Audiobook Review: Mermaids and Meringue by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: Mermaids and Meringue

Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #2

Genre: Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  September 1, 2024

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

It’s New Year’s Eve and Rosella Midnight has a date with danger.

A handsome date for New Year’s Eve? Check.

Red lipstick and a killer party dress? Double check.

A kiss when the clock strikes twelve? Undecided.

If I’m going to be stuck in Winterspell a little longer, I may as well have fun with it. But you know what they say about the best laid plans...

When my romantic evening turns into a kidnapping investigation, I can’t wait around to watch the ball drop. There’s a mermaid-snatching monster on the loose, and it’s up to me to stop them.

Luckily for me, my date always comes loaded for dragon.

Review:

Weeee! Book 2!

We continue following Ella who is trying to make something of herself after everything went wrong. It's New Year's Eve and she has a date! However, her nice romantic evening turns into a kidnapping investigation. It's up to Ella and Orion to solve the mystery and save some mermaids. 

Can I just say that I am tickled pink that we have drifted away (for now) from a possible love triangle? Don't get me wrong, I love a lil love jealousy and triangles IF done right. However, I'm 100% Team Orion. It's nice to see Ella's walls coming down a teeny tiny bit. 

We get to see them more together here working, flirting, having some deeper convos, and saving the day. Loved it. 

The mystery was good (I won't say much else in fear of spoiling). It seemed a little easy to solve, but I still enjoyed it overall. 

Loved the ending. I'm curious to see how many doors are opened now for our gal. Ella is certainly making a name for herself. 

The narrator is a gem. Perfection!!!!

In the end, I'm really digging this series. I'm liking our characters and the mysteries are fun. Orion is a hunk and perfect for Ella. Bring on the next book! 

5 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Orion and Ella

- Least Favorite Character(s): Ella's cousin (I hope we never see her again. She's terrible) and the baddie of course. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #10

- Cloak & Dagger #5

Book Review: Silver Echoes by Rebecca Rosenberg

Author: Rebecca Rosenberg

Title: Silver Echoes

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 370

Expected publication May 20, 2025

Where I got It: My shelf (Given to me for an honest and unbiased opinion)

Available for Pre-Order at Amazon

Summary: 

A Spellbinding Saga of Ambition, Echoes, and Redemption Based on a true story.

1920s, Chicago. A rising starlet’s life takes a dark turn when a traumatic attack reawakens a secret part of herself. As Silver Dollar Tabor descends into the dangerous underworld of Chicago gangsters, her grip on reality loosens, and the line between ambition and destruction blurs. Her love affair with screenwriter Carl is tested as she falls deeper under the sway of her alter ego.

1932, Colorado. Silver’s mother, Baby Doe, is haunted by her daughter’s disappearance as she tries desperately to hang onto their family silver mine. A heartbreaking search with Carl reveals a shocking truth about Silver Dollar, a truth that will rewrite their family history forever.

What really happened to Silver Dollar Tabor? And can her mother uncover the truth before it’s too late?

Review:

I was asked to check this book out. I had enjoyed previous books by this author so I was more than happy to read this gem! Plus look at that cover and that summary? Weee!

Here we follow Silver Dollar in the 1920s and her mother in 1932. Silver wants to make it big so she can make her family proud. Restore the family to it's former glory. However, her life takes a dark turn after a traumatic attack that awakens a secret part of herself. Everything is on the line between becoming a success and utter destruction. In 1932, Baby Doe, Silver's mother, is haunted by her daughter's disappearance. She desperately is hanging onto their family silver mine and hope that her daughter will return. 

This is technically a sequel (of sorts) to 'Gold Digger' by the same author. This story follows years later. That was a great read. I for sure recommend it. But it's not required to read that first and then this. This does well as a stand alone. 

This was all around tragic. You can't help but root for Silver Dollar to be successful and get everything in life she deserves. Life isn't clean like that sadly. She has an alter ego that she is fighting and it takes over sometimes. And on the other side is poor Baby Doe. Love Baby Doe so much. 

