Audiobook Review: Follow My Lead by Kate Noble

Author: Kate Noble 

Narrator: Alison Larkin

Title: Follow My Lead

(The Blue Raven #3)

Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 355

Published:  March 25th 2011

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Jason Cummings, Duke of Rayne is feeling the weight of his responsibilities - one of which is to get married. Being the most sought after bachelor in London can be trying, so who can blame him if he seeks refuge from the voracious hordes of young debutantes at the decidedly female-free Historical Society? Female-free, that is, until Winnifred Crane marches up to the door, demanding entrance.

Despite her prowess as a historian, Winn is denied membership the Society. So she daringly offers an unusual bargain: if she can prove the authenticity of a certain painting, she'll be granted recognition, fame, and respect. But to do that, she must go abroad. And to go abroad, she must have an escort, even a stubbornly unwilling one...

Jason has no desire to accompany Winn on her adventure across Europe, but even he is not immune to Winn's passion for her profession. As the journey proves more difficult than planned, they must work together to stay one step ahead of their rivals.... and the closer they get to the proof Winn seeks, the closer she and Jason become. But as their adventure turns dangerous, can Jason keep this headstrong bluestocking safe? And what will become of their growing bond when the adventure ends?

Review:

I was a touch unsure about this one because I was meh about Jason in the last one. However, I seen this on Audible so I decided to finally dive in. 

We follow Winn and Jason as they go on an adventure of craziness. Winn is denied membership at the Historical Society, so she offers an unusual bargain...if she can prove the authenticity of a certain painting, then they have to grant her recognition, fame, and respect. In order to do this, she has to go abroad. Through some craziness, Jason becomes her escort and guide. He is intrigued by the woman and also wants to see her win. However, their adventure turns out to much more difficult than planned and they have to stay ahead of someone who wants Winn to lose. 

This was very exciting. I was on the edge of my seat the entire listen! I had zero idea what was going to happen next. I had no idea and I loved it. It was a ball of craziness for sure. A perfect word for this book and it's characters. 

I did warm up to Jason right away especially when he took Winn's side at the very beginning. It was very sweet and noble of him. 

Winn? I actually was a unsure of. I guess you can say I had a love-hate for her. She was so clueless for being so smart. She is all brains and no polish (ha Hamilton). Without Jason she would have gotten nowhere. Poor, poor noble Jason. 

I also adored Sarah. I want her to be happy. She will find her HEA!

This was very fun and I adored it. I think it is one of my favorites of the series so far. How funny is that!? I was hesitant of this one, but it has ended up as one of my favorites so far?? Thus is life, eh?

The narrator is pure perfection. I adore her voices. Her German ones were great. 

In the end, I highly adored this. The characters, the adventure, the mystery, all the craziness? All fun. I'll stamp this with a 5. 

Challenge(s):
- #6 for Audiobook challenge

 

Audiobook Review: Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh

Narrator: Angela Dawe

Title: Visions of Heat

(Psy-Changeling #2)

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, SCI FI, & UF

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 332 

Published:   March 6th 2007

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Used to cold silence, Faith NightStar is suddenly being tormented by dark visions of blood and murder. A bad sign for anyone, but worse for Faith, an F-Psy with the highly sought after ability to predict the future. Then the visions show her something even more dangerous - aching need...exquisite pleasure. But so powerful is her sight, so fragile the state of her mind, that the very emotions she yearns to embrace could be the end of her.

Changeling Vaughn D'Angelo can take the form of either man or jaguar, but it is his animal side that is overwhelmingly drawn to Faith. The jaguar's instinct is to claim this woman it finds so utterly fascinating and the man has no argument. But while Vaughn craves sensation and hungers to pleasure Faith in every way, desire is a danger that could snap the last threads of her sanity. And there are Psy who need Faith's sight for their own purposes. They must keep her silenced - and keep her from Vaughn.

Review:

Book 2. I was excited for this one because of Vaughn! Please I was curious to continue this series. I want to see Silence fall darnit!

