Audiobook Review: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Author: Britney Spears

Narrator: Michelle Williams

Title: The Woman in Me

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography

Format: Audiobook

Published:  October 24, 2023

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.

Review:

I put myself in line for both the ebook, physical, and audiobook and we would see what would come first. I was in the library queue to borrow this book for a month or so. I didn't expect to get this for another month. Miracle upon miracle, the audiobook arrived early. 

This is Britney Spear's story in her own words. She covers her early childhood to currently in her freedom. For the first time, we get to see her truth and what her fame and family did to her. 

I have been a fan of Britney since I was a little girl. I remember learning her dance moves. Learning her songs. I wanted to BE her. She was a superstar in my eyes. As I grew up I still enjoyed her music. I remember watching interviews and the paparazzi harassing her. If you couldn't see how they treated her back then...you were blind. She was our version of Princess Diana.  They put her and her children in danger just to get a pic. I'm surprised they didn't get her hurt or killed with their antics. Nasty, disgusting. 

And then, like the rest of the world, I was shocked by the reveal that her father had her in an unfair conservatorship. Listening to her tales of her suffocated life during this time made me want to sob. The girl had to beg for food. She was on a strict diet. Strict work routine. Strict medical shit. Strict bathroom routine. Strict EVERYTHING. Her isolation she described had me itching to run outside and get in my car and scream "FUCK THE PATRICHY" while I smoke, eat, and wear nothing but a bikini. How her father got away with it for YEARS stuns me. Shame. Shame on all the people who did that to her. 

Yes, the author had ghostwriters to help her write her tale and then had Michelle Williams (the actress) narrate. I think it was good she had other forces help her collect her thoughts and tales and put them into a novel. It flowed well and I could feel her in those words. They felt like her words. 

The narrator was fantastic. I listened to this whole audiobook in a matter of 24 hours. Yes, it was that addictive. Now...as much as I liked this narrator's performance.....a part of me really wished that the author read her own words. I get WHY she didn't want to, but she had been silenced for so long, I feel this would've made this book more impactful. 

Overall, this was a quick read, but it was good. It will make you feel all the feelings. Even though I wanted Britney to narrate, the narrator she hired on was fantastic. I'll give this 4 stars.  

 

Challenge(s):

- #55 for Audiobook challenge

Best of November

Here are our bests of November! 

Best Movie of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Nada this month. 

"Movie? Nah, nothing stood out."

Carole - Napoleon (2023)

"This was captivating and has me itching to re-watch."

Best Book of the Month:

Carole - Third Son's a Charm by Shana Galen

"This was simply delightful."

Blodeuedd - Some Kind of Happiness by Claire Legrand

"Best book because it had meaning."

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Solar Opposites 

"New season on Disney. I had to watch it."

Carole - Bob's Burger (S14)

"This show never gets old. Loving the new season!"

Best Cover of the Month:

Carole's pick - "Tough choice this month. But this one resonates with me."

Blodeuedd's pick - "This can have best cover too. You can see more in the print cover."

Honorable Mention:

Carole wanted to give a special nod to this book....You Can Thank Me Later by Kelly Harms

"This is my 4th time listening to this little novella. It is the perfect Turkey Day book. I love it so much but I felt bad giving it best of the month...again...since it is a re-read and I had some other great books in November."

Audiobook Review: The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Mary Jane Wells

Title: The Duchess Deal

Series: Girl Meets Duke #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  August 22, 2017

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

When girl meets Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules…

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.

His terms are simple:

- They will be husband and wife by night only.

- No lights, no kissing.

- No questions about his battle scars.

- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:

- They will have dinner together every evening.

- With conversation.

- And unlimited teasing.

- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love…

Review:

Gotta love a Dare book ;). I saw this at the library and I downloaded it so quick my head spun. 

Here we follow Emma and the Duke of Ashbury. Emma was once a pastor's daughter who was kicked out to fend for herself. She picked up the sewing needle and made something of herself. However, she hasn't been paid for an expensive wedding dress from the Duke's broken engagement and she vows to get paid. Little does she know the Duke is about to start another hunt for a wife. He needs an heir and he needs one now. The two come to an agreement and strike a deal... 

