Movie Review: Faster

Faster is an action thriller movie starring Dwayne Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Moon Bloodgood, Tom Berenger, and Carla Gugino. When Jimmy Cullen leaves prison after serving his time for armed robbery, he locates three things: his 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, a gun, and a list of names. The people involved in their betrayal after their last heist, and responsible for the death of his brother. Soon those names start getting ticked off as the body count rises. But a hitman has been hired to eliminate Jimmy and so a game of cat and mouse begins. The story is a lot more complex than expected with nice twists and turns and some spectacular double and triple cross.

Dwayne Johnson as Jimmy is what we all expect of The Rock – he’s big and brawny, can knock down anyone, and is definitely the go-to guy when you need help in a bar fight. Although typecast, Johnson always manages to imbue his roles with a sense of integrity and realism so that you believe he is the character, in this case Jimmy avenging his brother’s death. Even when he plays the ‘bad guy,’ Johnson is always somehow a ‘good guy.’ Playing off Johnson is Billy Bob Thornton, always a superb actor. Anyone who likes little guy versus big corporation scenarios should watch him in Goliath. Here he plays Det. Slade Humphries who is a not-so-squeaky clean cop with a fervent desire to bring Jimmy Cullen in and put him back behind bars, where he surely belongs. He is partnered with Det. Cicero played by Carla Gugino. I haven’t seen much of this actress, but her performances are always solid and, as a supporting character, she is watchable and steady.

I thought this would be a nice mindless action movie to while away a few hours, with not too much thought required and a simple open and shut plot. Faster is anything but that and really surprised me. Yes, there is a lot of driving very fast, much bloodshed, bad guys getting their come-uppance, and Jimmy Cullen isn’t in a forgiving mood. But there are several unexpected moments, and this drives the often-surprising plot twists. The final revelation, when Jimmy realizes who set them up, who betrayed them, and who shot him in the head all those years ago and left him for dead, is jaw-dropping. The resolution with the hired killer is also quite intriguing as the killer’s subplot unfolds. Overall, not your average wham-bam-kill-’em-all movie. Very well worth watching. Make popcorn. Lots of it.

Book Spotlight: Mistletoe Season by Sheila Roberts, Kathleen Fuller, and Pepper Basham

 

This Christmas, three couples find themselves under the mistletoe . . . whether they want to be there or not.

Mistletoe Season

Authors: Sheila Roberts, Kathleen Fuller & Pepper Basham

This Christmas, three couples find themselves under the mistletoe . . . whether they want to be there or not.

Say No to Mistletoe by Sheila Roberts—Mistletoe is Hailey Fairchild’s kryptonite. Every time she’s kissed someone under the mistletoe it’s led to love disaster. Not a good thing for a romance writer! When she was a gawky high school girl, her hunky neighbor, Carwyn Davies, star of the basketball team (and her dreams) kissed her under the mistletoe on a dare. But the kiss wasn’t a dream come true. It was a mortifying moment she’s never forgotten, and now she’s about to go home for the holidays, unengaged and . . . determined to say no to mistletoe. Especially if Carwyn is anywhere around.

Return to Mistletoe by Kathleen Fuller—Emmy Banks has always loved Christmas. How could she not when she lives in Mistletoe, Missouri? Kieran O’Neill has spent years abroad, renovating an old Irish castle, but returns to Mistletoe for his mother’s seventieth birthday. He reconnects with Emmy, his sister’s close friend, and spends time with her in her charming antique shop. When the weather turns colder, things start to warm up between Emmy and Kieran. But can Emmy risk her heart when she knows he’ll never stay in Mistletoe, and she will never leave?

The Mistletoe Prince by Pepper Basham—Prince Arran St. Clare has lost his freedom and fairytale life in exchange for a three-month “punishment” in the small town of Ransom, North Carolina. To prove he is ready for the royal life for which he was born, Arran must engage in the Christmas charity fundraiser, The Mistletoe Wish. But when kindness, authenticity, and hard work prove more appreciated in Appalachia than a royal pedigree, Arran must face the mirror and find out who he is beyond the crown. Add a beautiful and intelligent woman who doesn’t recognize her own worth, some mistletoe, and a little Christmas magic and it all might be enough to help the rebel-prince understand what truly matters most.

