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c-m-li · 3 years

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Spider-Man: No Way Home was totally worth all the homework - (spoilers below)

This PSA is brought to you by the people who sat beside me in the movie theater that had decided to bring their baby to the movie theater . . . WHY?!

Just getting this out of the way, but I absolutely loved Spider-Man: No Way Home. Spider-Man has always been my favorite superhero period ever since I was a kid which I attribute to the 90′s animated Spider-Man TV show.

In no particular order, here are the things in Spider-Man: No Way Home that made me cackle like the Spider-Man nerd that I am:

Charlie Cox showing up as Matt Murdock/Daredevil was fantastic and it honestly made me think of all the fanfiction after Spider-Man: Far From Home. Everyone was just like oh, Peter Parker is going to have some legal troubles, I wonder who in the world would be his lawyer? sarcasm It’s also a great way to tie-in the MCU’s movies with their TV shows, especially since Daredevil was arguably their best one. The Punisher and Jessica Jones were the other great ones.

That throwaway line from Dr. Strange that he’s no longer the sorcerer supreme because he got blipped away for five years so now Wong was because of the technicality. Like, how does that work? What is Dr. Strange’s actual position in the Order now? I have so many questions that the next Dr. Strange movie will hopefully answer.

That shot when Jamison was talking in his news broadcast and it zoomed out to show that he was basically filming in his apartment with newspaper clippings everywhere like a crazy conspiracy theory nut made me laugh.

William Dafoe’s Green Goblin was fantastic. Like, we knew he was in the movie from the trailer and I may have squealed when it showed his green goblin bomb on the bridge but when he actually first showed his face in that alley I just whispered yes! to myself in the theater.

Really, all of the actors that they convinced to come back for this movie to reprise their roles did such a great job in their acting and really giving it their all. I remember them from their previous movies and it really felt like they were still those characters.

The dynamic between Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland with their different Spider-Men was some of the tastiest candy I have ever had. It wasn’t like they were just there to be mirrors to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, but they each had their own journeys and personalities and their own styles that they brought to the role.

It’s also worth pointing out that all three Spider-Men essentially represented three different phases in the Spider-Man journey. Toby Maguire was so settled as Spider-Man, he knew who he was and he had a committed relationship, so he had this juggling of two lives down pat. Andrew Garfield was farther behind Toby Maguire, we get the sense that he has been Spider-Man for a while, but he was still struggling with finding the balance between his two lives, admitting that he was letting what happened while he was in the mask get to him. Tom Holland’s Spider-Man was at the beginning of his journey, he may have gone to space and fought the giant purple grape or the governor kodos impersonator but he was literally fracturing under the stress of keeping his two lives separate.

When Jamie Fox’s Electro saw Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man without his mask and said that he thought he’d be black. I was expecting Miles Morales’ Spider-Man to show up any minute because the whole multiverse thing was just begging for it. I can see now that it might have thrown off the dynamic between the different Spider-Men so it’s fine, but it would’ve been very cool.

Tom Holland’s Spider-Man trapping Dr. Strange in the mirror dimension was a cool way of reminding us how smart Spider-Man is because I feel that it’s overlooked a lot.

At first I was really not onboard with Aunt May basically guilting Peter into trying to save Norman. Like, I get that Spider-Man doesn’t kill, that’s a hard and fast rule with him in any universe him and Daredevil. But when Aunt May was like, you can’t do that to him just because it’s the easy path and I was like, how about because reality and the universe as we know it will collapse if we don’t? Like, it sucks, but that math would come out right. But then Peter was like, okay, we’ll cure them first because clearly these people are suffering because of their abilities, and then we can send them home so that they’re in their own dimensions, but they won’t die - that was a lot better logic and it totally showcased what makes Spider-Man Spider-Man - his inability to accept any losses.

When Toby Maguire and Tom Holland said that they had fought aliens and Andrew Garfield was like, I wanna fight some aliens, too!

Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield having no idea what the Avengers were was hilarious.

When Dr. Strange was trying to heal the rifts in reality, you can actually see some of the iconic Spider-Man villains in the purple tears. I only recognized a few, I’d have to watch it again and slow down the scene, but they were great easter eggs.

My favorite scene, hands down, had to be when Tom Holland and Andrew Garfield showed that they had to create their own web shooters when Toby Maguire actually made the web fluid biologically in his body. I was outright laughing my ass off in the movie theater with tears in my eyes at their reactions to that. I also couldn’t stop thinking about in CA:CW where Falcon got webbed and he was like, is this stuff coming out of you?!

In the mid-credit scene with Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock/Venom was the height of hilarity, like he was there and gone, but he literally got pulled into another dimension and the first thing he did was go to the nearest tropical bar and get drunk. Also, hint that we might be getting Venom in the MCU which is great because he’s my favorite Spider-Man villain.

The end-credit scene looked sweet showing the consequences to the multiverse that Dr. Strange will have to deal with. However, it is also the exact same as the trailer that was floating around that I had already seen, so that was little disappointing.

In the words of Jeremy Jahns when the first Captain America: Civil War trailer included the same post-credit scene from Ant-Man - is nothing sacred anymore?

But this movie was great and it definitely holds a place in my top ten favorite movies.

(I’d apologize for the amount of times I giggled uncontrollably or squealed aloud in the movie theater when something awesome happened, but those people brought a baby into the movie theater so fair’s fair . . .)

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joshslater · 5 years

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Grimsby pt. 2

Similar stories and bonus material on my Patreon.

"Canny mint spot, innit. Just by our door."

Declan expertly squeezed the Corsa into an empty spot next to the pavement on one of the narrow streets lined with like a million identical buildings of dirt-yellow brick townhouses. The building next to us looked run down, with a heap of rubbish lining the stairs to the front door. But that was the same for pretty much every house on this street. As we walked to the door I could see some grafitti wannabe artist had tagged the door with a thuggish looking "BROWN" in felt pen. Declan unlocked and motioned me to get in.

Having seen the outside, the inside didn't pose any surprises. Run down and filled with rubbish. It wasn't just dumped there though, but it looked like someone had lived there for quite a while. Empty beer cans, pizza boxes and dirty laundry all around the place.

"How long have you been staying here?" "Came yesterday. Drove when Butcher told me to." "But whose is all this?" "Chayse Brown. Ghosted a week ago. Now you're him."

I felt a chill up my spine. I wonder if the real Chayse was still alive or if he had just ran away from whatever Butcher Jones threatened him with. In any event it looked like I was set up with a spacious home and all the fag stubs a man could need. There were ash trays everywhere. Well, fewer insects I guess, which balanced the enormous amount of empty take away boxes that also littered the place.

”This is a lot... Do you think any of the clothes fit?” "You're already wearing it, mate."

Declan gave me a quick tour. There were two bedrooms upstairs, one with a real bed and clothes everywhere. It looked like a lost and found bin at a gym. A small bathroom with a shower, and a second bedroom with a rickety spare bed and an attempt at a home gym. Downstairs were a large living room with a big sofa, a decent TV and, to my joy, an Xbox. Next to the living room, under a ton of rubbish, I presumed you would find a kitchen if you dug deep enough. The path to the fridge was open at least, and Declan fetched me a can of Stella.

"You fancy a curry, lad?"

Did I ever? I hadn't eaten or drunk anything the entire day, which probably was why I was drunk already at my second Stella when the food arrived half an hour later. We spent the rest of the evening in front of the TV watching footie, drinking Stella and Dec showing me how to smoke properly. I barely registered Declan telling me we needed to be somewhere before 10 the next day, and I have no idea when we did decide to go to bed.

I did see that the time was 7:22 in the fucking morning when he woke me up. At least when I had regained enough focus to find the mobile. Apparently I had managed to plug the USB charger by the bed into the phone, and luckily it was the right kind of charger. My mouth tasted of death, my head hurt and my ears hurt. I surprised myself finding a stud in the fresh ear piercing, and manage to make it really hurt by accidentally tugging it. That brought the past day back. Fuck. Not even 24 hours ago I was sleeping in my own bed. Now I was wearing someone else's clothes, sleeping on top of someone else's messy bed. It hadn't even crossed my mind yesterday that I probably should wash things up, but then I hadn't been sober enough to consider undressing either. Looking out over the mess of a room I absentmindedly stroked my buzz and felt the morning wood stir a bit. Fuck no! Don't go there!

"Have a wash. Hafta go soon."

I did as Declan told and had a shower, hoping that would make things better. At least water would make the hangover some good. The only option was a big bottle of 3-in-1 adidas shower whatever, generically labeled "after sport". Since I already had his house, name, clothes and smelled like the guy, I decided to use his toothbrush as well.

"Y'alreet?" "Let's go." “Hey, Dec. You said you came the day before yesterday, but I only agreed to come yesterday." “Fate, innit”

How long had Butcher Jones been planning this? Or perhaps Chayse Brown was a role people rotated into three month each. Take guys of the same size, shave them, chav them and put them in a social grade E area and no one would look close enough to care. Makes you wonder what is going on here that he need this kind of operation for.

“You been here before?” “Grimsby? Fuck no.”

And go we did. Apparently Declan wanted to save on petrol money and decided we should walk to the dock. Everything looked pretty much the same, street after street, just different rubbish. All around us everything was quite green and colorful, so it wasn’t ugly depressing in a communist state sense of the word, but everything was worn and clearly not everyone was interested in upkeep. While we had a walking breakfast of Richmond Blue king size cigarettes and a shared Stella, Declan explained that Butcher Jones had me set up with someone at the fish market. He didn’t know more than that. It took us almost two hours to get there, and Dec had me ask for direction twice. By the time we got there my hangover was almost gone.

The fish market was busy with shoppers browsing, talking to merchants and sitting down for a bite. Everything looked newly renovated, with a modern look, slates, stainless steel, LED lighting everywhere. It all looked quite fancy. Declan stopped the first person he could find that looked like he worked there.

“Oi, you Jamie?” “No. Jamie who?” “Jamie Naylor” “Eehh... He’s probably in packaging. Go through that door over there.”

As we passed through the door he had pointed it was almost like going from the audience seats back stage. Harsh light and wet concrete. Not that many people.

“Oi, you Jamie?” “Aye. What can I do for you, lads?” “My mate Chayse Brown, Butch...” Jamie cut him off. “Good day Chayse. Mr. Jones put in a word for you. We lack some hands after the first rush, so he suggested someone could come pick up some slack. Is that you?” “Yeah”, I answered. “Need someone to move boxes, ice and stuff between 7 and 2. £60 cash after each shift, none the wiser. Sounds good to you?” “Aye.” “You can come in tomorrow?” “He will”, Declan answered for me.

We shook on it and left.

“Hey, I’m starving. Can we have chippie?” “You’ll hate them soon enuf. Let’s have burger”

We found a Burger King some 15 minutes away, and Declan bought two whoppers, no menu, using some 2-for-1 coupon. As I sipped the cold water from the paper cup and looked out at the fish market in the distance I was feeling tired again. Starting 7, I thought, and probably 1 and a half hour walk, I would have to rise at 5. I wondered if lifting boxes with iced fish would get you cold or sweaty. Perhaps a bit of both. Good thing there is a lot of shitty athletic wear laying around at home I can use.

I almost didn’t realize it. “Home”. How quickly you accept things. Declan was back with the whoppers.

“There’s your scran. Plenty of time for next appointment.” “There are more?” “Need to ink you to fit propa. I figure you haven’t any?” “Never.” “What you want? Nike or adidas?” “I... don’t understand.” “Swoosh thing or weed logo?” “Both are kind of tacky.” “I’ll pick then.”

We spent probably two hours just talking at the Burger King table. I wasn't wearing my watch anymore, so I didn't track it as well as I would otherwise. Other than some indifferent girl offering to clear our table, no one seemed to give a shit that we sat there. Dec spent a lot of time trying to get me to retell as much as possible of last evenings matches. It was hard. For one thing I was drunk, but more importantly I didn't really care. Also I had this low level of unease about the whole tattoo thing.

