Movie Review: The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

Title: The Witches of Eastwick

Length: 1h 58m

Released: 1987

Genre:  Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Amazon Prime

SUMMARY:

Three single women in a picturesque village have their wishes granted, at a cost, when a mysterious and flamboyant man arrives in their lives.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Sooo my friend came over to spend the night and we were hanging out trying to figure out what to watch. Hubby comes in and suggests this one. I guess it's one of Hubby's faves? LOL why not. 

These three best friends live in a perfect village but they don't fit in. They try but their lives are hectic. After a night of drinking and making a wish for the "perfect" man....they soon realize their wish may have come true. A very mysterious man comes into town and shakes everything up. 

I honestly had zero idea what to expect. This was a wild, WILD movie. Fun! But strange and different. Yayy. I like different and strange. 

The cast is fabulous!!! I'm stunned they could afford and get all these goodies here. They were so fun to watch!

I don't fully understand the ending and is our dude the Devil or not? Or is he just a wizard? I'm not 100% sure. Maybe I need to re-watch or read on Reddit lol. It was a fun ending and it made me chuckle, but I do have questions. BUT this movie doesn't take it's self too serious so it is what it is. Just a fun fantasy, comedy, horror blend. 

Oof. Be warned though...this is def an 80s movie. Just be warned ;) 

All-in-all, this was a fun and different movie. I enjoyed it! It had humor and some witch-y stuff. If you're looking to watch a weird 80s movie this is the one for you. I'll give it 4 stars. It would be 3, but this was unique and wild and it didn't take it's self too serious which I can appreciate. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Quirky

Book Review: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Author: Jennette McCurdy

Title: I'm Glad My Mom Died

Genre: Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction

Format: hardcover

Pages: 320 

Published: August 9, 2022

Where I Got It: Borrowed from friend

Summary: 

A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life.

Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.

Review:

Many of my friends read this and I do remember liking iCarly in my youth soooo I had to read this.

Here we read Jennette's story in her words. We see her as a child becoming a star. We see her grow up with that stardom. We see her live her mother's dream. Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy so she went along for the ride. Even after her mother's passing, she would struggle to free herself from her mother's vision. 

This was so extremely sad. Yes, just like life, there is some humor which helped. Overall though, this was so sad. So tragic.

Just like a lot of child star's she had a mom who pushed her NOT because the child wanted to be a star, but because the parent wanted to live through their kid. Diets and abuse to keep the kid on track. So very sad. 

It took me forever to read this. Not because it was bad, but because it was good. It made me feel. It made me react. There are some parts that struck a little too close to home for me. I def had to take this in strides and in small amounts. This reminded me over an overly strong drink. Very good, but strong, so you need to take baby sips. 

The writing was great. I hope Jennette writes more. Maybe not about her life, but I could def see some self-help books or even fiction novels. She really had a way about her writing that I liked. 

All-in-all, this was really good. Even if you didn't watch the show or know anything about Jennette....I think you would really enjoy this. It was tragic with tiny sprinkles of hope and humor. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Tragic

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Damned if I Duke by Anna Bradley

By: Anna Bradley

Narrated by: Gabrielle Baker

Series: Drop Dead Dukes, Book 2

Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins

Release date: 03-26-24

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance /to review

Prue does not like Jasper, and she has every right to not to. He played cards wither father, and now her father is in debt. They sold land, they have to sell their house. They will be destitute. 

Jasper has his own worries. He ended it with his mistress, and the lady did not take it well. Now she has some rather revealing jewels he wants back.

Prue and Jasper meet. She blackmails him (long story). But he deserved it. They end up married, and now feelings come out. A whirlwind of lust and drama.

Because yes there will be some drama. Nothing that could not have been worked through with two people sitting down and just talking. Heaven forbid. Nope, drama and then a happily ever after.

A good story about two people butting heads and then falling in love

I have listened to Gabriella Baker before and enjoyed her narrations. She gets the feel of the book and narrated the different characters well. There is a good flow to the story.

Bold and adventurous, Prudence Thorne is not the kind of woman to stand by meekly when someone she loves has been wronged. And she's quite certain that Jasper Vincent, Duke of Montford, somehow duped her father into racking up enormous gambling debts. When fate offers her a chance to blackmail Jasper into forgiving her father's losses, she seizes it . . . only to have her scheme backfire.

