Sunday, November 30

Book Review: The War Nurse by RV Doon


Author: R.V Doon
Title: The War Nurse
Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Drama and Romance
Pages: 349
First Published: Janurary 2014 
Where I Got It: My shelf (given to me for an honest and unbiased opinion by the publisher/author)


"This historical thriller begins on the eve of WWII in the Philippines. Katarina Stahl an American Red Cross nurse, is the happiest she’s ever been in her life. She’s making love and playing music with Jack Gallagher in an idyllic paradise. Their medical mission is over, the boat tickets to home are purchased, and all that remains is to fly a sick child to the hospital at Clark Air Field. 

She never expected to witness bombs falling out of planes. In those terrifying first minutes, she frees a German doctor accused of spying and saves his life. She turns to nursing the injured, unaware she’s unleashed an obsession more dangerous to her and those she loves, than the war she’s trapped in. 

Doctor von Wettin, the man she freed, finds Katarina pregnant and starving in a POW camp after the surrender. He begs her to nurse his bed-ridden wife. She knows other Americans will despise her, but wants her baby to live after surviving Bataan. Their uneasy alliance is destroyed when she discovers he exploited Red Cross diplomatic channels and contacts at the German embassy to wire money to her parents. His benevolent mask slips when he informs her that her brothers and parents are interned on Ellis Island. 

When the Stahl family is swept up in the FBI’s dragnet, Josep Stahl believes it’s all a misunderstanding. He’s interrogated like a criminal at the city jail, a military camp, Ellis Island, and then the civilian internment camps in Texas. His anger and pride blind him. One by one in this painful family drama, his wife and sons join him behind barbed wire in. There they face ostracism, segregation, and, most frightening, repatriation. 

Katarina begins an even more terrifying journey into depraved darkness as Manila descends into occupation and chaos. The doctor threatens everyone she loves: infant son, POW husband, and Filipino friends. She’ll do anything to protect them; she lies, steals, and smuggles. As the war turns against the Japanese, they withhold the doctor’s wife’s life-saving medications until he finds a hidden radio inside the civilian internment camp. If Katarina refuses to help him, her son pays the price. 

Survival has corrupted Katarina; but she’s not about to become his camp rat. After years of hell, she’s earned her nickname, war nurse. Doctor von Wettin is about to find out what that means."


This took me a while to finish, because it was dark. Very, very dark. Yes, there is romance between Katarina and Jack, but that is a small light in the mist of darkness surrounding not only her but her family back in the US. While she is being a nurse on the front lines against the Japanese, her family is dealing with the government thinking they are German spies and arresting them thanks to one letter from good ol' Doctor von Wettin and because Josep and his wife never became citizens.

Poor Katarina...poor Josep and the rest of the Stahl clan. The book truly shows that each side of the war had "evil" sides. War is bloody, nasty, and people suffer. The Japanese were cruel to their POWs and America were cruel to the people who just so happened was of Japanese or German descent. No side of the war had clean hands throughout World War II. 

Right from the beginning drama was underway; there was not a boring/slow part. The book kept you on your toes. However, there was a lot of characters and it was hard sometimes to keep track on who was who. Also, the ending wasn't very satisfying. There were a few loose ends and it was a little cliff-hanger-ish. Is there going to be a second book? Or maybe a short story? I hope so, because I would love to see Katarina reunited with her family who was sent back to Germany. 

Overall, this was pretty good. A lot going on with a lot of characters running about. This book shows the true horrors that some people had to face during WWII and the book shows the truth that each side of the war had their hands bloodied with some sort of cruelty. It annoys me how everyone thinks just the Japanese and Germans where "evil" or did "evil things", so did the US and England and France. War is a horrible thing and makes people do terrible things. There was a light, though, that made me hopeful - the love between Jack and Katarina. The ending left me with some questions and I wanted more. Maybe there will be another book? I'm not sure. I recommend this to those that like historical fiction set during WWII. It is a little dark, but it was good. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Katarina, Josep, and Jack
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Von Wettin



Friday, November 28

Book Blog Walkers #5

This challenge is organized by Felicia over at the Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