I was going back and forth between feeling violated for having this sprung on me, to be permanently marked with some shitty tat. On the other hand who doesn't have a tattoo? And a lot of them aren't that great anyway. This is after all part of getting me into some sort of disguise as quickly as possible. I didn't make the barbers appointment either. Perhaps the lacks of giving a shit was contagious from the burger staff, but once we walked into the tattoo studio I was pretty indifferent to it.

"Hafta wax it." "What? Why?" "If it’s shaved, people can tell. Can't look fresh."

That's how I had molten wax poured on me for the first time ever. People do this during sex? I guess that part was nothing compared to the pain when hair was ripped out of their follicles. And of course it wasn't enough to just get the area for the tattoo smooth. Tom, the heavily tattooed and pierced guy that appeared to be constantly flirting with both me and Declan, made my entire front almost completely smooth, leaving just some wisps of hair around the nipples and part of the treasure trail, before moving on to the tattooing part.

Declan selected some ink that would look a bit faded right away and asked Tom to make the edges a bit soft. I watched as he slowly filled in the outline of an old school adidas logo, making it look like I wore a permanent track top. You could laser it away I suppose, but I knew that wouldn't happen. It takes like a year, hurts like hell, and I'm completely broke. I don't even own the underwear I’m sitting in.

Once Tom was done with the inking and asked me to check myself in the mirror, I got a shock. It wasn't the tattoo. I'd been looking at it all while it was injected into my skin. No, it was the rest of me. For a brief moment I didn't recognize anything in the mirror except for the tattoo. It had somehow slipped my mind that I looked nothing like I did 30 hours ago.

Declan nodded approvingly, and handed over a new nicotine patch. “Looking mint”

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whindsor · 5 years

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So at the start of 2019, I made the resolution to read more books! I used to be a voracious reader as a kid, but between college and grad school I kind of...forgot how to do that? So I got myself a library card (clutch, tbh) and spent the year enjoying free books and audiobooks!

Below the cut are the books that I read with short reviews about them. They aren’t the only books I started, but the cool thing about a library card is that since the books are free, you don’t feel bad about not finishing them if you don’t like them!

Take a gander, maybe you’ll find your next favorite read!

Brief summary, meaning my favorite books of the year: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, and An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green!

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Princess Bride by Cary Elwes 7/10 IDK if I enjoyed this because of nostalgia or because it was the first book I borrowed with my fancy dancy library card but either way it was nice to read a first hand account of one of my favorite movies, written by an actor that obviously feels a lot of affection towards it. Snaps to you, Cary Elwes.

Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo 7/10 I read it because it was Wonder Woman! She saves a girl who washes up on the shores of Themyscira and goes on an adventure to save her from ancient magic forces. TBH it wasn’t anything earth shattering but it was a fun, adventurous read and an entertaining story. Minus two points because Leigh Bardugo got paid to write fanfiction and I haven’t achieved that yet.

The Selection by Keira Cass 6/10 It was interesting enough to finish the audiobook, and I continued it because I was curious as to what would happen. It’s almost like a medieval AU of The Bachelor. But then the dreaded love triangle came up and I didn’t like where it was going so I didn’t finish the sequel. Entertaining enough, but not one I would go back to.

Wicked Appetite / Wicked Business / Wicked Charms by Janet Evanovich 6/10 Again, juuuuuuuust interesting enough for me to finish the audiobooks. It was the first audiobooks I got with ye olde librarie carde so that’s probably why I was so attached to finishing them. Also it’s about a girl that has magic baking powers, which is also probably why I wanted to finish it. She has to track down dragon balls or something I can’t really remember but it wasn’t bad.

Outlander / Dragonfly in Amber / Voyager by Diana Gabaldon 8/10 I LOVED Outlander, loved Dragonfly in Amber slightly less, and could barely finish Voyager. The series is about a British WWII nurse who gets sent back in time to 1793 Scotland and has to navigate all that mess. Jamie Fraser and eventually Fergus are the crown jewels of this story. Outlander was fantastic to me, it was interesting and funny and saucy and all in all a good story about time travel and the repercussions. There’s like, five more books in the series but again, I lost interest. I’ll probably go back and see what happens though cause I think Gabaldon brings in new characters.

The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff 8/10 A book about women spies in WWII France?? Fighting the Nazis and falling in love and being heroes?? Loved it. The characters were real and the fear palpable. Minus two points cause the love subplot was a touch underdeveloped but who knows man war changes things.

A Conjuring of Light by VE Schwab 9/10 The third in the series starting with A Darker Shade of Magic. I loooooooved the characters in this story, the plot twists were exciting instead of annoying, and the way that she uses magic and secrets and reveals were perfection. And I actually really enjoyed the ending, which is surprising. Would read again.

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green 9/10 A super interesting story about a mysterious sculpture that appears in New York and the subsequent fallout of crazy things that happen. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators were perfect, the story is fast paced and has good twists and the characters are super real and relatable and fallible. TBH I read it cause it’s John Green’s brother (I assume, I didn’t fact check) and he did NOT disappoint. Minus one point just cause I can’t bring myself to give out 10′s a lot.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer 8/10 Honestly? People shit on this book but I really enjoyed it. It’s fun and heart wrenching and an interesting take on the Cinderella story. One of these days I’ll finish Scarlet which is the sequel.

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger 6/10 Holy shit this was way more intense than I anticipated it being. It was a really good take on time travel and the way it affects people. Truth be told I never saw the movie, but this book was crazy and saucy and super interesting. I didn’t give it a higher rating just cause the time traveler knew his wife since she was six and that doesn’t sit well with me.

Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli 7/10 Both the movie and the book were good, with all the drama and heartache of 1) being a teenager and 2) coming out to the people around him. Very poignant and emotional. Didn’t give it a higher rating just cause it wasn’t super memorable to me? But then again, that’s cause I’m a twenty-something woman and not a teenage gay boy so while it was beautifully written and definitely a very important book, it just wasn’t one of my faves.

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly 7/10 More women in WWII! Now with all this boss historical fiction coming out I can definitely see why guys are so obsessed with WWII. Then again, I think I would be obsessed with any stories detailing how badass women are during the war. It covers stories from all sides of the war - including the Nazis - and makes it seem so much more real. I started reading the sequel but it wasn’t quite as interesting.

The Diviners by Libba Bray 8/10 A fun fantasy mystery set in 1920′s New York! With ghosts and demons and magic powers and flappers! I really enjoyed it and am currently working on the sequel. The jargon is what really gets me like it’s so Great Gatsby but better. Would recommend.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi 7/10 A patient recommended this to me. It’s about a girl imprisoned because she has powers and that is Dangerous. It’s of course a post-apocalyptic military state situation, and she’s trying to escape and low key start an uprising. A really good story with a really interesting voice to the main character. Like, this writing style was SO DIFFERENT and amazing, I’ve never read anything like it. I didn’t continue the series just because the voice was SO good and in tune that it kinda stressed me out.

Time After Time by Lisa Grunwald 6/10 An A+ concept about a ghost in the New York subway and the man who loves her. It’s an interesting take on a lil paranormal romance. I loved the lore and the historical setting (it takes place in like, the 40′s) and really paints a fantastic scene!

Berserker by Emmy Laybourne 8/10 Listen, this book was not something historians will be talking about for years to come. But it’s about a family of siblings who have magic Nordic powers and have to escape Norway and come to the US (which is in prime Old West time) to find their uncle. And they meet a COWBOY. It’s a story about family and love and also occasionally killing people because you have the blood of Odin or some shit and honestly? Catered directly to me.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson 8/10 A fun and cool murder mystery set in a special fancy boarding school. Maureen Johnson has been one of my faves for a long time and she did not disappoint with this! It’s about a girl obsessed with a murder at the school, and she transfers in so she can solve it. And the TWIST at the END? Great!

An Ember in the Ashes / A Torch Against the Night / A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir 9/10 Another 9 because I can’t bring myself to give a 10, though if anything this series would get it. The voices that Tahir writes with are INCREDIBLE and the story is nuanced and compelling and so good. It’s about a teenager trying to save her brother from prison, as well as a guy graduating from assassin school. I don’t wanna say too much cause I don’t want to spoil if anyone reads it but tbh if you only pick one series PICK THIS ONE. If you like fantasy and stuff of course.

The Huntress by Kate Quinn 8/10 Listen. Mystery solving New York girl, post war. Men hunting former Nazis. Bicon Russian girl who was in the Russian Air force. Do I really need to say more? A phenomenal story that takes place before, during, and after WWII, and the wide variety of stories happening during that time. Great if you love historical fiction!

Sourdough by Robin Sloan 8/10 Just like Berserker this book probably isn’t something they’re gonna teach in English classes. But it’s about a girl who works in robotics on proprioception (!!!) and then?? Starts baking bread??? AKA everything I love in life so, you know, once again a book catering specifically to me.

Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riorden 7/10 As always, Riorden delivers a phenomenal story with phenomenal characters. And it includes populations that aren’t often the main characters in literature - a homeless teen and a Muslim teen, to name two. I haven’t continued the series just cause I got distracted with other things, but I totally want to.

I’m Not Dying with You Tonight by Kimberly Jones 7/10 A grand adventure that takes place over the course of one night in Atlanta. When a riot breaks out, two girls who haven’t spoken or really know each other are pushed together and spend the rest of the night trying to survive and make it home. It demonstrates two sides of life, and how they’re the same and how they’re different. I listened to the audiobook, which had phenomenal readers.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee 8/10 A story about a spoiled rich bi boy who’s going on one final tour of Europe before he has to settle down and run his family’s estate. His best friend and his sister are with him, and of course everything goes to hell in a handbasket. But it’s a crazy journey and an excellent coming of age story.

In The Woods / The Likeness by Tana French 8/10 AMAZING murder mysteries! The first is about the murder of a kid in Ireland, and the toll it takes on the investigators and people around them. It has an amazing twist at the end, and even though it takes a while for them to solve the murder, it never gets boring. Same with the second one! It’s a crazy situation that would never happen in real life, but she writes it SO WELL that i don’t even care! I will probably skip the third one cause it’s about a character I don’t really like and also takes place in the past before all of this, but I do want to continue reading these!

Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark 8/10 A great book of essays written by the voices behind “My Favorite Murder,” which is a hilarious and semi-informative true crime podcast. But they talk about more than just true crime in the book - in fact, it’s more about things that they’ve learned throughout their crazy lives. Super eye opening and also really entertaining, and I actually listened to it before I even listened to the podcast, so I feel like that’s saying something!

#whindsors reviews #book reviews #2k19 books #reading recs #book recs #let me know if you read any of these!!!!#(also does anyone wanna be in a book club)

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adamwatchesmovies · 4 years

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Booty Call (1997)

There are some dumb, and I mean REALLY dumb jokes in Booty Call but I can't hold them against the film. The results are funny. Sometimes, that's all that matters.

Starring a (nearly) all-black cast, this comedy is about two buddies trying to get laid. Rushon (Tommy Davidson) has been dating Nikki (Tamala Jones) for seven weeks and still hasn’t gotten “any”. His best friend, an anti-commitment, opinionated skirt-chaser, Bunz (Jamie Foxx), accompanies Rushon and Nikki on a dinner one night as the blind date to Nikki’s friend Lysterine (Vivica A. Fox). The sparks fly, but before the boys can get what they’ve been after all night, they have to find all the necessary supplies to practice safe sex.

When the jokes in this movie are bad, you can’t believe how bad they get. I’m talking about a scene where someone confuses a dog licking them for a human's attempt at seduction. Not only that but they get really excited and aroused by the tongue-work, to the point where it gets more than a little embarrassing. I'll repeat that despite these, I laughed often.

The simplicity of this story is what saves it. Two friends. What do they want? Sex. What’s stopping them? EVERYTHING! The couples don’t get along, then they do... but the ladies aren't in the mood. Then the ladies are in the mood, but no one brought protection. Then the protection isn’t good enough and the guys have to go out and it just keeps going from there. The chain of events isn't unlike the one in Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.

