Audiobook Review: Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday

Author: Jenny Holiday

Narrator: Joshua Jackson & Emily Ellet

Title: Canadian Boyfriend

Genre: Sports romance, Contemporary, fiction

Format: Audiobook

Published: January 30, 2024

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

A charming and heartfelt romance about a woman who comes face to face with the fake Canadian boyfriend she made up as a teenager.

The fake Canadian boyfriend. It's a thing. The get out of jail free card for all kinds of sticky social situations. “I can't go to prom; I'm going to be out of town visiting my boyfriend in Canada.” It's all over pop culture. But Aurora Evans did it first. Once upon a time she met a teenage hockey player at the Mall of America. He was from Canada. He was a boy. She may have fudged the “friend” part a little, but it wasn't like she was ever going to see him again. It wasn't like she hurt anyone. Until she did—years later—on both counts.

  

When pro hockey player and recent widower Mike Martin walks into the dance studio where Aurora Evans teaches, he's feeling overwhelmed with the fact that his wife may not have been exactly who he thought she was and the logistics of going back to work. As one of the few people his angry, heartbroken daughter connects with, Aurora agrees to be a pseudo nanny to help him navigate the upcoming school year and hockey season. To his surprise, she turns out to be the perfect balm for him as well. Aurora gets him. The real him underneath his pro jersey. And yet, he still finds himself holding back, unable to fully trust again—especially when he finds out the secret Aurora’s been hiding from him.

Review:

Picked this for book club because why not? We needed a little bit of fluff, plus this matches up with a couple of my reading challenges. Win-win-win. 

Here we follow Aurora (aka Rory) and Mike. The two met years and years ago...briefly...at a mall. From there it was history. Rory found herself a fake Canadian boyfriend so she wouldn't look like a loser at her school. Time went on and she slowly moved on. However, things changed when they met again. Mike is a star hockey player who thought he had it all until his wife died in a car accident and now he is a single dad who is picking up the reigns his wife left behind. Which includes getting their child to dance class. Enter in the teacher....Aurora Evans. He's overwhelmed and she's great with kids. Maybe she can be a nanny while the season goes? However, will they be able to fully trust each other? They both have secrets and guilt. 

I did really like this one. There is a lot of mental health talk in here (so be prepared) but it was fitting. Rory was a ballet dancer with a Godzilla of a Ballet-mom. Poor thing did develop an eating disorder and anxiety issues. Poor thing. 

Mike, of course, is dealing with his wife who passed and he uncovered that his wife was not FULLY telling the truth. There is guilt and anger and sadness. Plus, dealing with a sad daughter? Oof. 

They both have a lot on their plate, but it was nice seeing them become friends first. They def are super supportive of each other and I loved it!

However there was ONE thing that bothered me. When Rory's whole "fake boyfriend' thing came out (yes not a spoiler...you know it will) he.....acted like shit. I won't spoil anything but I was SO annoyed at him. Yes, how and when she revealed her big ol' secret wasn't great. However........it's not that big of a deal. Yes, he felt like she betrayed his trust by not telling him the truth right away. But like dude....chill.

Besides that whole exchange, I really liked this book. Great characters. Lots of internal things for them to fix. I loved Rory at the end. So proud of her. This was very sweet. 

The narrators were great. It was a duo set so it was fun to hear them sound like they were actually conversing. He would read Mike's dialogue and she would read Rory's. It was nice. I wonder why duo narrators don't do that more?

All-in-all, this was a nice sports romance dealing with mental health issues. I think Mike was overdramatic at the end, but it was resolved and they made up. The narrators were great and I def recommend listening to this. 

I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Nice

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #21

- Romance Reading Challenge #13 (Sports romance) 

Blodeuedd Reviews: Only and Forever by Chloe Liese

By: Chloe Liese

Narrated by: Nelson Hobbs, CJ Bloom

Series: Bergman Brothers, Book 7

Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins

Release date: 04-02-24

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance /to review

This book had two narrators and they worked well together. They had their chapters and it flowed well. I think both were pretty new to me, but it was a good experience. I do have to mention though that the Swedish prononciation was lacking. When they mentioned a certain cake they said Poo cake. LOL

Then over to the book. I had issues, I got bored at times, and I felt zero chemistry between the couple. I should have loved that Viggo adored romance books over anything else, but I just did not feel it at all. And then he adopted a ton of animals and I was all, wow, slow down man.

And Tallulah was not nice at all.. I felt like there was more than her just not knowing what a relationship was. Then write it like that.

