Tuesday, October 31

Blodeuedd Discusses the Heartstrikers series by Rachel Aaron

 


They are my comfort books. And they are so fun listening too.  Rachel Aaron is an amazing author, and Vikas Adam is a fantastic narrator. He truly makes these books. They are a MUST listen.

I will say it with pictures. I did my best to find fan art. But there is not much out there


Julius Heartstriker by Caffinated-Pinecone on DeviantArt


I Love Julius! The best nice dragon ever



Bob the Seer by Sammybunny711.

The mastermind behind it all.

I have re-listened to book 1 2 and 3. Good times. I am on book 4 but I had to take a break and get some other books in

Monday, October 30

Book Review: The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley


Author: Erica Ridley
Title: The Perks of Loving a Wallflower
Series: The Wild Wynchesters #2
Genre: Historical Romance, LGBT
Format: Ebook
Pages: 352
Published: October 26, 2021
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 
As a master of disguise, Thomasina Wynchester can be a polite young lady—or a bawdy old man. Anything to solve the case. Her latest assignment unveils a top-secret military cipher covering up an enigma that goes back centuries. But when Tommy’s beautiful new client turns out to be the highborn lady she’s secretly smitten with, more than her mission is at stake . . .

Bluestocking Miss Philippa York doesn’t believe in love. Her cold heart didn't pitter-patter when she was betrothed to a duke, nor did it break when he married someone else. All Philippa desires is to rescue her priceless manuscript and decode its clues to unmask a villain. She hates that she needs a man's help—so she’s delighted to discover the clever, charming baron at her side is in fact a woman. Her cold heart . . . did it just pitter-patter?


Review:
Been meaning to get to book 2! I liked Tommy and Philippa from book 1!

Here we follow Tommy/Thomasina and Philippa. Tommy is the master of disguise. She can be a polite young lady or a bawdy old man. She can be anything for any case the Wynchesters take on. Enter her latest assignment....there is a top-secret military cipher covering up an enigma that goes back centuries. The client turns out to be Philippa whom Tommy has been smitten with for a long time. Philippa doesn't believe in love and she believes she will never feel lust or love, so what does it matter who she marries? All Philippa wants to do is unmask a villain for her friend. She hates that she needs a man's help to uncover this, but she is delighted that the charming baron is none other than Tommy. 

Note - def read book 1 first. Lots of backstory and etc. 

Now, I liked Philippa and Tommy in the last book. Not sure why, but while reading this it took me a long time to warm up to Philippa again. I can't really pinpoint WHY I struggled, but I'm glad after a certain scene I remembered why I liked her again. But yeah, I guess you can call it a slow burn for me. 

They were an adorable couple and I loved watching them take down that sonofabitch. I love all the Wynchesters and all of Philippa's friends. It was fun. The ending once all was revealed with the baddie....was realistic. I hope to see more in the next one and hopefully, he is gone for good, but I have a feeling. I do feel the drama with the parents was too easily solved. And Philippa forgave them too quickly. Her mother in particular was horrid to her. 

Speaking of the pre-ending/big drama...................I get what Philippa was asking for and I get why Tommy took it to heart and was hurt. Honestly, though, it wouldn't be a bad plan because of the way the world is. I won't say too much, but I go back and forth on how I feel about that whole scene. I feel like it needed more exploration. This was a chance to get deep into the complexities of these characters and their situation. 

All-in-all, I really did enjoy this even though I had some issues. I loved watching these two fall into friendship and then love. I loved watching their adventure. I'll give this 3 stars because of the couple of issues I had with some plot points. 







Friday, October 27

Audiobook Review: Sweet on You by Kate Angell



Author: Kate Angell
Narrator: 
Tiffany Morgan
Title: 
Sweet on You
Series: Moonbright, Maine
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, Novella
Published: June 29, 2021
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 
Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o'-lanterns...and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment.

Getting dumped was not how Lara wanted to start her day. Toss in an increase in her rent and an unsustainable job and things might not be able to get much worse. However, after a trip to Bellaluna's, she scores a new job working for Mayor Jack Hanson - planning the Halloween parade. But as the two work to create the most memorable Halloween celebration Moonbright has ever seen, old feelings are stirred up.


Review:
Here we are again in Moonbright!! This town sure loves Halloween and that bakery. 

