Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Review of Speechless Episode 2

Yeah, if I lived alone, I'd have almost no furniture. I've got a chair, and I'd need a table for meals and my laptop. That's it.

She has a point. If he was on oxygen, he'd be dead by the time the second ambulance got there.

Dang, Janitor Guy cleans up good.

I love his questions for JJ!

Ugh, stop smiling, Principal.

Don't give this woman ideas, DiMeo!

I want to smack this neighbor.

Ha! Don't tell me you never forgot your kid, Mrs. DiMeo.

JJ looks like he time-traveled from the seventies! Don't do that to the boy, Kenneth! There's a reason those clothes were in the lost-and-found.

Ray, Ray, Ray.

This physical therapist is rude! Mine have never been this mean.

Ow! Poor kid. The one chest hair he had...

I've never thought about being nonverbal or unable to transfer on and off the toilet.. There's always someone worse off than you.

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Review of Poldark Season 2 Episode 4

The soldier bringing these convicts in doesn't seem to think they've committed much of a crime. He appears to agree with Ross.

Yeah, this pregnant lady can take care of herself! She's stronger than two of Ross put together, and wilier.

It's the plague, boys! I think you can afford to lose a paycheck or two right now. You're no use to your families dead.

He's busy, Caroline. He's just not that into you.

Honey, you've got two women working for you. Let them do the fishing.

So that's what scurvy looks like. I guess it's not just a pirate's disease.

You know Ross just wants to sing "Dwight's got a girlfriend..."

Is this all worth it, George? You're scared of Ross and sleep with a gun in the desk.

He's just looking out for you, Demelza.

That's weird, Francis. Just sayin'.

Keep dreamin'. You know George has the hots for you.

I guess it's hard being the stepmother of children whose mother has died. I suppose it's even harder when the children are grown.

Come on, Francis! You just tipped your hat to your own sister. Surely you can see how ridiculous that is?

Caroline's totally playing you, Dwight. She's not that blonde.

The casting agents for this show did such a good job.

You're begging a married woman to spend time with you, man! Where's your pride?

Demelza's not the only one in this marriage who can be wily.

Really, George? Why should they go through everything again just for you?

I wonder what Francis was going to say?

That's actually pretty smart of Francis.

I'd fire that boxing instructor, George. You got your butt beat!

You're a good cousin, Ross.

Verity's stepson is a delight.

Elizabeth's face says what we are all thinking, haha!

Such adorable banter. The baby's not bad, either.

You snooze, you lose, Dwight.

Notice a theme here, George? No one is telling you anything. You're not out of the loop, you're in another galaxy entirely.

Awww!

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Don't Pity Me, But Do Better

I came across this video through Facebook this week. https://www.facebook.com/dontpanic/videos/10154584158398619/ It depicts a man in a wheelchair going about his day in what is presumably London. I've been to London, and it is definitely not as accessible as it could be. Same for New York, where I can often be found.

Say your favorite sports star or celebrity is making an appearance. If you are employed, you just happen to have the day off. For the sake of argument, you live in the suburbs outside a big city. You can drive or take public transportation. So you have the option of taking a cab, the subway or the bus. You've already taken the train into the city. Whichever mode of transportation you see first, you take.

Well, aren't you lucky? Now if you're handicapped and unable to drive yourself. This is what I go through every time I want to go to the city.

1. How long will it take me to get ready? What time do I need to wake up?

2. How am I getting to the train station? Will my mom take me or the shared bus? If the shared bus, what time are they coming? Have I accounted for them being late, because they always are.

3. Once I get there, where am I eating? Is the restaurant accessible? Do they have an accessible bathroom? So I have to call ahead, even though I've made an online reservation. Then you go through the whole "What do I mean by accessible" conversation. Oh joy!

4. If the restaurant I chose isn't accessible, do I have a back-up? And both restaurants have to be near to my destination.

5. How am I getting from the train station to my first stop (usually the restaurant)? Am I taking the bus or walking? I can't use the subway without help, and taxis don't stop for you if you're in a wheelchair. Even in the rain. I took my first NYC cab ride in 29 years this year.