I did listen to the whole of it, but the feels were lacking for me. I want to feel their romance, but alas. So I will sadly end this with an ok.

It’s a room-mance for the books in this tender, steamy story about unexpectedly finding love and being brave enough to let it revise life’s narrative in the final book in the beloved Bergman Brothers series.

Viggo Bergman, hopeless romantic, is thoroughly weary of waiting for his happily ever after. But between opening a romance bookstore, running a romance book club, coaching kids' soccer, and adopting a household of pets—just maybe, he’s overcommitted himself?—Viggo’s chaotic life has made finding his forever love seem downright improbable.

Enter Tallulah Clarke, chilly cynic with a massive case of writer’s block. Tallulah needs help with her thriller’s romantic subplot. Viggo needs another pair of hands to keep his store afloat. So they agree to swap skills and cohabitate for convenience—his romance expertise to revive her book, her organizational prowess to salvage his store. They hardly get along, and they couldn’t be more different, but who says roommate-coworkers need to be friends?

As they share a home and life, Tallulah and Viggo discover a connection that challenges everything they believe about love, and reveals the plot twist they never saw happily ever after is here already, right under their roof.

Book Review: Black Hat White Witch by Hailey Edwards

Author: Hailey Edwards

Title: Black Hat White Witch

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 224

Published: June 28, 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Remember that old line about how the only way out of the organization is in a pine box?

Well, Rue Hollis spent ten years thinking she had escaped the Black Hat Bureau, no coffin required.

Then her former partner had to go and shatter the illusion by showing up on her doorstep with grim tidings. As much as Rue wants to kick him to the curb, she agrees to hear him out for old times’ sake, and what he says chills her to the bone.

The Silver Stag was the most notorious paranormal serial killer in modern history, and Rue brought him down. Now a copycat has picked up where the Stag left off, and the Bureau wants her on the case. She beat the Stag once. They think she can do it again. But they don’t know she’s given up black magic, and she’s not about to tell them. White witches are prey, and Rue is the hunter, not the hunted. Always.

But can she take down the protégé of the man who almost beat her at her black witch best?

If she wants to keep her new town, her new home, her new life, then she has no choice but to find out.

Review:

I've had my eye on this one for a minute. I seen that it went free on Amazon so why not!

Here we follow Rue who thought she left the Bureau and is now free. However, when her former partner shows up with grim tidings. The Silver Stag was the most notorious paranormal serial killer and Rue had brought him down. Now there is a copycat picking things back up. The Bureau will do anything to have Rue work on this case. Little do they know...she gave up Black Magic so this will prove harder than before. 

Oh Rue. I feel for her. I'm glad she did what she had to do to save her soul and sanity. Leaving Black Magic and the Bureau behind was a good call, but dang was that risky. 

She now lives in a small town and I love this town. The folk are so dang sweet to her. Hopefully she can keep cover here. 

Loved Colby. Loved Clay. 

Asa....I'm getting there. Maybe eventually. But the courtship is very quiet and cute. Good job Asa. Rue would run for the hills if you pursue her too hard. I am curious to learn more about this guy.

This was refreshing. Yes, the character is a badass UF chick, BUT she has some major, major flaws. She isn't unstoppable especially since she cashed in her Black Magic card. Loved it

The mystery was good. I wonder if the Silver Stag will be a shadow hunting the rest of the series. Curious to see what happens next.

Now, I will say some bits felt very...drawn out. Some info-dumping, so the narrative slowed down a bit. Nothing crazy and easily disgustable.  

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this. I figured I would but I liked it way more than expected. Can't wait for book 2. 4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Refreshing

Challenge(s):

- Cloak and Dagger - #10

Best of April

May!! 

Here are our bests of last month!

Best Book of the Month:

Blodeuedd -  Birdbox by Josh Malerman

"Best book was hard because I read several great ones, but Birdbox made me scared so it wins."

Carole - Southern Bred and Dead by Angie Fox                

"This was fabulous. One of my faves of the series methinks!"

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole - Godzilla x Kong - The New Empire (2024)

"Shocked by how much I actually liked this!"

Blodeuedd - Sing 2 (2021)

"I never watch any movies so I guess Sing 2 is the winner cos it is the only one I remember."

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Monk

"We have been binging on Monk all of April"

Carole - FallOut (2024)

"Sooo stinkin' good."

