Friday, February 14

Movie Review: Downton Abbey (2019)


Title:
Downton Abbey
Length: 2h 2m
Released: 2019
Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Amazon



SUMMARY:
The Crawleys and their servants prepare to host King George V and Queen Mary at Downton Abbey.



REVIEW:
I finished the show and had to watch the movie!

The Crawleys and their servants are called to host the king and queen. What an honor! What an adventure! Nothing can ever be simple though for Downton Abbey though. 

As I mentioned above, I finished the show and I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters, this world, and the story. I'm SO glad we have two movies. I watched this one literally the moment I watched the last episode. 

One can't help but love a good drama sprinkled with some romance and comedy. I love that we get to see the rich people and the servants. I love their relationship with each other. When you see each other every day you can't help but become friends. It's a tough friendship due to rank. It's pretty much boss and employee friendships. There is a lot of lines you have to be careful of.

OoooOooo the twist was good! I seen it coming a mile away, but I don't think the writer's tried hard to hide it. But it was lovely to see it come true. 

Poor Thomas. I want him to find love. 

What else can I say? This was great. It had all the charms of the TV show but just longer. We got to see our favorite characters running amuck. 

I can't wait to watch movie 2! I promised my friend I would watch it with him. UGH!!! Patience is not my virture ;) 

All-in-all, if you liked the show, you'll like the movie. 5 stars. 






Thursday, February 13

Book Review: Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh



Author: Nalini Singh
Title: Kiss of Snow
Series: Psy-Changeling #10
Genre: PNR, Fantasy, UF
Format: ebook
Pages: 433
Published: May 31, 2011
Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 
Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would’ve been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other’s secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight . . .

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna’s darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home . . . and the alpha who is its heartbeat . . .


Review:
Slowly getting my way through this series. :D

Sienna left the PsyNet and joined the SnowDancer pack. She can't get Hawke out of her mind and he is driving her insane. Hawke is used to being alone at the top. He loves his pack, but he doesn't want anyone too close to his heart. Sienna fascinates him but she is too naive. At the same time there is a deadly enemy out to destroy SnowDancer once and for all. Sienna has a secret that could be everyone's undoing. 

Is it wrong that I did not like Hawke or Sienna? I didn't hate them, but they drove me insane. Sienna is too wild and rakeless. Hawke is too cold. They do tear down the walls they both have but it took a while and I wanted to shake them. I also wasn't a huge fan of the age difference. She is like 19/20 and he is in 30s. Maybe if she was more mature? She acted her age most of the time so I just didn't vibe at first. By the end I did warm up to them. 

Now....my feelings toward the couple didn't ruin the story fully. I did enjoy watching them change and finally give in to love. I also am loving the background story. PLUS we got to see a lot of past characters and that made me happyyyy!!!

The last big scene??!!! I couldn't go to bed! I stayed up WAY too late finishing the book. I had to know how it was all going to be resolved. 

All-in-all, I had some issues with our main two, but I seem to be in the minority. I did warm up to them by the very end. Even with my issues, I still enjoyed this overall. The background story, the side characters, the big battle at the end? So fun. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 



- Favorite Character(s): Brenna, Sascha
- Least Favorite Character(s): Sienna and Hawke 



 
Challenge(s):
- Romance Reading Challenge #6 (Non-US author)
- Library Love #4

Monday, February 10

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop


Release date: 03-08-16

Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher: Penguin Audio

A Novel of the Others, Book 4

By: Anne Bishop

Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

UF/Fantasy/own


I can´t remember how I felt the first time around, now I know there is a Bennett book, but how did I feel that so much about this one was set around the town of Bennett? Of course this is the part that guts you.

The book that breaks your heart. Every single time even though I know. I was all, maybe they will live. Maybe everyone will be ok. But everything will  not be ok, the Others are angry at stupid humans who destroy and kill and decides that maybe it is time for extinction. And I agree. Stupid humans.

Amazing narration. Amazing story. 4th time listening. Not the last time that is for sure.




Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn see the new closer companionship as beneficial - both personally and practically.But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don't realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others - and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs....

Sunday, February 9

Audiobook Review: Snake by Lilly Atlas



Author: Lilly Atlas
Narrator: Noah Michael Levine, Erin deWard
Title: Snake
Series: No Prisoners MC #5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Erotica
Format: Audiobook
Published:  October 31, 2017
Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 
Grimm Brothers MC president, Snake, battled his way to his position by any and all means necessary. He was powerful, respected, commanding; but most importantly, he was feared. Then, at the height of power, one ruthless misstep crumbled his kingdom in an instant. Beaten within inches of his life by a member of a rival MC, betrayed and left for dead by his own club, Snake has only two things left to focus on: healing and revenge.

As a physical therapist working in the trauma unit, Amanda thought she had seen it all. That is until she met a patient known to her as Nick, a broken man who had sustained the most severe beating she’d ever encountered. Surly, brooding, and angry, he should be a nightmare patient. But under the rough exterior, Amanda couldn’t help but be drawn to his determination to heal. Not to mention he was ridiculously attractive, to the point that she found herself giving him some extra attention.

Women like Amanda—kind, sweet, intelligent, independent, respectable—don’t exist in Snake’s world. When she offers him a place to live after his hospital stay, he can’t figure her out. The more time they spend together, the more torn he becomes between two realities: a gruesome MC world full of lies, betrayal, and hatred, or a life with Amanda that promises healing and peace.

As Snake helps Amanda through some troubling times, passion flares. For the first time in his life, he actually cares about a woman. It’s enough to make him question everything. But after leading a life as a dedicated outlaw, is it too late to turn around? And if not, is he willing to leave his vendetta behind?

Review:
Been delaying reading this because I hated Snake. This is the last of series, but I finally decided to use my Audible credit to finally say I did it and finished the series. 

Snake was beaten to an inch of his life and was tossed in a ditch and left for dead. He is saved and wakes up in a hospital. He worked his way to the top of the Grimm Brothers and was a nasty piece of work; he was powerful, respected, commanding, and feared. But now he is in a hospital bed and tossed to the side from the only world he ever knew. Enter in Amanda who is a physical therapist. Nick, aka Snake, seems like he would be a nightmare patient but the two work well together to get him back on his feet. For some reason, she offers him a place on her property....help her fix up some of her cabins she inherited so she can rent them out. Not only that, but Snake in turn helps Amanda through some troubling times. Passion flares and for the first time ever, he grows to care about a woman and question everything. Will he leave that world behind and stay as Nick?

In the past books, I hated Snake with every fiber of my being. He was ruthless and mean and did bad things to our boys in the other books (rival MC club and all...so sure). However, I grew to like him. He's not my favorite of the boys, but..................I respected him. He sure made a huge change and NO it didn't happen overnight. I think it will always be a battle to shake off his past. He was raised in that world and he has a lot of things he was taught from his parents and other adults. 

Amanda was a darling. Loved her to bits! I would want to be her bestie. 

There was a scene I nearly cried at. It was a lovely moment for Nick and Amanda (and another character I will not name for the sake of spoilers). I won't spoil it but it was so healing for everyone involved.

Oh Kat. I hope she can find her way and maybe find love. Maybe there will be some sort of spin-off? *researches* Not sure. I looked at a series that is a spin-off/has a crossover with this series, but I didn't see her name anywhere. Maybe she'll pop up someday. I'm sure she wants nothing to do with the MC after her experiences, but sighs. I want to see her happy. I liked her!!!! I'm a little let down in the epilogue. They mention she is working on her recovery, but I think the author did her dirty. 

Honestly, I felt the epilogue needed more. More of a conclusion especially with this being the end of the series. SURE there is some stories set in this world so MAYBE we'll see their names again and learn more, but I feel like we needed more to be done with the series. 

Now, the narrators were a blast. I believe they did the past ones too. Love a good duo that works well together. She read all the lady parts and he read the boy voices; it was beautifully done. 

