Graphic Novel Review: Heartstopper Volume 1

Author & Illustrator: Alice Osema
Title: Heartstopper

Series: Heartstopper Volume 1
Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBT, YA, Contemporary
Format: ebook

Pages: 288
Published: January 1, 2018
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more...?

Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn't been too great, but at least he's not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He's heard a little about Charlie - the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months - but he's never had the opportunity to talk to him.

They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner...

Review: 

I watched the TV show a couple years back (I still need to watch season 2 - whoops) and I've been meaning to read the original works. 

Here we follow Charlie and Nick. Charlie is high-strung and an over-thinker. He's been openly gay at his school. Nick is a kind boy who plays rugby. They meet when they are partnered up and a friendship quickly blooms. However....could there be more? 

The story is beautiful and I love these two together. Charlie is adorable and Nick is so dang sweet. 

I also really love the illustrations. So beautiful and impactful. 

Charlie and Nick really need each other and deserve each other. Charlie had a terrible year after coming out and then BEN showed up. Grrrr. Ben is shit. 

This is just so sweet and adorable. 100% recommend. 

5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Adorable

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #15

Book Review: Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Bonds of Justice

Series: Psy-Changeling #8

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, UF, SciFi

Format: ebook

Pages: 348

Published: July 6, 2010

Where I Got It: Library

Summary: 

Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy-dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor’s closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of a catastrophic mental fracture . . .

Sophia Russo is a Justice-Psy, cursed with the ability to retrieve memories from men and women so twisted even veteran cops keep their distance. Appointed as Max’s liaison with the Psy, she finds herself fascinated by this human, her frozen heart threatening to thaw with forbidden emotion. But, her mind filled with other people’s nightmares, other people’s evil, she’s standing on the border between sanity and a silken darkness that urges her to take justice into her own hands, to become judge, jury . . . and executioner . .

Review:

One day I'll be all caught up ;) 

Okay...so here we have Max who is a cop. One of the best in New York Enforcement. He was born with a natural shield that protects him from Psy mental invasions. Sophia is a Justice-Psy with the ability to retrieve memories from people so twisted that even veteran cops keep away. She is appointed as Max's liaison with the Psy but her mental state is unwinding from all of the people's evils. The two will work together to take justice into their own hands. 

Please note - you shouldn't skip the other books...there is a lot of story and character build-up that you will need to understand what is going on. 

This started off well enough. Enjoying both of these characters and seeing the drama unfold. It's been a minute since I left off from the last book so I had to try and remember what happened last. I had to read my last review and summary of the last book to remember. Whoops. 

Things did stale a little bit for me. Mainly because of the slow unwinding of the story and romance. Things got better by the end, but yeah...a good chunk dragged by.

The romance was lovely and they did have great chemistry so I'm happy there. 

I didn't buy Sophia's recovery (no spoiler here - it's a romance you know it happens). It seemed....easy?

I would like a break from Psy women though. We have had so many. So cold, so unfeeling. I'm super excited for the next book which is two shifters. Yayy!

All-in-all, I enjoyed some parts while other parts seemed to drag a lot for me. Maybe I need a break from the Psy women. But I did LOVE their chemistry here and I loved the backstories. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Mixed

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #13

2-in-1 Short Stories: Mother of Stars & My Everything for Always

Author: Celia Troy

Narrator: Virtual Voice

Title: Mother of Stars

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, SciFi, Short Stories

Format: Audiobook

Published: January 1, 2017

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Andromeda is a single mother who has resigned herself to an eternity of loneliness. Until she spots a lone wolf who has been scarred by darkness.

Will they destroy each other with their love?

Or will their love span the universe?

Review:

Found a couple short stories that seemed interesting. PLUS, not gonna lie, I was curious about the "Virtual Voice" they have been so bad for so long so I was curious to see how that technology is fairing. Plus....free is always nice ;) 

Andromeda is a single mother who is doomed to watch her children and protect them from the universe. She is alone and lonely. One day she spots a lone wolf. The two fall in love, but it may destroy each other but it could also expand the universe. 

This was trippy. This def felt very folklore-y. Something the Greeks and Romans might have come up with. I had fun. I may not have fully understood everything, but I liked it. 

Short, sweet, fantasy, and different. Def nice for a quick read. 

