Sunday, October 31

Joint Review: Pawsitively Poisonous by Melissa Erin Jackson






Hello all! Happy Spooky season!

We will be discussing "Pawsitively Poisonous" by Melissa Erin Jackson. 

Blodeuedd is in blue and Carole is in green.






Author: 
Melissa Erin Jackson
Title: Pawsitively Poisonous
(Witch of Edgehill #1)
Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, Urban Fiction, Paranormal
Published: June 10th 2019
Format: ebook
Pages:  201

Summary:
Every town has its secrets, but no one has a secret like hers.

Amber Blackwood, lifelong resident of Edgehill, Oregon, has earned a reputation for being a semi-reclusive odd duck. Her store, The Quirky Whisker, is full of curiosities, from extremely potent sleepy teas and ever-burning candles to kids’ toys that seem to run endlessly without the aid of batteries. The people of Edgehill think of the Quirky Whisker as an integral part of their feline-obsessed town, but most give Amber herself a wide berth. Amber prefers it that way; it keeps her secret safe. But that secret is thrown into jeopardy when Amber’s friend Melanie is found dead, a vial of headache tonic from Amber’s store clutched in her hand.

Edgehill’s newest police chief has had it out for Amber since he arrived three years before. He can’t possibly know she’s a witch, but his suspicions about her odd store and even odder behavior have shot her to the top of his suspect list. When the Edgehill rumor mill finds out Melanie was poisoned, it’s not only the police chief who looks at Amber differently. Determined to both find justice for her friend and to clear her own name, Amber must use her unique gifts to help track down Melanie’s real killer. A quest that threatens much more than her secret …


Discussion:

We wanted a Halloween themed book and came across this as a freebie.


Yesss a Halloween themed for Halloween! 


It is just just over novella length (or what is a novella?), so I do not exactly have a lot to say ;) Also I found it rather underwhelming. 


It was under 300. So just a hair over a novella I think? It started off well, but then, like you said, became underwhelming. I found the mystery pretty predictable and the murderer reveal was lackluster.


 

201 pages :D But yes the mystery and murder was meh. No big surprises or suspense. I also found the Sheriff’s dislike for her so strange. Like sheesh man, focus on the case! Also her rushing into things, I know that is what they do on cozy m’s, but I found it annoying here.


True! I think it has a sneak peek of the next book so it looks longer ;) Agreed. I didn’t get WHY the Sheriff didn’t like her. Maybe because he like-liked her? IDK! I wish there was more of an explanation. I also wished we got more of a backstory on our main character. I didn’t connect with her at all. 



I felt really thrown in, I saw that there was a prequel, but those are usually written afterwards, so now I just could not connect. I did not care.

And yes, budding love triangle?


Oooo I for sure see a love triangle coming up. 


As it stands now, nah, I would not read more even if they were free.


Yaaaa I’m not sure I would read more either. Book 1 needed more backstory on her and more world-building. I would’ve loved more info on witches. Like...is she the only one in town? What about her parents? Are you born a witch? Do you become one? Does she have any witch friends? I loved her job, but I was hoping for more cats. 


Yes where the F were all cats!`? Cat title, cat cover, cat town.

And yes that is info you should work into the story without making it heavy. Now we got nothing


Yesss!!! MORE CATS! I love that this was a cozy, but we need more and it could’ve been weaved in and not lose the cozy aspect. 


More cats, more info, more connection, then I could have liked it.


It needed more 100%. I loved the concept and I loved the cover and the title. So cute. But yea….more was needed. 

So the conclusion is, more was needed. Dang, I chose this one, bad choice. But yes xmas movie in Nov, bring the cheese


It had such promise! Maybe next Halloween ;) I can’t wait for all the cheese in the next couple months. We got a good line up! I have a good feeling!


I have a good feeling too :D


It’s hard to ruin Xmas stuff ;) Too much joy and love. 


The end?


The end!! Can’t wait for November and December!






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.


