The Killer And Strong Motivation For Change
Spoiler Alert – This post will talk about The Killer and it WILL contain spoilers. If you haven’t yet watched this 2024 John Woo film, you might wish to skip this post.
The Dear Wonderful Hubby and I recently watched The Killer, a remake of the 1989 film with the same English title, directed by the same director – John Woo.
I usually love John Woo movies. And I watched the original movie many years ago.
So I knew what to expect.
I should have loved this remake, especially as it stars Nathalie Emmanuel as the lead character Zee. She’s a gifted actress and always gives a great performance. The Killer was no exception to that.
My issue with The Killer is…
Motivation.
We are expected to believe Zee, a cynical, highly trained assassin, would face off against her boss and her fellow assassins, risking her life and her career, to protect a stranger who…isn’t a good person.
At all.
Jenn is a drug dealer and doesn’t seem to have any redeeming qualities other than she’s a great singer and she’s beautiful.
(I know what you’re thinking but no, there’s no indication Zee is interested in Jenn romantically.)
The only reason we receive for Zee taking that risk is Jenn reminds Zee of a younger her.
Except the two women appear to be roughly the same age. Jenn is definitely no naïve teenager or innocent.
For a viewer or a reader to believe a character can change significantly, there has to be a strong motivation for that character to change.
Maybe his dog is killed on the anniversary of his beloved wife’s death (John Wick). Or a child he has befriended comes to him, a killer, begging for help (The Professional). Or he is double crossed and targeted for death (The Accountant).
Those are all strong motivations for change.
Saving a beautiful singing stranger is, in contrast, NOT a strong motivation for change.
Unfortunately.
The action scenes and the actors make this movie worth watching…once.
This isn’t a keeper movie for me.
Topics: Movie Reviews | Comments Off on The Killer And Strong Motivation For Change
Throwback Thursday – Dark Fire
I LOVE dragons. A story featuring a dragon shifter was the very first Cynthia Sax story published. (grins)
So, of course, I would grasp onto any opportunity to write about a dragon-like alien warrior.
Dare is that warrior. He is big, bad, scaled and primitive. When he gets excited, he smokes. In a sexy way.
Faylee is his fortunate fated male. Except this little human thief doesn’t feel fortunate at first. She fights him and their passion with everything she has.
But dragons, as we all know, will battle to the death to keep anything and anyone they claim.
Dark Fire
What the Beast wants, the Beast gets.
Dare’s savage nature has made him an outcast among his kind. The silver-scaled Dracheon warrior can’t control his inner beast. It’s too strong. When his primitive instincts told him his destined mate was on Carinae E, he had no choice. He had to travel to the outlaw planet. There, he hoped to meet a female powerful enough to survive his Drache.
He finds Faylee, a delicate little human.
Faylee is the best thief on the planet. Everyone she encounters mistakes her for a young boy…except for a tall, shiny warrior from off-planet. When she gazes into Dare’s flame-filled eyes, he makes her feel, for the first time, like a desirable female. The fire-breathing male has her yearning for hot kisses, fierce embraces, and a future filled with love. She doesn’t realize mating with him might be the last thing she ever does.
Dare’s beast isn’t the only danger on the planet. An enemy from the past has returned and he’s determined to stop Dare and Faylee…permanently. They’ll need luck and the assistance of every warrior in the Refuge to stay alive.
Dark Fire is a STANDALONE SciFi Romance set in a gritty, dark world.
Buy Today:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Fire-Refuge-Book-4-ebook/dp/B07CW2Y8B7/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Fire-Refuge-Book-4-ebook/dp/B07CW2Y8B7/
Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07CW2Y8B7
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/dark-fire/id1381353384
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dark-fire-22
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/824382
Topics: Throwback Thursday | Comments Off on Throwback Thursday – Dark Fire
Planting Outdoors
This is a stock photo. Our peas don’t usually look this good. (grins)
Spring is here in my corner of the universe! Woot!
