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anitabyars · 8 months

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New Release from Sawyer Bennett

Boone (Pittsburgh Titans, Book #11)

Sawyer has FIVE signed paperbacks of Boone up for grabs on her website!

If you'd like your chance at a copy, visit: https://sawyerbennett.com/giveaways/boone/

(ends 1/23/2024)

Synopsis

Boone Rivers uses his fame and fortune as a professional hockey player to his advantage, but not in the way most people would think. Volunteering as often as his busy schedule will allow, Boone meets one brave young boy who turns his world upside down.

As a first-line right winger for the Pittsburgh Titans, I thrive on the thrill of the game. I live for the smell of the ice, the cheer of the crowd and the way my heart pounds whenever I step into the arena. But once I’m out of my skates, my focus is on giving back to the city of Pittsburgh.

It’s funny how life puts people in your path. I meet Aiden while visiting the children’s hospital and I’m struck by the strength and resilience of this 12-year-old kid fighting for his life. As my visits continue, we bond over video games and hockey until one day Aiden’s older sister walks into his room and I realize there might be a bigger purpose here.

Lilly Hoffman has the weight of the world resting on her slight shoulders. Aiden’s illness isn’t getting better, she’s at risk of losing her job and their father is looking for the answers to his prayers at the bottom of a liquor bottle. I find myself wanting to lessen Lilly’s burden and what starts as a simple act of friendship turns into so much more. As we grow closer, I can’t help but fall for this fiercely protective and independent woman with a tender heart and bruised but not yet broken spirit.

As we face a future of never-ending uncertainty, I vow to be Lilly’s source of strength and comfort. Lilly and Aiden have reaffirmed to me the importance of giving and receiving love unconditionally, even in the darkest of times. And no matter what happens next, no one can take that from us.

Boone contains subject matter that may be sensitive to some readers. If you would like additional details, please visit https://bit.ly/TW_Boone

Grab your copy of Boone directly from Sawyer by shopping the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore!

➜ E-Book and Audio (audio narrated by Jeremy York and Stella Hunter): https://bit.ly/STORE_Boone

➜ Signed paperback (available to US mailing addresses): https://bit.ly/Boone_PB

You can also get Boone at the following retailers:

➜ Amazon: https://bit.ly/42oOdP8

➜ Nook: https://bit.ly/3PSM1vX

➜ Apple: https://apple.co/42piMnC

➜ Google: https://bit.ly/43GQeHl

➜ Kobo: https://bit.ly/3MQJkZe

Not sure if you're ready to commit to Boone? Sawyer's got you covered!

➜ READ the first three chapters: https://bit.ly/Boone_Chapters

➜ HEAR the first chapter: https://bit.ly/Boone_Audio

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer:

✦ Facebook: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_FB

✦ Reader group: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_NEP

✦ TikTok: https://bit.ly/Sawyer_TOK

✦ Instagram: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_IG

✦ Website: www.sawyerbennett.com

✦ BookBub: https://bit.ly/Sawyer_BB

✦ Goodreads: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_GR

✦ Newsletter: http://sawyerbennett.com/signup

My Review

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a phenomenal story that was emotional, wholesome, and full of integrity, friendship, and unconditional love that is reaffirmingly important to have and give in all of our lives. Although this may contain subject matter that might be sensitive to some, I feel that it is done in a way that is real, raw and uplifting. Cathartic! And although it made me cry…it was incredibly comforting to see all the love that was shown in this story. It brought all the feels! A truly inspiring story!

This is Boone Rivers and Lilly Hoffman’s story. A story that is about how different people come into your life for a purpose and what we can learn from them. How we can help build a better place for ourselves and others as we travel through our journey of life and learn to love unconditionally even in the darkest of times, and the best of times! Love wins in the game of life!

#newrelease #sawyerbennett #boone #emotional #hockeyromance

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savantegard · 2 years

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Selective Evil: Part I (Headless Horseman remix)

October had arrived, identifiable purely from its smell. Sharp, crisp. Dead and dying leaves. The bite of apples bitten. The smell of darkness at nightfall, somehow different from any other season.

Walking home, tapping lightly, Corey felt their way along the familiar bumps and divots in the winding road, acclimated by now to its eccentricities.

The voice of the wind sounded different tonight. Bitter. Bloodthirsty.

Corey shivered.

They smelled the kids from school before they heard them, that cruel autumn breeze carrying grave warnings. Trendy, overly developed colognes, bragging, an utter lack of panache. Corey had never understood people their own age, wistfully existing in alternate worlds created solely from fiction and imaginings.

They sighed, knowing already what would come next, able to predict the future.

“Hey, pretty boy.”

There it was. Perpetually. Dawson, the worst of all the bullies.

“I’m going home,” Corey answered flatly.

“Nope.” Jeremy, the second worst.

Stephen laughed.

Corey felt hands on their shoulders, seizing tightly, still making them jump after all this time. They struggled, knowing it was pointless.

“Will you please just-“

A slap against their cheek, hard.

The shame when they gasped.

A chorus of laughter.

The wind brushed its cold claws against their cheek but the sting was oddly soothing. A different smell borne on the backs of its wings. Something…dark.

The sound of horse hooves pounding the earth, drawing near.

Silence.

A grave sense of fate.

Corey tried to envision the source, able to call upon books and legends, not really believing.

They were suddenly, violently released.

Dancing hooves. Slashes and groans. Strange smells, human body smells they’d never imagined, even in the dankest locker room.

Another silence.

Then the authoritative sound of boots striking the ground, landing.

“May I offer assistance?”

The voice, equally dark as its owner’s scent. But somehow, not unpleasant.

Corey nodded.

Felt massive arms on their shoulders, polite but heavy, lifting them effortlessly to their feet. The walking stick was placed gently in their hand.

“Shall I…walk you home?”

“That’s really not necessary,” Corey answered, trying to keep their voice steady.

A pause.

“May I?”

After a heartbeat, Corey nodded.

“Is that…blood I smell?”

Another pause.

“Your comrades will not bother you again, I don’t think,” answered the voice of darkness.

Corey didn’t shiver. They felt the shadow fall into step beside them as they tapped comfortably along, homeward. The breeze lost its bitterness, smelling of sunshine and dry leaves.

“I’m Corey.”

The voice hesitated, making Corey think he wasn’t going to answer.

At last: “I am Ferrum. My horse is Warwick.”

“Unusual names,” said Corey appreciatively. “Thanks for being my knight in shining armor,” they added gratefully, for once not minding vulnerability. Ferrum felt…safe.

They reached Corey’s doorstep.

“Would you like to come in?”

“I think not,” answered Ferrum.

Corey’s face fell.

“Another time, perhaps,” Ferrum added quickly, then suddenly reached for Corey’s hand and pressed it to his lips.

Astonished, Corey froze, unable to even say goodbye. They heard the sound of creaking leather, a vicious cry from Warwick, and then hooves pounding the earth, drawing farther and farther away.

The air felt somehow colder, the expressive wind mournful. Sadly, Corey turned, reaching for the door handle, unable to explain the sudden sense of loss writhing in their chest.

#headless horseman #original fiction #spooky season #senseless

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puckngrind · 4 years

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What’s In a Name: 12 - J. Toews

Chapter 12.

Where we left off: Bekah settles into life in Chicago as Jon starts off the season which proves to be a rocky one including the firing of his coach.

Warnings: smut, language

Word Count: 3,532

Series Masterlist ) Puck ‘n Grind’s masterlist

Losing.

Jon was an uptight ball of stress and the added coaching change didn’t help matters. He even tried to convince his own father not to come for the dad’s trip. “Why would he want to see us get our asses handed to us even if it means playing a round of golf?” Jon huffs out as Bekah tries to convince him to settle down.

“Maybe a few days with your dads will help the guys and you?” Bekah braces herself expecting Jon to argue. He just looked at her and took his aggression out on the kitchen cabinet that made Bekah jump.

While the team didn’t win on the road with their fathers the next home game thankfully brought a win for the new coach, Jeremy. Jon’s demeanor didn’t change much even with the two wins at home and prepared to head out for a Thanksgiving road trip. The night before leaving and Bekah was to fly to Columbus, she laid in bed wide awake while Jon kept tossing and turning. “Maybe I should stay in Columbus longer than the road trip?” She whispered to herself.

“Why?” Jon groans and pulls Bekah back into his chest.

“I thought you were asleep.” She snuggles into him.

“Why do you think you should stay in Columbus longer?” Jon’s voice was low and gravely.

“Maybe I’m a distraction. Reason you aren’t focused, just like last season?” Her voice barely above a whisper.

“Rebekah!” Jon almost shouts in the quiet of the night. “Are you fucking serious? You think how the team is playing is because you live here now?” Bekah just nods into his bare chest as he runs his fingers through her hair. “Well it has nothing to do with you. I’m so thankful you are here. You know that right?” Jon kisses the top of her head.

“But Tae...” Bekah starts to counter his point.

“But nothing. Go home like planned. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family but don’t stay because you think it’s better for my career. Okay?”

“Yeah.” There was more in her voice and Jon caught it.

“What’s that mean? Yeah. There was more there.” Jon questions.

“It’s me that’s all.” Bekah shifts in his arms.

“What is it Beks? Talk.” Jon’s voice was laced with concern.

“You still want me? Here and well, in general?” Bekah’s voice breaks with allowing her internal thoughts loose.

“Of course! I love you.” Jon pulls Bekah’s chin up so he can look into her eyes. “I want you here. I want you.” Bekah closes her eyes. “Babe. What is going on?”

“It is stupid. I know this, but we haven’t had sex since before your dad’s trip. I know you have been stressed but I keep thinking maybe you... I don’t know. Maybe you think this is a mistake.” Bekah covers her eyes with her hand and hears Jon’s breathing change.

“No, I’m just a fucking idiot.” Jon moves their bodies so he’s laying on top of Bekah. “Finally telling you I love you and you moving here have been the best things that have happened to me this year and ever really. And clearly my stress of the season not going well and a new coach has taken a toll on our sex life.” He kisses her softly.

“I didn’t tell you that so you would have pity sex with me you know? I was just being honest.” She feels Jon harden between their bodies.

