Review: The Military Wife

The Military Wife by Laura Trentham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sounds like you had a fun day, Ben!

I'd be worried about her if she didn't get hot and bothered on a Navy base.

At least Darren can still laugh.

No TV? Good for her mom.

I never thought about military life being nomadic.

Is ignorance bliss in this case?

Yep, never could have made it in the military.

He chose rightly. If he hadn't helped his friend, it would have weighed on him.

Noah knew how to make an entrance!

Her worst nightmare came true.

Those kids were future serial killers, I'd bet.

That is the funniest euphemism I have ever heard.

The scenes in the past are kind of jarring.

That was nice of him, letting his therapy dog stay with Ben.

Poor Sophie. But she forgot about the delivery.

I'm glad she got the help she needed, and that it worked.

Thank goodness they got to Darren in time. But shouldn't Alex have been called weeks ago?

Haha! Bad Mongo!

Holy survivor's guilt.

Yeesh. Not a good time to be working in a coffeehouse all day. But, yay!

Most babies have blue eyes when they are born.

Aww.

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

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Review: Best Man For The Wedding Planner (Mills & Boon True Love)

Best Man For The Wedding Planner (Mills & Boon True Love) by Donna Alward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oy. I don't get bridezillas. It's just a wedding. Are they planning to drive their poor husbands that crazy?

She should have her own wedding here one day.

Awkward.

Oh dear. Poor thing. So much makes sense now.

Hey, girl. Chill out! He only wants to help. You should have an assistant, anyway.

Won't she be contagious at the wedding?

He's Superman.

I'm cold just thinking about these sculptures.

Poor woman is surrounded by the thoughts of pregnancy.

I've never had a flu shot and don't plan on it.

Aw, that really was subtly romantic.

She could have saved some eggs at least.

Hindsight is twenty-twenty.

I don't know anything about skiing, but I guess it's a useful skill in Canada.

And that's why I wear a watch.

Duchess potatoes. Fancy. I will have to try them.

Harper's reject pile is any aspiring artist's dream pile.

If anything, at least she doesn't have to deal with periods and cramps anymore.

Dogsledding sounds fun.

I'm glad he didn't pressure her into sleeping with him.

They both need therapy.

I blame her parents for this whole thing. Her father left her mother, who became cold and "realistic", which translated to her thinking that all life decisions must be made rationally.

Good luck, Steve.

Attagirl.

I want to attend their wedding.

Where have you been, Adele? Of course that's an option, didn't someone tell you at the hospital?

Best wedding present ever.

I received a free copy from Jenna Bayley-Burke and Donna Alward in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Fractured Honor

Fractured Honor by Kaylea Cross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dammit, what was Command thinking?

He should go inside. His family deserves to know he's safe.

Poor Carter, and Molly.

Ella is so cute.

I'm on Carter's side.

He did a good thing for Walter.

No dirty thoughts in front of the child!

Interesting story. I hope Ella doesn't have nightmares tonight.

Something is up with this Brian guy.

So creepy.

Son-of-a-mother-fluffer!

Why would her parents be angry with her brother for defending a little girl?

That's a nice memory to have with his dad.

I was not expecting this.

Haha, the dog is not cooperating.

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

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Review: For Sarah's Sake

For Sarah's Sake by Mona Risk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Geez, what the hell kind of woman talks to a bereaved child like she's a nuisance?

That's a lot of dating for one doctor.

She's so cute!

Marie was a brave woman.

I want to slap Joey.

Someone arrest "Auntie".

It's so funny how they manipulate little Sarah.

What the hell? What kind of place is this nursing home? Did they check anything before admitting poor Henry?!

Geez, is Heather sleeping with her lawyer, too?

David, stop keeping stuff from your wife!

You suck, Glen. She's a kid.

Turns out her feeling was right, David.

Wow. They all have more forgiveness than I ever could have.

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

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What's In a Name?

You ever notice that some actors seem to play different characters with the same name for several years? I always thought it made it easier to remember your lines if you associated this new character with one you had played before.

