Book Review: Hounded by Kevin Hearne

Author: Kevin Hearne

Title: Hounded

Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles #1

Genre: Fantasy, UF, Paranormal

Format: ebook

Pages: 303

Published: May 3, 2011

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old—when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power—plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish—to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

Review:

This was picked for book club but I have been curious about this for a while. I never picked it up for whatever reason. 

Here we have Atticus and his Irish wolfhound sidekick. Atticus has been living peacefully in Arizona and running his bookshop. He may look like a 21 year old tattooed Irish fella, but he's actually 21 centuries old and a Druid. He's been hounded by a very angry Celtic god that wants Atticus' sword for centuries. The god is tired and ready to end it and take what he wants. The only way Atticus can win is using all his power and use the help of his dog, a goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf lawyers, a bartended possessed by a Hindu witchy, and some luck. 

The first 1/3 of the book had me yawning and ready to be done. Not sure why, but I really struggled to get through it. However, it did get better for me and I enjoyed the rest of the story!

Atticus is sort of a dick and bleh. I get he is supposed to be acting like a 21 year old, but grow up man. 

The battle was a little easy but it was fun. 

The ending was nice but a little creepy that he got his dog a harem essentially. Ew. 

I loved the bartender! 

But I did have fun with all the different lore mixing. Different gods and stories and cultures. It was a lovely blend. I am curious about checking out book 2. Hopefully it'll make me fall in love. Some of these UFs take a couple of books from my experience. 

All-in-all, I did like this. Some issues but I am willing to check out book 2. Some fun bits and a very cool world that this author crafted. In the end, I think I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Cool

Audiobook Review: Bayou Sweetheart by Lexi Blake

Author: Lexi Blake

Narrator: Jessica Almasy

Title: Bayou Sweetheart

Series: Butterfly Bayou #5

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: July 26, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

After leaving the military, Major Blanchard moved to Papillon, Louisiana, to be with his aging father, where he's taken a deputy position with the sheriff’s department. Now that he’s settling into life on the bayou, he’s trying out the dating scene. Every single woman in town seems to be pining after the handsome newcomer. But so far, nothing’s worked out, and he’s had some spectacularly bad dates. Major’s getting ready to give up on love when a new lady roars into town to film a movie and turns his world upside down.

Actress Brynn Pearson is trying to make a successful transition from child star to leading lady. Now that she’s landed her first lead in a major film, nothing can stop her. She's committed to focusing solely on her work, so romance is the last thing she needs—too bad she can’t get her mind off the dreamy deputy she keeps running into. He’s gorgeous, and something about him makes her feel safe. As Brynn’s feelings for Major deepen, she starts to wonder if maybe there’s more to life than her career.

When a family crisis throws Major’s life into a tailspin, he turns to Brynn for support, and hopes their budding relationship will shine brighter than Hollywood lights.

Review:

Yayyy! Back to Papillon! I love this town. I love these people. 

Here we have the sheriff and the actress. They find love but is it really meant to be? Major (yes that is his first name) returned home to take care of his aging father and he accepted the deputy position. He's dabbled in the dating scene but no one seems to stick. He's about to give up on love when Brynn comes to town in her first lead in a major film. She is trying to transition from a child star to a leading lady. Romance is the last thing she wants but she can't get her mind off of Major after she saves him. 

Major and Brynn are sooo sooo sweet. I loved, loved, LOVED their meet-cute. Adoraaaablllleeee.

But yesss, they both love their families so much. This made me so sad especially with Major's papa. Dementia/Alzheimer's is tragic. I felt so bad for Brynn especially when we learn the backstory of why/how she was put into the limelight as a kid. Like I get it, but man.....being a kid in that industry isn't great. 

Loved seeing old couples make appearances but I do think this would do okay as a standalone. You won't know the backstory but it does fine. The author gives you enough. 

There is a big fight between Brynn and Major but it made sense and it was resolved easily enough. I do wish we would've seen a touch more of their rekindling or more of the epilogue. Sure there is one more book so we might get to see these guys and the aftermath. We shall see. 

I did the narration this time around...but tbf....reading the text is just as enjoyable. The narrator is great. Her voices are perfect for everyone. 