In this one, we have Faith and Vaughn. Faith is a F-Psy. She is highly sought after for her ability to predict the future. However, things have been very dark lately. She is being tormented by dark visions of blood and murder. Everyone is at risk. She goes to the changelings near her who protect the defector Psy for help. Changeling, Vaughn, can be a man or jaguar, but is it his animal side that is drawn to Faith and wants to save her from the Silence and from the other Psy who want to harm her or hurt her...or both. 

Ooo Vaughn. Poor thing. 

Also - poor Faith. She is falling apart. I would not want to be a F-Psy. Or any Psy. They are cold. Faith especially so since she just is forced to use her gifts for business reasons. She has to keep a lot of walls up because F-Psy will eventually lose their minds (or so they say). No thank youuuuuuu!

The romance was the main focus in this one. More so then the previous, but honestly...the solution to all their problems was an easy one. SOOOOO I get why they needed to love first and become mated first before they could see the easy solution. 

My only issue with this one was how quickly they were lusting for each other and acting on those feelings especially with how many walls she has to have up. It seemed....fast for her and how sensitive she is. I feel she should've put up more of a fight personally.

Loved the narrator. She is perfect for the characters...especially the PSY. 

I'll give this 4 stars overall. I really enjoyed it and I love Vaughn. I do wish Faith put up more of a fight. ;) lol. The narrator was fantastic! I can't wait for the next. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #5 for Audiobook challenge

- # 4 for Bingo Card

Shifter - not wolf

 

TMST: Re-Reads

  

Do you reread? And are you ever tempted to change your ratings when you do?

Yes!! I love reread books. I do not do it as much as I used to when I was a teen and had zero life. I will reread once or twice a year. I also will give second chances once and twice a year for novels I was not too crazy about. 

I will absolutely change ratings if I feel like my opinion changed. Especially with second chance novels. If I still hated it...I won't share it again or update my rating....but if I did like it more (even a hair more) I will share it and update the rating higher. Usually my rereads are for books I LOVED, so the rating usually never changes. There are rare times when I just didn't like it AS much so I may drop it a hair. That is a rarity though. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Lucifer's Daughter by Eve Langlais

Narrated by: Rebecca Estrella

Series: Princess of Hell, Book 1

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Release date: 11-22-16

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Pararnormal romance

To review

I meant to try this for ages, but then I got to try the audiobook and was in at once.

Muriel is the devil's daughter, and hey the devil seems really nice. At least around her. He seemed like a big weird softie. And he was very disappointed by her lack of sinning. Because Muriel wants to wait for love, and is not into the whole spread evil thing. Though neither does anyone else, hell seems to be more like, sin is good, but humans can do it on their own. But yes of course there are temptations out there to get them to come to the right side.And actual hell sounds good too, if you are not Stalin or someone, the normal sinners are just there.

I got off track, but it was a fun world, the devil was really nice. Muriel was nice. There is humour, some slaying of evil dudes, cute hellbeasts. And of course the romance. I am not big on insta, but it works, this woman has waited for 23 years to get her groove on. For a normal woman that would be ok, but for someone who was always bombarded by her weird family to get her freak on. No wonder she wanted to wait for the one. And in comes Dark tall and mysterious. Lust at once, romance at once, though there is this time where I wanted to kick him, grrrr, that you even thought that man!

A good narrator, I have listened to her before and she sits well in this book. It works great in audio, you really get the fun of things 

It drives my dad nuts I'm such a goody-two-shoes, but the fact that I'm a virgin makes smoke pour from his ears. See, I'm determined to save myself for love, but daddy dear, more commonly known as Lucifer, just wants me to stop being an embarrassment. Would it kill you to sin a little? Maybe he'll get his wish, because I met an intriguing hunk last night in my bar. Could he be the one? He certainly melts my panties like marshmallows over the coals of Hell, but do I dare trust him? My last boyfriend thought he'd gain infamy by killing me. He's infamous all right. Dad had him mounted on a wall, his version of modern art titled, "Touch my baby girl and die." My love life isn't the only thing I've got to worry about. There's someone threatening the denizens of Hell, and while my daddy says to not worry my pretty little head about it, I am involved because whoever is behind the attacks keeps coming after me. Bring it. I'm not afraid. 