Saturday:  Went to the mall for 2 hours. Does this count? LOL
Sunday: 1.5 miles walk 
Monday: 30 mins of Zumba & 1 mile jog. 
Tuesday:  3 mile bike ride, 10 min weights, & .25 mile jog
Wednesday: 30 min yoga
Thursday:  3.75 bike ride & 1 mile walk/jog
Friday: Cleaning the apartment like crazy today due to our the Thanksgiving we are hosting Saturday - I am super, super nervous!!!!!!!
Conclusion: Proud of myself this week, even though I had a couple days I didn't actually workout, but I was active, so I'm counting it. hahaha


Tuesday, November 25

Book Review: The Key by Jennifer Anne Davis

Author: Jennifer Anne Davis
Title: The Key (True Reign #1)
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance, and action 
Pages: ebook
First Published: November 2013 
Where I Got It: My shelf (Online freebie)

"His father’s kingdom is on the brink of upheaval and at the center of it all is an ordinary girl who could be the key to its undoing. When faced with the ultimate choice, will he choose the girl he’s falling in love with or the kingdom he has sworn to protect? 


An ordinary girl with an extraordinary past. All she wants is to be free. What she doesn’t realize is that freedom comes with a price she can’t afford to pay. She’s forced to accept the proposal of a prince she despises, even though her heart belongs to someone else . . . his brother.

Seventeen-year-old Rema lives in a brutal kingdom where travel between regions is forbidden, people are starving, and looking at someone the wrong way can mean death. Nineteen-year-old Darmik is the king’s son and Commander of the King’s Army. He spends his days roving the island, doing his father’s bidding and trying to maintain control over the people.

When a chance encounter throws Rema and Darmik together, they share an instantaneous connection, but any sort of relationship between them is strictly forbidden. Darmik’s brother, the Crown Prince, notices Darmik’s interest in Rema and, in a calculated, political move, blackmails her. Faced with an impossible choice, Rema is forced to sacrifice her heart in order to save her family.

As Rema is taken to the palace with the Crown Prince, Darmik confronts the growing rumor that a legitimate blood heir to the throne exists and is trying to overthrow Darmik’s family. In Darmik’s quest to hunt down and kill the threat, he discovers that nothing is as it seems. Locked in the king’s castle, Rema finds herself a key player in a massive power struggle. When Darmik shows up, she’s not sure if she can trust him. The line between friends, enemies, and loyalty becomes blurred. As truths are unlocked, Rema understands that she just might be the key to finding the rightful heir and restoring peace to the kingdom… if she can manage to stay alive long enough."




What a ride! This is one of the best medieval fantasies I've read in a while. It was a freebie and a random find, but honestly...it would've been worth full price. To shake things up, I'm going to break this review up into sections:

The Characters

Rema - Poor girl. All she wanted was freedom and the simple life. She is still super naive and a child, but I am curious to see how she grows in the next book when she takes the reigns on leading the revolt against those that killed her entire family for the crown. Evil people. 
Darmik - Sorry....I don't like him right now. He made me really, really mad and if I was Rema I wouldn't be able to forgive him right away. She better not in the next book!! The next book he needs to earn her love back. >____>
Lennek - Evil, evil man. Karma better come soon.
King Barjon - Ooooooooooooooooooooooh. He is evil and I can't wait til Rema and the rebels take him down. Honestly, though, I want Mako to have a final battle with him for all he lost.
Mako - He had a little spotlight at the beginning, but not much else. I hope he gets more time in the spotlight in the next book.
Aunt & Uncle - Loved them. I hope they are okay.

The Story

A little slow after the prologue (HINT: READ THE PROLOGUE), but there was an underlining tension throughout the book. Once the drama crack explodes, it well, explodes. It's a great warm-up for the next book and I can only imagine the drama and action are going to explode even more. How will the rebels win against King Barjon and Lennek? Will Darmik pick the right side? 

The Ending

0_________0 WHY LEAVE LIKE THIS YOU EVIL AUTHOR! I MUST FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS! Well, there is a book 2, so I kinda know what happens, but still....a major cliffie that is making me need more. 

