Blodeuedd's Monday Review: The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright by Tessa Dare

Narrated by: Carolyn Morris

Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins

Release date: 11-10-20

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

This story takes place during a few years. Which is great since it is a novella, and then the lovestory works well.

Eliza wants to be out, but her 3 sisters needs to marry before her. So she waits, and waits. She meets a man, a no good scoundrel, a rake, someone who always shows up when she least wants it.

They circle around each other for years. Her sisters marry, she is getting closer. And she was fun, and it was amusing to read about. And yes I did not like Harry at first, because he was such a rake! But as the years go by, maybe he is not really such a rake. Maybe he is a sweetie.

I liked it. Aww novellas in audio are fun!

A great narrator with distinct fun voices. She made these fun

Miss Eliza Cade is a lady in waiting. And waiting.

Because of a foolish mistake in her youth, she's not allowed "out" in Society until her three older sisters are wed. But while she's trying to be good, she keeps bumping elbows—and, more distressingly, lips—with notorious rake Harry Wright. Every moment she spends with him, she risks complete ruin.

The sensual passions he stirs in her are so wrong . . . but Eliza just can't resist Mr. Wright.

Book Review: Hello, World by L.M. Barrett

Author: L.M. Barrett

Title: Hello, World
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Format: ebook

Published:  October 25th 2020 

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

When trekking in the Amazon rainforest, most normal people must overcome their fears of the unknown such as dangerous animals and not returning home in one piece. For city girl Grace Brooks, she must overcome her fears of no makeup and going to the loo. And can she survive two weeks without her hairdryer?

When Grace is offered the chance of a lifetime, to test out brand new camping equipment in the rainforest - she finds it easy to turn down. After all, who in their right mind would want to trek around the muddy rainforest for two weeks in a tent? But when the offer becomes too good to be true and even her friends and family doubt her ability she finds herself determined to prove them wrong.

And who knows - there’s always the chance of love when it’s just her and a hunky Brazilian guide. Except, he’s not quite what she expects and when she becomes hopelessly lost, life becomes a little hairy.

When Patrick Kirk’s holiday is interrupted to complete the most absurd mission of his life - to rescue some bimbo lost in the rainforest, he’s less than impressed and determined to despise the silly woman for ruining his holiday. But as he closes in on her and thanks to his new tech, he catches transmissions of her daily ramblings. Ramblings she has no idea are being aired. As she talks about life, death, feelings and lack of sex, he finds himself drawn to the woman - especially when she announces she’s going to sleep with the first man she sees.

When he finally catches up with her, Grace is less than impressed with her neanderthal rescuer. Patrick too, is less than impressed with the high-maintenance whiner. Stuck together for at least a week, can they learn to get on or are they destined to kill each other?

Review:

I couldn't resist this when I read the summary! I want this to be a movie!

The story follows Grace Brooks who is offered a deal of a lifetime that could change her financial situation for life. All she has to do is spend 2 weeks in the Amazon with guide to test out new camping equipment. How could one say no? However, things go wrong and now she is lost, her guide gone, and she has no idea how to survive. Here enters in Patrick Kirk. He was on holiday but he is dragged in to save Grace.

Oh Grace. I don't blame you for doing this journey...especially because you thought you would be nice and safe with your guide. But I would have to turn it down. I love camping...but for like a couple of days. No thank you. I guess you can call me a shallow modern woman. 

It took a minute for me to like Patrick but after a certain scene I loved him! He was an asshat at first, but can you blame him? I would be mad too if I had to go save some dumb girl. 

This was funny but I was worried for our girl. The wilderness can be scary! But yes - this was funny and I just wanted Patrick and Grace to fall in love. There was lust and the love took a while. Which worked for them. They are complete opposites!

The ending had me on edge. I had no idea how everything was going to work out! Eeeee. I would be so tempted to sue that dang computer. Grr.

My only issue with our story is that it was too short. I wanted more time with Grace and Patrick. I felt like we didn't get to see them together as much.

Overall, I really liked this book. I do wish that it was longer so we could have more time with Grace and Patrick, BUT I enjoyed the entire story overall. They were fun together! I could totally see this being a movie. I would watch that! I'll give this 4 stars. 

Movie Review: No One Lives (2012)

Film Title: No One Lives

Length:     1h 26min 
Released:   10 May 2013 (USA)
Genre:  Horror, Thriller 
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Tubi

SUMMARY:
A gang of ruthless highway killers kidnap a wealthy couple traveling cross country only to shockingly discover that things are not what they seem.

TRAILER:

REVIEW:

BF found this movie on Tubi and demanded we watch this. I love horror and thrilled films so I was game (even though it made me stay up too late...whoops) PLUS this has one of my favorite actors. Yayy

A seemingly normal couple come across a gang who take it a step too far. Little do they know...things are NOT at all what they seem and they have no idea who they are messing with. 