The virtual voice isn't bad. It will never be as good as a real reader, but it did the job fine especially for this one. This is a "goddess" of sorts so it really fit. 

4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Different

Author: Jacee Chandler

Narrator: Virtual Voice

Title: My Everything for Always

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Short Stories

Format: Audiobook

Published: May 25, 2024

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

He was my best friend's brother and off-limits. Then he disappeared into the madness of war--and so did my magic.

But now he's back and we have a second chance to get it right.

This is a complete short story with no cliffhangers, perfect for a magically quick break or a little ME-time.

Review:

Another quickie I found that I was curious with. 

Jenn (spell?) has been in love with her best friend's brother forever. When he vanished into the madness of war, so did her magic. Now he's back and they have a second chance to find love and be together. 

Super quick. Amazingly quick. Yes, yes, I wanted a short story but damn. They barely even spoke before jumping each other. *blink* One minute she thinks he's a ghost because she swore he was dead. And then they are getting nekked. WHAT did I MISS!? I can barely remember his name....Cal was it? 

The virtual voice was awkward when it got to the smex scene. Eee. Very flat, very cringe, very awkward. 

But yes, if you are looking for a quickie short romance...I would say avoid the audio of this and read the short story ebook instead. And just be warned there is very little speaking here. I did chuckle when she thought he was a ghostie. 

Quick and smoking (minus the virtual voice making it awkward), but maybe a hair too quick. I'll give this 2 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Quick

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #28 & #29

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: A Lady's Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin

By: Sophie Irwin

Narrated by: Imogen Church

Series: A Lady's Guide, Book 2

Length: 13 hrs and 27 mins

Release date: 07-11-23 by Penguin Audio

Historical romance/ From Bookbeat.fi

I did not write this review at once and now when I have thought about it...well it was just ok. I had too many issues.

Eliza is finally free from her marriage and she gets a sweet allowance and decides to live her life for once. Her old fling shows up, the guy she wanted to marry but her parents pushed her to marry his uncle. Ugh, tragic and it truly shows what a pushover she was.

I was all rooting for their romance as it blossomed again.

But it was rather dull at times, and I drifted.

Then there is this famous author that shows up. A true rake. And then things got weird. When did she fall for him? It felt like at the end the book suddenly decided to f it and just changed lanes.

Confusing shift. I really liked book 1, but this one not as much.

Nothing wrong with the narration though

When shy Miss Eliza Balfour married the austere Earl of Somerset, twenty years her senior, it was the match of the season--no matter that he was not the husband Eliza would have chosen.

But ten years later, Eliza is widowed. And at eight and twenty years, she is suddenly left titled, rich, and, for the first time in her life, utterly in control of her own future. Instead of living out her mourning quietly, Eliza heads to Bath with her cousin Margaret. After years of living according to everyone else’s rules, Eliza has resolved, at last, to do as she wants.

But when the ripples of the dowager Lady Somerset’s behavior reach the new Lord Somerset—whom Eliza knew, once, as a younger woman—Eliza is forced to confront the fact that freedom does not come without consequences, though it also brings unexpected opportunities . . .

Audiobook Review: Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs

Author: Patricia Briggs

Narrator: Lorelei King

Title: Winter Lost

Series: Mercy Thompson #14

Genre: UF, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: June 18, 2024

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

In the supernatural realms, there are creatures who belong to winter. I am not one of them. But like the coyote I can become at will, I am adaptable.

My name is Mercy Thompson Hauptman, and my mate, Adam, is the werewolf who leads the Columbia Basin Pack, the pack charged with keeping the people who live and work in the Tri-Cities of Washington State safe. It’s a hard job, and it doesn’t leave much room for side quests. Which is why when I needed to travel to Montana to help my brother, I intended to go by myself.

But I’m not alone anymore.

Together, Adam and I find ourselves trapped with strangers in a lodge in the heart of the wilderness, in the teeth of a storm of legendary power, only to discover my brother’s issues are a tiny part of a problem much bigger than we could have imagined. Arcane and ancient magics are at work that could, unless we are very careful, bring about the end of the world. . . .

Review:

Literally pre-ordered this bad boy because after the last book I HAD to read the next one!!! Plus...that cover? Def a contender for Cover of the Year. 

