Audiobook Review: Boyfriends of Christmas Past by Erika Marks

Author: Erika Marks

Narrator: Kelsey Navarro

Title: Boyfriends of Christmas Past

Genre: Fiction, Novella, Short story, Romance, & Retelling

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 8, 2022

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

A magical, modern-day Christmas Carol

Digital designer Emma Wallace is finally poised for her big break: kitchenware giant Johnson Cookware is looking to rebrand--and with Christmas around the corner, Emma's long-held philosophy of work-before-play may just give her the edge she needs to win the account.

The only peppermint twist in her Scrooge-worthy plan? She promised her ever-patient, architect boyfriend Sam Cole that, after spending the last three Christmases in her office instead of in his arms, she'll make this holiday just about the two of them. But as Christmas Eve draws near and the deadline crunch threatens her promise to Sam, Emma finds herself visited by three boyfriend ghosts of Christmases past, who come bearing the gift of hindsight.

Will showing Emma her past romantic failures, as well as her early courtship with Sam, help her to see the path to true happiness in time to save her future?

Review:

Couldn't resist a modern-day Christmas Carol! 

Emma is a digital designer who has spent her whole life with the philosophy of work-before-play may just give her the edge she needs to finally get her big break. However, she promised her boyfriend that she will make this holiday just about the two of them. As Christmas Eve draws near and the deadline crunch threatens her promise to Sam, Emma will find herself visited by three boyfriend ghosts of Christmas past to help her change her ways or she will lose Sam forever. 

I loved that Emma wasn't fully a terrible Scrooge...she is merely just addicted to her job and scared to take the next steps in relationships. I can totally sympathize with Emma...sometimes work takes over and you feel too guilty to tell your boss 'no'. 

But yes...this was very sweet and funny. I loved the premise that she had 3 exes come to her instead of ghosts to show her the errors of her past, present, and future. How original and how fun!

The ending was simply perfect!!! I loved the resolution with her job and with Sam. I cheered!!!

Oh! The narrator was simply perfect as well. New to me, but I really liked her performance. I would for sure listen to more. 

In the end, this was the perfect retelling. It had sprinkles of the original tale, but it was also unique and different. For sure a lot of fun. I highly recommend this one! 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #54 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: All I Want for Christmas by Michelle Stimpson

Author: Michelle Stimpson

Narrator: Eboni Flowers & Reginald James

Title: All I Want for Christmas

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short story, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published: December 2, 2021

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

When a doctor and nurse with very different views on Christmas are thrown together on a decorating committee and bond over a special patient, they each learn the most important Christmas lesson: all they want for Christmas is each other.

Dr. Allison Hall is staring down the prospect of her first Christmas in a new town and her first without her son, who is spending the holiday with her ex. As the new doc on the block, she's on duty for the Christmas shift and glad of it. When one of her favorite patients lands back in the hospital, and it looks like this might be his last Christmas, she hopes she can help connect him to his estranged daughter.

Dante Price thinks Allison should mind her own business. He's a nurse—and admittedly a bit of a Christmas Scrooge. But when he gets put on a decorating committee with Christmas-loving Dr. Allison, he starts to see the holiday in a new light.

Soon the two are working together to deck the halls with boughs of holly—but can they pull off a Christmas miracle and reunite a father and daughter?

Review:

Tis the season! I couldn't resist this one. That cover....that title....a doctor and a nurse....a scrooge and someone who loves Xmas....see? How can you resist?

Dr. Allison Hall loves Christmas, but she is staring down the prospect of her first Christmas in a new town and being alone. Her son is spending the holiday with her ex and her mom is on vacation. When one of her favorite patients lands back in the hospital, she is saddened because this looks like it might be his last. She hopes she can reconnect him with his estranged daughter. Dante, the nurse, feels like she should mind her own business. He doesn't care for Christmas, but he somehow gets put on the decorating committee with Allison. Soon the two are working together to decorate and create a Christmas miracle. 

So much fun! This has everything a good Xmas love story needs and more. This would be a cute Netflix Xmas movie (hint...hint Netflix gods). 

I do wish this was longer! I want to see them flourish as a couple. It worked good for the length, but I am just greedy and want more time with them. Maybe a sequel?