“I know and sex with you is never pity sex. Now not having sex is all I’m gonna think about until I rectify the situation. Just take this as my apology, m’kay?” Jon’s lips slide from her lips to her neck. His fingers slide his shirt off her body. Bekah’s body flinches. “I really am sorry, Baby. I hope you know how beautiful you are. How much I appreciate you? How madly I love with all of you?” He kisses down her body feeling her relax under his touch. “All this is new to me too, you know?” Jon kisses her stomach and looks up to see Bekah’s eyes glued shut. “Someone living with me, especially during the season. It’s new territory. I need to learn to balance hockey and you.” Jon shifts between her legs and Bekah starts to talk but moans in reaction to Jon’s gentle kiss to her core.

“Tae.” Bekah whimpers grabbing hold of the pillow under her head as Jon licks through her folds. “Tae!” Bekah moans out again.

“Let me take care of you.” Jon kisses her clit and starts pressing his tongue into her. She whimpers from the touch.

“Up here. Please.” Bekah almost begs stopping Jon’s actions. He slides his body back up hers kissing her skin with each move. He finally makes his way back up to her face is hovering over her.

“I love you, Beks. You know that, yes?” Jon pulls his face away from hers.

“Yes, I love you too.” Bekah wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him down so their lips crash into each other. Jon pulls away slightly to shift his hips over hers and slides deep inside. Bekah feels the familiar stretch and Jon’s lips desperately attach to her own. His actions slow and intentional. Bekah’s body wrapped tightly around his. Jon whispering affirmations of his love just intensify the orgasm that crashes over her body as he releases his own. Both panting when Jon positions their bodies so he can wrap his arms and legs around her. “I really am sorry, Beks.” He kisses her temple.

“I’m sorry too. We are learning together.” Bekah kisses his chest. “Now let’s get some sleep before we both have to get on planes tomorrow.”

“I wish we could do your Thanksgiving together eventually but I’m glad you are going home.” Jon admits.

“We sorta have, Tae. Remember when you were hurt? That was Thanksgiving weekend.” Bekah remembers her feelings of jumping on the plane to be with him.

“Oh, how could I forget? It’s the trip I realized I was falling hard for you. You coming to take care of me. The way we did couple things that weren’t just sex... yeah. I saw a glimpse of what life with you in it would be like.” Jon’s admission made Bekah’s body break out on goosebumps.

“I fought it hard but that trip was a turning point for me too, Tae.” Bekah yawns.

“Let’s sleep, my love.” Jon runs his fingers down Bekah’s spine.

“Yes. Sleep, mon amour.” Bekah’s voice becomes softer as she falls asleep on Jon’s chest.

Thanksgiving with her family was pretty much the same except the never ending line of questions about Jon and Chicago. Bekah was thankful she chose to stay at Brynn’s instead of her parents by the time evening hit. The two best friends decided way too early in the morning to go out shopping on Friday. Walking around Easton the ladies checked out the sales. Brynn talking all about what she was getting Derek when she looked back to see Bekah had stopped dead in her tracks.

“What does one get her professional athlete boyfriend for Christmas?” Bekah’s question was loud enough to grab the attention of those walking by. Brynn closed the distance and looks up at her friend.

“Maybe not announce your relationship status in a crowd of strangers for starters?” Brynn says in a hushed voice as Bekah’s face floods when she notices the eyeballs on her. “You know Jon. You know he likes sentimental over extravagant.” Brynn links arms with Bekah and the two walk past a lingerie store. “But he definitely needs you to buy something from here!” Brynn pulls the two inside as Bekah drags her feet.

“Tae, why aren’t your parents coming until the 26th?” Bekah looks at their shared calendar on her laptop and up at Jon who was leaning in her office doorway eating an apple.

“David is staying in Winnipeg plus they want to see the game on the 27th. So it’s just the two of us for Christmas.” Jon takes another bite.

“Oh! My parents are driving in on the 22nd and leaving after the game on the 23rd. It took some convincing to get them to stay here, you know and refused to let us fly them. Dad said something about an adventure.” Jon hums in acknowledgment knowing she’s not done. “You and Kaner, hockey boys and their nicknames, have the Children’s hospital thing on the 17th. That’s the same day I have the Lady Hawks thing. We are hosting Christmas party on the 30th before we head to South Bend for media. I’ll just leave the decorations up until we get back.” Bekah closes the computer and rounds her desk.

“Speaking of, I love how the place looks. Reminds me of Christmas at home.” Jon smiles as she shrugs her shoulders at the compliment then eyes the new puck shelf with her collection on it.

“I love my new shelf. I get a new one soon right?” Bekah’s eyes brighten as she wraps her arms around his waist and pulls him into her.

“Yes. You will get a Winter Classic puck and I get to see you on the ice!” Jon smirks and Bekah gulps.

“That’s optional right?” Bekah distracts Jon by biting his apple.

“Not really. I mean I guess you don’t have to skate but it’s one of those things I’ve been looking forward to. The guys with kids will bring them out. Babe, I’m not going to make you but family skate is a memory I want to have with you.” Jon drops his forehead to hers.

“And you won’t let me go?” Bekah whispers.

“You skate right?” Jon questions bringing his open hand to her chin, bringing her eyes to his.

“I can stand on the ice really well.” Bekah admits confidently while Jon kisses her lips holding back his laughter.

“I’ll hold on to you, Baby. Promise.” Jon snickers.

Christmas in Chicago was magical. Bekah’s parents drove in from Ohio and both Jon and Bekah could tell how overwhelmed with the house they were. In bed that night Jon was kissing down Bekah’s shoulder he started laughing. “What’s so funny?” Bekah sends the email she was typing and puts down her phone. Your parents reaction to the house was the same as yours and they are staying where you stayed. It’s just funny thinking about how comfortable you are here now. Jon moves his body on top of hers.

“Jonathan, we are NOT having sex with my parents down the hall.” Bekah whisper yells at him as he kisses her lips.

“You sure?” He bites at her lip. “Can we make out like high school kids at least?” Jon pulls his face away from hers and pushes his bottom lip out to pout.

“Fine, one moan or grunt and we are done.” Bekah whispers as Jon pulls her face to his while tongue quickly slips between her lips. He pulls then flips their bodies around so Bekah is straddling one of his legs. Her hips move along his thigh in reaction to how passionately he’s kissing her. Jon’s hands find her hips helping her move her core along his flexed thigh. Bekah breaks for a breath. “Are you trying to get me to...” she tries to even her breath then whispers “orgasm?” Jon pulls her core along his thigh again.

“What? Not sex.” He leans in to kiss her again and she melts into his lips. Hips moving quickly along his thigh and Jon holds Bekah’s body in place and kissers her hard when he feels her muscles tighten. They break and Bekah bites her lip muffling the moan that wants to escape her lips. Jon’s look of satisfaction his written across his face.

“I cannot believe you!” She playfully hits his chest then sweetly kisses his lips. “So if this is high school do you want a hand job?” She laughs and Jon groans. “Or can you be ridiculously quiet?” Jon wildly nods his head and moves slightly to remove her underwear and Jon follows her. “If my parents hear...” Bekah starts to sag while lowering herself onto his length.

“They won’t, promise.” Jon thrusts up and pulls Bekah to his chest.

The next day was filled with getting to know Jon more over breakfast then exchange of gifts. Jon and Bekah got her parents, Jim and Marie, Blackhawk sweatshirts to wear at the game. Bekah wanted to give them something they would never do for themselves so she bought tickets to a broadway show in Columbus that Bekah’s mom had talked about but knew Jim wouldn’t pay for the seats she wanted. Bekah was thankful Jon thought it was an amazing idea to give them a date night. Bekah and Jon were told to open their gifts together. Each revealing a large wooden heart. When Bekah looked at the center her eyes began to water.

“Mom, Dad... I...” Jon’s hand grabs hers. Bekah’s fingers trace the skyline of Columbus and look over to see Chicago’s iconic skyline on his.

“Jim, Marie, these are amazing. Thank you.” Jon squeezes Bekah’s hand finishing her statement.

“B, they are from that artist you always stop in his booth during festivals. We called and had them custom made.” Jim smiles wide taking in his daughter’s reaction.

“Well, I know exactly where these will go.” Bekah composes herself. “Now let’s head out to do all the tourist things while Jon takes his pregame nap.”

Bekah was hoping the Blackhawks would do well but the opposite happened. Jon even found himself with a penalty. He looked back a minute in to his penalty to see Bekah explaining the game to her parents. Jim and Marie seem to enjoy the game even with the loss. While making their way to Jon, Bekah could feel her mom wanted to say something. “What is it Mom?” Bekah asks once they got to the family area.

“You are at home here. So relaxed.” Marie says matter of factly and smiles at both Bekah and Jim.

“I really am. I’m happy, Mom.” Bekah hugs her mom and then her dad.

“We can tell B. We will see you soon, okay?” Jim picks her up a bit in his hug before Jon greeted them and the couple sends the Pierces on their way home to Columbus.

The next morning Bekah rolled over to find Jon missing. Her hand finds a note on his pillow.

Get ready. Dress warm. No Hawks gear. Coffee is waiting. Always, Tae

“What are we doing? It’s Christmas Eve!” Bekah wraps her arms around Jon who was sitting at their counter bar reading his phone.

“Part of your Christmas present. Ready?” Jon hands her a travel mug and grabs the layers of clothing to add to his t-shirt.

“Am I dressed okay?” Bekah does a little spin and Jon catches her in his arms. He sways a bit like they are dancing then kisses her lips.

“Perfect as long as you have layers but I can always keep you warm. Let’s go!” Jon drove towards Millennium Park.

“Tae, what are we doing?” Bekah looks around as Jon gets out of the car and fishes a bag out of the back seat.

“Being Chicagoans Beks plus we need to break in these!” Jon opens the bag to reveal a pair of his hockey skates and a smaller pair for Bekah.

“We are skating here?!” The mixture of excitement nerves apparent. “But people, you know, know you.” Jon laughs.

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean it stops me from doing things with you. We go to dinner just fine, don’t we?” Jon throws a little sass at Bekah. “Let’s go.” Jon tosses the bag on his back and heads to the ice rink. He gracefully steps onto the ice and turns to help Bekah. She was shocked by how not awkward she felt on the ice which all because of Jon. He slowly skating next to her with his arm snaked around her torso.

“Please don’t let me fall.” Bekah whispered as Jon shifted to in front of her.

