Best of April

Weeeee. Here are the best of the bests for May. 

Best Book of the Month:

Blodeuedd - The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

"And Housemaid gets best book because it threw a punch!"

Carole - Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce

"Such a refreshing YA read. So good."

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole -  Nadda this month. Didn't watch any movies. Only shows. 

Blodeuedd - Book Club: The Next Chapter (2023)

"I watched The book club 2. No idea if I watched the first one but I enjoyed this one, and it was funny too."

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - High Potential (s1), Will Trent (s3)

"I really enjoyed High Potential. A good mix of fun and crime. And Will Trent s3 was good!"

Carole - Dead Boy Detectives (s1), Ghost UK (s5)

"Rewatching Dead Boy Detectives. So stinkin' good. And the last season of Ghost UK broke me. Also so stinkin' good."

Best Cover of the Month:

C's pick: Dragons!!!

B's pick: Simple, but good.

Honorable Mention:

Carole's pick - Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

"I would give this book of the month, but it wouldn't be fair. It's one of my fave books ever."

Book Review: The Charm School by Susan Wiggs

Author: Susan Wiggs

Title: The Charm School

Series: The Calhoun Chronicles #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 384

Published: April 1, 1999

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

As the ballrooms of 1800s America glitter, romance is afoot...

Boston and Rio de Janeiro, 1851

An awkward misfit in an accomplished family, Isadora Peabody yearns to escape her life as a wallflower in Boston society. Fate intervenes when she learns that a ship bound for Rio de Janeiro is in need of an interpreter—a pursuit she very much enjoys. The only problem? The surly and handsome captain is adamantly opposed to a woman taking the role.

Sea captain Ryan Calhoun used to have a good family name. But he’d purposely walked away from everything it afforded him, driven by his quest to right an old wrong. When he finds himself falling for the meek young woman who comes aboard his ship, he’s determined to stay away from her—if only to keep her out of his secretive, dangerous plans.

As the tides of attraction flow between them, Ryan and Isadora must risk it all for love. For a true lady must learn to speak her mind, and Isadora is ready to put her newfound charms to the test.

Review:

This was voted for our DNF 2nd Chance challenge. I try to do this challenge twice a year, because sometimes a book (like some people) deserves a second chance. 

Isadora is awkward and a misfit in an accomplished family. She is nothing but a wallflower in the society of Boston. Fate has a funny way of intervening, and she finds herself on a ship bound to Rio de Janeiro as an interpreter. Everything seems golden.....except for the surly and handsome captain. Ryan used to have a good family name, but he walked away to right an old wrong. Isadora is something he wants to avoid so he can keep his secretive and dangerous plan...well...a secret. Attraction and lust have other plans for them though. 

I still don't get what the title means. There is no school. Ryan doesn't do much to teach her. Is it the boat? Is it the sea? Is Isadora self-teaching? Beh. 

Ryan is meh. 

Isadora is meh. 

Their chemistry seems forced and I just can't buy it even at the end. I did enjoy some of their quips though. I actually chuckled a bit.

The locations are the best part of the story! So refreshing, but sadly I still didn't warm up to these two as a couple. 

I managed to get to the end just so I could see the hows and whys. Morbid curiosity I guess.

All-in-all, I DID finish this so I can safely say it is a slight win for the DNF 2nd Chance challenge. However, my opinion barely changed. I'll give it a bonus star for the locations and the quips. 2 stars from me.  

Favorite Character(s): the boat

Least Favorite Character(s): Isadora's family.

 Challenge(s):

- Library love #10

Audiobook Review: As Luck Would Have It by Sonya Lalli

Author: Sonya Lalli

Narrator: Amrit Kaur

Title: As Luck Would Have It

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Chick Lit

Format: Audiobook

Published: October 10, 2024

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Hockey coach Ashley Jaswal doesn't take nonsense from anyone … except her overbearing and superstitious family. They believe she's a good luck charm for her brother Jas, the newest Vancouver Canucks draft pick, forcing Ash to attend all his games as he rises up the NHL ranks, sacrificing her personal life (not that she has one—who decided hockey season needed to be 10 months long anyway?).

