Thursday, June 29

Book Review: Mr. Darcy to the Rescue by Victoria Rincaid

Author: Victoria Rincaid
Title: Mr Darcy to the Rescue
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: ebook 
Published: August 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon Freebie)

When the irritating Mr. Collins proposes marriage, Elizabeth Bennet is prepared to refuse him, but then she learns that her father is ill. If Mr. Bennet dies, Collins will inherit Longbourn and her family will have nowhere to go. Elizabeth accepts the proposal, telling herself she can be content as long as her family is secure. If only she weren’t dreading the approaching wedding day… 

Ever since leaving Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy has been trying to forget his inconvenient attraction to Elizabeth. News of her betrothal forces him to realize how devastating it would be to lose her. He arrives at Longbourn intending to prevent the marriage, but discovers Elizabeth’s real opinion about his character. Then Darcy recognizes his true dilemma… 

How can he rescue her when she doesn’t want him to? 




Can't help but love a good P&P variation and this was a freebie on Amazon, so I couldn't resist picking this one up. 

The story starts out with Mr. Collins proposing to Elizabeth. Instead of denying him, Elizabeth has to say yes. Why? Well - her dad is dying and this is best for the family. At the same time Mr. Darcy is having internal conflict about what he should or shouldn't do about his feelings for Elizabeth. Of course he finds out she is proposed to the idiot Mr. Collins and decides that he needs to save her from Mr. Collins gross embrace. 

What an interesting turn of story. Kuddos to Elizabeth for doing what, at the time, is best for the family. I'm glad it forced Mr. Darcy's hand to move up his plans and try and win her. 

This was a fun, light read. Poor Darcy is so in love with Elizabeth and it broke my heart. However, I really feel that Darcy was not-so Darcyie. He was like a teenage boy drooling over Elizabeth and pinning for her ALL DAY. I grew to like him, but I was annoyed with him at first. 


The ending was the best. I loved when Darcy taught Mr. Collins a lesson. It was great...I huzzahed at the end. 

Overall, this was a fun read. It took a bit for me to get used to this version of Darcy. I recommend giving this a read if you are looking for a short and fun P&P variation. Out of five stars, I shall give this 4 stars. 













Monday, June 26

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of Mare’s potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.

But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance – Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart. 

My thoughts:
You know what, I did enjoy it at first. It was cheesy, simplistic and I could just relax my brain. But 2/3 in I just started to get annoyed. By all those things that did annoy me from the start too. Not even cheese can help you there.

First there was no world building. "But they mentioned other countries!" Oh, lol, you amuse me. Just cos you mention that there are other countries does not mean you built a world. I got nothing from this world. Except that they live in a country that fights others and it seems to be a sort of industrial world. So yes real shitty worldbuilding.

Then there is the whole Red and Silver that makes NO sense. First, for them to actually bleed differently shouldn't they be different species? Also did no silver ever hook up with a red. Not to mention did no silver ever rape a red since they are dirty peasants and all? I found that very hard to believe. I think there should be more bastards running around. But maybe they can not have children, being different species and all. Or wtf they are. It just made no sense. The whole red and silver thing.

And it so reminded me of that book....what was it called? There there were Red and Golds, and other colors too. Just that one had a MUCH better world building.

Oh and let us not even talk about the romance. LOL. Omg they meet and are in love? What? I felt nothing between them. And there were 2 other guys too. They have such a speshul connection.

Why are there always mean girls in YA? She had no reason to be mean. It just made her a petty bitch. Made no sense.

The end was such a mess. It made this a crappy book, before that I could roll with the silliness. If it is that easy to do the thinng done more would do it. *eyeroll* Worst simple ending ever.

I have not even started on our heroine. Never liked her. I did not understand why she was made fake silver since when that end come it made no sense at all. She had no purpose, she was not good at anything, she was not brave, she was pretty useless.

Damn this book went from good to I can not deal with this anymore fast!

Oh and if she series ends up with her as queen she will probably be the worst ever

Cover
Kind of cool

Hardcover, 383 pages
Published February 10th 2015 by HarperTeen
Red Queen #1
YA Fantasy
Library

Saturday, June 24

Movie Review: The Secret Life of Pets (2016)


Film Title: The Secret Life of Pets
Length: 1 hr and 27 Mins
Released: 2016 
Genre: Comedy & Action/Adventure
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: On Netflix


SUMMARY:
The quiet life of a terrier named Max is upended when his owner takes in Duke, a stray whom Max instantly dislikes.