Oh Carl. 

Oh Silver Dollar. 

Oh tigers. 

I feel so bad for all them. Life isn't fair. Life isn't nice. 

Even though there is tragedy, there is also some humor, love, daring tricks, and hope all woven into this story. The author did a wonderful job balancing everything.

Honestly, I go back and forth with the ending. After reading it a couple of times, it felt like a nice ending, but I felt like there was something.......missing? I can't really put my thumb on it. It was fitting, but maybe I just needed more. 

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this story. The story of Silver Dollar is just so captivating and tragic. You want it to all end up A-OK, but you know it won't. The author really does an amazing job bringing the past alive and making the characters feel so real and relatable. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: The Bennet Inheritance by Jann Rowland

By: Jann Rowland

Narrated by: Harry Frost

Length: 14 hrs and 57 mins

Release date: 02-18-25 by Tantor Media

Pride and prejudice variation/ Audio received from Tantor

I am always up for a Pride and Prejudice variation. They are so much fun and I can never get enough.

This one was different because there was no Lydia and Kitty, and you know, that worked really well.

Mr Bennet is a widower, yes I liked this, no Mrs Bennet being a nervous wreck. Instead Mr Bennet is calm, he used to be a parson, now he has inherited Longbourn. He does wonder, maybe he should remarry?

And then we have Lizzy, Jane, and Mary being good friends and sisters.

Darcy is an old friend who Bennet has not seen in a while and of course he will fall for Lizzy when he sees her again. Bingley will also show up. Everything will work out well.

Yes there is some drama. Some are angry that Mr Bennet got Longbourn, even though it had been stolen from his family. Caroline does show up and we know she is annoying. Wickham shows up, and we all know he is a real piece of work.

An enjoyable PP variation

Great narration by Harry Frost. He does well with his female and male voices. He manages to fit the tone of the era

20 Years after conspiring men denied his father the inheritance that was his by birthright, Mr. Henry Bennet returns to Longbourn with his three daughters, having received the estate on the death of its previous master. Mr. Bennet has no notion why the man who stole it from his father willed the property to his control, but he is grateful to return to the lands of his forebears.

As the Bennets settle into their lives as gentlefolk once again, their new friends welcome them to the neighborhood, and they begin the struggle to turn Longbourn again into a prosperous estate. In this, Mr. Bennet finds assistance from his friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy, a scion of the family who proved his father’s salvation. Mr. Darcy, eager to help his dear friend learn how to become master of the estate, takes an immediate liking to the man’s second daughter, Elizabeth, who works her way into his heart with little effort.

Unexpected to them all, their new position opens vistas wide to them, for the prospect of love and devotion, a future filled with promise, is open to them, from the eldest to the youngest. Of even greater importance, the Bennets will learn something of themselves and discover something of the betrayals that led to their family’s hiatus from the estate.

Book Review: Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Tangle of Need

Series: Psy-Changeling #11

Genre: PNR, UF

Format: ebook

Pages: 428

Published: May 29, 2012

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Adria, wolf changeling and resilient soldier, has made a break with the past--one as unpredictable in love as it was in war. Now comes a new territory, and a devastating new complication: Riaz, a SnowDancer lieutenant already sworn to a desperate woman who belongs to another.

For Riaz, the primal attraction he feels for Adria is a staggering betrayal. For Adria, his dangerous lone-wolf appeal is beyond sexual. It consumes her. It terrifies her. It threatens to undermine everything she has built of her new life. But fighting their wild compulsion toward one another proves a losing battle.

Their coming together is an inferno...and a melding of two wounded souls who promise each other no commitment, no ties, no bonds. Only pleasure. Too late, they realize that they have more to lose than they ever imagined. Drawn into a cataclysmic Psy war that may alter the fate of the world itself, they must make a decision that might just break them both.

Review:

Onto the next! Slowly making my way through this series. 