Best Cover of the Month:

Blodeuedd's pick

Carole's pick

Book Review: The Unofficial Harry Potter Spellbooks

Author: Kaytie Norman

Title: The Unofficial Harry Potter Spellbook

Genre: Fantasy

Format: hardcover

Pages: 143

Published: January 1, 2019

Where I Got It: My shelf (bday gift)

Summary: 

A complete guide to the spells, charms, and hexes used throughout the Harry Potter Universe. Includes information about wands and other enchanted objects as well.

Review:

I was looking through my unread physical books and nothing was catching my eye. I spotted this little number and decided I needed an easy book to read. 

This is a guide to spells, charms, and hexes used throughout the HP Universe. It also includes information about enchanted objects as well like wands. 

This was quick and easy, but entertaining. I loved reading more of the lore behind some of the magic elements of the HP world. 

I especially loved the bits about the wands!

There are little ancedotes throughout the book about where a certain spell was used or the history behind it's creation. It was interesting and a nice chang of pace for me. I have been feeling a little...meh? This was a nice fresh read. 

Def an informational, but interesting especially if you love the HP world. I do wish we had more in the guide like digging into the different (known) patronous shapes and maybe some characters? Sure it would've made it longer, but I feel like we could've used more. 

4 stars for me though. It was nice

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Interesting

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Triangle at Rhodes by Agatha Christie

A Hercule Poirot Short Story

By: Agatha Christie

Narrated by: Hugh Fraser

Series: Hercule Poirot Mysteries

Length: 49 mins

Release date: 10-14-21

Historical mystery/storytel.fi

I do prefer Marple, but always when I look for short stories Christie is the only thing that shows up, and I liked the cover for this Poirot one, oh well.

It was short. Well narrated. A voice a bit too soothing though, not so good when you are sleepy.

I wish my audio subscription site had an easier way too look for short stories, or had more! I always come back to these

This electric short story begins in October on the island of Rhodes, a veritable paradise of privacy, beauty and calm, or so Hercule Poirot has imagined.

The reality is quite startlingly different. The idyll is disturbed by the arrival of famed Chanel beauty Valentine Chantry, and a ripple of malice is felt across the island. Captivated by her wiles and immaculate good looks, one young married man falters, closely watched by Valentine’s brooding husband and the watchful eye of Poirot.

Amidst the heady pink gins and close quarters, Poirot senses that someone has murder in their heart, and he guesses right....

Audiobook Review: Longbourn -Dragon Entail by Maria Grace

Author: Maria Grace

Narrator: Benjamin Fife

Title: Longbourn -Dragon Entail

Series: Jane Austen's Dragons #2

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Romance, Retellings

Format: Audiobook

Published: April 21, 2017

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Darcy thought his problems were over when Pemberley hatched and successfully imprinted on humans. But baby dragons prove far more difficult than any dragon lore prepared him for. Only Elizabeth Bennet's notes offer him any help. When his imperious Aunt Catherine takes matters into her own hands, things take a turn for the worse and Pemberley’s life hangs in the balance. He desperately needs more of Elizabeth’s help, but she ignores all of his requests.

Elizabeth, though, has problems of her own. After the Bennet family dragon sent Pemberley away, life at Longbourn was supposed to return to normal and Elizabeth get on with the all-important business of marrying the heir to her father’s estate. Except that he is the last man in the world whom she could ever be prevailed on to marry—a bumbling, addle-pated dragon-hater who demands she gives up the dragons she lives for.

Can she, with the help of her dragon friends, find her way back to Pemberley before they both suffer their fate from the Dragon Entail?

Review:

Okieee I had to read book 2 right away. The last book left me needing more. I needed to see what was going to happen to our lovely cast. 

Darcy and Elizabeth thought everything was done and over with. Back to normal life. Darcy has his baby dragon and Elizabeth is going to (eventually) marry Mr Collins. However, life is never simple especially with dragons. 

I really enjoyed this one. I liked it more than book 1. I felt like I understood more about this world. Yes, we are still learning, but I felt like I had a grasp and there wasn't info-dumping here. Yayy!

Things between Darcy and Elizabeth FINALLY move forward. We get to see them go from enemies, to friends, and maybe JUST maybe more? Feelings, especially when the truth is all laid out, are blossoming. Yayy!

Mr Collins needs to be shipped away to some remote island where he can live alone. UGH. Unbearable man. Honestly...this version is top 5 of the worst Collins. 

Lady Catherine and Anne are unbearable too. Normally I pity Anne, but this version she is a little snot. Send these two with Collins so they can live together. 

