REVIEW – The Hunger Games

So yes, I’m behind the hype.  Honestly, I don’t follow hype, so it took me forever and a millennium to finally get around to reading The Hunger Games.  Not only that, but the last hype I tried to follow after a long hiatus, I got screwed royally–Twilight–and vowed never to do it again.  I won’t say The Hunger Games has changed my attitude, but it has made me loosen up on my restrictions. 

Oh, and did I mention I had a coworker who harassed the hell out of me to read it? 

Yes, The Hunger Games was just that good.  Heck, it was the best damn story I had read in a long time and one I’d place right up there with Bitten by Kelly Armstrong.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m not into dystopian stories YA or otherwise, and although, I absolutely loved this book, it’s not enough to change my mind.  For me, THG was more a sci-f than dystopian.

I’m not going to go into the details because there are enough reviews on the internet that you can get a summary, if you’re really looking for one.  However, I will say this: I loved learning about the different districts across Panem, including the silliness of the Capitol, and poor District Thirteen.  Before you say anything, I’ve already read the synopsis on Wikipedia, so I know what happens.  Oh, and did I mention how much I loved the mutations?  Totally cool!

So about Katniss.  First, I hate her name.  Second, I love her character.  Talk about a chick who actually has some sense.  Yeah, she makes mistakes, as done anyone.  Nobody’s perfect.  But what I liked about Katniss the most is her resourcefulness.  She’s smart enough to play the game like it should be played while hardly losing her morals in the process.  If anything, she was a better person because of it.

As for Peta, he got on my nerves a little bit, but I liked him enough to not count him out just yet.  Cinna–I have no idea why people thought he was gay.  Just because a guy can dress a girl to make heads turn doesn’t necessarily mean he’s gay.  I know a couple of  straight guys who enjoy shopping for their wives along with busting open a can of beer by the BBQ grill while they’re frying up steaks.  Anyway, I’m going off on a tangent.  Rue, absolutely adored her.  I think I even liked Fox Face.  I think if had to be a character in the book, I’m most likely be like Fox Face, where I’d try to survive without confronting anyone.  Of course, those of us who read the book know how she turned out. 

So does this mean I’ll go see the movie?  Probably after it comes out in DVD.  I have only been to a movie once, since my little one was born, which means it’ll be on DVD by the time I’m ready to go again.  I definiately want to pick up Catching Fire, but not at the hardcover prices people are asking for.  Sorry, but I don’t buy hardcover books.  The story won’t change from hardcover to soft cover or to e-book, so why pay $12.99 for it when I can get it at $5.99 on Kindle?  The reviews are mixed on Mockingjay, so I’ll have to see how book #2 turns out before I decide to buy that one, too.

Yes, I know.  I’m weird like that. 

Grade: A

 

 

REVIEW – Underworld: Awakening

No matter how bad the Underworld series gets, I will always be a loyal fan because these are one of the FEW movies that has gotten kick-ass heroine and urban fantasy right.  Although, Lt. Ripley of Aliens remains my most favorite kick-ass heroine today.

So with that being said, I think Underworld: Awakening is my favorite of the whole series. 

First off, I like that they brought the world into a world that more familiar to me.  I’ve always had a hard time with where they filmed because I couldn’t relate to the setting.  Perhaps that’s also why it’s taken me so long to get into historical romances and why they have to be exceptional for me to really get into them.  But not to go too far off on that tangent, let me bring it back to my point.

Second, I liked Eve.  OMG, I loved Eve.  Such a nice spin on things by introducing her.

Third, no Speedman, Speakman, or whatever his name is.  Honestly, I never thought much of him other than he looked greasy and smelly.  But that’s just me.  I think it was that nasty looking wet hair of his that made him look more like a wet dog.  Sorry, ladies, but I like my guys clean.  Not necessarily clean-cut, but they have to at least look like they put a comb through their hair and took a shower.  Since he was–I think–in the movie for about a total of five minutes, I was especially thrilled.

Fourth, Stephen Rea.  This guy can act the hell out of role no matter what he’s given.  I really didn’t want him to be the bad guy, but got over that really fast when his sliminess grew on me. 

Fifth, the black guy didn’t die.  Oh, yes, I went there!    I so hope they keep Detective Sebastian in the next installment because being who he is, I think, adds that sweet touch of vulnerability that we need to see.  He’s a reminder that this is a dangerous world, so that we don’t become numb to the kick-assed-ness that everyone else seems to have.   The best way to survive it is to be careful and smart about the friends you make.

Six, David.  Now he’s a cute guy who’d make a nice complement to Selene.

Seven–saving the best for last–Selene.  She just gets better and better.

It was the a very fast 90 minutes that they should have extended to at least 2 hours.  Oh, and I saw this in 3-D only because I had a free movie pass.  Otherwise, I’d NEVER pay for a 3-D movie.  To me, it does nothing for the plot to justify the extra cash.  But that’s not what won’t push me into the A range.  I just feel like the movie was a little rushed because they had spent so much money in the special effects that they couldn’t afford to make it longer.  So, I’m giving this movie a strong B+.

Have you seen any good movies lately?

 

STRIPPED – 5 Tombstones from Bitten by Books!

It’s been such a wild, crazy, fun week that I haven’t had a chance to post this.  Heck, I never would’ve known about it had it not been for the lovely Melissa Carmichael bringing it to my attention.  And speaking of lovely people, I don’t think I mentioned that I had the fabulous Christina Stiles (a.k.a. Christina Lynne Ashley) pointed out my 4 start review from RT for STRIPPED.  It figures.  I go away and the reviews come in. 

