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James Bagshaw recommended Jailhouse Rock/Love Me Tender Soundtrack by Elvis Presley in Music (curated)
Awix (3310 KP) rated Angel Has Fallen (2019) in Movies
Aug 21, 2019 (Updated Aug 21, 2019)
Bog-standard alpha-male action-thriller with Gerard Butler off on another bloody barrage of bombastic bodyguarding. Swivel-eyed psycho Mike Banning is struggling to come to terms with knocking on a bit (bad neck, painkiller addiction, looming desk job) when a bigger problem arises - someone tries to kill the Prez (who is Morgan Freeman this time) and frames Banning for it! Must be time for him to knife someone in the throat.
Thoroughly mechanical and frequently quite dull stuff, leavened only by the odd narrative curve-ball - we meet Poppa Banning, who is also a swivel-eyed psycho, but a comic relief one played by Nick Nolte. There is some stuff about Banning being framed for colluding with the Russians which seems mainly pitched to appeal to the red baseball cap crowd (I would say the film's depiction of the US presidency had completely departed from reality, had the presidency itself not already done that many months ago). There is something oddly tender and even perhaps romantic to the concluding tussle to the death between Butler and Danny Huston (who at least is good value). And it is less grimly objectionable than the previous one. But all in all - my advice, Gerard? Take the desk job.
Thoroughly mechanical and frequently quite dull stuff, leavened only by the odd narrative curve-ball - we meet Poppa Banning, who is also a swivel-eyed psycho, but a comic relief one played by Nick Nolte. There is some stuff about Banning being framed for colluding with the Russians which seems mainly pitched to appeal to the red baseball cap crowd (I would say the film's depiction of the US presidency had completely departed from reality, had the presidency itself not already done that many months ago). There is something oddly tender and even perhaps romantic to the concluding tussle to the death between Butler and Danny Huston (who at least is good value). And it is less grimly objectionable than the previous one. But all in all - my advice, Gerard? Take the desk job.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated On Thin Icing in Books
Jan 22, 2022 (Updated Jan 22, 2022)
Thin on Plot
Jules Capshaw is thrilled to be catering the board retreat for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival at the Lake of the Woods center in the mountains above Ashland, Oregon. However, the weekend doesn’t go nearly as smoothly as Jules hopes. First, her estranged husband shows up, proving to be both a help and a distraction. Then the center’s bar tender is killed and stuffed in a freezer. Now, as a winter storm rages, Jules can’t help but wonder if she is catering to a killer.
Obviously, this is a classic mystery set up, but it failed to fully deliver for me. The mystery was too thin, and the book covers with too many cooking scenes. Still, Jules does piece things together, and the ending is logical. I also appreciated the time spent on Jules’s relationship with her husband since that’s been in the background in the first two books in the series. Obviously, we don’t get all the series regulars, but everyone at least gets a cameo, which makes me happy since I do like them. We get seven recipes at the end, and they range from dinner options to plenty of pastries and desserts. I hope the plot in the next in the series is stronger.
Obviously, this is a classic mystery set up, but it failed to fully deliver for me. The mystery was too thin, and the book covers with too many cooking scenes. Still, Jules does piece things together, and the ending is logical. I also appreciated the time spent on Jules’s relationship with her husband since that’s been in the background in the first two books in the series. Obviously, we don’t get all the series regulars, but everyone at least gets a cameo, which makes me happy since I do like them. We get seven recipes at the end, and they range from dinner options to plenty of pastries and desserts. I hope the plot in the next in the series is stronger.
Midge (525 KP) rated Star Collector Volume 1 in Books
Feb 23, 2019
Great Story And Fantastic Artwork!
This is the first time I have read any Manga and this particular comic/graphic appealed to me because of the fascinating description and I wanted to try something new that sounded entertaining.
I am very glad I chose “Star Collector” because it was so enjoyable to read. I think it was a great first choice for trying this genre because it had a straightforward story-line, which made it no bother for me to master the Manga style which needs to be read from right to left.
For me, the story was tender and sweet and the artwork was absolutely gorgeous. I could feel the characters’ emotions and each one had their own individuality and distinctiveness.
I can’t say much else on the quality of the artwork since I am not at all artistic but I did appreciate how the story progressed through the artwork as well as the dialogue.
I will definitely be reading Volume 2 in this series to see how their relationship progresses.
I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to try Manga and is after a quick and light-hearted read.
{Thank you to NetGalley and Diamond Book Distributors for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
I am very glad I chose “Star Collector” because it was so enjoyable to read. I think it was a great first choice for trying this genre because it had a straightforward story-line, which made it no bother for me to master the Manga style which needs to be read from right to left.
For me, the story was tender and sweet and the artwork was absolutely gorgeous. I could feel the characters’ emotions and each one had their own individuality and distinctiveness.
