Caro's Links

Home       Book Reviews       Movie Reviews       Robporn      Funnies      Rants & Ramblings 

Friday, September 3, 2010

The Master & The Muses

I didn’t know what I was getting into when I picked up this book at my favourite bookstore, but what I did know was that I was already in love with the cover.

Who can resist a man, an artist, worshipping his subject?  Especially when he looks like this...


Meet Thomas Rodin. A member—if not leader—of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, artist, lover of women, and stunted in love.

Though Thomas lived the free-spirited life of an artist always in search of inspiration, there was one thing that remained constant among the chaos; his passion.  Passion for life, passion for art, passion for pleasure. The man was ravenous, and whoever the lucky woman was at the time, she got to experience the depth of such an extraordinary man.

Unfortunately, Grace had to sit back one too many times and endure Thomas’ infamous passion.

She was his ultimate muse, but he never truly saw Grace clearly.  He could never really understand that she was the one muse he was always in search of; the one person who would match his passion and challenge him like no other.

This book not only told the story of an artist—master—and his muses, but of blinded love.  The kind of love that is staring you in the face, but you never really believe to be true. So instead of embracing that love and nurturing it, you run from it, in search of something more, something real; when in fact, what was real was there all along.

I challenge you to read this book and not be consumed by its depths, its passion, its eroticism.  I challenge you not to shed one tear for the lives that were altered and affected by choices and actions. I challenge your heart not to ache for those that would not take a firm grasp on the love they so rightfully deserved. And I challenge you not to hold the book to your chest when you are finally finished and rejoice when all things finally fall into place.

Amanda McIntyre’s writing has made its way into my heart, and her books will continue to make their way into my collection.

Click here for an excerpt from The Master & The Muses.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Twilight Saga Eclipse - Third Time's A Charm

I'm going to warn you right away....if you are a Jacob lover, you are not going to like this blog post.

However, I do challenge you to read this because I will bring up a very valid point.

Okay, with that being said...

Jacob is a selfish asshole.

*ducks from the debris being thrown at her from her wolfgirl buds*  LADIES, LET ME FINISH!

*peeks out and takes a deep breath* Thank you. :)

Okay, so maybe that was a tad harsh, but I have good reason.

When I first read Eclipse, I hated Bella...like, a lot. I wanted to reach through my book and wring her fictional neck.

Then I read it a second and third time, and still I could only focus on how much I wanted to hurt Bella and how badly I felt for both Edward and Jacob.

Until I saw Eclipse for the third time.

It was during this outing with my good friend, and fellow Twilight Saga lover, that we came to the conclusion that Jacob deserved no sympathy.

Let me explain.

For one, Jacob was young, and blinded by lust. Bella was the first girl he truly had feelings for, and he was blinded by these new feelings; and the need to mark his territory--like a typical man.

No, this doesn't make him an asshole.

Knowing that he could imprint on a woman at any time just by seeing her and still wanting to pursue something with Bella and ruin her relationship with Edward? Yeah, that makes him an asshole, and a selfish one at that.

I never really gave it much thought before, but when my friend pointed this out during our movie-night it was like a lightbulb went off above my head.

How could I have missed such an important detail?

I used to say I was more Team Switzerland, but I'm going to have to rescind on that.

I am Team Edward ALL THE WAY!

*whispers* IstillwishIhadafriendwhocouldturnintoawolf

*smiles sheepishly* What?

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

TOTAL Twilight Saga Eclipse of my heart

Let me start this blog off by saying just a few things: number one, there are going to be Eclipse spoilers, so if you have not had the opportunity of seeing it yet....that totally blows....and don’t read, yet. ;-)

Number two, I may offend Jacob/wolf lovers, so again....probably not a good idea to read.

Consider yourself warned.

I had the pleasure of seeing Eclipse this evening with my good friend, and fellow FFFW member, Addicted To Love.  Let me tell ya, that woman is one hell of a trooper. Not only did she drive over 2 hours to watch the movie with me, but she also withstood my constant groping and hand holding...I am a tactile person. ;-)

So here are the scenes of the movie that had me grabbing onto ATL or just plain yelling at the screen...yes I did that, and I would (and will) do it again. :-P