This time we follow Lara and Jack. Lara is having a DAY. Her job is in jeopardy because of slow business, she got dumped, and now her rent is going up. Joyful. However, things start looking up after a trip to Bellaluna's. She scores a free cookie and then a new job working for Jack who is the mayor and needs someone to plan and execute the Halloween parade. As they work together, feelings rise. 

This was absolutely adorable. Lara is cute and Jack is hawt. The two are perfect for each other. They knew each other in High School, but they were on different social levels so they never really got to know each other. I really love how this was friendship and then more. It felt natural. I honestly don't think they needed that magical cookie to realize they are soulmates. 

There wasn't much drama here and I appreciated it. Sometimes it is nice to see a couple just be together and fall for each other. However, I wish there had been something. Not drama, but something they had to overcome together. Everything was a little too easy. Even the "drama" at the parade seemed like nothing. 

The narrator was good. Her male voices still sound all the same, but it's not a huge cast so you can't really notice. Maybe that is why she didn't need to change it up too much? I am curious to listen to more by this narrator. I've listened to a few in the past. 

Overall, this was very sweet. A beautiful couple who are saints. They deserve the best in life. I do wish we had something. Everything went a little TOO easy for everyone. I'll give this 4 stars. 







Challenge(s):
- #47 for Audiobook challenge

Wednesday, October 25

Book Review: Cowboy Trouble by Joanne Kennedy


Author: Joanne Kennedy
Title: Cowboy Trouble
Series: Acquainted with the Night #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Western
Format: Paperback
Pages: 387
Published: March 1, 2010
Where I Got It: My shelf (Used bookstore)

Summary: 
Fleeing her latest love-life disaster, big city journalist Libby Brown's transition to rural living isn't going exactly as planned. Her childhood dream has always been to own a farm-but without the constant help of her charming, sexy cowboy neighbor, she'd never make it through her first Wyoming season.

Handsome rancher Luke Rawlins is impressed by this sassy, independent city girl, but he yearns to do more than help Libby out with her ranch. He's ready for love, and he wants to go the distance. When the two get embroiled in their tiny town's one and only crime story, Libby discovers that their sizzling hot attraction is going to complicate her life in every way possible...

Review:
I got his a while back from my local Used Bookstore. I've read a couple by this author so I figured why not?

Here we have Libby and Luke. Libby is fleeing her latest love-life disaster. She is tired of the big city and is finally carrying out her plan to live the country life. But without the aid of her cowboy neighbor, she would never survive. Like is a rancher and was immediately impressed by Libby. The two not only start catching feelings but the two of them get embroiled in their tiny town's one and only crime story. Will they be able to solve the disappearance? Will they fall in love along the way? 

Honestly....I wished this stayed just a mystery. The romance was meh to me. The mystery was really the only thing that kept me going. I HAD to know who did it. This author has a knack for mysteries!

What is it with the men of this town? Are there no women besides old ladies, the bar lady, and Libby? Lord. Pushy and needy!!!! Too much "alpha"-ness. Is it in the water? 

And all the slut-shaming was a bit much. I get it...the town is conservative and etc, but good lord.  

Was I happy that Libby and Luke finally, FINALLY got together? Eh. I feel like Libby is so flaky and Luke just follows her around like a lost puppy. Their marriage will fail. 

Now that mystery!!!??? That was good. I enjoyed it. Lots of red herrings and the big reveal was fantastic. *clap*

Maybe this should've just stayed a mystery. That was the best part. The romance? Eh. I could've done without it. Maybe a subplot would've done the story better. 

I'll give this 2 stars. 





Challenge(s):
- #7 TBR Pile Reading


Tuesday, October 24

Audiobook Review: Love Spells Disaster by Allyson Charles



Author: Allyson Charles
Narrator: 
Tiffany Morgan
Title: 
Love Spells Disaster
Series: Moonbright, Maine
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, Novella
Published: January 1, 2021
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 
Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o'-lanterns...and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment.

Cassie knows what she wants, and right at the top of her list is a date with her boss. Armed with two cookies from Bellaluna's, she has the perfect plan. However, she's thwarted when Chip, perhaps the complete opposite of her boss, helps himself to one of the treats. But it's hard to stay angry at him when he agrees to help her build her dream haunted house.


Review:
Finished this between my drive to and from the office (booo. I hate it when I have to go to the office). 