All-in-all, I did really enjoy this. Loved our H/h and their meet-cute. This was funny and heartwarming and made me tear up. All the feels. The narrator was good. I do wish there was a touch more at the end. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Adorable 

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #38

- Library Love #21

- Romance Reading Challenge #22 (Small town)

Wordless (kinda) Wednesday

 

Movie Review: Mamma Mia (2008)

Title: Mamma Mia

Length: 1h 48m

Released: 2008

Genre:  Comedy, Musical, Romance
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Max

SUMMARY:

Donna, an independent hotelier, is preparing for her daughter's wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile Sophie, the spirited bride, has a plan. She invites three men from her mother's past in hope of meeting her real father.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I have not seen this movie since 2008 when it first came out and I..............hated it. Oh boy. But I went to a Bachelorette party over the weekend and this was the movie the bride wanted to watch. SOOOOO 2nd chance? Sure. 

The majority of us have a vague idea of what this is about. But the story is about Donna and her daughter, Sophie. All Sophie's life she never knew who her father truly was. After finding her mom's diary she realizes there could be THREE men who could possibly be the dad. There is Sam who was the love of Donna's life but it ended bad. Or it could be Bill or Harry who were pretty much rebounds. The whole story is told through Abba songs.

This was a 2nd chance, in a way, for this movie. I watched this back when it was released in 2008 and I was a teen. I scoffed at it and didn't like it. I was a movie"snob" if you will. But I was obsessed with the Twilight films? Ahhhhh teenagers man. I was a little unsure of re-watching this, but I'm a sucker for musicals now...plus I do adore Abba. 

Okay....there are some weird story points here and it is all very, very, VERRRRYYYY cheesy. However......I did have fun with it. I could see myself re-watching this again if the crowd demands it. 

The music was fabulous. The dance numbers fun. The actors they have??? Mamma mia did they get a hell of a cast. 

The story had a lot of faults and the ending....talk about Hallmark-y. However, it was amusing. Unrealistic, but amusing nonetheless. 

OH! A scene worth mentioning that actually did tug at my heart strings was the one with Sam and Donna. That song always gets me, but Donna singing it to Sam? Uuuuuuuuuggggggghhhhh, please pass the tissue! It got me. Lovely. 

I am curious about the sequel, but I know what kind of happens there and so I'm unsure if I will. Maybe if the crowd demands it then sure I will. 

All-in-all, for all of the weird plot points, unrealistic moments, and cheesy-ness.....this is an experience. The music is wonderful (it's Abba dammit) and the cast is great. Is it the best film ever? Nah. But it is amusing. 3 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Lively

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Saving Anne de Bourgh by Jann Rowland

By: Jann Rowland

Narrated by: Harry Frost

Length: 14 hrs and 23 mins

Release date: 08-06-24 by Tantor Media

Pride and prejudice variation/to review

I can´t say no to a Pride and Prejudice variation. I like them in all forms because there is always something different there.

In this one Lizzy gets a bad feeling and manages to rescue Anne de Bourgh from the claws of Mr Wickham. He was a creep as always, and even more so this time. He will get what he deserves.

I liked Anne in this one. She shows some spirit at last. Her mother is tiresome, but dunno how but even Lady Catherine grew on me.

Darcy gets his head around, Bingley is nice as always. Fitzwilliam did not get a lot of room, but hey no everyone can find love. And Miss Bingley was horrible as always.

After some Wickham drama, the stage is set for romance. And everyone lived happily efter after.

I liked how this one turn out. Mary was nicer here. Lydia and Kitty will learn a thing or two. Even Mrs Bennet got calmer.

They are always a joy to listen to. I liked the narrator. I am unsure if I have listened to him before, but he did a good job with male and female voices. He set the mood

Mr. Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth Bennet ends in acrimony, but when Elizabeth returns to Longbourn, it is with a changed perspective forced on her by Mr. Darcy’s letter. At Longbourn, Elizabeth cannot but acknowledge that the gentleman’s charges have some merit given the behavior of certain members of her family.

On the heels of her return, however, Elizabeth makes a shocking discovery, for one day, while visiting Meryton with her sisters, she comes across none other than Anne de Bourgh, daughter of the imposing Lady Catherine. Further investigation reveals the truth that Miss de Bourgh is there traveling with the very Mr. Wickham against whom Mr. Darcy had warned her.

Knowing she must do something, Elizabeth persuades Miss de Bourgh of the folly of eloping with the libertine, after which she must navigate the danger Mr. Wickham presents. For the man who has defrauded so many, who attempted to elope with Miss Darcy will not abandon his schemes without a fight.