I'm so glad to see Mary getting some love in this version. She is normally ignored and a super background character, but we get to see her more. Love that for her!!! I feel bad at a certain point at the end......but if she's happy......let it be. 

Now, I did switch up to the audiobook because I had an extra credit and I had no idea what to get and this popped up as a recommended so why not. The narrator was fine. The dragon voices grated on my nerves at first, BUT I did get used to them. Yes, I get why they had to use voice effects essentially but still.....it took a minute to warm up to them. Especially the higher up voices like April. *eye twitch*

THAT ENDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG OMG. Now I need to read book 3. Hahahaha. Damn these cliffhangers. 

All-in-all I did enjoy this one much more than book 1. However, I was 50/50 on the narration. I liked the people voices, but it took some time to get used to the dragon voices. I might switch back to the ebook/physical book. We'll see. 

I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Better

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #20

Book Review: It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Author: Julia Quinn

Title: It's In His Kiss

Series: Bridgertons #7

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: paperback

Pages: 431

Published: June 28, 2005

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

Summary: 

IF IT'S IN HIS HEART... IT'S IN HIS KISS

MEET OUR HERO...

Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past... and the key to his future. The problem is—it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.

MEET OUR HEROINE...

All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there's something about her—something charming and vexing—that grabs him and won't quite let go...

MEET POOR MR. MOZART...

Or don't. But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual—and annually discordant—Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other... and that there is nothing as simple—or as complicated—as a single, perfect kiss.

Review:

*sips tea* S3 of Bridgerton is around the corner so I am for sure in a Bridgerton mood. I wanted to save this one and the last one for a rainy day when I have a bad itch for the show. But alas....I couldn't stop myself. 

Here we follow Hyacinth who is the youngest of the Bridgertons and Gareth. Hyacinth is in her 2nd season and she is already over it. She is a younger version of Lady Danbury....outspoken and extremely smart. Enter in Gareth. Gareth has a diary from his grandmother and he wants to read it to try to find the truth about a family secret, but sadly....it's in Italian and he doesn't speak a lick of Italian. Low and behold, Hyacinth knows enough Italian to give it a go. What they will uncover could change everything. Oh and they might uncover what is in the diary as well that could change Gareth's life. 

Awwwww I liked Gareth and I loved how Hyacinth grew up to be a mini version of Lady Danbury. It's adorable. She was a kid for the majority of the other books (as she is the baby of the family) so it was fun to watch her muddling her way through her second season. It's adorable. 

Gareth was a sweetie and I felt so bad for him. His father is an ass who needs to be kicked in the teeth. 

I am a little bummed we really didn't get to see much of the Bridgertons here. I would've liked a wedding scene or something. We get to see Violet and a splash of Anthony. I think Daphne swung by? I honestly don't recall. If she was there it was so miniscule that I didn't really keep it retained in my head. Gregory also made a quick appearance to be an annoying brother. But the interactions were VERY slim. Hyacinth spent most of the book at Lady Danbury's or with Gareth. Or alone with the diary in her room. I honestly would've appreciated a wedding scene or SOMETHING where we get to see the other siblings interact with her all grown up. Maybe harassing, lovingly, Gareth. IDK I felt like we didn't get the full Bridgerton Family feels like we have in the others. 

Besides for that, I did enjoy that. The drama was not too over-the-top. The main drama was between Gareth and his father. And yes, the love birds do have a couple fights and a slight misunderstanding, but that was resolved easily enough after everyone calmed down to talk and listen. 

But yes, this was very sweet and I ADORED the epilogues. Both were so good. I loved seeing them as parents. 

All-in-all, this was good. It was very sweet and I loved watching these two fall in love while trying to uncover a mystery. I'll give this 4 stars. I missed seeing the big Bridgerton family together for at least ONE scene. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Adorable

Blodeuedd Reviews: The Backup Bride Proposal by Jaci Burton

Narrated by: Holly Chandler

Series: Boots and Bouquets Series, Book 4

Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins

Release date: 04-23-24

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance/to review

Mae works at a vineyard with weddings. Kane is a big movie star. She does not recognize him at first and his interest is peeked. The faith throws them together as he is a filming a movie there and she has to help out.

She is not interested in longterm...but he is darn handsome. While he likes the fact that she likes who he is and not the movie star.

Sparks fly at once, but it still takes time. I have not read the previous book, but they are there in the background and it seems like their books could be good too.