6. Are there accessible bathrooms in places I am familiar with along the route? Yeah, this is a tricky one. All department stores are not created equal, and neither are restaurants. Just because an establishment is well-known and seemingly rolling in dough, doesn't mean they've thought about their disabled customers. I'm never surprised when I'm led deep into the bowels of the place just to use the restroom. When you gotta go, you gotta go!

7. Is the theater or filming location (yes, I'm that girl) in an area where there are handicap bathrooms? Is the building itself accessible? I couldn't see Steve Martin's play because I found out the theater didn't have a handicap bathroom. I would have had to leave and go a-huntin'.

8. How am I getting back to the train? As before, do I know what cross-street I have to be at at exactly what time?

9. How am I getting home from my local station? What do I do if I have missed the train I was supposed to take? The bus won't wait. And there have been a couple of times when the elevators at Penn Station weren't working. Luckily, I have parents who are willing to bring me home. Not everyone does.

Tired just from reading this? Welcome to my world. When I say I don't get out much, believe me.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Review of Poldark Season 2 Episode 3

Slimy and Slimier. And George, that's not how you throw a punch; even I know that.

Overdoing it a bit, Judd.

Talk to your wife, man!

Keep your enemies closer...?

Burn, Francis! I'm glad you're learning how important family is.

Why is this guy willing to be alone with a married woman? Does he know what year it is?

What the hell, Ross? Your finances are not the only things that "require urgent attention".

Watch your back, Judd.

I love how tricksy Demelza is.

The loss of the livestock is affecting Mrs. Painter more than the Poldarks.

George or George Jr. are freakin' everywhere!

Dwight's smarter than he looks, Caroline.

Count your blessings, Elizabeth. You could have married Ross, and been not nearly as willing or proficient enough to sell all your worldly goods.

Bye, Judd.

George would totally do that, Demelza.

Death really does bring people together.

What's with the stink-eye, Demelza?

What an interesting ceremony! I wonder what Francis is saying, I can't make it out.

Your boyfriend's totally gay, Caroline.

Elizabeth's mom is still a snob.

George is going to find some way to make a simple doctor's visit sound dirty.

What the-?

Well, to be fair, you did look dead, Judd.

You're not helping yourself, Ross. Stop talking.

You've made up for being stupid, man, even if you are clearly lying through your teeth.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Review of Poldark Season 2 Episode 2

What a nice memory to have.

Damn it, Judd! If you'd stay sober for any length of time, you wouldn't do stupid things like agree to testify against your former boss.

Ya got spunk, Demelza.

Stop with the dumb blonde act, Caroline. We all know you're better than that.

Who's this red-haired guy, and what's his beef with Ross?

Oh, well-played, Demelza!

It's gotta be depressing, signing your will.

Dwight sure sees through Caroline.

What's with the chairs? I didn't follow that part.

Shades of the French Revolution.

Someone stab George.

Phew! I thought you were done for, Francis.

I despise this lawyer.

No anti-depressants at the time.

Ross and Demelza Forever.

Her father sucks.

These guys know they're lying for money, and they're embarrassed.

Whoo-hoo! Good for you, Jude! That lawyer was leading the witness.

Grr. The captain told the truth, and this guy is creating doubt.

Love you, Dwight.

Too little, too late, Elizabeth. And would it kill you to sit with Demelza?

Mike-drop. His lawyer looks horrified, George is walking on sunshine, and Demelza is crying for her unborn baby being born without a father.

What is the term when the judge is prejudiced?

You knew it would be okay, because he has to live through the rest of the season, but that pause...oy.

Finally a smile from Francis. But damnit, man, she's your sister! And she loves the guy!

Your wife deserves to know about last night, Francis.

Seriously. Kill George.

Don't marry that fool, Caroline.

Be afraid, George. Be very, very afraid.

Whoa. A lot of stuff be happening next week.