Conclusion

A good beginning to a series. The characters were fun. The heroine is still in the progress of finding her way to being a hero and the evil characters are certainly evil. It was a little slow after the prologue, but when the drama exploded....it was good and kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending was certainly evil, but it was a good one and now I must read the second book. I recommend this to those who like medieval fantasies. Out of five stars, I stamp this one with 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Rema and Mako 
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Darmik (*shakes head*),  Lennek, and King Barjon 





Monday, November 24

B Reviews: Fantastical by Kristen Ashley

Cora Goode has woken up in a fairytale world where she can understand what birds are saying to her, men ride horses and have fluffy feathers in their hats and furniture zigs, zags and whirls in miracles of construction. 

The problem is, she thinks she’s in a dream but she’s actually taken the place of the parallel universe Cora and without realizing it, our Cora does something that starts a centuries old curse that will sweep the land if she gets captured by the evil Minerva. 

At this point, her dream world becomes a nightmare. 

Luckily, hot guy, fantasyland Noctorno is there to save her from the clutches of the grotesque vickrants sent by Minerva to capture her. Unfortunately, hot guy, fantasyland Noctorno doesn’t like the Cora of his world all that much (to say the least) and he thinks our Cora is her. And no matter what our Cora says or does to try to convince him, he won’t be convinced. 

But Cora needs Tor to keep her safe and guide her through this fantastical world as she hopes one day to wake up in her not-so-great apartment in her not-so-great life in her world. The problem is, the more time she spends with the gorgeous warrior Tor, the faster she falls in love with him. 

My thoughts:
I might even have liked this one more than book 1 :) (and do not talk about book 2, that atrocity shall not be named.)

Ok so the hero is a total ass, BUT, he has a right to be. He is married to a total bitch who made his life and everyone else miserable. Then suddenly his wife starts behaving in another way and he thinks she is playing her, cos she is a bitch.

Cora is from Seattle and one morning she wakes up in a fantasy land. Where she is married and her husband thinks she is a lazy spoiled bitch. She tries her best to explain but why would he believe her when she is..yes a bitch. Such a bitch. Everyone hates her.

It was fun to read. She trying her best. Him being an ass. But he slowly finds her amusing cos she is nice, kind, different.

A fun ride :D The only part that was not as fun was when it took place in our world, booo our world. Boring at once then.

And now I look forward to book 4. 

Kindle Edition, 338 pages
Published November 1st 2011
Fantasyland #3
Fantasy romance
Own

Sunday, November 23

Book Review: I Stand Corrected by Patricia Asedegbega

Author: Patricia Asedegbega
Title: I Stand Corrected (Rosario & Balou)
Genre: Contemporary, Drama, and fiction
Pages: ebook
First Published: August 2014
Where I Got It: My shelf (given to me for an honest and unbiased opinion by the publisher/author)

"Balou is taken away from his mother at a very tender age and sold to a pet shop where he waits impatiently for someone to pay for his freedom and take him home, just when he is about to give up all hope of it ever happening, he meets young and troubled Rosario who is really not looking for a pet. A strange and endearing alliance is forged between them but he soon discovers that something is horribly wrong in her household. Will he be able to save her?"


There is so much more to the story then the summary gives credit for. There is some funny bits, but the story centers around abuse. However, the story is told in two different POVs: Balou the cat and Rosario the rich heiress. I am honestly glad that they made the main character a rich heiress, because it shows that abuse happens to not only the poor, but the rich as well. Yes, the rich have more options getting out, but it still is hard.

I will admit...I did grow frustrated with Rosario, because she would not leave him, even when the secret of the abuse was out and the whole staff found out. I wanted to shake her and then save her from Javier. Goodness, I loathed him. >_____> I wish that Balou did more damage then he did. No...I will not say more. That scene was an amazing scene. Yes, it was bad and a tough scene, but Balou is amazing and I want a cat like him.