Joint Discussion: Network Effect by Martha Wells

Hello all! Blodeuedd and I will be discussing "Network Effect" by Martha Wells. Blodeuedd is in red and I am in blue.

Author: Martha Wells
Title: Network Effect

(The Murderbot Diaries #5)

by Martha Wells 

Genre: SciFi
Published: May 5th 2020
Format: ebook

Pages: 350 

Summary: You know that feeling when you’re at work, and you’ve had enough of people, and then the boss walks in with yet another job that needs to be done right this second or the world will end, but all you want to do is go home and binge your favorite shows? And you're a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction? Congratulations, you're Murderbot.

Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable A.I. you’ll read this century.

—

I’m usually alone in my head, and that’s where 90 plus percent of my problems are.

When Murderbot's human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action.

Drastic action it is, then.

Discussion:

Murderbot got a full book this time, what did you think?

Overall? I think it had fun moments and I liked it….I do miss the fact they were short and sweet. 

I was not that keen on a full length novel, it felt too long, and I grew a bit bored :/ I felt like nothing happened. I like them short and on point. I did not even feel that Murderbot was her usual weird self. Sure it was fun to see Art again, but it was dry for me.

I can agree. I think making it long took away some of the charm. Some dry spots that seemed to drag on. 

At least I was glad I read it, but it also made me realise that I think this it the end of Murderbot for me, sure maybe there will come another awesome one, but I will opt out.

Ya. I had originally thought this WAS the last book. A big finale, but then I saw there was more. I am with you. I love Murderbot and ART but ya...I think I am ready to say goodbye for a while. 

Aye, it is goodbye to Murderbot. It was nice getting to know you, but too long, too dry and too, well I could not feel the world in this one. Maybe cos it was ship ship ship.

I had fun at the beginning and at the end. The middle was dry and missing that old charm. You are right. It was just ship ship ship. 

Ships are dull, not you Art! Just ships in general.

I was happy to see ART again! I even liked 2.0. 

I do not really have anything to say other than Dry, I feel this might be our shortest discussion so far

OOooo 100%. For being such a long novel...there really wasn’t a lot to discuss esp without giving away spoilers. For me the beginning and end were fun because of all the action. Middle was dry and I hated all the humans. Sure some are nice….but they are dumb. Poor Murderbot. 

Meh, nothing to say. Onward! On to the next book, oh and I must mention that we had meant to read another book, but I dnfed it before Carole even had the chance to try it ;)

Hahaha. I am not upset ;) I’m glad we finally decided to try this though. We have been delaying this for a long time. 

The end

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging for a long while now. The last few years the epic duo has 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.

3-in-1 Movie Review: A Christmas Prince (Trilogy)

Yes - Yes. I am very lazy with my movie reviews lately. Haha I was able to binge ALL of these movies during Xmas. Even conned the Fiancé to watch at least 2 with me. ;) Glimmering success!

In order to keep the post NOT as long, I'll just share a link to the trailer for your watching pleasure. 

 #1 

Film Title: A Christmas Prince

Length:     1h 32min 
Released:   2017
Genre:  Comedy, Family, Romance 
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Netflix

Trailer click HERE

SUMMARY:
When a reporter goes undercover as a tutor to get the inside scoop on a playboy prince, she gets tangled in some royal intrigue and ends up finding love - but will she be able to keep up her lie?

REVIEW:

Let's start with the first one. 

A reporter goes undercover as a tutor to get the inside scoop of the playboy prince. However, she finds herself tangled in some royal intrigue, finding friends, and finding love. How on earth will she keep up with lies? 

I am so glad I decided to watch this! It was ALL the Xmas cheese you could ask for but not too much. I highly enjoyed this and ate it up! The characters. The crazy drama. The CRAZY hotness of the prince. The humor. The INSANELY hotness of the prince. The weird, but fun twist at the end.....and did I mention the hot prince? Mmm. 

