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Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated One to Keep (One to Hold, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Tia Louise has done it again! One To Keep is the perfect follow up of One To Hold, but it shows you things from another perspective; a man's. I loved this book, because although it did rehash some of the scenes from One To Hold it did show it from a different side.
The characters were very well developed in this book, and I felt like I really got a chance to know and understand Elaine and Patrick. They were great supporting characters, but Tia in her amazing storytelling abilities took Patrick and Elaine from supporting roles to main characters, and I instantly fell in love with them. We were also introduced to a couple new character, one I loved the other I loved to hate!
Kenny was a fabulous addition to this book, and I hope I get to see more of her. I loved her style and the way her personality played so well off of Patrick's. She's a very interesting character whom I wasn't expecting. She kind of just blindsided me with her awesomeness. Star/Toni was my love to hate character. I loved the way she came into the picture, but hated the torment she put Patrick through.
As per usual Tia Louise writing style, the characters and drama was hot, but the sex scenes were even hotter! I am so glad to have finally found an author that isn't afraid to get down to the nitty gritty and have a sex scene just be raw and call things what they really are.
Over all this book gets 4 stars and two thumbs up in my opinion! I can't wait to read more from Tia Louise! She is a great new writer that is really going to make a name for herself. I expect some great things in her future!
***This book was provided as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
The characters were very well developed in this book, and I felt like I really got a chance to know and understand Elaine and Patrick. They were great supporting characters, but Tia in her amazing storytelling abilities took Patrick and Elaine from supporting roles to main characters, and I instantly fell in love with them. We were also introduced to a couple new character, one I loved the other I loved to hate!
Kenny was a fabulous addition to this book, and I hope I get to see more of her. I loved her style and the way her personality played so well off of Patrick's. She's a very interesting character whom I wasn't expecting. She kind of just blindsided me with her awesomeness. Star/Toni was my love to hate character. I loved the way she came into the picture, but hated the torment she put Patrick through.
As per usual Tia Louise writing style, the characters and drama was hot, but the sex scenes were even hotter! I am so glad to have finally found an author that isn't afraid to get down to the nitty gritty and have a sex scene just be raw and call things what they really are.
Over all this book gets 4 stars and two thumbs up in my opinion! I can't wait to read more from Tia Louise! She is a great new writer that is really going to make a name for herself. I expect some great things in her future!
***This book was provided as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Becoming Superman in Books
Aug 10, 2019
Leaving Behind a Past of Kryptonite
In this book, author J. Michael Stracyznski (JMS to his fans) tells the story of his family and his life. Starting with his grandparents, he gives us some background before telling us about his childhood under an abusive father and a distant mother. In between moving every few months to stay ahead of creditors, JMS discovered ways to escape via TV shows, comic books, and science fiction. As he discovered the power of words, he vowed to become a writer. That desire eventually lead him to a career in comic books and in Hollywood on such things as He-Man; She-Ra; The Real Ghostbusters; Babylon 5; Murder, She Wrote; Sense8; and the movies Changeling, Thor, and World War Z.
I picked up this book because I am an obsessive Babylon 5 fan. Those picking it up for lots of Hollywood behind the scenes stories will be disappoint, although we do get some in the second half. Instead, it is more a story of his family, their secrets, and how they impacted his life. At times, it is a hard read. JMS’s life for his first 20 plus years was not easy or fun. But, ultimately, this is a story of triumph as he works to overcome his baggage. It is a powerful story that proves where you start doesn’t have to be where you finish if you are willing to take responsibility for yourself, your actions, and your choices, something we need more of in our society today. I think this book will change my view of Babylon 5 the next time I watch it, something I need to do soon as I think knowing the man behind the story will make some things mean more and be even more powerful. This is not light reading, but it is powerful reading and worth the time spent in the book.
