Movie Review: Of Mice and Men (1992)

Title: Of Mice and Men

Length: 1h 55m

Released: 1992

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Drama, Western
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Amazon Prime

SUMMARY:

A nomadic farm worker looks after his mentally disabled, gentle-giant friend during the Great Depression.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I haven't watched this movie since I was in High School and I read the book in High School and then again in 2013. We read it for my English/LIT class. Hubby and I were watching 'New Girl' and they made a reference to the show. At that point I learned that my Hubby's school never made them watch the movie or read the book. SOOOO I made him watch this with me. 

We follow Lennie and George who are looking for work and saving money to open their own farm one day. They can't seem to hold a job long enough because Lennie always ends up in trouble and they have to move on. Lennie is mentally disabled and sweet. George cares for Lennie but it has been very hard. They land a job and it seems to be going swell minus the fact the owner's son is a jerk and his wife is....lonely. 

This is a very sad story, but I find it a very important story for people to read/watch. There are so many things that are pointed out. I'm borrowing this quote from this article in Medium that really summarizes the original couple of paragraphs I had typed lol, "Through its exploration of themes such as companionship, the American Dream, and discrimination, Steinbeck delivers a powerful message about the importance of connection, the need for social justice, and the realities of life for marginalized people."

There are a bunch of other meanings behind this book that I'm sure you can find or think of. However, this story does make you feel, of course, but also think. 

I remember after reading the book and watching the movie, we had to fill out a sheet. One of the questions was about Curly and his wife.....I remember writing that Curly and his wife can be seen as both victim and the bad guy. Goodness knows how Curly's dad's treats him behind closed doors so he then feels the need to abuse his wife and his workers. His wife, in turn, is abused but also takes advantage of the workers. Sure she is lonely and I feel for her, but she needs to leave the workers alone. She gets them in trouble and doesn't even defend them when they get caught with her. 

You can see each character as victims in a way. They are all discriminated in some way shape or form. However, no one is fully innocent. There is a level of bias and discrimination that society forces the characters to "accept". The movie did an excellent job in portraying this. I really should re-read the book. It's been so long. 

Ugh!!! The scene with the dog always makes me cry and mad. I understand the symbolism behind it and in a way....yes....you don't want the dog to suffer. Ugh tears me up. 

The cast is WONDERFUL. They all do an excellent job with their characters. I must give an extra kuddos to the man who played Lennie. Not an easy role. 

This movie follows the book really, really well. Sure a couple little changes like the very end. I believe Slim goes to George in the book, but in the movie they snipped that interaction out. I do wish they gave Curly's wife a name....but that, in itself, shows the discrimination she faces. She is nothing but property of Curly. 

All-in-all, this is a must watch or at least a must read at least once in your life. If your school didn't make you read this, you really should take the time to check it out. I do still hold that I wished the author left some sort of hope. Even if it is fleeting or a tiny flicker. I know the movie was just following the book and I'm glad they stuck fully to the book which is why I'm going to give this 5 stars instead of the 4 I gave the book years ago. When making a movie it's easy to change plot points or add your own seasoning to it, but the movie people really stayed true to the book. So yes.....5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Tragic

Audiobook Review: Give Up the Ghost by Angie Fox

Author: Angie Fox

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Title: Give Up the Ghost

Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #11

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: May 31, 2022

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible) 

Summary: 

Some secrets should stay buried.

Ghost hunter Verity Long is no stranger to scandal. In fact, it seems to follow her around like her pet skunk, Lucy. But Verity is as shocked as anybody when a town relic discovered in a time capsule unleashes a torrent of secrets that lead to murder.

Trouble is, the only residents in Sugarland who know the truth behind the scandal also happen to be very dead themselves. With a killer on the loose and a town in crisis, Verity braves a side of Sugarland she's never seen before. From a booby-trapped haunted mansion to a run-in with the spirit of Sugarland's most notorious blackmailer who may hold the key to setting mob ghost Frankie free...for a price.

But when a live killer gets an inside track on Verity's investigation, will she live long enough to give up the ghost?

Review:

Slowly catching up with this series! I think I only have a little bit more and then I will be at the most recent release! Weeeeee!

We're back at it with Verity, Frankie, and Lucy the skunk. We continue right where we left off from the last book. It is Homecoming and they are opening the time capsule. What should be fun turns into revealing the burn book of one of the biggest gossips and blackmailers the town ever seen. When this book is revealed someone will do whatever it takes to keep their secret untold even if that means murdering and stealing the book. With a killer on the loose and a book of secrets in bad hands...the town is in crisis. Verity and her gang will have to brave a side of Sugarland they have never seen before. 