Mistletoe Season is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

 

Book Excerpt

Mistletoe is my kryptonite.One kiss under it, and I go weak in the head. My last three mistletoe kisses resulted in relation- ship disaster. Which is why I, Hailey Fairchild, am swearing off it.

You’d think after three love fails I’d hate cupid. I don’t. I’m one of his loyal acolytes. I write romance novels. I’m a believer.

If you ask me, everyone should be. We need more love in the world. I need more love, but so far I’m only finding it on the pages of my computer screen.

On the screen is better than nothing. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

Consider this a public service announcement, a warning. Don’t go under the mistletoe. It’s hazardous to your heart. Here’s what it did to me.

 

About the Authors

Sheila Roberts has written over fifty books under different names and in different genres. She’s seen three of her novels made into movies for the Lifetime, Hallmark and Great American Family channels and has over 3 million copies of her books in print. The story in this anthology makes her eighteenth Christmas story.

Website ➜ https://sheilasplace.com 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/funwithsheila/

Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/sheilarobertswriter/

 

With over two million books sold, USA Today best-selling author Kathleen Fuller writes amusing stories with quirky characters and happy endings. Her novel, Written in Love, won the 2018 Romantic Times Inspirational Romance of the Year. Many of her books have also hit the CBA and ECPA best-seller lists. A retired Special Education teacher, she and her husband James live in Arkansas and are the parents of four adult children. When she’s not writing you can find her reading and crocheting—usually at the same time. She also enjoys traveling, football, and collecting recipes she’ll never use. 

Website ➜ https://kathleenfuller.com 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/WriterKathleenFuller/ 

Instagram ➜  https://www.instagram.com/kf_booksandhooks/ 

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is a wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her dual timeline novel, Hope Between the Pages, was a 2022 finalist for the prestigious Christy awards. Pepper’s newest book, Loyally, Luke, made it on the ECPA bestseller list for May. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.

Website ➜ https://pepperdbasham.com 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/pepperdbasham/

Instagram ➜  https://www.instagram.com/pepperbasham/

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Book Spotlight: Ring of Rosin by Nancy Golden

 

Will the Ring of Rosin’s power on the Day of Questioning help Rugal defeat the foreign threat to Elayas, or will it be used to destroy him?

Title: Ring of Rosin

Author: Nancy Golden

Publication Date: September 2, 2024

Pages: 222

Genre: Fantasy

Many, many years ago, a wondrous bird flew into the mountains of Tolan. In its claws, it bore a giant stone, a stone of fire. The bird dropped the stone somewhere in the mountains, where it shattered. The one who finds its fragments shall have power beyond belief.

The Ring of Rosin has unexpectedly disappeared. Join King Rugal on his quest to recover the ring symbolizing his right to rule, forged from the stone of fire. A mysterious companion joins the young monarch on a perilous journey. Rugal’s shadowy ally leads him to the nomadic Kargoliths, who are locked in an ongoing dispute with the neighboring kingdom of Tolan. As destinies intertwine amidst the clashing cultures, the fates of Elayas, Tolan, and the Kargoliths hang in the balance.

Will the Ring of Rosin’s power on the Day of Questioning help Rugal defeat the foreign threat to Elayas, or will it be used to destroy him?

Follow King Rugal as he faces the greatest threat to his reign since his coronation. An exciting adventure of valor and unlikely friendships the whole family can enjoy!

Ring of Rosin is available at Amazon.

 

Book Excerpt

Thirty minutes later, they were all seated in the library, looking attentively at the messenger, a slim, proud youth about Rugal’s age possessing the distinctly dark, handsome features of a citizen of Tolan.