Ash also clashes with Jas’s teammate, Canucks captain Devin Snyder. Devin is yet another arrogant hockey bro—and admitted total babe—who is fresh off a scandalous break-up with a global pop-star. But she soon finds the ice melts between them, and they share an unexpected chemistry. As Ash wrestles with her family’s demands, her brother’s career and her feelings for Devin, will she find a way to take a risk and make her own luck? Or will she puck this up?

Review:

Weeee love hockey love stories!

Here we follow Ashley Jaswal who is a hockey coach and a school teacher. She doesn't take nonesense from anyone, except for her family. They are overbearing and superstitious. They believe she is a good luck charm for her brother, Jas. If she misses a game, he doesn't do well, so now she has to go to every.single.game. Things are about to change and Ash will have to make some tough choices when Jas is drafted for the Vancouver Canucks. Will she sacrifice her personal life to attend every game or will she finally put some boundaries down. At the same time, she clashes with Jas' teammate and captain, Devin Snyder. Devin is a babe, but he seems to be an arrogant hockey bro who is fresh off a scandalous break-up with a global pop-star. Nothing is as it seems though. 

This was truly entertaining!! I didn't want to stop listening! 

Poor Ash, but there are times I wanted to shake her. However, it's hard to really set boundaries with family, especially when you do love them. Her father is a piece of work so F him. Sexist for sure. You can say he is simply just "old school" but still....F him. 

I loved Devin once we really get to know him. 

Jas...........he has potential to be a good man someday, but he has too much of his father in his head right now. There is hope for him especially near the end. I hope we get to see him find love in the future but I don't think this is going to be a series. Booo!!!!!!

Love a good romance, but I love a romance with some depth. We go over sexism and racism in sports and life in general. The author did a nice job weaving it into the story and it actually helped push the plot along. It didn't muddy the story at all. It was beautifully done. 

As much as I enjoyed this, I did have some issues with the ending. It was very sweet and adorable and yes, Ash and Devin find their HEA. However, I'm still debating on how I feel about Devin's decision. I also wanted more of an epilogue if this isn't going to be a series. There are a lot of questions I have that I need answers for. Sure, I can assume but where is the fun in that? 

The narrator was nice. She did a good job with the different genders and different age groups and different accents. Lovely job. 

All-in-all, this was a nice read. I really did enjoy it. I wanted a hair more from the ending and I'm not sure how I feel about Devin's decision, but even with that I enjoyed this. A lovely story with some depth. 4 stars from me. 

- Favorite Character(s): Ash and Dev

- Least Favorite Character(s): Ash's father and Jas (he DID get better but his transformation still has a mile to go)

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #19

- Romance Reading #15 (Snow/Ice on Cover)

Book Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Title: Fourth Wing

Series: The Empyrean #1

Genre: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance

Format: paperback

Pages: 544

Published: May 2, 2023

Where I got It: My shelf (local book store)

Summary: 

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away… because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter―like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda―because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Review:

Everyone has been ranting and raving about this and I will admit I've been curious. Especially for the dragons. I got this beaut of a version on sale at my local book store (#supportsmallbusiness) so why not!?

Here we follow Violet who wants a quiet life among the books and tomes as a Scribe. However, her mother won't allow that. She has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders. But when you are smaller and have medical issues, death is a little closer than it is for everyone else. Especially when it comes time to try and bond with a dragon. Dragons are not known for liking "weak" and "fragile" humans. They want the best of the best. At the same time, Xaden and so many others want her blood in revenge. She may not be the strongest, but she will be the smartest and live as long as she can. 

I will admit I was nervous because the last book I bought just for the cover and people saying it was amazing turned out to be a DNF. Eee. But I was pleasantly shocked that I grew to really adore this story. 

Love dragons here. They are your typical self-absorbed and grumpy dragon and I love that. However, when they find a special human they do get attached. There was a scene (won't spoil anything) where you could see that dragon's heart shatter as their human died. I literally had tears. 

This book is brutal. It's a tough world and a tough thing to become a rider. Not everyone makes it. It felt very Sparta-like. Only the tough survive and this school/boot camp only want the tough to survive. Even if you bond with a dragon, it doesn't guarantee you'll survive boot camp/school. You have to be on your guard and be careful who you befriend. I def don't want to be in this world. If I was...I would be a Scribe. Leave me be with the books. 

