Monday, November 30

B's Monday Review: Scandal Wears Satin by Loretta Chase

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Series: The Dressmakers, Book 2

Length: 10 hrs and 30 mins

Release date: 11-03-20

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review





I want to listen to book 1 now, I wonder about those eyes of hers, or maybe we learn more in book 3, in that case, I want book 3, and like did their entire family die of cholera? It works perfectly as a stand alone, but it does make you want to read more, just like it should be.

Sophy is a dressmaker, somewhat of a spy, a journalist too, and just a woman of all things. Her sister married a Duke and now their shop needs new customers. Since not everyone was happy when a shopkeeper married a Duke.

This book is about keeping one of their customers happy. And that customers will put herself at risk. In comes Longmore, ha, oh he was funny, yes he was smart, but he just felt like this lummox. I liked him, he was so annoying. And so lovable.

They were great together, when they finally realised. It was a fun ride.

Great narrator, she got Longmore just right. It was fun listening too and I got swept way.




A blue-eyed innocent on the outside and a shark on the inside, dressmaker Sophy Noirot could sell sand to Bedouins. Selling Maison Noirot's beautiful designs to aristocratic ladies is a little harder, especially since a recent family scandal has made an enemy of one of society's fashion leaders. Turning scandal to the shop's advantage requires every iota of Sophy's skills, leaving her little patience for a big, reckless rake like the Earl of Longmore. The gorgeous lummox can't keep more than one idea in his head at a time, and his idea is taking off all of Sophy's clothes.

But when Longmore's sister, Noirot's wealthiest, favorite customer, runs away, Sophy can't let him bumble after her on his own. In hot pursuit with the one man who tempts her beyond reason, she finds desire has never slipped on so smoothly. 

Sunday, November 29

Audiobook Review: Tomboy by Avery Flynn




Author: Avery Flynn
Narrator: Savannah Peachwood , Brian Pallino
Title: Tomboy
(The Hartigans #3)
Genre: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Format: Audiobook
Published:   January 28th 2019
Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)


Summary: 
How exactly has one good deed landed me in the penalty box?

Ice Knights defenseman Zach Blackburn has come down with the flu, and my BFF—his PR manager—begs me to put my nursing degree to use and get him back to health. Of course she would call in a favor for the most hated man in Harbor City.

But when he’s finally on the mend and I’m sneaking out of his place, everything goes sideways. Paparazzi spot me and pictures, plus accusations that I slept with him, fly faster than a hockey puck.

At first, all of Harbor City wants my blood—or to give me a girlie-girl makeover. But then…the team finally wins a game. And now this fickle town wants me with the big jerk twenty-four seven.

Argh. I never slept with him the first time! But no one will listen. Then the grumpy bastard goes and promises to break his no-fan-appearances rule to help raise money for a free health clinic—but only if I’m rink-side at every game. That’s not a deal I can turn down.

But when the team keeps winning, and I realize there’s more to him than his bad reputation, suddenly remembering to keep my real hands off my fake date gets harder and harder to do.




Review:
The final book of the Hartigan series. Boo. There are more characters I want to see find looooooove. Maybe someday. 

We have Fallon and Zach. Fallon Hartigan is a nurse and a tomboy who doesn't have the time or desire to be girlie. Zach is the bad boy of the local hockey team. He has a bad attitude and has been bad on the ice lately. He is he most hated person in town. Fallon is called in to take care of Zach who is sicker than a dog by her best friend - his PR agent - but she will soon regret when someone from the press gets a pic of her and blasts it everywhere. Now everyone thinks they are lovers and she is his lady luck because all of a sudden he is playing good again...

Oh Fallon. You are certainly a good person. I would've told my friend that I am not helping that asshat. Fallon already has a lot on her plate. She is a nurse full time and part time volunteers at the free clinic. Poor thing really is tired. She needs a vacation. But she is a better person than I am and did help the asshat Zach. 

Okay...I do not hate Zach at all. Even in the last one they really hinted that that there is something up with him. He is hiding something. We get to find out why he is so bitter and angry ALL the time. Gah. I feel bad for him for sure. Screw those people (I will not spoil this). But they were terrible and now I can see why he has a nasty chip on his shoulder. Good thing he has Fallon in his court. She is a good egg. She is overly opinionated and doesn't have a filter at all. 

A part of me enjoyed this more than the last one. Can't really pinpoint why. Maybe it was this dynamic? Not sure. Maybe I am biased because I love Hockey players ;) 

Should I even mention the narrators? They are awesome....duh. LOL. They are perfect and they do such a good job. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this. It was great. I am so sad that the series is done. Maybe the author will return one day. Sighs. I'll give this 5 stars. 