Friday, October 29

Audiobook Review: Hot and Badgered by Shelly Laurenston






Author: Shelly Laurenston
Narrator: Traci Odom
Title: Hot and Badgered
(Honey Badger Chronicles #1)
Genre: Paranormal Romance, UF, fantasy, Humor
Format: Audiobook
Published:  March 27th 2018
Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 
It’s not every day that a beautiful naked woman falls out of the sky and lands face-first on grizzly shifter Berg Dunn’s hotel balcony. Definitely they don’t usually hop up and demand his best gun. Berg gives the lady a grizzly-sized t-shirt and his cell phone, too, just on style points. And then she’s gone, taking his XXXL heart with her. By the time he figures out she’s a honey badger shifter, it’s too late.
 
Honey badgers are survivors. Brutal, vicious, ill-tempered survivors. Or maybe Charlie Taylor-MacKilligan is just pissed that her useless father is trying to get them all killed again, and won’t even tell her how. Protecting her little sisters has always been her job, and she’s not about to let some pesky giant grizzly protection specialist with a network of every shifter in Manhattan get in her way. Wait. He’s trying to help? Why would he want to do that? He’s cute enough that she just might let him tag along—that is, if he can keep up . . .



Review:
Seen a few good reviews and this popped up as a recommendation at my library so why not!!

We follow Berg Dunn and Charlie Taylor-MacKilligan. Charlie is half honey badger and they are known for being brutal, vicious, and ill-tempered. This is true, but Charlie is also mad at her useless father who is trying to get her and all her sisters killed....again. Protecting her little sisters has always been her job. When she comes across Berg and nearly gets him hurt or worse....he offers to help them since he is a protection specialist with a network of every shifter in Manhattan.

This was funny. The sisters are a HOT mess for sure. They are the definition of hot mess. They bring chaos with them no matter where they go. Their father is a scoundrel. Poor things. I want them to find happiness and someone to take out that father of theirs. 

Berg was a big-hearted soul. Loved him. 

This was cheesy and ridiculous in some parts, but I liked it. You WON'T be bored. There isn't a calm moment. Which....I do wish we had a couple. 

I did not see the spark between Berg and Charlie. I feel like we needed more solo time between the two. They were always up to something or someone was in the room (ie her sisters). I think that was my only big issue. I didn't see or feel the love/chemistry. Maybe more in the next?

The narrator worked well. I liked it. The voices fit. 

In the end, I enjoyed this. I was laughing and caught up in all the action. There wasn't a dull moment. I do wish Charlie and her boo bear had more time together....alone. I just didn't buy their love/lust. I'll give this 3 stars. 






 

Challenge(s):
- #72 for Audiobook challenge


Thursday, October 28

Book Review: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz




Author: Dean Koontz
Title: Odd Thomas
(Odd Thomas #1)
Genre: Mystery, UF, Thriller, Horror, Paranormal, Fantasy
Format: ebook
Published: 2003
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library


Summary: 
The dead don't talk. I don't know why. But they do try to communicate, with a short-order cook in a small desert town serving as their reluctant confidant. Sometimes the silent souls who seek out Odd want justice. Occasionally their otherworldly tips help him prevent a crime. But this time it’s different.

A stranger comes to Pico Mundo, accompanied by a horde of hyena-like shades who herald an imminent catastrophe. Aided by his soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, and an unlikely community of allies that includes the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Odd will race against time to thwart the gathering evil. His account of these shattering hours, in which past and present, fate and destiny, converge, is a testament by which to live—an unforgettable fable for our time destined to rank among Dean Koontz’s most enduring works.


Review:
For October we did three books for book club (we each picked a book we read in the past and want the other two to read). I was excited to read this one because how different it looks and sounds. 

We follow Odd who is a short-order cook in a small desert town who has a big secret. He can see ghosts. The dead don't talk and he doesn't know why, but they looks to him to help seek out justice. Sometimes their tips can help him solve or prevent a crime, but this time...it's different A stranger comes to town accompanied by a horde of shades who herald an imminent catastrophe. Aided by his soul mate and an unlikely community of allies, Odd will race against time to figure out what is about to hit the town. 

I adored Odd and his gal Stormy. They were freakin' adorable. Awkward and weird and different, but omigosh did I love them. 

I also loved their friends. All unlikely and different and weird. 

His landlord's story broke my heart. Poor lady. I hope she can find peace. So sad.

