Book Review: Mystic Pieces by Ada Bell

Author: Ada Bell

Title: Mystic Pieces

(Shady Grove Pyschic Mystery #1)

Genre: Cozy mystery, Fantasy, Thriller, Fiction, Contemporary

Format: ebook

Published: January 11th 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Aly doesn't believe in psychics. Too bad she just had a vision.

Future scientists don't have visions. Aly's got enough on her plate, with finishing her degree and taking care of her nephew and starting her new job at the antique store while drooling over the owner's gorgeous son. No visions.

Alas, the universe doesn't care what Aly believes. When she turns 21, she starts to feel psychic impressions left on objects. A disorienting power for someone surrounded by antiques. Then cranky customer Earl is killed, and Aly's new boss Olive is the prime suspect. Who hated Earl enough to kill? Police would rather make a quick arrest than investigate, so it's up to Aly to clear Olive's name.

Shady Grove is reeling from the first murder in decades. If Aly can get her hands on the murder weapon, she should be able to solve the crime. Can she learn to control her visions before the killer sets their sights on her? .

Review:

Randomly stumbled upon this in the Amazon ebooks. Sounds right up my alley so why not. 

Here we follow Aly who doesn't believe in the supernatural and especially not psychics. She is a woman of science. She is going to be a scientist one day (as soon as she can graduate college). In order to get through college and buy a car, she accepts a job at the local antique store. However, things get a little weird when she finds herself having a vision after touching an object. After a cranky customer by the name of Earl is killed...it is left to her to clear her new boss' name and find the murderer. 

Took me a little bit to really get into the story. After about 50% was when I was fully hooked and finished the other half in just a couple of sittings. However, by the end I still felt....unfulfilled. It was missing something for me. I wish I could put my finger on WHAT this was missing. There was just something not connecting fully for me. However, I did enjoy the 2nd half MUCH more. 

One of my issues was that Aly felt...2D. I did not connect with her at all or any of the characters. They felt flat to me. 

Like Aly we do not fully understand her gifts. I hoped we would learn more, but I'm sure we will in later novels.

The mystery was pretty good. Once a certain character came into view I was pretty dead set it was that person and I was right! I did waver though ;) But in the end, I was right. 

I am curious about book 2. There is hope we will learn more about her powers and Aly herself in the next book. I will put book 2 as maybe someday. 

All-in-all, this was fun. It is a good mystery and fun seeing Aly work through her gifts. There was something missing for me though. I do have hope that book 2 will be even better. For now, I'll give this a 2. I still am curious about book 2.

Audiobook Review: My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, & Jodi Meadows

Author: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

Narrator: Katherine Kellgren

Title: My Lady Jane

(The Lady Janies #1)

Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, What-if, Retellings, Humor, Fantasy, Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: June 7th 2016

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Edward (long live the king) is the King of England. He’s also dying, which is inconvenient, as he’s only sixteen and he’d much rather be planning for his first kiss than considering who will inherit his crown…

Jane (reads too many books) is Edward’s cousin, and far more interested in books than romance. Unfortunately for Jane, Edward has arranged to marry her off to secure the line of succession. And there’s something a little odd about her intended…

Gifford (call him G) is a horse. That is, he’s an Eðian (eth-y-un, for the uninitiated). Every day at dawn he becomes a noble chestnut steed—but then he wakes at dusk with a mouthful of hay. It’s all very undignified.

The plot thickens as Edward, Jane, and G are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy. With the fate of the kingdom at stake, our heroes will have to engage in some conspiring of their own. But can they pull off their plan before it’s off with their heads?

Review:

Been meaning to give this book a try for a while. Decided to just get the audiobook and go. 

This is a what if tale. We follow King Edward, Lady Jane Grey, and Gifford. In this version of their story, King Edward is still dying but is he truly sick? Lady Jane is forced to marry Gifford but there is something off with her groom. Gifford, who goes by G, is in fact a Eoian...he turns into a horse. Sadly, he can't control this gift. At dawn he transforms to a horse and at dusk wakes back up as a man. The three are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy with the fate of the kingdom at stake. Will our heroes be able to save the kingdom from Mary's grasp or even save their own lives?