  1. That opening damn meadow scene. Aside from the fact that Rob is one hell of a kisser, DUDE IS FUGGING GRABBY!  I love how he is not afraid to use his hands *waggles eyebrows*    
  2. The stolen kiss. I nearly pissed my pants at the sound that Bella’s fist made when it thudded against Jake’s face. Best. Shit. Ever.  I want to listen to that on playback. Just sayin’.
  3. You know what’s coming....it actually should have been number one. The leg hitch, and thigh grab.  Granted I wanted them to mack a little longer, but getting to see some Edward-cest-porn along with sucking-face-porn and grabby-hands-porn was total and absolute WIN WIN WIN.  It also gives me hope that if that movie was G-rated, then we are definitely going to get what we have all been waiting for on Isle Esme in Breaking Dawn.
  4. That leads me to the real proposal. I not only sighed, but aw'd while holding onto ATL. It was a wonderful scene, and I’m so glad that they didn’t leave that out after he spur-of-the-moment proposed at the end of New Moon (hated that, by the way). I think it also needs to be said that the ring was a total let-down. FAIL ON THE RING, PROP PEOPLE!
  5. The “real first kiss” with Jacob. *ducks and hides behind Lindz* STOP THROWING SHIT AND LET ME EXPLAIN!  This wasn’t a happy moment for me, but rather one of those yell-at-the-screen-and-shake-your-fists moments.  I was so totally pissed right the hell off with this. However, it had to be done...and it was done well. (I really wanted to bitch slap Bella, though; which reminded me why the book gave me such anxiety).  Let’s just get one thing straight, for the record....Edward macks a million times better. Nuff said.
  6. Photobucket
  7. Preparing for the fight against the newborns. I loved it in the book, and I loved seeing it on screen. Jasper had his moment to shine, and shine he did.
  8. Then, of course, there was the scene when Bella and wolfy Jake have their moment.  CGI totally ROCKED!  That wolf made it very clear that he was not impressed when Edward interrupted the petting *snort*.
  9. The actual fight scene in the clearing. That. Shit. Was. EPIC!  You read about them ripping apart stone, but to actually see it in action was too much. I actually said, at one point, “My brain is on overload!” because it totally was.  I tip my hat to the CGI people, again, on this movie. Well fucking done.
  10. Now, I’m saving the best for last. Can you guess what scene it was? Come on now, give it a go. ;-)  YES DAMMIT, THE TENT SCENE!!!!!  I thought for sure it was going to make me want to puke, and I will admit to feeling a bit queasy, but that had to be, hands down, one of the top scenes so perfectly executed by Mr. Slade.  And I will admit that Taylor did a great job being the cocky bastard that Jacob was in that scene. However, and you know this is true. ROB. FUCKING. NAILED. IT. He took my breath away with how well he was able to become Edward in that tense and conflicting moment. I was damn floored...but not surprised ;-)

I could really keep going on about things I loved about the movie.  Like Nikki’s portrayal of Rosalie; I hate the dark brows, but damn if that girl doesn’t do the part to a fucking tee.  Or how about Mr. Rathbone?  He brought Jasper to life for us and allowed us to see the side of him that we all grew to love in the books; Jaz totally doesn’t get enough love.  Then there was Gil’s telling of the tribal history and ancestors, Esme kicking some SERIOUS ASS in the fight scene, Leah being such a huge pain that you just wanted to strangle her, Boo Boo, shit I mean Seth, being the sweet grey wolf that you just wanted to take home as a pet.  I could literally just go on and on.

But I won’t. I will, however, leave you with this thought...

Billy Burke needs more screen time. That man can make me pee my pants by saying one word...“Super!”—if you love BB and you’ve seen the movie, you’ll know what part I’m talking about.

So that’s all for now, folks. I will be seeing this movie again this week, and will likely be back for take two of my reaction blog. So stay tuned.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Remember Me...Afterthoughts

You know when something just doesn’t sit right with you? It’s like you feel as if you’ve said your piece, but then realize you didn’t even come close?

Yeah, that’s how I feel right now.

The truth of the matter is that Remember Me left me in a complete state of melancholy....and not just because Robert Pattinson’s character died in the movie. Although, that’s pretty damn mortifying if you ask me.

No, it’s so much more complex than that.

You see, the script takes you through more than just Tyler Hawkins’ life. It gives you a glimpse into almost all the characters. Enough that it is impossible not to be affected by the aftermath of his death, and their pain.

And believe me, they all suffered loss when Tyler died.

Ally lost her lover and her friend.

Tyler’s parents lost another son.

Aiden lost a friend and confidant.

But I think it was Caroline’s (oh boy, I almost typed Carolyn...Freudian slip, much?) loss that hit me the most. Tyler wasn’t just her brother, he was her friend and protector. When she suffered at the hands of school bullies and needed him most he was there. So who would be there for her after he was gone? The movie does give you the sense that she has others in her life who would never lead her astray, but it was always Tyler that was her rock, her constant. So with him gone, what then?

Just thinking of it now makes me cry. And it makes me realize how many people lost someone important on that fatal and fateful day.

I have had my fair share of loss (mainly at the hands of cancer) and I know that it’s not something you can just get over and forget. You just learn to accept it as a part of your own life, and you move on.

That doesn’t mean it makes the process any easier, though.

Life is not a simple journey, and we never really know what is planned for us; regardless of how many boxes we still have yet to check off our bucket lists.

Do I think that Tyler’s death should have never happened? Absolutely. Just like I feel about all of those people that died in the Twin Towers.