I loved that this time capsule has been nothing but trouble. First there was a body hidden in there in the last book and now a book full of townie's secrets from years previous. Ooooo. I loved seeing the darkside of this town. Everyone has secrets! But enough to murder for? Mmmm. 

My favorite part of the book? Virginia, Verity's monster-in-law, has not only made Verity's life a nightmare, but so many others. We get to see karma FINALLY catch up to her. I won't spoil and say what, but karma certainly has found her. Bless Ellis and Verity for wanting to help Virginia....they are better people than I am. 

Gotta love all these characters. Frankie the ghost. Lucy the skunk. Ellis the smoking hot cop. Verity our heroine. Love them so much. Don't tell Frankie this....but I hope he never gets freed from Verity's property LOL. 

Can I just say.....I'm def in love with that fact that Verity's sister is dating Alec. It's beautiful and hilarious. Verity and Alec hate each other SOOOO MUCH, but I love seeing him be so soft and loving to her adorable sister.

The mystery was a little flat for me on this one. I think we had only two serious suspects. One you just KNOW couldn't have done it. The other one? I didn't want it to be them. I wish we had some sort of twist but sadly no. 

The narrator was fantastic as per normal. Her voices are great. 

All-in-all, the mystery fell a little flat with me, but I still really enjoyed the story! I love these characters and I love this town (even though some of them are bananas). I'll give this 4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Quirky 

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #47

- Cloak & Dagger #19

Audiobook Review: Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews

Author: Ilona Andrews

Narrator: Hillary Huber, Michael Glenn

Title: Magic Claims

Series: Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years #2

Genre: UF, Paranormal, Novella, Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: June 13, 2023

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Kate and Curran have just settled into their new home and their 'low prolife,' when a local businessman approaches them with an offer they can’t refuse. A mysterious evil has spawned in the nearby forest and is holding a defenseless town hostage. The ‘due date’ is rapidly approaching.

It’s exactly the kind of fight the Lennarts can’t resist, not for the prize the town offers, but for the people who will surely die if they ignore it. If they succeed, they’ll be rescuing an entire community and can build a strong new base for their family and the Wilmington Pack. If they fail...well, fail is a four-letter word.

Nothing comes without a price. Now Kate must decide if she has what it takes to pay it.

Review:

Yayyyy for more Kate. I literally can't get enough of this series. It's so entertaining!!!!

Kate and Curran's low profile? That's now pretty much gone now after a local businessman comes to them needing help. A big baddie has spawned in the nearby forest and it is holding a defenseless town hostage. It requires sacrifices and the due date is rapidly approaching. Kate and Curran can't resist throwing their hats into the ring. 

I'm sad. This seems to be the last one of this spin-off series. It was written in 2023. Maybe we'll get more? D: WAAAAH. I still have Curran's POV shorts and a few other stories (like Julie's) I can read to fill the void. I'm trying to take it easy and not read EVERYTHING all at once, but it is hard. 

This was a good one. A good baddie that has a scary force and power. Kate and Curran remembering why they love a good fight. And lots of new information coming out!

I'm curious to learn more so I hope we get another one. I especially want to see the fall out of the other packs and etc. I feel like there is a lot to still explore. How is everyone doing? I miss Andrea and her family. 

The narrators were fabulous. I was a little bummed....I was hoping for a little more of Curran's POV. Just a sliver more pleasseeeee. 

Overall, I enjoyed this immensely. I still have a little more I can read to fill the Kate void, but I'm trying to not gobble it ALL up right away. I'll give this 4 stars.   

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Enjoyable

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #46

- Library Love #27

Book Review: Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks

Author: Maya Banks

Title: Never Seduce a Scot

Series: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 418

Published: September 25, 2012

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but outsiders consider her “touched.” Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Content with her life of seclusion, Eveline has taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world to view her as daft. But when an arranged marriage into a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, Eveline accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful that his new bride can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled that he stirs her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by the mysterious Eveline, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation and whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love.

Review:

I picked this up for two reasons. One being that it fits into a couple reading challenges and two, one of the mains has a disability and I love inclusion like that in stories. Plus I can't remember the last time I read a HR in Scotland. It was time!!

