Tag: Mark Leslie

Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker!: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard by Mark Leslie Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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Author Mark Leslie shares the behind-the-scenes moments and trivia that only a true fan of Die Hard could truly appreciate in the book “Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker!: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard”.

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The Synopsis

“Come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few laughs.”

That line, from one of many quotable moments from Die Hard, was an on the spot insertion during filming by actor Bruce Willis and director John McTiernan. That’s just one of numerous ad lib or almost accidental elements added to the film which make it such a memorable modern classic.

When Die Hard premiered in July 1988 John McClane didn’t just become a fly in Hans Gruber’s ointment, he heralded in a new era of action movies, inspired countless knock-off action movies best described as “Die Hard in a” or “Die Hard on a” copycats, and created a franchise that spanned five decades (if you include the 2020 DieHard battery commercial). Even thirty-five years later it continues to inspire heated annual debates regarding the film’s status as a Christmas movie.

This guide, lovingly researched by a die-hard (pun completely intended) fan of the 1988 action-adventure blockbuster collects trivia, behind-the-scenes stories of the movie, the script, the actors, and the books and other written material that Die Hard and several of the follow-on films in the franchise were based on or inspired by.

If you’re a fan of Die Hard, then you’re going to love Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker! Welcome to the party, pal!

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The Review

This was a fun and engaging trivia guide to one of the most iconic action films (and let’s face it, Christmas films) of all time. The author does a great job of presenting the history of this film and the events that occurred before, during, and after the film’s release to help inspire a cultural phenomenon. From the historical background of the terrorist groups who helped inspire Hans Gruber’s own criminal organization, to the creation of some of cinema’s most beloved quotable moments in the film, this book had a bit of everything.

The thing that stood out the most was the overwhelming sense of nostalgia this guide had as it dived deeper and deeper into the film. The way the author was able to analyze and detail the ways in which both hero John McClane and antagonist Hans Gruber made themselves into such iconic characters in the genre, from the actor’s performances to who they represented in the culture at the time, made this book feel so alive and vibrant on the page, and invigorating to get lost in this film’s complete history.

The Verdict

Thrilling, engaging, and mesmerizing, author Mark Leslie’s “Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker!: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard” is a must-read guide and trivia book that you won’t want to miss. The heartfelt love for this film and the nostalgia that the author infuses into each chapter will bring readers back time and time again to get lost in this iconic action film’s history. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Leslie would be the first person to admit he’s still afraid of the monster under his bed. That might be why most of his books explore the darker side. In addition to penning a series of true ghostly tales (that include SPOOKY SUDBURY, HAUNTED HOSPITALS and CREEPY CAPITAL), he has written a few horror titles (I, DEATH, ONE HAND SCREAMING, and NOCTURNAL SCREAMS), is the editor of the horror anthologies CAMPUS CHILLS, FEEL THE FEAR, and SUPERNATURAL, and is the author of the humorous urban fantasy action/adventure ‘Canadian Werewolf” series.

His other passions within the non-fiction realm include fan appreciation/trivia books about the classic modern films Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (THE CANADIAN MOUNTED) and Die Hard (YIPPEE KI-YAY MOTHERF*****)

Proudly adopting the term “Book Nerd” for himself, Mark is most comfortable with a pen in hand, fingers on keyboard or with his nose stuck in a book.He can often be seen traveling to book events with a life-sized skeleton named Barnaby Bones.

Born in Sudbury Ontario, Mark has courted with a serious addiction to reading and writing his entire life. He has called both Ottawa, ON and Hamilton, ON home for about a decade each and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

Hex and the City (Canadian Werewolf Book 6) by Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

As true love blossoms, an ancient evil is unleashed that is tied to their love and threatens to destroy humanity in authors Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss’s “Hex and the City”, the sixth book in the Canadian Werewolf series. 

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The Synopsis

HER LOVE WILL BRING ABOUT HIS DEMISE.

Michael Andrews and Gail Sommers have finally found the love that had eluded them for so long.

But their romance has uncovered an ancient evil curse neither of them could have anticipated. It does more than bring down a plague on their houses – it unleashes something far more sinister that can destroy humanity.