Jasper enjoys London's illicit delights too much to wed. Too bad his grandfather has decided that a woman with the nerve to blackmail might be exactly the sort of wife to tame him. Pressed into a marriage neither wanted—and fighting a desire neither expected—Prue and Jasper torment and tempt each other beyond reason.

Surely a proper duchess should be subdued, obedient, and dignified? Yet just as he begins to get his wish, Jasper realizes how much he wants his unconventional wife—and only her—if it's not too late to win her . . .

Book Review: A Dance with Danger by Jeannie Lin

Author: Jeannie Lin

Title: A Dance with Danger

Series: Tang Dynasty #5

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 282

Published: April 21, 2015

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

A promise sworn on the edge of a sword…

After a failed assassination attempt on a corrupt general, Bao Yang is a wanted man. Taking refuge with an ally, Yang accidentally compromises the man's daughter when they're discovered alone. To save her honor, he must marry the beautiful Jin-mei immediately!

In Yang's arms, Jin-mei feels alive for the first time. She's determined not to lose him, even if it means joining his perilous mission… But when she realizes just how destructive Yang's path could be, can she convince him that their life together could be so much sweeter than revenge?

Review:

It's been soooooo long since I read the others of the series. I'm glad this did well as a standalone. Hahaha. If a past character showed up...I didn't remember them, but that was fine.

Here we have Jin-mei and Yang. After a failed assassination attempt on a corrupt general, Yang is now a wanted man so he is on the run. He takes refuge with an ally and whoops...he accidently compromises his ally's daughter. To save her honor, he marries her. Jin-mei joins Yang on his perilous mission, but she soon realizes that Yang's path could destroy both of them. Can she convince him to give up revenge and live happily ever after? 

I simply loved that fact that they got a chance to talk and fall in love. There wasn't any major drama with each other. Sure some issues to weed through, but the main issue is external with his whole I-Need-Revenge thing! Lots of talking. Lots of learning and listening. Cute. 

The drama does bubble up and it was good. I had no idea how everything was going to be resolved!! Oooooo men....so damned stubborn......

Now, I did like Jin-mei and Yang. Both are very sweet, but....I struggled to see the passion between them until damn well near the end. I don't know and I can't really explain it. I guess I didn't buy the chemistry until the very end. 

Speaking of which....I hope there will be more books in this series, because HOW CAN YOU LEAVE ME LIKE THIS!? So open-ended. I needed more. What...what do they do? Where do they go? I doubt there will be more unless there is a spin-off because this was the last one and it was written in 2015. No epilogue? Gah!

I am curious to re-visit the rest of the series one day. I really did like some of the others too. It's been a long time that is for sure. 

All-in-all, I did like this. Nice characters learning about each other and falling in love. It took me a while to actually buy the passion and chemistry, but it does flare up eventually, for me, near the end. I'm bummed that the end didn't give me more answers, but it was sweet. I highly recommend this series. It was good. I barely remember the others since it has been YEARS so I am tempted to revisit. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Pleasant

Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading Challenge #12 (Non US/UK Setting)

Audiobook Review: Home for Christmas by Melissa McClone

Author: Melissa McClone

Narrator: Loretta Rawlins

Title: Home for Christmas

Series: Bar V5 Dude Ranch #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Western

Format: Audiobook

Published: October 31, 2013

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon...the smells of Christmas. The smells of home.

Rachel Murphy longs for home and family. Since childhood, she's dreamed of owning her own pastry shop, but after being burned by a celebrity chef and losing her new bakery in Arizona, Rachel's spending the holidays with her brother in Montana. To keep her dream alive, she's creating custom gingerbread houses and selling them around town. All she needs is a bigger kitchen...and to stay away from her brother's handsome boss.

Former venture capitalist Nate Vaughn has embraced his inner cowboy and now runs a successful dude ranch where Rachel's brother works. Nate's commercial kitchen is perfect for Rachel's baking needs, and seeing the cute blonde's business acumen, Nate knows she'd be the perfect partner for a new venture. When he makes her an offer she can't refuse, he discovers he's interested in more than her gingerbread.

While Nate could make her dreams come true, Rachel's heart, as well as her head, tells her mixing business with anything else could be a recipe for disaster. Should she return to Arizona, and leave Nate and her new eager-for-more customers behind? Or can Nate convince her that, here with him in the mountains of Montana, she's already home? For Christmas...forever.