Honestly, I loved the fact that Balou got to have his say and his opinions/views were expressed through his side of the story. When I told a friend about this book and how the cat gets his own POV, she laughed and thought it was silly. No. It really worked and I liked it; it added a new view on situations like these. 

There were a couple spots where it was hard to get through, because it is a tough issue, but it is worth the read. The ending is totally worth it! It was a long road, but I finally got what I wanted to happen to happen. I shall say no more...


My only other complaint is that is was a wee bit choppy in some spots. I hated the random time jumps between paragraphs; there was a lack of transitions mainly in Rosario's POV. Other then that, I did like this book a lot. There characters were great, the two POVs were great, and even though the issue the story revolves around is tough, it was a different and good way to talk about the issue. I recommend this to those that need a change up in their readings and/or who want a serious book with a little comic relief (aka the cat who is adorable). I shall stamp this with 4 stars; more like 3.5, but I don't give decimals. 

Favorite Character(s): Balou, Rosario (even though she frustrated me a few times), the staff, and Javier (I hated him, but he was a good baddie).
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Javier (he deserved to be pushed off the cliff) and Javier's mother (that lady....grrrr)

PS - Random last thought that I had as I returned to this review later - I don't quite understand the title. Does it have to do with Rosario's final thoughts at the end? IDK. Any ideas, thoughts? 



Saturday, November 22

Book Blog Walkers Week 4

This challenge is organized by Felicia over at the Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

Saturday:  1.5 miles walk
Sunday: 2 miles walk & 15 mins yoga (got lazy and didn't finish) 
Monday: 2.5 miles walk/jog
Tuesday: 30 mins of Zumba 
Wednesday: 1.5 mile walk/jog
Thursday:  1 mile walk/jog
Friday: 30 mins Zumba, 15 mins yoga (got lazy again), & 1.5 miles walk 
Conclusion: Did better this week, but sighs....stupid lack of time.



Thursday, November 20

Movie Review: Maleficent (2014)

Length: 97 mins
Released: 2014
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, & Family
Rating: PG

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

SUMMARY:
"Maleficent" explores the untold story of Disney's most iconic villain from the classic "Sleeping Beauty" and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king's newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever. 

TRAILER:

Review:
I've been wanting to watch this forever, but I am really picky on what I watch in theaters (I hate gambling - so it is a risk to go the theaters), because I'm afraid I will not like the movie. However, no I regret that choice. This would have been amazing to see on the big screens! So much color and amazing effects. A beautiful film, with a beautiful story.

Poor Male (I shall call her that - it is shorter). She got royally screwed and I can totally see why she became a "villain". I would have too! Stupid Stefan. >_____> Greed is a horrible, horrible thing and it makes one do horrible things to the ones you love. I cannot say what happens, but Stefan deserves much more then what he got. 

I did like this re-telling a lot, because it shows the other side of the story. I do wish that they didn't make Aurora so young and air-headed. Maybe it was the actress? But she was annoying and too air-headed for my liking. However, Male needed to see that innocence again to realize that revenge is wrong too. Like Boyfriend, the revenge was totally warranted, but Male should have done something different - not curse an innocent baby. 

Angelina did wonderful in this film. She is hit-or-miss; she either does wonderful or poopy. This was def a win in my books for her. I must say though....she was WAY too skinny in this movie. Maybe she did it on purpose? The Male in the child's movie was sickly skinny too, so perhaps it was done on purpose. Also, her lips look smaller then normal. Am I nuts? *shrugs* Possible.

In the end, this was a good movie. I regret not seeing this on the big screen at the theaters. :/ The effects and acting were good. The girl who played Aurora annoyed me, but I don't like utter air-heads, so yeah...Angelina did wonderful and I'm glad they picked her. I recommend this to those looking for a good fantasy and/or re-telling movie. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4. 

Favorite Character(s): Male, Diaval (awwwwe, cute. I wanted him to end up with Aurora oddly), and the little forest creatures
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Stefan (Ass), Aurora (air-head), the three fairies (Ugh), and Prince Phillip (Meh)
Re-watch?: YES, YES, and YES!







