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)





Tuesday, January 21

Book Review: Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare


Author: Tessa Dare
Title: Any Duchess Will Do
Series: Spindle Cove #4
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: ebook
Pages: 389
Published: May 28, 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 
What's a duke to do, when the girl who's perfectly wrong becomes the woman he can't live without?

Griffin York, the Duke of Halford, has no desire to wed this season--or any season--but his diabolical mother abducts him to "Spinster Cove" and insists he select a bride from the ladies in residence. Griff decides to teach her a lesson that will end the marriage debate forever. He chooses the serving girl.

Overworked and struggling, Pauline Simms doesn't dream about dukes. All she wants is to hang up her barmaid apron and open a bookshop. That dream becomes a possibility when an arrogant, sinfully attractive duke offers her a small fortune for a week's employment. Her duties are simple: submit to his mother's "duchess training"... and fail miserably.

But in London, Pauline isn't a miserable failure. She's a brave, quick-witted, beguiling failure--a woman who ignites Griff's desire and soothes the darkness in his soul. Keeping Pauline by his side won't be easy. Even if Society could accept a serving girl duchess--can a roguish duke convince a serving girl to trust him with her heart?


Review:
Why are Dare books so much fun???

Back at Spindle Cove! Griff, a duke, as zero desire to marry. None. Zip. But his mom has other plans and she abducts him and takes him to Spindle Cove and insists he select a bride...any bride. In order to teach her a lesson, he selects the serving girl. That girl is Pauline who is overworked and struggling. She has a dream to open a bookshop and that dream becomes a possibility when the duke offers her a small fortune for a week's employment. Her job? Do the duchess training and fail. Embarrass herself. However, she proves to be anything but a miserable failure. She's everything Griff has ever wanted. 

Alongside the serious tones and steamy scenes....Dare adds a nice helping of humor. I was certainly creased!!! Hilarious. 

Pauline is a gem and Griff was fun. I had zero remembrance of him from a past book until his friend's wife reminded us. I was not a fan of him then (super duper gross Rake), but we weren't supposed to like him then. He's mended his ways and wants to live right. Love a good redemption arch! 

But yes, they were perfect for each other and I adored their interactions. 

I really had no idea what was going to happen. Yes, I knew they would find love and be happy (it is a romance after all), but I really had no idea how things would get fixed. There are a LOT of hurdles for them.

The side story of Griff's friend, Delacre, who's goal was to "keep Griff unmarried" because they made a pact at 19 was annoying. Go away. I get protecting him because he is a friend and you love him, but because of a PACT to sabotage at ALL costs? Ew. Not a fan of that whole thing. 

All-in-all, this was amusing. I enjoyed our couple. Lots of hurdles but it was worth it. This had a lot of steam when it finally happened, funny moments, and an adorable couple. I wasn't amused of the whole "Pact" thing, but I guess we needed a baddie of sorts? I'll give this 4 stars at the end of the day. 

  

- Favorite Character(s): Griff, Pauline, & oddly enough...the Dowager Duchess
- Least Favorite Character(s): Mr Simms (F him) and Delacre



Monday, January 20

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Big Swiss by Jen Beagin


323 pages, Paperback

Published: December 7, 2023 by Faber & Faber

Lit Fic/ Library loan






So this was one of those books that was good without me knowing why. I felt at first like why am I even reading this, but at the same time I could not stop. I needed to continue. The writing is so good, the story is so strange.

Greta is a transcriber. She has fallen in love with a female voice, and then she meets the voice. Lies begin and an intense affair. All told is this strange dark humorous way.

I do not really want to say more because the book just needs to be read and felt. It might not be the book for everyone, but sometimes I just need a weird story. And it was a great one





Big Swiss. That's Greta's nickname for her - she is tall, and she is from Switzerland. Greta can see her now: dressed top to toe in white, that adorable gap between her two front teeth, her penetrating blue eyes. She's a head-turner: including the heads of infants and dogs.

Well that's how Greta imagines seeing her; they haven't actually ever met in person. Nor has Greta actually ever been to Switzerland.

Greta and Big Swiss are not in the same room, or even the same building. Greta is miles away, sitting at a desk in her own house, wearing only headphones, fingerless gloves, a kimono, and legwarmers, transcribing this disembodied voice.

What Greta doesn't know is that she's about to bump into Big Swiss in the local dog park. A new - and not entirely honest - relationship is going to be born.

A relationship that will transform both of their lives. . .