My favorite joke has to be a revelation between Lysterine and Rushon when they first spend an intimate moment together. She tells him what one of her biggest turn-ons are and it's a riot. It’s so outlandish and so un-sexy that I’m still laughing about how it plays out right now. Big laughs like that one make me defend the movie even though I recognize its flaws. It promotes safe sex. That's worth something too, right?

The cast members play off each other well. Everyone involved is evidently having a good time by going all the way with their material no matter how it might've seemed on paper. I don’t care who makes fun of me for it; I'm recommending the film. On the DVD cover, a quote from Leo Quinonesm of KIIS-FM perfectly summarizes Booty Call; it’s “Crazy! Sexy! Foolish!” I couldn’t have said it better myself. (Widescreen version on DVD, January 21, 2015)

#BootyCall #BooyCallMovie #movies #films #reviews #movie reviews #filmreviews #filmcriticism #jeffPollack #Bootsie #TakashiBufford #JamieFoxx #TommyDavidson #VivicaA.Fox #TamalaJones #1997Movies #1997Films

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tabloidtoc · 5 years

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People, February 17

Cover: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle -- their fresh start

Page 3: Chatter -- James Corden, Kumail Nanjiani, Eva Mendes, Billie Eilish, Margot Robbie

Page 4: 5 Things We’re Talking About This Week -- Chrissy Teigen and John Legend are the funniest couple alive, a new crop of emojis is coming, Sylvester Stallone goes gray, Jason Momoa undergoes an extreme makeover

Page 6: Contents

Page 9: Contents, Editor’s Letter

Page 10: StarTracks -- Jennifer Lopez and Shakira at the Super Bowl halftime show

Page 11: J.Lo and daughter Emme during the halftime show, Kansas City quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes with teammate Frank Clark, Paul Rudd and son Jack, Jay-Z and daughter Blue Ivy, Alex Rodriguez and daughter Natasha

Page 12: Eminem congratulated Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson on his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Irina Shayk and Bradley Cooper and Edward Enninful at the British Vogue and Tiffany Fashion and Film Party, Fast & Furious 9 costars Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster and Nathalie Emmanuel and Tyrese Gibson and Vin Diesel at an event, Adam Sandler wearing socks with his own face on them

Page 13: BAFTA Awards -- Renee Zellweger, Prince William and Princess Kate, Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson

Page 14: Stars on Set -- Ben Platt and Lucy Boynton and Laura Dreyfuss and Rahne Jones filming The Politician, Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley filming the Saved by the Bell reboot, Julia Chan and Lucy Hale and Ashleigh Murray and Jonny Beauchamp film Katy Keene, Harry Styles films the music video for his song Watermelon Sugar in Malibu

Page 16: Date Night -- Justin and Hailey Bieber at the L.A. premiere of his docu-series, Peter Dinklage and wife Erica Schmidt at the opening of Medea, StyleTracks -- glamorous gloves -- Misty Copeland, Rihanna, Zoe Kravitz, Ariana Grande

Page 19: Demi Lovato’s triumphant return

Page 21: Lady Gaga’s hot new romance with Michael Polansky

Page 23: Heart Monitor -- Pamela Anderson and Jon Peters divorcing after 12 days, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar 20 years together, Zendaya and Jacob Elordi just friends?, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel moving on from scandal

Page 24: Mariska Hargitay celebrates 21 seasons of Law & Order: SVU, Lori Loughlin’s house for sale

Page 25: Lil Nas X on breaking out and coming out, Derek Hough heads to Vegas with his own residency

Page 26: Passages, Why I Care -- Akbar Gbajabiamila works with the Michael J. Fox Foundation because his father has Parkinson’s

Page 28: Stories to Make You Smile -- Sandra Lee surprises her aunt and uncle by re-creating their romantic ‘50s wedding, World Worst Cat gets a forever home

Page 31: People Picks -- Homeland

Page 32: Cherish the Day

Page 33: Locke & Key, One to Watch -- Zombie 2′s Meg Donnelly

Page 34: Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made, Little America, Horse Girl, Q&A -- E!’s Lilliana Vazquez

Page 35: Books

Page 36: Cover Story -- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new life -- as they blaze their own trail away from royal duty the couple is enjoying quiet time at home in Canada with 9-month-old son Archie and focusing on what comes next

Page 42: Remembering Kobe and Gianna Bryant -- as shock turned to tearful remembrances of the former NBA star and his daughter and the 7 others who died, Vanessa Bryant grappled with the loss but is determined to move forward and honor them all

Page 44: When Pamela Hargan and daughter Helen were found fatally shot inside their Virginia home police called it a tragic murder-suicide. Now Pamela’s oldest daughter is charged with killing them

Page 46: Meghan Trainor -- music, marriage and loving myself

Page 50: After a near-fatal stroke and painful divorce, Larry King is recovering, grateful and full of life

Page 55: Fran Drescher -- taking back my life

Page 62: Jamie Oliver -- making mistakes and moving forward

Page 65: Huey Lewis’ health battle -- the ‘80s rock icon opens up about the disease that’s stolen his ability to hear and perform

Page 68: Camila Coelho -- I have epilepsy and I don’t let it stop me

Page 73: Dr. Mehmet Oz and his wife Lisa open up about the family-friendly home they built from scratch 20 years ago

Page 87: Second Look -- Waitress: The Musical costars Gavin Creel and Sara Bareiles with Emma Thompson backstage at the London production

Page 88: One Last Thing -- Daniel Radcliffe

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luvneedsnosyt · 5 years

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My Favorite Albums of June 2019

My Previous monthly lists from 2019: January, February, March, April, May

You can find my list from earlier in June of my favorite albums halfway through 2019 here

Best:

AURORA - A Different Kind of Human Genre: Synth Pop

Proof: Dance on the Moon / Hunger

Autograf - Love & Retrograde EP Genre: Electronic / Dance / Future Bass

Proof: Casual Love (w/ The Griswolds) / Hold Me Back (Feat. John Splithoff)

Avicii - TIM Genre: Electronic / Dance / Synth Pop

Proof: Heaven (Feat. Chris Martin) / SOS (Feat. Aloe Blacc)

The Black Keys - “Let’s Rock” Genre: Rock / Alternative

Proof: Shine A Little Light / Lo/Hi

Cassius - Dreems Genre: Electronic / Dance / House

Proof: Don’t Let Me Be (Feat. Owlle) / Dreams (Feat. Owlle, Luke Jenner & Joe Rogers)

Dizzy Fae - NO GMO [Mixtape] Genre: Synth Pop / Electronic / alt-R&B

Proof: Big Wall / Lifestyle

Eryn Allen Kane - a tree planted by water EP Genre: R&B / Soul

Proof: Fragile / With You

Gena Rose Bruce - Can’t Make You Love Me Genre: Indie Rock / Soul

Proof: The Way You Make Love / Coming Down

GoldLink - Diaspora Genre: Hp Hop / R&B

Proof: Zulu Screams (Feat. Maleek Berry & Babi Bourelly) / More (Feat. Lola Rae)

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Bandana Genre: Hip Hop

Proof: Palmolive (Feat. Pusha T & Killer Mike) / Giannis (Feat. Anderson .Paak)

Hatchie - Keepsake Genre: Indie Rock / Pop / Alternative

Proof: Without A Blush / Secret

Hayden James - Between Us Genre: Electronic / Synth Pop / Dance

Proof: Numb (Feat. GRAACE) / Weightless (Feat. Shungudzo) // Bonus: NUMB (pluko Remix) Feat. GRAACE / Better Together (Happiness Is Wealth Disco Remix) Feat. Running Touch

Hot Chip - A Bath Full of Ecstasy Genre: Synth Pop / Electronic / House

Proof: Melody of Love / Hungry Child

Ida Mae - Chasing Light Genre: Rock / Folk / Alternative

Proof: Higher Than the Light / Feel Them Getting Closer

ilo ilo - wish i said this to u sooner EP Genre: Electronic / Synth Pop

Proof: u don’t / come thru

Ingrid Michaelson - Stranger Songs Genre: Synth Pop

Proof: Jealous / Missing You

Jean Deaux - Empathy EP Genre: alt-R&B

Proof: Higher Me / Anytime (Feat. Kehlani & ROMderful)

Jordan Rakei - Origin Genre: R&B / Indie Pop / Jazz

Proof: Say Something / Wildfire

Kim Petras - Clarity Genre: Synth Pop

Proof: Icy / Do Me // Bonus: 1,2,3 dayz up (Feat. SOPHIE) / If U Think About Me...

Loote - lost EP Genre: Pop

Proof: tomorrow tonight / she’s all yours // Bonus: 85% (GOLDHOUSE Remix) Feat. gnash

Marco McKinnis - E’Merse EP Genre: R&B

Proof: Energy / Deep

Mark Ronson - Late Night Feelings Genre: R&B / Pop

Proof: Late Night Feelings (Feat. Lykke Li) / Find U Again (Feat. Camila Cebello) // Bonus: Nothing Breaks Like A Heart (Don Diablo Remix) Feat. Miley Cyrus / Late Night Feelings (Jax Jones Midnight Snack Remix) Feat. Lykke Li / Find U Again (MK Remix) Feat. Camila Cabello

Meg Mac - Hope Genre: Indie Pop / Alternative

Proof: Give Me My Name Back / Something Tells Me

Mr Hudson - WHEN THE MACHINE STOPS Genre: Pop

Proof: CHICAGO (Feat. Vic Mensa) / SLEPT ON ME

Mustard - Perfect Ten Genre: Hip Hop

Proof: Pure Water (Feat. Migos) / Surface (Feat. Ella Mai & Ty Dolla $ign)

Prince - Originals Genre: R&B / Pop / Soul

Proof: The Glamorous Life / Nothing Compares 2 U

SG Lewis - Dawn EP Genre: Electronic / Future Bass

Proof: Throwaway (w/ Clairo) / Flames (Feat. Ruel)

Stef Chura - Midnight Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative

Proof: Degrees / Sweet Sweet Midnight

Virginia To Vegas - Hartland St. EP Genre: Pop

Proof: Selfish / Yesterday

Walshy Fire - Washy Fire Presents: ABENG Genre: Dance Hall / Reggae / Electronic

Proof: Round of Applause (Feat. Ice Princess & Demarco) / No Laziness (Feat. Ketchup & Bunji Garlin

X Ambassadors - ORION Genre: Pop

Proof: HEY CHILD / HOLD YOU DOWN

Yeasayer - Erotic Reruns Genre: Synth Pop

Proof: Ecstatic Baby / Blue Skies Dandelions

Bonus:

A new discovery and an official (finally) release of one of my favorite projects from the last 10 years

Channel Tres - Channel Tres EP Genre: Hip Hop / House Released: July 2018

Proof: Controller / Jet Black // Bonus: Sexy Black Timberlake

Jai Paul - Leak 04-13 (Bait One) Genre: Synth Pop / R&B / Soul Originally Leaked: April 2013 Officially Released: June 2019

Proof: Str8 Outta Mumbai / Crush (Jennifer Page Cover) - Unfinished // Bonus: Do You Love Her Now / He

Others:

Aaron Aye - F.E.A.R., Anna Lunoe - Right Party EP, Bastille - Doom Days, Big Wild - Super Dreams (Remixes) EP, Carlie Hanson - Junk EP, Casey Veggies - Organic, Cehryl - Slow Motion, Chinatown Slalom - Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Chris Brown - Indigo, Chris Staples - Holy Moly, Crumb - Jinx, Damar Jackson - U2, Daphni - Sizzling EP, David B - BLEU, Elita - Sick Girl EP, Flowidus - Footsteps EP, Fossa Beats - Same Place EP, Froth - Duress, Future - SAVE ME EP , Gucci Mane - Delusions of Grandeur , The HamilTones - Watch the Ton3s EP, J Balvin & Bad Bunny - OASIS, Jamie Cullum - Taller, Jonas Brothers - Happiness Begins, Julia Michales - Inner Monologue Part 2 EP, Kiana Ledé - Myself EP, Lil Nas X - 7 EP , Liss - Second EP, Lonas - Youth EP, Mndsgn - Snaxx, Noah Kahan - Busyhead, Octavian - Endorphins, Plaid - Polymer, The Raconteurs - Help Us Stranger, Rod Wave - PTSD , Santana - Africa Speaks, Silversun Pickups - Widow’s Weeds, Snail Mail - Habit, Tee Grizzley - Scriptures , Thom Yorke - ANIMA, Trevor Jackson - Rough Draft 2, Trina - The One, Tritonal - U & Me, Two Door Cinema Club - False Alarm, Tyga - Legendary , Wifisfuneral - Ethernet 2 , Zhavia Ward - 17 EP

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malicerewatchesdoctorwho · 5 years

Text

The Highlanders - Episode Two

Written by – Elwyn Jones and Gerry Davis Director – Hugh David Producer – Innes Lloyd

Episode Two

(“I’m just beginning to enjoy myself!” – The Doctor about being shoved into Inverness gaol surrounded by the sick and dying as a traitor to the throne to Ben and Jamie.)

