Friday, November 30

Movie Review: When We First Met (2018)



When We First Met PosterFilm Title: When We First Met (2018)
Length: 1h 37min 
Released: 9 February 2018
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy
Rating: TV-14 (so about a PG-13)
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Noah thinks he has the perfect first night with Avery, the girl of his dreams, but gets relegated to the friend zone. He spends the next three years wondering what went wrong - until he gets the unexpected chance to travel back in time and change that night - and his fate - over and over again.





TRAILER:




REVIEW:
I've had this on my list for a while. I needed some funny and/or sweet this week. It's been a long, rough week. 

This really did put me in a good mood. It was funny and cute. 

The story follows Noah who has been friend-zoned for 3 years to the girl who he thinks is the girl of his dreams. He gets a chance to go back in the past and re-do everything. Should he? Why not? Does no one ever, ever learn?????? Sighs. Oh well. 

But yes, Noah will try to fix the past a few times but for some reason, it goes wrong. Did he never watch that Brandon Fraser movie or any sort of time traveling movie or book??? I guess not. It was so funny to see how bad he screws things up. Even in the "perfect" timeline, it goes wrong. Can't say, but that was the saddest one. I actually teared up. Everything seemed SO perfect, but alas, you can't change the past without having to deal with the outcome. 

I loved Carrie. She was for sure the voice of reason in all the timelines. She was bitchy and hilarious. I would want to be her or have her be my BFF. 

Noah was okay, but my goodness I wanted to slap some sense to his thick little head!!!!! Just be happy Avery wants you to be his friend. Stop being an idiot. Being in the friend zone is not all bad. Stop being blind!!! Look around you! The true love of your life could be around the next corner. Sighs. 

There were some plotholes too, but what do you expect with a time-traveling movie??

I really, really liked the ending. It was so good!! It made all the plotholes and annoying moments worth it. Noah really grew up. Thank goodness!! I wanted to like him, but his immature ways killed me. 

All-in-all, I liked this film. It is not the best movie and there are some issues, but it made me laugh and made me sad. The ending was so good. I'll give this 3 stars. 


Thursday, November 29

Book Review: The Billionaire's Sham Girlfriend by Leslie North

The Billionaire's Sham GirlfriendAuthor: Leslie North
Title: The Billionaire's Sham Girlfriend
Genre: Romance, Contemporary 
Pages: ebook
Published: November 8th 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)



Gregor Beaumont is in a world of hurt that all the charm in his gorgeous, well-toned body can’t fix. His late grandfather, God rest his soul, wanted to make sure Gregor and his two playboy brothers settle down. He had the brilliant idea of buying up a huge share of the brothers’ engine company and using that as incentive for each brother to find Mrs. Right. Settle down or lose the company to a competitor. Well, that’s just not happening to Gregor, not when life’s so good at the moment. Gregor likes racing fast cars and seducing fast women, and not necessarily in that order. Settle down? Not a chance. Gregor has his own brilliant idea: find some wholesome and desperate girl to pretend to be his girlfriend. No harm. No foul. Unless things start getting a little bit too real.

Kara Alerby knows she’s a sucker for blues eyes and a great smile, so when Gregor comes into her theater wanting to hire her to act the part of his adoring girlfriend, she’s already got her defenses on high alert. But Kara’s a practical girl, and Gregor’s offering a boatload of money that would go a long way toward making her dream of creating a fine arts school for gifted kids a reality. She can ignore his smiles, his charisma, and his kiss-me mouth if it means she’ll get her school. All she has to do is remind herself, every second of every day they’re together, that it’s all make believe—even when it doesn’t always feel that way. 

When Greg’s love of racing puts his life in jeopardy, Kara isn’t ready to watch another person die in front of her like her father did. And Greg isn’t about to stop doing the one thing that makes life worth living. The two are on a collision course, one that could break them apart forever if they don’t change directions… 



Where the heck is my Billionaire??? Ugh. So jealous. 

But yes, Gregor is a rich dude looking for someone to act as his girlfriend and future wife so he can meet the requirements to get his grandad's inheritance. Kara is an improv teacher who dreams of running the drama theater. They meet and Kara agrees to be his fake girlfriend. 

This was a cute, short story. I adored Gregor even though he was a stubborn mule. I even liked Kara. They were cute together and you could see the attraction right away even though they ignored it as much as possible. 

What I really liked was how unbelievable this scenario is, but it felt real. I feel like if this did happen this would happen. Lots of hurdles to overcome especially since Gregor has had nothing but one-night stands and short little romances. It was pretty predictable, but it didn't bug me. 