Challenge(s):
- #57 for Audiobook Challenge

- #10 on THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE challenge




Saturday, November 28

Saturday Movie Night Joint Review: The Princess Switch - Switched Again (2020)




Been a long time since we sat down and reviewed a movie together. This month Blodeuedd and I are reviewing, The Princess Switch: Switched Again. 


Blodeuedd is in red and I am in green.






Title:  The Princess Switch: Switched Again

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family 
Running Time: 1h 36min
Rating: G
Released: Nov 2020


When Duchess Margaret unexpectedly inherits the throne to Montenaro and hits a rough patch with Kevin, it's up to her double Stacy to save the day before a new lookalike, party girl Fiona foils their plans.












TRAILER: 




DISCUSSION: 

‘tis the season

To watch Cheesey movies


Fun times! I am glad we did it, but omg these movies do not sense make.

LOLL oh yes. They do not. Like….how did that “baddie” group think they would at ALL succeed? And what are the dang chances? Too many switches going around in this one lol. 

First of all, what are you doing here bitch? Boom! Problem solved. Maybe they would actually trust the person who knows her OWN name *eyeroll*


RIGHT? And how did the BF not realize something was off? They JUST saw each other like 10 mins previously and she changed her mind THAT drastically? Okay. They were all dumb. I still enjoyed the silly dramas and cheesiness, but I rolled my eyes a lot. 

Like no one stopped that coronation when she did not know her name and acted weird. Oh lol. But I liked the cheese of it all, good times! And I saw the couple from Christmas prince and was all awwwww

Really? I never seen that one. Were they at the real coronation? 


Yes, they were at the real one. There are  movies. Xmas Prince, Xmas Wedding and Xmas baby. I am SO sad there was not a 4th this year, like Xmas Baby 2

That is fun that it is the same world in a sense. Now I’ll have to watch those too ;) I am so bad at movies lately, but thanks to this one it resparked my love and want. I watched PP with the hot Darcy and Kiera Knightly right after and then the Bundy movie with Efron. I went on a movie binge all thanks to you and this movie! :D

 
That’s awesome! One thing though, it is so funny how these small royal countries have tiny capitals, big airports, a castle in the middle of nowhere (and in the Prince one they actually showed that country on a map and it was HUGE.) But yes it does not have to make sense.

Nope they never do. For such a small capital and so forth...how do these people live so richly? These are small countries...I can’t imagine many tourists go there. LOL. 

It did bug me that they kept calling her Lady X, I mean she is the almost queen. But I brushed it off as Americans know nothing ;)

OMG I know. I kept trying to not let it bug me or explain it away. Maybe their titles are all weird or something?????? IDK, but I wanted to scream. Dang script writers. 

The weird things that bug us ;) We know too much

Yess. We know  too much. We should write our own movie script and send it to them. OHHH another thing that I noticed...and it bugged me (BF even notated it as he walked in and watched 10 mins of the hectic switching parts) WHERE are the bodyguards? She is going to be Queen in a few days….shouldn’t there be protection of SOME sort? 

Obvi not needed, she had like a secretary and I guess that was it. Oh and those two guards at the front of the house that we saw once. It should be staff everywhere.

Yesss. I get her not having any in the first movie. She was JUST a duchess...but she is about to take lead of the country. Obv there could be assassins or KIDNAPPING. *cough* Sighs. No wonder why her cousin abdicated and said no thank you when the old King died. Hahaha

No protection needed. No trouble here. Lol, everyone is happy in that country! But yes, so many cheesy silly things that does not make sense. And that is why we would not think too hard. Oh and you must watch XMas prince. All on netflix

Nope you can’t take these films too seriously. They are fun and cute. Makes one feel like a hawt prince can take you away and you would live a fab life with no bills or issues. Just the occasional “fight” with the prince on how loves each other more hehe. Yes, I need to watch those too now especially since they take place in the same happy-go-lucky world! 


I did not know it before this one, but I guess Europe is filled with Kingdoms

LOL I wish. We need more hawt princess (and princesses for those that want that). 

I am sure there are more :D

Yess! We need more!! 

So you are saying we should do a xmas movie in Dec too...ok deal!

I won’t fight ya ;) Movies, like this one, are awesome feel-good movies for the holiday season. 

We will find a good one! The end?

The end. :) 




Friday, November 27

Book Review: The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding - The Theft of The Royal Ruby




Author: 
Agatha Christie
Title: The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding - The Theft of The Royal Ruby
Genre: Short story, Mystery, Fiction, Classic
Format: ebook
Published:  October 24th 1960
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)


Summary: 
Asked to investigate an incident that needs to be dealt with discretion, Poirot reluctantly agrees to spend Christmas in the countryside with the Laceys. Dreading the cold and traditional English fare Poirot attempts to locate a missing ruby in order to save a kingdom…



Review:
Oh goodness...when was the last time I read an Agatha Christie book? Years....before I started blogging. So a million years ago. Yes. The amazing thing with this "series" is that there really is no need to read in order. I have read probably 3 or 4 in my lifetime...and I do not feel like I am missing anything. 