My only issue was that I did want to understand WHY a certain character changed their mind. I would've liked a conversation. Didn't have to be long, but one can only assume and I don't like assuming.

But yes, quick and sweet. Loved seeing this couple come together. 

The ending was perfect. 

The narrators were fantastic. Both perfect for their characters. 

All-in-all, this was a nice novella to start the Xmas season! It has everything you need. Sweet, thoughtful, and a cute couple. 4 stars.

Challenge(s):
- #53 for Audiobook challenge

B's Monday Review: White Out

 

By: Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon

Narrated by: Danielle Shemaiah, Nic Stone, Shayna Small, Bahni Turpin, Alaska Jackson, Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Kevin R. Free, James Fouhey, Korey Jackson

Series: Blackout, Book 2

Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins

Release date: 11-08-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

YA fiction romance / to review

Usually I do not have this much trouble with many povs, but...yeah something did not click. Maybe it was all the different narrators? Maybe I can keep better concentrated when one person does all the voices. Now there were a lot of narrators and a lot of couples. I think maybe this one would have been better in print for me.

Right, smart girl messes up and now she has to get her girlfriend to forgive her. All her friends come to help. All while Atalanta is experience a snowstorm. People get stuck here and there and we get to see different couples and flashbacks of their stories. I did want more of a connection to the main person, now everyone had their time and for me that did not work as well.

It was good, but it could have been better for me. I just lost the connection

As the city grinds to a halt, twelve teens band together to help a friend pull off the most epic apology of her life. But will they be able to make it happen, in spite of the storm?

No one is prepared for this whiteout. But then, we can’t always prepare for the magical moments that change everything.

From the bestselling, award-winning, all-star authors who brought us Blackout—Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon—comes another novel of Black teen love, each relationship within as unique and sparkling as Southern snowflakes.

Audiobook Review: When The Skies Cry by Steve N. Lee

Author: Steve N. Lee

Narrator: Brittany Presley

Title: When The Skies Cry

Series: Books for Dog Lovers

Genre: Fiction

Format: Audiobook

Published: October 22, 2021

Where I got It: Audible (Given to me for my honest and honest 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:

I read this book in the past and I was so excited when the author asked me to check out the audiobook version. I had to say yes...of course. 

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. 

Awwww! This was just as good as it was when I first read it. This time I did the audio, but it was still just as good. This is technically part of a series, but this does well as a standalone.

All the feels! Joy, happiness, sadness...all of them. 

You can't help but want to cuddle a dog! You can't help but love Harley and his people. They are great characters that you fall in love with so quickly. 

Oof and that ending? Still hit me as hard as it did the first time I read it. 

Yayy! I adore this narrator! I've listened to some of her works in the past. She is very good! She was perfect for this story I think. So yesss an extra bonus from me for the excellent narrator. Love this story and this narrator. 

All-in-all this was just as good as when I first read it! Maybe even slightly better because I adore the narrator. She is really good. Read this (or do the audio). It will give you all the feels! 5 stars again.

Challenge(s):
- #52 for Audiobook challenge

Saturday Movie Night: Christmas with You (2022)

This month we decided to review 'Christmas with You'.

Blodeuedd is in green and Carole is in red.

Title:  Christmas with You

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Family

Released: 2022
Rating: PG-13

Site: On Netflix 


Follows a pop star who's got a career burnout and escapes to a small town where she finds not only inspiration but a shot of love.

Click here for the trailer. 

DISCUSSION:

It’s Xmas time people! Woot woot!

It is finally Xmas movie time!

Yesss! This was my first one of the year so far. Can’t wait to watch more! This was a nice movie to start the holiday off. 

When it comes to xmas movies I can forgive fast and easy love, I mean it is xmas. They do not have a lot of time so if they are suddenly in love, good for them ;)

LOL yep! They have like a week before Xmas so they have to fall in love quickly. I like to think it is a Xmas miracle ;) Santa is cupid!

Omg, Santa is Cupid! Who needs V days when you have Santa. Srsly I just read a book with pretty much that premise ;)

That is hilarious!! But yessss who needs V Day???? I loved this whole premise…they were so obviously perfect for each other. And I loved how they came together. She needed a perfect Xmas song…so she found a wholesome family with a music-loving daughter and Dad. 

