The blog of author Stacy Kingsley

Book Review - Hell's Belles by Jackie Kessler

9/29/2018

I wanted to like this Hell's Belles by Jackie Kessler because the back made it sound appealing to me. Jezebel has run away from hell, and she is trying to live in the real world, hiding from those who wish to take her back. Now she has to survive in the world of humans, as a human, and how does she do this? The succubus works as a stripper, and she has to be careful not to use her powers otherwise hell will find her.

The problem with this book, and there were several, but I only had one big one, which has also been mentioned by several other people who have reviewed this book. The problem I had was with Jesse (Jezebel). It seemed like very other word from her mouth was either sweetie or yummy, and I really would thing a centuries old succubus would have a variety of linguistic skills. Instead she is crass and uses only basic words from the English language. Her character, being the main character in the story, did not interest me, and I had a hard time finishing this book.

Of course, as I said this wasn't my only problem. The ending of the book was predictable, again, other people have said this in their reviews as well. So, sorry, I did not enjoy this book, and honestly I felt that the back of the book lied a little, and made this more interesting than it was.

I would not recommend this book, unless you like basic erotica, because that is really what this was.

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Movie Review - CABIN FEVER (2016)

9/24/2018

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The 2016 remake of the movie Cabin Fever was almost a step-by-step remake of the original movie by Eli Roth. There are some differences between the two, and if you have seen the original you might think that it isn’t worth it to see the remake. I am here to tell you, that while it isn’t the best movie, it was worth the time.

Cabin fever is about a group of five friends who rent a cabin near a small town. They find that the people of and around the town aren’t the most welcoming, and they learn that sometimes, you need to trust your instincts and get out of there.

One by one, after a meeting with an infected camper they are each infected with a flesh eating disease, and from there bad things ensue. Each one of the friends find themselves infected, in almost the same way as they do in the original. There are several small differences in the movie, which were appreciated and humorous, but the biggest differences were in the kid at the front of the store and the deputy that warns and checks on the kids.

The kid in the front of the store still says, “pancakes,” which is still weird. However the kid does not do all of the weird karate kicks and things along those lines. He wasn’t as well acted as the original child was, and there was a little bit of a lackluster performance from him. So while this was a major difference, it wasn’t a good one.

The second major difference was in the character of the deputy, Deputy Winston. The character was a female, and she was fabulous. She was funny, interesting, and willing to party. The acting was well done, and she was just as skeevy as she would have been if she as a man. She was probably the best acted character and I enjoyed her.

The movie ends almost the same as well. The main character tries to kill his crush when she begs for death, but after hitting her once with a shovel he realizes he can’t do it, so instead he sets her on fire, which I think is a horrible way to die. The other girl still gets eaten by a dog, but they try to make it more horrifying as she runs out of the cabin, naked, with blood and open wounds all over her body. Two get shot, one by the townsfolk, and the other by the deputy. And the last still dies off in the woods, all by himself.

This was fun to watch since the original was an interesting and new idea. It was a better remake than the remake of Psycho, so I think if you have a moment and aren’t sure what to watch, watch this, if for nothing else than Deputy Winston. And trust me, there isn't any other reason to watch this because the acting is not on par, or even close, to the original.

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Book Review - I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS by Iain Reid

9/16/2018

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I really wanted to like the book I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid. I really did. Unfortunately, I did not like it, I did not like it at all.

I really hated this book. At first I enjoyed it, I thought it was interesting to hear the girlfriends thought, even though they were repetitive, and she got to be a little annoying. Then I just got bored.

Over and over the girlfriend repeats things in her head like: I should tell him I'm going to end things, I should tell him about the caller, Who is the caller, should I answer the phone. I got tired of it all and just wanted to kick her. She never changed her tone, until the end when we find out the huge secret. I also have to say I hated the ending. The last half of the book felt rushed, even though I knew what was going to happen (it was easy to figure out and no, I didn't read any of the reviews before hand). I would have liked it to go in a different direction, and not leave so many loose ends. I would have like it to be more cohesive as well as I found the way things developed was a tedious, time suck.

I don't like hating books. I want to support authors, but I don't get how this has so many good reviews. I think that because it is "literary" that may be why it has garnered so much attention. In my view, it was a book that didn't deliver what was promised, and in the end it left too many things open. I understand that the caller was an abstract idea to some, but to me it was a suspenseful element that didn't add anything to the story.

