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5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my VERY FAVORITES!!!, May 17 2004
A story about a Curse, a corrupt Priest and a Love that defied darkness. This was the first movie I had ever seen Michelle P. in and her beauty was flawless, as I love Romance novels this movie really appealed to me. Rutger Hauer was every woman's Noble Knight. Matthew Broderich was so funny as was the priest that lived in the run-down castle. I highly recommend this movie for youngsters as the story is exciting and tells the story that LOVE truimphs over Evil. A Priest in love with a woman he can not have, the captain of the guard is in love with the same woman who loves him as well. The Priest can't have her and finds out that the 2 are in love and damn them to a life forever apart. There is a thief (Matthew B.) who is the only known person to have escaped the dungeons of Aquilar, Navarre (Rutgar H.) happens upon him hears of this is and is greatly interested in getting into the Fortress of Aquilar to destroy the corrupt priest who has damned himself, Navarre and Isabeau (Michelle P.) (sigh) what lovely names..... The guards of Aquilar have been told to recapture the theif (Matthew) and return/and or kill him to the dungeons. Of course these guards are the same guards that used to answer to Navarre. Wonderfully exciting story and a mystery too!! Respectfully Reviewed
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Guilty Pleasures
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by Laurell K. Hamilton Edition: Mass Market Paperback |
| Price: CDN$ 9.49 |
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Pulled a all-nighter for this one!!, May 14 2004
Couldn't put this down well I'm hooked ...... (never mind that it took me 2 years of looking at it in my TBR pile to get to it)LOL Anita Blake is (as the cover says) Badddddddd with the capitol "B". This is my first Vampire book, I don't generally read gore but suprisingly enough it doesn't contain a lot of it. Descriptive fight scenes, gun battles, creatures of all kinds and "sort of" love story is what this quick read had to offer. I am not a Science Fiction professional reader so my review is actually coming from someone that is new to this genre it seems to me that Laurell K. Hamilton tried to mesh the world of Romance with Science Fiction and she did it (in my honest opinion) rather smoothly, don't get me wrong there is a slight reference of a "possible" attraction between 2 characters (sorry no spoilers here) but there isn't a lot of romance going on. The suspense is within the murders that are going on and the potrayal of the Nickolaus character (who reminded me a lot of the Kristin Durst role in "Interview with a Vampire")will haunt me for a day or two I am sure. The one thing that I was a little perplexed about was how did Anita develop some of her skills... but I do have faith a figure that these may be revealed in later books so I look forward to delving into the rest of the series. I highly recommend this series if you are a Romantic Supsense Reader that needs a break from the "norm". I also recommend for those of you looking for a lighter read Charlaine Harris {{Southern Vampire}} Series or if you like it action packed try Susan Sizemore {{Laws of Blood}} Series. Respectfully Reviewed
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Book should say: DO NOT READ ON A EMPTY STOMACH!!, May 7 2004
This is book #3 in the {{BRIDES OF VIRTUE}} series but I do not think this is a series you have to read in order. In fact this is the first one I read. This book is for the Epicureans Romance Readers out there and more. BK certainly did her share of research for the culinary delights in this story. Being as my occupation is Director of Catering I always like to read books with Food in the storyline this one does not dissapoint. Julia is a young women who has been in the convent since the age of 10. She has always been headstrong and independent, not really the attributes one would equate to a Nun in Medieval times, the Head Abbess assigns Julia into the Kitchen at a early age to keep her out of making trouble in the convent. Julia takes to the Kitchen like a "duck-to-water" becomes irreplaceable. One evening (during very bad weather) 2 knights traveling through the area stop at the convent to get something to eat (after being told in the nearby village that they will find exceptional faire there) well of course they have a dinner TO DIE FOR and unbeknownst to the Abbess these 2 knights Count has a peculiar ailment............ He has a uncanny disability to pick up every scent there is GOOD AND BAD and he becomes so overwhelmed that it makes him deranged hence he is named "THE BEAST". Because of this ailment he can not enjoy food especially food made from awful cooks that don't know what flavors compliment each other. So when they come upon this convent with Food OUT OF THIS WORLD they try to find out who the cook is, the Abbess knows she has a treasure in her cook so she doesn't allow them to meet Julia. The 2 Knights go away not knowing who the cook is but they are fairly tripping over themselves to return to the Count to tell him of their find. I don't want to get to lengthy about the book description since the 2 previous reviews (as well as Amazon synopsis) does a fine job in telling what the story is about. When you get down to it I ENJOYED this book there is humor, betrayal, mystery, a feud, the physical attraction is sensual...... all the things that makes reading Historical Romances so lively. Griffin and Julia are a good couple to watch come to their feelings. BK does a excellent job in describing each meal in such detail that you can just taste the buttery crust in Julia's tarts and pasties. Griffin's ailment is rather interesting and I could say the same for the way Julia learns to get around it. There are some secondary characters in the book that add to the overall wholeness of the story. Good Job Ms. Krahn!!! Respectfully Reviewed