Eveline and Graeme are our mains here. Eveline is fiercely loved and protected by her clan, but outsiders consider her "touched". She hasn't spoken since her accident. She doesn't speak to anyone including her family. After her accident she lost the ability to hear, but she can read lips, but she is allowing everyone to think her daft so she can avoid marrying a bad man. However, she is forced into a different marriage with Graeme. This is an arranged marriage to try and end war and the clan rivalry. She is intrigued because she can sort of hear his extremely deep voice. 

This took me forever to read. I was moving at a snail's pace. Why? Not sure. The story was interesting enough and I liked the characters. Maybe it was just me? It just felt like it was dragging forever in some spots. 

The love was a little too insta for my liking and some plot points/issues were resolved extremely quickly. However, I did enjoy the simplicity of their romance. Yes, they are being forced to wed, but they are both good people and they are obviously meant for each other. It was sweet. 

Ugh Ian. That is all. 

Screw all the McHughs. Hopefully their actions will fully unite Montgomerys and Armstrongs. 

I am curious about the next book. I believe it is Graeme's brother. Oooooo!

All-in-all, I did like this one. It was very sweet overall even with the issues I had. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Okay

Challenge(s):

- Library Love #26

- Romance Reading Challenge #25 (Arranged marriage/Marriage of convenience)

Blodeuedd's Monday: City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong

Series: Rockton/Casey Duncan (#1)

Format: 408 pages, Trade Paperback

Published: January 17, 2017 by Minotaur Books

Crime/own

I read the spin off book first, that would be book 8? So I decided to go back and see what Rockton was all about.

..not a good place at all. This should be a place where people could escape too, but soon I saw that everyone escaped here. The bad guys too, and the abused. This system was broken. Not to mention you were not allowed to go beyond the city. And trust me this was for your own good because outside there were hostiles, and those were not friendly.

To this mess Casey arrives because she killed someone 10 years ago, and her bestie who was in an abusive relationship. Oh and Diana was toxic!

People have vanished and are found dead. Casey is put on the case with the town sheriff. No idea who to trust. Seeing that the system is not really working. But I guess she has 6 more books to see if this town has a future.

And what to I see when I finish. Yes the next book is out of stock. Come on!! Sigh.

A good start to this series. They are all alone out there.

Casey Duncan is a homicide detective with a secret: when she was in college, she killed a man. She was never caught, but he was the grandson of a mobster and she knows that someday this crime will catch up to her. Casey's best friend, Diana, is on the run from a violent, abusive ex-husband. When Diana's husband finds her, and Casey herself is attacked shortly after, Casey knows it's time for the two of them to disappear again.

Diana has heard of a town made for people like her, a town that takes in people on the run who want to shed their old lives. You must apply to live in Rockton and if you're accepted, it means walking away entirely from your old life, and living off the grid in the wilds of Canada: no cell phones, no Internet, no mail, no computers, very little electricity, and no way of getting in or out without the town council's approval. As a murderer, Casey isn't a good candidate, but she has something they want: She's a homicide detective, and Rockton has just had its first real murder. She and Diana are in. However, soon after arriving, Casey realizes that the identity of a murderer isn't the only secret Rockton is hiding—in fact, she starts to wonder if she and Diana might be in even more danger in Rockton than they were in their old lives.

Movie Review: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016)

Title: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Length: 1h 48m

Released: 2016

Genre:  Dark Comedy, Romance, Horror, Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

Five sisters in 19th century England must cope with the pressures to marry while protecting themselves from a growing population of zombies.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Okay. I am FINALLY watching it. I've been meaning to watch this since 2016. I even want to read the book...someday. My friend finally got me to watch this. 

It's hard enough trying to cope with the pressures from society and their mother to marry, but add some zombies trying to take over England? It's enough to make a girl scream.

This was a hoot. It was weird. It was different. But ultimately? I liked it. I'm shocked because I'm not crazy about the zombie fade and I heard a lot of stuff about this. However, I love P&P variations and this is one. 

I need to read the book. I feel like I had a couple of questions that would've been explained in the book. The movie did well enough to explain what you NEED to know to enjoy, but I have some more questions.

Honestly, the lure behind the zombies was fun. I loved the fact that it isn't so black and white with these zombies. Zombies can still be slightly normal IF they don't eat human brains. When they eat a human brain then they go crazy and lose their marbles. 

THE ENDING???? HOLY COW. AND they didn't make a second movie??? WHAT? Monsters the lot of them. Now I def have to read the books. UGH. 

The cast was fun. I was meh about the Darcy they picked. He felt more like a Collins or a Wickham to me. He didn't have that.....allure. The actor is great but I think I would've casted him as someone else personally. 