Into this maelstrom comes Lady Catherine, pursuing her daughter to prevent her from making a huge mistake, and Mr. Darcy, summoned by his aunt to assist. The truth of the matter when revealed provides a much-needed measure of hope to Darcy, for with Elizabeth’s actions to assist his cousin, she may not be so lost to him as he once thought.

2-in-1 Audiobook Review: A Questionable Client & Magic Tests by Ilona Andrews

Author: Ilona Andrews

Narrator: Renee Raudman

Title: A Questionable Client

Series: Kate Daniels #0.5

Genre: UF, Paranormal, Novella, Short Story

Format: Audiobook

Published: April 1, 2013

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

In a world beset by magic waves, Kate Daniels works as a mercenary. She is tired, hungry, and there is foul-smelling blood on her boots. All she wants to do is to go home, but when Mercenary Guild offers her a job she can't refuse, she finds herself protecting a man against Russian wizards.

In this ‘intro’ to the Kate Daniels world, we meet the extremely ‘shifty’ Saiman for the very first time, when Kate takes on the task of serving as his bodyguard to protect him from some very determined—and dangerous—Russian wizards.

Review:

I'm not ready to say goodbye! I plan on reading all the shorts. I love Kate and her people. 

Here...we go back to the beginning. We get to see Kate living her "simple" life in the Mercenary Guild. She wants to go home but there is a job they need her for. It's a lot of money so she won't say no. However, who she is protecting is a pain and now she has to protect him against Russian wizards. 

Awwwww Saiman! I loved getting to see him again. I loved seeing Kate and Saiman meet! 

Young Kate! This was fun. The Russian wizards are scary. 

So much fun. Kate is a badass and Saiman is shifty.

5 stars for this one. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Fun

Author: Ilona Andrews

Narrator: Hillary Huber

Title: Magic Tests

Series: Kate Daniels #5.9

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

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 4, 2012

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

A short story in the Kate Daniels universe. Kate recruits her teenage ward, Julie, to search out a missing student whose location spell has her hidden somewhere on campus…

Review:

Another oneeee!

This one focuses on Julie. Kate recruit's her ward, Julie, to search out a missing student whose location spell says she is somewhere on campus. 

Awwww loved getting to see Julie be the hero...be the star. Julie is a good egg and she is adorable. 

I honestly really love her powers. I hope to read more with her. 

She is smart. Quick. Clever. And sasssy. Kate would've been proud. 

The solution was a touch too easy though, but still fun. 

4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Nice

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #36 & 37

Re-Listen: Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop

Author: Anne Bishop
Narrator: Alexandra Harris
Title: Etched in Bone
Series: The Others #5
Genre: Paranormal, UF, Fantasy, & romance

Format: Audiobook
Published:  March 7th 2017

Where I got it: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

After a human uprising was brutally put down by the Elders—a primitive and lethal form of the Others—the few cities left under human control are far-flung. And the people within them now know to fear the no-man’s-land beyond their borders—and the darkness…

As some communities struggle to rebuild, Lakeside Courtyard has emerged relatively unscathed, though Simon Wolfgard, its wolf shifter leader, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn must work with the human pack to maintain the fragile peace. But all their efforts are threatened when Lieutenant Montgomery’s shady brother arrives, looking for a free ride and easy pickings.

With the humans on guard against one of their own, tensions rise, drawing the attention of the Elders, who are curious about the effect such an insignificant predator can have on a pack. But Meg knows the dangers, for she has seen in the cards how it will all end—with her standing beside a grave.

Review:

2nd read through! I was going through the series last year but I got sidetracked. Whoopsies. Now I'm back!!!

The Elders brutally ended the human uprising and now there are few cities left under human control. As some communities try to rebuild, Lakeside Courtyard has emerged relatively unscathed thanks to Simon and Meg. There is a fragile peace and the Elders are watching and learning. However, everything is threatened when Montgomery's shady brother arrives. Meg has seen a grave in her reading and who knows what is going to happen. 

Oh

my

gawd......

Humans! Please be smart. Especially after the endings of the last book. The Elders took their vengeance. If you survived you got lucky but so many people went down. If I was there I would be on my best behavior. The woods are scary and there are stronger things out there that wants to eat me if I step out of line. Fools. 

And grrrrrr Cyrus. >_> I still think it is silly how many chances they gave him. Terrible, terrible man. 

