The Wedding Favor: a sweet, funny age gap romance that will have you laughing, crying and cheering

The Wedding Favor by Sharon M. Peterson is the newest book in the Two Harts universe. Iris Sampson can’t believe she agreed to be the best woman at her ex-boyfriend’s wedding. The embarrassment was enough but now she needs a hot date as her plus one. Abe Ramos, her new gorgeous neighbor and single dad, offers to be her date. In return, she agrees to watch Hallie, his nine year old daughter. With tattoos, ear piercings and thirteen years older than her, Abe is the exact opposite of her ex. As they spend time together, she begins to dream about being a real family with Abe and Hallie. However, Iris has no idea what her future holds. She has no idea what she wants to do for her career and the rest of her life but she really wants Abe to be in it. Will their age difference keep them apart? How will their families and the town react to their relationship?

Sharon M. Peterson has become one of my autobuy authors. She writes stories with heart, humor and real life struggles and characters you want to root for. Although I usually avoid age gap romances; however, I knew Ms. Peterson would create characters and a story that would not be the typical age gap romances I’ve read in the past. The Wedding Favor is so good. It is sweet, with humor and even a few tears. I liked that the character discussed the age gap as an issue with maturity and a little humor. I found myself getting angry at certain attitudes by some characters about their relationship and cheered when Iris and Abe stood up against such attitudes. I closed the book with a great smile. The Wedding Favor will have a permanent place on my bookshelf. I love Iris and Abe’s story as individuals and as a couple. I look forward to future stories in Two Harts. I highly, highly recommend The Wedding Favor. 

The Wedding Favor is available in paperback and eBook

Things We Never Got Over: a bearded grump and the runaway bride in a spicy romance with drama and suspense

Things We Never Got Over is the first book in the Knockemout trilogy by Lucy Score. Knox Morgan is the bearded grump of Knockemout who prefers to live his life alone with his basset hound, Waylon, and certainly doesn’t tolerate drama. Naomi Witt left her groom at the altar and rushed to the small town in Virginia to rescue her estranged twin. However, little does she know that her twin sister, Tina, is not well liked in Knockemout and her ways haven’t changed. Naomi is left without her car, no money and suddenly in custody of her 11 year old niece she didn’t know she had. Knox doesn’t like complications or women, especially those with romantic notions; however, when he saw what Tina had done to Naomi, he felt compelled to help her out of the jam. When she was settled, he would leave her alone and go back to his solitary peaceful life. At least that’s the plan. 

From the opening chapter to the closing pages, Things We Never Got Over was filled with drama, suspense and the tension of two people who were fighting the obvious attraction with deep emotional scars and healing. There are also great moments of humor and heartfelt bonds of found family and a small town who protects their own, even the newest residents. I loved the gruff exterior of Knox that hides a deeply wounded heart of gold. Naomi is a woman who strives to be perfect in order to counter the heartless activities of her sister. There is a lot of personal growth for Knox and Naomi and I enjoyed seeing their deep emotional moments together. I also loved the supporting characters and the residents of Knockemout. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the other two books in the trilogy. I highly recommend Things We Never Got Over. 

Things We Never Got Over is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing: a painful and gritty memoir with humor, wit and stark realism

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry is a painful and gritty memoir. The opening line: “Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead” says it all. The riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry from his childhood and his dream of fame, to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. A story of a young boy being shuffled from his mother’s in Montreal to his father’s in Los Angeles. A story of a fourteen year old nationally ranked tennis star in Canada. A story of a twenty four year old who would land the role of a lifetime and the fame he always dreamt of. To the outside world, Matthew Perry had it all. However, hidden behind the smile and wise cracking jokester was a man who was lonely, feeling unworthy of love and in a dark battle of addiction to drugs and alcohol. Matthew Perry’s journey to sobriety is filled with his trademark humor and a stark realism that many have never seen and he takes readers on this journey with frankness, self-awareness and extreme vulnerability. 

Many who know me know that I love Friends. It is my comfort show. A show I watch when I want to laugh and to relax. My favorite character has always been Chandler Bing. The vulnerable man who uses humor to hide his fears, insecurities and loneliness. Matthew Perry has been one of my favorite actors for years and his death in 2023 hit me hard. When he released this memoir, I was torn about reading it. I wanted to read it and yet, I was afraid. Recently, I got the opportunity to listen to the audiobook. I usually don’t listen to audiobooks; but there is something about this book and listening to Matthew Perry narrating it. It was difficult to listen to. It is deeply intimate and eye-opening. I was in tears, knowing he had come so far, so filled with hope and yet he is gone from this world. His voice reminds me of someone else I know who battled with addiction and it added to the pain of his story. He intended his memoir to help those who struggle with sobriety and I pray that it does. I highly recommend Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. 