Review:

Christmas in March?? Sure. It's snowing outside.

Rachel has had some bad luck. Between crappy exes and ex-friends who too everything from her. She decides to visit her brother in Montana. To keep her dream alive, she's creating custom gingerbread houses and selling them around town. All she needs is a bigger kitchen...and to stay away from her brother's handsome boss. Nate wants to help Rachel succeed and keep her in town...JUST to keep his friend and co-worker to stay in Montana. However, will feelings blossom this Christmas?

This made me miss Xmas. I KNOW, I KNOW. I do want the summer sun, but I miss the Xmas feelings. This for sure does have some good Xmas nuggets. Gingerbread houses, snow, decor, small town, Xmas movie references, and hawt cowboys. Yes indeed. 

I had fun, but this seemed to drag on and on and ON. For being a novella/shorter story it seemed to take forever. Just KISS ALREADY! *shakes fist* But yes, some bits seemed slightly boring. Many scenes could've been slimmed down a bit. 

Besides for that, I liked Nate and I liked Rachel. They were adorable. I am curious about that brother of Rachel's though. He's a good egg who deserves love. Maybe book 2?

The narrator was okay. Her male voices all blended together so you for sure had to pay attention. 

All-in-all, this was very sweet. A cute couple and Xmas feelings. Fun if you need some Xmas joy. Some slow bits there, so be aware of that. 3 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Okay

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #15

- Romance Reading Challenge #11 (Xmas Setting) 

B's Tuesday Review: Happier Than We Deserve by Melissa Halcomb

By: Melissa Halcomb

Narrated by: Danielle Cohen

Series: A Pride & Prejudice Variation [Melissa Halcomb]

Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins

Release date: 03-19-24

Publisher: Tantor Audio

PP variation / to review

I do love my Pride and prejudice variations. I can´t get enough of them. Because they are all different.

Here Mr Bennet inherited some money, and kept it hidden until he died. Yes, not cool. We all know they were scared of what would happen if he died, as a certain Collins would inherit. And now they suddenly have money, all daughters still unmarried, and what happens? Well Jane takes charge. I really liked her here. She got the responsibility and she took it, and she took control. This is not the way to run a household. Everyone must change!

Some things change, some things never change. We always need a Mr Darcy, and he does make some mistakes before seeing the error of his ways.

I liked it. I especially liked Jane. I even grew to like Mrs Bennet. It all worked out so well.

Good narration. She does well with different voices for everyone. And she has the right feel for the book.

That terrible event Elizabeth and her family has ever dreaded has come to pass and brought with it changes which none of them could have anticipated. Faced with navigating a whole new world with whole new advantages, are they up to the task? Collecting marriage proposals like handkerchiefs, Elizabeth wonders if she might have spurned her one chance at lasting happiness when she learns that Mr Darcy is not at all who she believed him to be.

Darcy is tired of fighting his feelings. His heart knows what it wants, and that is Elizabeth Bennet. When he learns that Mr. Bennet has passed away, he imagines riding in as the white knight, a savior come to rescue his beloved from a life of poverty. But when he reaches Hertfordshire, something is amiss and he finds that Elizabeth needs no rescuing, thank you very much.

Not-So Saturday Movie Night: Damsel (2024)

This month we decided to review 'Damsel'. 

Blodeuedd is in purple and Carole is in red.

Title: Damsel

Genre: Action/Adventure, Fantasy

Released: 2024

Rating: PG-14

Site: Netflix 


A dutiful damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt.

Click here for the trailer. 

DISCUSSION:

Movie review time!

Yayy! Movie!!! 

I wanted to watch this because it looked pretty awesome, and it was pretty kick-ass. She was certainly no damsel in distress.

Agreed! I wanted to watch this because it looked badass and a twist on the atypical story. I also wanted to learn the WHYS and HOWS. I’m glad we watched it. 

Of course I knew something bad is coming, hello trailer, but it is really bad isn¨t it. Like wtf those people!!??

THOSE PEOPLE! OMG!!! Especially when we learn….more….and the truth. No spoilers from me, but damn. 

You all effing disgust me! It was a lot. But it made for a good storyline as she learns more.