I do wonder where all the guards all...mmm...and how on Earth did she get away with this? Very, very unlikely and not believable! BUT Xmas miracles and whatnot ;) 

But yes. 100% enjoyed this. It was the perfect blend of Xmas joy, cheesiness, and fun! 

4 stars!

#2

Film Title: A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding 

Length:     1h 32min 
Released:   2018
Genre:  Comedy, Family, Romance 
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Netflix

Trailer click HERE

SUMMARY:
A year after helping Richard get to the throne, Amber is about to become his wife. But is she really made to be queen?

REVIEW:

Movie 2! My favorite of the trilogy!

It has been a year since all the craziness and since Richard proposed. Amber is ready to be his wife....but is she really made to be queen? 

Yes, my favorite of the trilogy. It had the same charm as the first, but I found this one had more depth. My it is just me, but the stakes seemed higher and I was really on the edge of my seat, because how was everything going to be fixed!!?? The country is in chaos. The economy has crashed for no apparent reason. Amber and Richard are being torn apart.

Daft Richard. But he is just as unsure as himself as Amber is so you can't really and truly fault him 100%.....I still was so mad though. GAH! 

The ending was good. I wasn't really sure who the baddie was. It did get me! But it made sense. 

For sure the best of the series. 5 stars for this one!

#3

Film Title: A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby 

Length:     1h 32min 

Released:   2019

Genre:  Comedy, Family, Romance 

Rating: PG

Where I Got It: Netflix

Trailer click HERE

SUMMARY:
It's Christmastime in Aldovia, and a royal baby is on the way. Amber and Richard host royals from a distant kingdom to renew a sacred truce, but when the treaty vanishes, peace is jeopardized and an ancient curse threatens their family.

REVIEW:

#3! Sobs! The last of the trilogy!

Xmas time again but now we have a royal baby on the way! Amber and Richard also have to host royals from a distant kingdom to renew a scared truce. However, peace is in peril when the treat vanishes and if they don't find it an ancient curse could threaten their family. 

This one was extra cheesy with a sprinkle of cheese on top. Still loved it, but it was for sure awkward sometimes at how cheesy it was. Especially the scene with the two kings building a crib together. Mmm. 

Or again....where are the guards? How on Earth did the treaty get stolen SO easily???? No sensor on the box? The Queen Mother is right...they need to up their security alright. 

Even with the super, duper unbelievable plot this time, I enjoyed it a lot. It was fun. I loved seeing our characters again. I am sad this is the last one. Maybe next year???? Sobs. 

3 stars for this one. 

OVERALL: 

I have watched all three of these movies twice now. It is really good when you want some Xmas joy. I highly recommend it. Movie 2 is my favorite though!

Book Review: Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

Author: Cassandra Clare 

Title: Lord of Shadows

(The Dark Artifices #2)

Genre: Fantasy, UF, YA, Paranormal, Romance

Format: paperback

Pages: 699 

Published:  May 23rd 2017

Where I Got It: My shelf (Target)

Summary: 

Emma Carstairs has finally avenged her parents. She thought she’d be at peace. But she is anything but calm. Torn between her desire for her parabatai Julian and her desire to protect him from the brutal consequences of parabatai relationships, she has begun dating his brother, Mark. But Mark has spent the past five years trapped in Faerie; can he ever truly be a Shadowhunter again?

And the faerie courts are not silent. The Unseelie King is tired of the Cold Peace, and will no longer concede to the Shadowhunters’ demands. Caught between the demands of faerie and the laws of the Clave, Emma, Julian, and Mark must find a way to come together to defend everything they hold dear—before it’s too late.

Review:

I adored book 1 so I bought book 2 a while back. It took me a min, but I finally dusted it off. 

The story continues with Emma and her group. Emma has finally avenged her parents. She thought she'd finally have some peace and quiet, but of course not. She is still torn between her desire for Julian and her desire to protect him from the terrible consequences of parabatai relationships. She tries to date his brother, Mark, but Mark has a lot of his own demons and issues. The Unseelie King is tired of the Cold Peace and will no longer concede to the Shadowhunters' demands. This group will have to find a way to come together to defend everything they hold dear. 