Dressed in riding leathers, the youth had thick black hair and the beginnings of a beard. He bowed formally from the waist, and with Rugal’s nod of acknowledgment, he began to recite his message:

“I, Johan of Sharvindar, in the name of King Handerbin of the kingdom of Tolan, bear greetings from my sovereign and wishes of health and happiness to the esteemed royal family of Elayas. News of Oldag’s overthrow and the restoration of King Rugal, rightful sovereign of Elayas, in accordance to her laws and traditions, has brought us great joy. Our sorrow has been long in knowing that the evil king Oldag’s birthplace was Tolan, and it gladdens us that he has finally met with justice.” Johan paused for breath, and his listeners leaned forward in anticipation of his words.

“We wish to reassure you of our good intentions. Long have our countries viewed each other with mistrust, kindled by Oldag’s rebellion. We are also aware of the theft of the Ring of Rosin, and we believe that those responsible are members of the Kargoliths, who have come to inhabit what has been the unsettled territory of Tolan, earmarked for future expansion.”

“How did you know?” Rugal interrupted. “About the Ring of Rosin?”

Johan met Rugal’s gaze squarely. “King Rosin had the ring made by one of the most skilled craftsmen in all of Tolan. It is a fragment from the stone of fire.”

Mura nodded. “That makes sense. I know my cousin had made a special commission for its creation. I was never told the exact details, but that it arrived from a mysterious location. I remember the day it was shown at court for the first time.”

Rugal’s voice sharpened. “That still doesn’t explain…”

“We intercepted a message from the Kargoliths, which is what prompted King Handerbin to send me here.” Johan hesitated, leaning forward. “The leader of their tribe has the Ring of Rosin. King Handerbin has sent me to help you retrieve it. You will need a guide, someone familiar with Tolan.”

“Just what are you proposing?” Jackal stood up, shoulders tense.

The Swordsman put up a hand. “It’s okay, Jackal. It makes sense.” He glanced at Soldar, who nodded. “The Kargoliths have been searching for the shards of the stone of fire for many years. It is woven into their history. Fables of old, when the wondrous bird captured it and flew to the mountains, are told around their campfires from one generation to the next. If they have the Ring of Rosin…”

“They will not give it up. This is the Year of Wisdom and the Day of Questioning approaches. They will demand King Rugal’s presence.” Johan looked significantly at Rugal. “For only he will be able to activate its power on that day.”

Rugal cocked his head. “Day of Questioning? I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Soldar cleared his throat. “An oversight on my part, Sire. We did not cover the fables of the Kargoliths, as I saw no need.” He glanced at Johan and raised his eyebrows. “Perhaps I was mistaken.”

“It certainly seems relevant now, Soldar,” Rugal let out a noisy breath. “Please explain.”

His eyes contemplative, Soldar exhaled. He turned his attention to the dark youth, and Johan nodded almost imperceptibly. Soldar turned back to Rugal.

“The Ring of Rosin has a property that no one knows about. It has been entwined in the lore of Tolan and the Kargoliths for many years and is thought to be conjecture. Apparently, that is not the case, or it would not have been stolen. Not only does it identify the true king of Elayas, but it also imparts wisdom to the king.” Soldar paused and rubbed his eyes. “The Kargoliths must know the Ring of Rosin has this power.”

Johan spread out his hands. “You are correct, Soldar.” He bowed his head briefly. “But there is more to the fable.” He continued with a storytelling inflection to his words, “The rightful king of Elayas will be able to ask the Ring of Rosin anything he desires, and the ring will impart that knowledge to him, but only once in every ten years. This day is designated as the Day of Questioning.”

Rugal’s eyes narrowed. “Anything? Even another person’s most deeply held secrets?”

“Yes, indeed,” Johan agreed. “Which is why it is so powerful. But it will only respond to the queries of the King of Elayas, and only for the Time of Sun Shadow on the Day of Questioning. This is when the sun is completely engulfed in shadow, but only for a few minutes. It is as if it is nighttime, yet it is still day.”

The room remained quiet as everyone contemplated the ramifications of what had just been revealed. Finally, Rugal rubbed his cheek. “So, they stole the ring in anticipation of the Day of Questioning. But what good will it do them without me?”