Here we follow Cassie and Chip. Cassie knows what she wants and that isn't a man like Chip. She wants to date her boss who fits everything on her checklist. Armed with two cookies from Bellaluna's...she has the perfect plan. She has never looked better and no one can deny these cookies. That is until Chip helps himself to her boss' cookie. Now, the universe has another laugh when it turns out Chip turns out to be the handyman she hired to help her build her dream haunted house. 

This was adorable and sweet. I love, love, LOVE the fact that this takes place as Sweet Magic by Donna Kauffman. You get to see the granny here. The cookies are touched with a bit of magic. LOVE it. 

You want to kick Cassie's arse because we know Chip is the full package. However, she had a terrible childhood because of her mom's dating habits, so she is stuck on her idea of her "ideal" man. SOOOO you understand WHY. BUT omg Chip is a dream. Pooey on that Sam guy especially when we learn more about him.

I'm glad near the end, Cassie had to do some fighting to convince Chip she was actually serious about moving forward. 

Awwww, I loved Cassie's friend. I hope she gets an HEA. She was fun. 

The narrator was fantastic. The boy voices all sounded roughly the same, but luckily there was two male characters...so it was fine. ;) 

All-in-all this was adorable and a nice Halloween love story! *hums Taylor Swift's 'Love Story'*. I can see myself doing a re-read someday. 5 stars from me. 



 




 

Challenge(s):
- #45 for Audiobook challenge

Monday, October 23

B's Monday Review: The Coward by Stephen Aryan


Series: Quest for Heroes (#1)

Format: 412 pages, Paperback

Published: June 8, 2021 by Angry Robot

Fantasy /own




I will try and make it short, but it is hard you know. Ok, I will succeed!

Krell was a hero...or was he. As I read I understood that the heroes has their flaws, and Krell was just a lucky S.o.b. But now the big bad is back and he is sent to fix it. But he is a coward...still he goes. I liked Krell, he was human. Many flaws, and still he went

Then there are some religious fanatics, ugh, hate those.

New group of heroes. Good company.

And this is a dualogy? I need book 2!




'Kell Kressia is a legend, a celebrity, a hero. Aged just seventeen he set out on an epic quest with a band of grizzled fighters to slay the Ice Lich and save the world, but only he returned victorious. The Lich was dead, the ice receded and the Five Kingdoms were safe.

Ten years have passed Kell lives a quiet farmer's life, while stories about his heroism are told in every tavern across the length and breadth of the land. But now a new terror has arisen in the north. Beyond the frozen circle, north of the Frostrunner clans, something has taken up residence in the Lich's abandoned castle. And the ice is beginning to creep south once more.

For the second time, Kell is called upon to take up his famous sword, Slayer, and battle the forces of darkness. But he has a terrible secret that nobody knows. He's not a hero - he was just lucky. Everyone puts their faith in Kell the Legend, but he's a coward who has no intention of risking his life for anyone...




Saturday, October 21

Audiobook Review: Sweet Magic by Donna Kauffman


Author: Donna Kauffman
Narrator: 
Tiffany Morgan
Title: 
Sweet Magic
Series: Moonbright, Maine
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, Novella
Published: June 15, 2021
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 
Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o'-lanterns . . . and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment.

Bree works in her family's bakery, Bellaluna's, where the secret ingredient is magic. Among all the mouth-watering treats that they regularly dish out rests a special cookie that can nudge would-be couples together. Though Bree has tried to perfect the recipe, her attempts have always come up short . . . but then Caleb, a visiting restaurateur, steps in and gets a taste of her latest creation.


Review:
Gimme all the cozy, small-towns!!!

Here we follow Bree and Caleb. Bree works in her family's bakery where the secret ingredient is magic. The women in Bree's family have a little bit of magic through their baking that helps them find their soulmate. Everyone except Bree. Until Caleb walks in and gets a taste of her latest creation.

This was simply adorable and cute. Can I move to this town? I would go to the bakery every day. Yummmmmmmmm! *drools*

Now - things did move quick between Bree and Caleb. They def had insta-love, but they tried to deny it for a couple of days but they simply couldn't stay away from each other. They were engaged a month later. Not sure when they tied the knot, but very quick. 

