office help. She wants to get her own case to solve for their company and thinks Santa might just be the way. Waking up in Lucas bed, even knowing nothing happened, lands her the perfect opportunity to get what she wants one way or another.
Molly and Lucas set out to vindicate the angry elves and figure out the money trail. All the while they start understanding their attraction to each other. Can they find a way to mix business and pleasure for the whole package?
I loved this book, my first Heartbreaker Bay book to read (though I have most on my TBR shelf). I absolutely loved the hashtags as chapter titles angle. And the relationship between Molly and Lucas has all the dimensions we look for in a partner. Her father brings awareness to PTSD and protective fathers humor where their daughters are concerned. I voluntarily read an advance copy without expectations for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own. 4 ½ stars for this return to Heartbreaker Bay.
Carma (21 KP) rated A Nanny For the Reclusive Billionaire in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Mallory Worthington needs a change of scenery. She is tired of being labeled the sick kid or handle with care. What she needs is an escape from the stigma that a cancer diagnosis brings. She signs up with a temp agency and finds herself flying to Southern Florida to be a nanny to a Billionaire. It is a far cry from being a chef but it might be just what she needs.
Rhys Dalton is reclusive to say the least. Living in Flamingo Key with his son Oliver and a handful of trusted employees is just what he needs after losing his wife 3 years ago. He couldnt protect Beth but he will do whatever it takes to protect Oliver including cutting them off from civilization. Hiring a nanny to help with Olivers needs while he works seems the perfect solution, until Mallory shows up on his doorstep. Werent nannies old and wrinkled with wool dresses?
Mallory and Rhys find themselves needing each other more than they are willing to admit. Together they bring out the best of each other and can offer more live lessons and love to Oliver. But Mallory is reluctant to share her past with Rhys given his personal history with cancer. That can only mean trouble ahead, right?
A Nanny for the Reclusive Billionaire is the first book Ive read by Regina Kyle after meeting her in Cincinnati earlier this year. I am regretting now, not having known about her before because her writing style is wonderful. Believable characters with great storyline flow and humor. If you havent read anything by Ms. Kyle before make this a one click immediately. I voluntarily read an advance copy without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Rhys Dalton is reclusive to say the least. Living in Flamingo Key with his son Oliver and a handful of trusted employees is just what he needs after losing his wife 3 years ago. He couldnt protect Beth but he will do whatever it takes to protect Oliver including cutting them off from civilization. Hiring a nanny to help with Olivers needs while he works seems the perfect solution, until Mallory shows up on his doorstep. Werent nannies old and wrinkled with wool dresses?
Mallory and Rhys find themselves needing each other more than they are willing to admit. Together they bring out the best of each other and can offer more live lessons and love to Oliver. But Mallory is reluctant to share her past with Rhys given his personal history with cancer. That can only mean trouble ahead, right?
A Nanny for the Reclusive Billionaire is the first book Ive read by Regina Kyle after meeting her in Cincinnati earlier this year. I am regretting now, not having known about her before because her writing style is wonderful. Believable characters with great storyline flow and humor. If you havent read anything by Ms. Kyle before make this a one click immediately. I voluntarily read an advance copy without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Big Stone Gap (2015) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Wise County, Virginia in 1978. Ave Maria Mulligan (Ashley Judd), owner of the town pharmacy, director of the town’s outdoor drama. Ave having lived in Big Stone Gap all her life, is perfectly content in her place as the town spinster. Adriana Trigiani, the author of the book “Big Stone Gap” brings the little town with the big heart to the silver screen as the Director and Screenwriter.
We are taken by the hand from the opening scene where we Fleeta Mullins (Whoopi Goldberg) her acerbic assistant at the pharmacy; Ida Lou Wade (Jenna Elfman) best friend and Town Librarian; Theodore Tipton (John Benjamin Hickey) the school band director, star of the outdoor drama and Spec Broadwater (Anthony La Paglia) the town lawyer. These people are the pillars that help hold Ave up as her life gets upended with loss and challenges plus the awkward two-step of a courtship with Jack MacChesney (Patrick Wilson) whom she has known since childhood.
This film centers on relationships. The love of a mother and the secret that changes Ave’s path, the best friends on your side through thick and thin; the love that is timeless and enduring. Ashley Judd is exceptional, conveying to us what Ave’s feelings. Whoopi Goldberg delivering lines that are gems full of comedic punches; Jenna Elfman and Patrick Wilson(as Lyle Makin) giving a chaotic wedding scene with such physical humor that I wish could have gone on much longer.