For real. And I was so mad at the dad for a while there. Ugh. Why are people so greedy???

I was mad too, but at the same time I understood. His kingdom and people were dying. Dunno what much help money will do though, it is obvi pretty bad there.

Yess, the money doesn’t seem that helpful at the end of the day. They literally need to move or something. The area is R.O.U.G.H. 

I kind of wanted to know why that was? Everything should suffer. I am thinking Volcano? Or little ice age for it to look that bad. But then here comes a green paradise

Yes….I feel like they should’ve showed us WHY it was so rough. Bad winter(s)? And I also wanted more in the end. I feel like we needed to see more. 

We will never know….

Sadly not. I can’t imagine a 2nd movie. Not sure where they can go with the whole thing. Unless they do something with the sister. Or if Elodie is THAT unlucky and finds herself in a whole different wild situation. 

I am good with no more. It was a good movie, and it ended. More would be…tricky. I do not want to see Elodie getting unlucky again. Then they are surely cursed. Oh and I will try to say this without spoilers. So at the end the island is just left…like who. And they just can. Dunno if you know what I am getting at. Turmoil people, turmoil!

Same. I’m fine with it being one movie. Elodie is a gem and doesn’t need more struggles. Same with that surprise/twist character. Eeeee. Okay. I need to spoil….[SPOILER ALERT] I wonder if Elodie is going back to their home to bring them back to this land? I mean…it is empty now. Unless the land will go to being poopy because they won’t have the dragon’s heat keeping everything like paradise? [END OF SPOILER]

Ooo! There is a book FYI. I wonder if we could get more answers LOL.

I was also worried near the end, I wanted the story to happen in a certain way, and it did! But I was wondering there for a moment

TBH…I had no idea how it was going to end. SO many twists and turns. When we learned a certain fact, I had an idea in mind…and I’m glad I was right but OMG I was worried!!!

Make it happen any other way and I would have been maaaad! A really good ending. Hahaha

Yes, a good ending even though we needed more answers. 

I honestly do not have a lot more to say, it would be all spoilers. Def worth watching.

It’s so stinkin’ hard to not give away more spoilers than I already did. Hahahaha. This was a nice watch. Fun, action-y, and loads of twists.

The end?

The end! ‘Til next time!

Audiobook Review: Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper

Author: Molly Harper

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi, Teddy Hamilton

Title: Witches Get Stuff Done

Series: Starfall Point #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 5, 2023

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Juggling newfound witchy powers, a house full of ghosts, and verbal battles with the handsome local librarian is almost too much for a new witch to manage. A new witch with a coven, however, can get so much more done...

From the moment Riley Everett set foot in Starfall Point, magic bubbled inside of her. But with only her late aunt's journals and a cantankerous live-in ghost butler to instruct her on all things witchy—including her newly inherited Victorian haunted house—Riley seeks out a coven for sisterhood and support. The last person she expects to be drawn to is the town's frustrating, yet ridiculously attractive head librarian.

Edison Held knows almost everything there is to know about Starfall Point, but Shaddow House was always off-limits, thanks to its elusive owner. If he can convince the new owner, Riley, to let him take a peek inside, there's so much he could learn. But as he gets closer to Riley, he's fascinated by her dazzling wit and fiery spirit. Edison will do whatever he can to help Riley keep her family legacy alive, especially if it means spending more time with the captivating new witch in town.

Review:

I knew I had to get my hands on this. Witches, Ghosts, Molly Harper, and Michigan????? YAS. 

Here we follow Riley and Edison. Riley finds herself inheriting a very haunted Victorian house after her Aunt passes away. Riley has these new powers and new responsibilities with only her aunt's journals and a cranky ghost butler to help her on this new journey. And there is that frustrating but ridiculously attractive head librarian....Edison. Edison hopes he can convince the new owner of the Shaddow House to let him take a peek inside the mysterious house. 

This was simply adorable. I loved, loved, loved this story. Maybe I'm biased since it is set in Michigan and it made me giggle whenever a Michigan reference was given. eeee. Plus...Molly Harper is always fun.

Loved our characters. Edison is a sweetie. Riley is a gem. Her two new friends? Loved them too and I can't wait to read Caroline's book which is next in the series. Awwww and that butler was adorably grumpy and fatherly. Cute. Now....my only issue was how quickly Caroline was onboard with everything. At least Edison fainted! Caroline was oddly....okay. Did seem realistic. Granted, magic is involved but still. Too quick. 