Tuesday, November 18

Book Review: Ivy and Intrigue by Lauren Willig

Author: Lauren Willig
Title: Ivy and Intrigue - A Very Selwick Christmas (Pink Carnation # 4.1)
Genre: Historical Romance & Short story
Pages: ebook
First Published: December 24th, 2008
Where I Got It: Freebie from author's website



In this novella, the newly married spy, the Purple Gentian, and his bride find more than mince pie when they head home for the holidays. 






Like earlier stated this is a short story, so it shall be short. 

The story is a little snipbit of a Christmas party with some of the lovable heroes of the Pink Carnation books. However, it centers around Eloise (in present day) and Amy/Richard from the first book. Some other characters make an appearance too like Hen and Miles. :)

This is my second time reading this short story and since it feels like Christmas outside (due to the horrible snow and cold), I felt like giving this another go. I think I really like it, because it shows that love is work and not all rainbows and kittens all the time. Amy and Richard are now married and back home in England. It was such a whirlwind marriage and love story. Richard was a spy and Amy a spy-wannabe. They were forced to give up their dreams of spying and etc and retire to England, so they are sure that the other is bored and hates the boring life.

Is it odd that I believe couples should talk and be honest at all times? I mean is it SO hard? However, that doesn't make a story. 

Sighs. 

Sorry about that, but it drives me bananas, because so many issues can be avoided with honesty with the one you love.

Eloise's part was bleh - but oh well.

ANYWAYS, this a cute little short story thrown in the middle of the series. A nice little catch-up of our favorite characters. I wish Lauren would write more. ;)  I recommend this to those that like the series. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4 stars.


Favorite Character(s): Hen, Miles, Amy, and Richard
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Lady Jerard (smh)


Monday, November 17

B's Review: The Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley

Circe Quinn goes to sleep at home and wakes up in a corral filled with women wearing sacrificial virgin attire - and she is one of them. She soon finds out that she’s not having a wild dream, she’s living a frightening nightmare where she’s been transported to a barren land populated by a primitive people and in short order, she’s installed very unwillingly on her white throne of horns as their Queen.

Dax Lahn is the king of Suh Tunak, The Horde of the nation of Korwahk and with one look at Circe, he knows she will be his bride and together they will start The Golden Dynasty of legend.

Circe and Lahn are separated by language, culture and the small fact she’s from a parallel universe and has no idea how she got there or how to get home. But facing challenge after challenge, Circe finds her footing as Queen of the brutal Korwahk Horde and wife to its King, then she makes friends then she finds herself falling in love with this primitive land, its people and especially their savage leader. 

My thoughts:
I would not call it spoiler when it happens int the first pages. See it as a warning.

No, wtf, NO! RAPE IS NEVER RIGHT. I do not give a fuck if it's their society. He brutally attacks and rapes her. And what I am supposed to read on and they will fall in love and she will change their society. Well do that, he still raped you.

How the fuck is this romance?

I wish there was a worse rating than 1. NO!

Also why is everyone comparing it to GoT. A scene which I also hated. No, nothing romantic with a raped 13 year old falling for her rapist. Pedophile rapist.  DNF.

Stay tuned in for next week, when I review book 3... ;)

Kindle Edition, 485 pages
Published August 22nd 2011
Fantasyland #2
Fantasy romance
Own

Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

Saturday, November 15

Book Blog Walkers & Book Review: Whatever Happened to Mourning Free

This challenge is organized by Felicia over at the Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

Saturday:  2 miles walk/jog
Sunday: 1.5 miles walk/jog 
Monday: Nothing (I went grocery shopping and got lazy afterwards. haha)
Tuesday: 30 mins of Zumba - Abs, Buns, & Thighs and 2 mile walk
Wednesday: 2 mile walk/jog 
Thursday: Nothing 
Friday: 1 mile walk
Conclusion: Super bad week for me, because I was so blasted busy. I shall do better next week hopefully! 