So we continue with Mercy's story. Her and her mate, Adam, are called to head to a lodge in the wilderness to figure out what is wrong with Mercy's brother. They soon discover that his issue is just a tiny part of the problem. Arcane and ancient magics are at work and if things are not solved....it could bring about the end of the world. 

Can I just say.....I LOVED this story. Honestly....it might've ended up in my top 3 of the series. It was so good and I didn't want to stop listening. Yes, yes, I did the narrator because I literally couldn't resist. The narrator really makes the story even better. 

Poor Mercy is dealing with the endings of the last book and Adam feels helpless. Ugh, I just feel so bad for Mercy. She needs to talk to a therapist. The poor girl has been through so much in the last few books. She def has some stuff to work through. 

I loved all the interludes. They were fun and added a little something extra-extra to the story. We got to see POVs we never see. Loved it!

The ending was good but you just know there is a storm heading for them all. AKA Bonarata is looming over all. Honestly? I can't wait for them to be rid of that a-hole. He's a problem. 

I don't want to giveaway any spoilers, but I truly enjoyed this. So much freakin' fun. 

5 stars from me

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Chilling

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #27

Movie Review: Victoria & Abdul (2017)

Title: Victoria & Abdul

Length: 1 hr, 51 mins

Released: 2017

Genre:  Biography, Drama 
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Queen Victoria strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this for forever. I had it on my To-Watch list for years methinks. I needed something different and...light. So here we go. 

This is the story of Victoria and Abdul. They strike up unlikely friendship. Victoria is queen of the British Empire and Empress of India. Abdul is poor Indian clerk who was selected to present the queen a ceremonial coin. 

This was very sweet. Victoria was so ready to just die. Enter in the adorable and kind Abdul to give her a 2nd wind in life. He was happy to impart some knowledge and become her teacher. Simply loved their innocent friendship. 

Bertie and the majority of the staff were gigantic babies and fools. So jealous. So racist. 

I did end up adoring Mohammed! His speech to Bertie and the others had me cheering. Good on you friend. 

The cast was fantastic. The script great. The story fun.

Oooh that ending. It had me in tears. 

All-in-all, I really adored this movie. I loved learning about Abdul and seeing their friendship grow. Def 100% recommend it. 5 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Charming

Audiobook Review: Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews

Author: Ilona Andrews

Narrator: Renee Raudman

Title: Magic Binds

Series: Kate Daniels #9

Genre: UF, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 20, 2016

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this…

Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar…

Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.

The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…

Review:

After finishing the last one, I couldn't resist getting started on this bad boy. I even used an audible credit to get this one since it was not available at all at my library.

Kate is on the verge getting married to Curran. However, there is an obstacle that could ruin everything. After Kate's father, Roland, has kidnapped Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A witch informs Kate that if she marries Curran Atlanta will burn and he will die. The only person who can help is someone who is long dead. The odds are impossible and the future is uncertain. Kate loves her city, Curran, and her friends/family...she will do whatever it takes to save everyone. 

This one was so good. I didn't want to stop listening. How is everything going to be solved? How is everything going to be fixed?

Why do I kinda like Roland? He's a monster and wants everything for himself, but I'm having complex feelings for him like Kate. He does love her, but he wants to control her and her be his 2nd in command. I get why he wants to take over everyone and everything because he wants to bring peace and beauty BUT he is a monster and has no mercy. Sighs. 

I was pleasantly surprised we got to see a certain someone "return" from the dead for a bit. 

This ending has me needing the next book darn it! *shakes fist*

Ooo and the narration is amazing. The book/ebook is all fine and dandy, but there is something about this narrator that just makes the story great. 

Def a good one in the series. 5 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Intense

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #26

Blodeuedd's Review: Mr Dary's Matchmaker by Summer Hanford

By: Summer Hanford

Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart

Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins

Published: June 11th 2024 by Tantor Audio

Pride and prejudice variation /to review

This was Anne´s book and she is very misunderstood, but here she shows her clear colors. She is trying to be meek for her mother, but her mind is plotting.

Darcy was, well, he really is proud, and so is Lizzy. This book shows some of their worst qualities and hey they belong together. They are good people, they just need to stop and care for others too.

I really like how Kitty comes across here and her romance made me all awwww.

And Anne finally finds someone to care for too.