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4.0 out of 5 stars
"Who Shot J.R." ending LOL, May 4 2004
Well I actually got this book about 2 weeks ago couldn't wait for it to come available. I can say that I like this series more so than the {{Anita Blake}} Series by Laurell K. Hamilton, because it's fun, and Sookie deals with regular life things.. like still having to go to work on time, worrying about her bills, dealing with insecurities where it comes to her relationship with Bill and Sookie isn't super tough she is just a woman next door from "Down South" that happens to have this psychic ability and who by way of her boyfriend got involved in the Supernatural community. Book picks up right where it left us to some degree Sookie and Bill are on rocky ground. Eric does have amnesia and Jason is missing throw in some witches and other supernatural creatures and YES it does begin to feel like {{Anita Blake}} this book is mainly about Sookie helping Eric while Bill is out of town in Peru, for those of you out there that like Bill I can't say more than that(without giving away spoilers). Okay so for the wrap up a few good fight scenes, some romance, Debbie returns from {{CLUB DEAD}} and the humor. OH YEA!! Sookie New Year's resolution not to get beaten up so much. I recommend this book at Amazon prices and if you are collecting the series. My comment about "Who Shot J.R." will make more sense once you read the book. By the end of the book MORE people WANT (as in Desire) Sookie which is familiar to {{Anita Blake}} the funny thing is this one actually reminds me a lot of {{Stephanie Plum}} Series by Janet Evanovich, but it still has it's own unique twist and blend. Respectfully Reviewed
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Boy I wish I had Jack Black as my substitute teacher!!!, April 30 2004
I can't say that I am a huge "Jack Black" fan however I do appreciate his voice. My daughter had been raving about this movie for like 3 weeks and kind of MADE us watch it. Well I was surprised at how much I liked it. Jack Black is hilarious Joan Cusack is her usual albeit "strange-funny" self. I would recommend this for the kids and anyone who enjoys "head banging" and appreciates the History of Rock. I thought it was fantastic how he got the kids to really appreciate the "soul" of music NO not SOULLLL music but the "heart" of Rock. He did abandon ALL STUDIES which doesn't say much. There were moments in this movie that I was having flashbacks of Sam Kennison but they were still hilarious. The kids were delightful and when you see it just think National Lampoon or at least don't expect anything heavy just enjoy it for what it is a really good funny movies to catch with your kids or with friends that can relive school days. Respectfully Reviewed
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2.0 out of 5 stars
A Die-hard Krall Fan.... Man I'm bummed, April 30 2004
After waiting for this CD with anticipation I am so sorry to have to say that this one "bit the big one" for me. When I purchase a DK CD it is for her outstanding voice, and to appreciate the music that she (and her band) plays. I got neither of these with this CD. The words on some of the songs were like.... what the heck is she singing about??? and her voice in general on this overall CD was different as well as if she were trying something new (I'm sure that this is due to Elvis Costello's influence) I was trying to figure out what exactly I didn't like about it... and I think she was singing weird.. minor inflexions with her tone and range, that just did not help some of the songs. I can say that I'm not the type of fan that can't handle my favorite songstress trying something different but darn it!!! I just couldn't get the "feel" of this one. I listened to it at least 5 - 6 times since getting this CD. SO to the possible buyers out there if you are a "die-hard" fan of Mrs. Krall-Costello buy with caution this is not her typical music do not purchase with that in mind..... think different, you probably need to come to it as if it is a new singer that you are being introduced to. Respectfully Reviewed
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars
DO NOT WASTE YOUR $$$$$, Nov 5 2003
I have had this book on my wish list for a little over 2 years now and finally went ahead and purchased it. I agree with what the others said it is a coloring book, sure wish they would have had more information here on Amazon regarding that because I would not have wasted the money on shipping and handling for a Coloring Book. I have other books that I recommend if you are interested in Brownstones and Rowhouses I would suggest: {{The Baltimore Rowhouse}} by by Mary Ellen Hayward, Charles Belfoure, Charles Belfour, Mary Ellen Haywood {{Town Houses: Urban Houses from 1200 to the Present Day}} by Marcus Binney {{Bricks and Brownstones : The New York Row House}} by Charles Lockwood Respectfully Reviewed
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Idea for a Gift Basket for that Wine Lover!!, Oct 25 2003