This film is a Adriana Trigiani’s love story to the people of Big Stone Gap. The phenomenal ensemble of actors hook us in by charming us with comedy and warmth throughout the story, inviting the audience to be part of their town.
http://sknr.net/2015/10/09/big-stone-gap/
We are taken by the hand from the opening scene where we Fleeta Mullins (Whoopi Goldberg) her acerbic assistant at the pharmacy; Ida Lou Wade (Jenna Elfman) best friend and Town Librarian; Theodore Tipton (John Benjamin Hickey) the school band director, star of the outdoor drama and Spec Broadwater (Anthony La Paglia) the town lawyer. These people are the pillars that help hold Ave up as her life gets upended with loss and challenges plus the awkward two-step of a courtship with Jack MacChesney (Patrick Wilson) whom she has known since childhood.
This film centers on relationships. The love of a mother and the secret that changes Ave’s path, the best friends on your side through thick and thin; the love that is timeless and enduring. Ashley Judd is exceptional, conveying to us what Ave’s feelings. Whoopi Goldberg delivering lines that are gems full of comedic punches; Jenna Elfman and Patrick Wilson(as Lyle Makin) giving a chaotic wedding scene with such physical humor that I wish could have gone on much longer.
This film is a Adriana Trigiani’s love story to the people of Big Stone Gap. The phenomenal ensemble of actors hook us in by charming us with comedy and warmth throughout the story, inviting the audience to be part of their town.
http://sknr.net/2015/10/09/big-stone-gap/
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Ted 2 (2015) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
The foul-mouthed but lovable Ted is back in a brand new adventure bigger and more outrageous than the first film. The new film opens with Ted (Seth MacFarlane), marrying Tami-Lynn and in the first five minutes floors the audience with drug, Gay, and sex jokes, with a Flash Gordon sighting and a musical number to boot.
When Ted attempts to adopt a baby, he triggers a chain of events into motion that cause him to be classified as property. As such he has no legal rights and cannot hold a job, have a bank account, adopt, and marry which causes everything Ted has worked for to vanish.
Thankfully for Ted his best friend John (Mark Wahlberg), is by his side no matter what and helps him find a new lawyer named Samantha (Amanda Seyfried), who decides to take on the case and resolves to get Ted recognized as a person.
Naturally things do not go as planned as Ted and John keep getting into trouble despite their best intentions and combined with a threat from Ted’s past emerging once again, things are looking bleak indeed.
Along the way there are more than a few celebrity cameos and tons of rude, crude, and often very funny jokes to go along with the constant drug humor. Ted is not for everyone but there is a softer side to the character, and Mac Farlane keeps things moving at a fast clip, which never lets the film drag on without unleashing a new barrage of comedic situations on the audience.
If you liked the first film, you will likely enjoy “Ted 2” as I found it a very pleasant and often funny film that actually improved on the first film.
http://sknr.net/2015/06/26/ted-2/
When Ted attempts to adopt a baby, he triggers a chain of events into motion that cause him to be classified as property. As such he has no legal rights and cannot hold a job, have a bank account, adopt, and marry which causes everything Ted has worked for to vanish.
Thankfully for Ted his best friend John (Mark Wahlberg), is by his side no matter what and helps him find a new lawyer named Samantha (Amanda Seyfried), who decides to take on the case and resolves to get Ted recognized as a person.
Naturally things do not go as planned as Ted and John keep getting into trouble despite their best intentions and combined with a threat from Ted’s past emerging once again, things are looking bleak indeed.
Along the way there are more than a few celebrity cameos and tons of rude, crude, and often very funny jokes to go along with the constant drug humor. Ted is not for everyone but there is a softer side to the character, and Mac Farlane keeps things moving at a fast clip, which never lets the film drag on without unleashing a new barrage of comedic situations on the audience.
If you liked the first film, you will likely enjoy “Ted 2” as I found it a very pleasant and often funny film that actually improved on the first film.
http://sknr.net/2015/06/26/ted-2/
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated Zombeavers (2015) in Movies
Jan 4, 2019
Cool Cameos (2 more)
John Mayer and Bill Burr... That's right I said John Fuckin Mayer
B Movie Hall of Fame candidate
Zom what???
