A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 10
March 12, 2019
Possum
Independent movies are considered some of the most beautiful of creative works, referred to as art from time to time, even. But we all know that most times, it’s a huge bag of “WTH, man!” Right? Am I right?Sunday, I watched Possum, a film both written and directed by Matthew Holmes. I was left wondering what my true thoughts were; I couldn't figure out if I'd liked it or not! I had to sit and think for a long while, because the visuals provided could be slightly confusing, concerning time and emotion. I will do my best to share this amazing, yet shocking film.
Without SPOILERS!
#element-d328d006-23a5-4dad-9559-ba861d747a58 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Possum is a movie that has nothing to with actual possums. It's an action, a descriptor for what takes place. Philip is a puppeteer; he's a failed puppeteer. He's returned home, but I do not believe it's to try and make his troubling world any better. He returns home, to his stepfather and remaining family member, and a profusely disturbing relationship. The stepfather is constantly abusing Philip, and Philip takes it all with a face that's both childish and disconcerting. He morphs from hurt to sickened in continuous flashes that leave you confused, with a mind working over-time to comprehend. It's not until you receive particular memories, that the truth slowly seeps through. You wonder what it is Philip is looking for, and what's behind his mother's bedroom door. So can Philip regain any form of normalcy, living with his stepfather, in that house? And will he get back on his feet, in such a small town, where he's been targeted for a heinous act? And what is in that leather satchel he never leaves behind?!
The story is hard to follow. At first. I muddled through my confusion, doing my best to both understand what Philip was enduring, as well as what the movie was trying to tell me. I walked away, liking it, but not ever wanting to see it again. Crazy, right? The movie has a deep message, but how it's brought about is what keeps you slightly off kilter. It may also be why so many loved it.
Possum's soundtrack helps you hold to the psychological thrills. From what I understand of the creator, writer and directer of Possum, he loves horror, but not your regular, average, everyday horror stuff. He wants to delve deep into the disturbed with music that has your skin crawling, and imagery (there's that word again) that leaves your brow furrowed and your nails chewed to the quick.
And the creature! I don't think it was used as a form of anthropomorphism or anything like that- it's more expressionism, but it makes the movie more horrific because you come to know what it stands for. And when you do, you realize how ugly and horrific it is for Philip. I can't say too much, because it really is something you have to see in order to understand. If you do watch it, you'll probably be cursing me out, trying to see why I bragged about it- but give it a chance. You'll come full circle and be confusingly pleased? LOL
Cheers! I'm off to the next read. Written & Directed by Matthew Holmes
Produced by BFI Film Fund
Starred Sean Harris, Alun Armstrong, Simon Bubb and Andy Blythe
March 11, 2019
Beware!
A Novel by Richard Laymon 
Let me warn you now: Beware this book! It is not for the faint of heart. When I say there's gratuitous violence, I am not kidding. I've not read anything like this before and from what I've read, the author is known for this nature of writing. Personally the story could have been a winner...
This is Beware by Richard Laymon. And remember, this is my opinion. #element-f4712dcc-3b05-4df9-a4a4-2a0f52650eed .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
I’m not sure if the story was about Laci or Hammond, or a cult and its leader. It’s not one of my normal reads and had it not been for the fact that I’d received the book free, I probably never would have owned it. Thankfully, it was an audiobook. Today’s review is Beware, by Richard Laymon, and yes- Reader Beware!
Beware begins with placing you, the reader, into what appears to be a haunting. The next chapter, you’re dropped, smack-dab in the middle of a freaking orgy! It didn’t seem to make much sense, but the tale came together.
The thrilling mystery of it all was okay, but some of the interaction felt almost comical. The way Scott and Laci met and got together was way too fast but oddly, probable. It didn’t hurt the novel much. What did ruin things was the insane, maniacal, excessive, inessential violence. I will not go into detail.
It’s like Laymon was obsessed with breasts as a teenager, and it carried over into his adult years. I can’t even count the scenes- actually, they’re rape scenes! And it’s done so many times, it is sickening! Oh, there’s one stipulation, that I can not state, that makes all of this I’ve previously mentioned, freaking unreal! I wish I could tell you!
Honestly, I felt the book a bit juvenile and over the top. Some explanations aren't given, and the ending felt rushed. As a matter of fact, I didn't like the ending at all. For all I had to endure, I figured I'd get a satisfying ending.
If the sexual interactions could have been minimized this book would have easily received a 5-star rating from me. The main reason I went ahead and listened to this one was because I'd seen a fellow reader on Instagram talking about reading it. They thought it great. That's how I remembered Beware was even in my audio-library. I'm sorry I listened... Anyway, I’m off to the next read. Cheers!
BEWARE
Written by Richard Laymon
Narrated by Charles Bice
Published by Audible Studios
Released April 2016
Runtime: 6 h 21 min
Let me warn you now: Beware this book! It is not for the faint of heart. When I say there's gratuitous violence, I am not kidding. I've not read anything like this before and from what I've read, the author is known for this nature of writing. Personally the story could have been a winner... This is Beware by Richard Laymon. And remember, this is my opinion. #element-f4712dcc-3b05-4df9-a4a4-2a0f52650eed .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
I’m not sure if the story was about Laci or Hammond, or a cult and its leader. It’s not one of my normal reads and had it not been for the fact that I’d received the book free, I probably never would have owned it. Thankfully, it was an audiobook. Today’s review is Beware, by Richard Laymon, and yes- Reader Beware!Beware begins with placing you, the reader, into what appears to be a haunting. The next chapter, you’re dropped, smack-dab in the middle of a freaking orgy! It didn’t seem to make much sense, but the tale came together.