Here we have Adria and Riaz. Adria wants to break with the past and move forward. She finds herself in a new territory, but with one big complication...Riaz. She can't get him out of her mind, but he belongs to another. Riaz has a primal attraction for Adria and is struggling, but she is a lone-wolf and he has his whole life planned out already. Soon they won't be able to stay away from each other. At the same time, they are being drawn into a cataclysmic Psy war that may alter of everyone and the world. 

Is it just me? Do I need a break from this series? I've been slowly chipping away at the series, but the last two have been....mehs for me.

I felt nothing for this couple. I didn't hate them....but I didn't like them either. They were just there. I found myself more into the side characters and the big war. Honestly, I was itching for the war to just happen already LOL. Is that bad?

Sighs. Maybe I just need to step away for a bit from the series. Maybe I'll try another PNR/UF and see how I feel. Maybe I need a break from the whole genre overall. 

But yeah. Not a win for me, but it could be a me thing. 

2 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Hawke

- Least Favorite Character(s): eh. Normal. The bad Psy

 

Challenge(s):

- Library Love #5

Audiobook Review: Grimoires and Gingerbread by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: Grimoires and Gingerbread

Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #1.5

Genre: Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published:  December 4, 2020

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Christmas in Winterspell means ice skating, hot cocoa by the barrel, and frosted gingerbread houses.

I was almost looking forward to it.

The merriment screeches to a halt when two elves show up, claiming to have been sent by Santa himself, on a mission to track down an ancient grimoire.

A grimoire with the power of Christmas itself woven through the pages. Without it, Christmas isn’t happening, and Santa himself is in grave danger.

Could Winterspell hold the key to saving Christmas?

Review:

Uhoh. I'm becoming addicted to this series. OooooOooo. 

It is Christmas time in Winterspell! That means ice skating, hot cocoa, cookies, gingerbread houses, and a mystery? Things go wrong and Ella is brought in to help find Santa's ancient grimoire that was stolen. Without it...Christmas won't happen. 

This series is getting under my skin and I'm loving it. I already have book 2 downloaded and ready to go. The town is fun even with some of the a-holes who are scared of Ella and her powers. I'm loving our main characters. I'm loving the mysteries. 

This was a nice short. It COULD be a standalone, but I highly advise reading book 1 first. 

Nice and short with a cool resolution at the end. It made me miss Christmas!

The narrator is the same as the first book and I'm a happy gal! Love her voices. 

All-in-all, I def recommend this and book 1. 

5 stars from me. 

- Favorite Character(s): Ella, Orion

- Least Favorite Character(s): The baddie and some of the townfolk. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #9

- Cloak & Dagger #4

Movie Review: Downton Abbey A New Era (2022)

Title: Downton Abbey A New Era

Length: 2h 4m

Released: 2022

Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

The Crawleys go on a grand journey to the south of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess' newly inherited villa.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Yayy. Movie 2. I'm still not ready to say goodbye so I was itching to watch this. Finally got my friend to come over and we watched this!

The Crawleys are landing in more drama. Some will journey to the south of France to uncover the mystery of the Dowager's newly inherited villa. Others will hang back and monitor the film industry coming into their home to film a movie. 

Yes, there is the humor, the love, the drama, and charm that you love from the show. It was all there!

I did cry twice while watching this, especially during a scene near the end. Oh my heart! *cries* 

I enjoyed this a lot, but there were a couple of plot points that seemed SO unnecessary to the flow of the story. Like....really? Why add that extra drama? There is already stuff happening. I won't say anything additional to spoil it....but I will say....don't trust London doctors. That is one thing this show has taught me. ;) 

The ending was lovely. It felt like everything was tied up nicely and it could end and I'd be okay with it. There is some wiggle room especially with what we know of history to see what the family does and how they react. It would be good, but I would be okay if we stopped here. It was a lovely ending and I would be content. 