In the end, I was EXTREMELY hesitant because of Snake and his past. I was pleasantly surprised that ended up liking him and (can't believe I'm going to say this) root for him. Oof! The redemption of Snake was well done and well written. Amanda is a gem to society and I love her. I'm mad at the epilogue though. We needed more info to tie up some of the loose ends. It just didn't feel complete to me, like there would be another book after this.

All-in-all, 3 stars from me. I really enjoyed this series. It ended on a good note overall.


- Favorite Character(s): Amanda! 
- Least Favorite Character(s): All of the other Grimm Brothers and that doctor! 





 Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #6
- Romance Reading Challenge #5 (Title is only One Word)

Saturday, February 8

Book Review: The Widow of Pale Harbor by Hester Fox



Author: Hester Fox
Title: The Widow of Pale Harbor
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Romance
Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
Published:  September 17, 2019
Where I got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 
Maine, 1846. Gabriel Stone is desperate to escape the ghosts that haunt him in Massachusetts after his wife's death, so he moves to Pale Harbor, Maine, where there is a vacancy for a new minister. Gideon and his late wife had always dreamed of building their own church, and Pale Harbor is the perfect opportunity.

But not all is as it seems in the sleepy town of Pale Harbor. Strange, unsettling things have been happening, and the townspeople know that only one person can be responsible: Sophronia Carver, a widow who lives with a spinster maid in the decaying Castle Carver on the edge of town. Sophronia is a recluse, rumored to be a witch who killed her husband.

When Gabriel meets her, he knows the charming, beautiful woman cannot be guilty of anything. Together, Gabriel and Sophronia realize that the mysterious events have one thing in common: they all contain an element from the wildly popular stories of Mr. Edgar Allan Poe. And when the events escalate to murder, Gabriel and Sophronia must find the real killer, before it's too late for them both.


Review:
This was given to me as a gift and I've been sitting on this for a moment, but I finally brought it out.

Gabriel is desperate to start a new life after the death of his wife. He moves to the sleepy town of Pale Harbor, but nothing is as it seems. There has been strange and unsettling things happening and the townspeople are starting to blame Sophronia Carver. She is a widow who lives with a spinster maid on the edge of town. She has become a recluse after the death of her husband, but everyone thinks she killed him and is a witch. Gabriel meets her and realizes she couldn't do what everyone is accusing her of. Will Gabriel and Sophronia discover who the real killer is before it is too late?

I really loved the intertwining of Edgar Allan Poe's works. The mysterious events all have some element from the popular stories. That was a lot of fun. A nice edition to this mystery!

Which! I had my suspects, but I wasn't sure about whodunit and why. The ending was fantastic! Lots of red herrings and lots of suspicious people. Lots of finger pointing too. Poor Sophy.

Now.....I do have a complaint (which seems silly coming from a Romance-lover), but the romance element was overdone. It seemed to dominate the story sometimes. A splash too much for my liking when reading a mystery. I figured there would be some. Two lonely widows...alone in the world...of course. However, it took over the plot sometimes and I would forget I was reading a mystery/thriller for a moment.

Other than that, I did enjoy the story. The mystery was top notch and the extra little elements was a nice touch. I would suggest this for Historical mystery lovers. Just note there is a lot of romance about. 3 stars overall from me. 


- Favorite Character(s): Sophy and Tom
- Least Favorite Character(s): Helen




 
Challenge(s):
- Cloak & Dagger #1

Friday, February 7

Movie Review: Enola Holmes 2 (2022)


Title:
Enola Holmes 2
Length: 2h 9m
Released: 2022
Genre:  Mystery, Drama, Action/Adventure
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix



SUMMARY:
Now a detective-for-hire, Enola Holmes takes on her first official case to find a missing girl as the sparks of a dangerous conspiracy ignite a mystery that requires the help of friends - and Sherlock himself - to unravel.



REVIEW:
Finally decided to turn this on. I'm so bad at watching movies. LOL

Enola is back at it! She gets her first official case to find a missing girl. This sparks a dangerous conspiracy. She will have to learn to turn to her allies for help...which includes her brother. This will take everything they have to unravel the conspiracies and mysteries. 