The narrators are always fun. We have two narrators here. One for Riley's POV and one for Edison's. His voices for girls are always just okay, but he has such a deep voice so it's hard I'm sure. Her voices are always good. I wish she changed up her female voices a bit more. 

All-in-all, so much fun. This was adorable. Fun setting, fun characters, fun concept. And that house is amazing even with ALL the ghosts. Can't wait for book 2! In the end, I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #14

- Romance Reading Challenge #10 (Witch/Warlock) 

All Pride & Prejudice....All the time....Carole's Top 5

Soooo I recently went on a Pride & Prejudice bender. I watched all the ones I could get my hands on. Ones I couldn't, I watched some clips so I could remember which was which and etc. I haven't done a P&P movie marathon since I was a wee little thing. 

Now, I love all of them. They all have their own sparkle and shine, but here is my list! (Please note - I am not counting any adaptions that are put in modern times or weird situations like P&P Zombies...which I still need to watch that someday)

5. Pride And Prejudice (1980)

Sadly, I placed this one here. I struggled with watching this back in the day. Not sure if I even finished it or did I just forget? Who knows. I recently just watched some clips to try and spark my memory. 

I will admit that I remember this being very, very close to the book. I did some reading and people agree that this is the closet to the books. But omg....so 80s. The acting is okay. The cast is okay.

Maybe someday I'll track down the full version to re-watch. Maybe being older I will like this better. 

4. Pride and Prejudice (1967)

I didn't watch this until probably 2012 or 2013. It was one that was hard to locate since it never made it to home video. I barely remember this one and, to my delight, I was able to find all the episodes on YouTube. 

I did really like this and it gives play feels. Simple transitions and simple backgrounds. I enjoyed the Lizzie and Darcy. However, I struggled to like the Mr. Bingley. He seemed to be missing that easy charm. I am bummed they cut one of the sisters, Mary. Boo. She is my third favorite Bennet sister. 

Oooo I did love the fact we got to see more of the Bingleys and their POVs. That was nice.

Very fun and very old school. Def worth a watch. However, I will place this in 4th place. 

3. Pride and Prejudice (1995)

I'm sure I'll get a lot of slack for this one being lower on the list. This seems to be a favorite amongst the community. 

I adore the Darcy here, but he isn't my favorite Darcy amongst all four of these fellas. The cast is amazing and they all do a great job. However, I struggle with the Lizzie here. She seems...bored (?) for the majority of the film. It's hard to pinpoint, but she just doesn't feel like Lizzie-esque to me. I'm sure there is a riot outside my window with this opinion. *hides in the basement*

The costumes are great and I loved the music in this one. I did like that it is pretty faithful to the original story so bonus points there. 

2. Pride And Prejudice (1940)

Another controversial placement! Many put this much lower on the list, but this was my first P&P movie so it holds a special place in my heart. It is under-appreciated! 

Love, love, love the Darcy and Lizzie. This Lizzie is my 2nd favorite and this Darcy takes first place in my heart. I love them. I love the cast. Darcy's 2nd proposal at the end always makes my heart thump. Awwwwww. *swoons*

This is def 1940s vibe, so be warned. I would LOVE to see this colored so I can enjoy the costumes and etc more. 

1. Pride And Prejudice (2005)

Annnnnnnnnnd number 1 is this version. I can watch this over and over and over again. I watched this twice in March. The cast is amazing. The script fun. The costumes fun. The scenes....beautiful. I loved it all. Simply the best of the best in my opinion. 

The Darcy is my 2nd favorite and the Lizzie my first favorite. They have great chemistry. Whenever they are scene together you can feel the chemistry...the hate...the desire....the misunderstanding. All beautifully done. 