The thrilling mystery of it all was okay, but some of the interaction felt almost comical. The way Scott and Laci met and got together was way too fast but oddly, probable. It didn’t hurt the novel much. What did ruin things was the insane, maniacal, excessive, inessential violence. I will not go into detail.
It’s like Laymon was obsessed with breasts as a teenager, and it carried over into his adult years. I can’t even count the scenes- actually, they’re rape scenes! And it’s done so many times, it is sickening! Oh, there’s one stipulation, that I can not state, that makes all of this I’ve previously mentioned, freaking unreal! I wish I could tell you!
Honestly, I felt the book a bit juvenile and over the top. Some explanations aren't given, and the ending felt rushed. As a matter of fact, I didn't like the ending at all. For all I had to endure, I figured I'd get a satisfying ending.
If the sexual interactions could have been minimized this book would have easily received a 5-star rating from me. The main reason I went ahead and listened to this one was because I'd seen a fellow reader on Instagram talking about reading it. They thought it great. That's how I remembered Beware was even in my audio-library. I'm sorry I listened... Anyway, I’m off to the next read. Cheers!
BEWARE
Written by Richard Laymon
Narrated by Charles Bice
Published by Audible Studios
Released April 2016
Runtime: 6 h 21 min
March 5, 2019
The Last Days of August
Written & Narrated by Jon Ronson
First, let me state that I am not a fan of skin flicks. I do not watch them and pretty much get angry whenever there's a sex scene in a movie I'm watching- especially when it's horror! But The Last Days of August was a free audiobook, from Audible.com, and I honestly picked it because I was hoping for an apocalypse. Well, in a way, of sorts, that's exactly what this book is.
It's is the true telling of August Ames, a 23-year old porn star who's death turned out to be a mystery... *Above image does not belong to me, but found from Google.com search. #element-e0e118f4-98b5-4b8e-b44b-e01c6865943a .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
This is unlike any audiobook I’ve ever read. It’s non-fiction and tells of the tragic death of a young porn star. August Ames, twenty-three, was believed to have taken her own life after being the victim of a Twitter pile-on. A pile-on is when you're pretty much mob-attacked on social media. Threats, bashes and more are all a part of the activity and can end either by finally being forgotten after time, pushed until it hits the news, or the person leaves social media completely. In this case, the latter was the result, but the details of her death turned out to be rather suspicious.
This is one of those books that’s narrated like a news, television program. If it were playing in your living room, you’d think your tv was running. Recordings are played, people are interviewed and clips from a few awards shows are heard. At first, I was interested, not because of the girl's job, but because it seemed to be another tale of someone young, losing their life- thanks to social media. I’m not a huge social media fanatic and the idea of a pile-on is immature to me. BUT we all know it happens! When it’s assumed she killed herself after a tweet she made concerning a movie partner, I told myself I had to listen. It's sort of a sad story, but I lost interest. Sadly, what turned me off of the book, isn't the story itself.
There’s an audio clip that plays, about halfway through, where she laughs and jokes during an interview, about being molested while under-aged. It was either a family friend, or family member, who propositioned her to get naked for a line of coke. In the interview, she's just laughing and chuckling on how crazy it is, but she did it! She was under-aged, yes, but old enough to say no and not do drugs. But they laughed- that crap pissed me off! How is that funny? Now maybe that's just her way of dealing with the pain, I don’t know. Many people laugh to deflect the pain; all I know is, I was offended and no longer cared what happened after that.
The meat of the story circles her husband, Kevin. That's where it sorta held me, so I won’t say anything, in case you wish to read the story yourself. Just know that the woman had issues. She'd been mentally abused and taken advantage of, she was young, and made even a bit stupid. She knew what she wanted to do, but her decisions weren't so bright. And that’s not speaking ill of the dead; simply stated from the facts given.
Oh, I totally loved Ronson's accent. It's the Anglophile in me.
The Last Days of August is available for free, right now, but I don’t know for how long. Check it out while I run towards the next read. Cheers!
The Last Days of August
Written & Narrated by Jon Ronson
Runtime 3 h 43 mins
Published by Audible Studios
Released January 2019
First, let me state that I am not a fan of skin flicks. I do not watch them and pretty much get angry whenever there's a sex scene in a movie I'm watching- especially when it's horror! But The Last Days of August was a free audiobook, from Audible.com, and I honestly picked it because I was hoping for an apocalypse. Well, in a way, of sorts, that's exactly what this book is.It's is the true telling of August Ames, a 23-year old porn star who's death turned out to be a mystery... *Above image does not belong to me, but found from Google.com search. #element-e0e118f4-98b5-4b8e-b44b-e01c6865943a .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
This is unlike any audiobook I’ve ever read. It’s non-fiction and tells of the tragic death of a young porn star. August Ames, twenty-three, was believed to have taken her own life after being the victim of a Twitter pile-on. A pile-on is when you're pretty much mob-attacked on social media. Threats, bashes and more are all a part of the activity and can end either by finally being forgotten after time, pushed until it hits the news, or the person leaves social media completely. In this case, the latter was the result, but the details of her death turned out to be rather suspicious. This is one of those books that’s narrated like a news, television program. If it were playing in your living room, you’d think your tv was running. Recordings are played, people are interviewed and clips from a few awards shows are heard. At first, I was interested, not because of the girl's job, but because it seemed to be another tale of someone young, losing their life- thanks to social media. I’m not a huge social media fanatic and the idea of a pile-on is immature to me. BUT we all know it happens! When it’s assumed she killed herself after a tweet she made concerning a movie partner, I told myself I had to listen. It's sort of a sad story, but I lost interest. Sadly, what turned me off of the book, isn't the story itself.