Not a fan. Not a fan at all. I wanted to like this book so much because of the title, it really drew me in. But, it just couldn't get there and lost me along the journey.

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Book Review - HOW THE WHITE TRASH ZOMBIE GOT HER GROOVE BACK by Diana Rowland

9/15/2018

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I might be one of the only people who was seriously disappointed in How The White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back, especially since up until this book I've really enjoyed this series. This book fell short for me in so many ways, and I am not happy with how little the characters have changed, except Pietro, he changed a ton in this book.

In this part of the series, Angel finds herself once again doing things she isn't prepared for. She seems to often find herself in situations she isn't prepared for, and often when it does happen her self doubt and self pity is overwhelming and boring. In this novel none of that changed. Angel doesn't listen to those who know more than her, and she ends up saving the day as always, but in stupid, stupid ways.

The relationship between Angel and Marcus is tenuous, and in all honestly it never seemed to be a good one On a side note, there didn't seem to be much steam between the two characters. Angel and Marcus never seemed to meet in a good hot, sexy scene. I don't really read much romance or erotica, but there should have been some chemistry between the two. The end of the book sets Angel up to be in a relationship with a different character in the novel, a character who seems to be an unlikely partner for Angel. In fact the author sets it up so that Angel seems like she is a horny teenager, wanting sex with a lot of men, but always asking herself why she has these sexual feelings.

There was a lot that happened in this novel, and I don't think any of it moved the story along, in fact it seemed to be written for two reasons only. The first was to change Pietro as a character and give the zombies a new power or ability. The second was to change Andrew Saber, and give him a little more depth, but I don't think we needed to read four books to get to this point.

These books are starting to feel, to me, as if they have no idea where they are going, or what story they are trying to tell. I mean, in previous books Angel is seriously worried all of the time about losing her job, and in this one she takes off for days/weeks and gives her job zero thought. This bothered me, because she has been concerned so often, it doesn't seem like her character at all.

Lastly, what bothered me about this book was the title. It in no way had Angel "getting her groove back." In fact, it seemed ass if she was more self-deprecating and whiny in this book were worse than all of the previous books, and in all honesty, I didn't like her very much.

I think this is the last in the series I will read, which is unfortunate because I really enjoyed the idea of the books and the different take on zombies.

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Book Review - Madame Zero: 9 Stories by Sarah Hall

9/12/2018

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What can I say about Madame Zero: 9 Stories by Sarah Hall? A lot and yet a little.

So this is a book of nine stories, and some are interesting while some are not. I wasn't sure what I was getting when I won this book in a goodreads giveaway, but I loved the cover and I loved the description so I was excited when I won it. When I received it I couldn't wait to look between the pages to see if it was as beautifully written as it looked.

Of the nine stories I didn't care for a lot of them, because honestly a of them felt unfinished, or like I was missing something. I felt at one point that they were a little pretentious. I did however enjoy "Goodnight Nobody," "Evie," and "Mrs. Fox." All of these seemed to have some element of horror to them though, "Goodnight Nobody" made me think of life and how children are often treated. How much freedom we give them and really how often we depend on them to care for themselves. Also, it was a little freaky if you know the children's book Goodnight Moon.

"Evie" was an interesting story because it was a frightening story about the self and how things might change and we might notice, until something awful happens. It made me think about all of the choices my friends, family, and even those I've made, that might be controversial.

The last was "Mrs. Fox." This was a sad story to me. It was about how we lose things, and can't be around them anymore, even though we want to, and how humans are creeping too far into nature and the natural habitats of the animals we share the world with. It was beautiful, and sad, and lovely.

The rest of the stories didn't touch me as much. I would have liked more involvement for me with the characters. I think this may be what bothered me the most, I didn't get a visual of many of the characters. In fact the most visual images I got were when "Mrs. Fox" and her children were described. Other than that there wasn't a lot of description, or sensory detail, and I would have loved there to be more of that throughout the stories, something to stitch them together.

I can't say I recommend it, but I can't say I don't as I did get a lot out of the stories I did like. But, I know not everyone will enjoy these, or the ending that some of them have, or don't have.

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Author Interview with Gracie Wilson

9/12/2018

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I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Gracie Wilson, a Canadian author who has a new poetry book out. Gracie writes honest novels and poetry, and sometimes it is so honest it hurts. I've known Gracie (online) for a few years, and find her to be a lovely and brutally honest, which is something I love about people when they aren't trying to use the honesty to hurt you.