TRAILER:




REVIEW:
What a cute movie. I can't help but love talking animal movies. They are simply the best and always a good time. 

This movie follows Max who has had the best life with his beloved human. Sure, he gets upset when she leaves for some "unknown reason" everyday, but when she is gone he gets to hang out with the animals in his complex. Well, one day his human brings home a big strange dog to live with them. Things happen and we get to see the other side of the coin with animals who were abandoned and hurt by humans. Drama goes on, laughs, and a hidden moral lesson. 

This was a for sure a PG film. Lots of adult comedy and underlying dark parts like with the Falcon. It was done tastefully and I liked it. 

The animation was done well, not amazing, but it was good. 

I LOVED THE CAT! That cat is my soul sister. If I were to be a cat that would be me. The cat reminded me a lot of Mamyia too. 

Not sure what else to say. It was simply a cute film that adults and kids would enjoy. Not the best film in the entire world, but it was for sure entertaining. Out of five stars, I'll give this 4 stars.  








Thursday, June 22

Book Review: Love on the Range by Sondra Grey

Author: Sondra Grey
Title: Love on the Range
Genre: Historical Romance & Western
Pages: ebook 
Published: May 2017
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon Freebie)

Accomplished Elizabeth Price is at the end of her options. Having attended medical college and finishing at the top of her class, she is refused her degree without explanation from her male professors. 
Her father and protector has just died and she must flee Connecticut and the lecherous advances of the elderly men who have threatened to ruin her reputation for not agreeing to their advances. Elizabeth seizes the opportunity to become the mail-order bride to honorable rancher, Nicholas Rhymer in Wyoming. Nicholas must marry by his thirtieth birthday in order to retain his ranch, but there is no one for him to marry in town, not since he lost the love of his life, Jessica, in a terrible carriage accident. A homely and meek mail-order bride is just the answer to his needs, someone he can marry who can run his home and not interfere with his emotions. What will happen when Nic meets Lizzie and finds her to be neither homely or meek? Will their marriage be more than just convenience for both of them, or will they allow themselves to fall into something deeper? And what of the ghost of past love that haunts Nic’s heart?




Oooooooooh, what a super bummer that I had to DNF this. I had some hope, because I do love Westerns and adding romances are fun too. Bummer. 

I got about halfway through this, but I could not finish it. The characters were the epitome of 2D and the storyline was interesting, but unrealistic and it seemed to fizzle and die. 

I didn't mind Lizzie and I actually really felt bad for her. Nic was meh. He seemed to get better but goodness knows. 

In the end, not for me. I still want to read more of this author's stuff since I liked her last one I read. A big DNF in end. 












Wednesday, June 21

Book Review: Heart of Stone by Debra Mullins

Author: Debra Mullins
Title: Heart of Stone (Truth Seers #2)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 320
Published: October 2014
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Darius Montana is a Seer. With his gift of empathy, he can see into the hearts of others, both human and Atlantean. When his family comes into possession of one of the legendary power stones of Atlantis, Darius is sent to find the Stone Singer.

Faith Karaluros is the last Stone Singer. Manipulated all her life for her rare ability, she is widowed after her husband tried to steal her power for the Mendukati, an extremist group that hunts Seers. Faith wants nothing more than to stay out of this war when Darius comes to find her—just in time to rescue her from being kidnapped.

Faith goes with Darius, determined to do the job and be on her way with the money that can set her up where no one can find her again. She didn't count on the Mendukati sending a hit man after her. Darius swears he can protect her, but when she discovers he is one of the rare Atlanteans whose powers work on their own kind, can she trust him to keep his word, or is she being used again?



I am really loving this world. It is such an interesting concept with interesting characters. There is a lot to learn about this world and all the different powers, but I am glad that the author is slowly introducing the world and history to the readers. I can't wait to learn more. Honestly, the first book should be read first due to the backstory. 

This story follows Darius is a Seer, who has the ability to feel other people's emotion, and Faith who is a Stone Singer. They have a lot of issues internally and there is a war that started brewing in the last book. 

I really loved Faith's power! It's hard to really explain, but I would want her power...except I wouldn't want to be the only one left and people are hunting me to wrangle the stones of power.

The only issue with the book was the ending. The ending just, well, ended. Sure, I want to read the next one, but it was so anti-climatic and a sad attempt at being a cliff-hanger. 