There’s an audio clip that plays, about halfway through, where she laughs and jokes during an interview, about being molested while under-aged. It was either a family friend, or family member, who propositioned her to get naked for a line of coke. In the interview, she's just laughing and chuckling on how crazy it is, but she did it! She was under-aged, yes, but old enough to say no and not do drugs. But they laughed- that crap pissed me off! How is that funny? Now maybe that's just her way of dealing with the pain, I don’t know. Many people laugh to deflect the pain; all I know is, I was offended and no longer cared what happened after that.
The meat of the story circles her husband, Kevin. That's where it sorta held me, so I won’t say anything, in case you wish to read the story yourself. Just know that the woman had issues. She'd been mentally abused and taken advantage of, she was young, and made even a bit stupid. She knew what she wanted to do, but her decisions weren't so bright. And that’s not speaking ill of the dead; simply stated from the facts given.
Oh, I totally loved Ronson's accent. It's the Anglophile in me.
The Last Days of August is available for free, right now, but I don’t know for how long. Check it out while I run towards the next read. Cheers!
The Last Days of August
Written & Narrated by Jon Ronson
Runtime 3 h 43 mins
Published by Audible Studios
Released January 2019
March 4, 2019
Abyss, The Cate Granger series
An Audio-Sequel, written by Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Abyss is book two, the follow-up to Fanthomless. It’s what happened after Cate Granger and her small crew, the survivors of an underground ocean and one of the world’s greatest predators- a Megalodon. Oh there were other things, but let’s just focus on this one for the time being. #element-b30f9fe8-185d-48c4-ba7f-108eac7ed2ee .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
You see, after surviving such a beast, they figured they were safe. They even recouped with some time away from the water. They weren’t safe though, and they never warned the rest of the world, thinking they'd destroyed it. But something's devouring entire yachts and schooners and anything else that floats whole?
The oceanic nightmare isn’t the only issue, sadly. There are people who wish to leave nature untouched and to its own devices. If so, no one and nothing will be enjoying seafood. Ever. How do you stop something that never stops eating, and keep particular organizations happy? Is there really a fine line to consider?
Abyss, by Greig Beck, is a good story. Action-packed and filled with nightmarish situations, but it’s not one that I’d call a favorite (Yet, it's in my audio-library). It's good, don’t get me wrong, but Cate was a prude in the beginning and a pain in the butt, making her the first character I detest by Beck. I fussed at her on more than one occasion like, Forget her! Leave her! But she’s the star of the story... Because I didn't like her, I'm hoping that's what the author wanted from me. LOL
I finished this book in two and a half days. I probably would have finished it in one, if I didn't have so much to do in my day. Abyss had me cringing, even while working out at the gym! The things described, especially the car-sized spider crabs, were terrible to imagine and had me swatting tat imagined crustaceans. Beck knows how to tell a story. Though I wasn't a fan of Cate, I thoroughly enjoy the book.
If you asked me if I’d refer Abyss to readers, I’d tell you “Yes!?” Read the books because they're fun, and a natural thrill, but the Cate Granger series has nothing on Matt Kearn’s or my beloved Arcadian series. Check it out for yourself, and let me know what you think. Fathomless and Abyss go hand in hand; they’re two awesome books. I’m off to the next read- Cheers!
ABYSS
Written by Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Published by Bolinda Audio
Released October 2018
Runtime: 13h 43m
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Abyss is book two, the follow-up to Fanthomless. It’s what happened after Cate Granger and her small crew, the survivors of an underground ocean and one of the world’s greatest predators- a Megalodon. Oh there were other things, but let’s just focus on this one for the time being. #element-b30f9fe8-185d-48c4-ba7f-108eac7ed2ee .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
You see, after surviving such a beast, they figured they were safe. They even recouped with some time away from the water. They weren’t safe though, and they never warned the rest of the world, thinking they'd destroyed it. But something's devouring entire yachts and schooners and anything else that floats whole? The oceanic nightmare isn’t the only issue, sadly. There are people who wish to leave nature untouched and to its own devices. If so, no one and nothing will be enjoying seafood. Ever. How do you stop something that never stops eating, and keep particular organizations happy? Is there really a fine line to consider?