Thursday, January 16

Audiobook Review: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Author: Heather Morris
Narrator: Richard Armitage
Title: The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Series: The Tattooist of Auschwitz #1
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: January 11, 2018
Where I Got It: Audible



Summary: 
A tale based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov.

In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.

Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.

Review: 
Been meaning to read this one for a bit. Now that it has been made into a show I wanted to read it first. 

This is a historical fiction based on a Lale Sokolov's interviews with the author. He was forcibly transported to Auschwitz-Birkenau and was found valuable since he could speak several languages. He is put to work as a tattooist and tasked to permanently mark his fellow prisoners. The horrors he seen would change his life forever. One day, he meets Gita and falls in love. He vows to survive and marry her. He also vows to help and keep alive as many of his fellow prisoners as possible. 

This, like so many other books set in the Holocaust, is extremely tragic and will pull at your heartstrings. I couldn't put this down. I had to keep going. I had to know who made it and who didn't. There was a tiny glimmer of hope and you just want everyone to live....but you know they all won't. And for some characters....we'll never know what happened to them. 

All the characters, even the bad guys and side characters, were so fleshed out and really brought to life. 

It was very interesting to see Lale in his role as a tattooist. He had special treatment and it was a conflicting role. He had to do what he had to survive and he tried to stay in the good graces of the Nazis while trying to help his fellow prisoners at the same time. He really did walk a tight rope of morality. 

Same with Gita on the other end. She was working as an admin (in a way) so she had that same tight rope to walk. 

I loved their love story. It seemed so impossible but I think it kept them alive. It brought a teeny light to all this darkness of the story. 

I'll make mention of the "controversy". There are some historical inaccuracies and some things major historians question. However, this was told by a man who was extremely old so we are relying on his memory. He might've big-fished some things or misremembered. Also, we literally don't know EVERYTHING single moment of everything and every day in the camps. We know a lot (*has flashbacks of my research paper I had to write*) because the Nazis loved a good paper-trail. However, there might be some things that were lost to time. It doesn't bug me that this isn't a piece of academic literacy. This isn't meant to be a source of history research. It's a story about a man and woman who survived a terrible, horrible thing. SO take this story with a grain of salt. 

The narrator. Awww. Love him. He literally takes a story and makes it glitter and shine. He's fantastic. In all honesty, I think I enjoyed this WAY more with listening to him narrate. I 100% recommend doing the audio. I'm sure reading is fine, but he just brought such life to the role. 

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this. I couldn't stop listening. I was absolutely hooked!!! Sure, there are some historical inaccuracies, but take it with a grain of salt. I was going to label this with 4 stars, BUT I think the narrator really added to the story. 5 stars from me. 





Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #3


Wednesday, January 15

Book Review: Midnight in Venice by Meadow Taylor


Author: Meadow Taylor
Title: Midnight in Venice
Series: Olivia Moretti #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: ebook
Pages: 256
Published: August 19, 2014
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 
Readers met and fell in love with Olivia Moretti in Meadow Taylor’s hugely popular holiday story Christmas in Venice, where Olivia is rescued by a gorgeous Italian cop, Alessandro Rossi, during an airport bomb scare. Now, as the new year begins, her joy at having landed her dream job in Venice’s thriving art world is surpassed only by the realization that she and Alessandro are falling in love—and her surprise that he turns out to be not just the son of a tycoon, but a gifted pianist and former racecar driver who is equally at home in the city’s bejewelled palazzos as patrolling its streets. Olivia can’t believe that her life now includes masked balls, exquisite music, romantic trips to Paris—and true love. But all this is put in jeopardy when a business trip to New York City finds her accused of a crime she didn’t commit—and not even Alessandro believes she’s innocent. Can her new love uncover the truth and keep Olivia’s Italian dream from becoming a nightmare?

A thrilling, passion-filled story set among the dazzling palaces, canals, and piazzas of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Midnight in Venice is perfect for fans of Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, and lovers of contemporary romance everywhere.


Review:
Read book 1 a while back and have been meaning to get started on this one, but life....yeah. LOL. 

Note - you can for sure read this one without book 1 (aka it was a short story). We get to pretty much re-read book 1 so no harm, no foul. 

We follow Olivia and Alessandro. Olivia has landed the job of her dreams and is starting a brand new life in Venice! There is a bomb scare where is rescued by a hunky Italian cop named Alessandro. They think their story ends there, but they can't get over each other and start spending time with each other. Everything seems to be going amazing and life can't get any better. Until this is all put in jeopardy when a business trip to New York City finds Olivia accused of a crime she didn’t commit. Will they be able to prove her innocence? Will their love be able to stand this?