I went into this with SUCH excitement. I really liked book 1 and I was curious about this to see what was going to happen next. 

SIGHS. 

The first few chapters were fun....but then it dragged. 

And dragged. 

And dragged. 

And dragged. 

Even when it got exciting and fun....I was bored. I still wanted to see what was going to happen to our lovers and their friends....but sighs. It was a struggle to get through. I managed, but I did skim A LOT. When I say a lot...I mean it. I may also be downplaying how much I skimmed. 

Such a bummer. I really wanted to like this as much as book 1, but I didn't. I'm not sure if it was me...because the writing was still good. Maybe if this was smaller? Maybe cut some of the extra fluff? 

I don't know. 

Boo. 

I'll still give 2 stars. I'm feeling generous because I adore Emma and Julian and Mark. 

Audiobook Review: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Author: Kevin Kwan

Narrator: Lynn Chen

Title: Crazy Rich Asians

(Crazy Rich Asians #1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 544 

Published:   June 11th 2013

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Crazy Rich Asians is the outrageously funny debut novel about three super-rich, pedigreed Chinese families and the gossip, backbiting, and scheming that occurs when the heir to one of the most massive fortunes in Asia brings home his ABC (American-born Chinese) girlfriend to the wedding of the season.

When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family home happens to look like a palace, that she'll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia's most eligible bachelors on her arm, Rachel might as well have a target on her back. Initiated into a world of dynastic splendor beyond imagination, Rachel meets Astrid, the It Girl of Singapore society; Eddie, whose family practically lives in the pages of the Hong Kong socialite magazines; and Eleanor, Nick's formidable mother, a woman who has very strong feelings about who her son should--and should not--marry.

Review:

Been meaning to read this book for a while. I want to watch the movie so bad, but I really wanted to start with the book first. Finally got myself to crack this open when I got the audio version!

We follow Rachel Chu and Nick Young mainly. Rachel agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend. She is excited to finally meet his family and see where he grew up. What she didn't expect is that Nick is one of Asia's most eligible bachelors and his family is rich beyond comprehension and not everyone is thrilled that Nick is bringing her home...especially his formidable mother. 

I knew this was going to be a hot mess for Rachel from the moment I realized Nick did NOT at all prepare her for his world. What the heck man? I would be pissed if I was Rachel. Sure - I get talking about one's family wealth is tacky and frowned upon....but tell her SOMETHING. She was for sure tossed into the snake's pit unprepared. 

Besides for Nick being an idiot, I really liked him. I felt so bad for him. So many vipers in that world! I can see why he wanted to live in New York and enjoy a simple life. I don't blame him. As much as I would love buying everything my heart desires and having a private jet....I like my simple life. 

Poor, poor Astrid. I want her to be happy. Screw you Michael! 

Gah. Everyone sucked except for Nick, Astrid, Rachel, Nick's BFF, and the BFF's wife-to-be. Stuck-up jerks. BUT it was so entertaining watching all the unneeded drama and cat-fights. Rich people are so dumb! Hahaha. 

OOOOOO that last minute twist had me so upset. I wanted to shake Rachel and shake Rachel's mom. I hope we get more resolution in the next book. This CANNOT BE SWEPT UNDER THE RUG. GAH!

I loved the author's writing style. It felt so breezy but it was loaded with a lot of information. The author did a great job making it clear who was who. 

The narrator helped too. I was a wee bit nervous because normally with big casts I try to avoid audio because it makes it hard to remember all the details of each person who pops up. The narrator did fantastic! Everyone had different voices. Sure some seemed similar but they all felt different. Kuddos to the author and the narrator! 

All-in-all, I really did enjoy this. It was a lot of unneeded drama because rich people are bored. I hated nearly everyone, but the ones I liked I loved. I am curious about book 2 mainly because that last minute twist had my head spinning. GIMME MORE PLEASE! I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #4for Audiobook challenge

- # 3 for Bingo

Not US/UK setting

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Dream Bookish Job

  

Bookish jobs: if you could do something in the bookish world for employment, what would you choose and why?