This was a lot of fun. What-ifs are always a good time. In this world, there are shapeshifters running around. Some are royal like King Henry and pretty much all his wives. Then there are the regular humans who are scared and want to see the Eoians burned....like Princess Mary. 

I love the twist of fate for our characters. In real life they all end up dead. Edward from being sick and then Lady Jane and Gifford were executed. Here...they are able to escape and fight another day against the blood-thirsty Mary. I loved this. I always felt so for them...especially Lady Jane Grey. 

Also, I really loved the blend of genres here. It is a historical fiction, romance, YA (which didn't feel too YA), and fantasy. I loved, loved, LOVED the idea of the shapeshifters. They take place of the Protestants and Catholic issue. Very clever indeed.  

This is a YA but don't let that scare you off. It wasn't YA cheesy or annoying. Sure there is a maybe love triangle here and there, but it wasn't serious and didn't take over the plot. These are teens running around with new adult feelings. Crushes happen. But yes, I'm glad the YA curse didn't happen here. 

Oooo yes there was humor here and I found myself chuckling a lot.

That was a good ending. I'm glad it ended the way it did. I won't spoil anything but I did cheer a little bit. And I laughed because of the fate of a certain character was perfecccccccct. Again....you shall not get spoilers from me!

Now, I did do the audio version of this. The narrator did a good job. Her voice fit the characters and she really did bring everything to life. However, there were times I felt she got WAY too into it. There were times when a character would exclaim or yell...and the narrator would quite literally YELL. Ouch! There goes my ears! I loved how she got into it, but there were times I just wanted her to take a couple steps back. Good thing I mainly listened to this on my speaker instead of my earbuds. Other than that, she did a fine job indeed. 

In the end, this was a lot of fun. Humor, love, drama, battle, shapeshifting, and a what if that I wish was real! I for sure recommend this. The audio is fun, but be prepared for some actual yelling. ;) hehe But yes, fun for sure. I'll give this 4 stars.

Challenge(s):
- #16 for Audiobook challenge

B's Monday Review: Chase Wilde Comes Home by Jennifer Ryan

 

Narrated by: Tim Paige

Series: A Wyoming Wilde Novel, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Release date: 03-29-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Romantic suspense

To review

I like Ryan's suspense books. Though here the suspense came more at the end, and when it came...baam! Crazy

This is a really wounded hero. He has nightmares from his time in the army, he has struggled with addiction, and he lost someone close tom him in a horrible twist of fate. But in a moment of light he met someone, she became pregnant, and now he wants to show to her that he can be the father their daughter needs.

Shelby was so sweet. She did not have a lot of experience with men since she has a dark secret hanging over here. It was crazy. What a psycho that is in the shadows! But she is a good woman, and she thinks Chase has turned a new leaf.

They become friends, they become more. They struggle and then the suspense part comes.

I enjoyed it. Two wounded people that deserved love in their lives.

All the other Ryan books I have listened to have had a female narrator, but this one had a male. And it worked really well. He does get the male voices right, and the female voices work so well to. Even the kid has the best voice. All in all a terrific choice

Chase Wilde never expected to fall in love, especially with Shelby Payne. Years before, one passionate night had drawn these two lost souls together. Then Chase left on deployment with the Army, while Shelby raised their baby alone. Now he's back, a wounded warrior determined to turn his life around. Shelby knows what it's like to lose everything, including her own family. So she offers him a bargain: if he can prove himself to be the man he says he is, she will let him into their daughter's life...and maybe even into hers.

Chase knows it will take a lot to prove to Shelby that there's more between them than the single night they spent together. She's everything he's ever wanted, including the voice of reason he needs to reconcile his past and be the man he wants to be for them both. But just as their lives come together, she's torn away from him by a dangerous person from her past, and saving her means saving himself . . . because he can't live without her.

Movie Review: Just Like Heaven (2005)

Film Title: Just Like Heaven

Length:  1h 35 m

Released: 2005

Genre:  Comedy, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

A lonely landscape architect falls for the spirit of the beautiful woman who used to live in his new apartment.

Click here for the trailer

REVIEW:

When I seen that this was coming to Netflix I could not resist revisiting this one. I had been in love with this film back when it came out in 2005. I think the last time I watched it was in 2008? So yessss it has been years!!