This was wild....ridiculous....fantastical......crazy....but I enjoyed it. With all the wild and unbelievable scenarios, you can't help but follow along and have fun. Yes, I had fun watching this play out.

I wanna go to Venice now!!!!!!  

Alessandro is literally the perfect man to the point it makes me want to puke. He is smart, hunky, a good cop, ex car driver, and son to a tycoon? WHAT IS HIS LIFE? Luckily at the halfway-ish point he does show some flaws that made me happy. He isn't perfect. YAYY! No one wants a perfect character. 

Olivia is very sweet. Annoying at times, but sweet. You can't help but feel for her. She just wants to live her Venice life!  

I'm honestly shocked there isn't a 3rd book. I feel like we have some side characters that deserve some loveeeee. Or we could follow these two more and I would be fine with that. Olivia has great luck one minute and then it flips to the worst of the worst. I could enjoy another one even if it was a short story. Good lord. The wedding day could be madness. 

All-in-all, this was ridiculous to the point of entertaining. I had fun. I didn't take anything too serious. Fun romance in a beautiful city. I'm just glad our hero wasn't too perfect. I would've been mad. He does have a flaw...or two. 

3 stars from me.


- Favorite Character(s): Olivia
- Least Favorite Character(s): Oh man. I can't remember their name but there was a character that I want to boo forever. That is what I get for waiting a day to type this. 




 Challenge(s):
- TBR Challenge (January, New Year, Who Dis?) #1
- Romance Reading Challenge #3 (Non-US/UK setting)


Tuesday, January 14

Blodeuedd's Tuesday Review: A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

By: T. Kingfisher

Narrated by: Eliza Foss, Jennifer Pickens

Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins

Release date: 08-06-24

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Categories: Fantasy 

Own


Now why didn´t I write this at once?! When I had all those feelings right. But I will try and do it justice.

It says this is a dark re-telling of the goose girl...yeah I do not remember that one at the moment. Is that the princess one? Never mind.

Cordelia lives with her mother and atmosphere is dark. Then her mother goes away and comes back telling her that she has found a man. Also telling the 14 year old that she should get married too and lie about her age. Not the best kind of mother.

And it gets darker. What kind of magic is her mother doing? She has the guy wrapped around her finger, his twin sister does not like her and Cordelia is a little rabbit being pulled too hard.

How can this all be saved? How can everyone have some sort of HEAs? In fairytales good always wins.

I am just not doing it justice. It is a great tale. It gets a bit dark, but not like scary dark, just the feeling of darkness closing in and how it will all end? 

The narration is superb too and the voices are so good for everyone. They really gets it right. And the whole feeling of the book.




Cordelia knows her mother is unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms, and her mother doesn't allow Cordelia to have a single friend—unless you count Falada, her mother's beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him. But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t sorcerers.

After a suspicious death in their small town, Cordelia’s mother insists they leave in the middle of the night, riding away on Falada’s sturdy back, leaving behind all Cordelia has ever known. They arrive at the remote country manor of a wealthy older man, the Squire, and his unwed sister, Hester. Cordelia’s mother intends to lure the Squire into marriage, and Cordelia knows this can only be bad news for the bumbling gentleman and his kind, intelligent sister.

Hester sees the way Cordelia shrinks away from her mother, how the young girl sits eerily still at dinner every night. Hester knows that to save her brother from bewitchment and to rescue the terrified Cordelia, she will have to face down a wicked witch of the worst kind.

Thursday, January 9

Audiobook Review: Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors by Molly Harper


Author: Molly Harper

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Title: Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors
Series: Jane Jameson #4/Half-Moon Hollow #4
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fiction, Fantasy, Humor
Pages: Audiobook
Published: February 28, 2012
Where I Got It: Audible



Summary: 
Just as Jane Jameson's unlife seems to be stabilizing, fate sinks its fangs firmly into her butt. Despite her near-phobia of wedding planning, her no-frills nighttime nuptials to her sexy boyfriend, Gabriel, are coming along smoothly. That is, until she turns a fatally wounded teenage acquaintance, and the Council pronounces her responsible for the newborn vamp until he can control his thirst.

Jane's kitchen barely holds enough Faux Type O to satiate the cute teen's appetite and maintain Gabriel's jealous streak at a slow simmer. As if keeping her hyperactive childe from sucking the blood out of the entire neighbourhood isn't enough to deal with, the persnickety ghost of Jane's newly deceased grandma Ruthie has declared war on the fanged residents of River Oaks. Suddenly choosing monogrammed cocktail napkins and a cake she can't even eat seems downright relaxing in comparison.