Upon forst look, a title like Zombeavers, kind of makes you think of porn... Rob Rotten porn... But once you dive ( get it...dive) into Zombeavers you cant help bit want to stick around and see what these creatures look like.
And, in all cheesey movie goodness... The hand puppeted varments look like shit... They flop around aimlessly in an attempt to look like they are attacking with great vigor... Only to come across like a dying trout, flipping and slopping through the air on the ground.
Bill Burr and a nearly unrecognizable John Mayer open the movie as two good ol boy toxic waste drivers who "unknowingly" dump a barrel of some kind of hazardous chemicals off their truck as they're discussing prison sex and gettin blown by dudes... Comedic genius honestly... It's brilliant.
But overall, this cast of not a lot of anyones... Including some chick from American Soap Opera Days of our Lives... And some other girl from Death House can not save this trainwreck of a film. Its good in a way that is meant not to be good.
Over all cheese factor... Tostitos Con Queso Cheese Dip... That was left out of the fridge and had papers piled in top of it on your coffee table... So when you open it, it attacks your senses in all the wrong days.
While I'd love to give it a higher rating... I can not see giving it over a five.
And, in all cheesey movie goodness... The hand puppeted varments look like shit... They flop around aimlessly in an attempt to look like they are attacking with great vigor... Only to come across like a dying trout, flipping and slopping through the air on the ground.
Bill Burr and a nearly unrecognizable John Mayer open the movie as two good ol boy toxic waste drivers who "unknowingly" dump a barrel of some kind of hazardous chemicals off their truck as they're discussing prison sex and gettin blown by dudes... Comedic genius honestly... It's brilliant.
But overall, this cast of not a lot of anyones... Including some chick from American Soap Opera Days of our Lives... And some other girl from Death House can not save this trainwreck of a film. Its good in a way that is meant not to be good.
Over all cheese factor... Tostitos Con Queso Cheese Dip... That was left out of the fridge and had papers piled in top of it on your coffee table... So when you open it, it attacks your senses in all the wrong days.
While I'd love to give it a higher rating... I can not see giving it over a five.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated The Double-A Western Detective Agency in Books
Jan 9, 2019
Detectifying in the Old West Once Again
Cowboy brothers turned detectives Big Red and Old Red have started a new detective agency with Diana and her father, Colonel Crowe. There's just one problem, the lack of paying customers. So when they are hired to travel to DeBatge, New Mexico, and catch some cattle rustlers, Old Red reluctantly agrees to go even though it's not the kind of case he wants to take. With Diana tagging along, the brothers set out. However, when they arrive, they discover a town divided with tensions running high. The source of this powder keg? Their client. Then a dead body turns up, igniting the fuse. Can Old Red figure things out before the town explodes? Will the trio get caught in the crossfire no matter what happens?
I was so glad when I learned author Steve Hockensmith was writing a new adventure for these two cowboys. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of traveling back to the 1890's with them, you are in for a treat. The characters are wonderful. Since we don't have too many recurring characters, that leaves plenty of room for new characters, and figuring out if they are friend or foe drives so much of the plot. Yes, there is a mystery, and Old Red does a great job of figuring out what is going on. He was certainly several steps ahead of me. However, the added stress of the conflicts in town adds to the tension and puts Big Red and Old Red's lives in danger on a regular basis. The humor from the earlier books is still here as well and helps defuse the tension a little.
I was so glad when I learned author Steve Hockensmith was writing a new adventure for these two cowboys. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of traveling back to the 1890's with them, you are in for a treat. The characters are wonderful. Since we don't have too many recurring characters, that leaves plenty of room for new characters, and figuring out if they are friend or foe drives so much of the plot. Yes, there is a mystery, and Old Red does a great job of figuring out what is going on. He was certainly several steps ahead of me. However, the added stress of the conflicts in town adds to the tension and puts Big Red and Old Red's lives in danger on a regular basis. The humor from the earlier books is still here as well and helps defuse the tension a little.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Life and Other Inconveniences in Books
Oct 24, 2019
Emma London is kicked out her home as pregnant teen. It particularly stings, because when Emma's mom died when she was a kid, her dad dropped her on his own mom's doorstop and never looked back. Genevieve, Emma's wealthy grandmother, took her in and raised her, but she never had much love for Emma. Perhaps because Genevieve was already dealing with her own tragedies: the disappearance of her young son, followed by the early death of her husband. Still, she had time to build a fashion empire--and neglect her other son (Emma's father). Emma hasn't let any of her family baggage stop her. She's built a good life for herself and her teenage daughter, Riley. But now she has a surprise call from Genevieve, asking her for help. Emma isn't sure she can go home again, but what if it's what's best for Riley? And maybe even for her?