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing 

is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

 

Nothing But Trouble: an ex-quarterback, his assistant and a love neither of them saw coming

Nothing But Trouble is the first book in the Credence, Colorado series by Amy Andrews. For the past five years, Cecilia “CC” Morgan’s life has revolved around the personal assistant to Wade “The Catapult” Carter, a former NFL quarterback. She has decided she has had enough and prepares to quit, but then his father’s health fails and she finds herself in his hometown. CC will stay, for now, but seeing Wade outside the bright lights of Denver has her thinking things she has no business thinking. CC’s plan to quit throws Wade for a loop as he cannot imagine his life with his “left tackle,” his Girl Friday. Now they are under the same roof in his hometown, bantering like an old married couple, Wade starts to see CC as just more than his assistant. Will Wade open his eyes and his heart to the woman he cannot live without? 

Nothing But Trouble is a sweet romance with a bit of spice as well as great banter, sigh worthy moments and humor. I loved CC and Wade from the moment they appeared on the page and their attraction together is apparent to everyone but them. To see them slowly come to that realization were great moments, especially Wade’s. The moment it hit him brought a smile to  my face and I enjoyed his grand gestures. Yes, multiple. He fumbled a few times. Their supporting characters were awesome too. The small town characters were alive and well in Credence. The family banter, the friendly insults and touching moments helped boost their story. I loved this story and I was sad to see it end; however, I look forward to the rest of this series. If you love a sweet spicy romance with great moments, I highly recommend Nothing But Trouble. 

Nothing But Trouble is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

How to Choose a Guy in 10 Days: can one woman make over a man from Not to Hot?

How to Choose a Guy in 10 Days is the first book in the Chick Flick Club by Lila Monroe. Gemma Jones is in a competition for a promotion of a lifetime. As a stylist, she has to take a fashioned-backward guy and turn him into Mr GQ. Her problem? The man chosen for her is her hairy next-door neighbor she nicknamed Bigfoot. Zach Morrison has no interest in being Gemma’s dress doll. However, he does enjoy seeing Gemma get flustered; but after cashing out his tech start-up and going through a nasty break up, he just wants to wear sweatpants and lounge around. With a little push in the right direction, Gemma gets to work and finds a few surprises as Bigfoot transforms into Mr Hottie. As the walls come down, the sparks start to fly. Will Zach embrace a fresh start? Will Gemma win the promotion? 

One of my favorite rom-coms is How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. So when I came across a book which seemed to pay homage to this hilarious and romantic story, I was in. From the very beginning, this story had heart, great humor, sweet emotional moments and great steamy romantic scenes. I loved Gemma and Zach from the very beginning. I loved their chemistry and their banter. I enjoyed their supporting characters. Even their villains were great and added drama and conflict. Overall, I loved this story. It had its base in the rom-com movie; however, it had its own twists, turns and grand gestures. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series. If you enjoy rom-com stories with heart and great humor, I highly recommend How to Choose a Guy in 10 Days. 

How to Choose a Guy in 10 Days is available in paperback and eBook

Detour to Harmony: a sweet clean romance in a small town

Detour to Harmony is the first book in the Harmony Ridge series by Megan Squires. Miles Callahan has decided that his country music days are over. The constant traveling, life on a tour bus isn’t a life for his four year old son. He decides to set down roots. His first stop is the small town of Harmony Ridge. It was supposed to be a quick bite to eat and then back on the road; however, the diner’s beautiful owner’s welcoming spirit had Miles dragging his feet to leave. Scarlett Harmony has taken over her father’s diner after his passing and wants to maintain his legacy of generosity through food and friendship. However, when the diner begins to falter and she worries she has a very difficult choice to make. Can she keep her restaurant from closing while also opening up her heart to the chance for a romance? Or will Miles be on his way as planned? 

Detour to Harmony is a sweet, clean romance with humor and emotional touching moments. I immediately liked Miles as a man who is willing to put aside a growing career for his son. I loved the immediate connection with Scarlett as she knew how to interact and engage with an active four year old. I loved the small town atmosphere of Harmony Ridge. The townspeople were relatable with a welcoming and friendly attitude. The drama was mild but grounded in real issues and concerns. I loved Miles and Scarlett’s romance. There were sweet moments, grand gestures and moments that will make you smile, especially with Miles’s son. The author definitely got a four year old’s antics and imagination to translate on the page. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the other books in this series. If you enjoy sweet, clear romance, I highly recommend Detour to Harmony. 