These two poor broken souls melted my heart. Ash was extremely wounded at the Battle of Waterloo. He is scarred on the outside and inside. His ex was a piece of crap. He deserves better dammit! *shakes fist* Emma was tossed out on her ear after she did something silly like fall in love and give awar her virginity while her father sat there and preached forgiveness and love. *shakes head*

Even with the trauma and shitty people they had to endure...this never got overly dark. Yes, they have moments of self-pity, but never to the point it was tragic. Gotta love the author for sitting strong on this fine line and doing it well. There was even humor! All the hilarious (mind you cute) nicknames Emma would call him and his obvious disgust at it had me giggling like a schoolgirl. 

The lust was there, but love took a long, long time. Which was fitting and I loved watching them become friends and then more. 

The narrator was absolutely wonderful. I def recommend doing the audio of this instead of the book-book. She really brought the scenes to life! 

I did want more from the epilogue though. I feel like the side characters that I adored needed some spotlight. Like Emma's preggo friend (I won't spoil anything of the side story there). What happened? GIMME MORE! Maybe we'll see them in the next books? Sighs. 

All-in-all this was a nice Dare novel. Love, hawt smexy scenes, amazing characters, and humor. 4 stars from me. I needed more in the epilogue after falling for the side characters. 

Challenge(s):

- #54 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Author: Lyssa Kay Adams

Narrator: Andrew Eiden

Title: Crazy Stupid Bromance

Series: Bromance Book Club #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Humor, & Fiction

Format: Audiobook

Published:  October 27, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Alexis Carlisle and her cat café, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef’s sexual harassment. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, the last thing Alexis expects is for the woman to claim they’re sisters. Unsure what to do, Alexis turns to the only man she trusts—her best friend, Noah Logan.

Computer genius Noah left his rebellious teenage hacker past behind to become a computer security expert. Now he only uses his old skills for the right cause. But Noah’s got a secret: He’s madly in love with Alexis. When she asks for his help, he wonders if the timing will ever be right to confess his crush.

Noah’s pals in The Bromance Book Club are more than willing to share their beloved “manuals” to help him go from bud to boyfriend. But he must decide if telling the truth is worth risking the best friendship he’s ever had.

Review:

Yayy! With this book I have completed the Reading Romance Challenge! YAYYYYY! *throws confetti* 

Here we follow Alexis and Noah. Alexis and her cat cafe, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef. She was sexually harassed along with so many other women who were just trying to make something of themselves. Alexis has taken this in stride and has become a beacon of moving forward. So many women have come to her to help move forward with their lives. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, Alexis assumes it is another victim, but what this woman claims that she and Alexis are sisters who share a father. Alexis never knew her father! Of course, she turns to her best friend, Noah, for comfort. Noah is a computer genius. He once was an angry teen who loved hacking, but he left that behind and has become a successful computer security expert. Both Noah and Alexis want more, but they don't want to ruin their friendship. Enter in the Bromance Book Club to save the day. 

I will advise at least reading book 2 before diving into this bad boy. In a perfect world, read the first book too. 

Honestly? I'm really, really liking this series. I think this book really cemented that fact. To be honest........I think this is my favorite of the series so far. I have a couple left to get through soooo we shall see. 

Awwwwwwwwwww I loved Alexis (which I knew that from the previous book) and I liked Noah a lot once I got to know him. They are both gems and deserve all the love and all the happiness life can give them!!!!

I loved seeing them be friends and then eventually more. It wasn't an easy change, but once they were open and honest and TALKED they fell into the love mode really easy. Of course, there will be some drama that will test their new love. Past trauma certainly can destroy things. I'm glad that, with their friends and family, they were able to move forward. 

The author did a wonderful job balancing the romance element with all the real feelings and issues and STILL has a nice sprinkle of humor on top of it all. It felt....real. Was everything magically fixed? No. Is everything perfect? No. But love can conquer all. Not just romantic love between Alexis and Noah, but between their families and friends. BEAUtiFUL.

The narrator was amazing. I'm glad he's doing the rest of the series!!!! He is a gem and his voices are in my head. I can't imagine anyone else doing these people.

All-in-all, this was the best of the series so far. I can't WAIT to get started on the next one! The next one is FINALLY Vlad the Russian. Eeek. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #53 for Audiobook challenge

- #25 for Romance Reading Challenge - Animal on the cover (yayy all done)

Movie Review: Napoleon (2023)

Title: Napoleon

Length: 2h 49m

Released: 2023

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Action/Adventure, Biography
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Theater 

SUMMARY:

An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine.

Trailer

REVIEW:

The moment I first saw the trailer I KNEW I had to see this in theaters. There was no other option for me. The cast....the director....the subject matter? Yes. 