Abyss, by Greig Beck, is a good story. Action-packed and filled with nightmarish situations, but it’s not one that I’d call a favorite (Yet, it's in my audio-library). It's good, don’t get me wrong, but Cate was a prude in the beginning and a pain in the butt, making her the first character I detest by Beck. I fussed at her on more than one occasion like, Forget her! Leave her! But she’s the star of the story... Because I didn't like her, I'm hoping that's what the author wanted from me. LOL
I finished this book in two and a half days. I probably would have finished it in one, if I didn't have so much to do in my day. Abyss had me cringing, even while working out at the gym! The things described, especially the car-sized spider crabs, were terrible to imagine and had me swatting tat imagined crustaceans. Beck knows how to tell a story. Though I wasn't a fan of Cate, I thoroughly enjoy the book.
If you asked me if I’d refer Abyss to readers, I’d tell you “Yes!?” Read the books because they're fun, and a natural thrill, but the Cate Granger series has nothing on Matt Kearn’s or my beloved Arcadian series. Check it out for yourself, and let me know what you think. Fathomless and Abyss go hand in hand; they’re two awesome books. I’m off to the next read- Cheers!
ABYSS
Written by Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Published by Bolinda Audio
Released October 2018
Runtime: 13h 43m
February 27, 2019
Fathomless
An Audionovel by Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
I love a good monster story, especially when it takes place beneath the glassy surface of the ocean. Since I'm a beach girl, by birth, it both intrigues and horrifies me when someone's attacked by a shark. But what happens when the shark is as large as ship? Um... you don't go in the water!
This review is Greig Beck's Fathomless, a Cate Granger novel. #element-e7d14f29-dcfa-4d87-86aa-25b6c1c3d314 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Years ago, a man ventured into a cave. He never exited, but he left his mark. A message that was later seen by his grand daughter. Honestly, it's not a message, but more like an notation. Like a Kilroy Was Here, thing. She takes this as fate, and hires a crew to go inside, to discover a world like no other. An underwater world, where things, carnivorous things, lurk below its inky depths. All are eager to go in, but only a few come out.
Fathomless, is good! As good as a novel about things in the water can be. But there's always one thing I notice about many of these deep sea movies... there aren't many black folks. LOL! If I were in this book- I'd NEVER have gone in there! I'm joking, but seriously- I've, not once, felt a desire to go into the trenches of an ocean floor to find myself in an under sea ocean, where everything wants to eat me. NO, no, no! Okay, I got that out of my system..
The way Beck writes always leaves me breathless and in admiration. He's a fierce writer; an author, who knows what he's talking about and relays it perfectly. I know there's a great deal of study and knowledge he lends to every story. I can never get enough. They say you're supposed to write what you know- one day I'd love to talk to the guy and know what he's really like. He seems to be in to everything scientific, down to the tiniest of details.
Anyway, this one compelled me to dive right in to Abyss, which is book two of the Cate Granger series. Follow me- tomorrow in fact, to see what happens to this amazing, intelligent, but common senseless crew. I'm on to the next read. Cheers!
Fathomless: A Cate Granger series
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Published by Bolinda Audio
Released September 2016
Runtime: 15h 1m
Narrated by Sean Mangan
I love a good monster story, especially when it takes place beneath the glassy surface of the ocean. Since I'm a beach girl, by birth, it both intrigues and horrifies me when someone's attacked by a shark. But what happens when the shark is as large as ship? Um... you don't go in the water!This review is Greig Beck's Fathomless, a Cate Granger novel. #element-e7d14f29-dcfa-4d87-86aa-25b6c1c3d314 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Years ago, a man ventured into a cave. He never exited, but he left his mark. A message that was later seen by his grand daughter. Honestly, it's not a message, but more like an notation. Like a Kilroy Was Here, thing. She takes this as fate, and hires a crew to go inside, to discover a world like no other. An underwater world, where things, carnivorous things, lurk below its inky depths. All are eager to go in, but only a few come out.
Fathomless, is good! As good as a novel about things in the water can be. But there's always one thing I notice about many of these deep sea movies... there aren't many black folks. LOL! If I were in this book- I'd NEVER have gone in there! I'm joking, but seriously- I've, not once, felt a desire to go into the trenches of an ocean floor to find myself in an under sea ocean, where everything wants to eat me. NO, no, no! Okay, I got that out of my system..
The way Beck writes always leaves me breathless and in admiration. He's a fierce writer; an author, who knows what he's talking about and relays it perfectly. I know there's a great deal of study and knowledge he lends to every story. I can never get enough. They say you're supposed to write what you know- one day I'd love to talk to the guy and know what he's really like. He seems to be in to everything scientific, down to the tiniest of details.
Anyway, this one compelled me to dive right in to Abyss, which is book two of the Cate Granger series. Follow me- tomorrow in fact, to see what happens to this amazing, intelligent, but common senseless crew. I'm on to the next read. Cheers!
Fathomless: A Cate Granger series
Greig Beck
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Published by Bolinda Audio
Released September 2016
Runtime: 15h 1m
Isn't It Romantic
My First RomCom Movie Review
starring Rebel Wilson
So I had to do this- post my first romcom movie review. It's totally unreal, and so not like me! Back when this released, thirteen days ago, I thought: "Oh boy! Another stilly, romantic movie." Don't get me wrong, West Side Story is my absolute favorite movie. What I always dislike about romcom's is that they're so un-freaking real! But Isn't It Romantic, starring Rebel Wilson, is one for my iTunes library. Let me tell you why... #element-ec34083f-683f-4853-a841-fd7ca0e7f491 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
I brought my mom and bestie with me to see Isn't It Romantic. This movie affected me in several ways. First off, it's Rebel Wilson! She's beautiful, funny, she's got an amazing Aussie accent, and she always touches on being overweight in such a fun way that you never see her as the "big" chic. You just see her!