Review of Speechless Episode 1

I was really excited to learn about this show. It features a boy with CP and his family. And get this. The young actor actually has Cerebral Palsy. Hallelujah! He's not just in a wheelchair onscreen, and walking to craft services the minute they yell "cut".


Wow, she really wants breakfast! Haha!

The daughter's learning to confuse men. All you have to do is yell, and they give up.

Burn! Take that, Southern Belle. I can't stand those people who want to teach you a lesson. I know I'm in a handicapped spot; you don't have to tell me. And unlike you, I need it.

I was mainstreamed, so I can't imagine being forced into special-ed or a "special school" just because I'm in a wheelchair. But, I know it happens. United Cerebral Palsy has a school on Long Island, where I live. I did go to a school for the disabled for preschool, though. It was mostly to develop my wheelchair skills and using long-leg braces to walk.

I feel bad for the second son. The sibling dynamic is realistic here. I'm sure my siblings would have appreciated a little more attention to their needs, but in the end I was just their big sister, not their "disabled big sister".

Ha! A cell tower masquerading as a tree.

They didn't have to do any construction to make it accessible?

That neighbor kid has issues. Good thing they moved.

I have spina bifida, which for me means I'm only paralyzed from the waist down. I didn't need someone to speak or write for me, but until college I did have an aide to escort me to classes, and the bathroom (in high school I had to use the faculty one, kept locked). They were never allowed to wheel me, as per my mom's instructions, but it was nice having someone available to lift my backpack and hook it on my handlebars. That sucker was heavy!

Oh. Dear. God. Two seconds in, and that woman is giving even me a headache. Why do people assume if you're in a wheelchair, they need to talk to you in a baby voice?

Okay, this principal is on some serious meds. And a sea slug? You know she just changed the theme and the mascot 'cause she found out there's a kid in a wheelchair coming to her school.

Yeah, I don't like "crippled" either. And I had to go to the elementary school farther from my house because they were accessible, and the one closer to my house was not at the time. This meant that I didn't attend elementary school with my sister, who was only two grades behind me. I feel Mrs. DiMeo's pain.

Whoa, slow your roll, Teach. He's a kid, not the President. Do you want him to be bullied? And personally, if one more person calls me "an inspiration", I'll scream.

I'm with Dylan. What is this non-competitive, Kumbaya crap in schools now?

Boy, she's gone off on a lot of schools.

You go, Jillian.

This aide is clearly too much of a Nervous Nellie for this family.

You'll have to come down sometime, Ray. Haha!

Now that's a voice. Good for you, JJ.

Why you little sneak. You know eventually her boyfriend will hunt you down, Ray.

Based on the first episode, the show is funny yet heart-warming. It is not preachy. JJ doesn't have a woe-is-me attitude. I would like to see interaction with his classmates in future episodes. Right now, it's "him" vs. "everyone else".


Sunday, September 11, 2016

Review: Highland Chieftain

Highland Chieftain Highland Chieftain by Hannah Howell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm in pain just reading this.

Sharing a chamber pot with a stranger. Ew.

Self-preservation can make us blind.

Poor little boy.

I bet her real father is someone Callum knows.

That bastard!

Dang, Margaret! You're a smart little girl!

Either her father wants to keep his housekeeper/cook around, or he has lascivious intentions towards her.

No one should die like that, even if you are an abusive baby-killer.

Take that, idiot sheriff. Brought low by Toddler Glare.

Someone kill this guy already.

I love you, Laurel.

Poor Walter. Even committing a crime indirectly can haunt you for life.

Oh. My. God. Margaret, you brave girl!

Glad you're okay, Keith. The idiot was incompetent as well as crazy.

Ah, the days before background checks.

Personally, I think it's a cool superpower, Bethoc.

I love this kid so much.

Poor Payton! He's going to be "Pretty Mon" for years now.

I can't imagine going through that, especially as a child.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Friday, September 9, 2016

Review: The Rogue's Wager

The Rogue's Wager The Rogue's Wager by Christi Caldwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ew.

How does she not have cabin fever? I'd go crazy if I couldn't walk freely through my house, and outdoors.

Poor thing, she has PTSD.