GAH!!!!! I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ADRIAN! Who are you mysterious man?!  He seems so complex and has a crazy past. There was a huge reveal. I anticipated something of that nature, but it was still a good twist. 

In the end, this was a good read! I am really liking this world and the characters. Can't wait for the next book. The ending was a meh, but the rest was good. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 













Tuesday, June 20

Time for TV Tuesday #3

**Someone had asked me why I don't discuss the shows that I watch since I seem to watch more TV compared to movies. This is an excellent question. Well...I will be doing this weekly Tuesday post sharing what I watching and some of my thoughts. Of course, I highly encourage sharing what you are watching too!!**



Most Recently Finished: 

TURN: Washington's Spies (Season 3)



This show follows a small, but extremely important part of George Washington's army during the American Revolution. There was a small group of spies assembled to gather information for the American Army. The head spy is a cabbage farmer by the name of Abraham, alias Culper. He enlists his old childhood friends and a couple strangers to run this ring. 

Now, this is season 3. Season 1 and 2 were good. Season 1 started slow, but got amazing. Season 2 started amazing, but fizzled out due to all the drama with the whole who-loves-who and etc. I was a little worried about Season 3, but I was still excited, because who doesn't love spies?

Season 3 was by far the best season so far! I giddy and could not stop watching. I finished this in two days (damn sleep and work getting in the way).  

I am really sad two of my favorites are gone from the show. Sad! However, I still have one favorite last. I will be PISSED if they write him off or kill him. GAH! I believe he was real, but I am scared to actually look it up. 0_0

But yes, there is still some of the old love-interest drama, but it is mainly all gone now. Still residual and still there, but it's to a level where I do not think it is ruining the plot like it did last season. 

I highly recommend this show for history lovers. I'll give this season a solid 5 (even though I am not pleased with the whole getting rid of all my favorite character >_> Hurmph). 


Currently Watching: 

Rules of Engagement


I've always wanted to watch this show. I started season 1 (I am nearly done already - dang!) and will be starting season 2 soon. I'll give a status update next week. But yeah - so far so good. It started really slow and the humor seemed forced. Pilots are always so rough, I swear. However, it is warming up and I am loving the characters. I'm glad that they are all friends, but realistic friends that met just because they are neighbors. Feels real. The only character I am meh about so far is Russell (David Spade). Sure, he is funny...but he feels so 2D and so stereotypical. Hopefully they build his character more. *fingers crossed*

Monday, June 19

Blodeudd's Monday Review: Maybe This Love by Jennifer Snow

Hockey player Ben Westmore has some serious skills---on and off the ice---and he's not above indulging in the many perks of NHL stardom. When a night in Vegas ends in disaster, he realizes two things: 1) it's time to lie low for a while, and 2) he needs a lawyer---fast. But the smoking-hot woman who walks into his office immediately tests all his good intentions.

Olivia Davis doesn't need anyone derailing her career---or her dreams of starting a family---least of all a skirt-chasing player like Ben. But soon he's unleashing a full-court press to convince her that he's the real deal. She's slowly falling for his sweet, rugged charm, but with so much on the line, Olivia has to decide whether Ben can truly change---or if he's just playing the game.

My thoughts:
He was drunk, he did something stupid and now he needs to get out of his mess. And honestly it was not a bad thing he did. But yes still a mess. And sure he was a player, but I can forgive that. He just needed the right woman ;)

Olivia liked her job, she was focused and she wanted a baby. She is also the opposing lawyer. But how sparks flew. But she should stay away. But damn he was fine. Though how she could be all I can't do that, when she did not even tell him her secret.

They can't date but they grow closer. I liked that he wanted her, and she, well she does want a family and thinks he can't give her that. Being a player and all.

And there is hockey too of course, it's a sports romance after all. He plays hockey and should focus so he does not croak. It's Stanley Cup after all! At least I get hockey so I liked that.

Conclusion:
Will they wont they. Yes they will

Cover
Cute


Kindle Edition, 300 pages
Expected publication: May 30th 2017 by Forever
Colorado Ice #2
Contemporary romance
Netgalley

Friday, June 16

Book Review: May the Best Man Win by Mira Lyn Kelly

Author: Mira Lyn Kelly
Title: May the Best Man Win (The Wedding Date #1)
Genre: Romance
Pages: ebook
Published: August 2016
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Four friends
Each a Best Man at a wedding
One chance to get it right

Jase Foster can't believe his bad luck. He's been paired with the she-devil herself for his best friend's wedding: Emily Klein of the miles-long legs and killer smile. She may be sin in a bridesmaid dress, but there's no way he's falling for her again.