She found love and found a family at the same time. Perfect, and omg why did she even bother with that ex. Likes are not that important.

Yesss! So perfect! And that grandma was the cherry on top. LOL. And yesss f that ex of hers. TBH she would’ve gotten more followers and etc when they broke up. People love a good scandal. 

Yes that scandal is more juicy than that boring guy. I am glad she found someone better.

For real! I even think the ex was secretly relieved. He didn’t fight for her at all to stay. Let him date that new popular girl. She deserves love. Maybe they would be happier.

He can chase likes, she found real love. Even if I must admit that FP JR was a bit dull at times, just sayin’

Oh for sure. And dating that new up-and-comer girl will give him what he wants. Plus I’m sure she wants likes too. Ugh. Thank you for saying it….I felt bad thinking about it. FP JR was a bit dull, but……he was a boring school teacher. I wish he would’ve done…something? Maybe they needed more passion earlier on or something. Not his finest acting. 

Phew, yes! He was rather dull. I wanted a bit more passion from him. More anything really. But I did like the end, they felt normal and relaxed. But…but bit full yeah

She had the sexy thing going so it would’ve made sense that he could have drooled more over her? IDK…something.

Ok, I think they need to make a bit more spicy xmas movie, lol. Just damn, passion people. Xmas passion.

Yesss maybe add 10 extra minutes to give it more passion and spice!! I didn’t feel the lust or love until near the end. :/

Yes! I do like that they are all cute and such, but I do want to feel smth before the end. Hear that netflix?! Gives us a smexy xmas movie too. Like at least 2 kisses in it.

They had the perfect scene for the first kiss…under all the lights and whatnot…wasted!! Wasted scene!! Kiss and then have her have inspiration. Sighssss. 

I never realised how chaste xmas movies are! =_= Perfect setting for that first kiss. How did they even make that baby in the xmas prince movies? Because people obvi never do anything in these movies

Super chaste! But normally I can feel their connection and love more. I’m sure the smex is boring af, but they love each other! I didn’t feel the love as much as normal here…not until the very end. 

Total boring, but they are happy so that’s good haha. I did like the movie, but slooow connection. I blame the guy

Same here. It was cute and funny and sweet and chaste and music and so cheesy! Yeaaah I’m sure she would’ve made out with him earlier if he made ANY sort of move. He was all “I’m a boring teacher dad”. LOL

Aye, boring teacher dad. Maybe she will bring some spice into his life. Poor guy is in a rut

Maybe we’ll get a sequel? See some more spice and passion? I can see they will have issues in the future. She is still a star and he is still boring. I would watch a sequel.

Hmm, yes, she gets this other big chance…no, he gets a big chance with his old band! And maybe becomes less boring.

Yessss! I am game for a second movie. He deserves to have some joy…he needs to take more risks and not be boring. She needs to slow down. The second movie can be about them finding a happy middle. 

Let’s say cheers to that!

Hopefully Netflix is listening ;) 

They need to hire us

Yes! We could make them a lot of money and good stuff hahaha. 

So much money, and I might not give FP another chance. Sorry man. Oh he could be the boing guy that gets dumped!

Hahaha. Yes! Maybe marry the neighbor or something. ;) 

Or a bandmate!

We are on fire. Lol. I would honestly love to make a xmas movie

That would be fun!!!!

The end for now?

Yep! The end for now. I gotta clean my kitchen from Turkey Day. Maybe watch another xmas movie while doing that ;)

Book Review: Thankful for Love by Sharon Cummin

Author: Sharon Cummin

Title: Thankful for Love

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story

Format: ebook

Published: Nov 12, 2020

Where I Got It: Amazon

Summary: 

Stacy

It was Thanksgiving morning. The one thing I wasn't looking forward to was going to my brother's new house for dinner, so when I got a text letting me know that I'd better not be late, I let out a huff, knowing how the day was going to go.

I hadn't been in the best mood. I'd let a guy in, which was something I never did. He'd told me everything I'd wanted to hear. We'd had one amazing night. He'd even made me breakfast in the morning. On his way out, he'd made promises of a second date. Then he was gone, never to be heard from again.