I can’t say much else on the quality of the artwork since I am not at all artistic but I did appreciate how the story progressed through the artwork as well as the dialogue.
I will definitely be reading Volume 2 in this series to see how their relationship progresses.
I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to try Manga and is after a quick and light-hearted read.
{Thank you to NetGalley and Diamond Book Distributors for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Home All Along in Books
Feb 25, 2019
A story of heartache and hope, Ms. Wiseman brings us another inspiring Amish novel. I have been a big fan of this author's tender writing style for a long time. Her words of encouragement are written through out the pages of each novel, and this one was no exception. She brought her readers another home run with this one.
As with her previous novels in this series, Ms. Wiseman creates a story filled with twists and turns, and mixes it up with the simple living and finely chiseled characters, in Charlotte and Daniel. Learning to let go, move on and accept what God has in store for them, is never an easy feat, but Ms. Wiseman accomplishes that and so much more.
This book is beyond captivating. It will leave you reflecting on the will of your own life, and I love that she did that for me! It's a book that I won't soon forget, that's for sure! This is most definitely a 5 star novel, and I highly recommend it to all. You'll fall in love with these beautiful characters and their Amish living and want more when you reach the end. Well done, Ms. Wiseman, well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
As with her previous novels in this series, Ms. Wiseman creates a story filled with twists and turns, and mixes it up with the simple living and finely chiseled characters, in Charlotte and Daniel. Learning to let go, move on and accept what God has in store for them, is never an easy feat, but Ms. Wiseman accomplishes that and so much more.
This book is beyond captivating. It will leave you reflecting on the will of your own life, and I love that she did that for me! It's a book that I won't soon forget, that's for sure! This is most definitely a 5 star novel, and I highly recommend it to all. You'll fall in love with these beautiful characters and their Amish living and want more when you reach the end. Well done, Ms. Wiseman, well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Merissa (11797 KP) rated Walk With Me (Home #7) in Books
Oct 18, 2023
Walk With Me is the last book in the Home series, and we finish with Eli and Seth. Eli has wanted Seth ever since he first laid eyes on him at the tender age of 11. Seth didn't have much to do with Eli then, and only really comes into frequent contact with him when he becomes an associate Rabbi, working with Eli's dad.
These two have an insta-love AND slow-burn romance, and it was perfect for them. I loved how Eli decided he would sooner have Seth's friendship than lose him. This is a funny book, with some absolutely hilarious weddings! Poor Seth is all I can say. Throughout all the capers and calamities that occur, Eli is there for Seth, and vice versa.
As I would expect from a Cardeno C. book, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pacing was smooth, with a rich and detailed storyline that was backed up by fully fleshed-out characters with their own quirks.
Sad to see this series end, but at least I can now re-read them all. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 28, 2018
These two have an insta-love AND slow-burn romance, and it was perfect for them. I loved how Eli decided he would sooner have Seth's friendship than lose him. This is a funny book, with some absolutely hilarious weddings! Poor Seth is all I can say. Throughout all the capers and calamities that occur, Eli is there for Seth, and vice versa.
As I would expect from a Cardeno C. book, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pacing was smooth, with a rich and detailed storyline that was backed up by fully fleshed-out characters with their own quirks.
Sad to see this series end, but at least I can now re-read them all. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 28, 2018
Merissa (11797 KP) rated Hydromancist (7 Forbidden Arts #4) in Books
May 20, 2023
Maya, as we know from previous books, is one tough cookie. She doesn't have many friends, but those she does have, she holds close and gives her all. So when she finds herself alone on a mission, she isn't bothered because she knows how to take care of herself, and there are very good reasons why her teammates aren't there with her. So you can imagine the shock to her system when she finds herself falling for the very guy that she's there to investigate. Tim has many layers to him (why do I always think of Shrek when I say that!) and you don't find them all out at once. I have to say, that even by the end of the book, I don't think we know all there is to know about Ambassador Fardel!
This book does not pull any punches - it is hot, heartbreaking, poignant, and tender. With intrigue and mystery aplenty, it will keep you gripped from page to page. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, and with a brilliant supporting cast, this makes an excellent addition to the 7 Forbidden Arts series. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 30, 2016
This book does not pull any punches - it is hot, heartbreaking, poignant, and tender. With intrigue and mystery aplenty, it will keep you gripped from page to page. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, and with a brilliant supporting cast, this makes an excellent addition to the 7 Forbidden Arts series. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 30, 2016
Merissa (11797 KP) rated Oh Buoy (Voyagers #1) in Books
Jun 5, 2023
OH BUOY is the first book in the Voyagers series and we start with a really cute couple! Both of them have issues to contend with, but both of them also realise just how special things are between them. It starts with Drew getting soaked by one of the deckhands. Sarcasm abounds before he realises that is actually his billionaire boss.