There is some romance here but it isn't the main story. There is something the higher ups are hiding. It's easy to guess if you pay attention to the small clues.

Like I said....this world is rough and I cried a couple of times. I wouldn't survive because I grow attached to people. So many people died!!!!!!!!! OMG the ending! Of COURSE someone I loved doesn't make it. *cries* So have your guard up and love no one! *cries more*

I had one issue with the book (minus people I like being killed off). I hated how modern the dialogue was at points. It didn't feel fantasy-like sometimes. It's easy to look past and didn't ruin the story for me, but I guess I'm biased because I'm so use to the dialogue being a certain way in fantasies. Could just be a me thing. But yes....it didn't ruin it overall for me but it did bug me a bit. 

All-in-all, I grew to really adore this. I have to read book 2. 

4 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): Liam, Violet, Rhi, Mira, and all the dragons

Least Favorite Character(s): Dain, Jack, and Violet's mother

Blodeuedd's Tuesday Review: Nettle and Bone by T Kingfisher

325 pages, Paperback

Published: February 28, 2023 by Titan Books

Fantasy/own

So this was my third Kingfisher book. What to read next?

It reads beautifully as a fairytale. Princess Marra´s older sister marries, and dies. Then her other sister marries the same man and something is just wrong. Marra is sent to a convent, handy to have a spare sister.

And years goes by. Then Marra has had enough and sets out on a journey to save her sister and kill a prince. With her on her quest she has a disgraced knight, a witch, a fairy godmother, a demon chicken and a dog made of bones.

This is a fairytale and it does end well. I can at least give you that. But there are hurdles to cross. A good book with some twists and turns.

After years of seeing her sisters suffer at the hands of an abusive prince, Marra—the shy, convent-raised, third-born daughter—has finally realized that no one is coming to their rescue. No one, except for Marra herself.

Seeking help from a powerful gravewitch, Marra is offered the tools to kill a prince—if she can complete three impossible tasks. But, as is the way in tales of princes, witches, and daughters, the impossible is only the beginning.

On her quest, Marra is joined by the gravewitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, a strapping former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon. Together, the five of them intend to be the hand that closes around the throat of the prince and frees Marra's family and their kingdom from its tyrannous ruler at last.

Book Review: Case of the One-Eyed Tiger by JM Poole

Author: JM Poole

Title: Case of the One-Eyed Tiger

Series: Corgi Case Files #1

Genre: Mystery, Contemporary, Thriller

Format: ebook

Pages: 293

Published: November 18, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

When a shocking murder shatters the tranquility of a sleepy Oregon town, and a priceless sculpture turns up missing, all fingers soon start pointing at new resident Zack Anderson. Armed with a determination to clear his name, Zack sets out to solve the case with the help of his feisty canine companion, a corgi named Sherlock who has an uncanny ability to sniff out clues. With evidence mounting against him, can Zack and Sherlock identify the killer and locate the missing sculpture before he ends up in the doghouse?

Review:

This was a freebie a while back and I grabbed it up. One....love a good mystery. Two....PUPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here we follow Zack Anderson who is new to the sleepy town in Oregon. Fingers start pointing to the newest resident when a murder happens and then the theft of a priceless sculpture. Zack needs to clear his name and fast with the help of his feisty canine companion, Sherlock. 

The mystery was mysterious, Sherlock was a gem, and the townies are interesting folk. This was enjoyable....except for Zack. Unlikeable, immature, and flat out annoying. I would point a finger at him too. I wish I liked him and I certainly tried, but he just rubbed me the wrong way. 

Honestly, I think Zack is one of those characters you love or hate. Some find him charming...some, like me, find him grating and annoying. 

Some of the solves and finds were a bit too easy and the cops in this town really stink. They need to be re-educated on basic investigation tasks. They literally just wanted to throw the book at Zack and call it good. 

Minus my feelings for Zack and the idiot cops, I did enjoy myself overall. I was so curious to see the whodunit and why. The villain was certainly a baddie and will serve a LOT of time behind bars. Dang. 