Hercule Poirot finds himself in the English country with a nice English family for Xmas. Not for holiday mind you. But to try and find the missing ruby in order to save a kingdom.

This was originally part of an anthology of Xmas adventures poor Hercule as to deal with. I'll have to track down the others (Maybe just find the overall anthology) and read them all. Poor guy can't even have the holidays off. 

This was quick and fun overall for sure. I did get annoyed with those kids. Idiots but it all ties in with the whole story though...so it worked. 

I love Hercule. He is for sure someone I would love to meet if he was real. Maybe he could teach me how to be awesome too. 

But yes, this was a nice short Xmas mystery. I'll have to read the others. 

I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 







Monday, November 23

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.

Sunday, November 22

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. 







Saturday, November 21

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. 














Thursday, November 19

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





Wednesday, November 18

Book Review: Coffee Self-Talk by Kristen Helmstetter




Author: 
Kristen Helmstetter
Title: Coffee Self-Talk - 5 Minutes a Day to Start Living Your Magical Life
Genre: Self-help
Format: ebook
Published:  August 29th 2020
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)


Summary: 
. What if you could wake up every morning feeling more incredible than ever before… in 5 minutes? Living the most epic life! Your mind mastered! Your life on a path to shimmering happiness!

Coffee Self-Talk transforms your life by boosting your self-esteem, filling you with happiness, and helping you attract the magical life you dream of living. And, very importantly, it creates feelings of wholeness and worthiness. All this, with your next cup of coffee.




Review:
I love reading a book like this once a year. It's so nice to get some tricks and tips to help myself grow and be better than I was yesterday. 

Coffee Self-talk is a way to transform your life by boosting your self-esteem, filling you with happiness, and helping you attract the magical life you dream of living. All of this in the time it takes you to drink your morning coffee.

This was quick but I enjoyed it. There are a lot tip and tricks anyone can sprinkle into your life. It was so uplifting just reading this book! 

I have read a few self-help books since I was younger so some of the tips were repeats for me BUT it was a good reminder to be kinder to myself. 

I tried this for the first time on Sunday. I wrote down some stuff. Brewed my coffee and took about 10 minutes to drink my coffee and read my list out loud. It did feel awkward at first, but by the time I was done reading my list a couple of times and finishing my coffee...I felt better. I smiled and then turned on some music to start getting dressed and ready to conquer the day. I ended up doing everything on my Sunday to-do list. Got all my running around done. Went shopping and my normal anxiety wasn't there. The busy and annoying people didn't bother me as much because I was happier and calm. It was nice. 

Even if you do not do this every morning, its good to take just a few minutes to remind yourself of how awesome you are and to remind yourself you CAN conquer your day and your goals.

I'm not a morning person so starting my day by myself, with my coffee (or tea), and getting myself hyped on positive energy is perfect. I'm normally a cranky morning gal, but doing this really seemed to help.

Overall, some of the content is similar to other help books, but the concept of just self-talking while you drink your first drink of the day is awesome and totally manageable. I highly recommend checking this book out. I'll give this 5 stars. 











Monday, November 16

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths

Hardcover, 368 pages

Published February 6th 2020 by Quercus

Series: Ruth Galloway #12

Mystery

Library



This is the last one! Well right now ;) Another book is coming next year, but now I am all caught up. I can't believe I that I read my first one in Aug. I have sped through them

Ruth has given up and gotten a new job, a new town, and she and Frank is living together. You go Ruth! Of course, even though she likes him, yeah, Ruth is a loner, she is happiest with her daughter and cats. Poor Frank, I doubt this will end well.

This one actually felt like it was more about the murder. Women who have gone missing, creepy tales of Lantern Men who lure them in and kill them. Ruth in the middle of it digging up bones, and Nelson trying to find out if a serial killer did it or not.

I liked it, I always do. I can never put them down


She has a new job, home and partner, and is no longer North Norfolk police's resident forensic archaeologist. That is, until convicted murderer Ivor March offers to make DCI Nelson a deal. Nelson was always sure that March killed more women than he was charged with. Now March confirms this, and offers to show Nelson where the other bodies are buried - but only if Ruth will do the digging.

Curious, but wary, Ruth agrees. March tells Ruth that he killed four more women and that their bodies are buried near a village bordering the fens, said to be haunted by the Lantern Men, mysterious figures holding lights that lure travellers to their deaths.

Is March himself a lantern man, luring Ruth back to Norfolk? What is his plan, and why is she so crucial to it? And are the killings really over?