The grandma was adorable and scary all at the same time. 

I do wish that this was a little longer so we could see these characters grow more. I also would like some more in the epilogue there. 

In the end, this was very enjoyable and it was a quick and hot romance. I am jealous. Why can't I be the fake GF of a rich, hot guy ;) Oh well. I'll give this 4 stars. I wanted more though. 














Wednesday, November 28

Book Review: Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh

Someone to Trust (Westcott, #5)Author: Mary Balogh
Title: Someone to Trust (Westcott #5)
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: ebook
Published: November 27th 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)



After her husband's passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.

They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . . 


Whoops. This is the 5th book in the series. But alas, HR books usually work out fine reading out of order. I feel this did decently well. I missed some references and everyone was new to me so I missed out on the fun reunions. Oh well. Overall it did fine as a standalone. 

The story follows Elizabeth who is a widow and old (*cough* 30s *coughs*). She is looking for a new, kind husband. Colin is the young 20-year-old who needs a bride. The two meet at a Christmas deal and they accidentally kiss. What makes it worse is that they get along quite well, but egags Elizabeth is 9 years older than him so they deem it is not a good idea. They return to London and make a deal to help each other find suitable matches. They decide to share one waltz at each ball so they can still talk. Things happen and they fall in love.

Poor Elizabeth. She really isn't that old, but back then she was ancient and widowed. Two strikes in the ton's eyes. Damn the ton. Colin's father just died and he has now received the title so he needs a suitable wife who can stand his mom. Ugh his mom made me want to scream. Get over yourself woman!!!!

Not a bunch of drama in this. Lots of talking and everyday drama like Colin's crazy mom. The biggest drama (next to mama dearest) was the age gap. Sighs. Age is a number people. 

This was quick and easy. I enjoyed reading this all cuddled up while it snows. A nice historical romance. It was light compared to others. Just normal dramas that you know this couple will get over. 

I breezed through this and I liked the ending. Overall very sweet and a good Xmas book even though Xmas time was only half of the story. I like Elizabeth and I liked Colin. I'll give this 4 stars. 













Tuesday, November 27

Tell Me Something Tuesday: To Procrastinate or Not to Procrastinate?


Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.



Do You Procrastinate Writing Reviews?

In all honesty, I am pretty good at keeping up with my book reviews. I feel like I need to write it down quickly since I am too lazy to take notes to remind myself. Now movies? Ugh, I am so lazy with those reviews. I tend to watch a couple and then realize I never wrote the reviews. I've been pretty good all over this year. So yayy!

What else to say? 

Ummmm....don't procrastinate and you know who you are! You forget stuff you want to say and then the review feels like you are missing something vital. 


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Aready got my xmas decorations up! Spent all Sunday doing this

Monday, November 26

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Age of Myth by Michael J Sullivan


Paperback, 432 pages
Published January 31st 2017 by Del Rey Books (first published June 28th 2016)
Series: The Legends of the First Empire #1
Fantasy
Own

My Thoughts:
I actually had a hard time getting into this book, so for once I am glad I took a breather. Because it was not bad, it was just long. A took a long break and then I started again, this time the pages flew by and I read it in a few days. It felt light and thrilling. I guess sometimes a break is good, but only if you know you will like it when you start again (I can not say the same for another book I put on break.)

This one takes place before the Riyria series, a series I really should read again cos suddenly I have so many questions! You can read it before that series, or after. Because reading it after R makes you go all whaaat? No way. Hehe.

Raithe kills a god. What is up with that?! The Fhrey can not be Gods if they die that easily or? As for Raithe he is one of those really good guys that you do like cos he is honorable and just.

Persephone is a widow trying to deal with her new role in their little society. She is smart and resourceful. Not a good thing if the new leader wants to look good. Oh I liked her, she was older, she did not back down. Though she should have seen a few things coming.

Suri is a teenage mystic. Mysterious and weird. Love her. She warns them that war is coming. Well obviously since a human killed a God. It's not like they can let that rest now can they.

Things will happen, but that war is still ahead of them. I really liked the whaaat moment I had regarding a certain God. That blew me away. Maybe I should have known it, but it was so long since I read Riyria.

Conclusion:
I liked the characters and I can not wait for more. I like Sullivan's style, it is very old school, which for me is perfect. Lighter you know.

Blurb
Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between humans and those they thought were gods changes forever.

Now only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer; Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom; and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over. The time of rebellion has begun.


