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Gaspar Noe recommended Day Of Wrath (2006) in Movies (curated)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Fatal Fascinator in Books
Jan 4, 2023
Deadly Wedding of the Year
Cousins Scarlett and Viv have agreed to create the hats for the wedding of the season. Scarlett is mainly excited because it means they’ve scored an invitation, and the wedding is taking place in a castle in the country. Even their friend Andre is there as the wedding photographer. But joy turns to tragedy when Scarlett finds the dead body of the groom in the library. With no one allowed to leave while the police investigate, Scarlett can’t help but poked around. Will she figure out what happened?
Since author Jenn McKinlay is so busy writing, we don’t get quite as many entries in this series as in some of her others. That makes it nice to get to revisit these characters again. A few of the regulars have cameos than a real part, but it was still nice to see everyone and see how they are continuing to grow. The book is filled with suspects, but I never had a hard time keeping them all straight. The story was always moving forward, and the plot had a few nice surprises on the way to the climax. The pages just flew by. Meanwhile, there were plenty of moments that made me laugh or grin, including some pun wars, which I always enjoy. Whether you are a fan of the series or just checking it out, you’ll enjoy this book.
Since author Jenn McKinlay is so busy writing, we don’t get quite as many entries in this series as in some of her others. That makes it nice to get to revisit these characters again. A few of the regulars have cameos than a real part, but it was still nice to see everyone and see how they are continuing to grow. The book is filled with suspects, but I never had a hard time keeping them all straight. The story was always moving forward, and the plot had a few nice surprises on the way to the climax. The pages just flew by. Meanwhile, there were plenty of moments that made me laugh or grin, including some pun wars, which I always enjoy. Whether you are a fan of the series or just checking it out, you’ll enjoy this book.
Debbiereadsbook (1171 KP) rated Gamble of Hearts in Books
Aug 8, 2023
ok, but not pushing any buttons.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Lady Amora finds herself sold by her brother, to more than one person, but Lord Alexander takes her in, to keep her safe. Finding her a husband is the safest way to do that. He never expected to be drawn to her. Amora has a secret though, and that might cost her dearly if Alexander finds out. When Amora's life is threatened, Alexander pulls out all the stops.
This is one of those books that I cannot find another word for, other than NICE. It was a nice book.
Yes, some of the storyline is dark: sibling abuse, kidnapping, murder and suicide. Yes, it's a bit steamy and smexy, but not overly so. Yes, it's somewhat proper for the time portrayed, with all the rules and customs of the time. I liked that both Amora and Alexander have a say, in the third person. Another has a short say, but I really didn't see the point of him!
BUT
There are some typos, which should really have been picked up before publication: spelling your main character's name wrong is really rather unforgivable. In a few places, I was confused by the continuity of scenes. I had to double back a couple of times to clarify things.
So, all in all, a NICE book, but one that didn't really push any buttons.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Lady Amora finds herself sold by her brother, to more than one person, but Lord Alexander takes her in, to keep her safe. Finding her a husband is the safest way to do that. He never expected to be drawn to her. Amora has a secret though, and that might cost her dearly if Alexander finds out. When Amora's life is threatened, Alexander pulls out all the stops.
This is one of those books that I cannot find another word for, other than NICE. It was a nice book.
Yes, some of the storyline is dark: sibling abuse, kidnapping, murder and suicide. Yes, it's a bit steamy and smexy, but not overly so. Yes, it's somewhat proper for the time portrayed, with all the rules and customs of the time. I liked that both Amora and Alexander have a say, in the third person. Another has a short say, but I really didn't see the point of him!
BUT
There are some typos, which should really have been picked up before publication: spelling your main character's name wrong is really rather unforgivable. In a few places, I was confused by the continuity of scenes. I had to double back a couple of times to clarify things.
So, all in all, a NICE book, but one that didn't really push any buttons.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated My Sister's Bones in Books
Sep 7, 2017
Predictable, what an anti-climax!
If I ever hear that another book is the "next Gone Girl" or the "next Girl On A Train", I'm going to rate it 0.
The genre has become predictable. There are three elements to look out for in these books:
1. Neurotic women are usually right
2. Nice men are psychopaths
3. The women won't be believed by authorities until the very end
And so goes this tale of two sisters, one who became a war correspondent suffering from post-traumatic stress, and the other an alcoholic - both abused as children. One's high functioning, the other is a deadbeat mother. In between are the stories of mysterious children appearing here, there and everywhere. And the women not being believed.
The writer attempts to make a difference by bringing in stories of the horrors of the Middle East, which was a nice change - but it seemed more like a tool to follow exactly the pattern. It seemed promising but it falls short.
The genre has become predictable. There are three elements to look out for in these books:
1. Neurotic women are usually right
2. Nice men are psychopaths
3. The women won't be believed by authorities until the very end
And so goes this tale of two sisters, one who became a war correspondent suffering from post-traumatic stress, and the other an alcoholic - both abused as children. One's high functioning, the other is a deadbeat mother. In between are the stories of mysterious children appearing here, there and everywhere. And the women not being believed.
The writer attempts to make a difference by bringing in stories of the horrors of the Middle East, which was a nice change - but it seemed more like a tool to follow exactly the pattern. It seemed promising but it falls short.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Leaving Everything Most Loved (Maisie Dobbs #10) in Books
Sep 9, 2017
Jacqueline Winspear is a new author to me. I so nice to find a new author I have not ever read or though try. Her book was refreshing and enjoyable to read.
It nice to see that a woman is a hero and having her own life and having a career she loves to do. Massie Dobbs loves to solve crimes and investigate around her home. She now struggles with if she should travel or stay.
She seems like she loves adventures and want to find out about herself. I loved the fact that you get to go on adventures with her. She one that will not give up on any crime or miss a boy. She will get to the bottom of the crime or murder if that the case.