So here is my interview with author, Gracie Wilson.

Tell the internet world a little bit about your books.
So I have two series. The Beautifully Series and The Lonely Girl Series. I also have a poetry slam book out called Look What YOU Made Me Do!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you write.
So I’m from Southern Ontario in Canada. I’m first generation Canadian with my family going back to the Highlands of Scotland. I am an avid reader and HUGE animal lover. I have three dogs, two cats, and a turtle! (Stacy - Wow, that is a lot with a turtle! I only have two cats!!!)

Why do you write the genre you do?
I write Young Adult, New Adult, Contemporary, Suspense, Dark Romance, and Poetry… pretty much everything HAHA!
This makes you a very versatile author. How exciting!

How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I was dared. Five days later I was an author, then three weeks later I was published for 2twodays as an indie. After that I was picked up by my first publisher.

How do you select the names of your characters?
Sometimes they just have one already, other times I have a list of names I like.

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
Going to RT every year. It has introduced me to so many amazing people! But other than that my Mac!!! Apple FOREVER!
I love that you are loyal, but Apple... NOOOOO!

What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Writer's Block, and I find the biggest one is often themselves! Don’t sell yourself short!
Very good advice!

Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Energizing, I actually forget that the world exists and I can get into a pace where it’s 12 hours and 18k later!

What was your hardest scene to write?
My hardest was my entire Poetry Slam Book. It was amazing to get it out but it was so sad to see the reality in black and white.

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I have a couple hundred authors that I’ve worked with at events, anthologies, and such. I feel like each person brings something different to Book World so I’m all about meeting new people and learning more about the craft!

If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
Probably work with animals.

Have you ever gotten reader’s block?
No, I just jump into a new book and then it’s done and they start talking again J

What is the first book that made you cry?
The Giving Tree when I was little I cried when it was read to me because the Tree gave the boy everything!

Do you Google yourself?
I have after being told by a friend she did it! LOL

What question do you wish I had asked and what is the answer to that question?
I think you covered everything!

And that was Author Gracie Wilson. Below are links to her books and information about them. Her poetry book Look What YOU Made Me Do! is her newest release, and it is an honest portrayal of life, and moments that a lot of us in the real world have gone through.

*~ Beautifully Forgotten ~*

Naomi’s life has been anything but beautiful, aside from having her grandparents and her best friend. From day one, they tried to protect her from the world. From a dad who didn’t care enough to come around and a mother who, at every turn, chose something else above her daughter —even contemplating whether to allow Naomi to be at all.

You fight for those you love. It’s that simple. Unfortunately, such protection isn’t always successful, and hate can find its way in, creeping up from the darkness, toxic people can bring. Love is a fickle thing. Sometimes it can heal you, other times it can destroy you.

One day. One phone call can take away everything you love.

Naomi would know because that’s exactly what happened.

When she finally decided to take the chance, stand up for herself and risk everything, her life changed forever...if only she could remember what she did. Life can be beautiful and Naomi is ready to fight the world to make it so.

Sometimes forgetting people is the best thing that can happen to a person.

This is her story.

This is Naomi’s comeback!

Amazon US - https://www.amazon.com/Beautifully-Forgotten-Book-3-ebook/dp/B07DDLFVNL
Amazon Ca - https://www.amazon.ca/Beautifully-Forgotten-Book-3-ebook/dp/B07DDLFVNL
Amazon AU - https://www.amazon.com.au/Beautifully-Forgotten-Book-3-ebook/dp/B07DDLFVNL
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beautifully-Forgotten-Book-3-ebook/dp/B07DDLFVNL

*~ Look What YOU Made Me DO ~*

Look What YOU Made Me Do is a debut poetry book from Romance Writer Gracie Wilson who is a YA/NA Amazon, International Best Selling Author and now thanks to this book an Amazon #1 Best Seller.

- And words are my power, and this is your final hour! -

Look What YOU Made Me Do is a collection of poetry from childhood to adulthood about loss, family betrayal, and taking back your power. You will find slam poetry included, a song written as a child, and poems about coming out of that darkness.