There are a million things I could think of, but in my heart-of-hearts, I would LOVE to own a book store/cafe house. I would want to have a lot of reading areas like a garden and comfy couch area. 

Building on this and if I had a million dollars - I would love to make it a club. Like a library mixed with a social club. We could have areas for book club members to have convos. Have speakers come in. Have book events. Much like a library, but there would be food, coffee, and booze with a huge access to books, ebooks, and audios. 

Sighs. What a dreaaaaaaammmmmmmm. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Series: Hathaways, Book 4

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Release date: 12-01-20

Publisher: HarperAudio

To review

Catherine and Leo, oh, they are quite the couple. They have these huge arguments and it not funny banter or bickering.

Catherine has been hiding her identity, it takes a while to learn while, and it is a good reason for it (though I would totally have asked that brother of hers to just go thrown everyone in the Thames.) Poor Catherine.

Leo used to be a rake, his excuse was the women he loved more than life dying, him almost dying, his sister almost dying and he blames himself.

They argue a lot, he fancies her, but at the same time, they way he argues with her, it is a bit volatile. I am not sure I like Leo all the time.

Then there is drama with the estate being in danger, her past coming to light, and more.

It was quite the ride, they do not make it easy for each other. But in the end they are truly right for each other, and they both like to argue

Good narrator. I have listned to her before and I like how she plays her characters. They have their own voices and that is important as we meet the rest of the Hathaways too

Hired as a companion to the Hathaway sisters, Catherine Marks has built a new life for herself, away from her dark past. She adores her delightful charges, and the lively Hathaway household is the closest Cat has ever had to a family of her own. Everything is perfect - except for Leo Hathaway, the girls’ charming and utterly exasperating older brother who drives her to distraction. But when their heated sparring explodes in a sudden kiss, Cat can no longer deny the powerful attraction between them - or the thrill she feels when Leo makes her a shocking proposition. 

To save his family home, Leo must marry and produce an heir. The reformed rake vowed he’d never love again after tragedy shattered his heart. Yet the prim and proper Cat challenges him in surprising ways, and her beauty and prim demeanor fuels a desire he cannot control. When the secrets Cat has tried to outrun threatens to separate them forever, Leo and Cat must find a way to banish the ghosts of the past to build a future together. 

Audiobook Review: Redeeming Vows by Catherine Bybee

Author: Catherine Bybee 

Narrator: David Monteath

Title: Redeeming Vows

(MacCoinnich Time Travels #3)

Genre: Historical Romance, SCIFI, Fantasy, Paranormal

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 314 

Published:   December 17th 2010

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

For her own safety, modern day, single mom, Lizzy McAllister is forced to bow to the medieval men who surround her when she's thrust back in time to the sixteenth century against her will. When Lizzie finds herself trapped in time with Fin, the one man she finds both irresistible and maddening, she agrees to combine forces with him to rid Scotland of the evil witch, Grainna. Finlay MacCoinnich's attraction to Lizzie sizzles the very air they breathe. Tearing down the solid walls the woman has built around her won't be easy, but he's willing to do anything to keep her by his side. When a spell cast by their deadliest foe throws them forward in time, will they manage to find their way back in time to save their family from peril? And will Lizzy willingly stay in his time, or abandon him altogether?

Review:

Book 3!!!! This has been  the one I have been itching for. I wanted Fin's and Liz's story really badly, but you need to read/listen to the first 2 in order to know what the heck is going on. 

Things are coming to a-head with the evil witch Grainna. Lizzy is stuck in the past and she isn't happy. Sure, she loves being with her sister and all, but she has been so independent and self-reliant since she was a teen and was pretty much kicked out of the house when she got pregnant. Soooo being stuck with medieval men is driving her mad. Especially Fin who is both irresistible and maddening. When a spell cast by their deadliest foe throws her and him back to modern day, they are stuck with each other and need to work together to get back to the past and save their families. 