Detour to Harmony is available in paperback and eBook

Snowfall and Secrets: a woman with a secret a man haunted by the past and one snowstorm that changes everything

Snowfall and Secrets is the first book in the Michigan Millionaires series by Kimmy Loth. Tess McBride takes a mid-year teaching job on Mackinac Island, Michigan. However, it is the dead of winter and she has never lived in such frigid temperatures. However, her new landlord, Lukas, helps make sure she has all she needs for the winter. When a massive storm blows over the island, Tess finds herself snowed in with Lukas and their relationship heats up fast. Lukas Baird likes his quiet life on the island. With a past that haunts him, he has chosen isolation. But when Tess shows up, feelings he thought he would never feel again began to stir. However, Tess is hiding a secret and once the secret is revealed, Laird is ready to run. But something holds him back. Can he heal from the past in order to have a future with Tess? 

From the beginning, Snowfall and Secrets was filled with drama, humor, and plenty of heart. I could not tear myself from the pages. I loved Tess and Lukas. She is a woman who has a terrible secret and decides to leave home, away from her mom and family, in order to think and figure out what to do. Lukas is a man hurt and haunted by his past. He can’t believe Tess came to the island without knowing how harsh the conditions can be; however, seeing her determination to make it work, he helps out. I also enjoyed the supportive characters and I loved how they help Lukas see what he is throwing away if he runs from Tess. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading other stories in this series. I highly recommend Snowfall and Secrets. 

Snowfall and Secrets is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

No Fake Dating for a Cowboy: romance and suspense in a small town

No Fake Dating for a Cowboy is the first book in the Escape to Cowboy Crossing series by Alexa Verde. When their family is threatened, former policewoman Jessie Ashford makes sure their temporary home in a small town is as secure as possible as secure as the wall around her heart. She also has a secret she will die trying to protect. However, when Ronan O’Neill, the local police officer, helps investigate the suspicious events around Jessie and her family, her defenses begin to fall. As Jessie is a woman who has a chip on her shoulder, Ronan is a cop with his heart on his sleeve. Still reeling from the loss of his fiancée, he wasn’t expecting to be drawn to Jessie. Can Jessie learn to trust Ronan and open her heart one more time? Can Ronan convince her that he is worthy of her love and trust? 

From the opening page to the closing chapter, No Fake Dating for a Cowboy has all the charms of a small town with the suspense of a mystery thriller. There is a mixture of love, humor and nail biting excitement. However, there was a bit too much jumping back and forth in time. There was a lot of internal monologue. Too much information that other characters discuss without being revealed by another. Did I miss when particular information was revealed? I did like the characters. They were believable with flaws and yet band together to support one another. I loved the interactions between Jessie and her sisters and Ronan and his brothers. Ms Verde definitely captured sibling relationships and interactions. Overall, the story was good and I am still debating if I will continue the series. If you enjoy a small town romance with suspense, I recommend No Fake Dating for a Cowboy. 

No Fake Dating for a Cowboy is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Love Haters: the thin line between love and love hating with humor, drama and action

The Love Haters by Katherine Center explores the thin line between love and love-hating. Katie Vaughn has been burned by love, painfully and in public. Now her career is on the line. When she is approached by her co-worker, Cole, she has two choices: say no and wait to be laid off or say yes and produce a video profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. It seems like an easy choice. Oh yeah, Hutch is Cole’s older brother and they haven’t spoken to each other for a long time. What could go wrong in paradise? It turns out a lot can go wrong. Hutch is the most good looking man Katie has ever seen and a love-hater. Throw in his crazy rescue Great Dane and his very colorful Aunt Rue and Katie gets too involved. Will this be her chance to face old fears and truly find the strength to be brave? 

Katherine Center is another of my go-to authors! She writes it and I’ll read it. She has the ability to combine humor with deeply emotional situations and characters who come out stronger than ever before. At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked Katie but as she reveals her emotional pain and fears, I found myself softening toward her. I especially enjoyed Katie as she found her voice and refused to be silent anymore. I also loved Hutch as the good looking but grumpy and reluctant subject for a new recruitment video. As Katie and Hutch interact, you can see the sparks fly and the emotional walls come down. There is plenty of action and drama as the weather and family drama comes to a full force. I loved this story and I did not want it to end! If you haven’t discovered Katherine Center’s books, you need to start reading! I highly, highly recommend The Love-Haters! 