This is about the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte. We get to witness his rise and fall politically and with Josephine. While he conquered the world....Josephine conquered his every waking thought. 

The reviews of this are SO polarized. Which is fitting for Napoleon. In his life and even today he is either loved or hated. Makes sense the film would settle in the hearts of people differently. 

Personally....I ended up LOVING this movie. It was really good. I will admit that it was a slow, slow burn...........but it oddly fit. I loved watching the tension rise and rise until everything shattered at the Battle of Waterloo. Damn, that was a scene. 

The cast was brilliant and I loved watching them. I honestly couldn't take my eyes off Napoleon and Josephine. They were captivating in their portrayals and if they don't win SOMETHING I would be utterly shocked.

Lots and lots of people are mad since there were some liberties taken like the first scene with Marie Antoinette. Many claim Napoleon was not there. Well..........do we know 100% for sure? Who knows. And yes I could spot a couple of historical inaccuracies but you have to take Hollywood historicals with a grain of salt. The creators will change things and for lack of a better phrase...butter up the screen. Now there is a fine, fine line to be careful of and I found that they did a good job on that line. Historically accurate enough for History Nerds like me to enjoy it, but still have it be entertaining enough for people like my husband who is meh about history. *chefs kiss* Very nice. 

But yesssssss I loved it. It was good. I wouldn't mind a re-watch one day. I think it's going on the Apple Streaming Service (boo), so I may have to buy it on DVD one day. 

5 stars for sure. I for sure recommend this BUT be warned that there is a lot of blood. It is a war film at the end of the day.

Book Review: The Indian Lawyer by James Welch

Author: James Welch

Title: The Indian Lawyer

Genre: Historical Fiction, Westerns, Mystery

Format: paperback

Pages: 350

Published: October 1, 1990

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Sylvester Yellow Calf is a former reservation basketball star, a promising young lawyer, and a possible congressional candidate. But when a parolee ensnares him in a blackmail scheme, he'll have to decide just who he is, and what he wants.

Review:

I've enjoyed others by this author and I have a goal to eventually read all his books. He is good. After buying this a while back...it just sat on my shelf for like 5 years. Whoops. Thank goodness for the TBR challenge ;)

Here we have Sylvester Yellow Calf. He was a former reservation basketball star who became a promising young lawyer and a possible congressional candidate. He really has made his way in the world. However, when a parolee ensnares him in a blackmail scheme, he'll have a challenge in front of him. He'll have to decide who he is and what he wants in life. 

I'll admit....I struggled a hair. It took longer than I thought it would to finish. This was a pretty slow narrative. Things are happening, don't get me wrong so it's not boring, but just slow. Some politics so that didn't help. And then we get to see a lot of flashbacks from a lot of characters. Lots going on but slow in building. 

Even though I struggled with the pace, I did enjoy the actual story. I liked Sylvester and I even ended up liking Patti Ann. Not sure where or when that happened, but yes, I liked her. This author really does have a way of showing the complexities of humans. It's never black and white. You get to understand our hero, of course, but our "baddies". You begin to understand all of them and feel for them all. Of course, you are rooting for the hero, but you get why our baddies are "bad". 

Soooo. The ending? I def had some questions. I had to look it up and I guess I'm not alone. It was for sure an ambiguous ending which is fine, but man.....I do love a good epilogue and finality ;) Kuddos to Sly for the decisions he made. He was a good egg. 

Overall, I did like this one. Not my favorite of this author's, but it was good. It really made me want to continue my journey into all of his works. Someday! But yes, this had excellent characters and an interesting story. Some slowness and the ending could be seen as vague but it did make me think and have questions. I'll give this 3 stars.  

Challenge(s):

- #9 TBR Pile Reading

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Hooked On You by Kate Meader

By: Kate Meader

Narrated by: Pippa Jayne

Series: Chicago Rebels, Book 4

Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins

Release date: 11-21-23

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance /to review

The third sister finds love in this one. But she has a harder time. She has gotten closer with her half sister, but she is still in her soul an outsider that does not know much about hockey. She is a cancer survivor, and she is still finding her way.

Bren St.James has had a rough time. A divorce. Trying to overcome his alcoholism. And doing his best for his team.

They have this constant banter and annoy each other. But then Bren needs help and Violet steps up to help him care for his two kids while he is doing his best to win the Cup and make the Rebels great.

They get closer, but there is some drama in the background. Like her having had this plan of selling her part of the team and leaving. And him hiding some secrets of how bad his drinking problem was.