I adored the Lizzy and all the sisters. They were perfect for their roles.

That Wickham? I would be tempted. LOL 

All-in-all, I had fun with this. It was strange and different but honestly? It was a fun movie to watch during the Spooky season. 

4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Wild

Audiobook Review: Magic Tides by Ilona Andrews

Author: Ilona Andrews

Narrator: Hillary Huber, Michael Glenn

Title: Magic Tides

Series: Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years #1

Genre: UF, Paranormal, Novella, Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: January 17, 2023

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Kate, Curran and their son, Conlan have left Atlanta, vowing to keep a low profile, and are settling into a new city and new house…but some things never change! Magical mayhem is about to erupt when Kate undertakes the rescue of a kidnapped youth, while Curran guards the homefront.

It should be a simple retrieval, but with monsters on land and sea, Kate’s got her work cut out for her. Still, she's never let her blade dull or her purpose falter. And that low profile? It’s about to wash away with the raging tides!

Review:

Can't get enough of Kate Daniels this year. 

Here we follow Kate and Curran. It is years later and they have left Atlanta with their son Conlan. They want to keep a low profile and settle into their new city and new house. However, things never change. Mayhem is about to erupt when Kate undertakes the rescue mission of a kidnapped youth. Curran and Conlan guard the home-front. It should be a simple retrieval, but like normal....Kate has her work cut out for her. 

Weeeeee! More Kate action. Yes, I want her and Curran to have a quiet life, BUT she is just a magnet for trouble. She is powerful and comes from a powerful line. Their lives will never be fully quiet especially with their kid growing into his own power now.

This had lots of action and lots of monsters and baddies.

We also got to see Curran's and Conlan's POVs so that was a nice touch there. 

This was "short" but it was a perfect length.

I can't wait to get started on book 2 of this mini spin-off. 

This was fun. For sure check this out when you finish the main books. This is a nice continuation years later. 

4 stars from me. I think I would've liked to see more of the "peace" before Kate took off.  

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Satisfying 

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #45

- Library Love #25

Best of September

Here are our bests from September!!!! 

Best Book of the Month:

Blodeuedd - City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong

"Best book. Not a place I want to visit."

Carole -  Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

"So good. So sad. A must-read"

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole - Nadda again. Whoops. 

Blodeuedd - Barbie (2023)

"I finally watched it!"

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Rick and Morty & Emily in Paris

"Rick and Morty is always fun. Emily in Paris, well ditch that toxic Gabriel."

Carole - Tacoma FD

"Rewatching this gem now that it is on Netflix! Looks like there is a new season. Getting there but I am rewatching the other seasons because why not?"

Best Cover of the Month:

B's Favorite: Says a lot about the book

C's Favorite: So pretty

Audiobook Review: Battle Royal by Lucy Parker

Author: Lucy Parker

Narrator: Billie Fulford-Brown

Title: Battle Royal

Series: Palace Insiders #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Published: August 17, 2021

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Ready…

Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, colorful creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere, the hottest pastry chef in London. When her glittery unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has managed to use her fame to help fulfill her dream of opening a bakery, Sugar Fair. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers…and a princess.

Set…

Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favorite baker, the go-to for sweet-toothed A-List celebrities, and a veritable British institution. He’s brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that the irksome Sylvie will be joining him on the Operation Cake judging panel is enough to make the famously dour baker even more grim. Her fantastical baking is only slightly more troublesome than the fact that he can’t stop thinking about her pink-streaked hair and irrepressible dimple.

Match…

When Dominic and Sylvie learn they will be fighting for the once in a lifetime opportunity to bake a cake for the upcoming wedding of Princess Rose, the flour begins to fly as they’re both determined to come out on top.

The bride adores Sylvie’s quirky style. The palace wants Dominic’s classic perfection.

In this royal battle, can there be room for two?

Review:

Found this one randomly while looking for a cover with food on it (yes, yes for a reading challenge not because I'm chonky). This sounded divine so why not?

Here we have Dominic and Sylvie. The two share a love of baking, but everything about them couldn't be more different. Dominic is grumpy and professional. He wants perfection and clean lines. Sylvie is spunky and loves colors and trying new things. The two originally met while Sylvie was a contestant on a baking show and Dominic was a judge. After a...mishap, Dominic voted Sylvie off the show. Sylvie may have lost the crown but she truly made something of herself and her baking skills. Now the two are butted up against each other when Princess Rose is getting married. The bride wants something fun, but the palace wants classic. Can there be room for both?