The mystery and the fantasy elements blended together wonderfully. There is a touch of romance, but it is not at all the main focus. It blended nicely with the mystery, fantasy, supernatural elements. 

Okay - so the beginning had me hooked right. Now....there were a few lulls here and there that had me yawning and needing to return back later. Pushing through those lulls were totally worth it. I had to know how everything was going to end. 

OoooOOOoOOoOOOO that ending. TEARS. MY POOR LITTLE HEART. I can't spoil anything. I had a bad feeling....and I was hoping I was wrong...but then I was right and omg my heart when the reveal was...well...revealed 

In the end, there are some lulls, but overall I really enjoyed this. A great set of characters and a great mystery. Totally recommend it. I'll give this 4 stars. 




Wednesday, October 27

Audiobook Review: Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs




Author: Patricia Briggs
Narrator: Holter Graham
Title: Hunting Ground
(Alpha & Omega #2)
Genre: Paranormal Romance, UF, fantasy
Format: Audiobook
Published:  August 25th 2009
Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 
Anna Latham didn’t know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son — and enforcer — of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, she didn’t know how dangerous it could be either...

Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran’s controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan — and it seems like someone else might be too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pack magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on, Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all — or risk losing everything...



Review:
Yayy! This finally came in for me. I've been on hold at the library for a million years. 

Anna never realized how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf and especially being mated to Charles Cornick. Charles is the son and enforcer of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves. Anna and Charles have been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran's proposal....that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to the humans. However, the most feared Alpha is dead set against the plan. From the sounds of it...so is everyone. When Anna is attacked by vamps using pack magic, Charles and Anna must hunt down whoever is behind it all. 

The mystery of the whos was good. I had no idea. The obvious answer was in fact not the answer so that shocked me. The big reveal had me screaming!!!! NOOOO!! GAH. I was so mad at that baddie. Psycho.

Anna went through hell in her last pack so she is damaged. I love how patient Charles is. It is very sweet. He is very closed off though, but he's slowly opening up too which makes me happy. He's been the enforcer too long. Bran needs to retire him or give him a different job for a while. 

As much as I like Anna and Charles....I do worry about them as a mated couple. They both have SOOOO much baggage. I kept thinking.....maybe Anna should be with Charles' brother. Could I be biased? I adore Charles? I don't know. I hope to see more chemistry and lurrveee between these two in future books.  

I wish we had gotten to see Bran more. I do like him a lot. I want him to be happy. Poor guy. 

I must give big kuddos to the narrator. There were a LOT of characters running around with different accents. I applaud him for keeping everyone straight. I never wondered who was talking. Yayy for that. 

In the end, I'll give this 4 stars. No huge issues. I am just struggling to see these two making it. Maybe with them both opening up more and more we'll finally see that spark. 






 

Challenge(s):
- #71 for Audiobook challenge


Tuesday, October 26

TMST: Real-life Superpower



10/26/2021 What is your real-life superpower?

Superpower? Real-life?

Being so clumsy and still being alive. Hahahahahahahahaha. 

Joking...kinda. 

Book-wise/Movie-wise, I would have to say I am really good at guessing endings and solving mysteries. There are times there will be a good twist that will get me, but I think I'm really good at solving mysteries. My parents always said I should've been a detective. 

Life-wise.....ummm.....I'm the Queen of I-told-you-so. I'm good at reading people and some situations. Sure I'm not always right, but I can't tell you how many times I give people advise...they ignore me....and then it turns out I was right. Sighs. It's a blessing and a curse because people rarely listen to me.

What about you guys?










Monday, October 25

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday


Narrated by: Stacy Gonzalez

Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins

Release date: 11-16-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Contemporary romance

To review




Awww, this one was sweet! And omg, they became friends and was friends for a long time before becoming more. They actually knew each other. Oh and this should so be a netflix movie! Perfect holiday movie wink wink.

Dani's husband left her (he sounds like a real ass), her job is fine, but she wants more!

Max is a Duke to be (from a strange European country where everyone speaks with a posh English accent, very Netflix :D He is a rake, and oh he sounded so lovely, especially when with her. That made me melt.

They met before, they meet again, become friends, become really good friends, become must text each other all the time. Oh you two, you love each other!

Drama on different fronts, becoming more and just being so freaking great for each other. Awww, the feels. A really fun and cute movie.