Bitten by Books gave STRIPPED five whopping tombstones!  Here’s the complete review, but you know me.  I always have to post a snippet. 

Stripped has everything you could want – mystery, murder, magic, romance, humor, and a heavy sprinkling of many things paranormal. This is definitely something you’ll want to read. Find a comfortable chair, turn off the phone, and enjoy! I can hardly wait for the sequel to see what happens next for Alexa.

Thankfully, only my mother and the baby were the only two who saw me jump about five in the air.  Okay, so like I’m exaggerating a tad.  But I swear I must have floated to the ceiling after reading this.  A huge thanks to Mary at Bitten by Books for helping me with the liftoff. 

STRIPPED is Loved By Love Romances and More

Check out this verra cool review:

STRIPPED is one of those stories that have it all- a great castoff characters, fast pace storyline and plenty of twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved STRIPPED and hope this author journeys back into Alexa and Matt’s world again. I would love to see some of the secondary characters have their own stories told as well as revisit with Alexa and Matt too. If you need an urban fantasy snack, then grab STRIPPED from Marcia Colette. It will blow you away and then some.

A huge thank you to Dawn.  This review made my day and reenergized me to get my butt to work on the next book in the series.  All I’m going to say about that is there will be a new kind of shapeshifter on the block, and hopefully, one that will take everyone by surprise. 

Seduction on the Prowl- REVIEW

Woohoooooooo!   I woke up this morning to a fantastic review from Paranormal Romance (also known as PNR).  Check it out here.

My favorite quote:

SEDUCTION ON THE PROWL is a thrilling story of shape shifters and magic. Marcia Colette has come up with some interesting twists to different types of supernatural creatures. But in the end, this is a paranormal romance and the hero and heroine must learn to deal with and trust each other before they can solve the mystery of Seclusion. Not to mention, Donna is hiding something very important, about herself and her source. All in all, an entertaining read with enough variety to keep anyone’s interest.

I think the rest of my day is set.  A huge thank you to Chere Gruver for reviewing Seduction.  I’m over the moon right now. 

4 Books for STRIPPED!

Another fabulous review from Long and Short Reviews for STRIPPED.  Man, oh man, do I love this story even more.  I need to get that  sequel going.  But in the mean time, here’s a snippet:

Ms. Colette grabs her readers from the beginning and keeps a tight hold to you until the end of the book, where she leaves you begging for more. She has created a world unlike any other. The pace is fast and the action is unforgiving. Her character descriptions were just enough to leave the reader wondering and searching their own imagination. The scenes were off the chart, as in out of this world. As a reader you will never expect the suspense, the drama, and the thrills. Throw some side stories thrown into the mix, and some steamy sex, and you have a read unlike any you’ve ever experienced before.

With a review like that, I have nothing but love for the folks over there.  A big, old thank you to Wild Plum for reading my book. 

STRIPPED’s “Cultured” Review

Are you tired of me posting these things yet?  Well, you’ll just have to bear with me because I’m loving it.    The little book that could has received a rave review again.  This time, check it out at Pagan Culture.

I’ve read about many amazing women in urban fantasy, but this is the first time I meet a stripper-bouncer-half werewolf-witch-friendly-crossbow sniper who is experiencing some serious memory issues. Impressive, isn’t she? But Alexa wasn’t the only super heroine in this novel; the author did some significant ass kicking too—with her writing of course.

What  I like most about this review is that I got my Paganism research right.  I always get nervous when it comes to using other’s cultures or beliefs in my work because I don’t want to offend anyone, if I can help it. 

A huge thanks to Magaly.  This chick rocks!

Four Coffee Cups for STRIPPED!

Reviews like this one from Coffee Time Romance make me love this writing thing more each day.    Check it out here.  Trust me, you won’t regret it.  Go on.  Read it.  I’ll wait.  *bigger cheesier grin*

A huge thank you to Maura for reviewing STRIPPED.  You got me.  You really got me.

I enjoyed this story so much that I went back and reread it after reading it once. The characters just jump off the page, and I could picture each one clearly.

-Maura at Coffee Time Romance & More

STRIPPED’s First Review!

Check this out, baby!  http://erotichorizon.blogspot.com/2009/08/review-alexa-wells-series-stripped.html  My favorite line of the review:

To say this book was  good would be an understatement – it was kick ass and a bag of chips on top.

And there’s this one

Marcia Colette has created a world of wolves and supernatural forces fighting for supremacy and one man seem to be winning it all. The pace is fast – the action brutal and the term “I’m Sorry”non existent. As a new to me author she tick all my boxes with very descriptive language and with a clear structure to the plot – I was loving the little side stories that she used to gel the plot together while opening me up to a whole slew of characters that were just as easy to hate as they were to love.

Aw heck.  Let’s just say I love the entire review. 

I was nervous when I saw the email from Erotic Horizon land in my mailbox.  There isn’t any sex or erotica in my STRIPPED.  Yes, it’s racy and the sexual tension makes you melt, but no sex.  I intentionally planned it that way…and had received some great fan-mail because of it. 

Nevertheless, Erotic Horizon has made my weekend and has sent me soaring.  What a fabulous way to come off my vacation lethargy.  Even my swollen ankles don’t feel so bad.   

Thanks a bunch, Erotic Horizon.  I love you guys!