The Love-Haters is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

The Fast Lane: a friends to lovers with humor and heart

The Fast Lane by Sharon M Peterson is the second book in the Two Harts series. Alicia Ramos needs a ride to her oldest brother’s wedding in Portland after her mother went overboard and there is no room for her in her parents’ car. Family friend, Theo Goodnight, is the man to give her a ride. However, a big problem! Ever since she proclaimed her love for Theo many, many years ago, their relationship has been lukewarm. After a recent break up, she was taking a dating sabbatical. He’s the last person she wanted to be alone with on a six day road trip, especially when he only sees her as a sister. However, as the trip begins, they fight over the playlist, banter and flirt. The close proximity and two thousand miles has her heart race. With each mile, she can’t help but wonder if Theo feels the same?

Sharon M Peterson has become my new auto-buy author. The Fast Lane is another hilarious friends-to-lovers, second-chance, brother’s best friend romantic comedy. I laughed. I sighed. I cried and I grinned ear to ear as I read well into the night. I could not put this book down. I loved Alicia and her antics. I loved the sibling banter between Alicia and her brothers. I also loved Alicia’s “note to self” notes at the beginning of each chapter. It added to the humor in the story. There was a bit of family drama as well. What is a wedding without family drama? I also loved Theo and his love for Alicia. He just gets her. You do not really need to read the first book, The Fake Out, to enjoy this story. However, I highly recommend reading it as it is another enjoyable story.  I highly, highly recommend The Fast Lane. 

The Fast Lane will be available in eBook on June 19, 2024

Caroling into Murder: snow, Christmas and murder!

Caroling into Murder by Jamie Rutland Gillespie is the fourth book in the Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery series. The Christmas season has arrived in the quaint mountain town. Decorated with snow and all the festive trimmings, Landry Burke is excited to join in all the small town activities. One night, while caroling, Landry and her friends discover Paul Harcourt, badly injured. As he is rushed to the hospital, they are left wondering what happened and who would be responsible? When news breaks that Mr Harcourt did not survive, the town faces another murder investigation as they try to come on with the festive season. There isn’t a shortage of suspects as the past of the quiet, loner Paul Harcourt comes to light and new, unfamiliar faces appear in town. Will the identity of the killer be discovered before another victim is taken? 

The Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery series is filled with mysteries of twists and turns, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the end. It is also filled with a small town of quirky characters that seem to get into humorous and unfortunate situations that will leave readers smiling and laughing out loud. I enjoyed Landry’s confrontation with a tenant who seemed to believe the rules don't apply to her. I cheered as Landry held her ground and refused to be intimidated. I even enjoyed the surprise arrival at Landry’s door as the story closed. I guess I need to read book 5 to discover his or her motives. Overall, I enjoyed this story and seeing Landry and her friends as they enjoyed the holiday season. I recommend Caroling into Murder and the previous three books of the series. 

Caroling into Murder is available in paperback and eBook

Blue Moon: a love story with humor and a bit of danger

Blue Moon is the second book in the Blue Mountain series by Tess Thompson. Bliss Heywood is a driven, workaholic executive who faces an unsure future. After she is wrongly dismissed from her job, she spends the Thanksgiving holiday with her sister, Blythe, and her boyfriend, Kevan, in Peregrine, Idaho. There she meets Kevan’s playboy brother, Ciaran. Despite his reputation, Bliss is drawn to Ciaran who hides a secret, a dangerous secret. Bliss and Ciaran agree to a brief fling which quickly becomes more than they bargained for. Behind his charming façade, Ciaran is haunted by a past he is desperate to leave behind him. Believing he is in danger, he is always on the move. Will the threat eventually catch up with him? Will Bliss be caught in the crossfire? 

Blue Moon is a love story with humor, wit and a bit of danger. I enjoyed Bliss’s sass and heart. The only person she has been able to rely on for support is her sister, Blythe, Bliss knows that hard work to get ahead in life. I loved that she refused to wallow after her dismissal, instead decided it was time for change. I enjoyed Ciaran as there is more to him than his playboy reputation. When the two meet, the sparks fly immediately. Their romance was fun and steamy. The mystery and drama with Ciaran’s threat was lackluster. I would have liked to see more of the threat than being told. Overall, I enjoyed Bliss and Ciaran’s love story. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend Blue Moon. 