SPECTACULAR PICTURES, Informative Introduction and Mouth Watering Recipes. If anyone has been lucky enough to have visited this Winery up in Napa or better yet fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of a glass of Cakebread Chardonnay (or even if you have not) this book is wonderful in presentation and perfect for a Gift no matter what the occasion. Gift Ideas; for that Boss that has everything but appreciates good wine and good food, Housewarming, Present for that Culinary Art Student. If you have friends who love to entertain and your going over during the Holidays... instead of bringing a bottle of wine (like everyone else) give this book, Holiday Gift Basket (with of course of bottle of their wine)((Smile)) I purchased this book the first day it came out and went over it with my Executive Chef; we are always looking for new ideas especially with all the Holiday parties coming up. Recipes are set for each Season throughout the year. I am only giving it 4 Stars because I would say the instructions are not for the novice cook/chef at home, I think the recipes are written as if you know (and I mean "KNOW") your way around a kitchen. The authors have tried to balance the "fancy recipes" with the easier ones to prepare and that is pretty consistent throughout the book from the Salads to the Desserts. I collect a lot of cookbooks and I am famous for collecting cookbooks that I will never use but still want them in my library(just check out my other "Listmania Lists").....I'd have to say that there are a few good recipes in this cookbook that I definitely feel confident enough to try on my own: Phyllo Purses filled with Goat Cheese, Chives and Lemon Zest Warm Goat Cheese Salad with Pancetta, Shaved Fennel, and Sliced Pears Pan Roasted Halibut with Orange, Sherry and River Ranch Honey Baby Back Ribs with Red Wine Vinegar, Rosemary and Sweet Peppers Roast Pork Loin with Apple Brandy and Whole-Grain Mustard Sauce Apple and Cranberry Crisp I must add in respect to Desserts there are only 2 that are standard the rest are pretty fancy. Respectfully Reviewed
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Man OH Man! Find me a Mini Cooper to take a spin in :), Oct 12 2003
First of all I guess I have to mention that I didn't think I would like it because I absolutely dislike Wahlberg's acting 98% of the time, especially after "Truth About Charlie". But WOW!!! was I pleasantly surprised. A really enjoyable flick all the reviews before me go into such details about all of the actors and I have to agree LOVED the Cast selection. Let's face it I have had a "thing" for Jason S. since {The Transporter} and he continues to catch my eye was perfect in his role as {Handsome Rob} Edward Norton definately is consistent with his acting skills, no surprise there. Seth Green was hilarious reminded me of {Rat Race} but none the less thought he was chosen wisely. Ahhh Mos Def as {Left Ear} I must say that I look forward to more roles for this versatile entertainer and Mark Wahlberg wasn't as bad as he was in {The Truth about Charlie} but he still is pretty stiff. Music soundtrack was GREAT!! The opening Boat chase scene in Venice was EXCELLENT. All those Car chase scenes with the mini coopers were cool and edgy. Storyline kept me engaged, interested and there were a few funny moments. I would recommend that you purchase this one if you like movies with Car Chases or re-makes. Respectfully Reviewed
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4.0 out of 5 stars
A really nice, engaging Tale, July 28 2003
I had taken a hiatus from reading any of J.L. books for some time now, although I would still collect them (because I collect her works) I rarely ever actually READ them anymore. I was so pleased to read this one and loved the story of the 2 twins it was comical at moments, sensual confrontations between Chad and Marian, a loving relationship between Chad and his father, and the Aunt who has spirit and a chance at finding love in her latter years. I don't know why Amazon.com doesn't give you a real good description of the plot but I will try. The Story is about 2 twins both gorgeous. One of the twins (Mandy) is spoiled and down-right Awful the other (Marian)is not she hides her beauty so that the other twin doesn't get jealous. You see Mandy has a history of sabotaging Marian's love interest, then she follows it up with crapping on the fellow in the end and leaving them. So Marian puts on this disguise to hide her beauty so that no one will be interested in her, and no one will get their feelings hurt. At the beggining of the story you find out that the girls father has died and they have to go and live with their Aunt, who they have not seen since being toddlers, out in Texas. Chad is the son of the Rancher who owns a HUGE spread near the Aunts but he is working over at her Ranch to help her out (anymore information on that part and I would be telling to much of the story) needless to say Marian is attracted to Chad and he to her, although how they get to this part is through misconceptions and spontaneous actions :) There were parts that I chuckled and it kept me engaged, which when it comes to the Romance novels these days, is all that I ask. In fact it kind of reminded me of a old Jude Deveraux style or even Julie Garwood. I didn't give it 5 stars because of the ending it wasn't plausible for me, it didn't quite add up. Respectfully Reviewed
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