Now they must choose: battle the evil forces out to destroy them, or continue to meet in secret while the rest of the world burns.

If you like thrilling action, paranormal adventure, and quirky humor, you’ll love Hex and the City. Read it today!

Though this is book six in a series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. A “the story so far” summary is available for readers.

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The Review

This was a captivating and emotional read. The authors did an incredible job of creating a novel that stands on its own two feet while also paying homage to the wild entries in the series that came before. The action and magical suspense that the narrative delves into with the curse and the impact it begins having on the world around them brought the reader into the fantasy and paranormal thriller elements that this series has become known for.

For me, the heart of this narrative rested in the balance of mythos, romance, and world-building. The shock and awe that comes with this prophecy revelation hit the main characters immediately, and the shocking way it connects the events of the rest of the series made this story really flow. The heartbreaking reality of their circumstances made both Michael and Gail’s journey so emotional and kept the reader invested as the stakes got higher and higher. Getting to learn more about Gail’s family and connection to the paranormal world was fantastic to watch come to fruition.

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The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thrilling, authors Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss’s “Hex and the City” is a must-read paranormal romance thriller and a great addition to the Canadian Werewolf Series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the heartfelt finale will have fans tearing up and hanging off of the author’s every word, as the future of the series takes an all-new direction. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark is a writer, editor and bookseller who was born and grew up in Sudbury, spent many years in Ottawa and Hamilton and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

When he is not writing, he tacks “Lefebvre” back onto his name and works as a book industry consultant, having been a bookseller since the 1992, the same year his first short story was published.

Apart from publishing novels and non-fiction paranormal explorations under the name Mark Leslie, having works occasionally appearing on his mother’s refrigerator door under the name Mark Lefebvre, and podcasting and consulting about the book industry under the name Mark Leslie Lefebvre for his Stark Publishing/Stark Reflections brand, Mark is a lover of craft beer.

When he’s not enjoying craft beer or playing around with his three given names, he can usually be found wandering, awestruck through bookstores or libraries.

MARK LESLIE
https://twitter.com/MarkLeslie

Julie lives in Southern California with her husband and four kids. She homeschools them. “The kids, I mean,” Julie says. “Not the husband.”

She likes to eat dark chocolate and drink good wine and read lots of books and doesn’t usually bother with housework.

Julie warns anyone who might read her blog or her books: “You should know that I have a foul mouth and complain about the heat all the time. I speak in movie quotes, but they tend to be the obscure, random quotes that no one understands except me. I crack myself up. You’ll get used to it.”

Julie used to publish romance novels under the pen name Emma Foster. “But it turned out,” she admits, “I’m way too lazy to keep up two online profiles in addition to all the other personalities inside my head. So I dumped the pen name, and now you can find me at social media places as Julie Wrote A Book. I’d make a terrible spy. (Or maybe the Best Spy Ever. You’ll never know for sure.)”

https://juliewroteabook.com/

The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles by Mark Leslie Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Mark Leslie takes readers on a humorous and engaging journey to look behind the scenes of the making of John Hughes’s instant classic film Planes, Trains and Automobiles and the use of a very real book in a pivotal scene in his book, The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”. 

The Synopsis

The Prop Book That Keeps on Popping Up!

Yes, the cover of this book looks a lot like the one Del Griffith (John Candy) is reading at the New York airport in the 1987 movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles. A strikingly similar book also appears in 2018’s Deadpool 2. It was long believed that this was a prop book. But it was a real book published in the 1980s and from a company that went out of business before the end of the decade.

This re-imagined incarnation of The Canadian Mounted explores the use of this prop book and many other intriguing, insightful and entertaining behind-the-scenes details as they relate to the classic 1987 John Hughes film.

Created for fans of the movie and of John Hughes, this book explores and shares stories related to the writing and making of the film, curious tales and collected trivia associated with it, including:

The incident that inspired Hughes to write the original script

Del-isms

The film’s eclectic sound-track

Missing Oxford commas

Deleted scenes

Ryan Reynolds’ adoration of fellow Canadian John Candy

General trivia

And more…

If you love and regularly re-watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles, then this is a book you must read.