This was amusing to be sure. 

I liked Sylvie a lot. She is adorable and I would hire her to make my cake! Also, I want her to be my friend!!!! Dominic.........well..............I didn't like him. Once you get his backstory and understand him more, you might warm up to him a bit. I did end up warming up to him by the very end but the whole time I was just rolling my eyes. DON'T GET ME WRONG. I loooove grumpy lads (look at my hubby - he is the King of the Grumps), but Dominic was just plain mean sometimes. He just rubbed me the wrong way. 

Dominic's sister, Pet, was a delight. I wonder if she gets a book? *researches* Yayy! Her's is the next and now I'm super excited! Eeeee! 

I did enjoy the little side stories like Princess Rose and her guy. They were sweet. 

This had some humor, but I wouldn't place this in the humor category. Drama, romance, and a sprinkle of humor. Which fair enough. Sometimes TOO much humor can ruin a nice plot. 

The narrator was good. New to me. Her girl voices started to blend together a bit if I wasn't 100% focused. There were a couple of times I had to rewind because I was confused. Like I thought Pet was talking to Dominic...and then she said something sexy and I was like, "WHAT?" And then I realized Pet left the room and it was Sylvie. 

All-in-all, this was delightful. A sprinkle of humor with some nice characters and a cute romance. I wasn't a fan of Dominic's until the end (Sylvie deserves a King) but my heart did melt a tiny bit for him and I finally understood it. Maybe he'll be better in book 2 when we see him as a side character. ;) I'll give this 4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Peachy

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #44

- Library Love #24

- Romance Reading Challenge #24 (Food on cover)

Wordless Wednesday

 

Book Review: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

Author: Lisa Wingate

Title: Before We Were Yours

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: paperback

Pages: 342

Published: June 6, 2017

Where I Got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize the dark truth. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together in a world of danger and uncertainty.

Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family’s long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption.

Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Lisa Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.

Review:

My hubby's granny gave me this book after she finished it. She said it was really good and she thought I would like it. 

Here we follow Rill and Avery. Two different people in different times, but connected by secrets and tragedy. In 1939, Rill and her siblings seem to have a great life. They are poor but they are happy being on the river. One night her mother is rushed to the hospital with a difficult birth. While being left in charge, strangers come and kidnap them. They are taken to the Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage. Rill fights to keep them all together until they can escape or be saved by their parents. Years later, we have Avery who was born into wealth and privilege. She seems to have it all, but she returns home to help her father weather a health crisis. A chance encounter will leave Avery with uncomfortable questions and a feeling there are secrets she needs to uncover and set to rights. 

This was all based on one of America's most notorious real-life scandals....Georgia Tann was the director of the Memphis-based adoption agency. Thousands of kids were taken from poor families and sold to rich. Some might have gotten there legally, but so many were the products of kidnapping and tricking the biological families. I never knew of this and it breaks my heart. So many of the kids were sold like cattle, abused, and some met worse fates. I for sure did some digging while reading and after finishing the book. Wild. And it angers me Georgia Tann died before any justice could find her. 

This story will suck you in like the high tide. I didn't want to stop reading. I needed to know. I needed to see who was who and who was found. 

This was all so tragic and I for sure cried. Yes, these characters are fake BUT they mirror true stories of real victims. Those poor kids....those poor families....ugh. 

I loved both Rill's side and Avery's side. I kept finding myself upset when we would switch, but then I would get sucked in and then switching back I would be upset. I loved both POVs and I'm glad we got to read both. 

The ending left me breathless. I didn't want the story to end. I was so hopeful. It was bittersweet and a beautiful way to end the book. I'm NOT crying...YOU ARE *sniff*

This for sure has landed on the nominees for best book of the year. I honestly could re-read this. 

All-in-all, this was a wonderful book and I may have book club read this in the future. I'm bursting at the seems to talk about it!! So much to discuss. So much to digest. It was great. Yes, it will make you feel ALL the feelings. I had joy, sadness, ANGER....all of them. 5 stars for sure. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Captivating 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: The Warlord's Lady by Eve Langlais

Narrated by: Kasha Kensington

Series: Magic and Kings, Book 4

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins

Release date: 09-24-24 by Tantor Audio

Fantasy romance/to review

I have read and enjoyed the previous books in the series so I dove right into this one.

Monsters are roaming and something is lurking in the mists of Kormac´s kingdom. Something horrible that kills and possesses people. His kingdom thinks a good witch is a dead witch, but he he still calls for one.