“I got you Babe.” Jon smiles. “One more time around.” She holds his gloved hands with a death grip. “Hungry?” He asks and she nods as they skate off. Next stop was Portillo’s for Chicago dogs. Bekah laughed as Jon ate his without a bun and a fork.

“There is only one hotdog I like!” Bekah takes a bite and Jon smirks

“Oh yeah, just one? Really?” His smirk grows to a wide dimply smile. Bekah scoffs when she realized what he was insinuating.

The rest of their day included the flower show at Franklin Park Conservatory, dinner at Lou Malnati’s, and finally driving around to see the city lights with Garrett’s popcorn and hot chocolate.

“Today was fun!” Bekah cuddles into Jon in bed.

“I’m glad. I was hoping so. I know we don’t eat that ever.”

“And I’m okay with that. It was a fun change today. Thank you.” Bekah falls asleep while talking.

“Good Morning!” Jon whispers Christmas morning.

“Good Morning, Tae. We know Santa didn’t come right? We can sleep in.” Bekah eyes the clock on her nightstand.

“I’m going to make breakfast if you want to sleep in.” Jon kisses her forehead.

“I’m coming!” Bekah slips out of bed and throws on her bathrobe over Jon’s shirt. The couple danced to Christmas music while making breakfast.

“Can I give you your gift yet?” Jon sneaks a piece of bacon from the plate. His excitement for Christmas written all over his face.

“Jon, yesterday with the skates is a gift enough! Seriously. We said two gifts.” Bekah kisses his cheek.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” Jon grabs their plates and makes it to the blanket he set up in front of the tree and the fire place.

Jon hands Bekah two boxes and flicks the smaller box at her. Opening slowly she reveals two leather like bracelets. One inside the other. “So the smaller one is for you. It’s already been branded. I’ll let you pick what to put on mine.” Jon takes the bracelet and slips it on her wrist. “That way no matter where we are we have a reminder of the other.” Bekah spins the bracelet over her wrist to see Always, Tae branded on the leather.

“Jon, this is perfect.” She breathes out and leans to kiss his lips. “I think I know what yours will say. Property of Beks.” Bekah laughs hard and Jon joins then motions for the next gift. Bekah opens to reveal a black and white Toews jersey and matching beanie. “Oh I love it, Tae!” Her fingers run across the letters in Toews.

“I know it’s silly but I know you said you liked it.” He runs his hand along the back of his neck as Bekah grabs the two boxes.

“Big box first.” Jon didn’t even wait for her to finish. Inside there were four painted canvas emerge.

“Oh, theses are really awesome.” Jon takes in the different painted canvas with some texture to each.

“Well the one on top is here, that reddish one is Columbus, the greenish one is Winnipeg, orange is Sedona.” Bekah explains and sees Jon’s puzzled face. “The texture is soil from each on. Your mom helped with the Winnipeg one and your training team helped with Sedona. They can be hung separately but also those lines make a heart when put together.” Bekah finishes and looks a Jon’s shocked face.

“Beks. These are... so very cool. How did you think to do it? Where did you get them?”

“I painted them during a road trip.” Jon leans over to kiss her then realizes what she said.

“YOU created these?” Jon’s mouth drops open. “Oh Babe! Best gift. I’m not sure how this one will beat it.” Bekah smirks as he starts to open the smaller box. Jon pulls out the black and red lingerie she picked out with Brynn.

“For later.” Bekah bites her lip taking in Jon’s face.

“Holy fuck, Beks! Can later be now? Can later be NOW?” Bekah giggles.

“Maybe.” Jon nods.

“I mean it is Christmas!” Jon licks his lips.

“Well, Marry Christmas Captain!” Bekah pulls the lingerie set into her hands. “Give me like 10 minutes.”

“Yes, Marry Christmas to me.” Jon’s fingers lace together behind his head and he leans against the chair behind him. Bekah stands to head to the bedroom and eyes something stuck in the tree.

“What’s this?” Bekah’s fingers reach into the tree and pull out the pristinely wrapped small box. Jon shrugs his shoulders. “Jon?”

“What’s the tag say?” Jon’s tongue sticks out from between his teeth.

“To Beks from Santa. Geez, Jon! We said two gifts and you have cheated.” Bekah looks down at the accomplished look on her boyfriend’s face. “Well YOU put four canvases in one... so just open it Beks.” Jon encourages.

Bekah’s fingers begin to open the wrapping to reveal a jeweler’s box. Her gasp catches in her throat as Jon stands. “Jon...” She breathes out and starts to open the box slowly.

#What's in a name fic #WIAN #Jonathan Toews fic #jonathan toews #j toews #tazer me 19 #love a damn blackhawk 🤦🏻‍♀️#happens in the 2018-2019 season

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redcarpetview · 3 years

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GRAMMY® nominated hitmaker, Koryn Hawthorne, releases new EP, The Worship Project!

On April 30, 2021, two-time GRAMMY® nominated inspirational artist, Koryn Hawthorne, released a heart-rending EP, The Worship Project, featuring six worship ballads, including “How Great”and “Know You” (featuring Steffany Gretzinger) from her #1 album I Am. The Worship Project includes performances from the songstress’ Essential Worship Song Session series including “Know You,” “How Great,” a cover of Elevation Worship’s “Graves Into Gardens,” and features a newly-recorded co-artist release between Hawthorne and Matt Maher, on “How Great (Single Mix),” which is being released to radio. Composed of a mixture of studio and intimate live band performances, the EP showcases Hawthorne’s boundless vocal artistry and ability to shift the atmosphere through worship. In addition to the six tracks, a bonus video “How Great (Essential Worship Song Session)” is available for Apple A/V bundle subscribers.

Released in 2020, I Am, marks the second album released by the Billboard Music and NAACP Image Award-winning hitmaker. Instantly dominating the charts, the album debuted at #1 on Nielsen’sCurrent Gospel Album Chart and #2 on Billboard’s Gospel Consumption Chart. Featuring melodic mixes of various genres including gospel, pop, hip-hop and R&B, I Am, features collaborations with the music industry's most talented songwriters and producers including, Maher, Johntá Austin, Makeba Riddick, Troy Taylor, Jeremy "TryBishop" Hicks, Daniel Breland, Jason Ingram, Steffany Gretzinger and Dahryl “DJ” Camper.

Continuing to deliver infectious, chart smashing hits Hawthorne’s lead single “Speak to Me” is currently playing on both Gospel and R&B radio in partnership with Epic Records, and hit #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay Chart, top five on the Gospel Billboard Radio Charts, and top fifteen on the R&B Radio Charts. Hawthorne also recently teamed up with R&B artist Queen Naija to release “Speak to Me (Queen Mix)” in celebration of Women’s History Month. Outside of releasing her new EP, Hawthorne celebrates two 2021 Billboard Music Awards nominations for Top Gospel Album (I AM) and Top Gospel Song (“Speak to Me”), and she is returning to the TV screen starring in the OWN Network unscripted series “Young & Gospel,” which is currently in production.

The Worship Project Track Listing

1. How Great (Single Mix)

2. Graves Into Gardens (Essential Worship Song Session)

3. Know You (Essential Worship Song Session)

4. How Great

5. Know You (featuring Steffany Gretzinger)

6. How Great (Essential Worship Song Session)

Koryn Hawthorne: The Worship Project is available now.

https://KorynHawthorneMusic.lnk.to/TheWorshipEP!W&W

Koryn Hawthorne: I Am is available now.

https://KorynHawthorneMusic.lnk.to/IAM!W&W

To connect with Koryn Hawthorne, please visit:

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willowbird · 4 years

Note

Hi! How are you??? Congrats on 100 sweets!

For the prompt thingy can you write some Andrew and Kevin being best friends and shit (maybe Neil as well... idk) but yeah. please. Thank you<3

Oh! You want Kevin and Andrew going apple-picking and Andrew being his wingman? That’s what you said, right? Right? (also thank you thank you thank you!)

This one got a little bit long again, sorry friends. Rather read it on AO3? None of my formattings transferred over so if you want the full effect of how often I use italics (a lot, it’s a lot, like -- it’s excessive I’m sorry) then you might wanna click the link. Otherwise!! Enjoy :)

-----

The rusticly decorated archway had a worn sign that proclaimed 'Welcome to Sonny Acres Farm!' far too cheerfully. Andrew looked up at it in disdain and then landed his judgemental stare the reason he was here in the first place.

Kevin was too used to the glare to be affected by it. "It has good reviews," he explained, like that was anywhere close to being a valid excuse for dragging him out here. The sun was warm but the breeze was mild, the fresh scent of autumn leaves made just a bit sweeter by the hint of apples. It was ten in the morning, the world was quiet but alive, and Andrew was disgusted by how fucking beautiful it was.

"Right." Andrew didn't know why Kevin had wanted to come to this place so badly, but he was sure it had nothing to do with the reviews. First of all, why the fuck was he looking at reviews anyway? Why the fuck would anyone want to go apple picking of all things? When Andrew had asked these perfectly reasonable questions, Kevin had been annoyingly evasive.

'Are you coming or aren't you?' he'd snapped instead of giving a straight answer, already getting flustered. As if it weren't already glaringly obvious that he was hiding something. Which of course meant that Andrew had agreed to go, if only to see what the fuck this was really all about.

"So are we just going to stand here, or…?" Andrew raised a single eyebrow at his distressingly tall best friend, mostly because he knew how much it irritated him.

Since it looked like Kevin was still preparing himself for something, and Andrew was getting impatient, he only gave him a moment to respond before shrugging and striding forward. He passed under the sign and followed the path to the building closest to the parking lot they'd just come from, not bothering to look back and see if the Abominable Anxiety was following or not. The building revealed itself to be a shop, selling everything from Sonny Acres merch like t-shirts and tote bags to baskets of apples and just about every apple-themed product you could imagine. Apple sauce, apple butter, apple candy, apple pies. Apple soap, apple shampoo, apple lotion. Apple plates, apple dresses, apple earrings, apple apples.

(No, literally, there was a statue thing that was a large apple… made out of smaller apples.)

Also, four shelves of different kinds of apple candles. Andrew wasn't sure whether to be disturbed or impressed.

The bell on the door chimed behind him before he could make up his mind and he looked behind him to see Kevin entering. Andrew looked him dead in the eye and made a slow, simple gesture at the shop, keeping his expression deadpan.