So yes, I can gush on this version all day. Def my favorite. 

~~~~*~~~~

Which of the P&Ps are your faves? 

Audiobook Review: Threads of Magic by Monica Fairview

Author: Monica Fairview

Narrator: Jennifer M. Dixon

Title: Threads of Magic

Series: Mr. Darcy's Magic #2

Genre: Fantasy, Historical Romance, P&P Variation, Retellings

Format: Audiobook

Published: January 25, 2022

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

In a magical Regency England, two powerful magicians strive to find a balance between love and duty as they confront enemies who might well be their closest friends.

Elizabeth Bennet may be a heroine, but by defying some of the most powerful mages in England, she has made enemies who will stop at nothing to embroil her in scandal.

So when she is accused of endangering the Royal Mages through her reckless actions, she no longer knows who to trust. Even the gentleman she loves is taking their side. It seems the only person who believes her is the captive French mage who is imprisoned in the cellar at Netherfield.

Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy is willing to fight to the death to defend Elizabeth, if only she would stop getting herself into trouble. Why does she always have to break the rules? And why does even her sister Jane cause him so many problems?

Join us in this magical Jane Austen Regency variation. Set mostly in Meryton, with familiar beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice, you will once again be captivated by Elizabeth and Darcy as they struggle to find true love against the backdrop of England’s war with Napoleon.

Review:

This is book 2 of the series. Finally decided to jump in. 

We continue with Lizzie and Darcy. They survived the last battle but the war keeps going on. Lizzie and Darcy are trying to balance duty and their love. They are partners mages, but also a married couple. When events happen, Lizzie finds herself being blamed for them. Rumors spread and now very few people trust her. She will have to try and figure out how to find out the truth before her enemies finally destroy her for good. 

I wanted to slap everyone (except for Lizzie and dear Jane)!!!!!!!!!! I especially wanted to kick Darcy in the face. JUST communicate. TALK TO LIZZIE DARN YOU!

I felt very frustrated with this one. I truly don't understand why everyone blamed her so easily. Damn rich folks. Even though she saved all of them in the last battle and she is a wonderful mage, they still look down their noses at her. Damn aholes. 

Hopefully with the conclusion of this one everyone will stop jumping on the Blame-Lizzie Train. We'll see how book 3 goes. Yes, I plan on reading the next one. 

OOooOO! Jane is here! I loved getting to see her more. She, and the rest of the Bennetts, were barely seen in book 1 so it was lovely to finally see Jane and Bingley start falling for each other (no spoiler here...we all know they are soulmates). 

The narrator was good. I really enjoyed her voices. I hope she does the third book.

All-in-all, I didn't like this one nearly as much as book 1. I found myself SO annoyed SO many times. Yes, I get why Lizzie might be slightly sus, but Darcy should've communicated and talked to her. It's like all his character growth from book 1 went away for a while. Yes, he finally opens his eyes, but I wanted to kick him. I hope book 3 is way better and not so Blame-Lizzie-for-everything-damn-the-proof. I'll give this 3 stars. It would've been 2 stars, but with Jane and Bingley finally meeting....and the last scene at the Ball....I was content.

One Word Summary: Frustrating

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #13

- Romance Reading Challenge #9 (Blue dress on cover) 

Book Review: Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

Author: Zoje Stage

Title: Baby Teeth

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Suspense

Format: ebook

Pages: 314

Published: August 9, 2018

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Sweetness can be deceptive.

Meet Hanna.

She’s the sweet-but-silent angel in the adoring eyes of her Daddy. He’s the only person who understands her, and all Hanna wants is to live happily ever after with him. But Mommy stands in her way, and she’ll try any trick she can think of to get rid of her. Ideally for good.

Meet Suzette.

She loves her daughter, really, but after years of expulsions and strained home schooling, her precarious health and sanity are weakening day by day. As Hanna’s tricks become increasingly sophisticated, and Suzette's husband remains blind to the failing family dynamics, Suzette starts to fear that there’s something seriously wrong, and that maybe home isn’t the best place for their baby girl after all.

From blazing new talent Zoje Stage, Baby Teeth is a story about a perfect-looking family, and a darling little girl who wants nothing more than to kill her mother.

Review:

Yayyy book club book. My friend has been wanting us to read this for a while, but she kept putting it on the backburner. She finally decided it was time for us to check this out. 