Needless to say, the thought of getting together with my family and my brother's friends wasn't something I was looking forward to. Doing it at my brother's house was even worse.

Dinner and Dessert. That was what I'd promised my brother. I could do that. How hard could it be?

Then I saw him...

Jason

I'd finally gotten a day off. Why I'd promised to spend it at my friend's with his family, I had no idea?

The last time I'd been off, I'd spent the night with an amazing woman. She was different, or at least I'd thought she was. Well, I was wrong. She was worse than the rest, even gave me a bum number on my way out the door. I'd been pissed ever since.

Dinner and dessert. That was what I'd promised my friend. I could do that, no problem, right?

Then I saw her...

Review:

Picked this one up because of Turkey Day (Thanksgiving). Been on a mission this year to try to read a couple books set during holidays like Halloween or Turkey Day. Xmas has a strangle hold on books (which I LOVE Xmas books) but I feel like other holidays deserve a book or two here and there. 

Anyway....

This one is a short story that follows Jason and Stacy. Stacy is grumpy and doesn't want to celebrate. However, she is dragged to her brother's new place to celebrate Thanksgiving. Jason is also grumpy and doesn't want to celebrate. He was ghosted by an amazing woman...so now he wants to sulk. But he is dragged to his friend's new place to celebrate Thanksgiving. See where this is headed?

This was quick and pretty sweet. Jason and Stacy had hooked up and feel like the other person ghosted them. They both feel wronged by someone they thought was perfect. 

Some talking...some fighting...some love making....and then turkey. 

Super, duper short...maybe too short. I feel like there wasn't enough build-up and enough talking. I didn't connect with them and didn't feel happy when they finally got together. We needed more time with these guys. I think we needed a few more pages. This felt like something was missing TBH. 

In the end...short and sweet. It needed WAY more though. I didn't connect with these two lovebirds and their reunion felt...hollow? A few more pages would've helped I think. 2 stars. 

Book Review: Shadow of the Winter Moon by Cam Sinclair

Author: Cam Sinclair

Title: Shadow of the Winter Moon

Series: Kraven Kronicles #1

Genre: Fantasy

Format: ebook

Published: October 10, 2022

Where I Got It: Netgalley

Summary: 

Sharrock is a grisly veteran from the harsh lands north of the Riven Expense—a brutish man with a hard temper and harder reputation. When a business opportunity presents the seemingly simple task of locating Reelum Hangs and providing a solution to his money woes, Sharrock is set on a course that will forever alter his life.

Foul conspiracies that may threaten the very fabric of society will be uncovered. Scores will be settled, violence and mayhem unleashed, and bestial lusts unfettered to rampage without restraint. The notion of right and wrong, hero and villain, action and consequences will forever be skewed and tainted.

Welcome to the Kraven Kronicles …

Review:

I picked this up because the cover drew me in...the summary seems crazy....and I was feeling a bloody fantasy novel. 

We follow Sharrock who is a veteran from the harsh lands. When a business opportunity pops up that seems simple, Sharrock will take it and find himself on a course that will forever alter his life. There are foul conspiracies that may threaten the very fabric of society. Revenge, violence, mayhem, and many evils will be unleashed. 

This certainly got dark right off the bat. Evil people are everywhere. So yes, there are a lot of TWs like sexual assault, child abuse, torture, murder, and more. Things have gotten bad in this world. There were times where I would just stop reading and take a break. 

This is a world of grey. Even our hero has isn't 100% clean. Sharrock has seen some things that have hardened him to be a warrior you do not want to mess with. I'm glad we got to learn more (slowly mind you) about him and some other characters. It took a while for them to be fleshed out and become more 3D. I'm grateful because at first I literally didn't care about these characters. It took a while, but we got to learn more about them slowly but surely. 

The ending seemed so abrupt! I get there will be more books after this one, but gah. You can't leave a girl hanging like that. 

All-in-all this was an interesting read. It really was a dark world and there is barely a glimmer of hope. No hope at this point...except for a handful of decent people who are not squeaky clean. This does have a lot of dark scenes that are not for everyone so just be warned before picking this one up. I wish the ending wasn't so abrupt. I am curious about book 2...we'll see though. I'll need a break from dark reads for a while. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Blodeuedd's Tuesday Review: Children of Ragnarok

Narrated by: Jennifer Jill Araya

Length: 17 hrs and 21 mins

Release date: 11-08-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

YA Fantasy /to review

Eiric and Liv get in trouble with their stepdad's relatives. But he and they are aholes after all. And now Eiric is charged for murder, and no way out.