Great narration, her Max voices was perfect, as were her other voices too. Emotion and cuteness all the way through



Maximillian von Hansburg, baron of Laudon and heir to the duke of Aquilla, is not having a merry Christmas. He’s been dumped by a princess, he’s unemployed, and his domineering father has sent him to New York to meet a prospective bride he has no interest in. In the city, he meets Dani Martinez, a smart (and gorgeous) professor he’s determined to befriend before their best friends marry in the Eldovian wedding of the century.


Newly single, no-nonsense New Yorker Dani is done with love - she even has a list entitled “Things I Will Never Again Do for a Man” - which is why she hits it off with notorious rake Max. He’s the perfect partner for snow angels in Central Park and deep conversations about the futility of love.

It’s all fun and games until their friendship deepens into attraction and, oops....Falling in love was never part of the plan.

Friday, October 22

Book Review: When The Skies Cry by Steve N Lee



Author: Steve N. Lee 
Title: When The Skies Cry
(Books for Dog Lovers)
Genre: Fiction, Animals
Format: ebook
Published: October 22nd 2021
Where I Got It: My shelf (given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)


Summary: 
Harley loses everything when his master dies — his home, his best friend, his reason for living. Day after day, he trudges the streets, trembling from the biting cold, whimpering from the gnawing hunger.

Across town, Rachel has an alimony hearing looming and a make-or-break deadline hurtling toward her, yet they aren’t her biggest worries — her autistic son has withdrawn so far into his own private world, he barely acknowledges she even exists.

Luckily, the magic of life is in the surprises no one ever sees coming…


Review:
This is my second book by this author. I absolutely loved the other one so I was excited to read this one next!

We follow Harley who loses everything when his beloved owner dies. He finds himself on the streets and alone with an empty tummy. Across town, we also follow Rachel who has an alimony hearing looming and a make-or-break deadline for work heading her way. On top of that, she is trying to take care of her autistic son who has severely withdrawn since his father left. Luckily, life is full of surprises that no one ever sees coming. 

Oh man. The author has done it again.



All the feels are here friends. Joy, happiness, sadness, glee, tears.....all of them. It was a roller coaster of emotion. It was so heart-warming and you won't put it down. I finished it within a day (dang work slowing me down). I just HAD to know what was going to happen especially after a couple of events. Can't say. No spoilers here!!! It would ruin the tale for sure. 

The author really knows how to bring all characters to life. Not just the people, but our fuzzy characters as well. Fabulous. Fantastic. 

This is for sure a big contender for book of the year (I've gotten a couple already there - so there will be some stiff competition in December when I have to pick!). This had everything and you can't help but root for this little family. 

That ending.....oh that ending. If you feel nothing at the end....you are heartless. It was so good. Did NOT see any of that happening. 

Overall, fantastic read. I highly recommend this. It's technically book 2, but there is no order, but you should read both this and the first one. I see a 3rd book is coming out....can't wait!! Read it. It'll give you all the feels. 5 stars of course. 




Thursday, October 21

Audiobook Review: The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco



Author: Rin Chupeco
Narrator: Emily Woo Zeller, Will Damron
Title: The Bone Witch
(The Bone Witch #1)
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Paranormal
Format: Audiobook
Published:  March 7th 2017
Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 
When Tea accidentally resurrects her brother, Fox, from the dead, she learns she is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy means that she’s a bone witch, a title that makes her feared and ostracized by her community. But Tea finds solace and guidance with an older, wiser bone witch, who takes Tea and her brother to another land for training.

In her new home, Tea puts all her energy into becoming an asha—one who can wield elemental magic. But dark forces are approaching quickly, and in the face of danger, Tea will have to overcome her obstacles…and make a powerful choice.



Review:
Never heard of this one until book club! It is this month's book and after reading the summary and looking at that lovely cover...I couldn't wait to dive in. 

We follow Tea who, after accidentally resurrecting her brother, she learns she is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy means she is a bone witch. This is a title that makes her feared and ostracized by those in her community. Tea finds solace and guidance from an older bone witch who takes Tea and her brother to another land for training. In her new home, Tea will put all her energy into becoming an asha, but when dark forces are approaching quickly, Tea will have to overcome all obstacles and make a powerful and deadly choice. 