They can barely stand each other, but given how many of their friends are getting married, they'll just have to play nice-at least when they're in company. Once they're alone, more than just gloves come off as Jase and Emily discover their chemistry is combustible, and there may be something to this enemies to lovers thing after all...



It is the season for weddings and love! So it seems right to read a book or two with this as a theme. 

Now, this story follows Jase and Emily. They share some friends, but they hate each. Oh! And of course they are paired together to stand up in their friends' wedding. They go through a lot of fighting, talking, and getting to the root of their hatred to each other. 

First, I must say....what the hell is wrong with the bride and the groom???? They know they hate each other and they pair them off? SMH idiots. 

Anyways...

This seemed to never end. It dragged on and on and on and on. Sure, I love when it takes a long time for a couple to get over their hatred for each other, but c'mon. They had a lot of issues for sure, but I lost interest about halfway. I kept reading on, but I skimmed the rest.

Emily was annoying. She had a lot of issues and I get why she had such an issue getting with Jase, but still.

Jase was not bad and I felt for him. Yes, he was an idiot when he was a wee thing, but Emily needed to let it go. 

Well...overall, this was a let down for sure. It dragged on too long with limited plot and I am surprised I was able to even finish it. I'll stamp this with 1 star. 











Wednesday, June 14

Wednesday Writing Prompt #5


Happy Wednesday everyone! It's been a while since I've shared some of my writings from this writing prompt book. I'm really liking it. I highly recommend it. :) There is a 500 one that I bought for my friend...seems a little much for me...hard enough to do these 300. 


1) What area of your life do you tend to enjoy in excess instead of moderation?
What a loaded question! Well... there are a few things. The area I really enjoy in excess is staying home. I am totally a homebody. I should get out more and visit people more, but when I get out of work I want to die and crash at home. Is this truly wrong? No...I'm seriously asking.

2) Write about three realistic goals you would like to achieve in your lifetime.
1. Travel outside the US. This is truly my #1 goal. I have a list of places I want to go.

2. Get to a certain size. I've lost some weight, but there is more I want to lose. 

3. Have a kid and maybe marriage. I've always had that in my brain since I was a wee little thing. 

3) When was the last time you got lost?
At work. I get lost ALL the time. I just get turned around when I am in a new area. I just started working at an apartment complex and I had to find a certain building and I got all turned around. Talk about looking like a fool, because I happen to live at that apartment community too. 

Tuesday, June 13

Time for TV Tuesday #2

**Someone had asked me why I don't discuss the shows that I watch since I seem to watch more TV compared to movies. This is an excellent question. Well...I will be doing this weekly Tuesday post sharing what I watching and some of my thoughts. Of course, I highly encourage sharing what you are watching too!!**



Most Recently Finished: 


I just finished the first season of this. This show follows the Medici family during Cosimo's "reign" over his banker family in the 15th century. 

The show started a little slow and just okay. The characters were decent even though it bugged me how the older characters like Cosimo is supposed to be 40s-50s but they looks like they are in their 20s-30s with fake grey hair sprinkled on. Like really? Cast older people. SURE I find Cosimo and his brother smexy, but it is so young looking. 

Like other shows, the historical accuracy is off. However, it wasn't horrible like some unmentionable shows (*cough* Reign *cough*). Some historical inaccuracies, just enough on point where it wasn't gag-worthy. 

WHY ARE YOU SO MEAN TO YOUR WIFE COSIMOOO!!! Ugh! So frustrating. I get his annoyance at being forced to marry her, but she has DONE SO MUCH FOR HIM! BLEH! 

Sorry - 

After episode four, the show got really good and couldn't stop watching. They ended on an interesting note and I am curious to see what is going to happen next. I can't wait for season 2 to come out. I may need to read some books to hold me over until then. LOL.  I do recommend this those who like a pretty good historical fiction. I'll give this 4 stars. 



Currently Watching: 
TURN: Washington's Spies (Season 3)


I watched Season 1 & Season 2 a while back, so I don't remember too much...just the main stuff. Season 3 just came to Netflix and this is my next watch. I'll be starting episode one shortly. 

I do remember Season 2 left off on a HUGE cliff-hanger and had big expectation....*fingers crossed* hopefully this is just as good as the last season. Season 1 was meh....so I am worried. Wish me luck. 