That means we can start planting outdoors. We’ll be planting peas, spinach, beets, radish and cilantro. The peas will be started inside the house due to…squirrels. (shakes head) The rest will be direct sown.
I am so happy! Woot!
***
Cyborg Sizzle Homeland Omnibus
Cyborgs will do anything to protect their Homeland.
* * *
The cyborgs have claimed their Homeland but that has come at a cost. As they reconcile with their pasts, they seek to manufacture happier futures with the females they’re destined to love and cherish forever.
This omnibus includes three stories in the Cyborg Sizzle series: Taking Vengeance, The Cyborg’s Secret Baby and Dark Arsenal.
All of these Cyborg Romances are set in a dark, gritty, often violent universe.
Taking Vengeance
The only force stronger than their hate is their love.
Vengeance hates all humans. They killed every being he ever cared about. When the huge C Model cyborg is told he’s genetically compatible with the enemy, he makes it his mission to capture the female and use her to expel all humans from his home planet.
The Cyborg’s Secret Baby
A fierce cyborg warrior and his curvy human female share a no-longer-so-little secret.
Stealth, a K Model cyborg, knows his passion for Zebrina, the commander’s human daughter, is forbidden, yet he can’t resist the curvy female. He craves her touch, cherishes her sounds of pleasure, would do anything to keep her safe.
Dark Arsenal
A cyborg warrior and a Rebel female’s first mission together might be their last.
Arsenal considers himself to be a disposable cyborg. He drifts from assignment to assignment, forming no connections to anything or anyone. When the cyborg council requires a warrior for a high-risk mission, Arsenal volunteers. He believes no one will miss him if he dies. He doesn’t realize he’s one female’s fantasy.
Buy Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/Cyborg-Homeland-Omnibus-Romance-Continuum-ebook/dp/B0DVQF51ZG
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cyborg-Homeland-Omnibus-Romance-Continuum-ebook/dp/B0DVQF51ZG
Amazon AU:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Cyborg-Homeland-Omnibus-Romance-Continuum-ebook/dp/B0DVQF51ZG
Amazon Canada:
https://www.amazon.ca/Cyborg-Homeland-Omnibus-Romance-Continuum-ebook/dp/B0DVQF51ZG
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book-series/cyborg-romance-continuum/id1488934279
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cyborg-sizzle-homeland-omnibus
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1700426
Topics: Gardening | Comments Off on Planting Outdoors
Cats Rule Dubai
There were SO MANY feral cats in Dubai. And they appeared to be VERY well taken care of. We saw feed and water bowls everywhere and we chanced upon a man in a Santa hat cheerily filling some of those bowls.
There were also signs all over the place, including on the boardwalk, stating that no dogs were allowed in the area. You and I both know those were posted by cats.
(grins)
Oh and I wasn’t the only person taking photos of the feral cats. I bumped into cooing, adoring cat fans originating from all over the world.
Muse Food – Average Guy Angels And The Unexpected
The Dear Wonderful Hubby and I spotted an average guy trying on a pair of angel wings in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
The average guy seemed to love doing this. (He was surprised by the weight of those wings.) And everyone around him was smiling and laughing.
Because we don’t usually picture an angel as an average guy. They are usually stunningly beautiful and super fit and not wearing white running shoes with black socks. (grins)
Give your story an ‘average guy angel’, something unexpected, something enchanting.
Topics: Mexico, Muse Food, Travel | Comments Off on Muse Food – Average Guy Angels And The Unexpected
Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – March 30
The Dear Wonderful Hubby and I spotted this hidden ‘flower’ in Mazatlán, Mexico.
(smiles)
We’re getting ready for the 2025 growing season in the Sax Household. Tomatoes, marigolds, mini bell peppers, eggplants, watermelon and some zinnias are in the crammed-to-the-walls grow station. I’m SUPER excited about this. I need that connection with the soil right now.