This was slow to start. There is a lot of world-building and character-building that was needed so I wasn't upset with the slowness. I enjoyed it oddly. There is a lot to learn about the world and especially our characters and their powers. 

Once things started.....I couldn't stop listening. I HAD to know what was going on. I am especially intrigued because we go back and forth between times. We see her tell her story to a Bard. Tea, at some point, is betrayed and exiled. This storytelling does set us up for book 2. I can't wait to start book 2. I need to know what happened and why. Especially when it is revealed all the what's and a who she is bringing back from the dead. OoooOOOoooo can't wait. 

This reminded me a little bit of a fantasy and YA version of 'Memoirs of a Geisha'. I had attempted to read that book an eon ago and didn't really like it. That had been bland. Maybe I'll try again, because I really did like this novel. 

There is a hint of romance here. I'm glad it didn't take over the story. So yayy there. 

The two narrators were flawless. Loved them. Not sure if I'm doing audio for book 2 (depends on what I can find), but if I do I hope they read that one too. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this even with the slow beginning. I found that the slow beginning was warranted. There is a lot to know and I have a feeling that just scratches the surface for this world and these characters. 5 stars from me.






 


 

Challenge(s):
- #70 for Audiobook challenge


Monday, October 18

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Save a Horse Ride a Viscount


Narrated by: Mary Sarah

Series: The Footmen's Club, Book 4

Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins

Release date: 10-12-21

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

To review





Thea was headstrong for sure, so headstrong she ended up with a broken leg, could not be moved and had to stay with a Viscount *wink wink* Just to see the horse her father sold long ago.

As for Ewan, oh man, you could have stayed out of so much trouble of you had just let her see that horse!

They have to spend some time together, and they talk, and fancy each other. But there has to be some drama, though to be fair, if she had just asked him one question then there had been no drama. So he had to do some chasing, good for you Sir.

There is also a sidestory with his friend who he tries to help, and I do hope that friend gets the next book.

All in all, a fast, sweet story. And a title that will always give me a chuckle.

The narration was good after a for me bumpy road, as she did not have a lot of voices for the characters. But she made it a fast fun read



Ewan Fairchild, Viscount Clayton, has been busy ticking off the boxes for a bright future. Become a rising star in Parliament? Check. Find a lady he intends to marry? Check. Make his stables the envy of every man in London? Check, thanks to the prize Arabian thoroughbred he's just won at auction. Clayton's on his way to having it all and won't change course for anyone - not even the beautiful young woman next door.

Lady Theodora Ballard didn't mind missing a Season of dinner parties, balls, and soirees to care for her ailing mother, but when Thea's father sold her horse out from under her, she thought her heart would break. Now the roguishly handsome viscount at the neighboring estate has her horse - and she'll stop at nothing to get him back. Unfortunately, a horse spying mission goes south, leaving Thea with a broken leg and Clayton with an alluring houseguest who upends his orderly world. The sparks between them are undeniable, but secrets and scandal abound. It's going to take more than a little love to save them....

Thursday, October 14

Audiobook Review: Let It Be Me by Kate Noble




Author: Kate Noble
Narrator: Alison Larkin
Title: Let It Be Me
(The Blue Raven #5)
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published:  April 2nd 2013
Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 
London weather is chilly—and the social scene even more so. Luckily, Bridget Forrester is just getting warmed up…

Bridget longs to meet a gentleman who doesn't mention her beautiful sister upon shaking her hand. But since being branded a shrew after a disastrous social season, Bridget knows she's lucky to even have a man come near her. It's enough to make a lady flee the country…

So Bridget heads to Venice for music lessons with the renowned Italian composer Vincenzo Carpenini, with whom she's been corresponding. But not only is Carpenini not expecting her, he doesn't even remember her! His friend, theater owner Oliver Merrick, does, though. And one look into her tantalizing green eyes has him cursing his impulsive letter-writing, which brought her across the continent. Yet before Merrick can apologize, Carpenini has ordered her away.