All-in-all, I might read book 2 someday...we'll see. Maybe Zack will worm his way into my heart in the future. LOL Who knows. 

3 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): Sherlock

Least Favorite Character(s): Zack

Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #9

Audiobook Review: Sugar Cookies and Sirens by Danielle Garrett

Author: Danielle Garrett

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: Sugar Cookies and Sirens

Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #2.5

Genre: Paranormal, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Novella, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Published:  September 1, 2024

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

The witch who can talk to animals meets the witch with a talking cat. What could go wrong? It’s Valentine’s Day in Winterspell, but not everyone appears to be feeling the love. And no, I’m not talking about my date-less self.

Instead of being wooed by candlelight, I’m working in a candle shop. Cora Hearth, Winterspell’s magical chandler, has teamed up with Sugar Shack to create party favors for the lucky couples, and they’re counting on us to spark some magic for their special night.

So, when a thief breaks into my delivery van and swipes the goodies, Cora and I—and her persnickety talking cat—have to join forces to track down the culprit in time to save Valentine’s Day.

Review:

I'm loving this series so much. It's such a fun town and world. 

It is Valentine's day at the Sugar Shake and Winterspell. Love is in the air and our girl is...alone. Her boyfriend is off on a mission and probably won't make it home in time to celebrate. It's okay...she has her work. Sugar Shake and Cora Hearth have teamed up to create party favors for couples. However, things go sideways when a thief breaks into the delivery van and swipes the goodies. It will be up to Ella, Cora, and Cora's cat familiar to find the thief to save Valentine's Day!

This was a cute little number. So much fun. Again....I'm really loving this world the author created. There is another series set in this same town that I need to dive into eventually. Such a vibe and I'm here for it!!!

The mystery was entertaining. At some point it dawned on me and I figured it out. It was a bit on the nose. I won't spoil which moment made the light bulb go off for me. It was a little easy, but still fun to watch unravel. And do I dare say........ it was kinda cute?

I missed Ella's beau but I was excited to see Ella maybe make a new friend. I hope Cora shows up in the future! She and her cat familiar were a gem and so much fun. Honestly, there seems to be some more backstory with these two. Curious to learn more. The name does sound familiar. Maybe Cora was in that Xmas short I read a while back? Who knows lol. 

The narrator is one of my favorites ever. Love, love, LOVE her voices. Always fun, always a blast. 

In the end, this was short but very sweet and nice. 4 stars. The mystery was a little on the nose, but I still enjoyed it immensely.  

- Favorite Character(s): Ella and Cora

- Least Favorite Character(s): mmmmmmmm no one I guess

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #18

- Cloak and Dagger #8

Audiobook Review: Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce

Author: Kristy Boyce

Narrator: Eva Kaminsky

Title: Dungeons and Drama

Series: Dungeons and Drama #1

Genre: Romance, YA, Contemporary

Format: Audiobook

Published:  January 9, 2024

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

When it comes to romance, sometimes it doesn't hurt to play games. A fun YA romcom full of fake dating hijinks!

Musical lover Riley has big aspirations to become a director on Broadway. Crucial to this plan is to bring back her high school’s spring musical, but when Riley takes her mom’s car without permission, she's grounded and stuck with the worst punishment: spending her after-school hours working at her dad’s game shop.

Riley can't waste her time working when she has a musical to save, so she convinces Nathan—a nerdy teen employee—to cover her shifts and, in exchange, she’ll flirt with him to make his gamer-girl crush jealous.

But Riley didn’t realize that meant joining Nathan's Dungeons & Dragons game…or that role playing would be so fun. Soon, Riley starts to think that flirting with Nathan doesn't require as much acting as she would've thought...

Review:

This was picked for book club, plus, I've had my eyes on this so I was excited to see it get selected. Weeee. 

Here we follow Riley who is a teenage drama queen. She loves the stage and loves musicals; she dreams of becoming a stage director one day. However, all that comes crashing down when she takes her mom's car without permission to a show. As punishment, she now has to work after school hours at her dad's game shop. In order to get some of her shifts covered so she can work on the school musical (plus keep her ex from knowing she is single STILL) , she strikes a deal with Nathan. She will help make his crush jealous by flirting with him if he pretends to be her boyfriend when her ex shows up and cover a couple of shifts. He agrees, but she has to join his D&D game. Little will she know that she will fall for D&D and for Nathan.