Likes

- Kirsty going off right after their fight over the ring to see what dropped in the pit and, when realising it was Polly goes to help her (and herself) out afterwards. She fell in too, because Polly is bigger than her, hah, poor girls.

- The girls making animal sounds to get Ffinch to fall into the trap with them. Nice.

- The Doctor putting on the Standard and saying it is nice and warm. Doctor, that isn’t yours and is trying to be protected. But i guess you using it like that would definitely keep it safe XD

- Ben, what night exactly is your bath night? And is it using cold water all the time, or just when you’re not at home. Also, salt or fresh water? These are the important questions this episode gives us to ask XD I found this a small, funny Ben moment.

- Oh my God, Polly. You sweet talking, backstabbing, Lieutenant capturing thief you. Blackmail your way through the ages, girl. Hell yes!

- I don’t know why, but I like Perkins. He’s just a clerk, really, but he is always there in the background, unless he’s being called for... Yeah. He’s fun.

- The Doctor just flat out being a badass and taking everyone out of commission. He’s lying his way into and out of trouble all over the place XD I didn’t particularly like the line he said about not knowing how to use guns and the pistol might go off in Grey’s face much though.

- The Sergeant sassing Ffinch. Hahahaha! Yes.

- The Doctor dressed up as an old woman.

Dislikes

- Kirsty, sweetie, if there are redcoat soldiers sitting right by where you are, don’t talk. You’re much more likely to be spotted doing that. Best to be as quiet and silent with your movements as possible. You should know this already.

- Is Trask supposed to be a pirate? Or is he just a normal Captain? Because he sounds like a pirate. I don’t think this is a particularly good pirate story. Just no on Trask. And speaking of...

- Did...did Trask say that he was interested in Grey sexually while he is tied up and barely able to move while being gagged in a cupboard? He called Grey a pretty sight like that. Just...do we need more rapists in this show? This one going after men.

Awesome

We don’t really get to see the Annabelle at all in the telesnaps, but I have no doubt I would enjoy the set for the ship.

I DO oddly like he rowboat though.

Grey’s office. I think it’s a great little set.

The clothes of Ffinch. I just really like his uniform, lol.

Shitty

It’s missing.

We don’t get a good look at the Annabelle.

The telesnaps aren’t the best in the recon I am watching.

In Conclusion

That first episode was horrible to try and watch with the recons. This one, even with the horrid recons was a blast. It’s fun. The characters are all different and interesting. I like how Polly totally gets a great moment to shine in this story after being separated from the boys. She isn’t going to be a damsel in distress waiting for the knight to come save her. She is going to save herself by blackmailing the ‘knight’ to get her out and leaving him trapped in her place XD

Kirsty didn’t have a lot to do and at least the Laird this episode is supposed to only moan and not be talking. He didn’t bother me this episode.

One thing I don’t like is how I can’t really tell who Colin is. I mean, I know who his character is, but I have no idea what he looks like or when he is speaking.

And, if you couldn’t guess already... I really don’t like Trask. I will never not see him as a rapist after what he said about Grey being tied up in the cupboard... Nope. Ben and Jamie are with that man and a body was just pushed off the plank. I fear for them.

All up though, this episode is fun and I wish I could see it in motion, because it would be so much greater.

Body count – 1. That guy who was pushed from the plank. I think his name was Jebb? Have no idea how he died, but my guess is overwork, murder or illness. Any of them seem likely. It is a slave ship, after all. He was used as an example of the only way you get off that ship with Trask being her Captain *shudders*

#Classic Doctor Who #doctor who #The Highlanders #episode two #epic rewatch #Second Doctor #Polly Wright #Ben Jackson #jamie mccrimmon #redcoats #slave traders

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pennywaltzy · 5 years

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What I’ll Write/Requests

(as of 9/20/19)

Since this is currently on my commission page and I’m no longer doing fic commissions, I figured I should copy it & update it with the new fandoms I do? So here it is.

Requests are currently CLOSED until I catch up on the hundreds of prompts I have at both my blogs. The only exception is if I reblog a prompt/prompt list here.

The following is a list of fandoms I write and characters/ships I feel most comfortable writing:

Sherlock I’ll write just about any ship you can throw at me. I write F/F fic (with the exception of NC-17 fic), M/M fic (with the exceptions of NC-17 fic and anything other than Mystrade, Sheriarty and MorMor, and Johnlock for special friends), M/F fic (almost any ship, NC-17 rating only for Sherlock Holmes/Female Character pairing fics) and select OT3s (Sherlock/Mary/John, Sherlock/Molly/Irene, Lestrade/Mycroft/Anthea and Molly/Moriarty/Moran). No Mrs. Hudson pairing fics except the canon one and Wilf from DW; no Magnussen or other bad guys not already mentioned above.

Doctor Who Generally I only write Eleventh Doctor era and some of Twelfth Doctor era (I am not current with Rose, Martha, Donna, Bill and The Fam eras yet, but I have all the box sets by Doctor save Thirteen). At the moment I mostly can write Eleven, River, Amy, Rory, Martha and Mickey, and can kind of write Clara, Vastra, Jenny, Strax, Jack and a few other recurring ones…ship wise I write Rory/Amy, Eleven/River and Vastra/Jenny (though I can possibly be persuaded to write Twelve/Clara, maybe, depending on the prompt). No NC-17 fic.

Elementary I’m much better at Joan, Marcus, Gregson and Alfredo than Sherlock. My only real ship for this show that I’ve written is Marcus/Joan though I’d love to try Jamie and Sherlock/Jamie in a twisted sense or Jamie/Joan. Also, fair warning: I’m mostly familiar with season 1 and the Kitty arc in season 3, but I have access to all the season save the last one via my library..

Star Trek: Alternate Original Series I do not do a whole lot of ships for this verse aside from Spock/Uhura, Sulu/Ben and a kind of biased Kirk/Uhura (I RP that ship in one of my games) personally but I am willing to write any ship except Bones/Carol (I have issues with that one). I do write slash ships for this series; just ask and I’ll see what I can do. I do not really write Scotty or Chekov with their accents often though I will through in Chekov using Russian occasionally. I will also acknowledge aspects of the Discovery verse (ie, usually Michael Burnham on her own, but occasionally Tilly and other Discovery characters as they might be in the AOS series). No NC-17 for any ship except Kirk/Uhura, and then only in my RP verse fics.

Marvel Cinematic Universe Ship wise I’m pretty open amongst Captain America characters, as well my personal OT5 is any combination of Steve/Sam/Bucky/Nat/Clint with a dash of either Peggy or Sharon given the situation. AoS I’m pretty much either Coulson/May or Daisy/Jemma at the moment (though I will write a few other ships for both, like Jemma/Fitz, but NOT Skyward). I am familiar with Thor characters, Peter Parker, Iron Man characters, Stephen Strange, Wong, and Shuri. Anything else, please ask and I’ll see what I can do. I do have access to the entire MCU to watch, but prefer to avoid certain movies. Will write NC-17, but it depends on the characters/ships.

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries I’m pretty much primarily a Jack/Phryne writer in this fandom. I can do a decent Dot and Hugh but I haven’t attempted anyone else. Also, shorter stories are best. Will not write NC-17 for this fandom. Am planning to add “Crypt of Tears” to the list of what I’m familiar with when it comes out.

Star Wars Movieverse I’m still refamiliarizing myself with this series (so far I’m current/mostly current on the original trilogy sequel trilogy so far and “Rogue One”) but I’m pretty fair game as to characters and ships I will write for those three sections of it. However, I will only write brother/sister Luke & Leia stories, and when it comes to Rogue One I’m iffy on just who I can write since all I’ve written so far is a Jyn POV piece. Other than that, feel free to toss an idea at me prior to requesting and I’ll give a more resolute yes or no answer. No NC-17 for this fandom

NEW FANDOM - Good Omens So I am vastly more familiar with the book than the miniseries, but I do have access to the miniseries and plan on watching it soon. I will probably end up writing Aziraphale/Crowley and Gabriel/Beelzebub because that’s what my enabler writes, but feel free to toss other ideas at me. No NC-17 for this fandom, and would actually prefer a ton of gen prompts if given prompts for this fandom.

NEW FANDOM - DCCU So I’m limited in this one, as the only one I’ve attempted is Wondertrev fic, but I’ve seen “Batman vs Superman” and “Wonder Woman” and am planning on watching the rest at some point. Would probably feel most comfortable with Wondertrev, Clois and Wonderbat. No NC-17 for now.

NEW FANDOM - Legends Of Tomorrow I am much much more familiar with this show than the rest of the DCTV shows, having seen the first season and following various developments since here on Tumblr. As I am still in Series 1, will probably focus on Captain Canary for a while until I get used to the newer characters. Potentially will write Avalance, Constagreen, Zari/Amaya and Constantine/Sara as I get more into the show. No NC-17 so far.

NEW FANDOM - DCAU Very very familiar with the random DCAU shows (minus Superman: TAS and The Zeta Project). Big Harley/Ivy fan, big Wonderbat fan, Big Question/Huntress fan, big Green Arrow/Black Canary fan, big Batcat fan, big Terry/Dana fan. Don’t know how well I can write all of the above except I know I can write Harley/Ivy, as I already have. No NC-17. For other characters in DCAU (excluding The Zeta Project, Superman: TAS and Static Shock for the moment) ask and we’ll see what I can do.

NEW FANDOM - Midsomer Murders So this one…I’ve watched pretty much every episode up to Winters at least once, if not more? I’m willing to give any character and implied/hinted at/”will they or won’t they?” ship a chance. Send me Jones prompts and I may give you a longer fic (he’s my fave). No NC-17 for now, nothing probably over 500 words for most fics until I get more comfortable in this fandom.

CROSSOVER SHIPS I do write crossover ships as well! Most of them are Sherlock oriented, but I ship McCoy/Molly (Star Trek AOS/Sherlock), Khan/Molly (Star Trek AOS/Sherlock), Sherlock/Amy (Sherlock/Doctor Who), Lestrade/Donna (Sherlock/Doctor Who), Eleven/Molly (Doctor Who/Sherlock), Rory/Molly (Doctor Who/Sherlock), Martin/Molly (Cabin Pressure/Sherlock), Bucky/Clara (MCU/Doctor Who) and McCoy/Donna (Star Trek AOS/Doctor Who). Other potential crossovers are welcome, just run the ship and a prompt by me and we’ll see if I can make it work.

Also old fandoms I could be persuaded to do again (but under very limited and probably non-shippy circumstances, and not for anything long unless it’s for a special present) would include Bleach, St. Trinians movies, CSIverse and early season Supernatural.

#fanfic #sherlock #star trek aos #dc comics #mcu #elementary #mfmm #midsomer murders #good omens #fanfiction #requests

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monigheandonn1743 · 6 years

Text

Ceart-leth

Are you ready for this? It’s a long one…pun totally intended!