We follow David and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is an overworked doctor who has zero social life and David lost his wife and does nothing but drink and want to be alone. One night, Elizabeth gets in a terrible wreck. Months later, David rents Elizabeth's apartment. Not knowing....she hasn't quite left yet. 

This has all the elements of a romantic comedy. Comedy, love, a smidge of darkness, a great couple, and cheesiness. 

I love David and Elizabeth. They are the perfect ying/yang couple. I also loved how they became unlikely friends first. Well...they had no choice since she is just a spirit/ghost/ethereal being. They cannot touch or kiss or hit each other, but you can't help but love watching them go from fighting over the apartment, to friends, to being in love. 

Ooooo David. Poor thing. His wife tragically died and he just can't get over it. He couldn't save her and now all he wants to do is melt into the couch and drink. Can you blame him? The universe decided the only way to get him out of his funk was to give him this chance to save Elizabeth.  

The part with the hospital is intense...and they just let a character (will not name names, this is a big spoiler) walk away with no repercussions. As much as I would like to think the character would've gotten off scott-free....that is not realistic. LOL Much less realistic then the ghost/spirit girl. ;) Buuuuuut it was a powerful scene!

In the end, I remember why I liked this film so much. It has all you need and more for a romantic comedy. Grab some ice cream and your PJs and turn this old gem on (omg 2005 is considered old now....*eats a gallon of ice cream and cries for my youth*. 4 stars from me. 

Book Review: Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews

Author: Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Mourns

(Kate Daniels #3.5)

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Novella, Fantasy

Format: ebook

Published: September 1st 2009

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Andrea Nash of the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid—with an assist from her partner, Kate Daniels—tries to figure out why the giant three-headed dog who guards the gates of Hades is sniffing around Atlanta.

Review:

I need to read more of this series for real. It's been a hot min! Decided to read 3.5 before going to 4. 

Here we follow Andrea Nash of the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid. Kate is out on medical leave due to the events of the previous book and Andrea is fielding her calls. Things seems slow since a lot of people are willing to wait until Kate is back, until a call comes in that has Andrea trying to figure out why there is a giant three-headed dog, who normally guards the gates of Hades, is sniffing around the town. She will team up with Raphael to figure out what the Hell is going on. 

I love Andrea. She has her secrets and she is an anxious mess (I find), but man I love her. I also like Raphael. He's a womanizer, but he is sweet. In book 2 I was rooting for them to get together....now they are starting. They finally agree to try. They have their issues that is for dang sure and they both have bad pasts. Him being a bad womanizer and banging everything while her past was just BAD and super sad. Gah. Poor thing. Learning more about what she and her mom went through just killed my soul. 

So yes, on top of them finalllllly coming to terms there could be something great between them, we have a big ol' mystery, kidnapping, magical apples, and a beastie. Lots going on here. 

The solution was annoying for me. The final confrontation/epic battle seemed....anti-climatic personally. It was over in like two paragraphs. Boom. Done. All that build-up for barely a fight. 

That was my only issue. The rest was fun. I missed the narrator, but this did fine as an ebook. I love Andrea's POV. I hope we get more. Sure, I am beginning to like Kate and her dude....but there is something about Andrea that I like more. Mmm. 

Anyways, yes this was quick and I liked it. The final battle was lackluster, but I still enjoyed what I had. Curious to see what happens in the next book. This was for sure a short you wouldn't want to miss because I'm sure it'll play a role in the next. I'll give this 4. It would be 3, but I love Raphael and Andrea so much and I was so happy to see them start coming together. 

Audiobook Review: A Walk in the Park by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Author: Rebekah Weatherspoon

Narrator: Marissa Hampton & Chinua Hawk

Title: A Walk in the Park

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published:  March 10th 2022

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Andre Monroe is ready to move on from heartbreak, and the first step is bringing home his rescue pup. He’d bonded instantly with the playful Zeus and was already planning their first adventures. But one thing he definitely hadn’t daydreamed about was Zeus accidentally being promised to someone else - or that he might go home empty-handed and brokenhearted all over again.

Janelle Johnson is not giving up her claim to Zeus. He already has a hold on her heart (and his own Instagram handle). After the year she’d had, she needed this dog. But when she sees the disappointment of the big, burly handsome man who’s clearly just as in love with the dog as she is, she proposes a deal to Andre - for one month they’ll co-parent the dog. How hard could it be?