The unlikable are still Miss Bingley and Mrs De Bourgh. Ugh, horrible people.

A fun variation where Anne takes control over the destiny.

And narrated by the fantastic Ruth Urqhart. She is awesome and I always enjoy her books

When the woman he loves refuses him, Darcy will get help winning her back . . . whether he wants it or not.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is a great many things. Wealthy. Handsome. Respectable. But what he is not, is skilled at charming Elizabeth Bennet. When she refuses his offer of marriage and breaks his heart, an organ she doesn’t believe he possesses, he has no notion of how to win her back.

Fortunately for him, his scheming relation, Miss Anne de Bourgh, is more than willing to help. It doesn’t matter to Anne that Darcy doesn’t want her assistance. She learned from the best, namely her mother, that people don’t know what’s good for them until you tell them.

Mr. Darcy’s Matchmaker is a sweet, lighthearted Pride & Prejudice Variation. Read on to discover if Miss de Bourgh can help Mr. Darcy win the woman he loves, and how much trouble she’ll cause trying.

Book Review: Beagles Love Cupcake Crimes by CA Phipps

Author: CA Phipps

Title: Beagles Love Cupcake Crimes

Series: The Beagle Diner Cozy Mysteries #1

Genre: Cozy mystery, contemporary

Format: ebook

Pages: 278

Published: September 11, 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Is this Murder, She Baked?

Cooking is all celebrity chef Lyra St. Claire ever wanted to do. Plucked from school and being thrown into the limelight was not the plan. When everything goes wrong, she yearns for her hometown and a simpler life. Where people aren’t pretending to be your friend.

But first, she must find a murderer. Sure, it isn't the wisest thing to do, but since the police have no leads, and Cinnamon the beagle agrees, it's time to sniff out who dislikes Lyra and her friends enough to ruin their lives.

Crimes and clues aside, what could be the motive?

Beagle Diner Cozy Mysteries features one clever beagle who owns a celebrity chef and together they discover a talent for the amateur sleuth business.

Review:

Puppies, cupcakes, and crime? Sign me up! Plus it was free ;)

Here we follow celebrity chef Lyra and her sidekick Cinnamon. She loves cooking, but being thrown  into the limelight was not the plan and not everything it cracked up to be. She wants to go back home, but first....there is a murder that needs solving. The police has no leads and nothing is being done. Who hates Lyra and her friends so much to commit murder?? 

Okay. Maybe I need a break from the genre. This is the 3rd one in a row that I have been left feeling super, duper meh. Maybe it's me? Maybe I'm the problem!?!?!?!?

Nothing was necessarily wrong with this. I liked the characters. Loved the puppy. The murder was a decent whodunnit....but I just couldn't care. I only stuck around to see who did the crimes. I felt zero connection with anything or anything MINUS the puppy. I have a soft spot for cute ass animals and Cinnamon was a puppy that stole my heart. 

But yes...this didn't hit the mark, but this is the 3rd one in a row of this genre so I will step away for a bit. Cleanse the palate if you will. 

2 stars from me. Cinnamon gets a whole star!

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Disappointing

Challenge(s):

- Cloak and Dagger - #13

Book Review: Haunted Jerome by Patricia Jacobson

Author: Patricia Jacobson

Title: Haunted Jerome

Genre: Nonfiction

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 131

Published: August 26, 2019

Where I Got It: My shelf (birthday gift)

Summary: 

Jerome was once home to the largest copper mine in Northern Arizona, built on the steep terrain of Cleopatra Hill. The small town, population fifteen thousand at its peak, was shockingly nefarious. Diversions for the hardworking miners came by way of saloons, gambling and ladies of the evening. Shootouts and murders, violent accidents in the mines and smelters and fires and diseases scourged its denizens. Life was tough on the mountain--death came too soon for many. When the copper mine closed in 1953, Jerome was rendered a ghost town, and its spirits still lurk among the living. The stories in this book will convince you they are here for a reason.

Review:

This was a gift from a friend because 1) love ghost stories, 2) love history, and 3) the name of the town is my hubby's first name. 

The city of Jerome was once the largest copper mine in Northern Arizona. This small town has one heck of history. Tragic in many ways and the town became a ghost town in more than one way in the 1950s. There are few people who have stayed and their neighbors are spirits who are stuck here. 