Honestly - I didn't know there was a book series. Eee. Whoops. I should read those someday. 

But yes, I enjoyed movie 1 and I enjoyed this one too. I'm actually really excited for movie 3 which is slated to come out in late 2025. The ending has me itching to see what is next!!

The cast is great. The mystery was fun. Now...I did guess who the big baddie was after a small clue. Yayy! I was right. But how deep it went and some of the twists? I was shocked a certain character was actually good. Oooo. No spoilers from me!

Am I a grouchy old lady?? Enola talking to the camera annoys me still. I hate when movies do this unless it has a good reason for it. WHO is she talking to??????? I get it when it is 'The Office' and it is a camera crew for a documentary....but is she talking to her imaginary friend? I don't really get it and I loath those bits. 

Other than that, I still enjoyed myself. I love Sherlock. I love mysteries. It was a blast. 

In the end, 4 stars is what I'll stamp it. 
 







Thursday, February 6

Audiobook Review: Lord Dashwood Missed Out by Tessa Dare


Author: Tessa Dare
Narrator: Eva Kaminsky
Title: Lord Dashwood Missed Out
Series: Spindle Cove #4.5
Genre: Historical Romance, Novella
Format: Audiobook
Published:  December 8, 2015
Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 
A snowstorm hath no fury like a spinster scorned!

Miss Elinora Browning grew up yearning for the handsome, intelligent lord-next-door…but he left England without a word of farewell. One night, inspired by a bit too much sherry, Nora poured out her heartbreak on paper. Lord Dashwood Missed Out was a love letter to every young lady who’d been overlooked by gentlemen—and an instant bestseller. Now she’s on her way to speak in Spindle Cove when snowy weather delays her coach. She’s forced to wait out the storm with the worst possible companion: Lord Dashwood himself.

And he finally seems to have noticed her.

George Travers, Lord Dashwood, has traveled the globe as a cartographer. He returned to England with the goal of marrying and creating an heir--only to find his reputation shredded by an audacious, vexingly attractive bluestocking and her poison pen. Lord Dashwood Missed Out, his arse. Since Nora Browning seems to believe he overlooked the passion of a lifetime, Dash challenges her to prove it.

She has one night.


Review:
Another Dare? Yes please!

Here we have Nora who had her heart broken by Lord Dashwood. She had thought they were at least friends, but he took off without even a goodbye. After a little bit too much to drink she spilled her heart out on paper. That piece became a love letter and a best seller to every young lady who’d been overlooked by gentlemen. George Travers, Lord Dashwood, has traveled the world as a cartographer. One his return to England to take his responsibilities and find a wife...realizes that his reputation was ruined by this piece of literature. On her way to Spindle Cove to do a reading, the two find themselves forced together to hide from bad weather. He challenges Nora to prove that he had missed out. 

Bad weather, hurt feelings, and a passion they can't deny any longer??? Sign me up. This was bound to be fun. 

They talked a lot and I appreciated it. There was a lot to wade through. Lots of past to untangle between these two. They were both young and dumb. I'm glad they were forced together to talk. This leads to passion. They were meant for each other but it took years and a whole cold night for them to figure it out. 

There is the classic humor, but it didn't overtake the story. Dare is so good at that! 

I was amused with the side characters running around trying to find Nora, but I did feel that we spent a little too much time with them. Yes, yes, I love them but I wanted more of Nora and George. Maybe dig more into their relationship as kids or more steamy scenes would've been fun. 

The narrator did a good job. I enjoyed her voices for both genders. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. It was fun and a classic Dare. I do wish we had a little less of the side characters and their shenanigans. Don't get me wrong....I enjoyed their bits, but I felt like it was too much. I wanted more time with Nora and George weeding through and finding their love. At the end, I will stamp this with 4 stars.  


- Favorite Character(s): Nora & George
- Least Favorite Character(s): The thugs I guess?





 Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #5
- Library Love #3

Wednesday, February 5

Book Review: Once Upon a Winter's Eve by Tessa Dare


Author: Tessa Dare
Title: Once Upon a Winter's Eve
Series: Spindle Cove #1.5
Genre: Historical Romance, Novella
Format: ebook
Published:  November 15, 2011
Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 
Some wallflowers bloom at night...

A Spindle Cove Novella

Violet Winterbottom is a quiet girl. She speaks six languages, but seldom raises her voice. She endured bitter heartbreak in perfect silence. The gentlemen aren't beating down her door.

Until the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball, when a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet's feet. His coarse attire and near-criminal good looks would put any sensible young lady on her guard. He's wet, chilled, bleeding, and speaking in an unfamiliar tongue.

Only Violet understands him. And she knows he's not what he seems.

She has one night to draw forth the secrets of this dangerously handsome rogue. Is he a smuggler? A fugitive? An enemy spy? She needs answers by sunrise, but her captive would rather seduce than confess. To learn his secrets, Violet must reveal hers—and open herself to adventure, passion, and the unthinkable... Love.

Warning: The heroine packs a pistol, the hero curses in multiple languages, and together they steam up a cold winter’s night.


Review:
This was free on Amazon so I grabbed it! Last time I read this was last year and I had borrowed it from the library. I enjoyed this one so much last time and I'm a book goblin so I wanted it for my shelf. 

Violet had a terrible heartbreak and she is licking her wounds at the Spindle Cove. She is enjoying her quiet life until a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at her feet. She is the only who speaks his language so she is recruited to get info out of him. He isn't what he seems and she will get the answers out of him one way or another. 

Weeeee love Dare! And I really have been enjoying this series. I think I only have a book or two left and I'm sad to say goodbye to the Spindle Cove!

Love Violet. She deserves all the happiness in the world. She is too sweet for her own good. 

I hope to see more of this couple, but I doubt it. I would love to see more of their love flourish. 

All-in-all, I still adored this little short. I'll keep my original rating of 5 stars. 



- Favorite Character(s): Violet
- Least Favorite Character(s): no one


 

Tuesday, February 4

Audiobook Review: Mistborn The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Author: Brandon Sanderson
Narrator: Michael Kramer
Title: Mistborn The Final Empire
Series: The Mistborn Saga #1
Genre: Fantasy, SciFi
Pages: Audiobook
Published: July 17, 2006
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library



Summary: 
What if the whole world were a dead, blasted wasteland?

Mistborn
For a thousand years the ash fell and no flowers bloomed. For a thousand years the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. For a thousand years the Lord Ruler, the "Sliver of Infinity," reigned with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. Then, when hope was so long lost that not even its memory remained, a terribly scarred, heart-broken half-Skaa rediscovered it in the depths of the Lord Ruler's most hellish prison. Kelsier "snapped" and found in himself the powers of a Mistborn. A brilliant thief and natural leader, he turned his talents to the ultimate caper, with the Lord Ruler himself as the mark.

Kelsier recruited the underworld's elite, the smartest and most trustworthy allomancers, each of whom shares one of his many powers, and all of whom relish a high-stakes challenge. Then Kelsier reveals his ultimate dream, not just the greatest heist in history, but the downfall of the divine despot.

But even with the best criminal crew ever assembled, Kel's plan looks more like the ultimate long shot, until luck brings a ragged girl named Vin into his life. Like him, she's a half-Skaa orphan, but she's lived a much harsher life. Vin has learned to expect betrayal from everyone she meets. She will have to learn trust if Kel is to help her master powers of which she never dreamed.

Review: 
A member of my Twitch community redeemed "Pick What Carole Reads Next" and this was his choice for me. I was excited to check it out. I had heard good things about this series...so this was the push I needed. 

For a thousand years the Skaa slaved in misery and lived their lives in fear. The Lord Ruler has reigned over all with absolute power and terror. There is no hope until Kelsier and his gang. Kelsier and his underworld's elite will attempt to pull the greatest heist in history. His plan looks like a long shot until luck brings him a girl named Vin. Like him she is a half-Skaa orphan with great powers. She doesn't trust easy, but Kelsier will help her grow her powers and bring his plan into fruition.