Both of them agree to the unusual arrangement. Sharing a dog with a complete stranger isn’t quite the walk in the (dog) park they imagined, but as they work together to give Zeus a loving future, their four-legged friend might not be the only one who’s found a happily ever after.

Review:

That cover...that title....that puppy!! This had me itching to listen to it right away! 

Here we follow Andre Monroe and Janelle Johnson. Both are ready to move on with their lives and adopt this pup Zeus. Little did they know that when they would show up to the shelter there was a huge mess up. They both were promised this dog. Andre and Janelle strike up an unusual arrangement...share the dog. Yes, they are complete strangers but they both love the dog and oddly enough they selected the same groomer, vet, and trainer. This seems like it was meant to be. 

So freakin' cute. I love how it was just meant to be for these two! They both had a bad break-up, they are both successful, they both fell in-love with Zeus, they even picked the same vendors to take care of the dog (groomer, vet, trainer). They also get along swimmingly and work together great!! The lust is for sure there from the beginning too. It made me "awwww" when they finally realized that they are perfect for each other!!

This was so sweet and not a lot of crazy drama. Some external crap their exes try pulling, but nothing dramatic. This is perfect if you are looking for a cute and sweet love tale with a puppy at the heart of it all. 

We have two narrators here. One for the male POV and the other for the female POV. They were perfect. They brought these characters to life and I loved it! I would love to listen to more by them. I feel like I heard the female voice before, but the name didn't ring a bell. 

All-in-all, this is the perfect spring read. It is light and sweet and cute. A beautiful couple who deserves all the happiness in life and a dog who has a great set of people parents! Def recommend. 5 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):
- #15 for Audiobook challenge

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Siege of Rage and Ruin

 Series; The Wells of Sorcery (#3)

Published: January 5, 2021 by Tor Teen

Ya fantasy

Own

I did feel that this book did not end on a high note. These books have been tough, gruesome and painful. But here there were some battles, but they all came through unscathed. Even when one was kidnapped she was safe. The book went from dark to more lightful. Which in these days is good, but at the same time it felt different from that which came before.

Isoka did not feel as powerful as before.

And Tori, I have a hard time believing she did all that.

Can't believe I say I wanted more death. i guess I should be happy it all worked out and they all lived happily ever after. So,a meh finish to the series.

Isoka has done the impossible--she's captured the ghost ship Soliton. With her crew of mages, including the love of her life Princess Meroe, Isoka returns to the empire that sent her on her deadly mission. She's ready to hand over the ghost ship as ransom for her sister Tori's life, but arrives to find her home city under siege. And Tori at the helm of a rebellion.

Neither Isoka's mastery of combat magic, nor Tori's proficiency with mind control, could have prepared them for the feelings their reunion surfaces. But they're soon drawn back into the rebels' fight to free the city that almost killed them.

Joint Review: Crowbones by Anne Bishop

Hello all! Blodeuedd and I will be discussing "Crowbones" by Anne Bishop. Blodeuedd is in red and I am in purple.

Author: Anne Bishop
Title: Crowbones

(The Others #8)

Narrator: Alexandra Harris

Genre: Historical Romance
Published: March 8th 2022
Format: Audiobook

Pages: 384

Summary:

Crowbones will gitcha if you don't watch out!

Deep in the territory controlled by the Others-shape-shifters, vampires, and even deadlier paranormal beings-Vicki DeVine has made a new life for herself running The Jumble, a rustic resort. When she decides to host a gathering of friends and guests for Trickster Night, at first everything is going well between the humans and the Others.

But then someone arrives dressed as Crowbones, the Crowgard bogeyman. When the impostor is killed along with a shape-shifting Crow, and the deaths are clearly connected, everyone fears that the real Crowbones may have come to The Jumble-and that could mean serious trouble.

To "encourage" humans to help them find some answers, the Elders and Elementals close all the roads, locking in suspects and victims alike. Now Vicki, human police chief Grimshaw, vampire lawyer Ilya Sanguinati, and the rest of their friends have to figure out who is manipulating events designed to pit humans against Others-and who may have put Vicki DeVine in the crosshairs of a powerful hunter--

Discussion:

I love these books! They are good, scary, and with the ever-excellent narration by Alexandra Harris.