Tensions inside the house are growing...and outside, a sinister force is aiming a stake straight for the center of Gabriel's heart. Most brides just have to worry about choosing the right dress, but Jane fears that, at this rate, she'll never make it down the aisle for the wedding all nice girls dream of...

Review: 
Been slowly....SLOWLY going through this series. Not because it isn't good, but....you know how it goes. So many books, so little life. 

We are back at it with Jane trying to make her way through her new vamp-y life. Her and Gabriel are starting wedding planning and things seem to be going A-OK. No baddies trying to kill them....she's getting along with the majority of her family.....her friends are happy and safe.....the bookstore is making a profit. Everything comes crashing down when she saves a fatally wounded teenager she knows by turning him. On top of taking care of this newbie vamp, she has to deal with her grandma's ghost wrecking havoc, and someone wanting revenge. Will she and Gabriel make it to the wedding day in one piece?

This is the last of the series! *cries* I love Jane! I'm happy that this isn't the last in this world so that helps my heartache a bit, but will we see Jane again? Who knows (if you know please say yes). 

I actually warmed up to Gabriel here. Weeeee! Do I think Jane can do better? Yes, but maybe I'm a protective mama bear to my Jane. But yes, I've forgiven him and I like him. It's taken 4 books, but I'm here and ready for the wedding. 

I warmed up to Jane's sister too. OMG. I was shocked that she was actually cool and they are friends now.

Grandma Ruthie (slight spoiler if you didn't read the summary) is now a ghost and still a dang B word. Poor Jane.

Honestly....I think this was my favorite book out of all 4. Yes, no think, it was. I really enjoyed this and I never wanted it to end. I loved seeing a lot of strings of story get nicely tied up. The author did leave a little room if she ever wanted to add more to this series, but it was nicely done. I'm curious to see what is going to happen with what Dick did (won't spoil this...it's a twist and surprise). Maybe we'll see that event in a different book in the world. OoooOOooooo

The narrator is fantastic as always. I could listen to her forever. She is great and knows how to really bring these characters to life. Even the dudes!!! She is one of my favorite lady voices. 

All-in-all, the series was a lot of fun. This was my favorite book of the series and I want to re-listen to it someday. Funny, fun, adorable, great. Weeee. 5 stars. 

- Favorite character(s): Jane and Dick
- Least favorite character(s): Grandma Ruthie



Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #2
- Romance Reading Challenge #2 (Shirtless Man on cover)


Wednesday, January 8

Audiobook Review: Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

Author: Sarah MacLean
Narrator: 
Mary Jane Wells
Title: Bombshell
Series: Hell's Belles #1
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: August 24, 2021
Where I Got It: Audible



Summary: 
After years of living as London’s brightest scandal, Lady Sesily Talbot has embraced the reputation and the freedom that comes with the title. No one looks twice when she lures a gentleman into the dark gardens beyond a Mayfair ballroom…and no one realizes those trysts are not what they seem.

No one, that is, but Caleb Calhoun, who has spent years trying not to notice his best friend’s beautiful, brash, brilliant sister. If you ask him, he’s been a saint about it, considering the way she looks at him…and the way she talks to him…and the way she’d felt in his arms during their one ill-advised kiss.

Except someone has to keep Sesily from tumbling into trouble during her dangerous late-night escapades, and maybe close proximity is exactly what Caleb needs to get this infuriating, outrageous woman out of his system. But now Caleb is the one in trouble, because he’s fast realizing that Sesily isn’t for forgetting…she’s forever. And forever isn’t something he can risk.

Review: 
Been meaning to read this for a hot minute. I decided to be wild and pick this for our first book of book club. Yayy.

Here we have Sesily and Caleb. Sesily is a wild-child and London's biggest scandal-maker. She has taken it in stride and lives her life how she wants. She can have any gentleman she wants, but she only wants Caleb Calhoun who has spent years trying not to notice her. Except someone has to keep Sesily from tumbling into more trouble. There is love and lust and everything he ever wanted, but he can't risk having her. 

Sooo technically this is a spin off from another series. I didn't realize this when I first picked this book for book club.....oh well. It did perfectly fine. Some side characters you would appreciate more if you read the others. It was fine. 

This was a lot of fun. Lots of adventure and action. Smexy scenes. Etc, etc. 

However, this was all so improbable and impossible! Sesily would've been cut from society after the first scandal. Maybe if she had been a widow? Maybe? Or she kept her night escapades and wild ways more of a secret? But she was too scandalous and it didn't feel like a Victorian love-story. It felt like a make-believe world. So my immersion was a little off. But I still enjoyed it and wished that society would've just teased her and let her still come to parties. 