Set after Ragnarrok, the gods are dead. Magic is disappearing. Monsters are less seen (I mean that is good and all). And some says they gods might come back. Oh, that I actually want, hey give is that!

I kept wondering this one thing, why is he called Halvorson, when his dad's name is Leif? You get your dad's name, not inherit some older name. That's like only 200 years old. Yes, things like that bug me.

Then there is Reggin, a slave with a weird master. I wonder about that, is this so YA that he will suddenly turn nice, or become a love interest? That would be bad.

Anyway, these all will meet and all Hel will break loose. Because there is still magic in the world, and so much more.

It was long, lots happened. I do not want to say too much. I did hope to hear something about wakening gods, but sadly not. Maybe in the next one.

I did like it, and I wonder what will happen next. Not something good. Things turned out really really bad.

Good narration. Everyone had good voices that I always knew who was where and when

Since Ragnarok—the great war between the gods and the forces of chaos—the human realm of the Midlands has become a desperate and dangerous place, bereft of magic.

Sixteen-year-old Eiric Halvorsen is among the luckier ones—his family has remained prosperous. But he stands to lose everything when he’s wrongly convicted by a rigged jury of murdering his modir and stepfadir. Also at risk is Eiric’s half-systir, Liv, who’s under suspicion for her interest in seidr, or magic. Then a powerful jarl steps in: He will pay the blood price if Eiric will lead a mission to the fabled Temple at the Grove—the rich stronghold of the wyrdspinners, the last practitioners of sorcery.

Spellsinger, musician, and runecaster Reginn Eiklund has spent her life performing at alehouses for the benefit of her master, Asger, a fire demon she is desperate to escape. After one performance that amazes even herself, two wyrdspinners in the audience make Reginn an irresistible offer: return with them to the Temple to be trained in seidr, forever free of Asger.

Eiric’s, Liv’s, and Reginn’s journeys converge in New Jotunheim, a paradise fueled by magic and the site of the Temple. They soon realize that a great evil lurks beneath the dazzling surface and that old betrayals and long-held grudges may fuel another cataclysmic war. It will require every gift and weapon at their command to prevent it.

Audiobook Review: Dangerous Magic by Monica Fairview

Author: Monica Fairview

Narrator: Jennifer M. Dixon

Title: Dangerous Magic

Series: Mr. Darcy's Magic #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Retelling, Historical fiction, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 28, 2021

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

A sparkling tale of Regency England, a forced marriage, and two magicians who must work together to save the Kingdom.

Elizabeth Bennet is stunned when someone from the Royal Mage Academy comes to her peaceful country home to take her away. She is even more bewildered when she is commanded to marry a powerful gentleman by the name of Fitzwilliam Darcy. She has always dreamed of marrying for love, and an arranged marriage with an arrogant stranger was never part of her plans.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is equally dissatisfied with this match. An obscure young lady from the middle of nowhere is hardly worthy of his position. But Darcy and Elizabeth have no choice in the matter. Uniting their two forms of magic is essential if they are to defeat Napoleon's magicians. They may dislike each other on sight, but Elizabeth and Darcy have to overcome their differences and find common ground before it is too late.

Fortunately, it is not long before the sparks begin to fly between them

Review:

Been itching to check this one out! I've seen a lot of reviews loving it. Magic and Darcy? Okay. Sign me up!

Elizabeth Bennet is stunned and a little mad when someone from the Royal Mage Academy comes to take her away. She is forced to marry a powerful gentleman and be his partner. She has always dreamed of marrying for love. Darcy is equally dissatisfied with this match. She is a nobody from the middle of nowhere and did not get formally trained. She is not worthy of being his equal and partner....and especially taking the title of Mrs Darcy. They may dislike each other but they have to work together for the good of England. 

This was a lot of fun. I loved seeing everything flipped around on them. They are married and have to learn to like each other, see past the flaws, and fall in love. 