Me too!! However, I didn’t even know that this was coming out! I totally missed the announcement D: Luckily I have you to tell me stuff!!

Yes, it was just there all a sudden. I do admit someone posted about it like 6 months ago so I knew it was coming. But before it came out, nothing. Which is a shame because of all the praise to these fun books.

So crazy because these are so good and I know fans like us have been itching for more!

I am happy we had more! And I want even more, there is so much that could be told. In new places too, in old places. Everywhere. I am a bit addicted.

For real. I want more too! This is a scary world and I would NEVER wanna live there, but I love this world and our folks who are just trying to make it and want peace. Dang evil humans who ruin everything. Grrrr

Ugh no, this world is horrible. I would not want to live here. Humans are stupid as fuck. They need to be weeded out. The Others are scary, but if you follow their rules you should not need to fear. But to read about it, HELL YES.

For real…..it literally is not that hard. The rules are pretty simple, but then you get baddies like this one (no spoilers) who have to just be all dumb. I would be terrified to even leave my house because I wouldn’t want to offend anyone! I’m too sarcastic for my own good. I feel like I would offend one of the Others and be eaten! And then we have these fool humans doing all this nonsense and bad stuff. SMH. Idiots. 

I hope I would be smart, but who knows. The baddies are so good at what they do. Like they stand a chance. The land itself will rise against them. You can not win stupid humans. I always get so mad that they never learn, instead, they try new things.

I was almost mad at the end. I thought that cop was going to cave and do the nice thing which would’ve caused mayhem for the town. Trying not to spoil anything…but ugh. The Others are always watching friends. Do what they want or else! LOL

I kind of want a book about The Elders, they are so scary!

Oooooo that would be fun! Maybe from one of their POVs? See how they see humans? It could even be a short story and I would be all about it. 

Yes, oh that would be so good! Please Bishop write more!

Yesssssss! Like I said I would take a short story! I just want to know more about them! Plus I think it would make us more scared/respect them more! See them interact with our folks like Meg (I miss her) or Vicki! Fun!

We have so few things to say lol. Just another great book in this series. Always fun, always well narrated. Always get me in a binge mood. 

It is always soooo hard to write a review about a really good book. ;) Ummmmmm….issues? Did you have any? I can’t really think of any for myself. I couldn’t stop listening. 

I never do it, but when I was listening to this I had my pods in while S was watching her shows. I could not put them away. I did not want to take them out. So no issues.

I honestly think this was one of my favorites of the series. Def top 3. 

I can’t choose. The Meg ones are obi epic, but the Bennet book just hits me right in the heart. And these two now, dang. Love them all.

I do miss Meg a lot but I am liking Vicki a lot too. I hope she can move past her bad past and be happy. Poor thing. I hope Meg comes to visit so they can be best friends. 

Vicki is so real. I am def not a Meg. But Vicki, ok not considering her issues, she is real, and warm. And that is why the others like her too

Yessss Vicki is so sweet and real. She has trauma she is working on (someone get the girl a therapist) and she is true to herself. How could the Others and Elders not like her? She is a good representation of the good in humans. 

Vicki for president! Lol, no srsly. This country needs goodness. And to make the Others and Elders calm down. I can not wait for more. And to you all, READ THESE BOOKS, that is LISTEN. Audio is KEY

For real! Let her run the roost and show them that this good is left in humans!! But yesssssss this series is so fun. I def prefer the audios just because the narrator is FANTASTIC. She really brings these characters to life and her voices are perfect. The voices she uses fit. 

Do we have anything more to say? Other than, buy it now?

I got nothing else except spoilers ;) hehehehe. But yesssss buy! I would say do book 1 first. You have to start at the beginning. 

Agreed. Until next time then!

Until next 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.

Happy St. Patrick's Day (Irish Day!)

Happy St.Patrick's Day! AKA Irish Day. 

Enjoy these cute Shamrock Gnomes I have! Literally obsessed with Gnomes lately. I have been slowly collecting a set for holidays!

 

Book Review: A Deal with the Rakish Duke by Sally Vixen

Author: Sally Vixen

Title: A Deal with the Rakish Duke

Genre: Historical Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Published: December 16th 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Lady Eleanor is a spinster. A shameless, foxy spinster, who is terrified of the prospect of marriage. But there is one thing she absolutely must achieve this Season: find a suitable gentleman for her younger sister. And keep her away from rakes.