This was intense and just plain good. It was slow to get kicked off, but that is to be expected with a book 1 fantasy. Introducing the world, rules, characters, and history. 

This was a big book. Lots to cover. The author did a lovely job with blending in everything. Some slow spots in the beginning but it was important for the reader to read it. 

Loved our crew. Vin....is a little harder to warm up to, but she has had a sad past and doesn't trust people (with reason). However, you start to warm up to her near the end. 

I had zero idea how this was all going to end. What a mountain to climb for this little gang. I had hope, but I didn't know what was going to happen. Lots of twists for sure!

Now....I will say that I'm mad at the ending. I'm mad at what happened to a certain character. I won't say who or what, but I'm MAD. LIVID. Ugh. I will read book 2, but I'm very upset. 

Oh! The narrator was pretty good. His female voices....eh. But overall I enjoyed his performance. 

In the end, I really enjoyed this. Some slow spots while we are being introduced to this world, but it's not a deal-breaker....it was to be expected with a fantasy world. Great characters. Scary world. Hope. Fear. And an ending that ticked me off. Gah! I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 



- Favorite Character(s): Kel, Ham, & Breeze
- Least Favorite Character(s): Lord Ruler (duh) and Elend (I feel like I'll end up liking him, but for now...he annoyed me)







Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #4
- Library Love #2


Monday, February 3

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop


Series: Book 3, The Others (Bishop)

Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Release date: 03-03-15

Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Categories: Literature & Fiction

Own


This is my third time listening. My 4th time all in all. My detailed review is far back in years.

This series is amazing. The danger is so close now. The Others are starting to think that maybe they should just wipe out the human race. And hey, they have a point. Wipe them all out! Humans are the worst.

And as always, this is a series you have to do in audio! The narrator is fantastic and it is so much better.






The Others freed the  cassandra sangue  to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before—both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.

Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.

For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep…

Sunday, February 2

Best of January

Here are our bests from January!!!! That first month flew by!


Best Book of the Month:

"Very fairytale like."









"So many goodies this month BUT the narrator really pushed this to the top. Great and tragic and a voice that will bring this story to life."




Best Movie of the Month:

Carole - Nadda. No movies...just TV and books. 




Blodeuedd - Back in Action (2025)
"I watched Back In Action. Pretty funny and action-filled."








Best TV show of the Month:


Blodeuedd - Maxima
"I watched the tv series Maxima. A lot of drama!"




"One season left to finish. I'm addicted!!! Why did I ever wait so long to watch this?"







Best Cover of the Month:

Carole's pick.


Blodeuedd's Pick.





Honorable Mention:

"I re-read Written in Red and A murder of Crows. They were obvi the best books this month, but it is too cruel to other books to choose them every time!"















"Re-read this gem. It has been yeaaaarrrrs! Still holds up and is my favorites of William Shakespeare!"



Wednesday, January 29

Book Review: Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati


Author: Sara Donati
Title: Into the Wilderness
Series: Wilderness #1
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: ebook
Pages: 898
Published: August 3, 1998
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 
Weaving a tapestry of fact and fiction, Sara Donati’s epic novel sweeps us into another time and place . . . and into a breathtaking story of love and survival in a land of savage beauty.It is December of 1792. Elizabeth Middleton leaves her comfortable English estate to join her family in a remote New York mountain village. It is a place unlike any she has ever experienced. And she meets a man unlike any she has ever encountered—a white man dressed like a Native Nathaniel Bonner, known to the Mohawk people as Between-Two-Lives. Determined to provide schooling for all the children of the village, Elizabeth soon finds herself locked in conflict with the local slave owners as well as with her own family. Interweaving the fate of the Mohawk Nation with the destiny of two lovers, Sara Donati’s compelling novel creates a complex, profound, passionate portait of an emerging America


Review:
This has been burning a hole in my "I should really read it" pile for a LONG time. I think I even checked the book out in High School but never had a chance to read it. I was def that kid that would check out FAR too much. Literally the max I could have. 