All-in-all, if you like the show, you'll like this one. Make sure to watch the previous movie though. There were a couple of plot points I felt wasn't needed for the story, but other than that I enjoyed myself. 4 stars. 

Audiobook Review: How the Wallflower was Won by Eva Leigh

Author: Eva Leigh

Narrator: Zara Hampton-Brown

Title: How the Wallflower was Won

Series: Last Chance Scoundrels #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  September 27, 2022

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Finn Ransome is an expert on Lady Luck, which is why he refuses to take a chance on love. Experience has taught him that he's happier at a gaming table than around people he will, inevitably, disappoint. However, the clock is ticking on his father's matrimonial demands. But the only woman to catch his eye is a bluestocking who would never consider a rogue like him.

After a disastrous first Season, Tabitha Seaton decided to focus on books instead of ballrooms. She hopes to join the Sterling Society, a collective of the most brilliant, influential minds in London. Except, they will never admit an unmarried lady. Now Tabitha needs a husband, and a notorious, handsome gambler may be her best bet.

Finn and Tabitha are opposites who have no intention of wagering on a love match, and a calculated marriage of convenience solves all their problems--with no risk to their hearts. Once married, however, their potent attraction boils over into a deep passion that neither expected. When a painful mistake drives the new lovers apart, Finn will risk it all to prove a scoundrel and a wallflower are a winning pair...

Review:

I read book 1 a while back and for some reason I never picked up book 2. I'm finally getting started on this one all thanks to the TBR Challenge for February ;)

Here we follow Finn and Tabitha. Finn has mastered the art of gambling, but he won't take a chance on love. However, he is being forced to wed. His eye lands on Tabitha. It'll be purely a contract. A bluestocking like her would never love him anyway. Tabitha needs to get married because she wants to join the Sterling Society but in order to be considered they require her to be married. She has no interest in love after a devastating heartbreak years ago. Once married, however, they may have miscalculated and can't help but falling for each other. 

I enjoyed book 1 so I'm not sure why I let this series fall from my memory. Thank goodness for reading challenges ;) 

In order to truly appreciate this one, you will need to read book 1. Lots of references there and you learn (more) about WHY these fellas have to wed. 

Lovedddddd Finn. He was a gem. I liked Tabitha....until her freak out near the end. 

YES, I get why she was mad and hurt, but it was so melodramatic I couldn't help rolling my eyes. Poor guy had no idea that would trigger her. I worry about their marriage....honestly. Finn said something wrong/silly/dumb but it wasn't malicious and she is done with their marriage. No forgiveness. No talking. She literally said some cruel things and then took off. She hid from him for days. He literally had to track her down and apologize and it still took her a moment to forgive and then apologize herself. For someone so smart she really was dumb. People say dumb stuff ALL the time. Lord help him if DARES says something she doesn't like. :S 

Other than that....I had no other issues. I loved watching them become friends and then more. They were so sweet. They were so opposite but at the end of the day they were perfect for each other. 

I loved the last scene. I can't wait to read book 3!!! What on Earth is going to happen with our final couple?????? There is going to be a lot of talking they will need so they can get over what happened. Oof. 

The narrator did a lovely job. The guys all started to sound the same when we had a bunch in the room, but she did good. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this and I'm glad I'm back on reading the series. There is one more and this is the one we have all been waiting for! WEEEEE. 

4 stars from me. It would've been a 5-er but Tabitha's lil scene angered me. 

- Favorite Character(s): Finn

- Least Favorite Character(s): Sterling Society members

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #8

- TBR Challenge #2

- Romance Reading Challenge #7 (Audiobook)

Book Review: Tomes Scones and Crones by Colleen Gleason

Author: Colleen Gleason

Title: Tomes Scones and Crones

Series: Three Tomes Bookshop #1

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal

Format: paperback

Pages: 298

Published: October 12, 2021

Where I got It: Borrowed friend's copy

Summary: 

At forty-eight, Jacqueline Finch has a nice, easy life with few responsibilities: she’s been a librarian in Chicago for twenty-five years, she doesn’t have a husband, children, or pets, and she’s just coasting along, enjoying her books and a small flower garden now that she’s over the hill.