I picked up this book because I am an obsessive Babylon 5 fan. Those picking it up for lots of Hollywood behind the scenes stories will be disappoint, although we do get some in the second half. Instead, it is more a story of his family, their secrets, and how they impacted his life. At times, it is a hard read. JMS’s life for his first 20 plus years was not easy or fun. But, ultimately, this is a story of triumph as he works to overcome his baggage. It is a powerful story that proves where you start doesn’t have to be where you finish if you are willing to take responsibility for yourself, your actions, and your choices, something we need more of in our society today. I think this book will change my view of Babylon 5 the next time I watch it, something I need to do soon as I think knowing the man behind the story will make some things mean more and be even more powerful. This is not light reading, but it is powerful reading and worth the time spent in the book.
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Scandalous Duchess in Books
Dec 21, 2018
I have to admit that I do enjoy Anne O'Brien as a writer of historical fiction. Maybe it's not great literature, but it's still an enjoyable ready and she actually makes a first person narrative come off, whereas with some other authors it sounds unnatural or is handled clumsily.
O'Brien's latest offering gives us the tale of Katherine de Swynford (nee de Roet), famous (or perhaps infamous!) as the mistress and later wife of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (and if you didn't know that he marries her, I think the title might give it away, so I don't think it's a spoiler!). There actually isn't all that much known about Katherine herself, which may seem surprising. I'm sure there may be other novels about her, but by far the best known is Anya Seton's 'Katherine' which might well give another author pause when looking to cover the same ground. The fact that so little is really known about her life does give an author a fair bit of freedom. It must be fairly obvious that there is a love story in there - she was his mistress for many years and then he chose to marry her, which I doubt anyone would have expected.
The novel's subtitle give it as 'the forbidden affair that started the Tudors' - who of course were descended from the legitimated Beaufort line.... but then again Joan was also the maternal grandmother of Edward IV and Richard III! The benefit of hindsight can show us clearly how a seemingly small decision, such as Katherine's decision to acquiesce in becoming John of Gaunt's mistress, can have such a huge impact - namely being a large factor in the Wars of the Roses!
I found this a well written and entertaining novel and I do enjoy my historical fiction! If you've read O'Brien before, I think you'll like this and if not I would recommend giving her a try. I find her writing far superior to the much touted Philippa Gregory.
O'Brien's latest offering gives us the tale of Katherine de Swynford (nee de Roet), famous (or perhaps infamous!) as the mistress and later wife of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (and if you didn't know that he marries her, I think the title might give it away, so I don't think it's a spoiler!). There actually isn't all that much known about Katherine herself, which may seem surprising. I'm sure there may be other novels about her, but by far the best known is Anya Seton's 'Katherine' which might well give another author pause when looking to cover the same ground. The fact that so little is really known about her life does give an author a fair bit of freedom. It must be fairly obvious that there is a love story in there - she was his mistress for many years and then he chose to marry her, which I doubt anyone would have expected.
The novel's subtitle give it as 'the forbidden affair that started the Tudors' - who of course were descended from the legitimated Beaufort line.... but then again Joan was also the maternal grandmother of Edward IV and Richard III! The benefit of hindsight can show us clearly how a seemingly small decision, such as Katherine's decision to acquiesce in becoming John of Gaunt's mistress, can have such a huge impact - namely being a large factor in the Wars of the Roses!
I found this a well written and entertaining novel and I do enjoy my historical fiction! If you've read O'Brien before, I think you'll like this and if not I would recommend giving her a try. I find her writing far superior to the much touted Philippa Gregory.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Moments We Forget (Thatcher Sisters, #2) in Books
Nov 4, 2019
illian Thatcher has spent most of her life playing the family peacemaker, caught in the middle between her driven, talented older sister and her younger, spotlight-stealing twin sisters. Then on the night of her engagement party, a cancer diagnosis threatens to once again steal her chance to shine. Now, Jillians on the road to recovery after finally finishing chemo and radiation, but residual effects of the treatment keep her from reclaiming her life as shed hoped. And just when her dreams might be falling into place, a life-altering revelation from her husband sends her reeling again. Will Jillian ever achieve her own dreams, or will she always be just Jillian, the less-than Thatcher sister? Can she count on her sisters as she tries to step into a stronger place, or are they stuck in their childhood roles forever?