What were those warnings again @tuethat? Cause the all apply 🤗😘🤗

Previous Chapters

Chapter 22

“Ah, Sassenach.” He sighed, as he flexed his fingers at her hips and let his head fall heavily onto her stomach. His guilt was so apparent, so needless and so heartbreaking that she was suddenly overcome with shame. “What I wouldna give.”

Damn it!

“I know.” She whispered as she wrapped her arms around him and buried her fingers in his hair. She was being a stupid, selfish, childish girl. She knew full well his fear of losing her, of the dangers he felt he was inflicting on her by simply making her his wife. They were what had sent him running in the first place, so how could she expect him to ignore them now?

He’d bared his heart and soul to her. Laid all his fears, all his pain and self-condemnations, out for her to see. So, how could she asked him to make love to her now? When he knew full well that he may have already infected her with the very thing that might have killed Annalise and his children?

She knew she couldn’t get pregnant now. She knew that if she was already infected, further exposure was irrelevant. And she knew that taking the penicillin on Friday would be enough to kill the infection before it took hold.

But he didn’t, and no matter how she attempted to explain it to him, or justify it to herself, it wouldn’t make her request any less cruel or callous. He’d been though enough of that today with his sister, and what he needed now was love and understanding from his wife.

And maybe a bit of innocent fun.

“I want ye so much, mo gradhag.” He groaned quietly, as he raised his head and looked up at her. “So much so that I fear I’ll go mad in the wantin’ of ye.”

“I know, me too. But you were right before. We’ve got the whole of our lives to spend making love. What matters now is simply being here together.” She smiled, as he slid his hands slowly up to her waist. “So we can spend the night talking, or with a game of cards, or maybe you can teach me to play chesssss…” she squealed as he lifted her and twisted their bodies quickly to lie her back on her bed beside him.

“Jamie!” She giggled, as she bounced down onto the soft feather mattress, and reached out for him to join her. He shuffled up the bed and loomed over her, with his weight resting on his elbow, and his finger running softly down her cheek.

“I willna spend our weddin’ night playin’ chess, Sassenach.” He growled moving his finger along her neck and down to the rise of her breast. “I canna risk ye life, more than I already have, but…”

“Jamie stop.” She begged, reaching up to cup his face. “Listen to me. I promised you, on the ridge, that I’d never force or cajole you, and I won’t. I love and respect you too much to ever break that promise. But I care too much about your peace of mind to let you drown yourself with guilt.

“So, you need to understand. Whether we make love tonight or not, if and that’s a massive if, you’re infected, I’ve already been exposed and further exposure won’t make a difference. The penicillin will kill the infection and it will work just as well on Friday as it will today. But most importantly, what happened with the blood oath wasn’t your fault…”

“Aye, it was…”

“No it wasn’t!” She growled. “I’m a doctor Jamie, I could have stopped you, I knew the risks and I chose to ignore them. What I didn’t think of was your reaction to it, and I’m sorry for that. I understand why you’re so worried about it, but I promise you on everything I hold dear, that it is not your fault and I will be completely fine. So, pass me the case.” She ordered lightly, holding out her hand and waiting while he reached for it blindly. “Time for you to get your revenge.”

“What?” He frowned as he watched her pull out a clean syringe and one of the large bottles of penicillin. It was her last clean needle, so she would have to find the time to sterilize them tomorrow. “I’ll no be sticking ye with that.” He gasped, rolling away as she tried to hand him the syringe.

“Aye, ye are.” She laughed, as she itched up the side her skirt and flashed him a small patch of her bottom. “I’m not doing it to myself.”

“Claire.”

“Jamie.”

“I canna.”

“You can.”

“Lord God forgive me.” He moaned, taking the needle from her and climbing to his knees. He hovered it over the place she indicated and looked up at her wide eyed. She wasn’t looking forward to it, but she was finding it near impossible not to laugh at the horrified look on his face. “T’is no funny, lass.”

“Oh I know. But just a few hours ago you were threatening to belt your sister, and yet you won’t even stab me with a tiny needle.”

“T’is different.” He growled, his eyes moving from her arse to her face. “I’m no angry with ye.”

“And if you were? Would you belt me?”

“Aye, if ye deserved it.” He nodded, pursing his lips, “This is no the way I envisioned seeing your arse tonight, Sassenach.”

“You do realise that if you ever try to hit me with a belt, they’ll be hell to pay?” She warned seriously. There was no way on earth she would ever allow him to punish her like that. But his lips twitched, and the wink he shot her had her wondering whether he really understood the implications.

“Oh, I dinna doubt it, lass. I did see what ye did to Randell after all. I’ll just have to find a way to protect my cock afore I take my strap to yer fine, fine arse.” He growled, as he bent down and bit the tender skin of her backside.

“Jamie!” She squeaked pushing his face away and dissolving into fits of laughter. “You can’t bite me!”

“Ye my wife now, lass. Mine to do with as I please.”

“Oh really?”

“Aye.”

“We’ll have to see about that.” She huffed playfully. “But for now, either stab that needle in and push the plunger down, or call the maids to fill the ba-argh-th!”

“What? Ye told me to do it.” He laughed, as he pressed the plunger and pulled the needle out of her arse.

“I know, but I wasn’t ready.” She complained childishly, her heart melting as he lent down and kissed the spot he just stabbed.

“All better?” He whispered, as he dropped the needle back in the case and stretched the length of his body back up beside her.

“Much, thank you.”

“Nay, mo gràdhag. Thank ye.” He murmured, brushing his lips against hers. “I dinna ken what I’v done to deserve ye, but I’ll thank God for the rest of my life.”

“Don’t make me cry.” She half laughed as she swiped a lone tear from her eye. “It’s our wedding night and while we can’t make love, there are plenty of things we can do. So I’m going to freshen up, and you’re going to get comfortable.” She smiled, raising her head to kiss his lips, before she pushed him onto his back and scooted off the bed.

“Yer a bossy wee thing.” He chuckled flashing her a wink, as he reclined on the bed, with his arms crossed beneath his head.

He look so gorgeous that her heart stuttered and skipped a beat, and she was half tempted to fall back down beside him. But there was no way in hell he was getting a look at the eighteenth century Bridget Jones knickers she been forced to wear, and she needed a moment alone to get her head on straight. So she grabbed her bag, blew him a kiss and swished away towards the dressing room.

“Shit.” She breathed, as she slouched against the door and screwed her eyes shut. Her heart was pounding unsteadily in her chest, and she was full of such conflicting emotions that she couldn’t grab hold of one long enough to name it. The day had been a virtual roller coaster of ups and downs, twist and turns, and although she was exhausted, it was far from over yet.

It was her wedding night, and while she couldn’t make love to Jamie like she wanted to, she wouldn’t let it go by uncelebrated, and she doubted that he would either. So, despite her lack of experience, and her deviated hopes, she wanted to give him a wedding night he wouldn’t soon forget.

She was sure his first one had been a complete disaster, and she wouldn’t have them suffering the same fate now.

Attempting to stem the nervous butterflies that fluttered wildly in her stomach, she took a deep, calming breath and looked around the room. The only thing she’d really noticed earlier was the bathtub. But as her eyes moved from place to place, she realised that Maggie must have known what was happening.

The soap, sponges, and perfumes she’d used before were all there, lined up neatly on the dresser. And there was a basket beside it containing a clean pile of rags, and a bucket of water for the old.

A commode sat in the corner, and there was a fire burning bright in the hearth, with a small caldron of water simmering above it. There was also two other doors leading from the room. The first, she discovered, as she walked across the room and opened it, lead to the servant corridor, and the second was to a closet.

Save for a few clean shifts, stays, stockings, and her dressing gown, it was empty. But she’d found what she was looking for and, taking another deep breath, she reached in and quickly grabbed the robe.

It was a beautiful soft cream linen, that buttoned to the waist and fell away in flowing folds to the floor. The hemline, and the billowing cuffs, were embroidered with pale green vines, and soft pink roses, that danced up along the skirts and sleeves.

It was perfect for what she had in mind.

Setting it aside gently, she crouched to rummage though her bag for the ivory underwear she had buried in there somewhere. After his reaction at the stream, she knew Jamie would love them, and they would go perfectly with the robe.

No, they couldn’t make love, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t have some fun, and she wanted to look and feel sexy for her husband. It was only the first day of her cycle. So, while her stomach still cramped, she really wasn’t bleeding that much, and they’d be fine to play around a bit. He wasn’t squeamish after all, and it was tomorrow, and the next day, that she’d really suffer.

The underwear was right at the bottom of her bag, and after pulling it out carefully, she laid it with the dressing gown and set about getting herself ready.

Thankfully, she’d already bathed twice that day, so it didn’t take her long to freshen up and slip into the lingerie. Clean, dressed, and with a fresh rag folded neatly in her knickers, she unpinned her hair, fluffed out her curls, and took one final, deep, cleansing breath before pulling open the door.

Jamie was kneeling by the fire, his own hair free of it braid, and dressed in nothing but his shirt and kilt. He didn’t look up from his task, so she quickly placed a wet wash rag and towel on the bed side table, and slowly crept across the room towards him.

“Are ye hungry?” He asked, making her jump. She hadn’t thought he’d noticed her and she’d planned to sneak up on him.

“Not for food.” She purred as she quickly sat on the bed and lent back on her elbows, ignoring her pounding heart. She hadn’t bothered to button up the robe, and it parted down the middle revealing her lingerie clad body, and her heaving chest.

“Is that so?” He laughed, pushing to his feet and turning to face her. He froze, completely, and his eyes widened so comically that she had to bite her lip to keep herself from laughing. It was the response that she’d hoped for, that every girl dreams of getting from her man, and she silently high fived herself.

“Everything okay?” She whispered, as she rose and smoothly crossed the room towards her mute warrior. “You look a little tongue tied.”

“I’v no blood left in my head, lass. I canna think enough to speak.” He choked out, making her laugh as she ran her fingers lightly down his chest.

“Is that so?”

“Aye.”

“Then I’d say it’s a good job you’re married to a doctor.” She breathed, trailing her hand lower to the waist of his kilt and tugging his shirt free. “I’m sure if you let me…examine the problem, I can find a cure.”

“I think that’s only right, seen as ye caused the problem to bein’ with.” He murmured, as he slid his large, warm hands between the folds of her gown, and gripped her hips. “Ah, Christ, Claire…yer a vision.”

“As are you.” She murmured back, as he flexed his muscles and lifted her easily into his arms. Her legs went instantly around his waist, and they both moaned softly as she brushed against the hard shaft of his cock.

“Lord God help me.” He begged as he grabbed her arse and captured her lips with his.

The kiss was as deep and needy as every one that had come before it. All their pent up longing and frustration pouring out of them, as their tongues met and fought for dominance. In his mouth and hers, back and forward, twisting and dancing until he growled low in his throat, and squeezed her arse roughly.

She surrendered willingly, drunk on the taste of the warm, smooth whiskey and rich, sweet passion infused on his breath. She melted against him, letting him hold her weight, and take control.

“God, Claire. Let me look at ye.” He panted as he broke the kiss and slid her lazily down his body. She was dazed, completely lost in a fog of lust and need, but she complied, stepping back out of his arms and shrugging out of her robe.

It fluttered to the floor, and she took a deep breath as she looked up at him, trying to swallow her nerves. He’d seen her like this before, but this felt different some how, she felt more exposed without their teasing banter.

“All of it, lass.” He ordered gently, as he snapped the cuffs on his shirt, and pulled it swiftly over his head. Leaving his glorious bronzed chest bare. “I want to see what’s mine.”

Jesus Christ.

She almost combusted.

The simple possession in his voice, his assumed right that she belonged to him, that she was his to do with as he pleased, was enough to make her weak at the knees. It was so bloody sexy, that she complied without thought or embarrassement.

Watching him closely, she twisted her arms behind her back, unfastened her bra, and smoothly dropped the lace to the floor. He swallowed audibly, and his tongue peaked out to wet his lips, as he raked his eyes slowly along the curves of her body. His hungry look, and the reverent way his calloused hand reached out and gently caressed breast, made her feel like Aphrodite in the flesh.