“Exactly,” Johan replied. “That is why I am here.”

– Excerpted from Ring of Rosin by Nancy Golden, Golden Cross Ranch LLC, 2024. Reprinted with permission.

 

About the Author

Nancy Golden wears a lot of different hats – She is a wife and mom, author, engineer, professor, horsewoman, and small business owner. She is also the founder of a writing group – the Carrollton League of Writers. Nancy lives in a suburb of Dallas, Texas and she loves to ride bicycles and horses. She is a member of the National Space Society, and she has been a Trekkie for as long as she can remember. Nancy Golden Books provides a great reader experience with well-crafted writing that will brighten your day.

Website ➜ nancygoldenbooks.com

Twitter ➜ https://www.twitter.com/ncgolden1  

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564426002283 

Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/ncgolden1 

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216235312-ring-of-rosin 

Nancy Golden is giving away one autographed copy of Sword of Fate and one autographed copy of Ring of Rosen (also included is a mini poster of each book)!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.

• Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive either an autographed copy of Sword of Fate or an autographed copy of Ring of Rosen

• This giveaway starts September 26 and ends March 26.

• Winner will be contacted via email on March 27.

• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

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Movie review: San Andreas

 

San Andreas is a 2015 American disaster/thriller movie starring Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Ioan Gruffudd, Alexandra Daddario, Archie Panjabi, and Paul Giamatti. A massive earthquake caused by the San Andreas fault devastates the West Coast of the US. The movie tracks the efforts of Ray Gaines, a recue helicopter pilot, as he tries to save his wife and daughter from the terrible destruction unfolding before his eyes.

I love disaster movies. However, with only SFX and no heart or bad acting, these can end up being just a parade of clever, hi-tech, dramatic, and expensive stunts that soon get boring. One example of this is Twisters 2 which had fantastic scenarios of storms and the aftermath but a wooden leading actress and thus no heart or warmth. San Andreas has 100% and more of drama, tension, suspense, gasps, and nail-biting moments as the characters struggle to survive. There are tons of incredible special effects and action sequences. The opening stunning helicopter rescue scene alone sets the tone and establishes the main character. Filming was no walk in the park for the actors with collapsing skyscrapers, a spectacular tsunami, submerged high rises, sinking buildings, flying debris, capsized boats, and more.

Dwayne Johnson isn’t going to play Shakespeare any time soon, but he does the manly action stuff very well and infuses the right amount of energy and credibility into his roles. I have seen most of his movies and I like him. Carla Gugino plays his estranged wife Emma and is a very competent, complementary foil. The utterly gorgeous Alexandra Daddario plays their daughter Blake with loads of energy and enthusiasm and if I am ever in an earthquake scenario, I want her on my team. Ioan Gruffudd plays Emma’s self-serving boyfriend who leaves Blake trapped in a car in the underground parking while he saves his own slimy skin. He is not a bad actor but seems best suited for the ‘creepy guy’ roles. Paul Giamatti as Dr. Lawrence Hayes, a Caltech seismologist, is a solid, dependable actor. I have seen him in a variety of roles, from historical to modern day. My favourite is The Illusionist, set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, where he plays the Inspector. He is a fine actor and the best of the bunch. There is also plenty of room for nice cameo roles. Two stand out for energy and loads of charm. Hugo Johnstone (Ben Taylor) and his ‘annoying little brother’ Ollie (Art Parkinson) meet Blake and save her from being crushed to death in the parking garage. Ollie is just adorable as Hugo’s cheeky wingman at the age when a smitten youngster can tell a young woman she is ‘just beautiful’ and not get his face slapped.

San Andreas is a good go-to movie for disaster fans like me. I have watched it five times now and always spot something new. The soundtrack includes the fantastic California Dreamin’ (The Mommas and the Poppas) and the movie version is quite haunting. So, if you’re looking for a nailbiter of a movie for a Saturday night, with loads of popcorn (you’ll need it), this is your movie of choice.