Little does either man know that they will soon be embroiled in a wager that will require the beautiful Miss Forrester's help—or that there'll be far more at stake in this gamble than money…



Review:
Accidently skipped book 4. This popped up in Audible. Swore I read book 4....maybe not. I don't remember. Hahaha. This does fine as a standalone. I believe book 4 is about Bridget's sister who was the golden child. I'll eventually go back. 

Here we follow Bridget who has long been in her sister's shadow. Her sister was beloved by everyone. She has been now labeled as a shrew after a disastrous social season. To get fresh air, she heads to Venice with her family in hopes for music lessons with the renowned Italian composer Vincenzo Carpenini with whom she has been corresponding. When she arrives at his door, he is not expecting her and doesn't even remember her. His friend and half-brother, Oliver Merrick, does though. He was the one who actually wrote to her and before he can explain anything, Carpenini orders her away. Little does anyone expect that the two men will be embroiled in a wager that require Bridget's help. 

This was a lot of fun!!! I loved how different this was. It was a nice set of pace to jump to Italy and have a couple fall in love over music. Beautiful. 

The beginning did drag for minute while the stage was being set for her to flee across the ocean to Italy, but then I could not stop listening. I had to know what was going to happen next. Yes, yes, we all know Bridget and Oliver fall in lurve, but I was excited to see them fall for each other. It was slow and careful. I was also excited to see her perform at the competition! 

OOOOO that ending was good. Loved it. 

I also loved seeing Bridget as an old lady at the beginning and the end surrounded by her grandbabies. It was a nice touch. 

The narrator is fantastic. She really flourished here with all the different accents and all the different characters running around. Brava!

In the end, I really enjoyed this one. It was a touch slow in the beginning, but after that I was hooked and didn't want to stop listening. I loved this couple and their journey. It was a fresh breath of air for the HR genre. Italy, music....all fun. I'm in love with this series. I need to back track to book 4 eventually. I'll give this 4 stars. 




 


 

Challenge(s):
- #69 for Audiobook challenge


Wednesday, October 13

Book Review: The Sinclair Hound by Caroline Lee



Author: Caroline Lee
Title: The Sinclair Hound
(The Sinclair Jewels #1)
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: ebook
Published: May 16th 2019
Where I Got It: Amazon Freebie


Summary: 
The Sinclair Hound doesn’t speak…

Hanged as a lad for stealing food, Gregor, the notorious Sinclair Hound, was spared by a merciful laird. Although emotionally damaged and forever scarred and very silent, his devotion to Clan Sinclair, and especially the laird, is unwavering... until one of the Sinclair Jewels, the youngest daughter, Pearl, challenges that devotion and forces the Hound to make a fateful choice.

Pearl is a priceless lass…

As the youngest of the Sinclair Jewels, Pearl has made a place for herself among her clan, serving her people and doing her best to care for those who need help. Unlike her sisters, she has no interest in ever leaving her family. But when she’s forced to choose between an unwanted marriage or taking holy vows, she makes a fateful mistake.

If she can’t stay with her clan, she’ll become a nun.

But once her sire tasks the Hound to escort her to the abbey, Pearl is forced to admit two things: she never really wanted to take holy vows and her fascination with the Hound can no longer be denied.


Review:
I've enjoyed some other books by this author, so I seen this as a freebie and had to grab it. 

We follow Gregor who was nearly executed as a lad when the laird of the Clan Sinclair saved him and took him under his wing. Gregor would become the notorious and silent Sinclair Hound. He is asked to travel and protect Sinclair's youngest daughter on her voyage to take her holy vows. Pearl is given the choice...marry or become a nun. She elects to take her vows, but she wants to stay with her clan. While on the journey, Pearl is forced to admit that she is in love with the Hound. 

This was a quick read and it was cute overall. 

I do wish this had been longer so I could've had more time to connect with this couple. Maybe if the beginning was stretched out more and the journey longer? I just felt like they were so 2D but I KNOW there was more under the surface for both of them. I loved the fact that the Hound didn't really speak for the majority of the time. When he did speak it meant something. I needed more time and I think they needed more time to be fleshed out a bit. 

Other than that, I had no issues. It was cute and quick and they were perfect together. I just wanted more time with the couple to really get to learn more about them and see their chemistry more. I'll give this 3 stars. 