But hey it is a romance. They get hot and heavy and find their HEA.

Good story. Truly a book about these two.

Nice narration. Both characters have accents that sets them apart from the rest. You always know where you have them

Violet Vasquez never met her biological father, so learning he left his beloved hockey franchise — the Chicago Rebels — to her is, well, unexpected. Flat broke and close to homeless, Violet is determined to make the most of this sudden opportunity. Except dear old dad set conditions that require she takes part in actually running the team with the half-sisters she barely knows. Working with these two strangers and overseeing a band of hockey-playing lugs is not on her agenda… until she lays eyes on the Rebels captain and knows she has to have him.

Bren St. James has been labeled a lot of things: the Puck Prince, Lord of the Ice, Hell’s Highlander... but it’s the latest tag that’s making headlines: washed-up alcoholic has-been. This season, getting his life back on track and winning the Cup are his only goals. With no time for relationships — except the fractured ones he needs to rebuild with his beautiful daughters — he’s finding it increasingly hard to ignore sexy, all-up-in-his-beard Violet Vasquez. And when he finds himself in need of a nanny just as the playoffs are starting, he’s faced with a temptation he could so easily get hooked on.

For two lost souls, there’s more on the line than just making the best of a bad situation… there might also be a shot at the biggest prize of all: love.

Audiobook Review: Pecan Pies and Dead Guys by Angie Fox

Author: Angie Fox 

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Title: Pecan Pies and Dead Guys

Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #7

Genre: Mystery, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  September 18, 2018

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Sometimes Verity Long would like to forget that she lives with the ghost of a 1920s gangster. But the reluctant housemates must once again work together when a dead detective blackmails Frankie into helping him solve a Great Gatsby-era cold case. Before she can say “bathtub gin,” Verity is dragged straight into a raging, otherworldly house party. Worse, every guest is hiding something.

Meanwhile, Ellis Wydell, Verity’s living, breathing boyfriend needs Verity’s help with a police case of his own. After a dead body is discovered near the pecan orchard, Verity gives her insights, thinking her job is done. But when mysterious pecan pies start arriving at her house, she wonders who might be thanking her… or stalking her.

Between hard-living ghosts and sugar-laden desserts, Verity has her work cut out for her. But will she uncover the secrets behind the pecan pies and dead guys? Or has she stumbled upon a recipe for disaster?

Review:

Here we go! Book 7! 

Next on the adventures of Verity and Frankie......the dead detective is now blackmailing them to help him solve a Great Gatsby-era cold case. The detective can't move on until this is solved. Verity and Frankie reluctantly agree and find themselves crashing a raging and otherworldly house party. It seems like even in death a lot of ghosts have their secrets. On the living side, there is a fresh murder at the pecan orchard that Ellis, Verity's boyfriend, needs help solving. After giving her insights, she arrives home to a mysterious pecan pie. Now she has three mysteries to solve....will she survive them?

Damn. I was hoping this would be set during Fall time like Turkey Day. That cover and pecan pie...oh well. I'll take what I can get ;) 

Now, I will say this doesn't do well as a standalone. I would say you need to read the last three before getting to this one. Lots of things tie into the past...especially book 6. 

There were a lot of mysteries afoot!!! Verity has her hands full that is for sure. And Frankie too but you know he only helps with what will benefit him. Gosh, do I love these two!!!!

Ugh, that detective is a big ol' A-hole. He is rude and sexist (I get it he's from the 20s and is all "Meeeeeeh women ain't smart enough" but ugh). A man of his time and he seemed to be better by the end. 

Our two baddies are certainly baddies indeed. We have a dead one and a live one and they seem like a match made in H-e-double L. 

I enjoyed this buuuuuut it raised some consistency questions. I get the rules of Ghost-land are loosey-goosey and the author can do what she wants in her world. But there are two questions that had me scratching my head. 1) I thought ghosts look the way that they are when they die? Soooo shouldn't two of them who died old BE old? Not like in their 30s-40s? Or did I mishear how they look? Did they die in their 60s and just look good? IDK. I was so confused. This isn't a huge issue and it could be ME not catching it right, but still. Mmm. 2) The ghost prison? Really? I don't understand how that all works. Maybe we'll see more in the future. 

The narrator is flawless in her role as per normal. I wouldn't want to listen to anyone else for our gang. 

Overall, I liked this. Fun mysteries. Fun characters. Yayy. However, I did have a couple moments that I was scratching my head. Could be me just being an idiot, but....mmmm...ANYWAY. Onto the next! I love this series so much. I'll give this one a 3. 