Here we have Elizabeth Middleton who has left her comfortable English estate to join her family in the remote New York village. There she meets a man she can't get out of her mind. He is so unlike any man she has ever met. His name is Nathaniel Bonner, known to the Mohawk people as Between-Two-Lives. She will find herself in a conflict with the local slave owners as well as her own family. 

This....was.....so....long.....omg. I didn't remember that fact so I picked this one and another long one. Whoopsies. 

But yes. The length was rough but I did enjoy it. Some dry spots that could've been shortened a hair, but overall it was enjoyable. Elizabeth was a bit too perfect for my liking, but I was rooting for her and Nathaniel. 

Ugh Richard. 

Ugh Kitty. 

Ugh the crappy townspeople. 

This is 1792 and you know there will be intolerant Aholes, but man, it hurts how bad they are and think. Sighs. 

But yes, there is love. There is drama. And things get complex. 

I guess this is a continuation of 'THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS' which I watched the movie and attempted to read the book (I really need to give it a 2nd chance - it has been 15 years since I last tried). Had zero idea the two are tied. Which is cool!

OoooooooooooOOOOOOOOOoooooooo the ending. *shakes fist*. I'll have to read book 2. 

All-in-all, I did enjoy the vast majority of the book. There were some rough patches sprinkled throughout, but they didn't ruin the story for me. The characters were entertaining and the story SO complex and it does show a nice mirror to society at the time. Oof. The ending!? Ugh. I'll need to read book 2. 

I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Nathaniel
- Least Favorite Character(s): Kitty and Richard (boo)





Challenge(s):
- Library Love #1
- Romance Reading Challenge #4 (1700s setting)

Tuesday, January 28

TMST: Winter


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.


1/28/2025: What is your favorite thing about winter?

Winter is rough. There are a couple of things I like, but I mainly HATE winter. I will say that I LOVE the things that make winter warm. Like hoodies, sweaters, hot coco, fireplaces, blankies, comfy socks, and heaters. I love that feeling of being cold and then warming up. Oh! Also a nice winter book is always nice. 

Is that weird????




Monday, January 27

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Wilde Abandon by Jennifer Ryan

A Dark Horse Dive Bar Novel

By: Jennifer Ryan

Narrated by: Dani California

Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins

Release date: 01-28-25

Publisher: Tantor Media

Romantic suspense

To review



I like Ryan´s books because of the suspense and here, oh my, I want to hit someone so badly. I mean *deep breath*, horrid horrid human being.

Fox had a shitty childhood and was sent to fostercare. He is a better person than I would be cos he comes home when his shitty mother has cancer to see to that she has everything. He does want an apology too, but his mother is one of the shitty people in this book.

Melody was his best friend growing up and he is also back cos he wants her badly. He has made a good life for himself and now he needs his woman.

These two are meant to be. They get hot and heavy, a lot. But what is life without drama. First there is his horrible mother, then there is this really crazy woman who wants to date him. She is the one I just want to hit. The things she does, if that was a man he would be in jail. Oh and the secret that he is keeping from her that also keeps the suspense going. It is a nice secret, but .....suspense.

Good suspense, lots of romance.

Good narration. She kept me listening and feelings lots of emotions if you missed that.




Broken and betrayed, Fox Bridges escaped Blackrock Falls sixteen years ago, vowing never to return. But when his mom is diagnosed with terminal cancer, there's no escaping it. Making the best of a bad situation, he goes back to face his past and set up a program to help foster kids who age out of the system like him. But more importantly—to reunite with the best friend he had to leave behind.Melody Wilde never got over the loss of her childhood best friend. She saved his life . . . but it cost her Fox. He left town and never looked back, hating her for revealing his secret.So when Fox walks back into town—right through the front door of her bar—she realizes he's the man she's been falling for online. He could be her chance at forever.But Fox has secrets, and there are those who will do anything to bring him down. They'll exploit any weakness. And he's just given them the biggest one yet—Melody.