There has been no word back on the writing projects. That’s moving even slower than the mini bell pepper growths. (grins)
Have a wonderful week, my friends. (big hugs) Touch some soil/ground if you can. Feel that connection with our awesome planet. I read recently that over half of all species on Earth live in the soil. You’re touching some of those tiny critters also.
Which must freak the heck out of them. Your hand would resemble the hand of some GIANT god.
***
Cyborg Sizzle Homeland Omnibus
Cyborgs will do anything to protect their Homeland.
* * *
The cyborgs have claimed their Homeland but that has come at a cost. As they reconcile with their pasts, they seek to manufacture happier futures with the females they’re destined to love and cherish forever.
This omnibus includes three stories in the Cyborg Sizzle series: Taking Vengeance, The Cyborg’s Secret Baby and Dark Arsenal.
All of these Cyborg Romances are set in a dark, gritty, often violent universe.
Taking Vengeance
The only force stronger than their hate is their love.
Vengeance hates all humans. They killed every being he ever cared about. When the huge C Model cyborg is told he’s genetically compatible with the enemy, he makes it his mission to capture the female and use her to expel all humans from his home planet.
The Cyborg’s Secret Baby
A fierce cyborg warrior and his curvy human female share a no-longer-so-little secret.
Stealth, a K Model cyborg, knows his passion for Zebrina, the commander’s human daughter, is forbidden, yet he can’t resist the curvy female. He craves her touch, cherishes her sounds of pleasure, would do anything to keep her safe.
Dark Arsenal
A cyborg warrior and a Rebel female’s first mission together might be their last.
Arsenal considers himself to be a disposable cyborg. He drifts from assignment to assignment, forming no connections to anything or anyone. When the cyborg council requires a warrior for a high-risk mission, Arsenal volunteers. He believes no one will miss him if he dies. He doesn’t realize he’s one female’s fantasy.
Buy Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/Cyborg-Homeland-Omnibus-Romance-Continuum-ebook/dp/B0DVQF51ZG
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cyborg-Homeland-Omnibus-Romance-Continuum-ebook/dp/B0DVQF51ZG
Amazon AU:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Cyborg-Homeland-Omnibus-Romance-Continuum-ebook/dp/B0DVQF51ZG
Amazon Canada:
https://www.amazon.ca/Cyborg-Homeland-Omnibus-Romance-Continuum-ebook/dp/B0DVQF51ZG
Apple Books:
Coming Soon
https://books.apple.com/us/book-series/cyborg-romance-continuum/id1488934279
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cyborg-sizzle-homeland-omnibus
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1700426
Topics: Cynthia Sax Weekly Update | Comments Off on Cynthia Sax Weekly Update – March 30
Moon Landings And Other Awkward Conversations
The Dear Wonderful Hubby and I were sitting in a restaurant on a cruise ship. One of the things cruise ship restaurant staff often do, upon request, is seat strangers at a table together.
The table next to us was in that situation.
And we were shamelessly eavesdropping.
(grins)
There was a male/female couple and a woman on her own. She told the couple that Kevin, her husband, would be joining them. He was running a bit late.
The male half of the already seated couple dominated the conversation. He complained about the state of the US, spewed off some rather racist comments (they were all white folks at the table).
And THEN he REALLY warmed to his theory that the moon landing was fake.
He chattered for about fifteen minutes about how it was all scripted, how the astronauts were actors, how the space program was truly a means of funneling money to the Libs, etc. etc.
Finally, his wife nudged him.
“Oh, I must be boring you,” he told the solitary woman.
“It’s okay.” Her eyes glittered. “I’m used to all the space talk by now.”
Her husband sits down.
“Kevin.” She pats his arm. “Worked for NASA for thirty years.”
Friends, the Dear Wonderful Hubby and I almost fell out of our chairs laughing.
The delivery was perfect.
The conspiracy theorist immediately had an ‘oh sh*t’ expression on his face.
His wife’s eyes widened.
Kevin’s wife had an almost gleeful smile on her beautiful face.
Kevin, the former NASA worker, was completely oblivious and started chatting about what he did at NASA and some of the projects he’d been involved in.