This is a novella so it is pretty short. TBH, this could have been a full-length novel. There were many plot points that could've been inspected and looked into more. Esp with Caleb's family. Maybe we'll see them walking around in the other stories of this town's series. We shall see. 

But yes, this was cute and I adored this couple. I do wish this had been longer and explored more of our characters and their situations. I'll give this 3 stars. 







 

Challenge(s):
- #44 for Audiobook challenge

Friday, October 20

Movie Review: Taylor Swift - The Eras Tour (2023)




Title:
Taylor Swift - The Eras Tour
Length: 2h 49m
Released: 2023
Genre:  Music
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Theater 

SUMMARY:
Experience the breathtaking Eras Tour concert, performed by the one and only Taylor Swift.





REVIEW:
So....I didn't get to go to the actual concert (damn) but this really was the next best and cheaper option!

I am so excited they did this for people who couldn't afford or just simply couldn't get their hands on the tickets. Now, the movie did cut like 5 or so songs. I'm sure for the "full experience" they will include it on the DVD. Marketing bebe!! *cough* I'll be buying it *cough*

This was so much fun and what a wild experience. A lot of people were dancing and singing and clapping and cheering. Loudest movie experience I have ever had and I loved every second. And noooo, I didn't get out of my seat to dance but I did a lot of singing and clapping and seat dancing.

Tay Tay knows how to put on a show FOR sure. A couple of my friends were able to snag tickets to the show and they said Taylor Live is a sight to behold. Seeing this movie I can def see it. She is great with the crowds and she can SING. As far as I could tell no lip-singing. On top of that, she can play SOOOO many instruments. Taylor is popular for a reason. 

I am sad there was one song that I absolutely adore that was cut from the movie, but I'm glad my top two songs were featured.

I'm going to be honest here....and you can't judge me.....when my number one fave song 'Love Story' came on....tears started streaming down my face. I can't explain why, but damn. I had liked her first album, but 'Love Story' was the song that had me go "Well....that's someone I can listen to for life." I remember daydreaming to that song and hoping I would have my own love story one day. 

All-in-all, I can't wait for this to go on DVD. I would bet any money they will include all the songs as a way to get you to buy it. And trust me....I will buy it. I'm a sucker. I've had my ups and downs with this singer and I have questioned her sincerity in her personal life, BUT I have ALWAYS enjoyed her music. Anyone can connect with it. THIS concert will make you feel all the feelings. She can put on one hell of a show. 5 stars from me.

Instead of the 5 stamp...enjoy this pic of me posing with the poster and the mini-poster they gave us. 




Thursday, October 19

Book Review: Off Season by Jennifer Weiner



Author: Jennifer Weiner
Title: Off Season
Genre: Horror, Short Story, Paranormal
Format: Ebook
Pages: 26
Published: October 19, 2021
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 
Sarah Vernon has spent twenty years trying to make it as a novelist…and she’s never even come close. None of her novels has sold more than five thousand copies, and she’s never earned enough money to make fiction her full-time job. After her last disappointing publication, Sarah’s agent dumped her, and it seems like her dream is dead. Sarah vows that she’ll do anything for one last shot at the bestseller list.

Enter Will Presser. Nicknamed The Viper, Will is a literary agent whose career-making reputation precedes him. A business dinner ends with a nightcap at Will’s apartment—and a night Sarah can’t remember. When she wakes up the next morning, Will says he’s got a plan to make her new book a hit. He sends Sarah off to Elder Island, a summer playground for the rich and famous that empties out between September and May, for her own personal writer’s retreat. He’s left word that Sarah needs complete privacy in order to write, and Sarah’s too bewildered and flattered by Will’s attention to do anything but pack her bags and board the ferry.

Alone in an isolated mansion, Sarah’s writing has never come more easily. She spends hours each day lost in a trance, falling into the world of her story. She tries not to worry about the nightmares that plague her…or the mornings she wakes up with dirt on her feet and blood under her fingernails. ​

Everything Will Presser touches becomes a success, and, now, Will Presser has touched me , Sarah thinks.

But Elder Island isn’t the pretty summer playground it seems to be, and Sarah’s going to learn that success comes at a cost, and that, whenever you sign a deal, it’s always wise to read the fine print.


Review:
I have enjoyed some of this author's chick lits in the past. I randomly stumbled upon this while looking for a spooky Halloween read.....