What a wonderful read! This was a great book to consume poolside this summer.
I love Kristan Higgins' books and this one was no exception. Don’t go in expecting a light and fluffy romance, though. Sure, there are some romantic elements here and plenty of Higgins’ trademark wit and humor, but this is also a serious read that deals with momentous life events and tragedies. It’s sad, poignant, touching, and real. Because Higgins’ characters are so true to life, and because she immerses you so fully in their world, it’s easy to both laugh and cry while reading. It’s a character-driven read, and I was quickly drawn to Emma, Riley, and several others.
I definitely recommend this one, and if you haven’t picked up any of Higgins’ work, now is the time to start! 4.5 stars.
What a wonderful read! This was a great book to consume poolside this summer.
I love Kristan Higgins' books and this one was no exception. Don’t go in expecting a light and fluffy romance, though. Sure, there are some romantic elements here and plenty of Higgins’ trademark wit and humor, but this is also a serious read that deals with momentous life events and tragedies. It’s sad, poignant, touching, and real. Because Higgins’ characters are so true to life, and because she immerses you so fully in their world, it’s easy to both laugh and cry while reading. It’s a character-driven read, and I was quickly drawn to Emma, Riley, and several others.
I definitely recommend this one, and if you haven’t picked up any of Higgins’ work, now is the time to start! 4.5 stars.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Owl Be Home for Christmas in Books
Dec 21, 2019
White Christmas? Check! But Will Snow and a Killer Keep Meg from Being Home for Christmas?
It’s a few days before Christmas and Meg Langslow and much of her family are at the Caerphilly Inn for Owl Fest 2019, a conference being put on by Meg’s grandfather. Unfortunately, the worst winter storm in decades has also decided to visit, trapping the attendees in the hotel and possibly keeping them from going home for Christmas. As the snow continues to fall, tempers continue to rise. Owls are not without their controversy, but Dr. Frogmore seems to be at the center of much of the arguments breaking out. No one much likes him, but for some, the problems with him go much deeper. However, when Dr. Frogmore drops dead, Meg’s father suspects that it wasn’t natural causes. Are they trapped at the inn with a killer? Can Meg figure out what is really happening before the snow ends so the conference attendees fly home?
This novel uses a classic mystery trope – everyone trapped someplace with a killer. I’m a little disappointed since it’s been used twice in a row in the series now, and the result was me beginning to feel a bit claustrophobic while I was reading. The mystery itself was solid. It’s obvious early on who the victim will be, and we learn about motives and suspects even before he drops dead. The further complications after the murder takes place kept me guessing until the end. As much as I enjoy spending time with Meg’s family, they aren’t as funny as they used to be. The new characters do provide some laughs, but there are some serious issues in the book that dampen some of the humor. All told, this is still a fun entry to the series that will please Meg’s many fans.
This novel uses a classic mystery trope – everyone trapped someplace with a killer. I’m a little disappointed since it’s been used twice in a row in the series now, and the result was me beginning to feel a bit claustrophobic while I was reading. The mystery itself was solid. It’s obvious early on who the victim will be, and we learn about motives and suspects even before he drops dead. The further complications after the murder takes place kept me guessing until the end. As much as I enjoy spending time with Meg’s family, they aren’t as funny as they used to be. The new characters do provide some laughs, but there are some serious issues in the book that dampen some of the humor. All told, this is still a fun entry to the series that will please Meg’s many fans.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) in Movies
Jul 2, 2019
When I was younger, my mom and I would get all dressed up and we would take a special holiday trip up to Seattle to see The Nutcracker. I was captivated by the costumes, dancing and the story. When I found out that a film was being made based off of the famed ballet I was very excited especially with Disney behind it.
Clara is given a gift for Christmas that requires a one of a kind key. To find this key she must follow a piece of string that leads her into a world full of magic and mystery but is in a state of disrepair. Along the way she meets many different characters who want to help her find the key and restore harmony within the lands.