Author: Yael Politis
Title: Whatever Happened to Mourning Free (Olivia #3)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: ebook
First Published: September 2014
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest opinion)

"It's 1967 and Charlene Connor has just graduated from the University of Michigan, without her "Mrs." Her mother recently passed away and soon afterwards her father fled the silence to a new job on the other side of the state. So Charlene is going "home" to what is now an empty house. 

Two things make this long, hot summer bearable: Reeves Valenti – the high school sweetheart she left behind – and the lawyer who unexpectedly knocks on her door, bringing information about the woman she idolizes - her great-great-great Aunt Olivia Killion. Charlene can't wait to get Olivia's journals from him and finally learn what happened to Olivia and her friend and partner Mourning Free; she doesn't know that the answer to that question will deepen the connection she feels to Olivia and bring a new person -- and a fundamental change -- into her life. "


This is the third and final book of the Olivia series. However, this is told through the POV of Charlene who is the great-great-great niece of our heroine Olivia in the first two books. This was an interesting take on giving a "what happened" to not only our heroine Olivia, but to the elusive Mourning. What DID happen with Mourning? This has been a burning question for me. I pretty much guessed what DID happen, but it was a little different then what I "hoped" for. 

I will spoil it, because it is no surprise. This is not an HEA. Olivia and Mourning do not really ever get to be together because of the simple fact that he is a black man and she is a white woman. So sad that we allowed this hatred to happen. :/ Who are we to say who can love each other?

Anyways...

Poor Charlene. She has had a hell of a time. She broke up with Reeves a little while ago for a stupid and selfish reason, her mom died, her dad moved away, her sister is far away, and she is left alone with taking care of getting the house ready to sell. Granted...her dad did hire someone to help her: Reeves. Sighs. I would be so upset, but alas, she still loves him and he loves her so its okay I guess. However, it is the fact the dad went behind her back and didn't care it would be awkward as Hell. >___> Some people. 

Also, poor Charlie. :/

I am glad this wasn't solely set in Charlene's POV, you do get a glimpse of Olivia through some of her diary entries about what happened to her and to Mourning. It was nice, but the beginning was rather slow, because I was having issues adjusting to her POV. I honestly wish that it was completely in Olivia's POV, but I am biased, because I do like Olivia a lot more then I liked Charlene. She was okay...just...well...she is very naive and selfish. Granted. She is a young adult trying to figure her life out through a crazy time in history. Oh yes, the late 1960s. A time of chaos and change. I am certainly glad I did not grow up in that time period. 

In the end, this was okay. It was different and showed a different side of the author's writing style. I am biased, because I adored Olivia a lot more then Charlene, so it was hard to pretty much get a second-hand account of her story through Charlene and diary entries. I really wish this was a Historical Romance, because Olivia, Mourning, and Little Boy would have lived HEA, but alas...she stays true with the times. It was impossible for that to happen. It was a fun ride and it was an interesting way to end the series. I am looking forward to Yael's other books! She is fantastic. I recommend this to those that like Historical Fiction. Out of five stars, I shall stamp this 3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Charlie, Charlene (I had a love-hate thing with her), and Olivia
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Reeves (he bugged me)




Wednesday, November 12

B's Movie Review: Dracula Untold

SUMMARY: As his kingdom is being threatened by the Turks, young prince Vlad Tepes must become a monster feared by his own kingdom in order to obtain the power needed to protect his own family, and the families of his kingdom.
Director:
  Gary Shore
Writers:
  Matt Sazama,  Burk Sharpless,
Stars:
  Luke Evans,  Dominic Cooper,  Sarah Gadon 

Yum, damn, hottest vampire movie I have ever seen! I am so over vampires, but Dracula is something else...

At first I was all, why ruin the movie with this BS!? Can't you for once tell the story about good old Vlad as he was, without the whole vampire angle. I mean he was a tough SoB, with the whole impaling thing and all. So just tell his story. But hey, what can I say, this was totally worth it.

The movie was about **dreams about sexy Dracula**. Oh I was talking? Right. The Turks wants canon fodder, Dracula is all hell no. And the Turks are all FU. We will kill you all and take the canon fodder we need. And then Dracula is all, shit, what shall I do? Oh I can go visit the creepy cave in the mountains and kill you all!!!!