Unaffected, because he was a bastard, Kevin dared to just roll his eyes and walked past Andrew without comment. He walked through the shop to the check-out counter at the back, looking around like some kind of lighthouse-wannabe giraffe man until he came to stand before it. He stood there awkwardly for a moment before knocking on the surface and clearing his throat.

"Uh… hello?"

Andrew continued to look around the shop, discovering a new apple-themed bit of nonsense with each scan of his eyes. His brain was beginning to hurt. He didn't look over at the desk through the shuffle of the clerk or whoever coming out at Kevin's call and didn't really register their greeting in return. He did snap his attention in that direction at Kevin's response though, which was a stammering, awkward, "Oh, hey… yeah. Hi. Apples."

Andrew watched with instant understanding as the veritable catastrophe played out before him. It was a fucking train wreck and Andrew had never been more glad to be at a place called Sonny Acres in his entire fucking life. Kevin hadn't stopped talking. It was like he couldn't, and it just kept getting so much worse which meant it kept getting so much better. Andrew thought about coming to his rescue, he really did.

"I mean, there are apples here. Of course there are apples. I mean, apples to pick. I came to pick your apples - oh God not YOUR apples! The apples that you grow at the farm. On the farm. On the farm. I promise I understand English grammar."

Oh Kevin. So that's why he's been unable to get a straight answer out of him earlier. There was absolutely nothing straight about this little trip to the apple orchard at all.

The not-straight answer in question was several inches shorter than Kevin but still too tall to be trusted. Additionally, he was wearing a sunny, affectionate smile like he did so often, the expression easy and comfortable on his face. There were even dimples in his light brown cheeks. Ridiculous. His hair was curly and bleached to a springy caramel except for the roots, and was held back with a headband that, yup, had apples on it. Objectively, Andrew could see why Kevin was being an absolute disaster over the man. Personally, he liked someone a little less sunshine and a little more lightning bolt. Or he would, if he did relationships, which he didn't. He didn't even think about them, and certainly not regarding the unfairly hot neighbor that lived across the hall from him and Kevin.

Andrew moved forward, jamming his focus back on the two morons in front of him rather than Idiot Who Shall Not Be Named.

Sonny Acres Sunshine laughed at Kevin's antics like he was being charming, his eyes dancing. Yeah, dancing. Sweet fuck. "You're a riot Kev."

"Yeah, Kev is hysterical," Andrew agreed breezily as he stepped up beside him, looking the other man up and down. "Aren't you Kev? A regular John Mulaney this guy. Hysterical." He slapped Kevin on the back harder than necessary and ignored the glare he got in return. The dumbass could thank him later.

Sonny Sunshine grinned at him. "You must be his roommate. Andrew, right? I'm Jeremy! He's talked a lot about you. I'm glad you guys came."

"Funny," Andrew deadpanned, studying his own fingernails, "he never mentioned you. Wonder why that is."

"So! Apples," Kevin cut in, apparently feeling pushy today. "Ah, we've never been apple picking or anything. Is there a way we should go about this?"

The process seemed fairly obvious to Andrew, but he let it go.

Jeremy grinned at Kevin, bright and enthusiastic. "I can walk you through it, no problem. You'd be surprised how many people have never been apple picking before."

Somehow Andrew doubted this, but - charitable soul that he was - he let that one go too.

"Really? Fall is supposed to be the time for it though, right?" Kevin attempting to chit-chat was one of the single most pathetic sights Andrew had ever had to witness. It took all his self control not to grimace.

Jeremy didn't seem to notice though. He just kept smiling, watching Kevin talk like -- oh.

Well then, Andrew's role here had just changed. Andrew could practically see the blue, purple, and pink hearts dancing around his roommates head. Idiot. Ah well, if they were going to do this, they may as well do this.

Andrew sighed heavily. "Maybe you could just come with us? Kevin owes me a home-made apple pie and I will not suffer subpar apples."

The look of annoyance Kevin shot him morphed quickly to gratitude the second he realized what Andrew was doing.

Jeremy was oblivious.

"Sure thing! It'd be my pleasure." Andrew didn't miss the way Jeremy looked directly at Kevin as he said that, because clearly neither of these idiots understood subtly. That was fine. It made his job easier. More amusing, too.

Jeremy asked them to give him a moment to recruit something called an 'Alvarez' to watch the shop for him then left them alone, disappearing into the back room.

As soon as he was gone, Andrew dropped a heavily judgemental stare on Kevin. This one had significantly more effect and Andrew was pretty enough to feel smug about that. He let the silence stretch until Kevin visibly strained with how hard he was trying not to squirm. Then and only then did he sigh and release him, granting a benevolent shrug as he strolled lazily around shop, trailing his fingers over the apple merchandise.

"So," he said, "Jeremy."

"What about him?" God, it was like he wasn't even trying. Andrew gave him a look and Kevin sighed. His shoulders sagged as he accepted defeat and Andrew basked in sweet victory.

"He's just perfect, alright? He's smart, and athletic, and adorable, and perfect, and sweet, and hilarious, and when he suggested I come see the orchard…" Kevin drifted off, like no other explanation was needed. For once, he was right.

"For the record, I fully expect an apple pie out of this." Andrew picked up an apple-shaped snow globe with an apple tree inside it that had miniature apples floating about in place of snow. He shook it and watched the apples spin and cloud around in a murder-red blur for a moment before he looked up at Kevin. "Also, you are buying the ice cream."

Kevin sighed but didn't argue. "What am I supposed to do? I've been out of the dating sphere for a while."

"Kevin you were never in the dating sphere." Kevin's 'dating' experience included mostly a lot of pining and one actual relationship with a girl who had gotten pissed at him for being abused by his shit family. Yeah. Andrew didn't tell Kevin what to do, but he could lay ground rules that the bitch wasn't permitted at their apartment. He also corrected Kevin every time he said her name by muttering 'Traitorous Bitch' until Kevin finally saw reason and broke up with her.

"You aren't being helpful." My, someone was whiny today.

Andrew set down the snow globe. "Want my advice?"

"Yes!"

"Offer to suck his cock."

"Andrew!" Kevin looked so scandalized one would think a nineteenth-century rake had just asked him to bare his ankles.

Andrew rolled his eyes. "Just be up-front with him, Kev. You like him, tell him. Be honest about what you want, ask him what he wants. Talk about it. Take it from there."

"What if I embarrass myself?!"

"Then you embarrass yourself." Andrew shrugged and scooped up an apple-shaped hackysack. He tossed it into the air a few times then grabbed another and tossed them back and forth. "What is the worst that could happen? Mr. Sunshine says 'no thanks'?"

Kevin scowled at him. "Yeah, and then refuses to ever even look at me again."

Andrew scooped up a third applesack (hackyapple?) and adjusted his rhythm before he landed his judgement back on Kevin. "If he never speaks to you again just for being honest with him then he isn't worth your time to begin with." He stared at Kevin for several revolutions of his pattern, the schick of the hackyapples hitting and leaving his palms the only sound in the shop.

Predictably, Kevin was the one to look away first. Andrew gave him a moment and added a fourth hackyapple to the pattern.

"I really like him…" Kevin finally said, his voice low.

"Clearly," Andrew agreed without sympathy. "Look, you have two choices here Day. You can do something about it, or you could do nothing about it, and let me tell you - pining is not a good look on you."

The overgrown ear of corn muttered something like "Speak for yourself" and then yelped as Andrew smoothly nailed him in the forehead with a hackyapple (those things had just the perfect heft to them).

"What was that?" Andrew asked nonchalantly, smoothly dropping into the three-pattern.

"I said, speak for your-- ow! Stop that!"

Andrew gave him an innocent look.

"Oh cool! You can juggle?" Jeremy's sunny voice cut in before Kevin could attempt to say something stupid again. Andrew looked over and abruptly dropped his hands to his sides, letting the applesacks hit the ground with soft whacks.

"Nope." Andrew shrugged, picking up the apple-globe again and shaking it as Kevin grumbled and scooped up the fallen hackyapples.

Jeremy chuckled like he'd just made a joke and lifted up three honest-to-fuck baskets with little gingham clothes lining the insides to protect the apples. One was red, one was green, and one was blue. Andrew sighed and held his hand out for one, the just stared at Jeremy when he was offered first the red, then the blue, before taking the green one that was rightfully his. "Kevin likes red," was all he said.

"Yeah?" Jeremy looked at Kevin and smiled as he offered him the red basket. "That's perfect then, blue is my favorite. At least of the baskets. I also like green," he volunteered, looking into Kevin's green eyes.

Sickening, this was truly sickening.

"Yeah, green," Kevin offered eloquently.

Andrew watched as Jeremy nudged the tall idiot and just barely managed not to shake his head in disdain. He did snort his amusement when he caught Kevin watching Jeremy's ass as the man led them out of the shop through a side door near the back by the desk. The door took them right out to a path that led directly into the orchard. Andrew gave Kevin a pointed shove and made a meaningful gesture for him to catch up with the object of his affection. Kevin scowled at him, but did as instructed because he knew Andrew was right. Because Andrew was always right.

As it turned out, apple picking wasn't as terrible as Andrew had thought it would be. Getting to watch his best friend trip over himself on a constant loop served to be excellent entertainment for the day. He also got to covertly vet this guy that Kevin was so stupid over and as far as he could tell, Jeremy Knox was exactly what he appeared to be. He laughed at Kevin's terrible attempts at humor, was actually able to keep up with him when the conversation turned to the misrepresentation of American History in public schools, and Andrew counted at least thirty-seven times over the course of their little apple picking extravaganza where Jeremy found an excuse to touch Kevin. They weren't invasive touches, nothing gross or grabby or anything, but they were telling. Jeremy was always adjusting the basket he was holding or touching his arm or his hand or picking a leaf out of his hair or -- well, yeah. It was gross.

For his part, Andrew hung back and let the two idiots moon over each other, occasionally joining the conversation whenever Kevin shot him desperate looks or the topic deserved his input.

By the time they were done, Andrew was half-expecting an invitation to the nuptials.

"Hey, this was really great. I'm glad you decided to come by," Jeremy said as he packed their apples into white paper back with smiling little apple-people on them. "Both of you, of course," he amended unconvincingly with only a small glance to Andrew before giving his undivided attention to Kevin again.

"Of course. Yeah! This was amazing. With the apples. And you." Dear Jesus.