The Review

This is a truly detailed and captivating read. The author does an incredible job of finding just the right balance in tone between educational moments from the film and book in question and personable writing styles that make this feel like a shared experience between friends. The wit and charm with which the author crafts this narrative was incredibly inviting to the reader. 

The vast amount of research and information the author provided the reader was spectacular. The way the author was able to implement everything from unused portions of the original script to behind-the-scenes commentary, and finds a natural way to blend this into the author’s own personal connection and history with the film and book itself made this such an inviting and unique read.

The Verdict

Informative, thoughtful, and humorous, author Mark Leslie’s “The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is a must-read film and pop culture trivia and reference book. The personable and imagery-heavy writing style really allowed these experiences both for the author and those involved in the original production of the film to come to life on the page, and this book makes the perfect story to pick up for longtime fans of this film and filmmaker John Hughes in general. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark is a writer, editor and bookseller who was born and grew up in Sudbury, spent many years in Ottawa and Hamilton and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

When he is not writing, he tacks “Lefebvre” back onto his name and works as a book industry consultant, having been a bookseller since the 1992, the same year his first short story was published.

Apart from publishing novels and non-fiction paranormal explorations under the name Mark Leslie, having works occasionally appearing on his mother’s refrigerator door under the name Mark Lefebvre, and podcasting and consulting about the book industry under the name Mark Leslie Lefebvre for his Stark Publishing/Stark Reflections brand, Mark is a lover of craft beer.

When he’s not enjoying craft beer or playing around with his three given names, he can usually be found wandering, awestruck through bookstores or libraries. 

http://markleslie.ca/

Lover’s Moon (Canadian Werewolf Book One) by Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

As two people grieve the loss of a beloved individual in their lives, they recall the start of their passionate and intense relationship years earlier in authors Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss’s “Lover’s Moon”, the fifth book in the Canadian Werewolf series. 

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The Synopsis 

He’s an alpha wolf and a beta boyfriend.

She’s dated every monster in New York City.

It’s time for their Meat-Cute.

Michael Andrews, a Canadian living in New York, is learning to live with the side effects of lycanthropy. Other than waking up naked and bloody in Central Park once a month, he’s managing just fine. If only he could finish the book he’s supposed to be writing. If only he could find someone he trusted enough to tell the truth to.

Gail Sommers may not have her love life in order, but at least she’s smart about things that really matter. She runs the coolest occult shop in the city, and is a pre-eminent scholar of the occult. She’s made a vow of celibacy so that she can spend this year focusing on her work and her self-care. She’s even been hired to help out a very famous and very sexy horror author.

As a new era in the Canadian Werewolf saga begins, Lover’s Moon flashes back to the romantic and comedic story of how Michael and Gail met and fell in love back in the summer of 2011. Told through both Michael and Gail’s unique perspectives, it also explores Gail’s past, introduces new characters, and reveals some of the deeper secrets of both of their lives.

A special Canadian Werewolf tale co-authored by Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss.

The Review

This was such a fun surprise in a very heavily paranormal thriller and romance series. The authors did an amazing job taking readers deeper into the romance aspect of this narrative than ever before, with the story serving both as a prequel to the main story and evolution of these two characters in the modern day of the main series narrative. The passion and humor that is infused into this narrative is both a great tribute to the character development of novels in the series that came before and a great departure from the more action and paranormal-driven narratives fans have gotten used to over the years.

What really made this story unique was the character development between these two characters. The raw emotions and the way the authors gave each of the protagonists their own unique perspective on their relationships both past and present felt both relatable and heartfelt to the reader. The mixture of desire, passion, and heat with the secret lives that initially drives a wedge between them and the hurdles they have to overcome individually to finally find their way back to one another made this story such a compelling read.

The Verdict

Heartening, entertaining, and emotionally-driven, authors Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss’s “Lover’s Moon” is a must-read paranormal romance and a great addition to the Canadian Werewolf series. Both a departure and an intimate reading experience that feels both relatable and engaging, the authors have crafted a very personal dive into the Canadian Werewolf universe. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Mark is a writer, editor and bookseller who was born and grew up in Sudbury, spent many years in Ottawa and Hamilton and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

When he is not writing, he tacks “Lefebvre” back onto his name and works as a book industry consultant, having been a bookseller since the 1992, the same year his first short story was published.