This is so, so good. I loved watching Meg get better with her cards. Loved seeing everyone again. 

This wasn't AS intense as the last book, but I feel like this was a nice handing of the torch since the next book takes place elsewhere in the world. Sad, but I do love Vicki. 

Awwww I do hope, though, that we come back to Meg and Simon. They are adorable. 

This series is amazing. This book is good. I could listen to it a million times. 

4 stars.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Great

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #35

Book Review: Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews

Author: Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Triumphs

Series: Kate Daniels #10

Genre: Fantasy, UF, Paranormal Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 335

Published: August 28, 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Kate has come a long way from her origins as a loner taking care of paranormal problems in post-Shift Atlanta. She’s made friends and enemies. She’s found love and started a family with Curran Lennart, the former Beast Lord. But her magic is too strong for the power players of the world to let her be.

Kate and her father, Roland, currently have an uneasy truce, but when he starts testing her defenses again, she knows that sooner or later, a confrontation is inevitable. The Witch Oracle has begun seeing visions of blood, fire, and human bones. And when a mysterious box is delivered to Kate’s doorstep, a threat of war from the ancient enemy who nearly destroyed her family, she knows their time is up.

Kate Daniels sees no other choice but to combine forces with the unlikeliest of allies. She knows betrayal is inevitable. She knows she may not survive the coming battle. But she has to try.

For her child.

For Atlanta.

For the world

Review:

Is this the last of the Kate Daniels series???? I see there are a couple of post novellas/shorts after this, some short stories I haven't read earlier in the series, and a Julie book (which oooo)! Lots to feed me enough of the world and get to see Kate again. But man everything is coming to a head here. 

Kate has even more on her plate. Atlanta is in danger, the world is threatened, her child needs her, and Curran...is up to something. She will need to team up with former enemies in order to stop this prophecy from coming true. However, not everyone will survive this. 

This baddie was B.A.D. Yes Roland was bad, Hugh was bad, and others were bad, however, this one is scary bad. Even Roland was worried about this guy. I won't spoil it but it was nice to see this baddie's form. So cool. 

I was so scared for everyone even characters I have been meh about. Heck....I worried for Roland and Hugh. How wild!!!!!!

At the end did I have some tears and had to re-read the "epilogue" about who made it and who didn't. So sad!!!

What a conclusion!! I'm curious to see if certain people will make an appearance in the post short stories or Julie's book. I am super curious to read those. I might even back track and read some of the shorts just to fill the void. 

I ended up doing the the ebook since the audio was not available but it worked out A-Ok. I still enjoyed it even though I did miss our narrator. She is just so good. 

All-in-all, I really liked this and I stayed up WAY too late reading. I had to know!!!!!!! War! Death! And a smidge of hope. Such an epic conclusion. 5 stars from me.  

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Epic

TSMT: This Blog and All the Eras

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

8/20/24: How long have you been blogging? And has your blog changed over time?

Oh my. I have been blogging for........*has to search* about 2009. I had an old blog that I scraped and started this one in 2011. From there it is history!

I did a lot more variety of posts thus why it is called Carole Rae's Random Ramblings. I reviewed music and did fun stuff like make dream casts of books WHICH I have been itching to maybe bring back. Or like writing challenges. Oooo I miss those. 

Mainly now I just review books, audiobooks, and movies. I'll do the occasional TMST post or Wordless Wednesday or share a guest post. Occasionally I'll share a little poem I've whipped up, but that happens less and less each year. Doesn't happen as much as I would like because life is busy.

The look of the blog has changed a few times. This format has stayed the same for a while though because I love the painting my friend did for me (yesss my friend did the feather image - she is so talented). I now use that image for my discord page so it all ties in together in a way so I don't see myself changing this image or look anytime in the foreseeable future. 

All-in-all even with all the eras of this blog, I still love my little space on the internet. Of course, I want it to be successful, but at the end of the day I mainly blog for me so I post what makes me happy. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Daughters of Olympus by Hannah Lynn

By: Hannah Lynn

Narrated by: Zura Johnson

Length: 14 hrs and 36 mins

Release date: 07-09-24 by Tantor Media Inc

Historical fiction / to review

This book is about Demeter and Persephone, but mostly about Demeter. There are also some trigger warnings, because those dang gods were rapey aholes.