The gossip columns are wrong. Isaac Brown, the Duke of Gouldsmith, is not looking to get married. Infamous for his rakish ways, the secret to his heart lies in his past—a past no one can ever know. After he asks Eleanor for a dance, he never expected to make a devilish deal with her: pretend to be courting to escape gossip.

Eleanor knows rakes are only trouble. Trouble she must stay away from, if she wants to salvage her already damaged reputation. But as her lips touch Isaac's, her hatred turns into a blossoming love with no salvation...

Review:

I was drawn in by the cover and then the title fits one of my reading challenges! Count me in

We follow Lady Eleanor who is a spinster with a damaged reputation and never wants to marry. However, she has to help her sister find a suitable gentleman and keep away the rakes. Walks in Isaac Brown, the Duke of Gouldsmith, who is a rake and never wants to marry. He also has a secret from his past that no one can never know. He and Lady Eleanor make a devilish deal....pretend that he is courting her. This will help Eleanor and her sister get invites to certain balls they have been cut from and help him keep women off his back. However, things happen after a single kiss. 

This was short and cute. Gotta love the moment with fake romances when real feels come into play. Makes me always chuckle. Fake romances never work people! Real feels ALWAYS happens for at least one of the two folks. 

I liked Eleanor and her sister. They are very sweet girls. 

It took a minute for me to warm up to Isaac. He for sure plays the part of the rake and cad. It took a minute to see his walls down. 

Ooooo Caro. SMH. At first I felt bad for her because she seemed to really like Isaac, but then she does somethings that made me want to punch her.

This was a light read. The drama was there but easily solvable. 

Now, I will say it took me a minute to really get into the story. The first 25% dragged for me. The rest was really good so the drag/lull at the beginning was worth it in the end. I'm glad I didn't give up. 

I enjoyed this and I am curious when book 2 will be coming out. I believe book 2 is about Eleanor's sister. She deserves a HEA!!!! 

Overall, this was short and sweet. The beginning was a little rough for me, but once I was hooked...I was hooked. 3 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- #11 for Romance Reading Challenge - "Duke in the title"

Audiobook Review: Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Author: Julia Quinn

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Title: Romancing Mister Bridgerton

(Bridgertons #4)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  July 1st 2002

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Everyone knows that Colin Bridgerton is the most charming man in London. Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for...well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret...and fears she doesn't know him at all.

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same - especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide...is she his biggest threat - or his promise of a happy ending? 

Review:

Yayy for the Bridgertons!

Here we follow Colin Bridgerton who is number 3 in the family. He is charming and the ton love him, but they think he is nothing but an empty-headed charmer. He is also tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown. When Colin returns to London from his most recent trip abroad, he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same and that includes Penelope Featherington. The girl is now haunting his dreams. How did that happen? They have been friends for years. However, he will discover a secret about Penelope that could ruin everything for everyone. 

Ooooooooooh Penelope. I love her so much! I have been rooting for her and Colin to get together. Yes, yes, I knew it would happen but it has taken years and 4 books. SIGHSSSS. Dumb Colin. 

Yes, he's dumb, but I adore him too. He is so sweet and he really is a charmer. He does get pretty grumpy here, but the boy's mind is all muddled especially after discovering Penelope's big secret. I would be pissed too. However, sometimes he was just TOO grumpy and it made me mad. Don't be a jerk to my girl sir!

There wasn't too much drama between the two...only the secret and what to do about it. That was the only real drama and tbh...it was an easy solution when it was all said and done. But the way Colin deals with it at the very end....made me cheer too. I can't say what, but I'm sure if you seen season 1 of the show...you know. What he did was fantastic. He redeemed any grumpiness and asshat-ness he had earlier. 

The narrator was fantastic as well....she is the queen. She really does rule this genre. Her voices are perfect.