Monday, June 12

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Toughest Cowboy in Texas by Carolyn Brown

Last time Lila Harris was in Happy, Texas, she was actively earning her reputation as the resident wild child. Now, a little older and wiser, she's back to run her mother's café for the summer. Except something about this town has her itching to get a little reckless and rowdy, especially when she sees her old partner-in-crime, Brody Dawson. Their chemistry is just as hot as ever. But he's still the town's golden boy-and she's still the wrong kind of girl.

Brody hasn't had much time lately for anything other than ranching. Running the biggest spread in the county and taking care of his family more than keeps him busy. All that responsibility has him longing for the carefree days of high school-and Lila. She may have grown up, but he still sees that spark of mischief in her eyes. Now he's dreaming about late-night skinny dipping and wondering how he can possibly resist the one woman he can never forget... 

My thoughts:
Honestly! The people in this town! Oh she is too wild! She is bad news! I was just waiting for them to like accuse her of murdering someone. And sure, she was a daredevil as a teen, but hold your judgment people! Especially his gran and mother, but then they had their own reasons for disliking her, stupid selfish reasons.

Lila and Brody were in love, but in secret. Not winning my love their Brody. He messed up for sure as a teen. But it was also a good thing, because she left that small town, she made something of herself. And now she is back and she never stopped loving him.

Not everyone in the town is an asshat, but there are some. They made me so mad, I am glad she was above it but still.

It really is Brody who has to make his mind up, and do the chasing for this to work, and hey, I like that. And as how he is, a true cowboy. While she tries to be calm, but that wild child still lurks in there (the one who can not let him go).

Conclusion:
It was a truly sweet romance

Cover
Nice

ebook, 352 pages
Expected publication: May 30th 2017 by Forever
Happy, Texas #1
Contemporary romance
Netgalley

Sunday, June 11

Book Review: The Boleyn King by Laura Andersen

Author: Laura Andersen
Title: The Boleyn King (The Boleyn Trilogy #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, SciFi, & Alternative Historical
Pages: ebook
Published: Jan. 2013
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Just seventeen years old, Henry IX, known as William, is a king bound by the restraints of the regency yet anxious to prove himself. With the French threatening battle and the Catholics sowing the seeds of rebellion at home, William trusts only three people: his older sister Elizabeth; his best friend and loyal counselor, Dominic; and Minuette, a young orphan raised as a royal ward by William's mother, Anne Boleyn.

Against a tide of secrets, betrayal, and murder, William finds himself fighting for the very soul of his kingdom. Then, when he and Dominic both fall in love with Minuette, romantic obsession looms over a new generation of Tudors. One among them will pay the price for a king's desire, as a shocking twist of fate changes England's fortunes forever.



Gotta love a good what-if story! I've been really excited about reading this one when I found out it existed. I had to wait a little bit because I wanted to get this from the library. The wait was for sure worth the wait. 

It was a fun read to see what the world would've been like if Queen Anne Boleyn's son would've been born alive. With these, she would've survived and remained queen. So much bloodshed would've been spared if she was able to have the son that Henry wanted. This story followed the aftermath. The young son, William, is all grown up and about to take the reigns of England fully. He has his three best friends behind him though: Elizabeth (his sister), Dominic (his right-hand man), and Minuette (the ward of Queen Anne). 

There is secrets, betrayal, and murder...which is no different than the reality. Tudor court, no matter who rules, is bound to be drama-filled and nerve-wracking. 

Also, history is bound to repeat itself, because William has his father's lust. This desire could result in another Henry-Anne scenario. He wants to marry someone HE wants to marry even though it may not help England. I get it, I do, but I also support that in a role like that I think marrying someone who can help support and benefit England. 

I really did like this story. It followed William, Elizabeth, Dominic, and Minuette. Minuette seemed to be the main story, which bothered me a little bit. Honestly, I think Elizabeth and William should've been the main characters. Minuette was not a horrible character and I didn't hate her. However, she was on the border of being a perfect character. The only thing that saved her from this genre of character was that she is extremely naive. There were times I really wanted to slap her. 

There were lots of sloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow parts. I had to do some skimming here and there. 

In the end, I enjoyed this. It was good. Some slow parts and I was bummed that the POV wasn't mainly in William's and Elizabeth's. Besides for those couple of issues, I enjoyed the journey. I may read the next one to see what happens next. I'll give this 4 stars.