Caleb was...okay. He was too stubborn sometimes and I wanted to kick him.

The narrator was good. Her voices were nicely different for everyone. The American accent was super stiff, but I got used to it. 

All-in-all, I did have fun with this. Not very realistic, but still enjoyable at it's core. I feel like the narrator was a lovely pick overall. 

I shall stamp this with 3 stars. 

- Favorite character(s): Adelaide
- Least favorite character(s): Our baddie (I won't name names)









Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #1
- Romance Reading Challenge #1 (On TBR shelf for over 1 year)







Tuesday, January 7

Book Review: The Pretender by Jo Harkin


Author: Jo Harkin
Title: The Pretender
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: ebook
Pages: 496
Expected publication April 22, 2025
Where I Got It: Netgalley for my honest and unbiased opinion


Summary: 
A sweeping historical novel in the vein of Hilary Mantel and Maggie O’Farrell set during the time of the Tudors’ ascent. The Pretender tells the story of Lambert Simnel, who was raised in obscurity as a peasant boy to protect his safety, believed to be the heir to the throne occupied by Richard III, and briefly crowned, at the age of ten, as King Edward the Sixth, one of the last of the Plantagenets.

In 1480 John Collan’s greatest anxiety is how to circumvent the village’s devil goat on the way to collect water. But the arrival of a well-dressed stranger from London upends his life forever: John is not John Collan, not the son of Will Collan, but the son of the long-deceased Duke of Clarence, hidden in the countryside after a brotherly rift over the crown, and because Richard III has a habit of disappearing his nephews. Removed from his humble origins, sent to Oxford to be educated in a manner befitting the throne’s rightful heir, John is put into play by his masters, learning the rules of etiquette in Burgundy and the machinations of the court in Ireland, where he encounters the intractable Joan, the delightfully strong-willed and manipulative daughter of his Irish patrons, a girl imbued with both extraordinary political savvy and occasional murderous tendencies. Joan has two paths available her—marry, or become a nun. Lambert’s choices are similarly stark: he will either become King, or die in battle. Together they form an alliance that will change the fate of the English monarchy.

Inspired by a footnote to history—the true story of the little known Simnel, who was a figurehead of the 1487 Yorkist rebellion and ended up working as a spy in the court of King Henry VII— The Pretender is historical fiction at its finest, a gripping, exuberant, rollicking portrait of British monarchy and life within the court, with a cast of unforgettable heroes and villains drawn from 15th century England. A masterful new work from a major new author.


Review:
Seen this and knew I had to check it out! Love a good historical fiction!

After the arrival of a well-dressed stranger, John's life is forever changed. He finds out he is the son of the long-deceased Duke of Clarence. He was hidden out in the country to protect him because Richard III has a nasty habit of removing his nephews. He is sent to Oxford to be trained and prepared to be the heir of the throne and is then sent to Ireland and he meets Joan. They form an alliance that will forever change the fate of the English monarchy. 

What an interesting take and viewpoint to read from. This is based off the true story of Simnel who was the figurehead of the Yorkist rebellion. I honestly don't recall the name personally, so I'll have to do some googling after writing this to freshen up my 15th century knowledge. 

The 1/3 and last 3rd were great! I was addicted and couldn't stop reading. I stayed up WAY too late finishing the book. The middle 3rd.....was a little rougher. It took me a while to get through it. I wanted to skim so badly, but I felt like I would miss some important stuff if I did. TBF - there was some trimming that could be done throughout. Some scenes went on for far too long. 

But yes, the detail and the writing style was refreshing and really made this story come to life. I'm now itching for more. I might have to try out the other novel by this author. 

There is a HUGE list of characters running amuck here, but the author did a good job keeping everything straight and keeping the reader in the know. We got the reminders we needed but yes, just keep that in mind that there is a big cast and you need to pay attention. Thus another reason why I didn't skim the middle bit. 

Ugh Joan. Not sure why, but she really rubbed me the wrong way. 

I adored John!! He was a gem. I loved watching him grow and try to find his way and his identity.

All-in-all, I did enjoy this. The writing style was great and the author just sucks you into the story. I felt like I was there! Sure there needs to be some trimming (especially in the middle 3rd), but I did appreciate the attention to detail. If you like historical fiction, keep your eyes out for this one when it releases! I'll give this 3 stars. 


- Favorite Character(s): John
- Least Favorite Character(s): Joan and Richard III