“So soft.” He marveled as he traced a weaving pattern around her breast, creating goosebumps in its wake.

A smile touched the corner of his lips. He knew full well what he was doing to her, and she almost convulsed as he dragged his nail across her nipple, and down the seam of her stomach.

“Jamie.” She shivered, as all the muscles below her waist clenched at his touch. God help her, they’d only just begun and he was already driving her crazy.

“These too.”

She blinked up at him, holding his warm blue eyes with hers and nodded slightly. She hadn’t expected this, and it was risky, but she wouldn’t stop him. She was his wife, and if he wanted to look at her, she had no objection.

He hooked his thumbs into the lace at her hips, and she held her breath as he crouched, and eased her knickers over her arse, and down her legs. He was right there and she was completely exposed, but she just didn’t care.

She was so turned on by his show of possession, that he could have done just about anything, and she’d have agreed.

Gripping his shoulders for balance, she lifted one foot and then the other, and slowly stepped out of her underwear. He looked up at her, his dark, hooded eyes making her tremble, before he placed the lace carefully to one side, grabbed the rag, and tossed it into the fire.

Not bothered by it in the slightest.

“Ah, God Claire.” He moaned, as he gripped her ankles and ran his hands slowly up the back of her legs.

She could almost feel his blazing eyes scorching her skin, as they followed the path of his hands, until he reached her arse and squeezed it roughly in his grasp. She squealed in suprised and almost stumbled against him, as he pulled her closer and pressed his lips just above the line of her sparse pubic hair.

“Ye divine, mo ciad-bhean.” He whispered against her skin making her heart jump and her breath stuttered in her chest. She had to tightened her hold on him to keep herself from falling, when he moved lower and gently kissed her clitoris.

“Jamie.”

“Ssh.” He hushed her as he stood, scooped her up into his arms, and made his way over to the bed. “I canna love ye like I want to, lass, but what we can do, I plan to make the most of. An’ I think yer of the same mind.” He breathed as he grabbed the towel she’d brought and threw it onto the bed.

She flushed, embarrassed that he’d seen it, but held his eyes and nodded as he lay her carefully in the centre of the bead. With her head resting on the pillows, and her body displayed before him, he learnt over and pressed his lips lightly to hers.

“I want to feel every inch of ye skin next to mine.” He whispered as he ran a fingers gently down the length of her thigh. “I want to watch it flush as ye find ye pleasure. To have ye muscles clench around my fingers, and feel ye wee hand wrapped tight around my cock.”

“Shit.” She breathed, shivering as her whole body erupted in goosebumps. The room was warm, but she trembled uncontrollably, and she was desperate to feel his arms around her. To anchor her to this time and place before she lost herself completely.

But he moved away, stood at the side of the bed, and slowly reached for the buckle of his belt. She’d seen him naked before, but it was a fleeting glance, and as he dropped his kilt to the floor, she got her first good look at him in all his glory.

There were just no words for how magnificent he really was. He was tall and broad, with golden sun kissed skin, and muscles covering every inch of his body. His stomach was toned and flat, his thighs, like his arms, were powerful and strong, and his cock…God help her…his cock was long, thick and terrifying. As he turned to grab something off the table, she shakily raised her hips and arranged the towel beneath her. She hadn’t planned on being completely naked, she thought she’d keep her knickers on to help them resist temptation. But now she was, she was grateful that she’d thought to bring it, beacuse from the sounds of things, they’d need it.

She shivered again, and reached for him as he climbed onto the bed and stretched himself out beside her. He was so beautiful, so perfect, that she could hardly believe he was hers. Her husband, her lover, her soulmate. But he was, and as he rolled her onto her side to face him, she had to fight to hold back her tears.

“Yer tremblin’, lass.” He crooned, as he pulled her against him, and wrapped her tightly in his embrace.

“I can’t help it.”

“Ye ken, i’v realises somethin’s missing.” He whispered, taking her hand and kissing it, before laying it gently over his heart.

“What?”

“This.” He murmured unfolding his hand and producing a beautiful sliver ring. The thought of a ring had never entered her mind, and she gasped in suprise, and pulled back so she could see it properly.

The sides were cut away, creating the delicate outline of soft Scottish thistles, and the patten rose along the setting to a perfect round amethyst at the centre. It was so gorgeous, so unique, that she’d never seen anything like it.

“Yer my wife, yer should be wearin’ my ring.”

“Jamie, it’s so beautiful.” She whispered, as he took her left hand in his and slid it carefully onto her ring finger. It fit perfectly and the stone glistened in the soft candle light as she reached over and touched his face. “Thank you.”

“Yer welcome.” He smiled softly as he ran his hand gently up her arm, around her shoulder, and down her back, where it found its favourite place on her arse. “Do ye ken how much I love ye?” He whispered as he pulled her closer.

“As much as I love you.”

“Ah, Claire.” He groaned quietly as he tilted her head and captured her lips in a soft gentle kiss. It was so slow, so sweet, and all consuming, that she could feel it’s warmth spread right through her body, to the very centre of her soul.

Her fingers found their way up into his hair and she dissolved completely in his arms, as he wrapped them tightly around her, and pulled her trembling body flush against him. Tiny sparks of electricity shot across her skin as it made contact with his, and she came alive with a quiet hum of desire.

Their kiss deepened, turning hungry and desperate as his hands roamed across her body, lighting her up from the inside, and making her mewl and writh with unrestrained pleasure. Slowly, gently he moved them around her arse, along her waist, and over her ribs, until she arched against him, encouraging him on to her breast.

Her hands tightened in his hair, and as his tongue twisted and danced passionately with hers, his fingers rolled and pinched her nipple. Teasing. Pulling. Stoking. Over and over. Driving her to the brink of madness, before he cupped her breast and massaged it firmly in his rough, strong hands.

“Jamie.” She panted, throwing her head back as his lips moved from hers, across her cheek, to her neck and around to her ear. He bit down on it lightly, and tugged sharply on her nipple, making her convulse in his arms and thrust her hips against his, searching for friction.

They were tempting fate enough being naked together, so as much as she wanted to throw her leg over his and grind herself against his cock, she couldn’t. She was so aroused that she’d sure he’d slip right in.

“Please.” She begged helplessly, as he moved lower, and his mouth and teeth found the nipple that his fingers weren’t torturing. “Shit.”

“Ah, Christ.” He groaned against her skin, as he pushed his weeping cock against her stomach, flexing and rolling his hips, as his fingers traced lower and came to rest against her sex. “I want ye.”

Jesus fucking Christ.

She wanted him too.

More than she’d ever wanted anything in her life. More then air or water or chocolate.

She mewled quietly and parted her legs, making room for his hand, as he slipped a finger down to her opening and gently eased it inside. Her own hands weren’t still, they roamed along his back, around his firm arse and back up, again and again. But as she ground down against his hand, whimpering in pleasure, she moved it lower and wrapped her fingers around his cock.

His breath stuttered in his throat, and he bit down hard against her nipple, making her cry out, as she pumped him firmly. His movements encouraged hers as he thrust his finger in time with his hips, and she moved along the length of him. Twisting her hand at the head, and spreading his pre-come down along his shaft.

The heel of his hand was grinding against her clitoris, driving her closer and closer to the edge as his finger brushed against her g-spot. He didn’t even know it even existed, but Jesus Christ he’d found it, and as he massaged it firmly she could see black spots and stars behind her eyelids.

“I’m gonna come.” She whimpered as her toes curled and she arched towards him, thrusting her breast further into his mouth. Her hand moved faster, pumped him harder, and his deep low groan spread lightening through her core and she exploded into a million pieces in his capable hands.

“Oh, fuck…Jamie.” She cried out, as a tidal wave of pleasure rushed through her body, going on and on and on as she pulsed around his finger.

“Sweet, Jesus!” He hissed, removing his hand, and rolling her quickly onto her back. “God forgive me…I canna…” He begged helplessly as he parted her legs and slid his long, hot body between them. “I need to feel ye.”

His cock was right there, gliding smoothly against her sex as he rolled his hips and surrounded her with the weight of his body. One arm hooked under her shoulder, and the other slipped between them, to wrap around his cock and position it at her entrance.

“Jamie wait…please…please wait.” She begged, stilling his hand and freezing him in place. Her heart was going a mile a minute, and she was still lost in the fog of her own orgasm, but she couldn’t let him do something he might regret.

“Have I hurt ye?” He gasped breathlessly, his beautiful blue eyes swirling with worry and lust as they locked on hers.

“No, no.” She whispered, shaking her head as her hands came up to cup his handsome face. “I want you, so much, but you have to be sure this is what you want. It will break my heart if your regret it.”

His eyes softened and as his hand moved to her arse, he lent down and pressed his lips softly to hers.

“I could never regret lovin’ ye, mo gràdhag.” He whispered as he slowly rolled his hips and eased the tip inside. She tensed at the intrusion, and saw her own pain reflected in his eyes, as he pulled back, and pushed further inside her.

He thrust again and again, going deeper and deeper with each gentle movement, never once breaking eye contact as she surrendered her body to his. As much as she tried to, she couldn’t hide her wince as her hymen tore and her muscles stretched to accommodate him.

“I’m sorry.” He breathed as he pulled her closer, held her tighter. “Just keep still, I promise it’ll be over soon, mo gràdhag.”

Her heart shattered for him and she almost burst into tears. He had such a gentle soul, and she could see in his eyes how much he wanted this, needed it, and hated it just the same. What had he suffered that made him dread a moment that should be filled with nothing but love and pleasure?

Tenderly, she wrapped her arms under his, and gripped on to his shoulders, holding him as tightly as he was her. Yes, he was big, and it hurt, but it wouldn’t last, and there was no way she was letting him think she didn’t want this as much as he did.

Or that she was suddenly scared of him and hated his possession of her body.

“It better not be.” She whispered as she wrapped her legs around his waist, and rolled her hips up against him.

His eyes widened, and his breath caught in his throat, as he gazed down at her in astonishment. She smiled up at him and threaded her fingers in his hair to pull him down for a deep, intoxicating kiss. “Now, make love to me, husband.” She panted as she pulled back and scraped her nails along his scalp.

“Ah, Claire.” He nearly wept as he shifted his weight and thrust in firmly, all the way to the hilt.

Jesus Christ that fucking hurt!

He was so big that pain lanced through her core, and she almost bit though her lip to hold in a cry, as she arched up against him. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m okay.” She promised quietly, as she moved against him and lowered her hands to his arse, encouraging him to move. “Don’t stop.”

She needed him as desperately as he needed her, and despite the pain, she rose up to meet him again and again and again. It was both heaven and hell, as he thrust into her, rolling his hips and losing himself within her.

They never looked away, never closed their eyes. They were simply lost in the moment together, whispering soft words of love, as they shared their bodies and exchanged their souls.

They let the passion take them over. To guide their bodies as their lips met and he moved within her, wrapped in her embrace. He was so big, she could feeling him pushing up against her cervix with every advance, and each time he did, lightening shot through her core, sending her lightheaded and dizzy with bliss.

It hurt, God did it hurt, but she didn’t care. She was right there with him. Raising and falling with his body, touching him, kissing him, losing herself completely as he gripped her arse tightly, and groaned with each careful thrust.

“More, please, Jamie, God please more.” She begged as her nails dug into his flesh and she arched up against him. Through the pain she could feel the tell tale signs of a deep burning pleasure, that promised to send her flying into space, and she chased it, gripping onto it as tight as she did him.

“God, Claire, ye slay me.” He moaned as his thrusts became harder and faster, until his hips were slamming against hers, and he was forcing her small body down into the bed. She cried out with each powerful movement and clung to him, holding his arms, and his eyes as he ploughed into her, fucking her into oblivion.

“Yes…yes! Oh shit, don’t stop…please...I’m gonna...”