He's funny when he's drunk.

It's a sad day when the highlight of your life is a woman threatening to cut your balls off. Literally.

I know her brother is trying to do a good thing, to let her have a normal life as befits her station, but he's going about it the wrong way. What is this, immersion therapy?

You're a nice girl, Diana.

If her father's so nice, why hasn't he come for her before this?

It's a good plan, but it won't end well.

The poor man's not that old, Diana!

Your tattling backfired there, Duchess. Now he's more in love with her than ever.

That witch!

She should brush her teeth first...

His father is a wonderful man. I just wish he would have less trust in their man-of-affairs. Who knows what the guy is doing with their money.

What happened to James?

Would it kill you to give your sister a hug, Ryker?

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Thursday, September 8, 2016

BISHOP'S QUEEN Cover Reveal

We're so excited to share with you the STUNNING cover of BISHOP'S QUEEN by Cristin Harber, which releases October 25th! Check out the cover and find out more about Bishop's story below!

 
ABOUT BISHOP'S QUEEN (Releasing October 25th)
“I can't shake the feeling that somebody's watching me.” One second Ella Leighton’s life was normal—the next, not so much. A social media maven who made her living saving sea turtles, the decision to join a reality TV show was a good one for the cause. But for her… the adjustment wasn’t easy. Her publicist used phrases like online personality. An overnight celebrity. Everyone explained that was why she couldn’t shake the feeling. But none of their excuses could explain the letters. The pictures. And then her stalker crossed the line, triggering the demand for security. Bishop O'Kane didn't expect to come face-to-face with his ex-girlfriend when Titan sent him on bodyguard duty. The woman he once loved, the same one he walked away from years ago, was now his responsibility. Opposites in every way, they couldn’t be more different, but maybe they had never needed each other more. With the FBI falling short in their investigation, the Titan team must rally around the woman with millions of followers, protecting her from her own as Bishop and Ella forge a path of second chances and forgiveness, unburying the past in order to survive.
Preorder BISHOP'S QUEEN now:
Make sure to sign up for Cristin Harber's newsletter to find out when BISHOP'S QUEEN goes live for preorder on Amazon and other retailers!

ABOUT CRISTIN HARBER

Cristin Harber is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. She writes sexy, steamy romantic suspense and military romance. Readers voted her onto Amazon’s Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was both a #1 romantic suspense and #1 military romance bestseller. Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Team Titan Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Poldark Season 2 Episode 1

Loved seeing the scenes from last season. I forgot a lot!

The scene before the magistrate is hilarious. Poldark's saying "Screw you", and the guy knows it.

Poor couple. First their daughter dies, and now a possible prison sentence. Damn George!

Thanks for that visual, Aunt Agatha.

Well, Francis, George would help because he's in love with your wife.

No use crying over spilt milk (or your possible hanging) when there's work to be done!

Take that, George. Seems Ross has loyal servants, even when they've been turned out.

Who else needs a shower after every scene with George?

Rossie, you might be worth more dead. Sheesh!

Who is this pretty woman?

Yeah, Ross, family is family, in the end.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQh6EUjJkTpeAzy-stdgI5BK7Hk6g0YW-RxBLMbXH6HPWWQiENLxP17KzSy

Who else wants to move to Cornwall?

Demelza's not just a "doxie", George.

Such a cute couple. And so hot! Juxtaposed nicely with Elizabeth and Francis, who can't even have a conversation.

Aww, Francis loves his cousin. He understands why Ross can't stand to be around him, knowing Julia died because his wife got ill trying to save Francis's family.

This isn't good-bye, Ross.

"On the road again..."

Knew you were lyin', Demelza. Hi, Verity!

I like this lawyer already.

You've come down in the world, Dwight.

Whatever works, Ross. Fight fire with fire.

Hello! Francis got his backbone.

Boom! Caroline's not just a pretty face. Like every female on this show, she's got brains and beauty.

Demelza's father's face is classic. She doesn't need your help, ya drunk.

Francis, what are you up to?

He's talking about love, George, in case you were wondering.

What just happened?