This was very interesting. I knew a little bit about Jerome, but not too much. I believe one of my Ghost shows went to a place in that town, but I can't be too sure (it's been so long and I watch too much to remember every episode lol). Apparently the city of Jerome is extremely haunted. Which this book does go over some stories, but also the history. With the history that town had I can def see a few hauntings. Lots of deaths. Lots of tragedy. 

Loved the pictures shown of buildings and the town. That was nice. 

I do feel some places were a bit long-winded. 

All-in-all, this was very interesting. Lots of town stories and ghost stories. If you need something interesting, but easy to read...this is good. :) 

4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Interesting

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Even Better Than the Real Thing by Melanie Summers

Narrated by: Aria Holland, Dan Calley

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Release date: 05-28-24 by Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance/to review

I had some issues with the premise, because it seemed rather ridiculous. Not the whole fake wife thing, nope, totally behind that. But the whole, "your father died, if you are not married within a week you loose the title." Wow, hold up. He needs to be married to gain the title and the land? That is stupid, his dad could have died when he was 10! Also why the F does everyone get their panties in a twist when he does get married!? He HAS TO. These people drag him to the house of Lords for his fake marriage. HELLO! No one said the marriage had to be real. Also even if he is not the right one, his right should pass to his kid. Like what is this.

SPOILER ALERT!

So he gives up the title in the end to save her, which just means everyone thinks she is a gold digger. Also why is the press so after her? Who gives an f? I would sue that guy for slander. Second he gave it up and they lived happily ever after. No no. Screw that. Make his family hurt.

Right, rant over.  Man needs a fake wife, she needs to study paintings. They begin a fake marriage, they fall in love, duh. He does not believe in marriage or kids so they have to work through that. And an evil gossip guy writing horrid pieces about her.

Her family is pretty horrid too. No idea why she even likes them. I do not.

Her friend seemed solid, as did his. Some good people in this world.

Good narration.

He's the heir to a fortune. He’s my aloof, intimidating, insanely handsome boss. And he just asked me to marry him.
Hayden Stuart is the quintessential English lord. He went to the most exclusive private schools. He hangs out with royals and other richy rich A-listers. His summer home is a castle.

Whereas I grew up on a peanut farm in Georgia.

When the spit hits the fan for Hayden, he asks me to be his wife. He makes it very clear to me that this is all for show.

Totally temporary.

Business only.

This is not a fake husband with benefits situation.

Of course I say yes.

Who wouldn’t want to live in a castle and have a staff take care of your every need? This is Beauty and the Beast, complete with the freaking library. Only Hayden’s crazy hot and knows how to eat soup without slurping it all over the place.

The problem is, the more time I spend pretending to be Hayden’s wife, the more desperate I feel to believe the lie.

And it’s not just about the castle.

It’s about the man.

2nd DNF Second Chance Announcement

The votes are in for our 2nd DNF Second Chance! And we had a clear winner this time around!

I will try and get started on this in before the end of summer (maybe a July read)! 

Again...here are my self-imposed rules: 

- The book must be sitting on the DNF shelf for over a year. Time heals wounds...right?

- Honor the poll choice

- Read at LEAST 125 pages before giving up. 

- Be completely and utterly honest

- If it is a physical book on my shelf and I DNF it again, I MUST rehome it.

If you want to do this idea for yourself, please feel free. It might become a thing going forward. We'll see how book 1 goes ;) 

Audiobook Review: Wanderlust by Lauren Blakely

Author: Lauren Blakely

Narrator: Richard Armitage, Grace Grant

Title: Wanderlust

Series: From Paris with Love #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 20, 2018

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go. All I have to do is board a plane, and I'll be on my way to fulfilling a promise I made long ago. Bonus points -- my last week in Paris looks to be even better when I meet a gorgeous, clever American woman and make plans to take her back to my flat that night.

But before we can get together for what would surely be a fantastic final fling, my boss hits me with a double whammy. My previous client didn't pay, so there's no trip, and the new client I now desperately need is none other than the tempting American I'm about to take home.

Have I mentioned this timing bloody sucks?

***

I'll admit it -- I have a big weakness for a hot British accent. As in, they make me swoon, sigh, and want to toss my panties. Good thing I can avoid that kind of temptation in Paris. So it's just my luck that the man who's the key to success in my new job is the man whose voice makes me melt. Oh, and we have to spend all our days together for work.