Okay...so we have Sarah who is a writer. She teams up with Will Presser who is a literary agent that can turn anything into gold. Will have a plan for Sarah to make her next book a hit. He sends Sarah off to Elder Island to work on her next book in silence. This island is a summer playground for the rich and famous, but it is completely empty from September to May. While alone, Sarah's writing has never come more easily to her. She spends hours each day lost in a trance. However, she has these horrid nightmares that are plaguing her. There are some mornings she wakes up with dirt on her feet and blood under her nails. Sarah will learn that success comes at a cost. 

What

on

Earth

Did

I

Just

Read??????????????????????????????????????

I really and truly cannot wrap my mind around what I read. I finished this while in the waiting room for my therapy session. When I got home I re-read the last few pages and I am still at a loss. 

Me =  


This wasn't necessarily bad. But it was.....weird....and gross. THAT POOR DOG! *shakes fist* Ugh why????? But yes, trigger warning. Poor baby pup and kitten. 

I may stick with the chick lits going forward. This was wild.

I'll give this 2 stars. It would be 1, but the short did what it intended to do (I believe). Confuse you, give you chills, gross you out, and leave you feeling odd. 





Wednesday, October 18

Audiobook Review: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw



Author: Shea Ernshaw
Narrator: 
Cissy Jones
Title: 
Long Live the Pumpkin Queen -Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Retelling, Romance, Adventure
Published: August 2, 2022
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 
Jack and Sally are "truly meant to be" ... or are they?

Sally Skellington is the official, newly-minted Pumpkin Queen after a whirlwind courtship with her true love, Jack, who Sally adores with every inch of her fabric seams -- if only she could say the same for her new role as Queen of Halloween Town. Cast into the spotlight and tasked with all sorts of queenly duties, Sally can't help but wonder if all she's done is trade her captivity under Dr. Finkelstein for a different -- albeit gilded -- cage. But when Sally and Zero accidentally uncover a long-hidden doorway to an ancient realm called Dream Town in the forest Hinterlands, she'll unknowingly set into motion a chain of sinister events that put her future as Pumpkin Queen, and the future of Halloween Town itself, into jeopardy. Can Sally discover what it means to be true to herself and save the town she's learned to call home, or will her future turn into her worst... well, nightmare


Review:
Couldn't resist checking this one out! It has been years since I have seen the movie this is based on so I figured it would be nice revisiting everyone. 

Here we follow Sally right after the ending of the movie. She and Jack are married and she is the newly-minted Pumpkin Queen. However, Sally can't help but wonder if all she has done is trade her captivity for a new gilded cage. Is being a queen what she truly wants? Will she lose herself? When Sally and Zero accidentally uncover a hidden doorway, they unknowingly set into motion a chain of sinister events that will put her future and everyone's future in jeopardy.

This was a lot of fun! I literally couldn't and didn't stop listening. I loved the story, the characters, and the narrator was flawless. 

Poor Sally. I get why she was feeling the way she was feeling. It is wild to become the center and have all these expectations thrown at her. I did get annoyed at Jack for not telling people to calm down and be nice. They honestly should've had a longer honeymoon. Maybe ease her into the role. Maybe that would've helped a bit. 

I honestly wished we had more time with Sally and Jack. The love didn't feel there. It felt cold. Like I said...I think an extended honeymoon or watching them plan the wedding would've been nice and added a sprinkle of the feels. 

The baddie was fun and unique! 

I want to go to Dream Land now. That seems like one relaxing place to be. Awwww napppppssssss and pjs. *sighs*

The ending was fantastic and I liked how the author pulled it all together. It was nice and it was perfect. I would love to see this become a movie!!! I think it would be a sequel that actually did well. Disney sequels are so hit-and-miss for sure. 

All-in-all, I really did enjoy this. It was a nice what-if sequel. Some nice twists and turns. I did want more time with Sally and Jack though. I highly recommend listening to the narrated version. The narrator was flawless. 4 stars from me. 



 

Challenge(s):
- #43 for Audiobook challenge

Tuesday, October 17

Audiobook Review: Halloween Cupcake Murder



Author: Carlene O'Connor, Carol J. Perry, & Liz Ireland
Narrator: 
Daniela Acitelli
Title: 
Halloween Cupcake Murder
Series: Irish Village Mystery #9.5 - Halloween Cupcake Murder
Genre: Anthology, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Holiday, fantasy
Published: August 22, 2023
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 
A trio of sweet-toothed Halloween cozy mystery tales by nationally bestselling authors.