That is, until the Universe (helped by three old crones) has other ideas.

All at once, Jacqueline’s staid (and boring) life is upended, and the next thing she knows, she’s heading off to Button Cove to start a new life as the owner of Three Tomes Bookshop.

The bookstore is a darling place, and Jacqueline is almost ready to be excited about this new opportunity…until Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Danvers show up. Somehow, the literary characters of Sherlock Holmes’s landlady and Rebecca deWinter’s creepy and sardonic housekeeper are living persons who work at the bookshop (when they aren’t bickering with each other). Not only does Jacqueline have to contend with them—and the idea that people regularly eat pastries while reading books in her store!—but the morning after she arrives, the body of a dead man is found on her property.

Things start to get even more strange after that: Jacqueline is befriended by three old women who bear a startling resemblance to the Witches Three from Macbeth, an actual witch shows up at her bookshop and accuses Jacqueline of killing her brother, and the two women who own businesses across the street seem determined to befriend Jacqueline.

And then there’s the police detective with the very definite hot-Viking vibe who shows up to investigate the dead body…

The next thing Jacqueline knows, her staid and simple life is no longer quiet and unassuming, and she’s got crones, curses, and crocodiles to deal with.

And when a new literary character appears on the scene…things start to get even more hairy and Jacqueline is suddenly faced with a horrible life and death situation that will totally push her out of her comfort zone…if she’s brave enough to let it.

After all, isn’t forty-eight too late for an old dog to learn new tricks?

Review:

My friend picked this book up at my local bookstore. She enjoyed it and it is set in Michigan....so I knew I had to borrow it from her!

Here we follow Jacqueline. She has settled all her life, but when forces beyond her control pretty much pushes her to accept a bookstore she inherited from a family member she never knew. Things are not what they seem and there is a lot more behind this little bookstore. She will find herself surronded by things and people that are not explainable. The morning after her arrival there is a body found and she will have to turn to her new friends and the local detective to find out what happened and to save her new bookstore from a rival family member. 

This was EVERYWHERE at once. There is so much going on, but I think the author did an excellent job of keeping the reader in the know and not being overwhelmed. Between a rival witch, three old women, characters from books appearing if a book falls from the shelf, magic, a hot detective, scones, and so on there was a lot going on but I was never overwhelmed or confused. 

Oooo Jacqueline has her hands full. She handled everything well....a little better than I thought. It was a little unrealistic how well she coped in such a short time span, but who knows? Maybe a part of her always believed in magic and etc? Possible. 

I'm curious to see what happens to our crew in the next book. There seems like there will be more upon the horizon. I want to understand more about this world and this library. 

Do I want a romance? Maybe. I need to learn more about this detective fella. He seems nice. Poor guy doesn't know what he's getting into LOL.

This was a fun and refreshing read even though it feels like it will be the same ol', same ol'. Lady gets bookstore, cats, and a dead body. There was so much more going on and it felt nice and I enjoyed myself. 

All-in-all, this was a nice read. Some funny moments. Fun characters, crazy mystery, and a wild cast of characters. I'll give this 4 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Jacqueline, Suzette, Nadine

- Least Favorite Character(s): Elga 

 

Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #3

Blodeuedd's Monday: In the Shadow of Lightning by Brian McClellan

Series: Glass Immortals (#1)

576 pages, Paperback

Published: May 9, 2023 by Tor Trade

Genre: Fantasy, Own

It took some time to finish this one. It has a lot of story, characters, and maybe not the easiest book to pick one of the first of the year. I really wanted to follow one person and see where that took us. Well, isn't that always the case. Always that one that is more interesting.

So, politics. A country hungry for war. The thing that makes them special running out.

An estranged son returning home. A woman searching for a killer. A glassworker in the middle of war.