This was simply adorable. I really enjoyed it and I couldn't stop listening to it. As a girl who loves both musicals and D&D this was such a fun combo and seeing the two worlds come together. LOVE. 

The characters are fun even though Riley's selfishness drove me to insanity sometimes. At the core of it, she is a nice girl....just a typical teen who is obsessed with herself and what she wants. 

Nathan was a sweet boy but again...there were times he was stuck on only what he wanted.

Teens. *rolls eyes*

Even though this was a YA, it didn't feel cringey YA like some of them can. You know what I mean. It felt real and had some depth and it was enjoyable. It was a very cute and sweet. It took a while for these two to become more which worked great for the story. 

The narrator was fantastic. Perfect voices for everyone and her singing was cute. 

But yes, I adored this story. 5 stars from me for sure. 

- Favorite Character(s): Nathan

- Least Favorite Character(s): Paul

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #17

- Library love #9

- Romance Reading #14 (Fake Dating trope)

Book Review: The Lily Brand by Sandra Schwab

Author: Sandra Schwab

Title: The Lily Brand

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 310

Published: June 21, 2005

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Forever Marked

Troy Sacheverell, fifth earl of Ravenhurst, was captured in France. He'd gone to fight Napoleon, but what he found was much more sinister. Dragged from prison to an old French manor on the outskirts of civilization, he was purchased by a rich and twisted widow. And more dangerous still was the young woman who claimed him.

Lillian had not chosen to live with Camille, her stepmother, but nobody escaped the Black Widow's web. And on her nineteenth birthday, Lillian became Camille's heir. Her gift was a plaything: a man to end her naiveté, a man perfect in all ways but his stolen freedom. Yet even as Lillian did as she was told, marked that beautiful flesh and branded it with the flower of her name, all she desired was escape. In another place, in another world, she'd desired love. Now, looking into burning blue eyes, she knew there was no place to run. No matter if should she flee, no matter where she might go, she and this man were prisoners of passion, inextricably linked by the lily brand.

And while her heart remained locked in ice, his burnt with hate. Would they ever find true happiness?

Review:

Been meaning to read this book for a long while. I have enjoyed the author's other books but never got my hands. on it. Thank goodness for TBR challenges ;)

Here we follow Troy and Lillian. Troy was captured in France and his luck keeps getting worse when he finds himself as a prisoner in an old French manor on the outskirts of civilization. He was bought by a rich and evil widow who gives him to his stepdaughter. Lillian had not chosen to live with her stepmother but no one escapes the Black Widow's web. However, Lillian is done and plans an escape to get her and Troy out of there. After they seperate, they think they will never see each other again....until they are reunited in England in proper society. 

This was pretty dark at times. The characters went through hell at the hands of the Black Widow. I was hoping that they would see each other as fellow victims, but Troy has a lot of issues so it takes him a while. Trauma ya know. 

This was an interesting format to the a-typical romance. Which was super refreshing. Things happen (no spoiler) and they are forced to marry, but he hates her. He blames her for what happened to him and she blames herself. It took a LOT of time for them to see sense and find their love. It took time, talking, and friends to help. I loved this.

Awwww the side love story was adorable. I want to see more of them. They were sweet beans for sure. 

But yes. For sure some triggering topics so keep that in mind.

All-in-all, I liked this quite a bit. The beginning was dark for sure. I expected it but I was still like, "WHAT?" but I couldn't stop reading. I had to see how they would find each other and have their HEA. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Lillian and Troy's friends

Least Favorite Character(s): The Black Widow and Troy's cousin. Snakes. 

Challenge(s):

- TBR #4 (Interesting location) 

Blodeuedd's Review: Daughter in Redwinter by Ed McDonald

352 pages, Paperback

Series: The Redwinter Chronicles (#1)

Published: September 12, 2023 by Tor Books

Fantasy/own

My bookclub theme was Finish that book. So this poor book was it. I started it last summer and never got far.

So what was the problem? I think it was Raine, the main character. I did not like her. If she had died at the end I would have been all meh, shit happens.