HALLOWEEN CUPCAKE MURDER by CARLENE O'CONNOR
With Galway’s Halloween Mystery Tour only a few days away, Tara Meehan is scouring the town’s curiosity shops for spooky decorations to draw tourists into her architectural salvage store. But when a stranger appears in her shop bearing a cryptic cupcake and an ominous message, Tara suddenly finds herself tangled in a mystery with ancient Gaelic roots, but very modern—and very deadly—consequences . . .
 
MRS. CLAUS AND THE CANDY CORN CAPER by LIZ IRELAND
Christmastown is pulling out all the stops for their Halloween celebration, planning a huge carnival with rides, games, and a candy corn-themed bake-off! But the sweet theme stokes the bitterest of rivalries amongst the elves, until tragedy strikes at Santaland’s newest bakery. The only clue is a cupcake, leaving Mrs. Claus to sort through tricks and treats as she races to unmask a Halloween fiend . . .
 
A TRIPLE LAYER HALLOWEEN MURDER by CAROL J. PERRY
Every October, Salem plunges into a month-long celebration of Halloween and WICH-TV’s Lee Barrett can’t wait to cover the festivities. But rumors swirl after a wealthy bakery owner goes missing—and his beloved cat, Cupcake, is found—under mysterious circumstances. Now, amid Salem’s wicked revelry, Lee must conjure clues to reveal the missing millionaire . . . or the truth about his disappearance . . .


Review:
This is perrrrrect for the Halloween season! Yayy for anthologies!

Halloween Cupcake Murder by Carlene O'Connor
Story 1! 

Galway's Halloween Mystery Tour is only a few days away and Tara is scouring the town's curiosity shops for some decorations. She will find herself entangled in a murder mystery all thanks to a cupcake.

This is book a million in the series, but it worked well as a standalone. I wouldn't have know this was a series until near the end. I missed a lot of backstory between our Tara and some others. Still didn't ruin the story for me. Just the ending didn't mean as much to me as it would've. Still adorbs tho. 

But yessss this was a fun mystery. Nice and cozy and spooky. Perfect for Halloween! 

The narrator.....was okay. Maybe I'll warm up to her in the next....

4 stars. 

MRS. CLAUS AND THE CANDY CORN CAPER by LIZ IRELAND
Christmas town is going hard for Halloween! Between a huge carnival, games, and a candy corn-themed bake-off...this is going to be a Halloween to remember! However, tragedy strikes at the new bakery. The only clue is a cupcake. It will be up to Mrs.Claus to find the killer.

This was simply adorable. OKAY, not the murder, but the whole premise. I love this village and I love Mrs. Claus and the whole crew. I will def want to backtrack and read more. So much fun. 

The mystery was good. Lots of twists and suspects. Every suspect had a motive. I was right in my guess....but I was not 100% sure.

Same narrator as the last one. Still slightly monotone in parts. Slightly better here though...or was I just getting used to it? Mmmmm.

I'll give this a 5 even with the monotone. The story, mystery, and characters were just that sweet to override the bitter. ;) 


A TRIPLE LAYER HALLOWEEN MURDER by CAROL J. PERRY
Halloween strikes Salem! The town of Salem loves Halloween and so does Lee Barrett. She can't wait to cover the festivities. However, rumors are taking the town by storm with the disappearance of a wealthy bakery owner and his cat. When Cupcake the cat is found under mysterious circumstances, Lee will conjure clues to figure out where the baker is and find out the truth.

This started out strong. I love the cat. I love the sprinkle of magic. The mystery was mysterious..........however......I was slightly meh by the end. I was intrigued enough to stay, but I wasn't blown away or really cared about the baker. Yes, yes, all human life is important and all, but that baker was super sus. I found myself zoning out in parts and would have to back up the player. 

This one was just okay by the end. And it was the same narrator so it was monotone in parts. 

I'll give this 2 stars. 


OVERALL
This was a very nice collection of Halloween cozy mysteries! Def worth the read. The narrator was pretty monotone for me, so I think I would've enjoyed this much more as a read instead. But that could just be me. Maybe you'll like her voice more. I loved listening to this while decorating for my Halloween party! 