Andrew gave Kevin a swift kick to the shin and just stared at him when the man winces and glared down at him. He tried to laser the instruction 'Ask him out you nimrod' directly into his stupid brain and it must have worked because when Kevin finished his silent hissy fit he turned to Jeremy with an apologetic smile and said, "We should do this again."

Andrew kicked him again, because that wasn't good enough.

"I mean! Without the apples. Not that I don't like apples, Andrew ow! Cut it the fuck out!"

Andrew heaved a sigh and threw up his hands, turning to go find those hackyapples. You try to help a guy…

Jeremy was chuckling by the time Kevin turned back to him. Andrew watched out of the corner of his eye as the cheerful orchard-tender placed a hand over Kevin's on the counter. He couldn't see Kevin's face from the angle he was at but he was sure it was as red as some of those fucking apples they'd picked.

"I'd really like that," Jeremy said more quietly.

"M-me too," stammered Kevin with the utmost class.

Pleased with himself, Andrew scooped up a handful of the hackyapples and made his way back to the counter to purchase them. Because he was feeling charitable, he said nothing about the dopey-ass grin on Kevin's face as they gathered up their apples and left. He didn't even comment on the way the dumbass was legitimately humming when they got into the car -- because he was a supportive and generous friend.

That generosity lasted all the way back home. They were just getting to their apartment and Andrew was holding both bags of apples so Kevin could unlock the door when Kevin suddenly stopped and looked down the hall toward the stairs they'd just climbed. Then he lifted his hand in a wave and said, "Oh, hey Neil."

Shit shit shit shit shit!

Andrew glared at the back of Kevin's head, willing him to open the goddamn fucking door.

"Kevin, hey. Andrew? What've you got?" Unable to ignore him now that he'd been directly addressed, Andrew turned slowly and stared blankly as Neil-fucking-Josten came to stand right in front of him. He was wearing a lightly curious smile on his stupid face, one that pulled up on just the one side of his mouth and revealed just the shadow of what might be a dimple if the infuriating man were to smile any deeper. What was even more offensive was the way his eyes reflected the light so that they looked like a celestial sea, stars within stars staring back at him, tempting him with all the things he didn't want to want.

Not only that, but Neil must be just coming back from a run because he was lightly flushed and the pink that clung to his cheeks, throat, and ears made Andrew’s brain do a thing resembling an old-fashioned VCR when you attempted to rewind a tape while it was still playing -- streaks of static breaking up what should be comprehensible. His wild auburn curls were pulled back with a garishly orange bandana but that only meant there was nothing in the way of his eyes.

His eyes...

He must have been silent for too long because Neil peered into the bags he was holding. “Oh, hey -- apples.” That curious little smile softened and spread slightly as he looked up at him again.

Andrew said, “Apples.”

“I love apples,” Neil said.

Andrew said, “Apples.” Because he was that fucking smooth.

Kevin coughed behind him and Andrew tore his gaze away from Neil’s stupidly pretty face, glaring down into the bags of apples.

“You should take some,” Kevin offered. “We have more than we need. I’m going to look up how to make an apple pie later too, if you want any.”

“Really? Thanks.” Neil flashed a cheeky grin at Kevin then looked to Andrew. “Can I?”

Andrew said, “Apples.” This time though, he also nodded and attempted to angle the bags so that Neil could reach in a pick out a few. He was sure the other man could hear the way his heart was playing his ribcage like a xylophone as he leaned in so damn fucking close to examine the apples that Andrew could see how criminally long his eyelashes were. Then he was pulling away with his prize, three smallish apples and one large one.

He held them up and nodded. “Thanks for the apples. See you later for the game, Kevin?”

Andrew nodded mutely and Kevin grunted an affirmative, and then Neil was gone, vanishing into the apartment across the hall. Andrew stared at the closed door for a moment then turned toward their own apartment. Kevin was standing there with a smug look on his fucking face.

“Apples,” Kevin said conversationally.

“Shut the fuck up Kevin.” Kevin was still cackling when the door shut behind them. Fucking bastard.

#asks #anon #100 followers #kevin day #andrew minyard #aftg #aftg fic #ao3 link #andrew and kevin are best friends #i had like 20 different ideas for this #but I went with this one because i also wanted kevin to go on a date?#andrew makes a good wingman #andrew can juggle!#i don't know why i made him juggle but he just can #hackyapples #its a thing #hashtag hackyapples

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oh-mymessymind · 5 years

Text

1917: a masterpiece in one shot

This post contains spoilers to the 2019 movie 1917. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, please do not read this opinion piece.

Up until the tail end of 2019, 1917 wasn’t really on my radar. I saw a trailer for it in like September and the main reason I even found the trailer was because the Youtube channel it was uploaded on had Richard Madden’s name in the title and I was on a Richard Madden kick at the time (sidenote: he’s not even in the trailer). I watched that one trailer and essentially forgot all about the movie until December, when all the movie review channels I subscribe to on Youtube start uploading videos reviewing 1917. The only review I watched was Jeremy Jahns’ (I’ll link it here because his videos are fantastic and should be watched) as his reviews tend to be spoiler free and I didn’t really want any spoilers for the movie. After that, I was intrigued.

1917 was finally released in my local movie theatre around the end of January (we’re very behind, we only got Jojo Rabbit like the beginning of the year), and after it had been out for about a month, myself and my boyfriend got the opportunity to go see it. And all I have to say is wow.

If you don’t know what 1917 is about and you don’t really care for spoilers, let me give you a quick synopsis: the story follows two soldiers, Lance Corporal Schofield, played by George Mackay, and Lance Corporal Blake, played by Dean-Charles Chapman, in the first World War. They’re given orders to stop an attack on the enemy after they seem to have retreated as it’s really just a planned attack and some thousands of men will die if the attack goes ahead, one of these men being Blake’s older brother.

The movie is shot to look like one take with no cuts between takes at all and takes us on the journey with the two soldiers, making the audience feel like a third member of their adventure, and I think that’s one of the most brilliant parts of the movie. Jeremy says it best in his review, you as an audience member really feel like you’re a part of this journey and that you also need to be alert at all times, and this is so true! At one point in the movie Scho and Blake are telling stories and trying to lighten the mood as they’re walking, and myself and my boyfriend found ourselves watching the skies or any open area around them in the scene to see if we could see any German enemies about to shoot them while their guard was down.

Another thing that I think the movie does so well is that it gives you an expectation on what’s going to happen and then completely flips it on its head. I walked into 1917 thinking that I knew exactly what was going to happen in the movie: these two soldiers were going to have hardships crossing enemy lines, but they’d eventually make it and stop the attack from happening. I figured Blake would find his brother and they’d be reunited, and the movie would end with one of those black screens that goes on to tell you how and when the first World War really ended (the following year in 1918).

But boy was I wrong.

The first time I changed my expectations was when Scho and Blake reach abandoned German trenches and go into them to cross through. A trip wire is triggered by a rat - which, sidenote, this movie is full of explosions and gunfire and the one thing in this movie that made me jump out of my skin was a rat falling from the fucking ceiling, but I digress - and there’s an explosion. Scho is buried and when Blake digs him up he looks like he’s dead. In my head, I figured this was foreshadowing that Scho wouldn’t make it. Eventually he was going to die and Blake would have to continue on by himself, eventually finding his way to the attack and stopping it, but unable to find his brother in the process.

Of course, with this thought in mind, I wasn’t shocked when the movie killed off one of their two leads about 40ish minutes into the movie. What I was shocked about, however, was that it was Blake, not Scho who died. And I have to say, for that scene alone, Dean-Charles Chapman and George Mackay were ROBBED of an Oscar nom. Blake’s death scene alone was absolutely brilliant and heartbreaking. Like most war movies do, it makes you understand what these poor men who fought in the war went through; they watched people that they considered their friends die, their actual family in some cases. They watched the young men, like Blake who was only 19, die with so much ahead of them. They watched people like Scho, who is revealed at the end of the movie to have a wife and two children, be killed and have to send letters home to their families. And should they survive and be able to go home themselves, they were never completely okay ever again.

The death of Blake lights a fire under Scho’s ass and we see his character do a complete 180, in my opinion anyways. Leading up to this, Scho didn’t seem to be into the mission, especially not after being buried in the German trench and nearly killed. There’s even a line he says where he snaps at Blake and asks him, “Why’d you choose me?! Why’d it have to be me?!”, and when Blake says that he didn’t realize what he was signing up for, Scho tells him, “You never do!”. But then, when Blake dies, he’s so focused on the mission. He will stop at nothing until he reaches the Devonshire Regiment and delivers the message to Colonel Mackenzie to call off the attack. He even goes as far as trying to push the truck he’s travelling in out of a mud puddle because he feels he doesn’t have the time to waste and has to get there as soon as humanly possible.

Besides flipping expectations, the movie is also cinematically breathtaking. The one scene that will always stick with me, as I know it has others, is one of the final scenes in which Scho knows he can’t get through the trenches to get to Colonel Mackenzie so he runs across the battlefield with bombs going off behind him and soldiers running to what we know will be their death if he can’t stop the attack and the real debris falling around him and at him. The scene is absolutely beautiful and devastating in my opinion, and is still one of my favourite shots in the entire movie.

And goddamn, the song I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger, it’s an actual song they released on Spotify and Apple Music. I can’t stop listening to it, and I can picture the scene it’s in and what happens before and after that scene and I just get the chills. I feel like this song was also snubbed for an Oscar, but it probably isn’t an original song written just for the movie so I totally understand that. But I have to talk about the song while I discuss the movie because I feel like I haven’t seen enough people talking about it when they talk about the movie.

All in all, 1917 is such a breathtaking movie. I thought at first that the single shot following mainly two characters was going to make the movie drag on and feel boring, but I could not be more wrong. I’ve been urging absolutely everyone I know to go see this movie because I feel like it’s one of those movies absolutely everyone should be watching. I really hope George Mackay and Dean-Charles Chapman blow up after this. I know they both have a decently sized filmography, including Game of Thrones for Dean, but I think this is the movie that will catapult them into being household names and you’ll start to see them on the big screen much more often.

That’s just my opinion on the movie. If you’ve seen 1917 (which I hope you have if you read through my whole opinion piece), what did you think of it? What was your favourite scene? Or least favourite if you had one? I feel like people don’t talk about that enough. What’s your opinion on the one take style?