She also struggles with her relationship with James. James seem ready to marry but is Massie? You will follow her and her trials to find out.
It nice to see that a woman is a hero and having her own life and having a career she loves to do. Massie Dobbs loves to solve crimes and investigate around her home. She now struggles with if she should travel or stay.
She seems like she loves adventures and want to find out about herself. I loved the fact that you get to go on adventures with her. She one that will not give up on any crime or miss a boy. She will get to the bottom of the crime or murder if that the case.
She also struggles with her relationship with James. James seem ready to marry but is Massie? You will follow her and her trials to find out.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Shadows At Sunset in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I picked this up looking for a romantic suspense novel, sadly it was lacking in both aspects. I did find it an entertaining book that was a nice, light escape, but I really was looking for more suspense. This was more light mystery, and even that was easy to figure out early on. I think Ms. Stuart took too much time in the beginning with Coltrane and Jilly, and I never felt they liked each other much, let alone loved each other by the end. I liked them well enough but wished for more romance with less arguing and lust. I never completely got the point of the ghosts but thought it was cute all the same. Too bad there wasn't another book with Rachel-Ann and Rico, that sounds like it would have made for a good book. As I said before, a nice and easy read, but nothing I'd remember too much down the road.
Lenard (726 KP) rated Five Feet Apart (2019) in Movies
Mar 14, 2019
Five Feet Apart is the story of Stella, a high school sophomore who has cystic fibrosis. We first meet her when Stella admits herself to Saint Grace Hospital for one of her "tune-ups" while her two best friends are going on a nice tropical vacation. Also in the CF ward is Poe, her homosexual best friend, and Will, a 17 going on 18 year old sort of rebel. Female-centric "Rebel Without a Cause" crossed with "The Fault in Our Stars" as the two fall hard for each other unable to get closer than 6 feet next to each other. If they get much closer, they could catch the other's bacterial infection and die slowly and painfully. This lighthearted romance (natch) breaks your heart while instilling the importance of human touch. Directed with limited skill by the actor who plays Rafael on Jane the Virgin, Five Feet Apart is a nice distraction, but not highly recommended if you want high quality.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated The Friday Society in Books
Mar 19, 2019 (Updated Jul 27, 2020)
Fun characters (1 more)
nice intro to steampunk
slightly repetitive (1 more)
too much build up for a one off book
A fun teen book set in 1900 London. It follows three young woman whose paths seem fated to cross. Assistants to three famous men, they become entangled in a mystery only they can solve. I really hoped this book would become a series because there is a lot of build up and it makes the ending seemed a little rushed. While it is considered steampunk, I feel like it is more like getting your feet wet just enough to be curious about the genre.
You have the no nonsense scientist, flighty yet loyal performer, and the doesn't speak English Japanese fighter. Three girl which should have little in common are more similar than they'd think. You get all three girl's POV which is nice. And I can identify with some of their irritations. A cute, fun and quick read.
You have the no nonsense scientist, flighty yet loyal performer, and the doesn't speak English Japanese fighter. Three girl which should have little in common are more similar than they'd think. You get all three girl's POV which is nice. And I can identify with some of their irritations. A cute, fun and quick read.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Shape of Water (2017) in Movies
Feb 28, 2018
Beautiful and bizarre
This is another one of those Oscar nominated films that for me didn't quite live up to the hype. That said, it is still a very beautifully made and intriguing film, albeit a very strange one.
The story itself is a little odd, and at times you have to suspend your disbelief that a woman could fall in love with a creature like this. However at times, their love story is actually quite sweet and romantic. Sally Hawkins is fantastic, she does brilliantly at portraying such emotion without words. The rest of the major characters too are well developed and there isn't one I didn't like. The creature itself is very well done, the visual effects a nice change to CGI. The cinematography and script are all very good too, and it is a very beautiful film. I feel it drags a little towards the end and it would have been nice to find out more about the creature itself.
The story itself is a little odd, and at times you have to suspend your disbelief that a woman could fall in love with a creature like this. However at times, their love story is actually quite sweet and romantic. Sally Hawkins is fantastic, she does brilliantly at portraying such emotion without words. The rest of the major characters too are well developed and there isn't one I didn't like. The creature itself is very well done, the visual effects a nice change to CGI. The cinematography and script are all very good too, and it is a very beautiful film. I feel it drags a little towards the end and it would have been nice to find out more about the creature itself.
Gail (4 KP) rated Life's Gateway to Happiness (Show Me, #2) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Life’s Gateway To Happiness by Anne Stone
Four Stars
This story was super adorable. The characters personalities were well throughout and they fit their roles perfectly. The story had a really nice flow to it. I enjoyed that the characters weren’t rushed. There was no instant relationship. It was a nice build up. Alec was dedicated and super sweet. Kelly was a little naïve in the beginning but I feel she grew throughout the story. I don’t like when previous characters take over the book. I like when they're put into scenes and we learn how their life has been. In this case she moves in with her sister so those characters have no choice but to be there. I just feel that the moments that the script turns to other characters we lose time on what the main characters are doing. Overall it was a good read and I would like to continue reading more of this authors books.
Four Stars
This story was super adorable. The characters personalities were well throughout and they fit their roles perfectly. The story had a really nice flow to it. I enjoyed that the characters weren’t rushed. There was no instant relationship. It was a nice build up. Alec was dedicated and super sweet. Kelly was a little naïve in the beginning but I feel she grew throughout the story. I don’t like when previous characters take over the book. I like when they're put into scenes and we learn how their life has been. In this case she moves in with her sister so those characters have no choice but to be there. I just feel that the moments that the script turns to other characters we lose time on what the main characters are doing. Overall it was a good read and I would like to continue reading more of this authors books.