But lately, I've noticed actors playing characters with their first names. Eddie Cibrian is playing a PI named Eddie on Take Two. And tonight I just started watching a new show called A Discovery of Witches, starring Matthew Goode playing, you guessed it, a vampire named Matthew!

Maybe it's less confusing on set? When they call the actors, maybe they use character names. I don't know. I'm just waiting for Meryl Streep to play a fictional character named Meryl Streep.

Review: Lord of Vice

Lord of Vice by Erica Ridley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Her sister is lucky that she is so generous.

My goodness she's smart.

Really, Bryony's mom? Curly hair makes you look more feminine?

Talk of money is getting her hot!

The banter is so funny. I can't tell if she is purposely confusing him.

Oh, this shopkeeper is good.

Less chatting about going to the cardroom, more doing it.

It's nice that he cares about his employees.

I kind of want that sampler.

They do know she is still in the room, right?

She isn't as selfless as you think, Max.

Silly twits.

I love his sister.

What a fun game!

Oh honey, if her family want you there, you should go.

Witch.

Omigawd!

You are such an idiot, man.

Aww. Someone knows how to deliver an apology!

I would run to the Crooked Halo.

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

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Review: Snowfall on Lighthouse Lane

Snowfall on Lighthouse Lane by JoAnn Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hallucinating is comforting, but he better not tell anyone.

Bodhi sounds like a character. He was lucky to have him as a partner and friend.

Oh, his dad is good.

Good for her. She's not giving up. Her business is a great idea.

Poor Charlene.

That's a good memory she has with her mom.

James is going to end up on the other side of a domestic abuse call one day.

He's doing a good thing for Amanda.

Ugh they really should have reported Deputy Jerkface.

Huh, Miranda Priestley did have Helen Mirren hair.

Haha, young Ryan is whipped!

Snort. Did he get detention at home and at school, I wonder?

What is this, a town prank on an old lady?

Entitled prick.

Intriguing.

Ah, Michael Bannion.

She has great fantasies.

Madison married IV? Why am I not surprised. Their poor kids.

The DC murdered his wife and Bodhi.

Who doesn't love a Christmas love story.

It would be so cool if she could also hear Bodhi!

"Only" spousal abuse? A few more days, and Aiden might have gotten him for murder. Is that preferable, S.A. Douchebag?

I hear ya, Mrs. Hooper.

That was very nice of Ashley. A classy move.

You're a good man, Quinn.

Aww, Jarle is so cute.

Hell no. I would have run screaming from that house as soon as I saw one cat.

Ugh, she's better off staying home and building up her business. Aside from Shelby, what else is waiting in California?

That was sneaky. He's lucky she didn't choke on the omelet.

You definitely have unsuspected depth, Bodhi, to paraphrase Jimmy Stewart.

Yay! So long, sucka! I hope you rot in jail.

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

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Review: Hunting Danger

Hunting Danger by Katie Reus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's sad that they needed a code phrase growing up, but it's also pretty cool.

Handy.

Aw, have a little faith, Gage.

Abusive boyfriends and crooked agents, oh my.

Say what? That's a passenger's worst nightmare.

it was the shock. Sure.

Um, she is aptly named at this moment. That was straight off of PBS.

It's good to have friends in high places.

I would have told her boss's wife.

This douchebag really thinks women are stupid.

Dammit, Layla!

Brooks and Skye are fun.

Leighton tried to kiss a gay woman?

What a psycho.

The lady can take care of herself!

That's true love right there.

Haha, it's a competition!

Omigod, alcohol is like truth serum to her. It's so funny!

So cool! I want a nerdy proposal!

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

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Exactly...

https://www.tvguide.com/news/tv-tropes-disabilities-comic/

Review: Come Back to Me

Come Back to Me by Sharon Sala
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The arsonist wanted George to know it was him.

Really? A building blows up and nobody in a small town notices?

Phoebe was weak, that's the only thing I can say about that. And the townsfolk are simple-minded.

Wait, did Preston have something to do with the fire?

Whoa, I feel bad for that college girlfriend.

That was weird, Elliott.