Sweet, some spice and some drama before they find their HEA

Good narration. A voice that could play with all emotions and voices. It felt right at home

Bellini Weddings has agreed to allow a production company to film a movie at Red Moss Vineyards. It will be great PR for both the vineyard and the wine and wedding businesses. Mae Wallace, who works for the Bellini family, is thrilled with the possibility of new business. What she isn’t thrilled with is actor Kane August, who she finds crashing one of the weddings. He tells her it’s research for the movie, but she finds him overconfident and annoying.

Kane August is rarely surprised by anything—until he meets Mae Wallace. She’s sharp, just a bit on the snarky side, and the most refreshing woman he’s had the pleasure of meeting. She constantly challenges him, and he can’t remember having this much fun on a movie set. He takes every opportunity to spend time with her, peeling back layers until he gets to the heart of who this amazing person really is. And, unexpectedly, he realizes that he’s letting her in, too, something he hasn’t done with anyone before. However, they live very different lives and he’ll need to be careful around Mae, because she’s someone he could see a future with. But can she see the same thing?

When Kane takes her to his family’s ranch in Texas, Mae discovers a whole new side to him, learning about the heart and soul of a kind and gentle man. And as they grow closer, her guard goes up. Once burned, she has no intention of falling in love ever again, despite this very hot and sexy guy who’s trying his best to turn her world upside down and work his way through the steely wall she’s built. Kane is determined to show her he’s the one man she can trust with her heart. If only Mae will allow herself to fall.

Book Review: A Storm to Remember by Cyan Skye

Author: Cyan Skye

Title: A Storm to Remember

Genre: Short Story, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 35

Published: February 11, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Big, scary-looking tough guys don't name their cat Mr. Kitty. And they definitely don't spend hours in the freezing cold searching for their lost cat in the middle of the worst blizzard in memory.

When the pretty girl across the neighborhood finds an orange tabby named Mr. Kitty, the man who claims him is the last person she'd expect: James is huge and intimidating. But when he's gone, she can't stop thinking about him.

As the blizzard worsens, Ashley finds herself trapped at home with no power or heat. There's only one person who knows she’s in trouble.

Will James come to her rescue, and can the two of them warm each other's hearts in the midst of a storm?

Review:

Yayy for freebie shorts!

James and Ashley will find themselves falling in love after Ashley saves James' cat during a blizzard. They think that is that, until Ashley finds herself trapped at home with no power and no heat as the storm worsens. James comes to the rescue, only to pay her back, but they will discover maybe it is fate.

Very short and sweet and to the point. They bound during this terrible storm and it is love at pretty much right away. 

Kitty! I'm a sucker for cats and Mr. Kitty was adorable. 

This did feel a little too short. Mainly for the fact I would've liked to see more conversations between the two. So maybe a page or two longer to really feel that attraction and love. Yes, this is clean, but some more convos would've sealed the deal for me. 

All-in-all, a nice short romance for a rainy day like today. I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Fluffy

Book Review: The Neighbor by Dean Koontz

Author: Dean Koontz

Title: The Neighbor

Series: The City #0.5

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Short story, Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 33

Published: January 1, 2014

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

A prequel to The City

The year is 1967. Malcolm Pomerantz is twelve, geeky and socially awkward, while his seriously bright sister, Amalia, is spirited and beautiful. Each is the other’s best friend, united by a boundless interest in the world beyond their dysfunctional parents’ unhappy home. But even the troubled Pomerantz household will seem to be a haven compared to the house next door, after an enigmatic and very secretive new neighbor takes up residence in the darkest hours of the night.

Review:

Got a few little short stories from Amazon. Gotta love it! But I picked this one up because I have read a book by this author before and I have been interested in checking out 'The City' (book 1). So why not read the prequel? 

The year is 1967 and Malcolm is 12. He is awkward and geeky, while his sister is spirited and beautiful and talented. He swears she'll be famous someday. They are best friends and united by a boundless interest in the world outside of their dysfunctional home. However, there is something dark next door that makes them happy to be living in their home. 

This was short but filled to the brim with story. I was hooked to every single page. I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen or what was even going on. 

The ending was good. Now I'm extra excited for the first book. I believe Malcolm and his sister make appearances so that will be fun to see them in the aftermath of what they experienced. 

But yes, this was short, but good. A nice mini thriller and mystery with paranormal stuff attached. I'm so glad what happened happened to that house. A very good ending. 

Fun! Can't wait to read book 1. 