Sunday, November 25

Joint Audiobook Review: Still Me by Jojo Moyes






Hello all! Blodeuedd and I will be discussing "Still Me" by Jojo Moyes. Blodeuedd is in black and I am in purple/ 





Still Me (Me Before You, #3)
Author: 
Jojo Moyes
Narrator: Anna Acton
Title: Still Me (Me Before You #3)
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: January 30th 2018 
Where I Got It: Audible

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She steps into the world of the superrich, working for Leonard Gopnik and his much younger second wife, Agnes. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her new job and New York life. 

As she begins to mix in New York high society, Lou meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. Before long, Lou finds herself torn between Fifth Avenue where she works and the treasure-filled vintage clothing store where she actually feels at home. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself: Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places?

Funny, romantic, and poignant, Still Me follows Lou as she navigates how to stay true to herself, while pushing to live boldly in her brave new world.


This was my favorite Moyes so far, and that is saying much since I got so pissed at it too ;) But the previous book was just soooo dreadful. And I did like that this was audio for me, book 2 was print and book 1 was movie. Pretty cool.

Yesss the 2nd book was so bad. This was my 2nd favorite of the series. Book 1 will always hold a special place in my heart. It was so sad. This one was good but I did not cry. I did feel for Lou. I feel like she always gets bad luck!

It is starting to feel like MOyes is milking this too much, and I do hope this was the end...wait no I don’t. Cos of that thing you know. But I liked this one because it felt more relaxed. Just a girl in the city.

I am curious to see if there is another one. She left it a little open-ended. What is next? Or will she leave it to us to decide. And I know what I want to happen. Not THAT. I am so angry that Lou just let him come back. No. 

She gave us a happy little ending, with more that could come. Making it in the city. But yes, I was pissed. Sam is not right for Lou. I hated it. F grand gestures. No, why did Moyes have to go and do that. It did ruin the book for me.

I adored Sam in book 2 and the beginning of book 3. But he F’ed up and I loathe him. Lou deserves better. He needed to really do more than that. He needed to really do a lot and sure that “grand gesture” is a nice beginning, but I would make him earn me. And I would still probably tell him no after all of that. LOL

Some things can not be forgiven. And her other guy, sigh, Josh was so nice in the beginning, but then suddenly he was a jerk. Like I said to you I did feel the author changed that too quickly. We should have seen something from the start and not make him into an arsehole all the sudden. So that she could get her other man

It was all of a sudden. I can see if it had been a few months and then he starts having enough of Lou’s weirdo-ness. I am bummed but we should’ve known better. He looked like Will but he is not Will whatsoever. Will would’ve kicked his butt. 

I am finding it hard to discuss this book. It was really good one, I enjoyed it, but other than the men and Agnes, fu Agnes! I do not have a lot to say. As for the Agnes thing, I would not have been that nice, I would have taken her down with me.

It is SOOOOOO hard to not give away spoilers. So mannnyyyy of them. And yes F Agnes too. I felt bad for her at the beginning, but she just used Lou. I would’ve easily tossed her under the bus. No, I will not take that graciously. But maybe that makes Lou better than us. I am glad it happened though, because I am glad we got to learn more about the old lady. I actually ended up loving her and that little Pug. Super cute!

Haha, the pug with the shifty eyes, yes he was a darling...after a while,and the old lady too. Agnes, I got her, but at the same time as she was so supposedly in love she did that. But I guess all is forgiven in love in this book.

I do wish that the author gave us more of a conclusion with that whole story. Because that is a huge thing to lie about. I am curious. 

I do want to know. And I do not know why he did not just sent Elaria to work for his wife. She kept calling Agnes a whore, i mean that is not cool. The household would sure have been happier.

He was just blind to it all. I would not be cool with a person working for me calling my BF names. And that daughter? No….she needed a slap in the face. A little snot, but realistic. That happens all the time. It is more common for a step child to hate the new, young bride/husband. Especially if they were older when the parents break up. 

Still, you are 24. Get a job and shut up. I get being resentful, but I do feel these two could have been happy if everyone hadn’t been a dick about it.

Right??? I am glad that she was finally put in her place. She was a little beyotch. Like I said...I felt bad for Agnus...but then she did what she did and I was pissed. Not cool. Sure things worked out, but I can’t imagine doing that to one of my friends. 

Right! Not cool Agnes.
Ok so the narrator whose name I do not remember did a great job. I really felt like I liked the story more cos of her.

I adored the narrator. I loved all of her accents. So fun!

Would I have liked the print as much...doubtful. A good narrator makes everything so much better :)

Mhmmm I am not sure. I think I would’ve liked the story, but the narrator for sure added more to it so it made me like it better. She was the perfect Lou. 