So in this movie, she's a love cynic. She works hard, but is always overlooked because of either being female, or being bigger than the rest. She's sort of a slacker, but she's great at her job- just not noticed. She's the one who simply doesn't have the life she'd imagined, you know? With that, she's a big heavy (no pun intended) on love. So when her assistant, who watches romcom's from the beginning of work till time to clock out, says she's a romance snob, she prattles. She explains how every movie works, why it's sucks and so much more. Her points are valid, but she's missing something that's right in her face!
So when the adventure of the movie takes off, with a huge hitch by the way, she finds herself trapped in a sort of alternate reality. There, it seems she's to remain, till she realizes a beautiful lesson. But can she realize what the lesson is when it's happening to her?
Isn't It Romantic, is totally cheesy, musically grounded without being a true musical, and so freaking funny that I was shocked when I exited the theater. You catch every line from previous romance and romantic comedies, you catch and begin singing the songs playing in the background (because they're typical of romance), and you die at some of her recognizable realizations. What's not to love about this movie? And there's so much, much more that I haven't even touched.
What I think I loved best was her transformation. When she goes through these hilarious changes, so does her clothing line. She looked amazing and I want her Spanx, man! She was looking good. But what was better than ever was what she came away with. It's something every person needs to realize. I had to learn it, and so does everyone else who's not up to speed yet.
Isn't It Romantic is great. If you are a romcom fan, this one's for you. I can't believe I'll be buying this one, but I will! Cheers.
Isn't It Romantic
Directed by Todd Strauss Schulson
Written by Erin Cardillo, Dana Fox and Katie Silberman
Stars Rebel Wilson, Adam Devine, Liam Hemsworth & Priyanka Chopra
Runtime: 1 H 28 m
Released February 2019
starring Rebel Wilson
So I had to do this- post my first romcom movie review. It's totally unreal, and so not like me! Back when this released, thirteen days ago, I thought: "Oh boy! Another stilly, romantic movie." Don't get me wrong, West Side Story is my absolute favorite movie. What I always dislike about romcom's is that they're so un-freaking real! But Isn't It Romantic, starring Rebel Wilson, is one for my iTunes library. Let me tell you why... #element-ec34083f-683f-4853-a841-fd7ca0e7f491 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
I brought my mom and bestie with me to see Isn't It Romantic. This movie affected me in several ways. First off, it's Rebel Wilson! She's beautiful, funny, she's got an amazing Aussie accent, and she always touches on being overweight in such a fun way that you never see her as the "big" chic. You just see her!So in this movie, she's a love cynic. She works hard, but is always overlooked because of either being female, or being bigger than the rest. She's sort of a slacker, but she's great at her job- just not noticed. She's the one who simply doesn't have the life she'd imagined, you know? With that, she's a big heavy (no pun intended) on love. So when her assistant, who watches romcom's from the beginning of work till time to clock out, says she's a romance snob, she prattles. She explains how every movie works, why it's sucks and so much more. Her points are valid, but she's missing something that's right in her face!
So when the adventure of the movie takes off, with a huge hitch by the way, she finds herself trapped in a sort of alternate reality. There, it seems she's to remain, till she realizes a beautiful lesson. But can she realize what the lesson is when it's happening to her?
Isn't It Romantic, is totally cheesy, musically grounded without being a true musical, and so freaking funny that I was shocked when I exited the theater. You catch every line from previous romance and romantic comedies, you catch and begin singing the songs playing in the background (because they're typical of romance), and you die at some of her recognizable realizations. What's not to love about this movie? And there's so much, much more that I haven't even touched.
What I think I loved best was her transformation. When she goes through these hilarious changes, so does her clothing line. She looked amazing and I want her Spanx, man! She was looking good. But what was better than ever was what she came away with. It's something every person needs to realize. I had to learn it, and so does everyone else who's not up to speed yet.
Isn't It Romantic is great. If you are a romcom fan, this one's for you. I can't believe I'll be buying this one, but I will! Cheers.
Isn't It Romantic
Directed by Todd Strauss Schulson
Written by Erin Cardillo, Dana Fox and Katie Silberman
Stars Rebel Wilson, Adam Devine, Liam Hemsworth & Priyanka Chopra
Runtime: 1 H 28 m
Released February 2019
February 26, 2019
The Fallback
A romance novel by Mariah Dietz
(Advanced Reader Copy)
I am always thrilled when I win an ARC for review. My problem is, I enter so many contests, I never truly remember where I entered the giveaway. Regardless, I won this romance novel. If you know me, I normally do not do romance. So is The Fallback, by Mariah Dietz, the romance novel that set me to rights and one you should have in your library?
#element-b9607f75-f3dc-4536-87d6-581f4f07e09c .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Okay, I am not a romcom kinda girl. I'll watch a romantic movie every now and then, but I figured I'd let this one be my Valentine's piece. The Fallback is about a gal who's caught the love of her life cheating, "in action", and left with what she feels is a meaningless life, filled with work.