Apart from publishing novels and non-fiction paranormal explorations under the name Mark Leslie, having works occasionally appearing on his mother’s refrigerator door under the name Mark Lefebvre, and podcasting and consulting about the book industry under the name Mark Leslie Lefebvre for his Stark Publishing/Stark Reflections brand, Mark is a lover of craft beer.

When he’s not enjoying craft beer or playing around with his three given names, he can usually be found wandering, awestruck through bookstores or libraries. 

http://markleslie.ca/

Julie lives in Southern California with her husband and four kids. She homeschools them. “The kids, I mean,” Julie says. “Not the husband.”

She likes to eat dark chocolate and drink good wine and read lots of books and doesn’t usually bother with housework.

Julie warns anyone who might read her blog or her books: “You should know that I have a foul mouth and complain about the heat all the time. I speak in movie quotes, but they tend to be the obscure, random quotes that no one understands except me. I crack myself up. You’ll get used to it.”

Julie used to publish romance novels under the pen name Emma Foster. “But it turned out,” she admits, “I’m way too lazy to keep up two online profiles in addition to all the other personalities inside my head. So I dumped the pen name, and now you can find me at social media places as Julie Wrote A Book. I’d make a terrible spy. (Or maybe the Best Spy Ever. You’ll never know for sure.)”

https://juliewroteabook.com/

Fright Nights, Big City (Canadian Werewolf Book 3) by Mark Leslie Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The man who once sought to live a simple life as a successful author and part-time werewolf finds himself embroiled in a battle of good versus evil as he fights to stop a growing wave of hatred and fear against supernatural creatures while also hoping to preserve the love he has sought for so long in author Mark Leslie’s “Fright Nights, Big City”, the third novel in the Canadian Werewolf series, (4th story overall).

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The Synopsis

STOP SPREADING THE NEWS

THERE’S NO LEAVING TODAY

Not when the Big Apple comes under attack from an infectious worm threatening to rot it, and the entire nation, to the core.

Michael Andrews thought he’d found the perfect woman. A companion whose own powers neutralize his werewolf curse and bringing the balance he’s always wanted. But his plans on settling down and giving up the vigilante lifestyle are fleeting.

The hatred, the fear, and the monstrous attacks on innocent civilians are growing and spreading as supernatural monsters roam the city streets at night. The neo-Nazi Proud Fighters for America, aware of the special abilities that Lex possesses, track her down and plan on leveraging her powers for their own nefarious purposes.

With Michael’s powers nullified in Lex’s presence, the couple is forced to divide in their attempt to conquer, and Michael turns to his ex-girlfriend and her knowledge of the occult world in order to understand how to fight this rising evil.

But will two supernatural forces of good operating separately and one paranormal scholar be enough to vanquish the growing legion of evil? 

The Review

This series just keeps getting more and more engaging. The balance of character development with grounded storytelling and rich mythology never ceases to amaze me. The evolution of new and existing paranormal creatures and individuals was great to see here, as was the dive into what it means to be the wolf for Michael, as his love Lex’s gifts keep the wolf from coming out, but at what cost? The exploration of that cost early on was so fascinating to see and shows the duality that comes from werewolf transformations in literature.

I also loved seeing the developing relationships between Michael, Lex, and Gail, as the sparks between Lex and Michael were so prominent but the author didn’t shy away from the complex relationship Michael has with Gail still, and the shared love that still exists there. The exploration of these characters and how they mesh together was so well done, and the author’s emphasis on character growth really elevated the overall narrative of this novel. The dive into the racism and violence our world has seen in recent years and how it impacts the paranormal community as well was such an inspired choice and was the perfect mirror of real-world problems in a paranormal setting.