Drew and Rowan make a fantastic couple, even if they can't actually relax for the majority of the book. The tender moments they share make it sheer bliss for a hopeless romantic like me. They are ably supported by a cast of top-notch characters, some of whom I already know have their own stories to come and I honestly can't wait.
This is a sweet and sexy read with low angst. Absolutely perfect for what I needed right now and would definitely be on my list of summer reads! With plenty of character- and world-building, this book was delightful and I can't wait to continue the series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 5, 2023
Drew and Rowan make a fantastic couple, even if they can't actually relax for the majority of the book. The tender moments they share make it sheer bliss for a hopeless romantic like me. They are ably supported by a cast of top-notch characters, some of whom I already know have their own stories to come and I honestly can't wait.
This is a sweet and sexy read with low angst. Absolutely perfect for what I needed right now and would definitely be on my list of summer reads! With plenty of character- and world-building, this book was delightful and I can't wait to continue the series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 5, 2023
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Captive Heart in Books
Jan 2, 2019
There are a few times that I change-up my review schedule to accommodate a book. The Captive Heart is one such book. I kept hearing my friends praising Michelle Griep, and figured, I had better give it a try. WOW, I am so very glad I did. A compelling story of love and forgiveness. You will find a lot of adventure, mishaps, romance, and passion within these pages.
I found this story not only tender and passionate between our hero and heroine, but also filled with the love and forgiveness of our Lord. His fierce love for us and His undying forgiveness is portrayed through this story. No matter what we go through, the trials that we see, the heartache we endure, the choices we make, He will never leave our side. Yet we must make the choice to walk in the light. To walk in His forgiveness and forgive ourselves.
The minute you open The Captive Heart, you will find yourself transported back to Revolutionary America, and the tensions are high. With non stop adventures, you will find yourself unable to set this book down to you know, eat, cook, clean...With an excellent storyline and gracefully composed with an elegant hand, Michelle Griep has indeed captured my heart with this book.
I received a complimentary copy of The Captive Heart through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I found this story not only tender and passionate between our hero and heroine, but also filled with the love and forgiveness of our Lord. His fierce love for us and His undying forgiveness is portrayed through this story. No matter what we go through, the trials that we see, the heartache we endure, the choices we make, He will never leave our side. Yet we must make the choice to walk in the light. To walk in His forgiveness and forgive ourselves.
The minute you open The Captive Heart, you will find yourself transported back to Revolutionary America, and the tensions are high. With non stop adventures, you will find yourself unable to set this book down to you know, eat, cook, clean...With an excellent storyline and gracefully composed with an elegant hand, Michelle Griep has indeed captured my heart with this book.
I received a complimentary copy of The Captive Heart through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Rock in Books
Jan 6, 2021
4.5 stars.
This starts with Cooper, at age 13, finding out that his parents are divorcing and that his dad has had another "family" on the go for the last five years. He's asked to go spend time at his dad's every weekend to get to know his new family and he meet's Jace, his dad's girlfriends son. They initially dislike each other but as they begin to know each other it turns into a deep friendship. And as they get older, the friendship turns into more.
I honestly had no idea what to expect with this and I read a few reviews on Goodreads and figured that this was going to put me through an emotional wringer. Boy, it did. I think because we see it all happen. From the tender ages of 13 and 14, to 23/24. We see it all grow; the friendship and the hope for more, the love for Lila and their now extended family. How much it hurts them both when they're apart. It's so beautifully written. So beautifully thought out. I really enjoyed this.
It's hard to right a detailed review without giving loads of things away that happen and affect this story but if you love MM Romances then this should definitely not be missed.
I feel like I have to mention Ernie. Ha! He's a legend in my eyes by the end. And Lila. *sigh* I cried like a baby for a while.
This starts with Cooper, at age 13, finding out that his parents are divorcing and that his dad has had another "family" on the go for the last five years. He's asked to go spend time at his dad's every weekend to get to know his new family and he meet's Jace, his dad's girlfriends son. They initially dislike each other but as they begin to know each other it turns into a deep friendship. And as they get older, the friendship turns into more.
I honestly had no idea what to expect with this and I read a few reviews on Goodreads and figured that this was going to put me through an emotional wringer. Boy, it did. I think because we see it all happen. From the tender ages of 13 and 14, to 23/24. We see it all grow; the friendship and the hope for more, the love for Lila and their now extended family. How much it hurts them both when they're apart. It's so beautifully written. So beautifully thought out. I really enjoyed this.
It's hard to right a detailed review without giving loads of things away that happen and affect this story but if you love MM Romances then this should definitely not be missed.
I feel like I have to mention Ernie. Ha! He's a legend in my eyes by the end. And Lila. *sigh* I cried like a baby for a while.