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holylulusworld · 6 years

Text

I’m not your dirty secret

Dean request❤️Dean and reader are best friends but are in a secret relationship(dean loves her more than loves Sammy) she’s 23, he doesn’t tell that are together and when he wants to be alone with her there are people he tell to go for supplies but one day reader is tired of this and stop talking with him because think he just wants her for sex (he takes her virginity) after days of silent treatment dean lose it and kiss her passionately on front of jody and the girls and Sammy is proud! Smutt angst

Pairing: Dean x Reader, Sam, Jody Mills, Claire Novak, Donna Hanscum

Warnings: angst, sad reader, secret relationship, mentions of loss of virginity, smut, oral (female receiving), public sex (kinda), unprotected sex

“Did I ever tell you that you are beautiful?” Dean whispers.

Lying on his chest you close your eyes while he gently strokes your back. This was perfect, he was perfect. This is how you imagined your first time.

“Hmm…”

“Do you feel alright? I didn’t hurt you, didn’t I?”

“No, you were gentle Dean, more than gentle. You made me feel so good, Dean. I love you. I always wanted you to be my first.”

“Still I can’t believe you never…I’m mean you’re 22.”

“Maybe I was waiting for you.”

“Now you try to push my ego.”

“No, just telling the truth, Dean. When I met you all those years ago I knew I want you to be my first Dean. I knew right away that I love you.” You whisper and he kisses your hair softly.

One year later…

“Hey Sammy, Y/N and I go for a supply run, do you need anything?” Dean yells.

“No, we have everything. What do you intend to buy?”

“Y/N wants some sweets and stuff!”

“Okay. See ya later, Dude!”

----

Sitting in Baby you try to swallow the anger down. For over a year Dean is hiding your relationship from anyone, even Sam. Sammy! Not even his own brother knows about your relationship with Dean.

Parking at his favorite spot Dean jumps out of the car. Normally you are always thrilled and excited to be with the man you love but lately the anger and disappointment dominate your feelings.

Maybe he’s ashamed of you? Maybe he doesn’t love you anymore? Maybe he never did?

----

“God you feel so good, Y/N. I guess we need to buy some sweets and stuff later or Sammy gets suspicious.” He whispers in your ear. Moving slow and even he sucks another hickey into the plush flesh above your left breast.

You always enjoyed being with Dean, feeling him. Your body connected with his, but this time it feels different. You don’t feel like his girlfriend or the woman he loves. You feel like his dirty secret.

When he finally comes he looks worriedly down at you. It’s the first time you didn’t come or even reacted to his doing. You look like you’re miles away…

----

In the groceries store, you grab random unnecessary stuff so Dean can keep on lying. Why is it so important to hide your relationship? Maybe he doesn’t want anyone to know as you really are only his dirty secret?

“Do you need anything?” Dean asks but you don’t answer. Putting the things you grabbed back into the shelf you leave the store to take a deep breath. Holding back the tears you open the door and take place into the passenger’s seat.

You won’t be his dirty secret any longer…

----

The drive back to the bunker is silent. You’re not in the mood to talk to Dean. He’s not able to tell at least Sam about your relationship. For over a year you tried to make him see he’s hurting you by hiding you love each other.

Maybe he doesn’t love you? Maybe you or only good for sex? He never takes you out…only to fuck you into the backseat or in a shady motel room.

He never comes to your room or let you sleep in his room. Since that first night, you never woke up next to him. Maybe you’re not worth it?

----

As soon as the car stops you jump out of it. Storming into the bunker you hold back the tears. Right before you want to cry you see Jody, Donna, and Claire sitting in the library.

“Hey! You’re back, Y/N!” Claire squeals excitedly.

“Claire, Jody, Donna! Hey. Great you are here!” You lie. You love them all but right now you only want to go to your room and cry your eyes out.

----

Dinner is silent. Normally you would joke around with Dean or he would try to touch your thigh under the table.

Sitting far away from your boyfriend you avoid being touched by him. No more! You won’t keep on doing this any longer.

“So what happened to the nice guy you meet one year ago?” Donna asks.

“He wasn’t Prince Charming. Didn’t work.” You say and Dean freezes. He knows you told Donna you’re dating someone as she wanted to set you on a blind date.

Of course, you couldn’t tell her it’s Dean you’re dating. He didn’t want you to tell her so.

“What a pity,” Claire sighs.

“Some men only want you for…ya know, nothing else.” You whisper.

Ignoring Dean’s shocked expression you keep on stuffing food into your mouth.

----

After cleaning the dishes with Jody you all move toward your bedrooms. I was a long day and you only want to sleep and forget about the heartbreak you feel.

“Hey, Y/N. Can we talk?” Dean rasps but you ignore him.

Simply entering your room you lock it. Placing a chair under the door handle you avoid letting Dean sneaking into your room.

You need to let him go. You won’t be his sex toy any longer. You are more than just an easy lay…

----

“Morning!” Dean tries when you enter the kitchen. Still ignoring him you grab an apple and walk into the library to help Sam with his research.

Dean wants to say something but the library is crowded. Jody, Donna, and Claire are sitting around you. No chance to talk to you…

----

Evening has come and you still refuse to talk to Dean. He tried a few more times to talk to you. Always walking away you give him the silent treatment.

“Is something wrong between Dean and you?” Sam asks worriedly.

“I just…let’s say I need to think about some things, Sammy.”

“If you need someone to talk to I’m in my room,” Sam offers and you hug him tightly. You wish you could tell him how you feel but you can’t.

You’re Dean’s dirty little secret…nothing more.

3 days later…

Days have passed and Dean slowly goes insane. You don’t talk to him, you ignore him. You keep your distance to him.

You didn’t come last time…you didn’t even try…did he do something wrong? Did he hurt you in any way? He was telling Sam he wants to go on a supply run and then…

“What about a date with my friend, Jeff?” Jody asks you.

“No, Jeremy is much nicer, Y/N,” Donna insists.

“She doesn’t need a date with a random guy,” Dean grunts.

Confused Donna and Jody look at Dean and then at you. Before you can say something Dean is cupping your face to kiss you full of passion.

Moaning into his mouth you move your arms around his neck. Arms wrapped around you Dean takes your breathe away. Your body melts into his touch while Sam is smiling. Dean finally found the guts to show everyone he loves you.

“About damn time, Dean!” Sam chuckles.

“Yeah, how long wanted you to keep on pretending to go on supply runs with Y/N?” Jody adds.

Not caring about his friends and his brother watching Dean picks you up to carry you into his room. Legs wrapped around his waist you kiss down his neck.

A low growl leaves his kiss-swollen lips while he tries to open the door to his room.

“I’m sorry for hiding our relationship,” He whispers between kisses.

“I thought you only want me for…sex,” you reply before your lips find Dean’s once again.

“I love you, Y/N. Always have.”

Carefully placing you on his bed he hoves over your body. Kissing down your neck he moans against your skin.

“I’ve missed you, Baby. I almost went insane when you stopped talking to me.”

“I just didn’t want to be your dirty secret any longer,” you gasp when he slides your sweatpants and panties down.

Your top follows suit, just like your bra. Soft kisses placed all over your body make you shiver.

His hands stroke the skin at your thighs before gently spreading your legs open. Dean lies flat onto his stomach to lick through your wet folds.

“Dean…please.” You plea and he knows what you need, he always knows what you need.

Plump lips sucking at your clit he pushes you toward your release. Moaning you move your hands through his hair.

Bringing you pleasure Dean sucks and nips at your swollen bud. Arching your back you reach your high.

Hands fisting his sheets you whimper desperately. You need more, you need Dean.

“My beautiful girlfriend,” Dean rasps stripping clothes off.

“You’re not that bad yourself,” you giggle.

Giving you a cocky grin he moves between your legs. “You didn’t come last time. I need to make it up to you.”

“I was distracted…worried…”

“Let me distract you,” he whispers in your ear. Gently entering you he moves an arm around your back to hold you tight. His lips find yours before he starts moving.

With every slow thrust, he brushes over the sweet spot inside of you. His free hand cups your head gently to kiss you again.

Moving in sync your bodies push each other higher. Filling you up over and over again he groans against your lips.

When you fall over the edge you drag him with you. Whimpering his name you close your eyes to enjoy the feeling.

----

“So the secrets out, I guess.” You whisper lying onto his warm chest.

“You were never a secret…I just wanted to keep you safe.”

“With you I’m safe…safer than without you.”

“Then we should stay together…forever.”

Forever Tags

@donnaintx, @screechingartisancashbailiff, @fallen-wolf22 , @curly-haired-disaster-deactivat, @sister-winchesters99, @mogaruke, @the-is13, @helloitsmeamie203, @strayrosesbloom , @thewinchesterco, @hobby27, @kittycatlover18, @gh0stgurl, @marvelfansworld , @sandlee44, @hawaiianohana15, @unlikelysamwinchesteronahunt, @katpatrova17, @notyourtypicalrose , @heyitscam99, @onethingthatkeepsmealive, @natura1phenomenon, @flamencodiva, @echoesofpassion, @cocklesbelli, @anushay1998, @voltage-my2dlove, @wayward-gabriel

Dean/Jensen Forever Tags

@spnfamily-thewinchesters, @love-my-not-natural-babies, @supernatural-bellawinchester, @butifulsoul125, @lyinginthegingerlocks, @mirandaaustin93, @hawaiianohana15, @spn-dean-and-sam-winchester, @20gayneen, @x2closebut2farx, @janicho88, @thefaithfulwriter, @dreaminemz, @negans-lucille-tblr

#SPN #spn smut #spn fanfic #dean winchester #dean x reader #angst #Sam Winchester #jody mills #donna hanscum #Claire Novak #Smut #dean winchester fanfic #dean winchester one shots #request fill

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wolfliving · 5 years

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How to Run a City Like Amazon, and Other Fables

*What a strange publication, and “Meatspace Press,” that’s an odd name for a publisher, too. On the other hand, I’m surprised that I haven’t seen a book like this before.

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How to Run a City Like Amazon, and Other Fables (2019)

Our Digital Rights to the City (2017)

Towards a Fairer Gig Economy (2017)

Il nostro diritto digitale alla città (IT)

How to Run a City Like Amazon, and Other Fables

What operating system does your city run on? After many months in the making, we are excited to announce the publication of our first book: How to Run a City Like Amazon, and Other Fables

The idea behind the book is to ask what would it be like to live in a city administered using the business model of Amazon (or Apple, IKEA, Pornhub, Spotify, Tinder, Uber, and more), or a city where critical public services are delivered by these companies?