Thanks a lot, fate.

To top it off, I quickly learn he's witty, kind and has a heart and mind I'm falling for fast.

All I have to do is resist him every single freaking day. That's so easy. Not.

But then I learn that's nothing compared to the real hurdle we face.

What could go wrong with falling in love in Paris? Nearly everything, it seems...

Review:

I was scrolling through some of the books Richard Armitage has narrated because...why not? And then I seen this and I have previously enjoyed some works by this author. I've also heard Grace Grant's narration before sooooo it all seemed like I had to give it a go. Plus...Paris? Yas. 

Joy and Griffin are two people who find themselves in the city of love. Joy is an American gal who is given a chance to work in Paris for a while and she jumps at the chance especially after a break up that drained her emotionally. Griffin interpreter who is living for his late brother. He has a list of things to accomplish in honor of his brother and he doesn't have time for love. Lust...sure...but love? Nope. The two are paired with each other and it is lust at first sight. 

*swoon* I simply adored Griffin. Yes, his British accent is to die for BUT he is so sweet and smart and just plain dreamy. He can speak so many languages and wants to travel the world. 

Joy was a joy and she was perfect for Griffin. She is smart and sassy. I loved that she is a Chemist. Yayy for women in STEM! I don't have the head for it but it makes me excited seeing women take on the field. 

There are some deep parts when they dive into their pasts. However the angst level is low and the drama is low. Which yayy! Don't get me wrong...I love some good drama, but this was what I needed at the moment. Main issues were 1) Griffin was worried they would get in trouble and 2) He wants to travel the world and she has a steady career...how will that work? Both issues are non-issues and that was lovely. 

The narration was flawless! Being the biased person I am....I simply loved the male POV because RA is a dreamboat and his voice is beautiful. Even his female voices work. Plus all the accents he can do? Lovely. Our female narrator was great too. They worked well together and brought their characters and story to life. 

All-in-all, I really adored this book. Great narrators. Fun story. Beautiful location. Low drama. Steamy??? Yes 100%. If you are looking for a book to lay by the pool and listen to...this is a great summer read. :D 5 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Swoon-worthy 

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #25

- Romance Reading Challenge #16 (STEM/Bluestocking)

Book Review: Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews

Author: Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Shifts

Series: Kate Daniels #8

Genre: UF, Paranormal Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 386

Published: August 4, 2015

Where I Got It: Library

Summary: 

After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.

So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.

An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…

Review:

After the last book I had to take a mini break from the series. Lots of things happened and it made me sad. BUT I'm back again chipping away. 

Here we have Kate Curran who have stepped away from the Pack to find some peace and quiet from the infighting and drama. However, this pace is too slow and Curran misses the constant challenges so when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, he takes the offer gladly. The Guild isn't happy, but Kate is a veteran merc so she helps them by taking unfinished jobs in order to bring in some money and rebuild their reputation. The odd jobs are oddly connected and now an ancient enemy has arisen. 

Ooooh Kate....oooo Curran. I get they like the drama and the fighting and etc...but please take a break. They got a mini one but now they are back at it and of course those "odd" unfinished jobs are all connected. Trouble seems to follow them no matter what they do. 

I ended up doing the ebook version for this one since the audio was not available at my library which I was nervous about because I have fallen in love with the narrator doing the story. Which I could def hear her voice in my head in some areas. Audio is superior, but the ebook was good still. 

The parts with Roland are weird to me. I get that she has to play nice-ish with him since there is no way she can win....but it's weird. For a dude that wanted her dead all her life he is all of a sudden into her life and etc. A part near the end makes sense, but IDK. Seems weird. 

It was nice seeing Kate and Curran side-by-side fighting. There are so many past ones where he isn't there much. So maybe them being out of the Pack won't suck (yes I was worried it would take an element away). 

But yes. This was fun. A good baddie that made me slightly nervous and fighting and fun side characters. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this one even as an ebook instead of the audio. Nice baddie. Lots of drama and fighting. Roland is an evil SOB but it worries me how nice he's being to them. We'll see what happens in book 9. I'll give this 4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Good

Challenge(s):

-  Library Love #12