She's a workaholic, practically living the life of her boss through being both her number one agent at Glitter and Gold, as an event planner, and as a personal assistant to her boss. She loves what she does and is more than excellent. She dives in, so deep, after the break-up that when she's pushed back into the dating scene, she doesn't know what to do, say or how to behave! Which is cute, because I don't know anyone like that. At. All.
Anyway, she sets out and meets this guy in a club/bar. It's cute what he does to catch her attention, but what I saw coming is the way their worlds truly collide. I saw it coming a mile away, which is weird for me and far from romantic. But it didn't hurt the story.
I loved Brook (Books, to her bestie's little one) and the way she thought. She was practical, funny and down to earth. She put her job first when it mattered, no matter how much it took from her. She put her friend and their family first all the time and she protected herself and feelings in a natural manner that felt organic. Her best friend was a riot and I loved that she was able to remind Brook of who she was without being harsh, calling her disrespectful names and such that you see in other books. Lastly, I loved Levi. In my mind, he was an absolute hunk and the cover dude does him no justice, compared to my imagination! LOL
All in all, The Fallback, by Maria Dietz, was marvelous! I actually rated this a 5-star on both Goodreads and Amazon. How's that for a LIKE? Grab yourself a copy while I move on to the next read. Cheers, you love birds!
The Fallback
Mariah Dietz
Released January 2019
465 pages
(Advanced Reader Copy)
I am always thrilled when I win an ARC for review. My problem is, I enter so many contests, I never truly remember where I entered the giveaway. Regardless, I won this romance novel. If you know me, I normally do not do romance. So is The Fallback, by Mariah Dietz, the romance novel that set me to rights and one you should have in your library?#element-b9607f75-f3dc-4536-87d6-581f4f07e09c .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Okay, I am not a romcom kinda girl. I'll watch a romantic movie every now and then, but I figured I'd let this one be my Valentine's piece. The Fallback is about a gal who's caught the love of her life cheating, "in action", and left with what she feels is a meaningless life, filled with work. She's a workaholic, practically living the life of her boss through being both her number one agent at Glitter and Gold, as an event planner, and as a personal assistant to her boss. She loves what she does and is more than excellent. She dives in, so deep, after the break-up that when she's pushed back into the dating scene, she doesn't know what to do, say or how to behave! Which is cute, because I don't know anyone like that. At. All.
Anyway, she sets out and meets this guy in a club/bar. It's cute what he does to catch her attention, but what I saw coming is the way their worlds truly collide. I saw it coming a mile away, which is weird for me and far from romantic. But it didn't hurt the story.
I loved Brook (Books, to her bestie's little one) and the way she thought. She was practical, funny and down to earth. She put her job first when it mattered, no matter how much it took from her. She put her friend and their family first all the time and she protected herself and feelings in a natural manner that felt organic. Her best friend was a riot and I loved that she was able to remind Brook of who she was without being harsh, calling her disrespectful names and such that you see in other books. Lastly, I loved Levi. In my mind, he was an absolute hunk and the cover dude does him no justice, compared to my imagination! LOL
All in all, The Fallback, by Maria Dietz, was marvelous! I actually rated this a 5-star on both Goodreads and Amazon. How's that for a LIKE? Grab yourself a copy while I move on to the next read. Cheers, you love birds!
The Fallback
Mariah Dietz
Released January 2019
465 pages
February 25, 2019
Pisces - Merworld Prequel
A Silver Blood Collection
Written by D. N. Leo
This review isn't easy for me to write. Far be it from me to knock someone's hard work. Well, not any more than the next reviewer would, with consideration. Pisces, written by
D. N. Leo
, is a short story, prequel, that was hard to read and follow along. I am going to do my best to share my likes and dislikes with all due respect. Here's my thoughts.
#element-2f07521e-8af0-4112-b871-d14fa1014eab .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Pisces is a thriller, where a man is thrust into an underwater world. There's royalty, deceit, powers beyond imagination and... well, I just don't know. This book didn't do it for me, and it was supposed to be the introduction to a series. I don't think it took off; I searched the author's website and didn't see anything more on it.
First, let me say that the new cover is amazing. The first one, shared on my website's main page was okay, but this one is amazing! The look, the colors- it is awesome. But that's about it as far as anything positive I can say about this book. Not to be mean, because I do not bash, but the author doesn't give you a story to see withing your own mind. It was hard to imagine the underwater world because he doesn't describe it all that much. He tells you things, but there's no detail, so I was only seeing things, sorta from a cartoonish perspective. Or even like Stargate- walking through watery walls into another place and time. Except it's all underground.
The hero of the story, Lorcan was on a job (illegal) and was in an explosion. Instead of dying, he finds himself in a place- that I can't even say where, but it was under water, supposedly held down. By what? I do not know, but he did manages to escape, with the help of a woman he seems to develop an instantaneous attraction for. Then he's sacrificing himself for creatures he doesn't know and fighting swimming sharks that instantaneously turn humanoid once out of water. I think it's instant- I don't know! It's frustrating, to say the least.