“Jesus Lord, I canna…Christ, Claire…I need to…” He groaned as he push up into her, grinding against her clitoris, thrusting against her g-spot, and sending her hurtling over the edge. His body jerked above her, and as her muscles clenched and spasmed around him, he shuddered and came deep inside her with a harsh cry of rough, carnal pleasure.

Chapter 23

#outlander #jamieandclaire #outlanderfanfiction #ceart-leth

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quoteablebooks · 5 years

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Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Synopsis:

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord...1743. Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire—and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

*Opinions*

I did something a little different this time and wrote the review while I was reading since it was such a long novel. That has lead it to be a rather long review.

I have had this book for almost a year at this point, but at almost 900 pages it was rather intimidating, especially with my inability to find time to read recently. However, I finally decided to take the bull by the horns and dive in. I was so pleased to see that most of the chapters are broken up into smaller segments, making it easier to move quickly through the book and not being locked into needing forty-five minutes to get through a chapter. I’m one of those people that really hates stopping in the middle of a chapter without a clear break in the action. There is also a good pace to the novel so that it's not that hard to convince yourself to go one more chapter break or make it to the end of the chapter. That being said, the overall plot of the story moves rather slowly, which would account for the novel's 850 pages. Still, after all the hype, I went in cautiously, not wanting to get my hopes up and be disappointed as I have been in the past.

We started in the “present” of 1945 and even though we aren’t in 1945 long, Frank Randall finds the page time to be rather condescending and annoying. I do believe that is the point, his dismissal of his wife while he hunts down the family connection with Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall, to highlight the difference with Jamie, but it still bothered me. Now, I get it, I have family members who are very into genealogy, but to complete ignore your wife who you barely saw for six years to look at old records is ridiculous. Also, Frank’s view of adoption instantly made me sour toward him, but it’s a viewpoint that a number of people still hold. Not to mention how he reacted to Claire swearing. Now my viewpoint might be colored because I know that Jaime is the main romantic interest due to the television show, but still. Just saying you love someone doesn’t mean much when you’re a giant ass, Frank. To be honest, I don’t know why Claire tried so hard to get back to him. Getting back to indoor plumbing I understood, but not to get back to Frank. That coupled with his ancestor being the primary villain in the novel and I didn’t really give a damn about Frank.

Something that I liked in regards to Jaime, which I hadn’t expected, was that he was younger than Claire. There was something so endearing about Jamie becoming flustered when Claire even suggested they sleep in the same room with absolutely not romantic intentions toward one another. Jaime has a lot of sweetness in him and while he has mysteries, he isn’t overly brooding, which is slightly overdone these days. Still, there are moments when he wants to be Claire's “master” that make him unlikable. Claire tells him no multiple times and they end up having sex anyway. While I am going to address this when it’s with males who aren’t Jaime, it is still nonconsensual sex (also known as rape) even if it’s a man that you are married to. You can argue that it’s the time and that makes it acceptable, seen a marital duty or whatever, but it doesn’t make Jaime likable. However, that doesn’t make me completely hate Jaime, due to his youth and inexperience, it just makes him a complex character. I just wish romance, as a genre, could stop pushing the no actually means a coy yes story line. It’s not sexy on the page or in real life. It’s rape.

As with everything that is set in historical times, rape is spoken about, implied, and threatened on a number of occasions. It even happens to a male character, though I don’t want to spoil who. I understand, it is the truth of that point in time, but I personally feel that more of discussion needs to be had about it if you chose to focus on that part of history on so many occasions. I mean, Gabaldon has time travel in this novel, she could have toned down the amount non-consensual touching, kissing, undressing, groping, almost rape and actual rape in the case of Jaime taking Claire after she told him no on a couple occasions. Every male that runs into Claire either threatens to assault her or does assault her in some way and it’s just tiring. I thought that the novel was done with that particular issue once they had left the castle, but the minute that a male that was described as somewhat attractive and not crippled once again enters the narrative, Claire is forced into a position where she should be sexually assaulted. Then it is threatened again with a male that is mentally unstable. If that is the only way you can build tension in a scene with two members of the opposite sex, maybe take a step back and looking at how you’re crafting the story a little more carefully. This isn’t selling the romantic dream of every man wanting to be with you, it is reinforcing the knowledge that every woman has that we should always be on our guard and are never safe, which isn’t something I read fiction novels to be reminded of to this degree.

One thing that I will give Gabaldon a small bit of credit for was how she dealt with the male rape victim in the novel. I don’t want to spoil who it is or the specifics surrounding the assault, but I believe she gave enough page space and emotional weight, Now this wasn’t just an assault, but torture as well, but the feeling of helplessness and shame that surrounded the character in regards to sex afterwards I believe was well done. However, that leads to another issue I have with this novel, that both homosexual characters are portrayed poorly. One is a villain and it is implied that he raped his younger brother, the other is a caricature and literally only in the novel for a while as a sort of comedic character, who also attempts to rape young boys. You can’t claim historical accuracy in this poor representation. While it might not have been written down, I highly doubt that every non-straight individual in the Scottish Highlands was a pedophile and/or rapist.

Moving on from that, Gabaldon got the sibling dynamic between Jaime and his sister Jenny down pretty well. While we may live in a more civilized time, this is basically how arguments between me and my older brother go down, sans the whole kilt incident obviously. While it was frustrating that Jaime didn’t give her a chance to explain herself, especially when he already knew about Randall’s issue from Claire explaining her experience, it is a pretty accurate representation of sibling stubbornness. Jaime had years to form a picture in his mind of what had happened and it’s hard to listen to reason, from anyone, when that happens. Jaime’s interactions with his namesake nephew were also painfully adorable and it was a nice respite from the constant danger that they faced while at the castle. I really enjoyed this whole section of the novel, though the weird sexual display when describing what it’s like to be pregnant seemed a bit odd to me. Still, it was easy to understand the mood of the room and it was a rather wonderfully written section.

Now to address the criticism that Claire is a Mary Sue that I had seen on a number of occasions. The knowledge that she had of medicine from her time as a nurse during the war makes perfect sense for the time period that she was living. The interest in herbs would also make sense if she had learned so much medical knowledge, hell I am interested in herbs and I have zero medical knowledge. While, I will admit, the whole traveling around with her uncle on archeological digs was a bit much, it’s no different than Indiana Jones and no one has a problem with him. While I don’t think that addition was necessary, most people adapt to roughing it when there is no other choice, it wasn’t something that pulled me out of the story. Honestly, I think what saves Claire from being insufferable is that she makes stupid decisions and is not a perfect person. I’m alright with a very knowledgeable main character as long as she also has flaws, which Claire has many. She is a very alive character and I appreciate that about her, even if I don’t like her all the time.

It was a brave move on Gabaldon’s part, is that she lets the story take a very leisurely pace. There are whole sections that don’t move forward the plot, but they do give us the personality of the Scots that Claire is traveling with or meeting during her trip into the past. It is probably why the novel is almost 900 pages, however I appreciate learning to care about and getting complex characters to fall in love with or loath. While I do think that some areas could have been tightened up a bit, you are pulled with Claire into the Highlands and it is rare that you find yourself thinking that Gabaldon should just speed it up already. While it does seem as if the plot becomes a little repetitive, Claire finds herself in danger, is saved, becomes comfortable in her surrounds, and then the cycle is repeated, I never forced myself to pick up the book and dive back in. The only section that I found completely unnecessary was the entire battle with the wolf near the end of the book. The injuries from that encounter really have no bearing, nor does the actual killing as Claire is forced to kill humans a little later on. It was too long and I found myself really not all that interested. A couple paragraphs could have neatly wrapped up that section and moved the plot forward, but it was the only time I felt that way. It really is well situated to a television format, and it’s easy to see how sections could be broken up into episodes. I might search out the show now that I’m finished with the novel. Overall, I enjoyed my adventure in the Highlands and will continue with the rest of the series, but I don’t see this becoming my favorite series. There are just too many problems with it that I find hard to overlook or ignore.

#review #Outlander #the outlander series #Diana Gabaldon #3 out of 5 stars

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killian-whump · 6 years

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Whump Profile

I got tagged by the wonderful @the-wandering-whumper to do this little Whump Profile thing! Thanks, Marie! <3

Name: Shari

How old were you when you first realized you liked guys getting hurt?: Oh, gosh. Honestly, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know I liked it.

What was that very first scene you remember gave you those glorious butterfly feelings?: I can’t remember a specific scene, but I remember whenever I’d be home sick from school (which was often), there were always re-runs of the old 60′s Batman series on TV and I would sit there, glued to the screen, enraptured by the bondage and the peril. I was too young to understand it as anything unusual or remotely sexual, but I knew it was thrilling and that I absolutely loved it and wanted to see more.

When and how was it that you realized “Hey, I’m not so messed up in the head!” and that there’s a definition and community for this sort of thing?: For me, it was LONG before the Whump community we have now. When I was in high school, the Internet was still in its infancy. Everything was just text at first, lots of forums and chat-rooms and websites were all text-based. But I used Yahoo (this was a few years before Google even existed) to search for the things I was interested in... and I found the world of BDSM and started making friends with ladies just like myself and started identifying as a Domme. It was amazing. A bit later, I discovered MulderTorture Anonymous and became hooked on the kinder, gentler world of fandom hurt/comfort and bondage/peril in mainstream media. As an asexual (though this was before that term was ever really used), it was FAR more my speed than the sex-driven kink world. Though, to be honest, I never really felt truly at home in either community until the introduction of Whump with the Stargate fandom. It was so liberating to see women enjoying vulnerable men in peril and pain, but not necessarily in a BDSM context, and with the HURT being given as much importance as the comfort that (hopefully) followed. Use of the term and appreciation of that kind of content seemed to lull after that show ended, though. You’d still see the word here and there, and still see people appreciating that kind of thing, but not with enough regularity to really ever form a community. And then Tumblr started getting a few Whump blogs, and a few more, and I decided to start one myself, and then it all just... EXPLODED. And it’s amazing. I love it. When I started my blog, I literally followed every single active whump blog I could find. Now, only two years later, there are so many of us that doing so would be impossible.

What’s your favorite whump trope?: Captivity. I love men being kept in chains, cells, cages, ropes, manacles, medical restraints, you name it. Kidnappings, abductions, home invasions... I just love when a bad guy just takes control entirely and forces the whumpee to do anything and everything they’re ordered and/or forced to do. And I love sexual whump. Man-on-man rape is a big favorite of mine, as I feel like it’s just the coup de grace of men abusing other men. It’s sexual, it’s painful, it’s violent, it’s traumatic... it’s just a smorgasbord of awesomeness and leaves the victim with deep emotional scars that no other form of physical violence can quite compare to.

What’s a whump trope that you hate?: Death. I’m a HUGE fan of predicament bondage and the “slow dipping mechanism” trope that Austin Powers skewered so brilliantly. Unfortunately, the most depraved and creative predicament bondage scenarios show up in horror films like the Saw franchise, where they always end in gory and horrific death scenes. I also dislike graphic gore. I want the focus on the VICTIM and their physical and emotional plight, not unnecessary close-ups of skin splitting apart and blood oozing out. Oh, and stuff that just makes you recoil, like eyeballs and fingernails.