Challenge(s):

- #52 for Audiobook challenge

Happy Turkey Day to all my US pals!

 

Book Review: Brambles by Intisar Khanani

Author: Intisar Khanani

Title: Brambles

Series: Dauntless Path #0.5

Genre: Short Story, Fantasy, YA, Retellings

Format: ebook

Pages: 42

Published: December 7, 2020

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

In the kingdom of Adania, everyone knows what Princess Alyrra did to earn the court's contempt, her mother's disdain, and her brother's hatred.

She betrayed her own.

Yet, the truth hides another story, one of honor and honesty, of a princess gambling her own life for another's. It's a tale of courage and consequences, and a choice that can never be undone.

A short story prequel to her multi-starred fantasy, Thorn, Intisar Khanani's "Brambles" gives Alyrra's account of what really happened all those years ago, and how a few critical days turned her life into a daily fight for survival.

Review:

I picked this up because 1) freeeeebieeesss and 2) I liked book 1 a lot so why not read the prequel? 

Before the start of book 1, we get to see the TRUTH of what really happened all those years ago and how a few critical days turned Alyrra's into a daily fight for survival. 

I'll be frank........I barely remember book 1. I feel like it has been SO long so any memories I have of what I thought are no longer there. I will need to read my old review. In a way, it was nice to visit the story in a fresh new light.

TBH I think you should read this prequel AFTER you read book 1. It made much more entertaining. 

Now I want to re-read book 1 maybe...or just dive into book 2. 

Nice and short. Def worth it if you liked book 1. 

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Book Review: A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews

Author: Mimi Matthews

Title: A Holiday by Gaslight

Genre: Historical Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 174

Published: November 13, 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

A Dutiful Daughter

Sophie Appersett is quite willing to marry outside of her class to ensure the survival of her family. But the darkly handsome Mr. Edward Sharpe is no run of the mill London merchant. He's grim and silent. A man of little emotion--or perhaps no emotion at all. After two months of courtship, she's ready to put an end to things. After all, even a dutiful daughter has her limits.

A Taciturn Tradesman

Ned has come a long way since his days working as a draper's assistant. He's wealthy, ambitious, and eager to take a wife. But the courtship advice issued in The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette isn't all it's cracked up to be. Though he's followed it to the letter, Miss Appersett still doesn't wish to see him again. Frustrated and hurt, he's more than happy to oblige her.

A Christmas Courtship

Severing ties with her former beau isn't as straightforward as Sophie envisioned. Her parents are outraged. And then there's Charles Darwin, Prince Albert, and that dratted gaslight. What's a girl to do except invite Mr. Sharpe to the annual Christmas party at Appersett House and give him one more chance to win her? But this time there'll be no false formality. This time they'll get to know each other for who they really are.

Review:

Yayy for freebies! I got this after Xmas last year and I figured I'd save it. 

This is a novella where we follow Sophie and Ned. Sophie is willing to marry pretty much anyone to help out her family, but she wants to at least like the guy. She wants to feel at LEAST a friendship. Love can always come later. However, she is done with the emotionless Ned. However, severing ties with her former beau isn't going to plan. She is forced to invite him to one last Christmas party and give him one last chance to win her over. 

This is oddly a second chances story and I'm here for it. I love that they both want to marry someone, but they have issues. He actually cares for her deeply but thanks to 'The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette' he could lose her. No one is truly at fault for the original break up. They both had equal blame and equal innocence. I loved that. 

This was a very sweet Xmas romance that gets a little deep. Not TOO deep, but it worked to add some complexity and volume to the story. I loved watching them actually fall in love and find happiness. 

Now...I did have an issue with a lot of the side characters, especially Sophie's father. [SPOILER ALERT] I hated that they had no real karma hit them. They got HEAs too and they never grew up or changed for the better. Mmm. I'm all for Xmas miracles and people see the errors of their ways and THEN they get a HEA....but not so here. I'm just glad Sophie and Ned can leave them all behind and live in happiness if they want to. [END OF SPOILER]

All-in-all this was quick and short with enough depth to feel something. Minor issues with the side characters, but it was just me being grumpy and bitter. Sophie and Ned are adorable. If you need something quick for the upcoming holiday, I suggest this one! 4 stars from me. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Born to Be Badger by Shelly Laurenston

Book 5 in the Honey Badger Chronicles series

Author Shelly Laurenston

Narrated by Charlotte Kane

Publication date Nov 28, 2023 by Tantor Audio

Running time 11 hrs

Paranormal romance /to review

There is one way to describe this book: Crazy.