Pisces, the Silver Blood is supposed to be an introduction to a series. I honestly do not believe it will go well, unless he rewrites this one first. It's more of a children's book, the way it's written, but believe me- this is not a kid's book! Anyway, I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Pisces, Silver Blood Collection
D. N. Leo
Narrative Land Publishing
Released February 2017
99-pages
Written by D. N. Leo
This review isn't easy for me to write. Far be it from me to knock someone's hard work. Well, not any more than the next reviewer would, with consideration. Pisces, written by
D. N. Leo
, is a short story, prequel, that was hard to read and follow along. I am going to do my best to share my likes and dislikes with all due respect. Here's my thoughts.#element-2f07521e-8af0-4112-b871-d14fa1014eab .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Pisces is a thriller, where a man is thrust into an underwater world. There's royalty, deceit, powers beyond imagination and... well, I just don't know. This book didn't do it for me, and it was supposed to be the introduction to a series. I don't think it took off; I searched the author's website and didn't see anything more on it.First, let me say that the new cover is amazing. The first one, shared on my website's main page was okay, but this one is amazing! The look, the colors- it is awesome. But that's about it as far as anything positive I can say about this book. Not to be mean, because I do not bash, but the author doesn't give you a story to see withing your own mind. It was hard to imagine the underwater world because he doesn't describe it all that much. He tells you things, but there's no detail, so I was only seeing things, sorta from a cartoonish perspective. Or even like Stargate- walking through watery walls into another place and time. Except it's all underground.
The hero of the story, Lorcan was on a job (illegal) and was in an explosion. Instead of dying, he finds himself in a place- that I can't even say where, but it was under water, supposedly held down. By what? I do not know, but he did manages to escape, with the help of a woman he seems to develop an instantaneous attraction for. Then he's sacrificing himself for creatures he doesn't know and fighting swimming sharks that instantaneously turn humanoid once out of water. I think it's instant- I don't know! It's frustrating, to say the least.
Pisces, the Silver Blood is supposed to be an introduction to a series. I honestly do not believe it will go well, unless he rewrites this one first. It's more of a children's book, the way it's written, but believe me- this is not a kid's book! Anyway, I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Pisces, Silver Blood Collection
D. N. Leo
Narrative Land Publishing
Released February 2017
99-pages
February 20, 2019
Enchantée
A magical novel by Gita Trelease
So, I wasn't sure what to think of this novel, when I received it in the mail. Was it a romance novel? A tale of revolution? Something boring? I know- I'm a tad unpredictable, but I just knew I was going to be unhappy with this novel, regardless of how lovely the cover. Thankfully, I was pleasantly disappointed!
Enchantée, written by Gita Trelease, is a beautiful read. #element-a91aea9d-59f2-4928-9a66-56516a3d3b30 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
I've always loved the French language. Not because it's sounds romantic, because it really doesn't. It's forced and commanding, but when you mix it with a bit of magic, you can fall in love. Enchantée is a story about a girl and her family and the scraps of love they live on while the revolution stirs.
In this historical fantasy, a girl named Camille lives with her sister and alcoholic brother Alain. While trying to be as honest as she can be, they do their best, but it's not always enough. What that happens, she resorts to using something she's afraid of using: Magic! There are three sorts of magic: Magie Ordinaire, where things are changed from one thing into another. Glamoire, where you can change yourself, and Magie Bibelot, which is the coolest. You can turn something inanimate animate- sentient even! Camille has the power of the first one, but she knows that if she's caught, she's dead.
With her youngest sibling, in terrible health, and the oldest sibling stealing from them for drinking and gambling, it's a tough life. But things take a change when she meets two boys in a hot air balloon one day. Things seem to be looking up in romance, as well as society- but it's not really for her. You know- back then the phrase was: Madame, you forget your station! Anyway, the story kicks off from there.
The magic is really cool, but the story just didn't do it for me. You all know me, I'm all about the action and though this book is beautiful in its storytelling, it wasn't enough for me. I needed more and I wanted it to happen faster. I did LOVE the magic and how Camille did her best to be a good girl in a bad world- even though she took on gambling like a pro! She never gave up; she never quit and that's needed in female, lead characters.
The world created brought characters from different nationalities together. It was awesome, I even loved Lazare- French Indian character. People like him kept the tale going- but it simply wasn't enough for me. The historical detailing was amazing, though I wouldn't know much from other books I've read and movies I've seen. It just felt real and made for easy reading.
Lastly, the ending- WOW! I can't say that I'm a huge fan of the book, but the ending was spectacular! I loved it. Will it be enough for me to go on with Trelease? We shall see later on. I just don't know right now. Anyway, if you love 1700's France and a beautifully written novel, check out Enchantée. Just don't look for serious action to take place for a bit. I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Enchantée
Written by Gita Trelease
Published by Flatiron/MacMillan
Released February 2019
459 pages
So, I wasn't sure what to think of this novel, when I received it in the mail. Was it a romance novel? A tale of revolution? Something boring? I know- I'm a tad unpredictable, but I just knew I was going to be unhappy with this novel, regardless of how lovely the cover. Thankfully, I was pleasantly disappointed!Enchantée, written by Gita Trelease, is a beautiful read. #element-a91aea9d-59f2-4928-9a66-56516a3d3b30 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
I've always loved the French language. Not because it's sounds romantic, because it really doesn't. It's forced and commanding, but when you mix it with a bit of magic, you can fall in love. Enchantée is a story about a girl and her family and the scraps of love they live on while the revolution stirs.In this historical fantasy, a girl named Camille lives with her sister and alcoholic brother Alain. While trying to be as honest as she can be, they do their best, but it's not always enough. What that happens, she resorts to using something she's afraid of using: Magic! There are three sorts of magic: Magie Ordinaire, where things are changed from one thing into another. Glamoire, where you can change yourself, and Magie Bibelot, which is the coolest. You can turn something inanimate animate- sentient even! Camille has the power of the first one, but she knows that if she's caught, she's dead.