Aw, Lee is so cute, trying to impress his father. Aidan's first reaction was very well-done of him.

The house tour is wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time.

It's so nice that people know each other so well that someone can take your child to the bathroom for you.

Yikes. Drunks beware. Don't talk about her son.

Attagirl, Yvonne.

No one can say Corey came from a bad home, which makes the way he lives his life now look even worse.

Sonja is a witch.

Poor Betty! I hope she and the truck driver are okay!

This is better than if the customers did a slow clap!

Get it, Ruby and Peanut!

God works in mysterious ways.

I'd say dirty trick, but Corey deserves it.

Sigh. But I am glad that Aidan was able to forgive an old dead man walking.

Er, hello Dan. You don't sound scary at all.

Live with that, Joe.

I need to know Dan's story. Now!

I'm so happy for Alice and her kids. This is a great thing Phoebe is doing.

Yay, Chief!

Lee's reaction to their news is hilarious.


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Review: Do or Die Cowboy

Do or Die Cowboy by June Faver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Aw, that was nice of him.

Hush, Gran. Gracie's a bit too young to learn about the circle of life.

I'm glad her grandma finally fessed up about her troubles. A dead rat?

It's all about who you know.

This is an easy job so far.

What the hell was that?

Jeezus, how old was she?

I hate her parents and that town.

Take that, Mr. Garrett!

Thank goodness for Breck. The Carter "boys" definitely deserved a pummeling.

Will sounds kind of crooked.

Big Jim and Celia, sittin' in a tree...

Sayonara, butthole!

I hope he wins the show.

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

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Nazis and the Disabled

A discussion about the disabled during the Victorian era led to my mom and I wondering what happened to disabled people during the Holocaust. We all know what happened to Jews, but (at least, I did not) we don't learn much in school about other groups that the Nazis did not want as part of their Aryan society. This article was very helpful.

https://www.ushmm.org/information/exhibitions/online-exhibitions/special-focus/nazi-persecution-of-the-disabled

Review: A Nice Day for a Cowboy Wedding

A Nice Day for a Cowboy Wedding by Nicole Helm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don't blame Cora for passing the buck.

It seems to me that having a pre-teen should have made her grow up a long time ago.

Charming.

Er, those seem like a lot of red flags.

Yeah, Boone doesn't exactly have an office job.

What is wrong, Micah?

Hey, what's wrong with art?

Whoa, Gavin. Your mom is not a Mossad agent.

His grandma has a sword collection? Remind me not to cross her.

I talk to myself, that's for sure.

I'm guessing her mom was a mistress?

I hate the smell of coffee, but I'm glad I don't have trauma attached to the smell.

I love everything about Micah's first day on the job.

I hope you feel better soon, Lou.

It's good that Shane is teaching Micah how to be a man.

It's sweet how her friends are willing to take her son on an outing so she can have a date.

Is she expecting him to share all his secrets without telling him something in return?

What a witch his ex was.

That's a lot of guilt for the poor man to carry around.

I'm glad he and Ben had that talk, specifically at his father's grave. It felt like his dad was a part of it, giving his blessing.

Boone messed up.

She's ending things before he can, expect he isn't going to.

Micah is more mature than three grown-ups combined.

Mmhmm. "Practical reasons". Sure.

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

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Review: The Boyfriend Arrangement

The Boyfriend Arrangement by Andrea Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

He just had a heart attack? Well, he's about to give himself another one.

If I were him, I'd be touring Europe right now.

What, does she need a sugar daddy?

I don't believe her friends are so self-absorbed that they wouldn't notice a boyfriend.

Has she been pretending to be rich for twelve years?

Damn, I want that plane!

My money's on her ex.

His protectiveness is so hot.

So she wasn't joking? They actually make pug onesies?

He could tell her about his heart attack.

"Rotting pile of bricks"? Really?!

I would not have paid even part of the money.

Okay, so she is living a double life of sorts in order to get her inheritance. How are you any better, Madame Thief?

I could so use his new prototype.

I've never really thought about school sports being an expense.

A shame she missed the ceremony with her introspection.

What to do when you blow up your life to your friends? Have sex.