With 44 contributing authors and 38 chapters, the book playfully combines speculative fiction and analysis of 38 different business models and practices when applied to running our cities of the future. The book was edited by Mark Graham, Rob Kitchin, Shannon Mattern and Joe Shaw. The design and artwork was lovingly undertaken by the talents of Carlos Romo-Melgar and John Philip Sage.

A limited print run of the book is available in our shop now, as well as for download below. Please share with your friends and colleagues on social media and beyond. Any questions, get in touch!

Should cities be run like businesses?

Should city services and infrastructure be run by businesses?

For some urban commentators, policy-makers, politicians and corporate lobby groups, the answer is ‘yes’ to both questions.

Others are critical of such views, cautious about shifting the culture of city administration from management to entrepreneurship, and transforming public assets and services run for the common good into markets run for profit.

The stories and essays in this book explore how a city might look, feel and function if the business models, practices and technologies of 38 different companies were applied to the running of cities.

They ask: what would it be like to live in a city administered using the business model of Amazon (or Apple, IKEA, Pornhub, Spotify, Tinder, Uber, etc.) or a city where critical public services are delivered by these companies?

Collectively, the chapters ask us to imagine and reflect on what kind of cities we want to live in and how they should be managed and governed.

Contributors:

Manuel B. Aalbers, Tooran Alizadeh, James Ash, Sarah Barns, Gavin Brown, Ryan Burns, Matthew Claudel, Jeremy W. Crampton, Ayona Datta, Martin Dodge, Leighton Evans, Jessica Foley, Jennifer Gabrys, Mark Graham, Tony H. Grubesic, Edward Helderop, Kara C. Hoover, Andrew Iliadis, Kurt Iveson, Glenn Kaufmann, Rob Kitchin, Agnieszka Leszczynski, Sophia Maalsen, Shannon Mattern, Harvey J. Miller, Cian O’Callaghan, Nancy Odendaal, Dietmar Offenhuber, Alison Powell, Lizzie Richardson, Gillian Rose, Jathan Sadowski, Kalpana Shankar, Joe Shaw, Harrison Smith, Monica Stephens, Linnet Taylor, Jim Thatcher, Pip Thornton, Anthony Vanky, Alberto Vanolo, Alan Wiig, Katharine Willis, Matthew Zook.

Buy:

You can buy a copy of the book (and support future Meatspace Press projects!) in our shop now. We also have some limited discounts available.

To celebrate the release of the book we also have a limited edition series of screen printed posters from the designers of the book, Carlos Romo-Melgar and John Philip Sage. And, we are offering free paperback copies of our previous pamphlet publications to anyone who buys a copy of the book and the poster together (Our Digital Rights to the City; Towards a Fairer Gig Economy).

Download:

Whilst we hope that you will support the project by buying a copy, you can also read the full book here on Issuu. Or, there’s a one-page layout .pdf version available to download via Internet Archive (best for reading on small screens).

Details:

Title: How to Run a City Like Amazon, and Other Fables Date: 2019 Edited by: Mark Graham, Rob Kitchin, Shannon Mattern and Joe Shaw Design: Carlos Romo-Melgar and John Philip Sage Format: Paperback, and .pdf/e-book Length: 350 pages Language: English Publisher: Meatspace Press Place of publication: London, United Kingdom. ISBN (paperback): 978-0-9955776-7-1 ISBN (pdf): 978-0-9955776-8-8 License: Creative Commons BY-NC-SA

Download a one-page .pdf with the book details here.

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f1chronicle · 2 years

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Welcome to Episode 194 of our Formula 1 podcast, Grid Talk, and another in our F1 Fireside series. In this F1 Fireside, Tom Horrox chats with Jeremy Scoones, Founder of Front Row Marketing, to answer the question 'how do F1 teams get sponsors?' plus they discuss all things F1 marketing and sponsorship. Over the past 20 years, Jeremy has held various senior partnership roles across Formula 1 and Sportscar racing with Toyota, McLaren, Virgin Racing, Renault/Lotus and Aston Martin, so he knows the f1 sponsorship world inside and out. Make sure you subscribe to the Grid Talk Podcast so you’re the first to know when each new F1 Fireside episode is released, and if you liked this episode, give it a thumbs up! -------------------------------------- Visit the Grid Talk store ► https://f1chronicle.com/store/ Bet on F1? Get 125% sign up bonus with our code Join125 ► https://bit.ly/3JJauym Shop discount F1 team and driver merchandise ► https://bit.ly/332AHHX Get F1 race tickets ► https://bit.ly/3HQsVR1 Subscribe ► Subscribe to the Formula 1 Grid Talk podcast YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/Formula1GridTalk Tom - https://twitter.com/tomhorroxf1 Jeremy - https://frontrow-marketing.co.uk/ Listen On ► Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4i19HuYTK3Wqsn7Cfvz81r Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/formula-1-grid-talk-podcast/id1479522737 Follow ► Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/F1ChronicleOfficial/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/F1Chronicle Tumblr - https://f1chronicle.tumblr.com/ Support Our Formula 1 Podcast We now have a Grid Talk store! Take the podcast with you with our range of Champion shirts and hoodies, plus we have caps and beanies to protect your head too. Grid Talk is also on Amazon! We have partnered with Amazon to give you a free trial of Audible Plus so you can start listening to thousands of podcasts, audiobooks, and Audible Originals. Already an Audible Plus member? Try Audible Premium Plus for free for one month. You can also give the gift of an Audible Premium Plus membership with this offer. Get The Offer - https://amzn.to/2LLYkeW If you enjoyed this episode of Grid Talk please consider supporting us via Patreon for just $1 a week, so we can get better microphones, cameras, lighting, and maybe a cheeky pint after recording. Join Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/Formula1GridTalk Review The Grid Talk Podcast? Do you enjoy the Grid Talk podcast? If you do, we would love it if you could take five to leave us a 5-Star review on iTunes! We will give you a shout out to say thanks. And if you don't love Grid Talk, please contact us and let us know what we could do better so we can improve. Want To Be On Grid Talk? If you would like to join the Grid Talk panel to offer your insights and opinions on all things F1, contact us today and let us know why you think you've got what it takes to contribute to the panel! #F1 #F1podcast #F1sponsorship by Formula 1 Grid Talk

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aion-rsa · 3 years

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What If…? Episode 8 Review: A Very Ultron Apocalypse

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

This article contains spoilers for Marvel’s What If…? episode 8.

Episode 8 of Marvel’s What If…?, entitled ‘What if… Ultron Won?’, housed some of the best animated sequences of the series so far. We’ve seen some great stuff from the show’s animation team to date, but they really had a chance to flaunt some incredible visuals in this one by keeping the central story fairly simple and the cast of characters small.

Here, we got to find out what would have happened if Ultron had snagged the vibranium body he had made for him in Avengers: Age of Ultron instead of losing it to the creation of Vision, and it turns out that the Avengers saved more than this world when they successfully completed that mission back in the day.

Now, if you’re a regular here and often read our weekly What If…? reviews, you may already know that they have a bit of a unique format – more of a breakdown that we hope will satisfy die-hard Marvel fans but still help bring those less familiar with the MCU up to speed.

With that in mind, it’s time to dig deeper into ‘What if… Ultron Won?’

Required viewing

It definitely helps to have seen Avengers: Age of Ultron since that’s the backstory you need for this episode, but there are callbacks to Black Widow, Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, too.

Voice cast

Jeffrey Wright is our Watcher, Jeremy Renner is Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Lake Bell is Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Toby Jones is Arnim Zola, Benedict Cumberbatch is Doctor Strange, Josh Keaton is Steve Rogers, Mick Wingert is Tony Stark/Iron Man, and Alexandra Daniels is Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel.

Ross Marquand, who previously voiced Red Skull in both What If…?, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, takes over from James Spader as Ultron.

What’s different

In an apocalyptic wasteland that used to be Moscow, Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff search for a way to finally defeat Ultron in a world where he successfully implanted himself in Vision’s vibranium body during the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, and stuck to his deadly plan to wipe out humanity.

Ultron eventually gets the nuclear codes and launches the world’s nukes during a sequence that once again kills Kenny Tony Stark. Dispatching Thanos with unbelievable ease upon his arrival, Ultron then takes the rest of the Infinity Stones for himself and lays waste to the rest of the universe.

Sakaar, Ego and more are destroyed, and although Captain Marvel takes a pretty good crack at ending Ultron’s diabolical purge, she also fails to get the job done. With his mission complete, Ultron is at a loss until he becomes aware of The Watcher, and realizes that there are still countless universes waiting to be wrecked.

Back on Earth, Clint and Natasha are hunting through the KGB archives. The Watcher almost intervenes when it seems like the duo won’t find what they’re looking for, but Natasha eventually grabs a box containing a file with the location of the last known copy of Arnim Zola’s data-banked brain, as previously seen in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Zola agrees to help them under pressure, and Clint uses an arrow to upload Zola into an Ultron sentry. Unfortunately, Zola’s not able to reach the hive mind and save the day because Ultron’s off world having a spectacularly-animated multiversal punch-up with The Watcher, and so Clint has to sacrifice himself to save Natasha in an almost exact reversal of their goodbye sequence in Avengers: Endgame.

As Ultron faces off against The Watcher in an eye-popping, multiverse-breaking scene, we get a chance to see a Galactus-esque version of Ultron, an Earth populated by Skrulls, and a version of the world where Steve Rogers is being sworn in as President of the United States.

This isn’t just a fun Easter egg for fans: What If…? writer A. C. Bradley repeatedly pitched an episode of the series that would adapt the Marvel Comics story “What If Captain America Had Been Elected President?” by Mike W. Barr and Herb Trimpe, and envisioned the installment paying homage to The West Wing. Sadly, that idea didn’t fly, but we have this fun moment in the episode to console ourselves with.

How does it work out?

In the end, Ultron gets so close to eliminating The Watcher that he’s at a loss and begrudgingly consults with Strange Supreme, who we haven’t seen since he broke his own world and got a Watcher scolding at the end of episode 4. It looks like Stephen might have what it takes to finally resolve the Ultron situation, but we shall have to wait and see.