The world was interesting, but yeah Raine was pretty meh. Everyone around her is killed, she is pretty meh about it. She rides out with the people who was there doing that. She makes some friends, bad things happen.

I just never warmed up and it sort of ruined things for me :/

Those who see the dead soon join them.

Raine can see―and speak―to the dead, a gift that comes with a death sentence. All her life she has hidden, lied, and run to save her skin, and she’s made some spectacularly bad choices along the way.

But it is a rare act of kindness―rescuing an injured woman in the snow―that becomes the most dangerous decision Raine has ever made.

Because the woman is fleeing from Redwinter, the fortress-monastery of the Draoihn, warrior magicians who answer to no king, and who will stop at nothing to reclaim what she’s stolen. A battle, a betrayal, and a horrific revelation force Raine to enter the citadel and live among the Draoihn. She soon finds that her secret ability could be the key to saving an entire nation.

Though she might have to die to make it happen . . .

Book Review: A Rogue's Rules for Seduction by Eva Leigh

Author: Eva Leigh

Title: A Rogue's Rules for Seduction

Series: Last Chance Scoundrels #3

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 355

Published: April 25, 2023

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

After Dominic Kilburn left Lady Willa Ransom at the altar, she vowed never to reveal how badly she was hurt. Following a year abroad, Willa wants to move on with her life, so she accepts an invitation to a house party. She's determined to leave her humiliation behind, as well as the scorching attraction she still feels for the man who jilted her.

When dark secrets from his past surfaced right before his wedding, Dom knew he didn't deserve Willa. So, he bolted. But he still burns for the only woman who ever claimed his heart. To escape the memories of all he lost, Dom heads to a friend's estate on an isolated Scottish isle. Yet one of the other guests is the very woman who haunts his every thought and makes him wish for the impossible.

Thrown together by well-meaning family and friends, Willa and Dom try to resist the fiery pull between them. Soon the line between love and loathing begins to blur, and their attraction explodes. But Dom's past lurks on the edge of their rekindled passion and Willa fears she'll be devastated all over again. Can these star-crossed lovers find their happily ever after, or will everything detonate a second time?

Review:

This is the final book of the series! WAH! It's been a long build and a long time coming. We seen the unraveling of their relationship in like the first chapter of the series. Been excited to see them rekindle their love. 

Dom left Willa at the altar and she didn't know why. She escaped for a year abroad to nurse her bruised heart until the rumors have settled down. On the other side, Dom still loves Willa but the secrets of his past resurfaced right before the wedding so he felt he had no choice but to bolt. They are thrown together by well-meaning family and friends on an isolated estate on the Scottish isle. Can they talk it out and maybe have a second chance at love?

Communication people. I think all of this could've been avoided BUT they were SO immature back then so I'm glad it happened. They needed time to grow up before finding one another again. However, I would be pissed off if I was them being chucked together again. Her brothers drive me insane man. Love them from the past, but I don't think they take a moment to think stuff out. 

We do find out WHY Dom left Willa at the alter and I guess I get it but....again....communication man. I won't spoil anything, but yeah. TBH Willa should've made him beg a bit more. She deserved more and better from everyone. That poor sweet bean. 

Oh. My biggest issue was the repeative scenes and conversations. IF HE CALLS HER A LIONNESS ONE MORE TIME I WILL SCREAM!!!! *eye twitch* And we GET IT. He's a big boy. Muscles galore. Okie. 

Overall, I did enjoy this one. I enjoyed watching the couple talk and rekindle their love. It was a nice second chance even though I feel like Willa needed to make him beg for a scene or two more ;) 3 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): Willa

Least Favorite Character(s): n/a

Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading #13 (Forced Proximity trope)

  

Audiobook Review: The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Narrator: Michael Kramer

Title: The Well of Ascension

Series: The Mistborn Saga #2

Genre: Fantasy, YA, SciFi

Format: Audiobook

Published:  August 21, 2007

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

The impossible has been accomplished. The Lord Ruler—the man who claimed to be god incarnate and brutally ruled the world for a thousand years—has been vanquished. But Kelsier, the hero who masterminded that triumph, is dead too, and now the awesome task of building a new world has been left to his young protégé, Vin, the former street urchin who is now the most powerful Mistborn in the land, and to the idealistic young nobleman she loves.