Yup, that was the story and then they lived happily and unhappily ever after. The real story is there somewhere but mostly is just made up stuff. But like I said before, it's all good. Luke Evans sure makes up for it. He does not show fang a lot, but who needs that. Now to my secret, I like war.  This kind of war. People running at each other with swords. Niiiice. And he was so good at it.

Actors, oh who cares how they good they did. Luke Evans was hot, I did not notice anyone else.

Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

Tuesday, November 11

Book Review: A Bit of Bite by Cynthia Eden

Author: Cynthia Eden
Title: A Bit of Bite
Genre: Fantasy, UF, romance, paranormal, & short story
Pages: ebook
First Published: 2011
Where I Got It: My shelf (Online freebie)

"A killer is stalking the streets of Crossroads, Mississippi, and it’s up to Sheriff Ava Dushaine to stop him. But when suspicion falls on werewolf alpha Julian Kasey—Ava’s ex-lover and the man who still haunts her dreams—Ava knows that she’ll either have to prove his innocence…or watch the whole town go up in flames.

Originally part of an Entangled anthology."





This is a short story that is well...short. One must take that into account.

I need a nice quick adventure with a quick romance. Well, Ava and Julian had a one night stand a while back, but Julian couldn't let go. Ava likes him a lot, but she is head of the police department that deals with the supernatural, so its a wee bit awkward to be dating the head of the werewolf pack. 

There is a twist and I liked it, because I didn't expect it and it was certainly a good one. I do wish the ending was a little bit longer,  because it just, well, ended. There was a huge moment between Ava and Julian and I wanted to know more what happens next. Maybe an epilogue? Or a book series? That would be epic. 

This was a nice story with a great twist and a romance that seems impossible, but there is a HEA of course. I really wanted more, because it felt too short and I wanted more. I will have to check out Cynthia Eden's other works; she was good. I recommend this to those looking for a short story in this genre. It's a good one. Out of five stars, I stamp this one with 3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Ava and Julian
Not-so Favorite Character(s): The baddies. 




Monday, November 10

Blodeuedd Reviews: Wildest Dreams by Kristen Ashley

Blurb:
Seoafin “Finnie” Wilde was taught by her parents that every breath was a treasure and to seek every adventure she could find. And she learns this lesson the hard way when they perish in a plane crash. But she never forgets and when she discovers there is a parallel universe where every person has a twin, she finds a witch who can send her there so she can have the adventure of a lifetime. 

But upon arrival in the Winter Wonderland of Lunwyn, she realizes she’s been played by her twin and finds herself walking down the aisle to be wed to The Drakkar. 

Thrown into inauspicious circumstances, with years of practice, Finnie bests the challenges and digs into her adventure. But as Frey Drakkar discovers the woman who is his new wife is not Princess Sjofn, a woman he dislikes but instead, his Finnie, a free-spirit with a thirst for venture just like him, without her knowledge he orders his new bride bound to his frozen world, everlasting. 

But at the same time Frey plunges Finnie into a web of political intrigue that includes assassination plots, poison, magic, mystery and… dragons.

My thoughts:
This was cheesy fun. It was silly, a bit crazy and with a heroine that so did not fit in. Like not at all, and then she totally did.

Finnie wants an adventure and goes to a parallel world and pretends to be her parallel twin while her lesbian parallel twins goes to our world to have some fun. It seems to be a good idea...not. So not a good idea.

It was crazy. Dumped in a strange winter world, made to marry within minutes. Left alone after the wedding to survive on her own. Omg, epic stuff there. She was all f!? And then she just went on with life and had her adventure. She was so cool, and weird. She got to know the locals, got drunk at the pub and played cards with locals.

When the romance finally start....well, ok so yes Frey is an asshole, but hey in a good way. Of course he does not want a woman who does not want him. But she is all hey there sexy hunk *wink wink* and he is all is this my wife? Hell yeah. They were amusing to read about, and she is just So Earth modern woman. While he is a barbarian.