 Blue Moon is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook 

Blue Midnight, book 1, is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Just the Way You Are: second chance romance comedy

Just the Way You Are by Pepper D. Basham is the first book in the Pleasant Gap series. Eisley Barrett is a single mom who prefers to keep romance in the centuries-old mystery she is trying to uncover. When she travels to England to unearth a secret, she encounters Wes Harrison, an actor with a sordid past of his own. His past is one Wes is ashamed to admit. Becoming suspicious and cynical, he avoids all romantic entanglements. However, when he meets Eisley, he finds her authenticity and kindness warming his bitter heart. Eisley is also just as reluctant for romance but she finds herself drawn to Wes. When his past threatens to ruin their second chance at love, Wes and Eisley may need a little Appalachian magic and letters from the past may be able to salvage their romance. 

Just the Way You Are is my first book by Ms. Basham. Billed as a second chance romance with humor, love, and mystery, it was a mix of romantic comedy and adventure. I felt like this story missed the mark. I was more intrigued by the mystery than Wes and Eisley’s romance. I wish the mystery was more fleshed out and a bigger part of the story than just a vehicle for Wes and Eisley to meet. The culture clash between a Brit and an American was fun. I loved Eisley’s wonder as she saw the sights of London. I enjoyed the faith aspect, especially Wes’ commitment to his newfound faith. Overall, I enjoyed Just the Way You Are and I look forward to giving Ms. Basham’s books a chance. If you like fun, clean second chance romance, you may enjoy Just the Way You Are. 

Just the Way You Are is available in eBook and audiobook

A Simple Wedding: when a wedding is anything but simple

A Simple Wedding is the first book in the Heart’s Landing series by Leigh Duncan. Jenny Longley always dreamed of getting married at Heart’s Landing. When her cousin, movie star Karolyn Karter gets engaged and wants a wedding at Heart’s Landing, she wants Jenny to go ahead to Heart’s Landing to make the wedding arrangements for her. There’s one catch, in order to keep the event a secret and avoid a media circus, Jenny needs to pretend she’s the one getting married. Nick Bell, baker and owner of I Do Cakes, is intrigued by Jenny. As Jenny deals with her cousin’s ever-changing demands, the wedding becomes more and more complicated and Nick and the other residents of Heart’s Landing start to become irritated at the changing details. What will happen once the truth finally comes to light? 

A Simple Wedding is from Hallmark publishing and it is a sweet love story you would expect from Hallmark. The town really embraces their wedding reputation with street names and business names that are all wedding themed. The townspeople take great pride in creating a once in a lifetime wedding for every bride. That pride will be tested when Jenny comes to town. I enjoyed Nick and Jenny from the beginning. Their accidental meeting was hilarious which fuels their banter later. As Nick and Jenny get closer and the cracks begin to show in her cover story, it was like waiting and asking “when will the shoe drop?” If you enjoy Hallmark movies and sweet romances, A Simple Wedding is the book for you and I highly recommend it. 

A Simple Wedding is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Finding Faith: a story of family cycles and love with humor and heart

Finding Faith is the first book in the Finding Home series by B.E. Baker. Mary Wiggin had a troubled childhood. Her mom walked out, leaving her and her little sister in their father’s care, who started drinking and never stopped. Mary became responsible for herself and her sister. Mary swore off alcohol and decided she was never going to have kids, just in case bad parenting is hereditary.. She grew up to have a great, rewarding career as an accountant and even more rewarding work as president of Sub-for-Santa, a gift program for low income families. Then she meets the hunky Luke and his goofy smile and good natured humor sends shivers up her spine. He’s perfect…almost. When she discovers he is a widower with two young kids, she finds herself trying to walk away. Can she open herself to the possibility that she is not her parents? 

Finding Faith is my first book by B.E. Baker and it won’t be my last. From the opening chapter, I was drawn to Mary and her desire to stop the familial cycle. I also loved Luke. He instantly warmed my heart and I knew he’d be the one to change Mary’s mind. Finding Faith is a very sweet, heartwarming story with lots of romance moments, big smiles and humor. It was such a fun story. I couldn’t put it down. The characters’ fears and pasts felt realistic and their defensive walls they put up were also very real. I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters as well and I am looking forward to the rest of the series to read their stories. Finding Faith had relatable characters with real hurts, humor and possibilities for love. I highly recommend Finding Faith. 