In the end, this was cute. I love Colin. I love Penelope. They are meant for each other and it took a long, long times. I can't wait for the show to catch up ;) This shall be stamped with 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #14 for Audiobook challenge

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi

 

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Series: This Woven Kingdom, Book 1

Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins

Release date: 02-01-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Fantasy YA

The biggest problem here was definitely that this book could have been cut in half and still it would have felt like nothing had happened. Because nothing happened in this one. A girl is thinking how cold it is, a prince falls in love at first sight and that is the book for 500 pages. But the last 20 pages were intense. Only for those last 20 pages I would want more. Something big finally happened.

I have thought about this for a while now. Can't say I liked the main character whose name I already forgot. She is Jinn, she is cold all the time, she is destined to be queen. She says she has heard the devil but omg please show the devil then cos that would have brought some drama.

Persian world. I do not know more than that cos we are in a city, and yes she is cold most of the time. The country seem to dislike another country. Dunno more than that.

Karem is a prince with anger issues who falls in love at first sight and thinks about her all the time. Insta love like that that, nah.

Damn but those last 20 pages were so intriguing! But gods nothing happened in this book! Too long! Less is more.

Good narration, I guess the only thing that saved me

To all the world, Alizeh is a disposable servant, not the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom forced to hide in plain sight.

The crown prince, Kamran, has heard the prophecies foretelling the death of his king. But he could never have imagined that the servant girl with the strange eyes, the girl he can’t put out of his mind, would one day soon uproot his kingdom—and the world.

Movie Review - The Mitchells vs the Machines (2021)

Film Name: The Mitchells vs the Machines

Length:  1h 53m

Released: 2021

Genre:  Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci Fi
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

A quirky, dysfunctional family's road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity's unlikeliest last hope.

REVIEW:

I feel like I was never going to watch this. The first time was at my friend's house....I came in near the end. The next time I fell asleep and woke up near the end AGAIN. Third time Netflix stopped working after a few minutes. Ugh. Fourth time was two months later....FINALLY watched it. 

The story follows a quirky and dysfunctional family. They decide to take a road trip, but they find themselves in a mess and in the middle of a robot apocalypse. They have to push past their issues and save humanity. 

Oooo the struggles I had trying to just watch the beginning of this. I love the ending. Especially the scene with the furbies. OMG I die laughing anytime I think of it or see it. I've honestly. They kill me. The youths will never fully understand how scary and creepy these little things are....but this would happen if the robots decided it was time for the humans to be killed. 

So yes, the ending was good. The furbies are the best characters. What about the beginning and middle? 

Both good. Worth the struggles I had. ;) 

The family members are for sure dysfunctional and they are quirky. It was nice to see them deal with their differences (and they are all super different so I can see why they have the issues they have). 

I really had no issues. This was a nice movie and I can see myself watching it again in the future. It was quirky, funny, and had some nice healing moments with the family.

Issues? MMM. I really don't have any that I can think of.  

Oooo! The cast was good!! They had some fun voice actors. Perfect. 

In the end, this was freakin' cute and funny and you can take a few lessons away from this. Fun characters who have to deal with their issues and saving the world. Def a fun movie for the whole family. Lots of laughs and feels. I'll give this 5 stars.

 

Book Review: Nice Girls Don't Live Forever by Molly Harper

Author: Molly Harper

Title: Nice Girls Don't Live Forever

(Jane Jameson #3)

Genre: Urban Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Humor, & Chick Lit

Format: ebook

Pages: 336

Published: December 7th 2009

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Nothing sucks the romance out of world travel like a boyfriend who may or may not have broken up with you in a hotel room in Brussels. Jane Jameson's sexy sire Gabriel has always been unpredictable, but the seductive, anonymous notes that await him at each stop of their international vacation, coupled with his evasive behavior over the past few months, finally push Jane onto the next flight home to Half Moon Hollow -- alone, upset, and unsure whether Gabriel just ended their relationship without actually telling her.

Now the children's-librarian-turned-vampire is reviving with plenty of Faux Type O, some TLC from her colorful friends and family, and her plans for a Brave New Jane. Step One: Get her newly renovated occult bookstore off the ground. Step Two: Support her best friend, Zeb, and his werewolf bride as they prepare for the impending birth of their baby...or litter. Step Three: Figure out who's been sending her threatening letters, and how her hostile pen pal is tied to Gabriel. Because for this nice girl, surviving a broken heart is suddenly becoming a matter of life and undeath....