I am horrible at writing a review today....honestly that ending blew me away. Damn. Now you are talking! And there is not even a new book on the horizon!

Demir Grappo is an outcast―he fled a life of wealth and power, abandoning his responsibilities as a general, a governor, and a son. Now he will live out his days as a grifter, rootless, and alone. But when his mother is brutally murdered, Demir must return from exile to claim his seat at the head of the family and uncover the truth that got her the very power that keeps civilization turning, godglass, is running out.

Now, Demir must find allies, old friends and rivals alike, confront the powerful guild-families who are only interested in making the most of the scraps left at the table and uncover the invisible hand that threatens the Empire. A war is coming, a war unlike any other. And Demir and his ragtag group of outcasts are the only thing that stands in the way of the end of life as the world knows it.

Audiobook Review: Sprinkles and Sea Serpents by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: Sprinkles and Sea Serpents

Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #1

Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 23, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

They say you can't go home again. . .oh, if only that were true.

Thanks to a series of unfortunate events - and one backstabbing frenemy - home is exactly where I'm headed. back to Winterspell Lake, the small community in Eastern Washington where magic runs rampant and humans are outlawed.

Faster than you can say hocus pocus I'm unpacking my bags and settling into the guest room of my parents' house, trying to ignore the creeping sensation that I'll never break free again.

The one thing Winterspell has going for it is the sweets shop in the center of town, a bakery filled with magical creations designed to enchant the taste buds and charm even the pickiest of connoisseurs. Luckily for me, I get the friends and family discount since my parents own the famous Sugar Shack. If I want room and board, I have to frost cupcakes and sling macaroons with the rest of the fam.

Unfortunately, things in Winterspell aren't all sugar cookies and rainbows. According to the local news, a dangerous sea serpent has claimed the lives to three missing girls. The journalist in me has to have a look for myself, and what I find is something far more deadly.

Something that makes me wish I'd stayed in the bakery.

Review:

Been meaning to read this series for a bit...especially after I read a crossover in this world. 

Thanks to some unfortunate events Ella is forced to go back home and stay with her family while she picks herself back up. The one thing Winterspell has going for it is the sweets shop in the center of town and her parent's need help at their store Sugar Shack. However, the town is in an uproar about a dangerous sea serpent who supposedly claimed the lives of three girls. Ella, as a previous journalist, can't help herself as she goes digging for answers. 

I was pleasantly surprised when we learn that there is more to Ella than what she describes in the summary. She has a power (which everyone in Winterspell and the magic world has SOME sort of power) that is so cool. People are mean and some have shunned her because of it. I'll leave it as a surprise for people who haven't read the book yet especially since it isn't called out in the summary. But it's cool and I want that power. 

I have a sneaking fear that there will be a love triangle in our future. Maybe not? She is freshly back in town and romance isn't the first thing on her brain, but the heart wants what the heart wants. If there is to be a love triangle that it only lasts for a bit and is realistic. *fingers crossed* Here's to hoping!! 

Originally I had this going on my romance bingo sheet, but I really feel that there wasn't enough romance for that to happen. Maybe book 2 will have more of the romance element. This seems to be building up for more. Soooooooooooo, I'll leave it off my bingo sheet. 

I liked Ella and I like her granny. I hope to learn more about her family in future books. 

Ryan was sweet. So was Jake. 

I loved the sea serpent! I wish we got to see it more.

There is something brewing and I need to know what is going to happen! EEEE. So yes, I have the next book ready to go already. Hehe. 

The narrator is a personal favorite of mine so I am super biased. She is great and does justice to the characters. 

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this. I do fear for a love triangle, but if it is done right I'll be happy. Fun, good mystery, nice characters, cool powers.....5 stars.  

- Favorite Character(s): Ella, Grandma Rose

- Least Favorite Character(s): The sheriff. Boo

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #7

- Cloak & Dagger #2

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.

Trailer

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. 

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

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....

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)

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

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.

Trailer

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. 

 

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