Finding Faith is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

Thor: Ragnarok a film that has it all

Thor: Ragnarok is the fifth chapter of Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It is also the first Thor film which takes place in the other realms besides just Earth and Asgard. When we last saw Thor in The Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), he left to find the remaining Infinity Stones as four have now turned up and he senses a greater plot afoot. The official synopsis reads: “Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok, the destruction of his home world and the end of Asgardian civilization, at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela.” There are many things I liked at the film, a few things I didn’t and I will respond to a few of the critics’ issues with the film.

First, what I liked about the film. First, the cast. Every actor filled their role very well. Chris Hemsworth as Thor as always brings the God of Thunder to life. In this film, Hemsworth was allowed to show more of his comedic side as well as the dramatic and action packed sequences. Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie was great. I knew very little about the character when I saw the film and I was pleased to see how she fit in the story. Thompson brought great heart and depth to the character. Cate Blanchett as Hela was amazing! She seemed to be tailored made for this role. Her portrayal of Hela is definitely an improvement in Thor villains over Malekith in The Dark World. Second, the story with all the humor (there were a few laugh out loud moments), the drama (which I will not discuss in case you haven’t seen it yet) and the action from beginning to end kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat. The movie didn’t feel like it was over two hours which is good. If I watch a movie and I am aware of how long it is, then it didn’t hold my attention. I should be so engrossed in the story that I am unaware of the passage of time and Thor: Raganrok did that. Lastly, the music. I loved the use of Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song which fits perfectly with the Viking/Norse mythology which inspired Thor and his adventures.

Second, there wasn’t much I didn’t like about this film. However, what I didn’t like about the film were a few of the comedic scenes which were uncomfortable to watch. I cringed like “ewww really?!?” There is one joke in particular which features how Thor returns to Asgard and every time they said it, I cringed. I was glad when he finally returns to Asgard and this particular joke could stop. These types of jokes are so juvenile and unnecessary. They belong in a different comedies like Dumb and Dumber. Thankfully they weren’t the majority of the jokes in the film. While Jeff Goldblum is a great choice for the Grandmaster, some of his scenes were a bit tedious and cringe worthy. However, these awkward scenes were really few and far between so it’s something I could overlook when enjoying the film.

Third, many critics both professional and viewers had quite a few things to say about this film. One criticism I read is that the plotline of Ragnarok was an afterthought and wasn’t central to the film. I didn’t see that at all. While Ragnarok isn’t discussed at length in the film, it is Thor’s motivation to free himself from the Grandmaster and return to Asgard and defeat Hela. So I feel Ragnarok was not a side plot especially in the final act, when you see the final you may understand what I mean. Sometimes I think people wanted the Ragnarok storyline to be used to bash the audience’s head and remind them over and over that the end was coming. Not necessary. I think it worked in the film as they portrayed it. Second, many critics had a problem with the humor. There was too much. While I enjoyed the majority of the humor and didn’t enjoy some of the jokes, I don’t see why a superhero film can’t have humor. Iron Man did. Both Avengers films did. Captain America: Winter Soldier did. Maybe not to the extent of Ragnarok but it was there. Looking back on the first two Thor films, there were quite bit of humor in those films too.

In conclusion, I loved Thor: Ragnarok. It had great acting. The story was good and for the most part the humor fit. Despite finding some of the humor awkward and hard to watch, I look forward to watching it over and over again as part of the MCU. In my opinion, every movie will have flaws. No matter how much they try to cover all the bases, mistakes will be made and ideas will falter. However, this film is a great film which its flaws can be ignored. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it. 

Mad Love: a comedic look into the world of dating apps

Can science or mathematics predict if two people are perfect for each other? That is the premise behind Mad Love by Nick Spalding. A popular dating site in the UK, Sociality, is conducting a contest in which the site’s algorithm will match two people and the site will have the couple married before they meet and prove the algorithm works for the perfect match. Adam Holborne is a video game journalist who learns he has been chosen after a fight with a video game mascot at an expo. Jessica “Jess” Madison is an American studying abroad and joined the dating site on a whim. She is floored when she’s learned she has won this contest. Adam and Jess soon find themselves on the fast track to a St. Valentine’s Day wedding. While on their honeymoon, they are being photographed for the site. Can two complete strangers really fall in love this way? Does Sociality’s algorithm really work to match two people?

I enjoyed Mad Love as it was a comedic and, often, sarcastic look into the claims of dating apps and websites which always seem to guarantee to help you find your one true love. While the humor was sometimes brash and in your face, it exposes the truth behind these algorithms and the complexity in which two people met and maybe fall in love. I recommend Mad Love to those readers who enjoy a comedic story of life, love and everything in between.

Mad Love

Is available on Amazon

In paperback and on the Kindle