The film in its entirety is visually stunning and equally entertaining. In a way, the film sort of reminds me of Alice In Wonderland as it has a very Tim Burtone-sque feel to it. The star studded cast made the film that much better. It was lovely seeing Mackenzie Foy all grown up, the beautiful Keira Knightly with her somewhat annoying high pitched character voice, Morgan Freeman and Dame Helen Mirren’s amazing acting and Misty Copeland’s beautiful dancing just to name a few.
It is certainly refreshing to see a new twist on a classic story. I am pleased that they didn’t do away with the dancing along with the most familiar score listened to during the holidays. The CG sets were amazing with bold colors that made the film very visually appealing. It encapsulates an entertaining and adventurous story along with humor and excellent acting. In my book, that is the perfect recipe for a great film. I look forward to adding this one to my ever growing movie collection.
Clara is given a gift for Christmas that requires a one of a kind key. To find this key she must follow a piece of string that leads her into a world full of magic and mystery but is in a state of disrepair. Along the way she meets many different characters who want to help her find the key and restore harmony within the lands.
The film in its entirety is visually stunning and equally entertaining. In a way, the film sort of reminds me of Alice In Wonderland as it has a very Tim Burtone-sque feel to it. The star studded cast made the film that much better. It was lovely seeing Mackenzie Foy all grown up, the beautiful Keira Knightly with her somewhat annoying high pitched character voice, Morgan Freeman and Dame Helen Mirren’s amazing acting and Misty Copeland’s beautiful dancing just to name a few.
It is certainly refreshing to see a new twist on a classic story. I am pleased that they didn’t do away with the dancing along with the most familiar score listened to during the holidays. The CG sets were amazing with bold colors that made the film very visually appealing. It encapsulates an entertaining and adventurous story along with humor and excellent acting. In my book, that is the perfect recipe for a great film. I look forward to adding this one to my ever growing movie collection.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Penguins Of Madagascar (2014) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Those cute little feathery spy guys are back in an all new action packed adventure. If you are unfamiliar with the Penguins of Madagascar animated series on Nick there is no need to worry. Here is a quick rundown; Skipper is the leader, Kowalski is the brains, Rico is the loose cannon, and Private is the rookie. This film takes off right after Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted when the Penguins are trying to escape from the Afro Circus song that seems to be driving everybody insane but also shows how they became a group and got their start.
This lighthearted film takes a break from all others that seem to always tug at those heartstrings. It is packed full of recognizable actors and a great script. The Penguins themselves are voiced by not so recognizable actors but are the ones who worked on Madagascar like animators directors etc. The real recognizable voices are those from the rival espionage crew the North Wind. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the gray wolf leader of a pack, Ken Jeong from the Hangover films, as a cute little seal, Annet Mahendru as an owl and Peter Stormare as a polar bear with a huge heart. Let’s not forget the big purple octopus villain played by John Malkovich whom has the perfect villain voice.
The script is chalk full of great humor for both kids and adults and is very entertaining. The writers used a lot of clever word play and great gags to entertain the audience throughout the entire film. Visually though the film can be viewed in 3D but as in most films it is not necessary to enjoy the 90 minutes of sheer silliness. This is a great film to take the kiddies to and also the adults like myself who are big fans of the flightless feathered quartet.
4 out of 5 herring
This lighthearted film takes a break from all others that seem to always tug at those heartstrings. It is packed full of recognizable actors and a great script. The Penguins themselves are voiced by not so recognizable actors but are the ones who worked on Madagascar like animators directors etc. The real recognizable voices are those from the rival espionage crew the North Wind. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the gray wolf leader of a pack, Ken Jeong from the Hangover films, as a cute little seal, Annet Mahendru as an owl and Peter Stormare as a polar bear with a huge heart. Let’s not forget the big purple octopus villain played by John Malkovich whom has the perfect villain voice.
The script is chalk full of great humor for both kids and adults and is very entertaining. The writers used a lot of clever word play and great gags to entertain the audience throughout the entire film. Visually though the film can be viewed in 3D but as in most films it is not necessary to enjoy the 90 minutes of sheer silliness. This is a great film to take the kiddies to and also the adults like myself who are big fans of the flightless feathered quartet.
4 out of 5 herring