The Watcher’s reluctance to intervene, given his oath, does seem to be buttering us up for November’s live action MCU entry, Eternals. Ahead of the movie’s release, many Marvel fans have wondered why the hell those ten immortal, superpowered beings didn’t step up to help humanity throughout its many apocalyptic woes, and The Watcher is shaping up to be a prime example of why standing idly by while atrocities play out won’t ever truly cut the mustard with those involved in said atrocities, or indeed us – the Watchers watching The Watcher watch.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see the team-up between The Watcher and Strange Supreme in next week’s finale.

Standout moments

I’ve touched on a few standout moments above, but seeing Ultron in near-Galactus form was a sight to behold, and I know I’m not the only one who felt that way because Galactus was soon trending on Twitter after the episode started streaming.

It feels like Marvel are pondering which classic comics villains to introduce next, and that we’re tantalizingly close to seeing Doctor Doom, Galactus, The Beyonder and more join Kang as multiversal threats. But every time we start speculating about the likes of Mephisto in WandaVision or Doom in Loki, Marvel unwittingly kicks the can down the road again. We’re just gonna have to calm the hell down!

Seeing Natasha fight with Red Guardian’s shield was truly a joyful experience, as was seeing Thanos sliced neatly down the middle by Ultron – perfectly balanced, as all things should be! I know Vision was injured in Avengers: Infinity War, but would it have been that easy to kill Thanos if he hadn’t been? Come on.

Sorry, but Tony Stark dying over and over again is just plain funny now. I think there was supposed to be an episode where he lived in this season, but it maybe got moved to Season 2? The result is that he has absolutely become the Kenny of What If…? and honestly if they don’t somehow kill him again in the finale it will be a bit of a let down for me.

There were several moments in this episode where I was genuinely bowled over by the animation work on display. I know I’ve talked about it before, but this animation style doesn’t always work for me, and I do still think there were more visually creative ways to approach this series. However, the style has definitely been a good match for a couple of installments, and this was one of them.

See you next week! Same Watcher time! Same Watcher streaming service! In the meantime, if you want to dig deeper into What If…?, please consider subscribing to Marvel Standom on the Den of Geek YouTube channel, where we dish out weekly episodes on all the new Marvel TV series, trailers and movie releases. Can’t stand our faces? That’s fair! You can listen to Marvel Standom on Spotify and Apple, too.

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The post What If…? Episode 8 Review: A Very Ultron Apocalypse appeared first on Den of Geek.

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wineanddinosaur · 4 years

Text

We Asked 15 Bartenders: Which Cask-Strength Bourbon Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

Cask-strength, also known as barrel-proof or barrel-strength bourbon, is high-proof whiskey — and it’s not for the faint of heart. Straight from the barrel, these bourbons are uncut and typically unfiltered, with no water added, resulting in intense, concentrated flavors — and high alcohol content, upwards of 55 percent ABV, and climbing as high as 80. But their appeal is not all about high-octane booze. Whiskey lovers seek out these bottles for their purity, which allows the ability to customize the proof by adding water or ice.

VinePair asked bartenders from coast to coast which well-priced whiskies they turn to when looking for bottles that pack a punch. Cost is relative when it comes to cask-strength, as this undiluted expression often demands a premium price. But, as these experts can attest, some bottles are worth springing for.

“Right now, I’d say the best ‘bang-for-your-buck’ cask-strength bourbon would be the Four Roses Private Selection Single Barrel. Four Roses releases a yearly cask-strength edition of their Small Batch, which can run you a pretty penny, but the Private Selection Single Barrel is an exclusive release for BevMo, personally selected by Jim Rutledge, master distiller for Four Roses Bourbon. At 56.1 percent ABV and right around $100 for a 750-milliliter bottle, it’s definitely one to snag while it lasts!” — Stephanie Reading, Bar Manager, Birdie G’s, Santa Monica, Calif.

“I think Stagg Jr. is the best bang for your buck for cask-strength. It’s a little more pricey than Knob Creek or Elijah Craig or Maker’s [Mark] Cask Strength, but it is so much better. It is well-balanced, has a beautiful finish, and packs just the right amount of heat. This bottle is for the connoisseur, either to use in high-end, at-home cocktails, or to sip on a cold night by the fire.” — Hannah Brunner, Bartender, Lost Lake, Chicago

“I am a big fan of Wild Turkey Rare Breed. It has a special place in my heart from when I managed a whiskey bar, and often drank pours while cleaning up the bar. It has such a creamy mouthfeel without being too hot or heavy.” — Tim Wiggins, Co-owner/Bar Manager, Yellowbelly and Retreat Gastropub, St. Louis

“Barrell Craft Spirits are in the ‘cask-strength’ business. It’s what they do. All of their limited-edition bourbons are totally pure, without chill filtration and at barrel strength, to bring you as close as possible to the experience of drinking from the cask. There’s an array to choose from, and all come in under $100, so you can pick one that hits all your preferences, or get a little adventurous!” — Maureen Shannon, Head Bartender, In the Valley, Philadelphia

“Smooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrels have been popping up all over. The older, 10-plus-year-old single barrels are incredible, and the newer, 5-ish-year barrel-strength picks have been calling my name when I get home from a shift lately. [They’re] easy drinking for being high proof, and incredibly affordable, usually around $50 to $55.” — Zach Cable, Bar Manager, Leon’s Full Service, Decatur, Ga.

“Most of my favorite cask-strength bourbons are a bit pricey, so it’s hard to pin down a great ‘deal.’ That said, the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is pretty hard to turn down. It’s relatively easy to find, and despite the high proof, it’s actually remarkably balanced. Oftentimes, a high-proof bourbon just ends up tasting like ethanol, especially cheaper options, but this one maintains the aromatic complexity that I want in a bourbon, and has quite a nice palate. It does pack quite a punch, though!” — Gavin Humes, Bartender, Scratch | Bar & Kitchen, Los Angeles

“Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is one of my favorite bang-for-your-buck, cask-strength bourbons. I like that the roundness of the wheated base of Maker’s is given more complexity by enhancing the oak and spice notes with its increased proof. I also love that Maker’s unique bottle design, with its hand-dipped wax top, was designed by a woman of whiskey, Margie Samuels, its co-founder. It’s reasonably priced, delicious, and has a wonderful story behind it.” — Crystal Chasse, Beverage Director, Talk Story Rooftop, McCarren Hotel, Brooklyn

“If you can find it, Weller Full Proof has been my favorite cask-strength release of the past several years. When you take the typical Weller flavor profile of green apple or honey and concentrate it, it begins to take on these delightful cherry and medicinal notes [of] anise or mint. The wheat content makes this far softer than most cask-strength releases on the market, so this is a delight to sip straight out of the bottle. Add ice if you please, but only a few drops of water are necessary.” — Andrew Nichols, Head of Mixology, Atlas Restaurant Group, Baltimore

“Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is one of my absolute favorite bourbons, regardless of price. It has a robust nose of caramel and oak, and the finish is spicy and sweet. It also has the unique ability to be cask-strength [without] letting the ethanol shine through — I think mostly due to aging it 12 years.” — Sean Umstead, Owner, Kingfisher and QueenBurger, Durham, N.C.

“If I’m going to pick a bang-for-your-buck, barrel-strength bourbon, I would say Larceny’s Barrel Proof. It’s wheated and offers toasty bready notes with some cinnamon on the nose. On the tongue, it won’t dry you out and has cherry [and] vanilla hints. It drinks easy for a barrel-proof.” — Gregory Huston, Lead Bartender, Elm & Good, Dallas

“Cask-strength bourbons wear their hearts on their sleeves, leaving no flavor to the imagination. I keep going back to Kings County Barrel Strength Bourbon for its truly powerful and seemingly endless string of palate-tickling deliciousness. Dried cherry, dried cranberry, and roasted chestnuts on the nose melt into a palate of ripe fig, black plum, walnut, and Madagascar vanilla. The price is under $100, but they offer multiple bottle sizes, so you can adjust to your budget and snag it for a tasting.” — Jeremy Fowler, Wine and Beverage Director, Zuma, NYC

“I’m going to fudge the rules a little bit on this question, but I think it’ll be OK. My favorite cask-strength bourbon is the Angel’s Envy Cask Strength, which is finished in lovely port barrels and comes in a gorgeous wooden box but sets you back a couple hundred bucks. So while I love it, I don’t suppose it qualifies for the ‘bang-for-your-buck’ category. Not many great cask-strength bourbons do. But one that I love for its high-rye mash bill and have utilized behind the bar for years is Old Grand-Dad 114 — technically not cask-strength, as it is slightly diluted for consistency’s sake, but it’s very high-proof nonetheless and clocks in at around $30. You really can’t beat that in the high-proof category.” — Kristel Poole, General Manager, Corpse Reviver Cocktail Bar, Durham, N.C.

“Personally, I choose Laws as my favorite bang for your buck cask-strength bourbon. Why? Well, it’s delicious, with wonderful notes of vanilla, leather, caramel, and so many other flavors and aromas I search for in a great bourbon. But what you can’t find in most other bourbon is the care and effort the team at Laws puts in. [They’re] a team of dedicated people, doing things the right way, with the right ingredients, making something that is one of my favorite bourbons around. You can replicate flavor, but you can’t replicate hard work and the time it takes to make something special.” — Joseph Shirghio, General Manager and Master Mixologist, Bowen House, Dallas

“Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. I love the pronounced fruit and caramel flavors with a nutty finish that lend themselves nicely to stirred classics. This is a must-have for someone who is looking for a full-flavored, rounder bourbon. It’s rare to see an unallocated bourbon with over 10 years of age at an everyday, mid-shelf price.” — Pete Stanton, Head Bartender, Ai Fiori at The Langham, NYC

“For barrel-proof bourbon, I really like Wild Turkey Rare Breed. It’s got some really complex notes on the nose — anise, burnt sugar, and rye spice — and the higher proof really lengthens and extends the complex palate.” — Laura Newman, Owner, Queen’s Park, Birmingham, Ala.

The article We Asked 15 Bartenders: Which Cask-Strength Bourbon Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck? appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/15-best-quality-cask-strength-bourbon-brands-price/

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johnboothus · 4 years

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We Asked 15 Bartenders: Which Cask-Strength Bourbon Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

The article We Asked 15 Bartenders: Which Cask-Strength Bourbon Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck? appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/articles/15-best-quality-cask-strength-bourbon-brands-price/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/we-asked-15-bartenders-which-cask-strength-bourbon-offers-the-best-bang-for-your-buck

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