My Thoughts: This is a compelling story about three sisters who all have the difficulties that they are overcoming. Each one is on a journey that brings them back together again. This is a story that the readers can get lost in, that can connect and relate to in each of their own lives. The characters are real, with down to earth troubles that can happen at any time in our lives. This is a story about coming together, letting the past go, looking forward to the future and of course, there is an element of forgiveness.
I do like that the gospel is given in this novel, the fact that we do need God in our lives is foremost to living a life worth living. To those who don't know Christ, they can become lost or bitter during some of the circumstances that these sisters faced.
The writer has written a novel that is easy to read, the storyline flows well and she brings the reader into the story that makes it personal to the reader.
I truly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from Beth K. Vogt.
My Thoughts: This is a compelling story about three sisters who all have the difficulties that they are overcoming. Each one is on a journey that brings them back together again. This is a story that the readers can get lost in, that can connect and relate to in each of their own lives. The characters are real, with down to earth troubles that can happen at any time in our lives. This is a story about coming together, letting the past go, looking forward to the future and of course, there is an element of forgiveness.
I do like that the gospel is given in this novel, the fact that we do need God in our lives is foremost to living a life worth living. To those who don't know Christ, they can become lost or bitter during some of the circumstances that these sisters faced.
The writer has written a novel that is easy to read, the storyline flows well and she brings the reader into the story that makes it personal to the reader.
I truly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from Beth K. Vogt.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Before The Devil Knows You're Dead in Books
Nov 8, 2019
It is a snowy Hogmanay in Glasgow. Obstetric Surgeon Gavin Law has made an accusation of malpractice against a colleague, Wallace Maitland, only for an accusation to be made against him. Wallace Maitland doesn't remember Hogmanay but did end up covered in blood. Sean Rafferty is now the head of gangster family having taken over from his violent father Jimmy and is having a party to try to appear respectable.
When Law disappears on that fateful Hogmanay, private detective Charlie Cameron takes on the case to find him. But with no leads he also agrees to look at an apparent suicide for his policeman friend DS Geddes, something will put him on a collision course with Rafferty, a man who has tried to kill Cameron in the past.
This, roughly, is the setting for the third of the Charlie Cameron crime thrillers. Detective novels require their plot and characterisation to be convincing and Mullen delivers both. Cameron is always convincing, and an entertaining narrator of the events as he witnesses them. The usual supporting cast of Pat Logue and Geddes are in fine form and Rafferty seems even more of a threat when in the role of a respectable businessman. The various others involved in the cases all ring true as well. Mullen has a knack for not only making his characters believable but very human and realistic as well.
The plotting did not disappoint either with the Law case especially baffling as all avenues of investigation peter out to nothing, and Cameron's frustration at this is clear. The final reveal caught me by surprise but fits everything together perfectly. It certainly kept me guessing, although to be honest I was enjoying simply following Cameron around and seeing his world too much to spend much time worrying about who did it.
This was a book that I enjoyed reading enormously. Mullen is a terrific writer and Cameron and the world he inhabits is a living breathing thing in his hands. Very very highly recommended.
When Law disappears on that fateful Hogmanay, private detective Charlie Cameron takes on the case to find him. But with no leads he also agrees to look at an apparent suicide for his policeman friend DS Geddes, something will put him on a collision course with Rafferty, a man who has tried to kill Cameron in the past.
This, roughly, is the setting for the third of the Charlie Cameron crime thrillers. Detective novels require their plot and characterisation to be convincing and Mullen delivers both. Cameron is always convincing, and an entertaining narrator of the events as he witnesses them. The usual supporting cast of Pat Logue and Geddes are in fine form and Rafferty seems even more of a threat when in the role of a respectable businessman. The various others involved in the cases all ring true as well. Mullen has a knack for not only making his characters believable but very human and realistic as well.
The plotting did not disappoint either with the Law case especially baffling as all avenues of investigation peter out to nothing, and Cameron's frustration at this is clear. The final reveal caught me by surprise but fits everything together perfectly. It certainly kept me guessing, although to be honest I was enjoying simply following Cameron around and seeing his world too much to spend much time worrying about who did it.