I am sad we didn't get to see Jane and Mr Bingley! Maybe book 2 they will finally meet and fall in loveeeee. But yes, I'm really sad! They are such a cute couple and they are both adorable. Hopefully book 2 *fingers crossed*

I also loved seeing Caroline calm down. She was still snooty and rude...but she was actually palatable. I hope she gets a HEA. 

The magic additional was done wonderfully! It was woven in perfectly. It made sense and I hope we learn more soon especially with Elizabeth shaking things up! England is so stuffy and needs to change things up or they will lose against the French. I feel like the Bennets will save England at this rate hahaha. Can't wait to see what happens next. 

Ooooo that twist at the end was good. I knew it had to be something like that...but I couldn't put my finger on it. I guessed the who and the why...but the HOW? Mmmm. 

The narrator was good. Her male voices fit well and they were different enough to work. 

In the end, this was a fun P&P variation. Magic, danger, romance, friendship, and a good twist. I can't wait to dive into book 2. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #51 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: A Rogue of Her Own by Grace Burrowes

Author: Grace Burrowes

Title: A Rogue of Her Own

Series: Windham Brides #4

Genre: Historical Romance 

Format: ebook

Pages: 379

Published: March 6, 2018

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

For Miss Charlotte Windham, the best way to maintain her spinsterhood - and her independence - is a teeny, tiny brush with scandal. She chooses wealthy, handsome upstart Lucas Sherbourne as her unwitting accomplice. He's intelligent, logical, and ambitious. What Charlotte doesn't count on is that one kiss will lead them straight to the altar.

Sherbourne has no love for polite society, nor is he keen on being anybody's husband of last resort. He is attracted to Charlotte's boldness, though - and her family's influence. Without a title, he knows he'll never truly be part of their world, even as he and Charlotte inch closer to a marriage that means much more than convenience. But a scheming business partner is about to test that tenuous trust, forcing Sherbourne to make a drastic choice: his wealth or his wife.

Review:

After the last one...I was warned I wouldn't like this one since I was meh about Charlotte too. However, I pushed forward since this is the last book of this series and this part of the family. 

Charlotte wants to maintain her spinsterhood and be free. All she needs is a teeny, tiny brush with scandal. She chooses Lucas Sherbourne to be her unwitting accomplice. However, she doesn't count on that one kiss would lead them to the altar instead. Lucas has no love for polite society since he is "new money" and he isn't keen on the idea of being a husband. However, he finds he can't stay away from Charlotte. She is bold and though. He doesn't seem to mind being her husband. However, a scheming business partner is about to test that trust between them. He will have to make a drastic choice...his wealth or his wife. 

I'm glad I pushed forward and read this one. I actually ended up liking Charlotte quite a bit. Getting to know her and her reasons for how she acts...it all made sense. She has some secrets and a friend who was burned by "love". I'll keep all that a secret ;) But yes. After learning more about her, I grew to adore her. 

I liked Lucas too once I got to know him. He was meh at first and he was sort of a villain in the last book, but I grew to like him too. 

They were married pretty quickly, but the love took a while. They instantly liked each other and there was some lust, but the love and trust were hard-earned and hard-kept. They had to talk and work on it. ESPECIALLY with certain events. 

I honestly do not think I have read these book series in the right order. There are loads of other books about other family members...but I personally didn't feel like I was missing anything. Sure a couple references, but it worked. I do want to read more about the other Windhams.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. It actually ended up being my favorite of these four books! Did NOT expect that at all since Charlotte was just so annoying. I loved watching these two fall in love...and I loved that I grew to adore them. I'll give this 5 stars.  

Challenge(s):

- #25 for Romance Reading Challenge - "Rogue" in the title

(Yayy! This challenge is complete!)

3rd Time is a Charm: You Can Thank Me Later by Kelly Harms

Author: Kelly Harms 

Narrator: Lauren Fortgang

Title: You Can Thank Me Later

Genre: Short Story, Novella, Fiction, Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  October 31st 2019

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: When the Dickenson clan sits down for Thanksgiving dinner in 2016, it is the last holiday when their tight-knit family will ever be the same. Oldest brother Pete and his wife are expecting their first child. Youngest sibling Sophie is too busy running her restaurant, The Little Plum, to bother with any kind of social life. And middle child Charlie's happy, uncomplicated life as a Midwestern science professor is upended when his wife Annette is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Knowing this will be her last Thanksgiving, Annette asks Sophie to look after Charlie after she's gone. Which would be a lot easier if Charlie didn't show up with an insufferable new girlfriend at the next holiday meal.