With her youngest sibling, in terrible health, and the oldest sibling stealing from them for drinking and gambling, it's a tough life. But things take a change when she meets two boys in a hot air balloon one day. Things seem to be looking up in romance, as well as society- but it's not really for her. You know- back then the phrase was: Madame, you forget your station! Anyway, the story kicks off from there.
The magic is really cool, but the story just didn't do it for me. You all know me, I'm all about the action and though this book is beautiful in its storytelling, it wasn't enough for me. I needed more and I wanted it to happen faster. I did LOVE the magic and how Camille did her best to be a good girl in a bad world- even though she took on gambling like a pro! She never gave up; she never quit and that's needed in female, lead characters.
The world created brought characters from different nationalities together. It was awesome, I even loved Lazare- French Indian character. People like him kept the tale going- but it simply wasn't enough for me. The historical detailing was amazing, though I wouldn't know much from other books I've read and movies I've seen. It just felt real and made for easy reading.
Lastly, the ending- WOW! I can't say that I'm a huge fan of the book, but the ending was spectacular! I loved it. Will it be enough for me to go on with Trelease? We shall see later on. I just don't know right now. Anyway, if you love 1700's France and a beautifully written novel, check out Enchantée. Just don't look for serious action to take place for a bit. I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
Enchantée
Written by Gita Trelease
Published by Flatiron/MacMillan
Released February 2019
459 pages
February 19, 2019
The Immortality Curse,
book 2 of the Matt Kearns series
Written by Greig Beck and
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Who doesn't want to live forever?
The Immortality Curse, by Greig Beck, isn't like his other stories. This one reads differently, the adventure is different and the action behind it all is different. The Immortality Curse takes place, possibly in a different Matt Kearns universe, since there weren't any flying, diseased creatures or giant spiders and such. This time, what hits Matt is bigger than ever, and closer to home.
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Written like a chapter from the Indiana Jones series, The Immortality Curse sends our beloved, and rather sexy, Professor in search for the ever elusive Fountain of Youth. Or something close to it.
When a young man is recorded deflating into practically a bag of bones, in real time, it sends a special group of people into a tizzy. Yet one woman, an elderly collector of mythological artifacts, knows the man. How had he not aged? This is the question that sends a group of unlikely adversaries up against things unimagined and possible insanity!
I believe I enjoyed The Immortality Curse because it didn't feel like the other books. Yes, there were things that were creepy and nightmarish, but there was something more. Something deeper that attracted me and held my interest. There's a great deal more insight, as well. The characters had to overcome the obstacles of the real world just as much as a horrific one. And in the end, you may or may not receive the ending you were looking for. This is not a bad thing, by the way.
I also liked that one of my favorite characters returned, from another tale. She made the story so much better, because she's so badass! (sorry!) I think that if you're a Beck fan, you will find appreciation for this one. It's not like the other books, but who wants the same thing all the time, eh?
I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
The Immortality Curse, Book 2 of the Matt Kearns series
Greig Beck
Bolinda Publishing, Pty Ltd.
Runtime: 13 h 30 m
July 2017
Written by Greig Beck and
Narrated by Sean Mangan
Who doesn't want to live forever?The Immortality Curse, by Greig Beck, isn't like his other stories. This one reads differently, the adventure is different and the action behind it all is different. The Immortality Curse takes place, possibly in a different Matt Kearns universe, since there weren't any flying, diseased creatures or giant spiders and such. This time, what hits Matt is bigger than ever, and closer to home.
#element-40fe1961-3dda-44c9-899a-0b129671477f .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Written like a chapter from the Indiana Jones series, The Immortality Curse sends our beloved, and rather sexy, Professor in search for the ever elusive Fountain of Youth. Or something close to it.When a young man is recorded deflating into practically a bag of bones, in real time, it sends a special group of people into a tizzy. Yet one woman, an elderly collector of mythological artifacts, knows the man. How had he not aged? This is the question that sends a group of unlikely adversaries up against things unimagined and possible insanity!
I believe I enjoyed The Immortality Curse because it didn't feel like the other books. Yes, there were things that were creepy and nightmarish, but there was something more. Something deeper that attracted me and held my interest. There's a great deal more insight, as well. The characters had to overcome the obstacles of the real world just as much as a horrific one. And in the end, you may or may not receive the ending you were looking for. This is not a bad thing, by the way.
I also liked that one of my favorite characters returned, from another tale. She made the story so much better, because she's so badass! (sorry!) I think that if you're a Beck fan, you will find appreciation for this one. It's not like the other books, but who wants the same thing all the time, eh?
I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
The Immortality Curse, Book 2 of the Matt Kearns series
Greig Beck
Bolinda Publishing, Pty Ltd.
Runtime: 13 h 30 m
July 2017