This was a book that I enjoyed reading enormously. Mullen is a terrific writer and Cameron and the world he inhabits is a living breathing thing in his hands. Very very highly recommended.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Explorations: First Contact (Explorations #2) in Books
Nov 13, 2019
Science Fiction has always been at home with the short story. The science fiction magazines from the mid 20th Century onwards was frequently the only way of writers to get their work published. As a bonus the concept of science fiction - taking an idea and seeing where it goes - is a really nice fit for short stories.
This collection is more than just a selection of tales from up and coming science fiction writers; all the stories are set in the same universe and are in some way on the theme of first contact. The introduction sets this up, with a damaged alien ship discovered on the moon. It is able to transmit details of nearby inhabited star systems - and a terrible warning about a dangerous foe - before it shuts down. Mankind learns all it can from the message and the wreckage before setting out for the stars.
Each story then follows the fate of the mission to one of the star systems. This is the point where any similarity in stories ends as each writer brings their own style and ideas for their contribution (although there are some neat nods to the other stories now and again). The result is a satisfying mix of different ideas but all within a consistant whole.
That's not to say that every story hit the spot for me, but that's inevitable given the range of authors here, but every story was interesting to read. There are also the occasional one that felt a little rushed, the idea either too big for a short story, or too many ideas vying for the limited word count. But these are minor niggles and the standard of all the stories is very high.
Overall a really good collection showcasing the talents of current science fiction writers. If you like interesting ideas and gripping stories about aliens and space exploration you won't be disappointed.
This collection is more than just a selection of tales from up and coming science fiction writers; all the stories are set in the same universe and are in some way on the theme of first contact. The introduction sets this up, with a damaged alien ship discovered on the moon. It is able to transmit details of nearby inhabited star systems - and a terrible warning about a dangerous foe - before it shuts down. Mankind learns all it can from the message and the wreckage before setting out for the stars.
Each story then follows the fate of the mission to one of the star systems. This is the point where any similarity in stories ends as each writer brings their own style and ideas for their contribution (although there are some neat nods to the other stories now and again). The result is a satisfying mix of different ideas but all within a consistant whole.
That's not to say that every story hit the spot for me, but that's inevitable given the range of authors here, but every story was interesting to read. There are also the occasional one that felt a little rushed, the idea either too big for a short story, or too many ideas vying for the limited word count. But these are minor niggles and the standard of all the stories is very high.
Overall a really good collection showcasing the talents of current science fiction writers. If you like interesting ideas and gripping stories about aliens and space exploration you won't be disappointed.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Unexpected Joy of Being Single in Books
Nov 22, 2019
Positive and uplifting
I really wish that I had read this book a lot sooner. I’ve been struggling with being on my own for the past year and its been difficult because everyone else I know is coupled up or married, and being single in your thirties is a pretty daunting experience. Whilst I’ve been feeling a lot better within myself recently, this book is truly a wonderfully uplifting read.
Catherine Gray is a great writer. She really knows how to talk to her audience, and fill her writing with an equal balance of humour and seriousness. She knows what she’s talking about to, and it’s nice to read about someone’s view on this topic without it being preachy or smug. Not once does Gray come across as condescending to her readers. You can tell every word is from her personal experience, and throughout this entire book I could match this to my own personal experiences. It’s a wonderful thing to read a book and feel that the author truly and entirely understands what you’ve been feeling and thinking. The book itself is full of personal stories, anecdotes and also a tonne of meaningful quotes and statistics. And it’s all put forward in such a positive and happy way, yet without really slandering those who are coupled or married. This has really reinforced my current way of thinking and whilst not actually a self help book, this has done wonders to help and make me realise I’m not in the wrong for how I feel and think. This has made me the happiest I’ve felt in a long time. I wish I could give this to my coupled and married friends to them rethink how they treat their single mates, but sadly they’d probably get offended!
I highly recommend that anyone single read this, especially if you’re approaching or over 30 and in need of a positive outlook - you can’t get a better one than this.