Sunday, November 15

Book Review: Flirtation & Folly by Elizabeth Rasche




Author: 
Elizabeth Rasche
Title: Flirtation & Folly
(A Season in London #1)
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: ebook
Published:  November 9th 2020 
Pages: 326 
Where I Got It: My shelf (given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)


Summary: 
MARIANNE MOWBREY is a responsible country rector’s daughter who longs for the novelty and excitement she reads about in novels. When her crusty Aunt Harriet agrees to give her a Season in London, Marianne vows to dazzle the world, win a husband, and never go home again. But the Londoners who determine social success are inclined to pass over plain Marianne in favor of her beautiful, reckless younger sister.

In a world of ambition, fashion, flattery, and deceit, how can Marianne stay true to her real self—when she is not even sure what that real self is?



Review:
Couldn't resist picking this one up. The cover and the summary. Totally up my alley 

The story follows Marianne who is a country rector's daughter. She longs for a life of excitement like the heroines in the novels she reads. Her Aunt Harriet agrees to give her a Season in London and help her maybe find a husband. Marianne vows to dazzle the world, find love, and never go back to her boring home. However, the Londoners seem to pass over her in favor of her younger and more beautiful sister. Will Marianne find everything she wants, but stay true to her real self. 

Bless Marianne's heart. She just wants to be loved and have a life of her own. Can you blame her? Her parents are not cruel, but they demand so much of her and expect her to help since she is the eldest and they have no faith she'll find a husband. They let Belinda do whatever and she is obviously the favorite. Such a pity and you can't help but root for Marianne to get everything she wants and deserves. 

Oooo the ton. They never disappoint. They are so fake and rude and I do not think I would do well. I guess I would just end up as a spinster in the country. Fine by me if I can avoid people like Emily and even Belinda. Ugh. Maybe I could be like Aunt Harriet ;)

Sure there is a romance element to this, but it was mainly focused on Marianne and her journey to finding herself and maybe finding love along the way. I loved this and it was refreshing. It was very Austen-like so I really appreciated this story and the characters. 

The ending made me grin ear-to-ear. Loved it!!

I really enjoyed the story overall. The author really did a wonderful job bringing this large cast of characters to life and this world. We get to see the good, the bad, and the ugly of this society and these characters. Sometimes someone or something is not as it seems. 

Overall, this was a really good book. I adored it. I liked Marianne and it was fun watching her grow into herself and try and make her way through Society. The ending was good and I loved it. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

















Saturday, November 14

Audiobook Review: Ascension by SJ West




Author: S.J. West
Narrator: 
Brittany Pressley
Title: Ascension
(The Watcher Chronicles #4)
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, UF
Format: Audiobook
Published:   April 16th 2013 
Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)


Summary: 
In the finale of The Watcher Chronicles, Jess finally learns what Lucifer’s plans are for the world. The vessels discover what their destinies are and Jess must face the most difficult decision of her life.




Review:
The final book of this series. But not the last book in the world so that makes this goodbye a little easier. 

Jess finally learns what Lucifer's plans are for the world so it is time to work with her team to get ready for this final battle which will determine the fate of the world. However, Jess will have to face the most difficult decision of her life.

Everything has come together for our characters. The fate of the world rests on Jess and her team. I had no idea how they were going to stop Lucifer. I was nervous the whole time. You could feel that everyone was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

I was worried because the last book they spent A LOT of time in bed. Sure I was happy for Jess and Mason in the last book for taking that step in their relationship, but it seemed to take up too much time in the last book. This book....some scenes could've been trimmed a little bit but it didn't eat as much time as the last one did so that made me happy. However, there was a lot of filler scenes though. It was nice seeing and meeting new characters (I'm sure they are going to be popping up in other books) and it was nice to have some downtime here and there, but I felt like it did slow down the plot a little bit. Like the last concert scene or the scene at the hotel where Jess gets UBERLY jealous of Max's ex. Don't get me wrong...I did enjoy a lot of those scenes, but ya it was a little too much overall. 

OoooOOoooo I adored Aiden. I can't wait for more of his story. Poor guy. I want him to have his HEA but it will take time. Gah. 

I am also curious what Lucifer will do next. I like him too even though he is a baddie. He is very complex. I want him to become good again!!

OH that ending was good. I was in tears!!!!!!

The narrator was fantastic as per normal. I wonder if she'll be doing some more of the books in the other series set in this world. She is so good. Her range of voices for the guys and girls are wonderful. 

I can't wait to dive into more of the books. I love this world so much. 

Overall, this was much better than book 3. This did have a lot of filler scenes though...some were fun while some could've been cut out or trimmed a little. Oooo that ending. All the feels. Sobs. I'll give this 3 stars. 








Challenge(s):
- #55 for Audiobook Challenge