The Verdict

Action-packed, emotional, and entertaining, author Mark Leslie’s “Fright Nights, Big City” is a must-read paranormal mystery thriller and the perfect next chapter in the Canadian Werewolf series. The twists and turns the narrative takes and the shocking finale that will have fans gasping in surprise will have readers hooked and in desperate need for the next chapter of the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Review

About the Author

Mark is a writer, editor and bookseller who was born and grew up in Sudbury, spent many years in Ottawa and Hamilton and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

When he is not writing, he tacks “Lefebvre” back onto his name and works as a book industry consultant, having been a bookseller since the 1992, the same year his first short story was published.

Apart from publishing novels and non-fiction paranormal explorations under the name Mark Leslie, having works occasionally appearing on his mother’s refrigerator door under the name Mark Lefebvre, and podcasting and consulting about the book industry under the name Mark Leslie Lefebvre for his Stark Publishing/Stark Reflections brand, Mark is a lover of craft beer.

When he’s not enjoying craft beer or playing around with his three given names, he can usually be found wandering, awestruck through bookstores or libraries.

http://markleslie.ca/

Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (A Canadian Werewolf Novel) by Mark Leslie Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A successful author who also must contend with the curse of the lycanthrope travels to LA to assist in the script for one of his books latest adaptions, and comes across a mysterious woman and B-Movie nightmares in author Mark Leslie’s “Fear and Longing in Los Angeles”, the latest in the author’s acclaimed series, “A Canadian Werewolf”. 

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The Synopsis

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE.

If New York is the city that never sleeps, then L.A. is the city where you have to sleep with one eye open.

Michael Andrews learns quickly that it’s not just the cut-throat world of Hollywood you need to fear. There’s something deeper, darker, and far more disturbing lurking just beneath the shadows of the city, waiting for any moment of vulnerability to grab you by the throat.

An extended trip to Los Angeles to be on set for the movie adaptation of his latest novel leads Michael into a twisted and macabre underworld where he becomes entangled with an intriguing, sexy, and mysterious woman. At times she seems just what he needs in order to finally get over the unrequited love of his ex-girlfriend; but at other times, she appears to be the gateway to a Pandora’s box of B-movie nightmares.

Can he trust her? Can he trust himself with her?

Michael’s supernatural wolf-enhanced powers and special abilities might not be enough to survive this particular harsh and gritty jungle and the unique and deadly predators that crawl out of the shadows.

The Review

This was a truly engaging and entertaining read. The author has crafted a unique world full of paranormal creatures and relatable characters. Although I am a newcomer to this series, the author writes in a way that allows each book to stand on its own while creating a new layer to the mythos the author has crafted for this series. 

The protagonist is the heart of this story. While many of the side characters add depth to the narrative, the beating heart is Michael’s journey. Balancing his supernatural powers and gifts with the more emotional core of his story, from the heartbreak of his relationship with Gail to meeting the mysterious and alluring Lex as he navigates the dark underbelly of Los Angeles makes his story really shine brightly. Pair this with the underscoring of political themes as a group of hateful domestic terrorists begins attacking the citizens of LA, and you have a fantastic new horror and action thriller.

The Verdict

A brilliant, action-packed, and emotionally driven thriller, author Mark Leslie’s “Fear and Longing in Los Angeles” is the perfect next chapter in the Canadian Werewolf series. The story immediately draws the reader in, and the twists and turns Michael’s story takes as he becomes closer and closer with Lex and gets involved in stopping this cult/terrorist organization makes for entertaining journey readers won’t be able to put down. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark is a writer, editor and bookseller who was born and grew up in Sudbury, spent many years in Ottawa and Hamilton and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

When he is not writing, he tacks “Lefebvre” back onto his name and works as a book industry consultant, having been a bookseller since the 1992, the same year his first short story was published.

Apart from publishing novels and non-fiction paranormal explorations under the name Mark Leslie, having works occasionally appearing on his mother’s refrigerator door under the name Mark Lefebvre, and podcasting and consulting about the book industry under the name Mark Leslie Lefebvre for his Stark Publishing/Stark Reflections brand, Mark is a lover of craft beer.

When he’s not enjoying craft beer or playing around with his three given names, he can usually be found wandering, awestruck through bookstores or libraries. 

http://markleslie.ca/

https://twitter.com/MarkLeslie