After doing complicated and spooky math, it would be a 3.6....so I rounded up to a 4. :)





 

Challenge(s):
- #42 for Audiobook challenge

Monday, October 16

B's Monday Review: Through the Veneer of Time by Vera Bell


Always and Forever, Book 1

By: Vera Bell

Narrated by: Frankie Porter, Andrew Dickson

Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins

Release date: 09-28-23

Publisher: Timebound Publishing L.L.C.

Romantic suspense/historical



Trigger Warning.

Rape, violence, abuse.

Sienna has always had this fear of even the word rape, and when she starts seeing her past life all the pieces comes together. But in the present her husband is under pressure to find a serial rapist who brutally kills his victims.

The present was tense, you knew something big was coming, and then things turn dark.

Her past life is brutal too. She was a noblewoman in Ulster in the 1500s. She married a king. The English was there. It was not a good time. I did wonder though about the portray of her husband. Everyone warned her of him and he was so kind to her and loved her through everything. The trigger warning come into effect here and it gets so dark, really too dark. It was hard listening to.

In the present, well, some things are unforgivable. I was not a fan of her husband here. All he did was work, was over smexed, and then something happened. Not cool.

It took me a while to listen to this. It was good, but also very dark. Many from the past has been born again, and the baddie is as bad as ever.

The narration was good. Different voices for different times. I have no idea if the Irish ones were correct, but to me they sounded really good to me. She made it intense. There is also a male narrator that was just as good. It worked well with them together





Ulster, Ireland, 1559. When a young noblewoman Neave McConway weds the newly elected king of Tyrone, Aedan O'Neal, the couple’s rare union of love and passion becomes the talk of the region. But Aedan’s bold rule and fierce defiance of the English crown threatens his powerful enemies, and they’ll stop at nothing to crush his growing influence. After Aedan rides off to fight against the English occupiers, Neave suffers a shocking attack that will forever alter both their lives—as well as the lives they have not yet lived.

Washington, DC, 2009. While mural artist Siena Forte battles a creative block, her FBI husband, Ryan Casey, struggles with a serial-killer case. When research leads Siena to the practice of past life regression, she stumbles upon irresistible inspiration. But after her art exposes her to a vicious ancient adversary, she discovers the true reason for her past life visions. They're a harbinger of her centuries-old revenge vow, and the serial killer can't be stopped until she fulfills it. But there is another person from the past with unfinished business—her husband.

Will Siena and Ryan settle their long-overdue score, or will the past repeat itself in a chilling parallel?

Friday, October 13

Book Review: Sprinkle with Murder by Jenn McKinlay


Author: Jenn McKinlay
Title: Sprinkle with Murder
Series: Cupcake Bakery Mystery #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Chick Lit
Format: Ebook
Pages: 292
Published: March 2, 2010
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 
Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura are finally living out their dream as the proud owners of the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery. But their first big client is a nightmare. She's a bridezilla who wants 500 custom cupcakes for her wedding.

When Mel stumbles upon the bride-to-be dead-by-cupcake, she becomes the prime suspect. To save themselves and their business, the ladies need to find the real murderer, before the cupcake killer ices someone else.


Review:
The cover drew my eye for a lot of reasons. And then the summary had me excited to check this out. 

This is a cozy mystery that follows Melanie and Angie. They are finally living out their dream as the proud owners of a bakery. However, their first big client is a literal nightmare. She is a bridezilla who wants 500 custom cupcakes. When Mel stumbles upon the bride-to-be dead and dead because of a cupcake she becomes suspect numero uno. To save themselves and their business, they need to unmask the real killer. 

This started off okay. It then lost me. I skimmed and skimmed and finished it. I didn't want to completely DNF this in hopes it would be better, plus I DNFed a book a couple weeks ago so I wasn't ready to throw in the rag yet. Sighs. Maybe I should've....it never caught my attention again. 

The characters felt so 2D and just....atypical. I never connected with our mains. 

The evil bride was meh and you can't help but not care she was unalived. 

The mystery was eh. 

The love interest was annoying. Sorry girl you deserve better. 

Sadly this wasn't really for me, but it doesn't mean you won't like it. Maybe you'll have better luck. 

I'll give this 2 stars. The first three or so chapters were good and I ADORE the title and cover.