This had a lot of sharp turns and twists in the story. You know something is up with this couple. From the way they both act to the things they say. Very confusing...but then it ALL makes sense after they are taken hostage and things escalate pretty quickly. 

Oooo this was a gory mess but it was fun. It is for sure a good Halloween movie or if you like slasher movies ;) 

But it wasn't all gore and no story. There is a story amongst all the chaos. 

I really was only rooting for the Emma. Poor thing. Even the gang members had a chance to be good and save her...but they ended up being just as bad so you don't really feel bad for them when they start dropping like flies. 

Dumb idiot Flynn. SMH. 

OOOO Luke Evan's unnamed character....you were scary especially after that one scene. Can't say but omg I didn't expect that. It was pretty different and gruesome. 

The ending did confuse me a little bit. Why did HE do what he did? Is it symbolism? Is it another psychological test? Maybe they meant to have a sequel but it never came to fruition? OR is the ending supposed to make you a little bit scared....like what is the end game? What is the plan? OH NO. Mmmmmmmm. 

Overall, this was a fun thriller/horror/gore-feast of a movie. Oooh Luke Evans you were a scary dude. If you like slasher films then this is the one for you. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. The ending was a little weird for me. 

Audiobook Review: Twain's Feast by Andrew Beahrs

Author: Andrew Beahrs 
Narrator: Nick Offerman & Andrew Beahrs 

Title: Twain's Feast - Searching for America's Lost Foods in the Footsteps of Samuel Clemens

Genre: Nonfiction, Travel, History, Biography, Food/Cooking

Format: Audiobook

Published:   April 1st 2018

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Mark Twain, beloved American writer, performer, and humorist, was a self-proclaimed glutton. With the help of a chef and some friends, Nick Offerman presents the story of Twain’s life through the lens of eight of Mark Twain’s favorite foods. As we explore these foods’ role in Samuel Clemens’ life, we also discover a surprising culinary and ecological history of America. The biggest celebrity of his time, Twain was a witness to a transforming country, and with historian and writer Andrew Beahrs as a guide, Beahrs and Offerman take documentary excursions across America, illuminating each dish and bringing to life a broad sampling of Twain’s writing. Twain’s Feast is a rollicking information-packed journey into the rich culinary history of America, with the sharp eye and unmistakable wit of Mark Twain himself.

Review:

This caught my eye right away. Food, Twain, History, and Nick Offerman? Yes please. 

On this journey we will get to learn more about the Samuel behind Mark Twain through his favorite foods. Along the way we will learn some historical facts, ecological facts, and get a glimpse into cooking styles of the past. 

This was super informative. I will admit I know very little about Mark Twain/Samuel Clemens. I have read some of his works throughout my life and have enjoyed some of them and some only bring terrible memories of essays and discussion boards from school *shudders*. So it was really nice to see the man in a different light. 

There is some doom and gloom topics mentioned. From race to the huge changes in our environment. However, there is humor throughout. We get to have some chuckles, but it is important to mention the huge topics that plagued the man and the time period. Heck, we are dealing with a lot of these issues today. Which is really sad to think about. Things have changed a lot and in many ways....but haven't changed at the same time. There is a metaphor I'm sure I could dig up and formulate.

I will say, though, I have gained a huge new respect for Mark Twain after listening to this. He really did have a way with showing and telling a story. He had such a gift of encapsulating the time period and people. He was funny, but underneath it all he was showing the world their own true nature. People are complex. They change, but in a lot of ways they never change. Ha. See? I could loop this in with my point above. People and the world change and grow, but in many ways....they don't. 

Now...the food aspect. It was so very interesting. Not sure if I would want to eat some of these dishes like the turtle soup or racoon. Nope. Hard pass sir. I do adore cranberries so that was a delightful chapter. 

It was also very nice they talked about the role of Thanksgiving for Samuel/Mark and the US in general throughout history. Many people really do not know the true origin of the holiday. I'll be honest....I really didn't know either. There are so many myths around this holiday and lies we tell the little kids. The first "official" Thanksgiving was called by President Lincoln in 1863 and then Thanksgiving wasn't even marked as an official Federal Holiday until 1941! 

This was very informational and I really enjoyed the formatting of the audio story. They had Nick Offerman lead us, but we also got to hear from the author and guests. It was very similar to a podcast. I really enjoyed it. 

Overall, this was a good listen. It was very podcast-like and easy to follow along. There is a lot of information packed into this. I am sure if I re-listened I would learn and catch things I missed before (or forgot). Just don't listen to this on an empty tummy ;) I'll stamp this with 5 stars. Totally worth the listen. 

Challenge(s):
- #56 for Audiobook Challenge