Review:

Book 3! The previous books I did the audio version, but this time I decided to read the ebook instead.

We start off with Jane and Gabriel as they tour Europe. However, he has grown distant and acting suspicious. Jane decides to walk and leave him and goes back to the States to open her bookshop. Between her bookshop and the heartache of leaving Gabriel...she also is supporting her best friend and his werewolf bride while they prepare for the impending birth of their baby, figure out who sending threatening letters, and deal with her family. 

Love Jane. She is sassy and funny. You can't help but adore her. She is a little spastic and neurotic so her narrative is a little weird...so sometimes I found myself re-reading certain parts. I didn't struggle with the other two as much as this one. Maybe it was because I was reading instead of doing the narration? Not sure.

Yes, I did find myself struggling here and there with this one especially near the end. About 65% I found myself having to force myself to read and NOT skim. I just wanted the mystery to come to a close. Plus I wasn't amused with Gabriel AT all. 

Gah. Good ol' Gabe-a-rini. This made me loath him. I didn't like him much in the other books, but now I loath him. If he just trusted and communicated what was going on with Jane...then everything would be okay but NOOOO he has to be a big arsehat. Boo. 

Dick is my favorite character along with his girlie. They are too dang cute. 

We didn't see Zeb and his new bride too much. They are busy. 

Grrr to Jane's sister and granny. Is it wrong that I hope the sister gets turned into a vamp? See how she likes it...............but then poor Jane would have an immortal life with her sister. *shudders*

Jane's mom is getting better. Bless her little heart. She is really leaning into the support group. I just wish she would get a backbone and support Jane against the sister and granny.

The mystery was pretty good. I was worried it was going to be cut-and-dry, but it became more complicated and there was a nice twist when all was revealed. 

In the end...this was my least favorite of the series so far. I struggled around 65% because I just wanted the reveal and I was annoyed at Gabriel. I loath him right now. I think Jane deserves better. Maybe I'll jump back into the audio for the next. Yes, yes, I do want to read the next book, but I think a narrator helps with how spastic our lovable Jane is and it just brings these characters to life. BUUUUT I am biased because the narrator is Amanda Ronconi and she is amazing. The next book is the final one so yess I may jump back to audio to finish off the series. Now rating? Oh boy. I have been fighting myself for over a day.....I would say 2.5, but GR doesn't have decimals.....ummm...errrr....okay. I'll give it 3. I'll give it extra brownie points because of a scene that had me dying of laughter. Yes, yes 3 it is. 

Audiobook Review: Ghost of a Chance by Angie Fox

Author: Angie Fox

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Title: Ghost of a Chance

(Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #2.5)

Genre: UF, Fantasy, Paranormal, Cozy mystery, short story

Format: Audiobook

Published:  January 4th 2016

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

'Tis the season...for ghosts. Verity Long has come to terms with the fact that she can see spirits, and talk to them, and...she's actually making cookies for one of them. But she's drawing the line at any more ghost hunting or mystery solving. Until a dear friend needs help locating a missing antique at the party of the year. Not one to leave a friend in need, Verity straps on her sparkly heels and sneaks in to see what she can find—only to uncover a startling secret that will change everything

Review:

I am loving this series!!

Verity Long has come to terms with the fact she can ghosts...talk to them...and now she is making cookies for one of them even though they can't eat them. However, she is drawing the line at any more ghost hunting or mystery solving! Until a dear friend begs for her help locating a missing antique at the party of the year. Verity agrees and sneaks into the party to see what can find...only to uncover a startling secret that will change everything for her friend. 

Oh Verity...you have a big heart. I'm with Frankie sometimes and just let it go especially if it's for free. She is still recovering from the financial ruin her ex's mother put on her. Poor thing. She needs to start charging for her services though. 

But I can't fault her fully for wanting to help this time. Her friend really saved her bacon in the last book and it's for love....

This was fun. Not as good as the others, but I still enjoyed it quite a bit. 

The mystery was fun but easily solvable. I had a feeling something would happen and it happened. I won't give away spoilers. 

The ending was adorable! Love is a beautiful thing. 

Great narration as normal. She is perfect for these!

Overall, I am loving this series. This was a fun short story that had a fun, but easily solvable mystery. I can't wait for book 3! I'll give this one 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #13 for Audiobook challenge