This is not a series you jump into. Even I had to keep my wits around me when it comes to this one because the action is non stop. The craziness never calms down. There are so many freaking badgers around.

You really have to read them to get them. It is a shifter world. Honey badgers are bad ass mofos. They never back down, they never die. And they all seem to be insane

Tock gets involved in some craziness together with her friends. She meets a hot tiger named Shay (but, yes that takes a long time to evolve into something.) Timewise no, but book length yes. So no real romance before the end when they get hot and heavy.

Danger, fights, food and lots of shifters and you have this book. It is a crazy ride. And at the end, well the next one will be intense

Good audio. She kept up the crazy pace in a good way

Emily "Tock" Meyerson-Jackson is on a mission to rid the world of shifters trafficking humans for hunting and cash. And now that she's narrowed down her suspects to a brutal coalition of male lions, nothing will get between this honey badger and her prey—not even a dog-loving Tiger with absolutely no time management skills. Doesn't matter that Shay Malone is ferociously adorable. With a war brewing between cat families, Tock doesn't have time to lounge around with a football-playing tiger shifter. But when she realizes the coalition is also responsible for the death of Shay's father, she's forced to partner up with the flirtatious feline . . .

Revenge is most definitely on the menu for Shay and his tiger shifter brothers. But when it comes to Shay's alluring partner in crime-solving, so is seduction. Tock might be a bad ass of a honey badger, but she's awfully cute when she's flashing her fangs, which she's pretty much doing all the time these days. Good thing revenge is a dish best served hot. Because when it comes to Tock, Shay knows just how to turn up the heat . . .

Is This Becoming a Tradition? Audiobook Review: You Can Thank Me Later

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:

Okay, okay. I can't get enough of this story. This is my 4th time listening to this audio. It is perfect for Turkey Day!!

I'll keep this short since ya'lls know how much I adore this story.

This has it all. Feels, laughs, and meaning. 

I could rant and rave about how much I love this story. I would kill for a movie of it and/or a sequel! WE NEED ANOTHER ONE!

5 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #51 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Murder on the Sugarland Express by Angie Fox

Author: Angie Fox

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
Title: Murder on the Sugarland Express

Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #6

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy, UF, Romance
Published: 25, 2017

Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Ghost hunter Verity Long is overdue for a little R&R (rest and romance) with her boyfriend, Ellis, and a vintage train trip through the Tennessee mountains seems like just the ticket. The Sugarland Express carries history and nostalgia in every compartment, and Verity is determined to enjoy it—without ghostly interference. But the ghosts have other plans…

On a dark, desolate night nearly a century ago, the train was stranded in the mountains, and a young woman was found stabbed to death in her locked compartment. The murder was never solved, and a ghostly Belgian detective is still pursuing the case from the grave.

To Verity’s dismay, all of the ghostly suspects are back. And when history repeats itself and a new murder mirrors the old, it’s up to Verity and her friends to discover which of the passengers—dead or alive—could be behind the murders before the killer strikes again.

Review:

Oooo it has been so long since I read the last one. Aka beginning of the year. I'm glad to be diving back in!

We continue our journey with Verity and her ghostly companion, Frankie. Verity needs a break and have some 1/1 time with her boyfriend, Ellis. However....that won't be the case. Not only is Ellis' family there, but there are also multiple mysteries afoot. Can't a girl catch a break?

Poor Verity. She needs a break with her booboo but duty calls! So many mysteries...so many murders on the Earthly plane and Ghostly plane. Lots to do, lots to do. 

This was fun as per normal. This series is a hoot. You can't help but love the characters, especially Verity. She is a gem and Frankie is hilarious. 

Honestly.....I liked that they were stuck on the train with Ellis' brother and monster MOM. They got to talk some stuff out and be forced to interact. That scene near the end between Verity and the brother (aka her ex) was nice. Maybe this will lead to some healing. They may not LIKE each other but hopefully, they can bury the hatchet. 

Oof that ending was chaotic and crazy. The ending got a LITTLE too chaotic for a moment I was confused. I had to back up a few minutes and hyper-focus. But it was one heck of an ending. You def need to pay attention.

The narrator was fabulous as normal. 

Overall, this was fun. Lots of moving parts. The ending gets chaotic and the mystery was good. Can't wait for the next! 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #50 for Audiobook challenge