Catherine Gray is a great writer. She really knows how to talk to her audience, and fill her writing with an equal balance of humour and seriousness. She knows what she’s talking about to, and it’s nice to read about someone’s view on this topic without it being preachy or smug. Not once does Gray come across as condescending to her readers. You can tell every word is from her personal experience, and throughout this entire book I could match this to my own personal experiences. It’s a wonderful thing to read a book and feel that the author truly and entirely understands what you’ve been feeling and thinking. The book itself is full of personal stories, anecdotes and also a tonne of meaningful quotes and statistics. And it’s all put forward in such a positive and happy way, yet without really slandering those who are coupled or married. This has really reinforced my current way of thinking and whilst not actually a self help book, this has done wonders to help and make me realise I’m not in the wrong for how I feel and think. This has made me the happiest I’ve felt in a long time. I wish I could give this to my coupled and married friends to them rethink how they treat their single mates, but sadly they’d probably get offended!
I highly recommend that anyone single read this, especially if you’re approaching or over 30 and in need of a positive outlook - you can’t get a better one than this.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Dreamland in Books
Jan 23, 2020
Original Review posted on <a href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-dreamland-by-sarah-dessen.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Original Rating: 1.5
<b>Note: </b>Formatting may be lost due to copy and pasting.
I was told that Sarah Dessen's works were awesome. So I basically went into the frame of mind that it would be a good book when I actually started reading it.
I don't really hate saying this, but as a first time peep (read: I'm reading her works for the first time) on reading a work of Sarah Dessen's, I left with a pretty "eh..." view. I did try to keep the fact in mind that Sarah Dessen is a good writer, which was why I didn't go all <s>mini stomping off with a hmph</s> frowny faced at the wall.
I don't exactly hate the book - not really - but I found it very boring from page 1 to the end. I'm pretty surprised I didn't fall asleep. Yet. There was just something missing. While I don't really mind reading gushy romances (YA speaking), I'm not one who prefers reading a book that's pretty much completely - as in 90% or more - lack of action.
Dreamland is basically your typical realistic fiction in the terms of romance. It was also pretty predictable (but then... I tend to predict things near the bull's eye usually...). And every time a character in a book is getting suspicious of events, it would go down the drain a little more.
If it wasn't required reading, I probably would've ended up just setting it down, walk away, read another book, and then return it. But, if you're one who likes realistic fiction and romances rolled into one "bookrito," then you probably just got another recommendation. However, if you're one for romance and action rolled into one, then I don't exactly recommend it.... but feel free to read it if you want to try it out, as everyone's reading preference is different....
Original Rating: 1.5
<b>Note: </b>Formatting may be lost due to copy and pasting.
I was told that Sarah Dessen's works were awesome. So I basically went into the frame of mind that it would be a good book when I actually started reading it.
I don't really hate saying this, but as a first time peep (read: I'm reading her works for the first time) on reading a work of Sarah Dessen's, I left with a pretty "eh..." view. I did try to keep the fact in mind that Sarah Dessen is a good writer, which was why I didn't go all <s>mini stomping off with a hmph</s> frowny faced at the wall.
I don't exactly hate the book - not really - but I found it very boring from page 1 to the end. I'm pretty surprised I didn't fall asleep. Yet. There was just something missing. While I don't really mind reading gushy romances (YA speaking), I'm not one who prefers reading a book that's pretty much completely - as in 90% or more - lack of action.
Dreamland is basically your typical realistic fiction in the terms of romance. It was also pretty predictable (but then... I tend to predict things near the bull's eye usually...). And every time a character in a book is getting suspicious of events, it would go down the drain a little more.
If it wasn't required reading, I probably would've ended up just setting it down, walk away, read another book, and then return it. But, if you're one who likes realistic fiction and romances rolled into one "bookrito," then you probably just got another recommendation. However, if you're one for romance and action rolled into one, then I don't exactly recommend it.... but feel free to read it if you want to try it out, as everyone's reading preference is different....
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (2019) in Movies
Feb 6, 2020
The man writes some hilarious dialogue (2 more)
The return of the View Askew-niverse
Some pretty sweet cameos
Kevin Smith returns to his roots... And it's awesome!!!!
When approaching Kevin Smith's work, I am apprehensive... His past forays into the realm of horror proved to ve a little too fucking weird for me... Red State was cool. Tusk was...well.... Tusk... And Yoga Hosers was almost a complete bust... Johnny Depp was hilarious... But it was still a fail for me.