I'm more concerned with getting his pocket watch back. She can live without the inheritance.

It's always the quiet ones.

I agree she needed to leave to cool off, but she could have called him once he went home.

Nothing is worth kale salad.

I don't even know what the four Cs are.

Her grandfather is so nice.

Don't offer alcohol to the heart attack patient, Harper!

Yay! I'm so happy for Kenny. The last day of the trip sucked, but this was a very good trip for Sebastian, it seems.

Suck it, Madame Thief.

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Brave New Earl

Brave New Earl by Jane Ashford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

They all seem to need this survivors group.

Way to make a good impression. At least she's not the equivalent of a social worker, if they had them at that time.

Who is this other boy?

Projecting much?

Clayton is a nice man, valet or not. Benjamin's dress apparently offends him.

Jean, honey, you can't give in to a little boy all the time. I know you yourself were neglected, but there is a fine line between being lovingly attentive and spoiling.

Benjamin's mother was delightful.

Honestly, a leash sounds like a good idea at this point.

He played her like a fiddle.

She was obviously locked in as a child, in a room or a closet.

Geez, her mother did a number on her. Who knew hair could do so much.

Depressing book. But her heart was in the right place.

Eww. I'm sorry for you, Sarah.

The Wandrells are horrid people. If this is the sort of Society Benjamin has around him, he did well to become a hermit.

Huzzah, Mrs. Thorpe!

Poor Tom is the babysitter who has to stay all night and doesn't get paid.

The lady knows what she wants.

Her mother forgot she locked her child in a cupboard?!

I wonder if Benjamin hoped the nannies could be eliminated before they even left Bristol.

That witch should not be her only informant on the state of marriage.

Actresses can be religious, too.

Oh, Geoffrey.

Personally, I think you reap what you sow, Mrs. Wandrell. You locked a little boy up after scaring him into thinking he would have an evil stepmother.

It's just hair, Clayton. Chill.

Geoffrey is so cute when he is learning new words or taking the ones he knows literally.

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

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Review: Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas

Rocky Mountain Cowboy Christmas by Katie Ruggle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Where did he live before Monroe?

Nosy old lady risked a lot of first responders to find a woman who was just working. Although, at least we know they all are ready for an actual missing person.

Aw. That was embarrassing for her, but probably very helpful for him as a single dad.

I love his daughters already, especially Zoe.

Wow, she has zero social graces. Nice.

That's a great idea, and a cute gimmick.

Wyatt is a lucky boy. I want that flying luge once Zoe creates it.

Ryan is becoming creepy, not suave.

Get a hobby, Mrs. Lin. Pronto.

Ugh, I hate both mice and cats.

If Ryan is the firebug...

Soup from a can is gross.

Only Mrs. Lin can insult her while doing something nice.

Will has more game than both adults.

Someone put a sculpture in her room while she was sleeping, and she doesn't think to tell someone in authority?

Naughty Steve, you brought a flask to school?

Loving with bacon.

I hope Justin is now fat and balding.

Son of a cracker. Maya drank that hot chocolate, and she was also in the barn!

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

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Mamma Mia 2!

I was watching the Mamma Mia! sequel today, and during the "Waterloo" scene, which we've all seen in the commercials and featurettes that the studio has been promoting, there was a hidden gem. And not just a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, either. A good ten seconds of a woman in a wheelchair.

And what was she doing, you ask? Was she there as a background extra, there to prove that the studio is "inclusive"? Nope. She sang along, and even had a solo dance moment! DANCING. Finally, someone figured out that people in wheelchairs can be active members of the cinematic community. Don'ton't even mention that kid on Glee, who wasn't even in a wheelchair. That was clearly a ploy to make people watch the show.

This woman clearly was enjoying her moment in the spotlight. Good for her.

Review: The Christmas Wishing Tree: An Eternity Springs Novel

The Christmas Wishing Tree: An Eternity Springs Novel by Emily March
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The store clearly needs better employees.

All that fuss over an errant snowball?

Her son is adorable.

Okay, this is starting to get really disturbing.

Wait, is Devin adopted or something?