Friday, January 24

Book/Play Review: Othello by William Shakespeare



Author: William Shakespeare
Title: Othello
Genre: Classic, Tragedy, Fiction, Play
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 319
Published: 1603
Where I Got It: My shelf (my big bad book of William Shakespeare collection)

Summary: 
In Othello, Shakespeare creates a powerful drama of a marriage that begins with fascination (between the exotic Moor Othello and the Venetian lady Desdemona), with elopement, and with intense mutual devotion and that ends precipitately with jealous rage and violent deaths. He sets this story in the romantic world of the Mediterranean, moving the action from Venice to the island of Cyprus and giving it an even more exotic coloring with stories of Othello's African past. Shakespeare builds so many differences into his hero and heroine—differences of race, of age, of cultural background—that one should not, perhaps, be surprised that the marriage ends disastrously. But most people who see or read the play feel that the love that the play presents between Othello and Desdemona is so strong that it would have overcome all these differences were it not for the words and actions of Othello's standard-bearer, Iago, who hates Othello and sets out to destroy him by destroying his love for Desdemona. As Othello succumbs to Iago's insinuations that Desdemona is unfaithful, fascination—which dominates the early acts of the play—turns to horror, especially for the audience. We are confronted by spectacles of a generous and trusting Othello in the grip of Iago's schemes; of an innocent Desdemona, who has given herself up entirely to her love for Othello only to be subjected to his horrifying verbal and physical assaults, the outcome of Othello's mistaken convictions about her faithlessness.


Review:
Weeeeeeeee! This is one of my favorite plays by good ol' Willy. It's been an age since I read this so it was nice revisiting it. Last time I read this was 2009. But yes, it's been years!

The play follows a diverse set of characters in Venice. Othello and Lady Desdemona elope, Othello gets his dream job, and everything seems perfect. However, Iago is set on destroying everything in Othello's life out of spite and revenge. 

This is a true tragedy and it gets me every time. The characters and the story are flawless in my opinion. I truly think that this is William Shakey's best work. The drama is perfect for the stage. It's over-the-top in spots but it is a lovely nod to Italian plays that are known for being slightly melodramatic. 

And Iago.........he is the perfect villain. I hate him, but I love hating him. He is my favorite villain still to this day. He is a terrible, hateful man, but is he evil? Eh. He truly believes that he is doing the world a favor for destroying Othello. He doesn't do these evil things just for the sake of being bad. He thinks that he is doing everyone a favor, mainly himself. But he is so clever and calculating. Honestly, if he used his skills for ACTUAL good, then he would unstoppable in the world. He is just so blinded by his jealousy and hate, but he doesn't let this fully control him. He is able to trick everyone so wonderfully. *chef kiss* 

Othello and Desdemona. *sighs* You just want them to be happy. They are soooo in love and seem so perfect for each other. However......there is a shadow upon their love. Between society, Othello's insecurities, and Iago in the shadows....they are doomed.

What I love the most (if you've read past reviews you will be able to guess what I'm about to say here) is that everyone is flawed. They are complex and oh-so human. You have no idea what will happen. Othello seems so strong and confident, but he is still insecure and petty. Desdemona and Cassio are both so sweet, but so naive. Iago seems like he could be a great guy if hate didn't blind him. All the characters hide behind theirs masks so well (which ties nicely into the Venetian setting). And society's and time period's failings will take all these flaws and brew something tragic for our characters. 

I could go on and on about how much I love this play by William S!!!! I still need to see this live. I've seen the movie, but never a live rendition of this play. Bucket list!!!! Also, I need to do an audio of this story one day.

But yes, this is (so far) my absolute favorite of William Shakespeare's stuff. I still have a bunch to read but it will be hard to topple this from the top. 

The characters....the setting....the lies....the flaws.....the tragedy. A must-read/see/hear...anyway you can get your hands on it. 

5 stars for sure. 

- Favorite Character(s): Desdemona (bc she is so sweet), Cassio, & Othello
- Least Favorite Character(s): Iago (BUT I love to hate him. Little villain)