Demeter and her siblings are saved. Everything is good, everyone are happy. They are gods. They rule the world. But those who know mythology know that things do not always stay the same. Demeter has twins, and she becomes very protective of Persephone and centuries go by.

Demeter here is rather timid, and scared. She has not become an angry earth goddess yet. She finds love, she looses love. There are more kids, footnotes in her immortal life. She is so sad and scarred by her past.

Persephone has her own story first that her mother knows nothing about, here I honestly do not know if this is a real part of the myth or not. But yeah Hades, underworld, and Kore as she was called first finding her own self worth. Also Hades was the biggest puppy there is, omg, no one say one bad word about this man. He was adorable.

A good book that kept me entertained.

Great narration. All the different voices, moods and settings. Pure emotion

A daughter pulled between two worlds and a mother willing destroy both to protect her... Gods and men wage their petty wars, but it is the women of spring who will have the last word...

Demeter did not always live in fear. Once, the goddess of spring loved the world and the humans who inhabited it. After a devastating assault, though, she becomes a shell of herself. Her only solace is her daughter, Persephone.

A balm to her mother's pain, Persephone grows among wildflowers, never leaving the sanctuary Demeter built for them. But she aches to explore the mortal world--to gain her own experiences. Naïve but determined, she secretly builds a life of her own under her mother's watchful gaze. But as she does so, she catches the eye of Hades, and is kidnapped...

Forced into a role she never wanted, Persephone learns that power suits her. In the land of the living, though, Demeter is willing to destroy the humans she once held dear--anything to protect her family. A mother who has lost everything and a daughter with more to gain than she ever realized, their story will irrevocably shape the world.

Audiobook Review: A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Carolyn Morris

Title: A Week to be Wicked

Series: Spindle Cove #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 27, 2012

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

When a devilish lord and a bluestocking set off on the road to ruin... time is not on their side.

Minerva Highwood, one of Spindle Cove's confirmed spinsters, needs to be in Scotland.

Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, a rake of the first order, needs to be... anywhere but Spindle Cove.

These unlikely partners have one week to

• fake an elopement

• convince family and friends they're in "love"

• outrun armed robbers

• survive their worst nightmares

• travel four hundred miles without killing each other

All while sharing a very small carriage by day and an even smaller bed by night.

What they don't have time for is their growing attraction. Much less wild passion. And heaven forbid they spend precious hours baring their hearts and souls.

Suddenly one week seems like exactly enough time to find a world of trouble. And maybe... just maybe... love.

Review:

Yayy book 2. I've been curious to see how these two COMPLETELY different people would find each other!

Here we have Minerva and Colin. Minerva is a spinster and she needs to be in Scotland ASAP. Who can help her? Only Colin who is a rake of the first order. Maybe her reputation can finally be ruined and she can focus on her science and rocks. She convinces him to go along with her plan. She only needs a week of his time. Fake a runaway elopement...convince her family and friends they are in love....outrun armed robbers....survive....and travel 400 miles without killing each other. Easy peasy. 

This was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed watching these two be forced to become allies to get Min to Scotland for a science thing to show off her discovery. Unlikely allies, to friends, to lovers. How fun. 

My biggest gripe was that I wanted to see them pretend to be in love in Spindle Cove before they took off. I wanted to see people's shock. Everyone knows they hate each other so I wanted to see them try and convince everyone else. It would've been comedic gold. Alas, we only see them act for strangers. 

This book was pretty light and funny, but there was a darker element here. Colin had a really bad traumatic incident when he was a lad and it can make the toughest sonagun want to cry. How scary. How traumatic. Colin needs a therapist. But I loved that there was more to Colin.

I am glad it took a while for them to realize that they love each other. There is lust...yes, obviously, but it took forever and a day for them to fall in love. Which felt right. 

The ending was abrupt. I wanted to see them interact with people in Spindle Cove. I wanted to see the shock! 

The narrator was pure perfection for this tale. The voices were great. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. I would've liked more time in Spindle Cove seeing them have to pretend to be in love and then actually arrive IN love. Dang. Missed opportunity there I think. Maybe we'll see some of it in the next book. Besides that, I really liked this book. It was very fun. 3 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Fun

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #34

- Library Love #20

- Romance Reading Challenge #21 (Fake relationship)

Movie Review: The Case of Mystery Lane (2023)

Title: The Case of Mystery Lane

Length: 1h 24m

Released: 2023

Genre:  Comedy, Mystery, Romance
Rating: TV-PG
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

Follows Alden and Birdie Case, as they find a new way to keep the mystery alive. Alden takes classes in hopes of becoming a private investigator, and Birdie may hold the keys to solve one of his mysteries.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I was scrolling and scrolling and scrolling. I wanted to watch SOMETHING but I wasn't sure. This popped up and it fit. Romance....comedy...murrrrrder!