Review:

Couldn't resist listening to this again while setting up my house with Thanksgiving and Fall decor since I'm hosting Turkey Day this year. This was the perfect listen while doing that. Plus...I'm fully addicted to this and it is perfect. 

This has everything you need....humor...tears....a meaning....family....friends....lessons...and love.

This really hits my heart hard and I feel like I can listen to this a million times. I still really want a book 2. I feel like there is more to their stories!!! 

5 stars!

Challenge(s):
- #51 for Audiobook challenge

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Until the Last of Me by Sylvain Neuvel

Series; Take Them to the Stars (#2)

Format; 304 pages, Hardcover

Published March 17, 2022 by Michael Joseph

Scifi/ His fic / library

I was not that keen on book 1, but it was still really compelling and I could not let it go. So I read more.

Mia and her daughter is on the run. Just as all women before them have done for the last 3000 years. Oh and they are all clones of each other. And aliens. And the men hunting them are also the same race that want their people to come there.

Always run. Avoid the psychotic men hunting them. Give knowledge to mankind, oh and find that bloody thing that the hunters are after.

Yes this one was better and now I really want book 3, cos damn...damn! Damn

Over 100 generations, Mia's family has shaped Earth's history to push humanity to the stars, making brutal, wrenching choices along the way. And now Mia finds herself about to help launch the first people into space. She can't take them to the stars, not quite yet. But with her adversary almost upon her, and with the future of the planet at stake it's becoming clearer that obeying the First Rule is no longer an option.  For the first time since her line's first generation, Mia will have to choose to stand her ground, knowing that the overwhelming odds mean that she risks not only her bloodline, but also the future of the human race.

A darkly satirical thriller, as seen through the eyes of the women who sacrifice all to make progress possible and the men who are determined to stop them...

Always run, never fight.

Preserve the knowledge.

Survive at all cost.

Take them to the stars.

Audiobook Review: Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs

Author: Patricia Briggs

Narrator: Lorelei King

Title: Fire Touched

Series: Mercy Thompson World Series #13 & Mercy Thompson #9

Genre: UF, Fantasy & Paranormal Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 8, 2016

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae.

Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched?

Review:

Literally can't get enough of this series! Especially I adore Mercy and Adam. They are the best. 

Things continue with tensions continuing to raise between the Fae and the humans. When Mercy and her husband, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll...they find themselves with something that could be used to make the Fae back down and stop the brewing war. They find themselves a human child that was stolen long ago by the Fae. They decide to defy the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and even the Fae. 

I actually started reading this via an ebook from my library. Got sidetracked and too busy at work and social stuff...so it expired and I would be in the waiting line for a LONG time. Luckily I found this on Audible for free so I instantly downloaded it and finished it up. So I did about 45% ebook and then 55% audio. Both worked well!

Good lord Mercy is always finding all the trouble all the time. She doesn't mean to, but she has a heart of gold!

I love Adam and I loved him, even more, when he finally had enough of those prejudiced against his mate. Get 'em! She a gem and they are lucky she is part of the pack!

There was a lot going on here. Between the troll, the Fae (some good...some evil), dumb humans, and politics. You will for sure need to read the last couple of books. There is a lot finally coming to the surface. War is around the corner and it is going to be BAD if they do not calm the flames. I literally am unaliving over here! I want to read the next one so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The narrator was fantastic as per normal, but I was enjoying this equally with the book. Both are good!

But yes, this was good. Very good! I can't wait to get started on the next someday. 5 stars from me. This series is fantastic. 

Challenge(s):
- #50 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Shacking Up by Helena Hunting

Author: Helena Hunting

Narrator: Jacob Morgan & Rose Dioro

Title: Shacking Up

Series: Shacking Up #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Published: May 30, 2017

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Ruby Scott is months behind on rent and can’t seem to land a steady job. She has one chance to turn things around with a big audition. But instead of getting her big break, she gets sick as a dog and completely bombs it in the most humiliating fashion. All thanks to a mysterious, gorgeous guy who kissed—and then coughed on—her at a party the night before.