As Kelsier's protégé and slayer of the Lord Ruler she is now venerated by a budding new religion, a distinction that makes her intensely uncomfortable. Even more worrying, the mists have begun behaving strangely since the Lord Ruler died, and seem to harbor a strange vaporous entity that haunts her.

Stopping assassins may keep Vin's Mistborn skills sharp, but it's the least of her problems. Luthadel, the largest city of the former empire, doesn't run itself, and Vin and the other members of Kelsier's crew, who lead the revolution, must learn a whole new set of practical and political skills to help. It certainly won't get easier with three armies - one of them composed of ferocious giants - now vying to conquer the city, and no sign of the Lord Ruler's hidden cache of atium, the rarest and most powerful allomantic metal.

As the siege of Luthadel tightens, an ancient legend seems to offer a glimmer of hope. But even if it really exists, no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or what manner of power it bestows.

Review:

After the end of book 1, I knew I had to get my hands on book 2. I'm still mad at the fate of a certain character from book 1, but I still had to read on. 

Please note....this review (along with the summary) may have some major spoilers!

The Lord Ruler is dead. However, the work is not done. With Kelsier gone as well, his crew is left behind to start building a new world. Between assassins, politics, threats of war...you would think that this crew has their hands full. But lets add the mists acting weird and becoming dangerous. As a war is brewing, an ancient legend seems to be their only glimmer of hope. If it exists and if it actually is good.

The beginning was rough. Lots and lots and lots of talking. There was also a lot of politic games here and a lot of Vin and Eland going on and on about how they think the other doesn't like them anymore and if they are worthy of them. Gag. And omg Vin...just wear the dress. You can be a kickass beyotch AND wear a dress. I wanted to shake them both!!!!!

After a certain point, things got tense and interesting again. War is coming from all fronts. Everyone wants a piece of the city and want the power that is inside. Other powers can smell the infighting between Eland and the other nobles so why not take it for their own? Fools the lot of them. Poor Eland is just too nice for his own good. 

OMG the last 25% had me in tears! Spoiler...not spoiler...war does come. Not everyone survives. My poor heart!!!!!!

The book does end on a HUGE cliffhanger. I already requested book 3 from the library because I HAVE to know what is going to happen. Things are going to get dicey. 

I hope I get the audiobook, because I'm enjoying his style. However...I requested for all three (physical, ebook, and audio) so we'll see what comes first. Per the app I have WEEKS before any will be ready. This series is popular still. 

All-in-all, I did enjoy this. Once things got going, you can't stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen. Who will live? Who will die? WHAT IS IN THE CITY!? WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE MISTS! WILL VIN JUST WEAR THE FING DRESS? 

I'll give this 3 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Eland

- Least Favorite Character(s): Straff and the one who betrayed everyone (no name - will keep it a spoiler)

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #16

- Library love #8

2nd DNF Second Chance Announcement!

The votes are in for our 2nd DNF Second Chance! It was a tight race!!! But it won by a couple of votes

I will try and get started on this in before the end of spring! 

Again...here are my self-imposed rules: 

- The book must be sitting on the DNF shelf for over a year. Time heals wounds...right?

- Honor the poll choice

- Read at LEAST 125 pages before giving up. 

- Be completely and utterly honest

- If it is a physical book on my shelf and I DNF it again, I MUST rehome it.

If you want to do this idea for yourself, please feel free. You can change the roles and etc. :) 

Book Review: Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Author: Charles Frazier

Title: Cold Mountain

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Classic

Format: paperback

Pages: 449

Published: January 1, 1997

Where I got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

Cold Mountain is a novel about a soldier’s perilous journey back to his beloved near the Civil War's end. At once a love story & a harrowing account of one man’s long walk home, Cold Mountain introduces a new talent in American literature.

Based on local history & family stories passed down by Frazier’s great-great-grandfather, Cold Mountain is the tale of a wounded Confederate soldier, Inman, who walks away from the ravages of the war & back home to his prewar sweetheart, Ada. His odyssey thru the devastated landscape of the soon-to-be-defeated South interweaves with Ada’s struggle to revive her father’s farm, with the help of an intrepid young drifter named Ruby. As their long-separated lives begin to converge at the close of the war, Inman & Ada confront the vastly transformed world they’ve been delivered.