It. Was. AWESOME!
(laughs)
Topics: Cruising, Travel | Comments Off on Moon Landings And Other Awkward Conversations
Local Pricing In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
The Dear Wonderful Hubby and I were watching a vendor operate near the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was selling slices of mango, watermelon, and pineapple in a bag.
The vendor charged two prices for the same bag.
The tourists paid 250 pesos and had extremely quick, efficient and quiet service.
The locals paid 100 pesos and they were expected to engage in a lot of chatter with the vendor. (smiles) He looked as though he was telling them long, elaborate and very humorous stories.
There was an option to put spice on the fruit.
If you ever buy from that specific vendor, DO NOT take the spice option unless you REALLY like spice.
It was too much for many of the locals. They spluttered and coughed. Their faces turned red. Their eyes watered.
Which made the vendor laugh some more.
(grins)
Topics: Mexico, Travel | Comments Off on Local Pricing In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Throwback Thursday – Defying Death
Cyborgs were manufactured to wage battles and win wars. They were designed to deliver death.
And that is all most of them have ever processed.
They kill or they are killed.
Death, the cyborg hero of Defying Death, is no exception.
Until he meets Tifara, a curvy human medic, the one being he was created to care for, protect, LIVE for.
Defying Death
He’ll risk it all for one moment of happiness.
Cyborgs don’t show emotion. Death learned that lesson early in his long lifespan. To survive, he hides his fierce passions behind a stoic wall. He calls no warrior friend. He never admits to caring for any being.
Even the human female he’s destined to love.
Tifara is Death’s obsession, his sole opportunity for happiness, to express the all-consuming passion burning brightly inside him. He’ll do anything to obtain the curvaceous medic: defy a direct order, abduct Tifara from her battle station, and wage war on his fellow cyborgs.
To earn her love, he’ll have to risk much, much more.
Buy Now:
Amazon US:
http://www.amazon.com/Defying-Death-Cyborg-Sizzle-Book-ebook/dp/B01D6OUQS2/
Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Defying-Death-Cyborg-Sizzle-Book-ebook/dp/B01D6OUQS2/
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/Defying-Death-Cyborg-Sizzle-Book-ebook/dp/B01D6OUQS2/
Amazon Canada:
https://www.amazon.ca/Defying-Death-Cyborg-Sizzle-Book-ebook/dp/B01D6OUQS2/
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/defying-death/id1095072277
Kobo:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/defying-death-2
Topics: Throwback Thursday | Comments Off on Throwback Thursday – Defying Death
Taking The Public Bus In The Seychelles And Other Death-Defying Adventures
This is NOT the bus we took. It IS a public bus but not the one we risked our lives by taking. (grins)
The Dear Wonderful Hubby and I enjoy taking public transit when we travel. It gives us a tiny slice of the average local’s life, it is less expensive, and…it is often an adventure.
That ended up being VERY true when we visited Victoria, Seychelles.
The first thing we learned was very few people took Euros (we were informed by online folks that they WOULD take Euros and that was incorrect). So we had to change money into the local currency.
Bus passes were sold at the terminal. There was a bit of a line up for them. But that was okay because buses left for routes once every hour or so and we had the time.
We got on the bus headed toward Fairyland Beach. This route had steep hills and the driver drove…aggressively.
He rode the bumper of the car ahead of us. And he drove QUICKLY, stopping and starting suddenly. We had to hang onto the seat back in front of us for dear life.
Even with that precaution, I exited the bus with a new collection of bruises. (grins)
There were turns so tight buses and large trucks had to take turns to navigate them.
At one point, I turned to the Dear Wonderful Hubby and whispered, “We are going to die.”
But we didn’t die. (laughs) And now we have a great story to tell.
Just know that taking the public buses in the Seychelles is NOT for the timid or the easily bruised!
Topics: Seychelles, Travel | Comments Off on Taking The Public Bus In The Seychelles And Other Death-Defying Adventures