Here we have a family that looks perfect. A dad with a great job. A mom who decided to stay home and take care of their child. However, things are not what they seem. Their little girl, Hanna, hasn't uttered a word since she was a baby, but is extremely smart. Hanna doesn't want to go to school so she keeps finding ways to get expelled and stay home. She doesn't want her mother, Suzette, around anymore. Suzette is plain exhausted, but things are looking dark as it seems Hanna has plans to get rid of her. 

This was pretty dark. Hanna has her dad tricked and blinded to her true intent. She doesn't want to go to school and she doesn't want her mom around. Along with her side kick...aka imaginary friend....or not? Who knows....she plans to get rid of her mom for good so she can have her father to herself. 

Suzette isn't perfect, but I felt so bad for her. She didn't deserve to have a monster of a child or a husband who doesn't believe her. So cliche that the man doesn't believe their wife but it made me chuckle when Suzette called that out when talking to the therapist. 

This was intense and I had no idea what was going to happen. Hanna was a monster and oddly smart for her age. I still don't understand WHY Hanna hated Suzette so much. I don't think Suzette did anything terrible. Sure, she isn't winning Mother of the Year anytime soon but she wasn't abusive or evil or mean? But Hanna does seem to have some mental illness issues and can't really see reality for what it is. She thinks Suzette is a witch and evil, etc.

I went down a path on reddit and Goodreads to see what others thought of the book. It seems to be truly divided. Some like this a lot...some hate it with a burning passion. It's very interesting, honestly, reading the reviews/thoughts. 

This book was weird but good. I really enjoyed it but it does get dark in some spots so be aware of that. 

Th ending? Mmmm. I have gone back and forth with my feelings on it. It wasn't as satisfying as I wanted it be. It was good, don't get me wrong, but I have so many questions. 

All-in-all, this was a weird read, but I enjoyed it. I think it is a very good book for book club. I have SO many things to say that I couldn't here (avoiding all spoilers) and I have SO many questions for the girls when meet up. 4 stars from me.

One word summary: Weird

Challenge(s):

- Cloak and Dagger - #8

- Library Love #7

Blodeuedd's Review: Tastes like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma

By: Nisha Sharma

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani, Fajer al.Kaisi

Series: If Shakespeare Were an Auntie, Book 2

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Release date: 11-28-23

Publisher: HarperAudio

Contemporary romance/storytel.fi

So I listened to this cos my audio site told me that a certain narrator I like was narrating, well that was not the case.  Hey, audible said the same now..weird. But I am glad I picked it anyway. Because I did like book 1.

In this one we have Bobbi who is a wedding planner etc. She truly dislikes a certain Benjamin after he said all the wrong things at a certain time. She is not looking for love, she is just trying to put together the best wedding ever for her bestie.

Benjamin is not looking for love either. He is busy with his restaurant, and works too much.

But this dang wedding keeps putting them together. Someone is also trying to sabotage the wedding.

They were fun together. When they finally got over their hostility towards each other. But they have some stuff to work through.

And the aunties are back! Gotta love the aunties.

Soneela is awesome, I always loves her narration. If it is romance, or fantasy, she is great at it. 

The male narrator was new to me but he did well with his chapters.

Bobbi Kaur is determined to plan a celebration to remember for her best friend’s wedding. But she has two problems that are getting in her way:

1. The egotistical, and irritatingly sexy, chef Benjamin “Bunty” Padda is supposed to help her with the menu since he’s the groom’s best friend, and

2. Someone is trying to sabotage the wedding.

With aspirations of taking over her family’s event planning business, Bobbi knows that one misstep in managing the Kareena Mann and Prem Verma (#Vermann) party, along with the other weddings on her plate, will only give her uncle another reason not to promote her. That means Kareena’s big day and Bobbi's future career are on the line.

Bunty will do anything for his best friend, even though he has his hands full in finding a new location for his next restaurant while also playing mediator between his brother and father, the celebrated Naan King. When Prem asks Bunty to help with the wedding menu, he agrees, especially since it puts him in close proximity to the delicious Bobbi Kaur. When a mystery shaadi saboteur starts leaving threatening notes, and cancelling cake orders, Bunty and Bobbi have no choice but to call a truce and face the volatile attraction they have for each other.

Through masquerade fundraisers and a joint bachelor-bachelorette trip to Vegas, this chef and wedding planner explore their growing connection all while trying to plan a wedding at Messina Vineyards in a time crunch. But once the shaadi saboteur is caught and the wedding is over, will their love story have a happily ever after?

With the return of the meddling aunties (who are scary good at finding information) and a lot of hilarity and hijinks, Bobbi and Bunty’s romance is an event you don’t want to miss.