It never should have happened.

Not when everything was just starting to go right. Not at all.

But that’s how the cookie crumbles, no? Just when you think things are finally going to work out, and you can be happy, BAM.

You see? This is how I’m feeling after seeing this movie. It just gets you right down deep, and refuses to let you forget; hence the name of the film...well played.

Remember Me?

How could we not?

Monday, March 15, 2010

Remember Me...Executive Producer: ROBERT PATTINSON

I need to warn you right now. This blog will have some spoilers about the movie. So if you have yet to see it, then read no further until you have.

Before I begin, I need you to know that I have been anticipating this movie since the script made its way into my inbox. I read the first scene (and only the first scene), and already knew that I was going to love it.

Thus, when I learned where it was being filmed, it was a no-brainer that I would make the effort to drive down to New York City.  I was literally like a damn paparazzi. I've never been that crazy about something before. Well, that's actually a lie, but we're not talking about Twilight. :P

So I drove with my cousin to NYC and we spent the day being fangirls.  It's an experience I will NEVER forget or regret. (Click HERE for my blog about that crazy day).  I may not have seen the entire film being shot, but all my obsessing gave me a glimpse into a movie that I just knew was going to be great.  I knew ROB was going to be great.

Today...I was not disappointed.

From the moment Remember Me began, I was riveted (to steal a line from Tyler's mouth). I just couldn't look away.

The performances from all the actors contributed to the intensity of this film, but it was Robert Pattinson (HANDS DOWN) who stole the show.

A story wrapped around unlikely lovers, tortured soul, Tyler Hawkins, meets his match when Ally Craig forces him to actually start living and stop simply existing.

So it is most unfortunate that just when things are finally beginning to fall properly into place the world literally comes tumbling down.

What am I talking about?  Well, consider the fact that the setting of this movie is centered around September 11, 2001. Yes, you read that correctly.



On a day when he was going to make peace with his father, and had finally admitted to Ally that he loved her, Tyler's world came to an end in one of the Twin Towers.

And that, my friends, is why Remember Me had/has me in awe.

Robert Pattinson, you are truly an actor who is unclear of his own talent. You captivate your audience with even the simplest of performances.  And I'm not just saying that because I adore you implicitly.  It is simply the truth.

That is all.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

BROKEN by Megan Hart

Before I begin, I must warn you, I was in a highly emotional state while writing this book report...from crying all day while reading...



*points up* This book *takes a calming breath* broke me.

I know, it sounds really cheesy, considering the name. However, I cannot possibly give you another adjective to describe how I feel right now.

Sadie’s struggles with being the devoted and loving wife of a quadriplegic...broke me.

Adam’s struggles with being a quadriplegic and having to live with the fact that he couldn’t love his wife the way he had vowed to do, so many years before...broke me.

Joe’s sexcapades in an effort to fuck his way through countless women he could have (and did have) when he always seemed to find his way back to the one woman he couldn’t....BROKE ME.

Need I explain any further?

Well, I could, but if I did, then I’d spoil the book for you.

I will say this, however, and that is: this book will make the most hardened of hearts break in two. There is no possible way you can read “Broken” without shedding at least one tear. If you manage to do so, then you need to get your tear ducts checked. No joke.

Granted I’m an emotional person, but I literally cried my eyes shut. At one point, I had to bury my face in my pillow to muffle the sobs that were ripping from my body. I actually felt physical pain from what I was reading.

So I ask you again, have I scared you yet?

At least take some solace in knowing that Megan Hart does not leave her readers without some form of closure. However, your idea of closure and her idea of closure might differ.  Just sayin'.

I also have to say that you do get some small snippets of information about the characters from the previous book, Dirty. That means that you find out what happens to Elle and Dan. Once again, very clever author. *wink*

On an erotica scale of 1 to 10, I have to give this book an overall 7...and I’m being generous. This book is not meant to turn you on. It’s meant to do what it says...leave you broken. However, when Megan Hart wants to flip your switch, she knows exactly how to do it. So my overall rating comes with exceptions.

Naturally, I had to read the next book, Stranger, since I had to see if we learned anything else about Sadie and Joe. My review for that book will be up soon.


On a sidenote, if you haven’t grasped this by now, be warned that you will accomplish DICK ALL when you read this woman’s shit. Nuff said.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Robert Pattinson...AnOther Man Outtakes

Before the Robporn ensues, let me just tell you that it's highly effing annoying when you own the damn magazine and have to search like a crazy person on the net to get the GOOD pictures. These should have never been outtakes. Just sayin'.

Untagged:














You see the above evidence. So please tell me why these pictures didn't grace the pages I spent, like, $15 US for??!! I. Am. Pissed.

Oh well, at least we have people like www.twitter.com/neesie31 to thank for untagging The Beautiful One in these here fantabulous pictures.  *le grand sigh*