OOOOoooOOO Grainna. You evil, evil beyotch! BUT you gotta love a super bad baddie. Makes it more scary and fun. I was not sure how they were going to get rid of her once and for all. 

I liked Lizzy even though she was too stubborn sometimes. Fin was adorable but he was too alpha sometimes. It worked between them and I am happy they found a compromise and realized they are two beings from two completely different worlds. It isn't an easy love or romance. And yesssss it did take forever for them to admit feelings. Sure...the lust is obv, but the love? NAH, they have a lot to work out. I do think this is my favorite couple so far of the series. I loved the others too. Heck I want a prequel with Fin's parents. They have such a deep love and I want to see their tale!

This is technically the end of this arc of the series. I am curious to see what is going to happen in the next books. We know its a few years in the future since Liz's son is grown up and so are the young siblings. I am curious and I can't wait to start them! Hopefully the baddie is just as bad....or worse. EEEEK! HOWEVER, I am super nervous for the next few. Hopefully the author doesn't copy/paste pretty much. Sighs. 

Oooo the narrator is winning me over. I like him a lot and his American girl accent has gotten SO much better. Still makes me giggle once in a while, but I am proud of him. I can't imagine anyone else doing these books. His Scottish accent is perfect!

All-in-all, I do think this was my favorite of the series. I am curious, but scared for the next books since this "arc" is done. MMMMMM but I do highly recommend this series so far. I'll give this a 5. 

Challenge(s):
- #3 for Audiobook challenge

 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: How to Catch A Queen by Alyssa Cole

Narrated by: Karen Chilton

Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins

Release date: 12-01-20

Publisher: HarperAudio

Contemporary romance

To review

Arranged marriage story! A woman who really wants to be queen!

Shanti has prepared all her life to be queen, ok yes I admit, a tad weird, I mean how many chances are there in the world to achieve that, but hey this is a romance so a lot more pretend kingdoms. I did not know how to take this ambition of hers, but then, I mean she really went all in for it. She studied, she mastered everything and when she finally got her chance she started to plan how to help her new country.

But, yes not that kind of story. Cut to her being mostly alone for 3 months, moving from her room to the library. No one giving an f or wanting her there. All her plans in turmoil. This is not a queen friendly country. No they have for decades had a queen for 4 months and then a new one and a new one and a new one and a new one.

But then she finally gets a chance and gets to speak to her husband. And he notices her brilliant mind (oh and how fine she is.)

Sanyu, yes i liked him. Not everyone wants to be king and his dad, and their advisor sure did a number on him. First, all those queens, so never any mother for him. An advisor ho kept telling him he was a failure, and a father who was known for his iron fist. This poor guy pops antacids like they are candy. But it felt so real, hell it would be scary to be king and suddenly must know what to do.

And no one told him he was to marry either so resentment there too.

She is the only queen ready to save this country, and together they could be great. But there is a road there and yes some drama on the way. It is fun, it makes you want to smack someone over the head and it felt new. I have sure never read about someone this driven to be queen!

I remember the couple for an earlier book and wanting to read it, and I finally had the chance. Enjoyable and refreshing.

Great narration by Chilton. She gets to portray characters from two made up kingdoms, and she gives the characters different accents so well. She has a nice range with her male and female voices and she truly brings the story together.

When Shanti Mohapi weds the king of Njaza, her dream of becoming a queen finally comes true. But it’s nothing like she imagined. Shanti and her husband may share an immediate and powerful attraction, but her subjects see her as an outsider, and everything she was taught about being the perfect wife goes disastrously wrong.

A king must rule with an iron fist, and newly crowned King Sanyu was born perfectly fitted for the gauntlet, even if he wishes he weren’t. He agrees to take a wife as is required of him, though he doesn’t expect to actually fall in love. Even more vexing? His beguiling new queen seems to have the answers to his country’s problems - except no one will listen to her.

By day, they lead separate lives. By night, she wears the crown, and he bows to her demands in matters of politics and passion. When turmoil erupts in their kingdom and their marriage, Shanti goes on the run, and Sanyu must learn whether he has what it takes both to lead his people and to catch his queen.