Enter Red Bank New Jersey... The land of Askew... The home of the Stash... And the birth place of Clerks...
What could go wrong???
I admit I was skeptical to have him return to the characters that made him a superstar in the writer/director world. But my apprehension soon faded during the opening 5 minutes... I was nearly crying with laughter and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
This return proves that you never forget where you came from...
Smith reopens a universe he never should have left. It felt like he became comfortable writing a script for people he loved. He returned to what was fun for him... Making a movie with his friends. And if that is where he is comfortable and does his best work. Then that's where he should be.
Jason Mewes is the unsung hero of this film. He took a different turn playing Jay this time around. He kept up with the dick and fart jokes that made him who he is and expanded it to include a performance that was actually heart felt. Little bastard almost made me cry ffs.
With appearances by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and even Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth... Reboot is going to put Smith back where he belongs... On top of a game that he started, making movies with his friends and family... And making people laugh their asses off....
Snootch to the mutha fuckin Nuge...
Enter Red Bank New Jersey... The land of Askew... The home of the Stash... And the birth place of Clerks...
What could go wrong???
I admit I was skeptical to have him return to the characters that made him a superstar in the writer/director world. But my apprehension soon faded during the opening 5 minutes... I was nearly crying with laughter and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
This return proves that you never forget where you came from...
Smith reopens a universe he never should have left. It felt like he became comfortable writing a script for people he loved. He returned to what was fun for him... Making a movie with his friends. And if that is where he is comfortable and does his best work. Then that's where he should be.
Jason Mewes is the unsung hero of this film. He took a different turn playing Jay this time around. He kept up with the dick and fart jokes that made him who he is and expanded it to include a performance that was actually heart felt. Little bastard almost made me cry ffs.
With appearances by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and even Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth... Reboot is going to put Smith back where he belongs... On top of a game that he started, making movies with his friends and family... And making people laugh their asses off....
Snootch to the mutha fuckin Nuge...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Script for Scandal in Books
Jan 8, 2020
Will a Movie Script Revive a Scandal?
In 1936, a bank robbery took place in Los Angeles. While the robbers were killed, the money was never found, and rumors have circulated that there was someone else involved. Most suspect that the someone else was LAPD Detective Gene Morrow, the boyfriend of Lillian Frost. While the rumors have mostly died down, they are about to come out again in 1939 thanks to a new movie being filmed at Paramount. Costume designer Edith Head has seen the script, and she gets a copy to her friend Lillian so she and Gene can be prepared. Lillian is more concerned than Gene and actively tries to find out who the writer is claiming is his source for this movie. She hasn’t been looking for too long before someone turns up dead. Can Lillian and Edith figure out what happened back then and how it is impacting what is happening today?
I was so happy when this series found a new home because I enjoyed the first two books so much. This book is just as strong. The authors mix real people with the fictional characters so expertly I am sure I missed some of the cameos. Yet everyone comes across as real. I did think the plot was wandering a bit early on, but everything became an important part of the story before it was over. Not that I was complaining since I was hooked for most of the book and couldn’t wait to see how it would all turn out. Both Edith and Lillian are instrumental to solving the crime in the end. Meanwhile, there is a delightful subplot involving Lillian’s boss preparing for a job as an extra that leads to a hilarious scene. This book brings old Hollywood to life in every detail, and I enjoyed every minute spent in that world. This book will delight Edith and Lillian’s fans and win them new ones.
I was so happy when this series found a new home because I enjoyed the first two books so much. This book is just as strong. The authors mix real people with the fictional characters so expertly I am sure I missed some of the cameos. Yet everyone comes across as real. I did think the plot was wandering a bit early on, but everything became an important part of the story before it was over. Not that I was complaining since I was hooked for most of the book and couldn’t wait to see how it would all turn out. Both Edith and Lillian are instrumental to solving the crime in the end. Meanwhile, there is a delightful subplot involving Lillian’s boss preparing for a job as an extra that leads to a hilarious scene. This book brings old Hollywood to life in every detail, and I enjoyed every minute spent in that world. This book will delight Edith and Lillian’s fans and win them new ones.