Fionna is a witch. Now she must go to a barbarian kingdom who does not know how to treat women or her. Oh and rumours are flying.

Sparks fly...after a while. Because first she must get over that he is so arghhh, and he has to overcome that she is so independent.

Together they save the day and fall in love, awww.

Good book that had danger romance and monsters. Also, I do wonder if Lomar is getting his own book. I hope so

Good narration. She kept the flow going and it was never a dull moment. She was good with different voices and kept it entertaining.

Something evil is lurking in the mountains and Kormac doesn’t know how to fight an enemy that can’t be seen or touched.

While a warlord hates asking for aid, he can’t allow his pride to get in the way. He requests assistance from the witch queen—in secret, of course, because magic isn’t real. Or wasn’t in his corner of the world, until now.

Fionna, the witch who arrives to evaluate the situation, is unlike anyone he’s ever met. Bold. Fearless. Beautiful…

He didn’t count on how much she would test his patience—and his control.

As they work to squash the danger spreading from the mountains, and she impresses him with her skill and courage, he starts to wonder if she’s the lady he’s been waiting for. His mother certainly doesn’t think so, but Kormac didn’t become warlord by allowing others to make decisions for him.

However, taking her as his wife will depend on them surviving the machinations of the evil entity that’s returned to take its vengeance.

Audiobook Review: Grace of Small Magics by Ilona Andrews

Author: Ilona Andrews

Narrator: Michael Glenn

Title: Grace of Small Magics

Series: World of Kate Daniels

Genre: Fantasy, UF, Paranormal, Short Story, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published: November 24, 2023

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Grace has always known she wasn’t like everyone else and that her family has magic abilities. After flying to meet the head of Clan Dreoch in order to fulfill her families’ “duties” as servants, Grace finds herself in the middle of a mage clan war…

This story was included in Small Magics.

Review:

Yayy another one. 

Grace always knew she wasn't like everyone else and that her family has magic. However, she is forced to fulfill her families' duties as a servant. She finds herself in the middle of a mage clan war. 

OMG can we have more? I would love to follow Grace and even her family before these events. Such a cool aspect and idea. Not that I would want to have those duties to serve, but it is interesting. 

I want to learn more about the clans. 

I want more. 

The length was okay, but I feel like this has a lot of story left even if we don't follow Grace necessarily. 

The narrator was okay. Perfect for the male characters, but the female? Mmm. Just okay. 

A nice bud of a story, but I want more. 4 stars

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Intriguing

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #43

Book Review: An Affair with a Spare by Shana Galen

Author: Shana Galen

Title: An Affair with a Spare

Series: The Survivors #3

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 416

Published: July 3, 2018

Where I Got It: Library

Summary: 

He's turned seduction into an art form...

Rafe Beaumont, fifth son of an earl, uses his irresistible charm with the ladies to glean dangerous war secrets. Now he's putting those skills to the ultimate test: capturing an elusive assassin by seducing his daughter. The problem? She's entirely immune to Rafe's flattery.

Never before has Collette Fortier met a man as attractive as Rafe. But her father's life is at stake, and succumbing to Rafe would be disastrous. But when Rafe turns the tables on her, offering support and friendship instead of a fleeting affair, Collette finds herself tempted in ways she never could have imagined...

Review:

Pushing through the series!

Here we have Rafe and Collette. Rafe is the fifth son of an earl and he uses his charms to glean dangerous war secrets. Now he's putting those skills to the test to capture an elusive assassin by seducing his daughter. The problem seems to be that she is immune to his charms. Collette has never met a man as attractive as Rafe, but her father's life is at stake. When Rafe offers friendship and support, Collette finds herself tempted to take his help and maybe more. 

Spies. Love. Usually up my alley! However....I was bored. So utterly bored. I found myself starting to skim just so I could be done. I wanted to give up, but I really like this author and this series so far. *cough* I also wanted credit for my library reading challenge *cough* I kept plugging along. 

Took me forever, but I finished it. Maybe it was Rafe...maybe it was Collette....maybe I just didn't care about either. I liked Rafe's little cameos in the past books, but here? Meh. 

Could I tell you what happened? Eh. Somewhat. My mind kept drifting.

The ending was okay and I am curious still about the next book. 

Maybe I need to try this again one day in audio format? 

Eh. 

I'll give this 2 stars, because I didn't hate it. I was just....bored. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Eh

Challenge(s):

- Library Love #23