Yes he did make some foolish choices. MEN! But I could forgive them, cos shit got real and then you can't worry about stuff like that when true love is around.

A fun fantasy romance that was just...cheesy! In the best possible way

Kindle Edition, 536 pages
Published August 15th 2011
Fantasyland #1
Fantasy Romance
Own copy

Sunday, November 9

Book Review: Past Encounters

Author: Davina Blake
Title: Past Encounters
Genre: Historical Fiction & Drama
Pages: ebook
First Published: June 30th, 2014
Where I Got It: My shelf (Online freebie)

"From the moment Rhoda Middleton opens one of her husband’s letters and finds it is from another woman, she is convinced he is having an affair. But when Rhoda tracks her down, she discovers the mysterious woman is not his lover after all, but the wife of his best friend, Archie Foster. 

There is only one problem - Rhoda has never even heard of Archie Foster. 

Devastated by this betrayal of trust, Rhoda tries to find out how and why her husband, Peter, has kept this friendship hidden for so long. Her search leads her back to 1945, but as she gradually uncovers Peter’s wartime secrets she must wrestle with painful memories of her own. For if they are ever to understand each other, Rhoda too must escape the ghosts of the past. Taking us on a journey from the atmospheric filming of Brief Encounter, to the extraordinary Great March of prisoners of war through snow-bound Germany, this is a novel of friendship, hope, and how in the end, it is the small things that enable love to survive."


My goodness. I don't even know where to begin. Perhaps I shall divide and conquer this one, but I'll mix it up and change the format:

The Characters
Peter - Idiot. I liked old Peter, but the version that came from the war became an idiot. Not his fault. Like Archie had said was partially due to being "paranoid" from the war. It drove me insane though that he would keep such a stupid secret from Rhoda. I do kinda sorta get his excuse (which I will not say, because it is a huge spoiler on both Rhoda's side and his), but still...she is your wife and you are hiding your war-buddy and his wife. :/ Idiot and selfish and blind and rude. >___> He lied for 10 years! GAH!

Rhoda - Another idiot. How you could you not see that Peter was lying? Really? Especially when he broke the window with his fist and said that he was "okay...nothing wrong". WHAT? Sighs. I do feel bad for Rhoda, but she was not an innocent while Peter was away at war. I get that the heart wants what the heart wants, but still...where is the loyalty?

Helen - At first I liked her, but then she made me mad. She made up for it at the end when she snapped. Good. That should have happened at the very beginning and avoided all these issues.

Archie - He was my favorite. I wish that he was alive to slap some sense into Peter's brain.

Matthew - Sighs....why?

Peter's parents - Hated them. They were nothing but rude to Rhoda and they needed a good slap. I'm glad Peter did stand up to them at one point.

The Story
It was rather slow in the beginning, but it certainly got better as the story went along. There is three POVs going on and some time jumping. However, the author did a lovely job with announcing when a change would happen. Thank goodness...I would have been utterly lost.

When I first started reading this, something was annoying me. It took me longer then I care to admit. Whenever the author switched from Helen's or Rhoda's POV to Peter's, she also switched the tense. Helen and Rhoda were using 1st person, while Peter was 3rd person. It annoyed me, but I got use to it as the story went along. 

I'm glad the story ended the way it did. I cannot say what happened, but the characters made me proud. I honestly wish that Helen and Archie get their own story; especially Helen I want a HEA for her too.

Conclusion
In the end, this was okay. I'm glad it was a freebie on Amazon. The characters all annoyed me from time to time, but the majority made it up at the end. I wish that the author did stay on track with 3rd person or 1st person, it was distracting and hard to transition between each one. I am glad that the author did announce when a change in POV or time was to occur. Honestly, I liked Peter's POV the best. The beginning was slow, but it did get better. I recommend this to those who like Historical Fiction with a whole bunch of unnecessary drama. I shall stamp this with 2 stars. It is more like, but I rounded. 

Favorite Character(s): Mmmmm, no one really. I did like Helen and Archie though
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Everyone had their moment when I wanted to punch them, but I really loathed Peter's parents; worthless.