Alden and Birdie have reached a bad point in their marriage. Things seem to be falling apart. However, they found a way to keep the mystery alive by...solving a mystery. Alden has been taking classes in hope to becoming a PI and he is ready to get his feet wet when something happens to Birdie's co-worker. 

This was entertaining. A few chuckles and a mystery I couldn't pin down. I knew there was something we weren't seeing, but when the reveal happened....it all made sense. 

This was SO Hallmark and SO cheesy but always enjoyable cheesy. 

Loved the comedy BUT there were some parts I thought....didn't make sense. Like how cavalier Birdie took her co-worker's death. Yes she had like 2 seconds of sadness. But then it was like it didn't matter anymore? Same with the boss (aka Birdie's mom). The boss was all, "Well he's dead so there is a spot open...Birdie you need to go for it!" The dude has been dead for like 2 seconds guys. Corporate America? IDK it felt all weird and poorly written. 

But yes. This was fun and some cheese sprinkled about. I'm curious if they'll do more of these. It could be fun to watch a series. 

3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Cheesy

Book Review: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Author: Jane Austen

Title: Pride and Prejudice

Genre: Classic, Romance

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 400

Published: January 28, 1813

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Pride and Prejudice has charmed generations of readers for more than two centuries. Jane Austen's much-adapted novel is famed for its witty, spirited heroine, sensational romances, and deft remarks on the triumphs and pitfalls of social convention. Author Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an English novelist whose works of social realism achieved unprecedented critical and popular success, though Austen herself remained an anonymous writer throughout her life.

Review:

I was given the honors of volunteering at the Whaley House. I was allowed to dress up and sit in the library. I bought this bad boy to take with me. I needed a new copy since my old version was literally being held by tape. Perfect chance to buy a new and pretty copy! This picture doesn't do any justice. 

We all know the story of pride and prejudice. 

This is for sure a classic and timeless. I love the story so much. This is my 2nd favorite of Jane Austen but I could read this over and over. 

100% recommendation from me. 

5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Timeless

Book Review: How to Kiss a Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy

Author: Joanne Kennedy

Title: How to Kiss a Cowboy

Series: Cowboys of Decker Ranch #2

Genre: Western Romance, Contemporary

Format: Paperback

Pages: 539

Published: February 3, 2015

Where I Got It: My shelf (Used book store)

Summary: 

Between rodeo wins and endorsement deals, Saddle Bronc Champion Brady Caine is living a charmed life. But when he causes an accident that could end a promising barrel racer’s career, he decides that he’s done with loose women and wild rides. All he wants to do is erase his mistake by getting Suze Carlyle back in the saddle.

The last person barrel racer Suze wants to see on her doorstep is the man who ended her rodeo career, but she can’t help admire Brady’s persistence. Sparks fly between them, but when her barn is sabotaged she wonders if he’s really the straight shooter he seems to be…

Review:

I had some issues with book 1 but I was still curious about book 2. I like this family and wanted to see Brady fall in love. 

Here we have Brady and Suze. Both are rodeo populars. After an accident that possibly could end Suze's career, Brady decides that he is done with loos women and wild rides. All he wants to do is help Suze get back in the saddle. Suze doesn't ever want to see Brady again, but there he is.

This had a rocky start for me but I soon could not stop reading. We get to see them hook up and it....lasted forever. I was ready for it to end. After the never-ending scene, things got entertaining. 

Loved Suze but oh.my.goodness was she a stubborn piece of work. I totally understand it once you learn about her parents you get it. Oof. 

Awwwww loved Brady too but I felt so bad for him. He tried so hard but he didn't make some good decisions. Yes, rocky start to their relationship but you can see that they are SO made for each other. It took a lot of work and a lot of talking and some external help. 

This was a complicated relationship but it was worth it. I loved watching them fall from lust, to enemies, to friends, to lovers. This was a book I couldn't put down. 

In the end, the beginning was rough but after a few pages I was able to fully connect and I didn't want to stop reading. I loved this couple even with all their millions of flaws. I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Intense