The Mother’s Tears
Arithmetic
She’s Not My Mother Anymore
Today’s A Brand New Day
Untitled Gracie Wilson age 12
Morning Wake up
Look What You Made Me Do
Do You Remember
Who You’ve Become
To the Bone
Truth Be Told
Little Dove
My Life
Last Words
Take Care
Any Other Way
Nine Months Old
Seen And Not Heard
Two Little Girls
Less Is More
Suck It Up Buttercup
#Strong
See You Next Tuesday
Hello Pot, meet Kettle
Congratulations
Beep, beep, beep
Today
Why I will never see You again

Buy Links
Amazon US - https://goo.gl/sKJ8js
Amazon CA - https://goo.gl/eK5YR7
Amazon UK - https://goo.gl/UcEQvF

Poetry Slam reading - Look What YOU Made Me Do!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkSm9DGWE5k

Buy Links
Amazon US - https://goo.gl/sKJ8js
Amazon CA - https://goo.gl/eK5YR7
Amazon UK - https://goo.gl/UcEQvF
#PoetrySlam #Poetry #PoetryDebut #LookWhatYouMadeMeDo

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Movie Review - Charlotte

9/10/2018

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Sometimes I feel like I only hate movies, and it is because I watch movies like Charlotte. This movie was awful, and I have to ask myself at times why I put myself through these things. The movie is about a girl who is in her “teens.” She is babysitting when she sees a a creepy doll in the house. After talking to the homeowner who says the doll is not theirs, she ignores this as a potential warning. The doll, who is weirdly horrible, makes the babysitter watch several “gruesome” tales on TV.

First I have to say that this was a very low budget movie. I mean if you are getting business cards to use through the free cards on VistaPrint it is obviously a small or non-existent budget. There were several things throughout the movie that led me to believe the quality was not going to be the best, and that is telling since even movies with little or no budgets are still good, some are even cult classics.

This movie is not going to end up being a cult classic.

Of the videos that the babysitter is forced to watch, none of them are very frightening or horrifying. They all seem to take after other sources. For example, there is a creepy doll and it kills people who don’t treat it nice… yeah, I’ve NEVER seen that before (said dripping with oily sarcasm). None of the ideas were original, and none of them were really well done.

Honestly none of these little clips caught my attention, and none of them were scary, horrifying, or even a bit suspenseful.

I do not recommend this movie, not even of streaming because why waste the hour and a half? I mean I am sure everyone has something better to do that sit, watching a horrible movie that isn’t even worth the video used to make it.

So, no, don’t watch this mess of a horror film. Watch The Twilight Zone instead, it is awesome and it is also where a lot of these ideas originated.

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Book Review - WHITE TRASH ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE by Diana Rowland

9/3/2018

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I really enjoy the White Trash Zombie series, but of the three books I've read thus far this has not been the best. White Trash Zombie Apocalypse takes place in the same location as the last two, but this time, Angel sees that a zombie movie is being filmed at her old high school, and on the field where she lost her virginity (as we hear a few times in the book).

There are some of the same things in this book that were in the last few, things that annoyed me. Angel and her every so often boyfriend, Marcus, don't seem to be very compatible as he is always treating here like she doesn't know what she is doing or that she shouldn't be doing what she is doing. Her relationship with another zombie, Philip, is frustrating because there is all weirdness that isn't at all explained. Her work at the coroners office, which is one of the funnest parts of these books, is hardly represented in this novel. And she misses something important at the end that the author had been building up since the beginning of the book, and that was really frustrating. I felt as if this one thing had happened then Angel would be able to move on to more fun and exciting things in the next book, but she is still stuck.

I do enjoy the relationship between her and her father and how it has developed throughout the books. I also enjoy the character of Heather and Brian, two new characters who were introduced in this book.

Overall, I will probably still read the next book because I think the idea is a good one, and I am not quite ready to give up on Angel, even though she needs to stop being so whiny and girlie (I'm a little girl who can take care of myself but I'm so scared of everything). We will see if I still want to read it after the next book. If Angel doesn't grow any more and stays as frustrating and whiny then I may not continue reading the series. Although Diana Rowland has another series with a strong female character that I might try.

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Book Review - Hell's Belles by Jackie Kessler

Movie Review - CABIN FEVER (2016)

Book Review - I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS by Iain Reid

Book Review - HOW THE WHITE TRASH ZOMBIE GOT HER GROOVE BACK by Diana Rowland

Book Review - Madame Zero: 9 Stories by Sarah Hall

Author Interview with Gracie Wilson

Movie Review - Charlotte

Book Review - WHITE TRASH ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE by Diana Rowland

Stacy Kingsley

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