Frazier reveals insight into human relations with the land & the dangers of solitude. He also shares with the great 19th century novelists a keen observation of a society undergoing change. Cold Mountain recreates a world gone by that speaks to our time.

Review:

One of my absolute favorite books. I felt it was time to revisit it since I haven't picked up this book since 2016.

This story is about WP Inman and Ada Monroe. They find love but due to war he puts on the uniform to fight for North Carolina. He may not believe in the cause, but it would be cowardly to not join. After he is injured horribly, he decides to walk away and go back home. The war is nearly done anyway and he can't take one more moment on the frontline. At the same time as his perilous walk, we also follow Ada. She was born and raised to be a lady. She only knows how to do frivolous tasks, so with her father gone and the money drained because of the war....she is struggling to survive. In walks Ruby who trains Ada to be a farmer.

This book always gets me. It is so tragic. I know how it ends, but I always have hope. Maybe it'll end differently this time!

I always wish that these two have more time together, but that is the tragedy. They are apart for so long, but I wish we had more scenes with them. Sighs. 

The format is always wild to me, but I've grown to look past it. It works for this story for some reason. Maybe I am blinded by love of the story and characters? 

What else to say?

The way the author describes our scenes is beautiful. It is majestic in a way. 

Yes, this is a love story but it is also shows a different side of the war. It really dives into the true human element. War makes monsters of us all. It may start with a noble cause but it can destroy everything and everyone. Along with the war and love element, the book does poke at deep issues at the time like racism, sexism, human rights, society, male/female gender roles, and etc.

All-in-all, this book always leaves me breathless and in tears. Now I have to watch the movie. Sigh. ;) 

5 stars from me of course. 

Favorite Character(s): Inman and Ruby

Least Favorite Character(s): Teague and his crew. 

  

Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading #12 (MC's name starts with 'M')

Blodeuedd's Monday: Stranger in Town by Kelley Armstrong

356 pages, Hardcover

Series: Rockton/Casey Duncan (#6)

Published: February 9, 2021 by Minotaur Books

Thriller /own

This hellish town filled with hellish, and some very nice people, is coming to an end. In this one Casey finds a wounded hiker and takes her back to town. And things gets bad.

And we finally learn what the hostiles are about. There have been clues and more through out the series. Crazy hippies going around killing people. But now I know. And it was crazy.

Hunt for, well everything as things are getting intense. And this town, well, the whole idea behind it is so good. But when money talks and they are getting serial killers with women fleeing abusive exes. Well then the whole idea behind the town has gone down the drain.

One more! Eeek, but hey I have already spoiled it for me since I first read the series after this one.

Detective Casey Duncan has noticed fewer and fewer residents coming in to the hidden town of Rockton, and no extensions being granted. Her boyfriend, Sheriff Eric Dalton, presumes it’s the natural flux of things, but Casey’s not so sure. Something bigger is happening in the small town they call home.

When an injured hiker stumbles from the woods, the sole survivor of a hostile attack, it’s all hands on deck. Even a member of the elusive Rockton council comes in to help. This council member also comes bearing news: Rockton is being shut down due to the hostile situation.

Casey and Eric must now race to save the town that has allowed residents to have a fresh start, away from the mistakes of their past, while also getting to the bottom of this latest attack.

Best of March

Here are our bests from March!!!! 

Best Book of the Month:

Blodeuedd - The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

"This one gets best book because it was a well written story."

Carole - The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer

"Such a powerful book. 100% recommend."

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole -  Nosferatu (2024)

"Creepy....weird....odd....but oh so good."

Blodeuedd - Paddington in Peru (2024)

"Best movie. Saw Paddington 3 in the cinema :D"

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Ghosts (s2)

"I watched s2 of Ghosts and now Netflix have no more cries!"

Carole - Ghosts (s4)

"Is the season over? I need more! I'm not ready for the season to end!"

Best Cover of the Month:

C's pick:
Sooooo pretty! Even prettier live!

B's pick:
It also gets best cover cos look what a cutie