I'll give this 5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Mysterious

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian

By: Abdi Nazemian

Narrated by: Vikas Adam, Fajer Al-Kaisi, Iman Nazemzadeh

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Release date: 05-09-23

Publisher: HarperAudio

YA fiction / from storytel.fi

I liked the other one I listened to by Nazemian, so I decided to try another one. It was a good one, but I did feel at the ending that I wanted more. Like now what? What happened next? Is there hope?

This is a book about 3 generation. Bobby whose mother is trying to make him a star. He is gay in a time that that certainly is not accepted. Then we have Saaeed who has to flee Iran because he took part in demonstrations. You know when they thought they made it better and they made it even worse. He did not even know that he has a grandmother living in LA and that she is American. Then there is Moud. Who is gay in a time when it is certainly more accepted, but he is going to Iran, where is so is not accepted. He will visit his dying grandfather (whose secrets he does not know.)

I think I would have liked to see Bobby actually go to Iran. And maybe more about Saeed later on. And def what Moud does afterwards. The book ends when they are all still in Iran and I just want to know that everything works out. Nothing says it will not, but yes I could have listened to more. I was so invested in these lives.

There were 3 narrators, and yes I chose the book too partly cos one of the narrators. I just really like his voice.

Moud is an out gay teen living in Los Angeles with his distant father, Saeed. When Moud gets the news that his grandfather in Iran is dying, he accompanies his dad to Tehran, where the revelation of family secrets will force Moud into a new understanding of his history, his culture, and himself. 1978. Saeed is an engineering student with a promising future ahead of him in Tehran. But when his parents discover his involvement in the country's burgeoning revolution, they send him to safety in America, a country Saeed despises. And even worse--he's forced to live with the American grandmother he never knew existed. 1939. Bobby , the son of a calculating Hollywood stage mother, lands a coveted MGM studio contract. But the fairy-tale world of glamour he's thrust into has a dark side. Set against the backdrop of Tehran and Los Angeles, this tale of intergenerational trauma and love is an ode to the fragile bonds of family, the hidden secrets of history, and all the beautiful moments that make us who we are today.

Movie Review: Godzilla x Kong - The New Empire (2024)

Title: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Length: 1h 55 m

Released: 2024

Genre:  Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Movie theater

SUMMARY:

Two ancient titans, Godzilla and Kong, clash in an epic battle as humans unravel their intertwined origins and connection to Skull Island's mysteries.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I am such a sucker for Godzilla. Love that beasty. I've never been a huge Kong fan (there's something about monkeys and gorillas that I'm meh about). I missed the Kong movie and the last time these two shared the screen. However, I was assured that you could watch this fine without watching those two movies. 

Here we follow a group of humans trying to keep the peace between all the titans and the humans. Things start to bubble up (literally) and it's time to take action. There is something dark heading to the surface. They will have to try and get Kong and Godzilla to join forces. Yikes. 

Oh Godzilla! Love you! But we did spend more time with Kong here...and suprisingly....I wasn't mad about it. Kong actually had a storyline. He feels so alone since he thinks he's the last of his kind, but low and behold...he learns more. His knowledge quest, though, will unlock some secrets that could destroy the fragile peace. He'll need help from the humans and enemy...Godzilla. 

The people were right and you can def watch this film without the knowledge of the past movies. They give you JUST enough info to be all, "Ah. Okay. Fair enough" and keep watching on. 

Yes, we get to see Godzilla, but he isn't doing much besides kicking ass of other titans (don't worry they are baddies) and getting ready for the battle. Godzilla doesn't know what's coming, but he can feel it and he hears a call in the air warning and asking for his help. Love it, but yes, not much story there so we only get to Godzilla for a little bit until the big battle. 

WHICH I had more hope for that big battle. It seemed the baddie wasn't THAT bad on his own. He just has a secret weapon, but without that weapon. Meh. Weakling. 

This was loads of fun even the human stories! Whaaaa?! I know crazy. I actually cared about this group of humans and their part in the story! 

OOOOO! That twist melted my wee little heart. I was so excited to see a certain character!!!! Didn't see that coming!!!

TBH...I'm now curious to backtrack and watch the Kong movie and the previous Kong/Zilla films. This Kong isn't too shabby. He has personality and I was intrigued. Wow.....is this creator making me LIKE Kong? Past Carole is shocked and shook. 

All-in-all....this was fun. I enjoyed it. Beautiful CGI and I loved all facets of the story. The humans, Zilla, and Kong. I'll always be a Godzilla Gal, but I can appreciate Kong a little more. Strange when a movie can change your opinion a bit ;) 5 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Exciting