What the hell! If there really was a traumatized child in her house, the police just injured him!

Celeste is ten kinds of spooky.

Mother. Fluffer.

Poor boy.

Way to freak her out, Devin! She came out of the hospital to a security briefing.

Haha, that's how everyone sang "Happy Birthday" when I was growing up!

Get it, Cam! Heyyy!

A kid, terrorizing a kid.

I'm with Cam. Why not be surprised, anyway.

Hahaha. What did you do that for, Boone?

Well, at least it saved everyone making a separate trip...?

I want to know who won the pool.

Awww.

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

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Review: One Unforgettable Weekend (Mills & Boon Desire)

One Unforgettable Weekend (Mills & Boon Desire) by Andrea Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From ad exec to bartender and owner. Interesting.

They spent two days together, but she doesn't recognize him?

Oof. That must have been an awkward day.

Her parents sound like lovely people. Not.

Take a picture, honey.

Haha! Welcome to parenting!

Reverse elitism always cracks me up.

Danger, Will Robinson! Choose your next words carefully, bub.

He's good at event planning.

Way to emasculate the man, Violet.

That was nice of Marcus. I hope he doesn't get in trouble.

He's going to be alone with the baby at some point. How will he learn if she constantly hovers?

Ironic that the rich are basically sitting in the nosebleed section, but with better food.

I bet Beau had something to do with her accident.

Is it right to propose because you don't want anyone else to play with your toy?

Suck it, Beau.

This is a beautiful proposal.

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Hellfire and Handbaskets

Hellfire and Handbaskets by Kathryn Hills
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So does this mean Sam and her husband have time-traveled? Or did the house just creep them out?

Who brings an axe to a knife fight? Remind me never to need the ER on Halloween.

I've lived near the city all my life. I've taken the subway exactly once.

She's not really freaking out.

This is like "Timeline" meets "Kate & Leopold."

I feel sorry for her mother, so cold and unfeeling.

The library would have been my first stop.

I love you, Murph.

Poor thing. I guess a lot of military men miss important moments, both happy and sad.

Nice father they've got. Not.

Freaky.

I love how practically everyone they know has some supernatural connection of some sort.

The train was so much better then.

Who time-travels on purpose without money?

Now who's addicted to time-travel?

Mother-fluffer! Nooo!

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

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Review: Catch a Killer

Catch a Killer by Kris Rafferty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It seems like she should tell her coworkers she has a baby, since her job is so dangerous. Then again, maybe not.

Poor Pepperidges

El Stupido.

She's not sure if she loved him?

The dockmaster would be too easy.

Thank God, Deming! Don't make me put a chip on you.

His father really messed him up.

This killer is even creepier than most, in how he chooses his victims.

Seriously, night shift cops? What people will do when there's free food around...

Son of a cracker! I did not see that coming!

I'd kill the perp just for making her miss moments in her baby's life.

I'm with her. The man says it first, Jack.

Must. Have. Next. Book.

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

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Review: Sweet Home Highlander

Sweet Home Highlander by Amalie Howard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

He's disabled. I'm intrigued.

Really, Hamish? Do you want to die today?

She's got chutzpah.

Getting you hot, isn't he Aisla?

Milady. what did you do?

Are you okay, Makenna?

Okay, that was hot.

What was in that ale?

The authors do a great job making the story align with the movie.

Good job, Aisla!

Sorry Fenella, but you reap what you sow.

My goodness, she was lucky.

Makenna and Julien should be together. Brodie is obviously abusive, and probably sterile.

Aww! Best ball ever.

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

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Review: The Warrior of Clan Kincaid

The Warrior of Clan Kincaid by Lily Blackwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

That bastard...

Elspeth is not good at bluffing.

All three of these men are buttheads.

They thought she was a young boy? How dirty was she?

Buchan is sowing the seeds of discontent with his sons.

She must really love him if she was almost home-free but went back to help him.

Was Nathan hoping to run away with just her?

Have some class, Ainsley.

I'm sorry for you, Robert.

Elspeth, weren't you in labor three seconds ago? How did you get outside so fast?