Luckily, her best friend might have found the perfect opportunity; a job staying at the lavish penthouse apartment of hotel magnate Bancroft Mills while he’s out of town, taking care of his exotic pets. But when the newly-evicted Ruby arrives to meet her new employer, it turns out Bane is the same guy who got her sick. Seeing his role in Ruby’s dilemma, Bane offers her a permanent job as his live-in pet sitter until she can get back on her feet.

Review:

I read the short story that takes place after this one...and it was okay. I decided to give book 1 a try esp since it was available at my library. 

Here we follow Ruby and Bane. Ruby cannot catch a break. She is months behind on her rent and she can't find a steady job. She has a huge audition that can turn it all around but she blows it when she completely bombs because she was sick as a dog. All thanks to the hunk who mistakenly kissed her and then coughed on her. Luckily her best friend found her a great opportunity to house and pet sit while the owner is out of town for work for 5 weeks. When Ruby meets this owner...it is the same guy who got her sick...Bane. Feeling terrible he offers the job and a place to live until she can get back on her feet. 

I am so glad I backtracked and read this. The short story after this was just okay but it didn't do any justice to these fun characters.

Yes, Ruby and Bane were fun. I loved watching them get to know each other via phone and video chat. They talk...flirt....it was fun. Once he comes home things change and we finally get some smexy stuff, but it was nice seeing a slow burn between these two. 

There is some drama near the end...mainly miscommunication and badly timed events and voicemails. Easily resolved so they could get back together. Very sweet. 

The narrators were fun. We had two. One for Ruby's POV and one for Bane's. I do wish Bane had more time. I feel like he only had like 3 or 4 chapters. 

In the end, though, I enjoyed this quite a bit. I loved watching Ruby and Bane fall for each other. It was a slow burn but for SURE worth it by the end. I wanted more chapters with Bane's POV, but other than that zero issues. 4 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):
- #49 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: The Secret Princess by Melanie Cellier

Author: Melanie Cellier

Title: The Secret Princess - A Retelling of The Goose Girl

Series: Return to the Four Kingdoms #1

Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance, Fiction, Retelling, 

Format: ebook

Pages: 317 

Published: May 22, 2020

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Princess Giselle is excited to be leading her first royal delegation--until everything goes wrong before they even reach their destination. With her rank and authority stripped away and her people scattered, she's left with nothing but a gaggle of geese.

Giselle is determined to prove herself a true princess--in action as well as in name. But to do so she must uncover a conspiracy that threatens far more than her own future. With her life in danger and only a talking horse and an irritable goose boy at her side, she needs assistance. One of the servants is willing to help her, but Philip's attractive smile hides yet more secrets, and Giselle is running out of time.

In this reimagining of the classic fairy tale, The Goose Girl, the wronged princess must prevail in a deadly game of identities with the fate of kingdoms at stake.

Review:

This was a book a friend shared with me that was a freebie for a bit. Finally getting to it!

We follow Princess Giselle is who excited to be leading her first royal delegation. She is ready to earn her title. However...everything goes wrong before they even reach the final destination. With her rank and authority stripped away by a curse...she is left with only a gaggle of geese. She is determined to prove herself a true princess and save herself from her curse. With her talking horse and a servant named Phillip...maybe this can happen. 

Gotta love retellings! They are always fun to see what the author changes...adds...etc. 

This was fun, but it felt super familiar. Did I read this before? I checked Goodreads and it doesn't appear that I have. I have read a different retelling...so maybe that is it? Mmmm it was bugging me the whole time. A lot of the "twists" I saw coming a mile away. 

Poor Giselle...she was easily tricked. 

I liked Phillip a lot, but you could tell he had a secret. Won't spoil what though. 

I loved the horse! He had me chuckling. 

This was a quick read and it was fun. It was super duper YA so be warned there. 

In the end, this was a fun retelling. It seems so familiar, but I don't think I read this version before. It is YA and pretty predictable, but still fun at the end of the day. 3 stars from me.