Tuesday, October 12

TMST: Paper, Electronic, Audio books



10/12 - paper, electronic, audio… how do you read?

I'll take what I can get! hahaha. 

The last couple of years ebooks and audios have been my main sources. I can give a million reasons why. Money, space, Covid, and ease of access....just to name a few. 

I must thank all my blogging friends...especially Blodeuedd for really getting me into Audio. Not too long ago I was all MEH about that source, but they have gotten me addicted ;) 

I do still love paperbooks but mainly I only get the paper versions if I go to a used book sale, gifties from people, or randomly at the grocery store. 









Monday, October 11

Blodeuedd's Book Review: Dark Witch by Nora Roberts

342 pages, 

First published October 29, 2013

Series: The Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy (#1)

Paranomal romantic fic

Own




I can't say I cared one way or another. Everything just happened so easily, talk about magic happened so easily. She got into her powers so easily. The big bad was not scary at all.

Iona comes to Ireland. Her cousins are awesome. She gets a job at once. She falls for a horse, she falls for a man.

Talking

Oh the big bad!

Kisses

The end

I guess when they finally defeat the big bad it will happen easily.

I would have liked to learn more about their ancestor instead, she sounded cool.

Meh




With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends.




Ireland. County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits. Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives.




When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package.


Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive…


Sunday, October 10

Audiobook Review: Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs





Author: Patricia Briggs
Narrator: Lorelei King
Title: Bone Crossed
(Mercy Thompson #4)
Genre: UF, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published:  February 3rd 2009
Where I got It: Borrowed from Library

Summary: 
By day, Mercy is a car mechanic in the sprawling Tri-Cities of Eastern Washington. By night, she explores her preternatural side. As a shapeshifter with some unique talents, Mercy has often found herself having to maintain a tenuous harmony between the human and the not so human. This time she may get more than she bargained for.

Marsilia, the local Vampire Queen, has learned that Mercy crossed her by slaying a member of her clan—and she's out for blood. But since Mercy is protected from direct reprisal by the werewolf pack (and her close relationship with its sexy Alpha), it won't be Mercy's blood Marsilia is after.

It'll be her friends



Review:
The last book had me needing the next one right away. I started listening to it the moment I finished the review of the other one. 

Mercy has been through a lot the last few days. All she wants to do is return to normal-ish life. She wants to work on the cars and be with her new boy...the Alpha of the werewolf pack. However, the local Vamp Queen has learned that Mercy slew a member of her clan and now she wants Mercy's blood. Since Mercy is protected by the werewolf pack and mate to the Alpha...it won't just be Mercy's blood on the line. 

Not only does Mercy have to deal with the Vamp Queen here...she has to deal with an old college friend knocking on her door and asking for help AND Mercy is still trying to find her footing after a tragic event in the last book. She's got a lot on her plate AGAIN. Luckily she has the whole pack and her best vamp friend behind her.

Love how supportive Adam is. He is perfect for Mercy and it melts my cold heart how patient and kind he has been to Mercy after the events. He is not pushy. He knows she will need a LOT of time and LOTS of love to heal from what happened to her. Gah. Love him.

I'm glad Samuel is still around in a friend role. However....he needs to head home. I think that would be good for him and stop working at the hospital. He is falling apart. Gah poor guy. 

OoooOOOooo Stefan. I've been meh about him, but by the end of this, I was swooning just a hair. Shhhh. Don't tell anyone. I hope he finds comfort too. He's had a rough time here. Someone needs to stake that Queen Vamp. >_> 

This was a good one. You need to read the others before you get here. This felt like a lot of past stuff really created the issues here. 

OOOOH. I nearly forgot...we got to meet Mercy's mama for a hot min. I hope we get to see her soon. I would love even a short series featuring her mama and dad. Maybe her dad really isn't dead??? Wouldn't that be nice? Or we can find some of his people or fam? I want Mercy to learn more about what she is. She seemed to learn a bit in this one, but I feel there is a lot that she doesn't know. 

The narrator is fantastic as per normal. Not more to say. Fantastic for these characters and this world.  

Overall, this series and world are just getting better and better. I'll give this 5 stars. One of my favorites of the series so far. 





 

Challenge(s):
- #68 for Audiobook challenge