Robert is better off, and besides, Cull is his family.

Creepy afterword. Why did they remove the nails?

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

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Review: Must Love Babies

Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a good, cute baby.

Olives and cream cheese?

Annabelle is a big softie. She would have made a good mother.

Her dad is really either clueless or deliberately cruel.

Gracie Bella is so precocious. I love her.

Gaven is a manwhore. Of course his brothers don't want to live with him.

Her list is so confining.

I feel so bad for Lainey, but hopefully this time rehab sticks. Jason is a turd.

Oh, he's good at psychological warfare.

Jax honey, don't lick the puppy. You don't know where he's been.

Aw, that was so nice, what she did for Penny!

I love how Molly doesn't play. She talked back to Jason, and she never lets Brant get away with anything.

For Pete's sake! It's Home Ec!

I definitely don't remember Career Day like this.

How sad. Mrs. Stiles, you didn't know how good you had it.

Great set-up for future books.

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

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Review: Small Town Rumors

Small Town Rumors by Carolyn Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lady, you don't even ask how your daughter is?

Why was she in the hospital?

"Just a farmer"? Really?

This poor woman!

Shoot, I'd have mistresses too if I was married to that woman.

Is anyone normal in this town?

Cricket, the only person who can make you happy is you.

Her husband said what to her?! And she still stayed married to him?

Lettie, are you being nice to Jennie Sue because you know it will kill Charlotte?

These old ladies are crazy. but I love them!

Attagirl.

Geez Charlotte, the seventies just passed you by, didn't they.

Karma, Cricket.

Just when you think Charlotte might really have been abducted by nice aliens...

I think she should have been able to take pictures of Emily Grace and be there for the funeral.

What the hell?! That came out of nowhere!

Coulda, shoulda, woulda.

Is this really how Southern small towns are?

I love me some heirlooms, Justin. Piss off, Lawrence.

You don't let grass grow under your feet, do you Amos.

You old ladies are full of surprises, the good kind.

Mabel and Frank were as much her parents as her real ones were, probably more so.

I guess that makes me a CEO Catholic.

I want a Rick! Even when he's being a moody butt, he's still wonderful.

Good luck to you, Danielle Crossett, whoever you are.

The epilogue is beautiful.

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

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Review: The Lass Beguiled the Laird

The Lass Beguiled the Laird by Lisa Torquay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It's the nineteenth century, Anna, I'm sure your suitor is more civilized than you think.

She's so brave.

How sad that he thinks her a Sassenach, when she probably more Scottish in her heart than he is.

What the heck did he think the doctor was going to do for a bruise on her butt?

That was very romantic of him.

I dislike her father immensely.

Gah, you're stupid Fingal. Does she act like she's a prisoner in this marriage?

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Heart of a SEAL

Heart of a SEAL by Dixie Lee Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

He sounds like a really nice, upstanding man. Sally and her daughter are lucky.

Rot in hell, Ahmed. Although, that was kind of an exciting scene.

Is his dad crazy? Who tells their kids something like that?

Her dad is that evil? Crap, was her mother sane at least?

Luke would be a good dad.

Huh. I did not see that coming.

They are so cute together.

Yeah, I thought Jen's conception might have gone something like that.

Jen probably shouldn't have seen the punch, but maybe it was good to see her sperm donor get the crap beat out of him.

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

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A Case Against CGI

I'm assuming there isn't a soul left who hasn't seen the original Star Wars, especially after all the recent resurgence of the series. Personally, I have yet to see the new ones, and I doubt I will. Hans and Leia Forever.

Ever notice how much better the Muppets are in the old films? Jabba the Hut is just creepy. And Yoda looks way more wise-sage of outer-space than his "younger" self. Even the light-sabers are cooler! You know why? Because no one knew what those were thirty years ago! The filmmakers had to create something from nothing. Can you imagine the conversations? "What if we had red beams coming out of swords?"

And how about Jurassic Park? After the original, who else was legitimately scared of raptors coming into your bedroom at night? And the scene with the triceratops? Who else could smell the dung?