SO even with that THING, I felt the book was really good. I wanted to know what would happen to Lou and I liked the narrator. I call that a success, hehe ;)

I am glad we decided to read this. I know we were both unsure because of how BAD book 2 was. I’m happy with this choice. The story was really good even though Sam and Agnus were aholes. But it does give us a reminder that life is not fair and Lou has bad luck. I miss Will D: 

A good solid choice. Yay. That means the next one will probably suck. Is it your turn?

It is your turn m’am. ;) But yes, I am pleasantly surprised with this pick. I was worried because the last book was good too. Two good, solid picks??????? Makes me worried for December’s choice!

I kind of want to go xmsssy but that is doomed to fail

That sounds like a good plan, but knowing our luck it will fail. Hahahaha

The end! I need to take in S and wake her.

Okay! I am helping Gma move today. Ugh. It is soooo cold out there. 



About the Authors
Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging a long while now. The last couple of years the epic duo have been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.





Friday, November 23

Audiobook Review: Pride and Prometheus by John Kessel

Pride and PrometheusAuthor: John Kessel
Narrator: James Langdon, Samuel Roukin, Jill Tanner
Title: Pride and Prometheus
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: Audiobook
Published:  2008
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



Pride and Prejudice meets Frankenstein as Mary Bennet falls for the enigmatic Victor Frankenstein and befriends his monstrous Creature in this clever fusion of two popular classics.

Threatened with destruction unless he fashions a wife for his Creature, Victor Frankenstein travels to England where he meets Mary and Kitty Bennet, the remaining unmarried sisters of the Bennet family from Pride and Prejudice. As Mary and Victor become increasingly attracted to each other, the Creature looks on impatiently, waiting for his bride. But where will Victor find a female body from which to create the monster’s mate?

Meanwhile, the awkward Mary hopes that Victor will save her from approaching spinsterhood while wondering what dark secret he is keeping from her.

Pride and Prometheus fuses the gothic horror of Mary Shelley with the Regency romance of Jane Austen in an exciting novel that combines two age-old stories in a fresh and startling way.



I was automatically drawn into this because of the concept! What a cool idea! Also, one of my favorite actors is a narrator for this (there are 3 people who did this) so of course I had to give it a go. 

The story follows Mary Bennet from 'Pride and Prejudice', Victor Frankenstein, and Victor's creature from 'Frankenstein'. It has been a few years since P&P ended and Mary is 30 now with no real prospects for marriage. Kitty is also a spinster and is not amused by it. They randomly meet Victor and his cousin who just showed up to town. Victor has promised the Creature that he would make him a bride. 

This was for sure fun. The author did a wonderful job with the blending. I was unsure how this was going to work. I also adored the little Easter eggs of other books. That was cool. 

This did move pretty slowly, but the narrators kept me hooked. I am glad I listened to this over reading it, because I can imagine that I would've skimmed a lot. Lots of slow bits and lots of set -up. There was also a LOT of repeating information. We get it. We readers are not dumb. We get it. However, the narrators did wonderful. 

Once the drama began, I was hooked. I needed to find out what was going to happen next. Oooo that ending. I did not like it. It made me super mad!!!!!!! GRRRR! Cannot say, but I am annoyed. It partially ruined the book for me. I had my hopes and everything was dashed and blown up. Ugh. 

The story was not bad overall, but the ending really upset me. I'm not happy with it all. The narrators really made this good and kept me going. I do think you should check this out and hopefully you'll appreciate the ending more than me. I'll give this 3 stars. It would be just 2, but the narrators added a star. 









Wednesday, November 21

Blog All About It: Truth (Thanksgiving Edition)




This month the prompt is "TRUTH".


Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the USA. We celebrate this every year with our family as a way to remember how thankful we are for our family, food, and this country. In the spirit of being thankful, I will provide some "truths" of mine. 

I'll list some of my favorite things that are on the dinner table. Nom!: 


- Turkey (love this over ham ANY day)
- Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream (only during this time of year though)
- Stuffing (*drools*)
- Mashed potatoes with gravy (*double drool*)
- Green beans (fresher the better)


Here are some things that gross me out:

- Lemon meringue pie
- Beets 
- Cranberries (I love drinking them...but not eating them)
- Butter (bleh...I like my biscuits butter-less)
- Turkey innards ie the heart or kidneys or liver or whatever (*gags*)
- Brussel sprouts (a rare one but I do see them....gross)


Ugh....I regret this post because now I'm starving.

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