What’s your favorite whumped character?: At the moment, Killian Jones. Although for the first time ever, I’m actually into the actor BEHIND the character, so I’d basically go for any character Colin plays getting whumped :D

What’s that whumped scene(s) that you’ve watched over and over again. (We know you do it and we understand): Oh, man. I love the whump scenes in Once, of course. And in all of Colin’s work. I also like some of the whump scenes in Supernatural. I don’t know them well enough to list episode numbers, but there’s one where Castiel is in a white shirt with his hands chained over his head, getting tortured... Mmm. Love that one. There’s also one where Dean’s strapped to a table, I think it’s the one with the non-Supernatural crazy family. There’s that Terra del Ray (I think? I have it saved somewhere, haha) telenovela where Arturo (I think?) is being held in a shed by a woman who used to be (and still is, I think?) in love with him. He’s tied up and chained and beaten and... Oh, boy. It’s hot. I like when Danny Messer got abducted in that van in CSI: NY. I like when Nick got buried alive in CSI. OH! Those great scenes in The Legend of the Seeker with the dominatrix tribe, whatever they were called. That stuff’s great. I have a weakness for random soap opera bondage, haha. I love the stuff from 90210 (the new one) with Matt Lanter handcuffed and tape gagged. Of course, Jamie’s torture and rape in Outlander. I like when the hot guy in H5-0 is held captive and tortured. I think it’s happened a few times, but there’s one in particular I really like, because he seemed especially broken. Oh, the crucifix scene in Emerald City. I LOVE crucifixion, but it’s so seldom done outside of religious works. OH!!! And the best movies ever: Buried, Catch Hell, and Brake. Kit Harington’s whipping in Pompeii is nice. That never gets old. Umm... I can’t think of anything else off the top of my head, but there’s a lot of great stuff out there. Oh, and Brandon Flowers’ Crossfire music video. That’s EPIC.

Bullet or stab wounds?: Stab wounds. You have to get up close and personal to stab someone, as opposed to shooting them, which you can do from across a room. Also, there’s usually multiple stabbings involved, which introduces an element of psychological torture to it. The victim knows each stab is coming, but can’t prevent them.

Fevers or Hypothermia?: FEVER. I mean, don’t get me wrong, hypothermia can be great, too, but fevers are just way better. Especially when they need an ice bath to bring the fever down ASAP and the whumpee cries and is too delirious to understand why their friends/family are doing this to them.

Emotional or physical?: BOTH. What good is one without the other?!?!

Injured and asks for help or tries to cover it up?: Either one. They both have their charms!

Lastly, does anyone know about this addiction of yours?: Oh, almost everyone, hahaha. I was very loud and proud about my kink identity as a Domme, so liking men in pain is kinda part of the territory ;) I think my Dad is the only one I’ve never overtly told or talked to about it at some point... and while I’m sure he knows just as well as everybody else, I like to think he doesn’t. Just... let me live in denial on that one, mmkay? XD

Pass this on!

Okay! I tag @justsomewhump and ALL of the Hook whump ladies - Julie, Leanne, Hollye, and all the rest of you - I’m looking at ALL of you ;)

#whump #about me #personal

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letsdothistom · 6 years

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Air Guitar and 85 MPH!

I was going to spend my second “blog” discussing pretentiousness in Santa Fe or New Mexican food and green chile in general. But since I came up with something a little more fun, I guess I’ll save the talk about ordering water in a bowl and drinking it with a spoon for a different time. On my drive back to Oklahoma I thought of a topic that always shows its face when I’m on a road trip. I often forget about it until the next time I’m in the car or just don’t put much thought into it once I’ve opened the car doors and let the dog out to deal with his pent up energy as I unload the car. Not to mention the obligatory hour I have to spend re-aquainting myself to the cat, who is certain that I have disappeared forever this time.

The topic that came to me is road trip songs.

I love road trips. You may think I’m crazy but settling into the driver seat, snacks on the passenger seat, the basset hound panting in my face, his front feet on the console, anticipating our newest adventure, is the best. Within a pretty short time, he tends to realize that this is just another day-long roady and roughs up his blanket in the backseat and settles in for the ride. Giving me weird basset hound glances in the mirror. Not sure if it’s the music or he just wants some pork rinds.

Now these road trips of mine usually arent extravagant or exotic. Unless you consider driving state highways through Kansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming or any other of the fly-over states I tend to travel as being exotic. (Personally I’d choose these drives over just about any other you could propose to me). The great thing about these road trips, aside from seeing so many wonderful historically relevant places (as well as plenty of non-relevant places), and feeling a oneness with wide open spaces, is the time you get to yourself to hone your listening skills.

Those of you that know me, know that I have many preferences when it comes to music. As Cheech says in Up In Smoke, “we play everything from El Chicano to Santana”. I love it all. Some more than others, but I probably have a song or two from every type of playlist or genre that you can think of. Add to that the fact that if there is a specific location I’m aiming my car to (often there is not), I will jam songs from or about that location. For instance, while driving the empty roads of New Mexico it will be Ennio Morricone and The Good, The Bad and the Ugly soundtrack. Wyoming is of course Chris LeDoux country. On my way to Kansas City to eat BBQ, it’s Joe Williams singing “Kansas City” or Charlie Parker and K.C. Blues. Memphis is Sister Rosetta Tharpe (you can keep Elvis, I am not a fan. Yeah, I said it). West Texas? Marty Robbins Gunfighter Ballads, of course! Down south, it’s Big Maybelle, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Muddy Waters. You get the idea. It may seem strange but there is something that touches my soul in listening to those songs that are native to an area. Whether or not I actually do learn anything, it feels as though I have.

With that weird little eccentricity out of the way, let me add that of course there are some staples of any road trip, for me at least. These are songs, albums and artists that I listen to, to fill in all the empty spaces of those relatively uneventful miles, musically or otherwise. Maybe it’s Def Leppard or ACDC or Beyonce or Ariana Grande for you. For me these are easy. I can not even begin to guess how many miles have been eaten up by Merle Haggard, or The Count Basie Orchestra. I am not scared of extreme opposites. Hundreds upon thousands upon tens of thousands of miles have been chewed up by these two musical groups, and yes, I’m aware that I am probably the only person living who can claim that.

The millennials reading this will have no idea about this next category. There use to be these things called albums. Albums were a group of songs, recorded (usually around the same time), and released as a unit to the masses. These units were sold as vinyl records, cassette tapes, 8-tracks, or CDs. Those of us a little older can attest that 90 percent of these albums had 2-4 songs that we liked and a bunch of other average or barely tolerable songs that you listened to whether you liked them or not (if you didn’t have control of the radio in the car). Sometimes, you even grew to enjoy a few of those songs. On rare occasions though, you found an entire album, yes the whole thing! that you enjoyed. For all of us oldies, these albums are near and dear to our hearts. They vary from person to person, but these are a few I can put on and just let them play, enjoying almost every song: Van Halen-1984, Blood Sweat and Tears-Greatest hits, Nirvana-Nevermind, George Strait-Strait From The Heart, Muddy “Mississippi” Waters-Live, Art Blakey-Moanin’, U2-Joshua Tree, Miles Davis-Kind of Blue, Steve Miller Band-Greatest Hits 74-78, IceT-Greatest Hits to name a few of my favorites.

All of these categories are important to a good road trip. You must have a combination of all of them. Yeah, I know, all of you XM/Sirius users are claiming that you don’t need any of them. You got genres on every channel, and all you ever need with all those fancy channels. To those of you in that camp, I say “HOGWASH!” Why Hogwash? Well no matter how specific these channels are, or how much you enjoy the carefree toggling between your favorite genres, no road trip is complete without those irreplaceable, epic, nostalgic songs that nearly blow out your speakers and get your ears ringing whenever you choose to rock them. And how the hell are you supposed to play these favorites 2, 3, 10 times in a row with your XM radio?! You can’t. So without further palaver, I’m gonna lay my favorites out and would love to hear some of yours.

Rich’s top 20 Road Trip Jams (if you have any sense, you will build this playlist!-yeah I know it’s not gonna float everyone’s boat but if nothing else, listen to it, you might find some music that you don’t normally dig.) And for the record, none of these songs ever get bumped off the list, new ones just get added to it occasionally. As weird as it may be, here is my list:

Honorable Mentions. These songs get me thinking about all the great road trip songs and my musical wheels start turning. It’s on when I hear any of these songs.

Runnin on Empty-Jackson Browne, Hello Walls-Faron Young, Blues in Hoss Flat-Count Basie, Night In Tunisia-Ella Fitzgerald, Gimme All Your Love-Alabama Shakes, Miles and Miles of Texas-Asleep at the Wheel, China Grove-Doobie Brothers, Come Down-Anderson Paak, Crosstown Traffic-Jimi Hendrix, El Paso-Marty Robbins, Ida Red-Bob Wills and Sunshine of Your Love-Cream. Those get me started but here is when it gets real.

20-16 These are like the kindling for me. Getting the fire lit, and starting my descent into the next hour of driving, without really remembering the road I’ve just driven or the scenes outside the window.

20) Suavecito-Malo Ok, Ok, it wouldn’t seem like a fire starter, but...

19) Magic Man-Heart This one should get your blood flowing

18) Keep on Rockin’ Me-Steve Miller The best roady to choose from SMB

17) Watermelon Man-Herbie Hancock You might not have soul if you don’t love this

16) When My Train Pulls In- Gary Clark JR Great Long Jam. incredible guitar riffs

11-15 These are a small step up, adding logs to my fire

15) Me and Mrs. Jones-Billy Paul So there’s always a song that you love to sing while you are alone in your car, and you think you sing it just as well as the artist

14) Stairway to Heaven-Led Zeppelin Ok so of course I have it, but this is a really, really great song no matter how many times it is played.

13) Ev’ryday I have the Blues-Count Basie and Joe Williams The definition of a foot stomper.

12) Luckenbach, TX-Waylon and Willie One of the best country songs translates to a great road song.

11) The Story- Brandi Carlisle Not a song liable to be on many lists, road trip or not. My sister introduced me to this years and years ago and it barely misses the top 10

6-10 Ok, we are really cookin with gas now. These are legendary roadies in my book. The dog gives me a look, here we go again.

10) Rooster-Alice In Chains Gets my grunge on. I love everything about this song. Probably one of the biggest contributors to hearing loss in my right ear.

9) Six Days on the Road-Dave Duncan All those over-the-road truckers can’t be wrong, this is the best of all truckin’ songs.

8) Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down-Merle Haggard My favorite country singer and a whole lot of my favorite country music instrument, the steel guitar. Damn I love this song

7) Ticket To Ride-Beatles There are tons of Beatles songs to choose from and this isn’t my favorite, but it is my favorite on the road

6) 867-5309-Tommy Tutone This is my favorite 80s song. And when I hear that guitar riff at the beginning...Jenny, Jenny who can I turn to?

2-5 These are huge, the fire is roaring and I have no concerns as to what is going on at this point. I’ll be singing, playing drums, air guitar. The dog has now tried to cover his ears due to the volume.

5) Jamie’s Cryin-Van Halen Im not sure why, because there are tons of Van Halen songs to choose from, but for whatever reason, this one is my favorite while on the road

4) North To Alaska-Johnny Horton Ok, another one you may not expect at all but damn this is a fun song. I physically can’t help whaling “big nuggets they’re finding” every time!

3) Pink Houses-John Cougar Mellencamp Im not a globalist. ‘Murica!!

2) Sweet Child of Mine-Guns and Roses This should be on everyones list. Road songs or any other. Simply one of the best songs ever.

Number 1!!!

So all the previous songs are great. I love them all, and many, many more. This is an elaborate list for me. If you know me, you know I love lists, and don’t make them without deep thought. But Ironically, the battle for the top spot isn’t even close. I LOVE Sweet Child of Mine, and Pink Houses. I might play them 2 or 3 times in a row, but the battle for number one isn’t much of a battle. Not because these others arent great but because number one is so unbelievably spectacular in the car. I can’t help singing to it, playing air guitar, drum solo in my car, volume literally turned up 3 or 4 times during the song, ears ringing and can’t even hear myself singing, and just when you don’t think it could be any better, it gets better!!! There are times I may play this song 5, 6 times in a row if things are cookin. I can barely keep the needle under 85 mph! The number one song for the road is:

1) More Than A Feeling- Boston I really built it up, and with good reason. Rock ballad, guitar anthem, unbelievable vocals, harmony soft, loud, louder, high, higher, drums...what else can I say? This is simply the best road trip song ever!!

Ok, that’s it. Maybe it was anti-climatic for you, but I got jazzed just listing the songs. I may go take a drive just to hear the playlist! I’d love to hear everyone else’s playlist that they take on every trip. Maybe I’m missing some good road trip songs!

I hope the dog never figures out how to jump out of the car while it’s moving.

#roadtrip music playlist

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