Yes, they obviously used computerization, but they made an effort to make it real. The opening credits to Splash will make you seasick. And how about Look Who's Talking? Watching that scene will get you pregnant, I swear.

Even George of the Jungle. Yes, a British gorilla in the middle of the jungle was weird, but it was believable. The gorillas and other animals in The Legend of Tarzan look like apparitions in an LSD-inspired dream sequence in comparison.

Who else agrees with me? Or is newer always better? Weigh in in the comments!

Wheelchairs in the Media

I was re-watching the movie Hot Flashes, with the actress Brooke Shields, tonight. It's a fun movie involving middle-aged women playing basketball against the championship high school girls' team. I noticed during one of the games, there's a blink-and-you-miss-it woman in a wheelchair sitting in the stands. Now, obviously she's still in the wheelchair, and in the front row. But the movie makes a point to include her in a sea of extras. She's not just the token disabled person in town. She's just a Texan in a high-school gym, watching a basketball game.

A show that also includes a woman in a wheelchair, without rubbing it in your face or making it an after-school special "teachable moment", is Madam Secretary. Obviously, this a show about a female Cabinet member, specifically Secretary of State. I have noticed two different instances, seasons apart, where a woman in a wheelchair is shown wheeling past the main actors into an office or the elevator. Thereby showing that we can be in positions of power. Maybe she's not the Secretary, but she works for her. I'll take it!

We might get to the point where the boss is someone in a wheelchair, but if it doesn't happen, fine. Even ten years, ago, I can't remember any show that had someone who was in a wheelchair in a starring. Yes, that kid in Glee, but the actor was never disabled. Speechless is the only one, but I want to see a show where I can see myself in the character; someone who has gone to college and is not just seen as "that wheelchair lady".

Review: The Luck of the Bride

The Luck of the Bride by Janna MacGregor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poor little girl. And the baby who will never know his parents.

Omigod, I'm dying! The author had me fooled. Viscount, indeed.

Can you really steal from yourself?

A nobleman who can't count is just asking to get cheated.

I would so slap him. She knows how old she is!

Aww, William has always been a good brother, it seems. That lady should be hung up by her toes!

Poor thing has PTSD from Faith's fall.

This is really romantic, except for, you know, the blood.

He just walked right into her house, and she doesn't even scream?

And there he goes, ruining the moment...

Stupid ton. Chin up, Faith. Besides, it looks like you've caught the eye of a certain doctor.

Ugh, why is that guy everywhere? But drinking isn't the answer to everything either McCalpin.

Girls, if your men believe this idiot's lies over your own sister, you don't want them as husbands.

Bennett is nine-going-on-twenty-nine, I swear.

Could they have been re-marrying?

Gah, men are dumb. Bennett is smarter than all these men put together.

Suck it, Rupert.

I like that they showed compassion for whodunit.

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

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Review: Behind the Mask

Behind the Mask by Renee Canter Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You know it's creepy when even the assassin is scared.

Remind me never to be in Venice on a foggy night.

What a crappy police force.

All those drugs can't be helping with the memory loss.

This is an excellent mystery.

The professor's wife ordered the hit on her, I bet.

Richard is not as large-and-in-charge as he thinks he is.

The assassin with a side-job as paparazzo.

I never liked Carmen.

Holy crap!

Whoa, she had some balls before the accident.

Ewww. Buh-bye, Ricky.

Ha, she's got jokes! Good for her.

Snort. She thought he was having a heart attack.

Oh, how nice that they found the boy.

Who else wants that wedding feast?

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

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Review: Package Deal

Package Deal by Charissa Stastny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm not a fan of the scruffy look either.

Geez, this photographer is pushy.

Er, I'm not liking Brandee. She's mean.

"Spawn"? Seriously, man?

Emma is so adorable.

Men should always open doors.

There was a creepy guy at my work too.

Kieran was such a twat.

It sounds like this job is killing him, albeit slowly.

Hudson should have forcibly removed her from that idiot's car.

Suddenly Brandee has time for her, just when she messed up Hudson and Spring's relationship? Ugh.

He's good at making up.

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


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