Audiobook Review: Wild Irish Dreamer by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: Wild Irish Dreamer

Series: Mystic Cove #8

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook 

Published: July 14, 2020

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

What would happen if dreams came true?

It's said that the world is made of dreamers. Which is a lovely thought and all, except for when those dreams come with a foretelling of the future. In order to find out what she really wants, Fiona MacAuliffe has spent her life running from who she truly is. Determined to ignore her gifts in order to make her own way in the world, Fi long ago said goodbye to her family's pub in Grace's Cove and set off to follow her heart.

Little does she know that it is her heart that will betray her when she returns home.

Review:

Man. Coming back to this series is like coming back home. For some reason I took a LONG break from this series. In 2021 (eek), I accidently skipped this and read book 9. It's nice coming back. 

We are back in the cove. Here we have Fiona (Fi) and Liam. They both have the wanderlust and they keep on meeting randomly. Or is it the universe giving them chance after chance? Fi doesn't want to be held down by her small town, her powers, or a man. She doesn't want the white picket fence life. She wants to be free and explore every corner of the world and be surprised by it. Love? That isn't a dream to her....or is it? 

*sighs deeply*

Fi. Fi oh Fi oh Fi. Idiot girl. I wanted to kick her. I get she has some issues trusting men outside of her group because of her ex. However, Liam is friends of friends and was saved by Grace in the past so he believes in magic. Plus he's SUCH a good guy. He shows it over and over and over. But Fi is so "I don't need a man! They'll hold me down!" So the universe gives her a man that has the same wanderlust and would travel the world too, but nooooOoooOOOooooo still not good enough. >_> 

Plus her hating her powers? Sure...I get it...don't abuse your powers and use them for bad. Keep your walls up and etc, but she flat out ignores the signs her dreams tries to give her. Like near the end with a certain situation (no spoilers from me). 

Don't get me wrong Fi is a nice girl, but she's an absolute moron. I still loved this book and it was nice seeing Fi FINALLY grow up. It took the entire book but she finally does it. Bless Liam for his patience. He has his own demons and terrible ex trauma to deal with, but he's willing to try but Fi keeps leading him on. 

Again...I liked this book a lot but Fi drove me to insanity. 

I can't wait to read book 10 (I may re-read book 9 since it has been so long and I read out of order by mistake). I hope we can see more of Fi and Liam enjoying each other. It took forever for them to become a couple. I want to see them be in love. 

The narrator is a gem. I can't imagine ANYONE else reading these books. 

In the end, I had some big issues with Fi. Yes, I love good conflict and internal (and external) issues standing in the way, but man, she really was a rough character to understand and in some moments...like. I'll give this 3 stars overall.  

Favorite Character(s): Liam

Least Favorite Character(s): Fi 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #34

Audiobook Review: A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

Author: T. Kingfisher

Narrator: Mary Robinette Kowal

Title: A House With Good Bones

Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery

Format: Audiobook 

Published: March 28, 2023

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

"Mom seems off."

Her brother's words echo in Sam Montgomery's ear as she turns onto the quiet North Carolina street where their mother lives alone.

She brushes the thought away as she climbs the front steps. Sam's excited for this rare extended visit, and looking forward to nights with just the two of them, drinking boxed wine, watching murder mystery shows, and guessing who the killer is long before the characters figure it out.

But stepping inside, she quickly realizes home isn’t what it used to be. Gone is the warm, cluttered charm her mom is known for; now the walls are painted a sterile white. Her mom jumps at the smallest noises and looks over her shoulder even when she’s the only person in the room. And when Sam steps out back to clear her head, she finds a jar of teeth hidden beneath the magazine-worthy rose bushes, and vultures are circling the garden from above.

To find out what’s got her mom so frightened in her own home, Sam will go digging for the truth. But some secrets are better left buried.

Review:

I picked this for book club! I've really been meaning to read more by this author. So far I've only read one a while back, so it was time. Seen this and it seemed like a nice pick. 

Sam is temporarily moving back in with her mother. Her brother's words scare her a bit, but it just can't be true that their mother is "off". Or is her brother being overdramatic? She'll have to see for herself. When she steps in, the house seems to be transported back in time. The once vibrant house, is now back to the sterile white walls and questionable decor that her grandmother used to have. Her mother is jumpy and way too skinny. Something is wrong and Sam will figure it out. 

Creepy. SOOO creepy. The last...quarter of the book had me glued! I couldn't stop listening and I kept mumbling, "WHAT THE F?" Wild. Loved it.

The "answer" seemed so simple. The answer was literally written on the wall, but the further you go the more complex and weird it gets. It was awesome. One scene? A thing of absolute nightmares and I loved every second of it.

I do wish we had more of a solid ending. Like....what? Sure, the unknown is scary and we are supposed to be a little scared for them, but I wanted to see more. Maybe a future book? 

The narrator was alright. Sometimes she was a little jovial for Sam. Sure, Sam is kind of jovial, but it seemed too much. Her guy voices were...eh. Poor Phil sounded so weird. 

Overall, I did like this. It makes me want more from the author. Wild story that got crazy good. I wanted more from the end and the narrator was just alright, but I ate up every second of this. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Gail (spell?) and our vulture buddy

Least Favorite Character(s): The grandmother

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #34

- Cloak & Dagger #19

- Library Love #20

Blodeuedd's Tuesday: A Kiss for Lady Mary by Ella Quinn

By: Ella Quinn

Narrated by: Sasha Higgins

Series: The Marriage Game, Book 6

Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins

Release date: 06-24-25 by Tantor Media

Historical romance

Mary is being pursued by her cousin and he is trying everything to force her to marry him. So her grandmother comes up with a crazy idea and sends her to an estate where she pretends to be the wife of the owner. Yes I said it was crazy. But it all makes sense in the end.

She stays there with her aunt and she even makes the place better...until the owner shows up and is appalled that someone is faking being his wife.

But Kit and Mary realise that they are in a bad position and tries to find a way out. And while they do that, they of course fall madly in love.

The aunt gets a sidestory too, which worked. But then a third couple got a sidestory and this threw me because it made no sense. Maybe they have been in previous books? Because it was out of the blue and they really deserved a book of their own.

Happily ever after wins in the end.

The narrator did a good job with everything from voices to accents. It was a pleasant narration

Handsome, charming, and heir to a powerful Viscount, Christopher “Kit” Featherton is everything a woman could want—except interested in marriage. So when he hears that someone on his estate near the Scottish border is claiming to be his wife, Kit sets off to investigate.

Since her parents’ death, Lady Mary Tolliver has been hounded by her cousin, a fortune-hunting fool after her inheritance. Refusing to settle for anything less than love, Mary escapes to the isolated estate of rakish bachelor, Kit Featherton. Knowing he prefers Court to the country, she believes she will be safe. But when Kit unexpectedly returns, her pretend marriage begins to feel seductively real…

Book Review: The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

Author: Claudia Gray

Title: The Murder of Mr. Wickham

Series: Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney #1

Genre: Mystery, Retelling, Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 387

Published: May 3, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A summer house party turns into a whodunit when Mr. Wickham, one of literature’s most notorious villains, meets a sudden and suspicious end in this mystery featuring Jane Austen’s leading literary characters.

The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a house party, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans. Definitely not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it’s clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they’re all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst.

Nearly everyone at the house party is a suspect, so it falls to the party’s two youngest guests to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry, eager for adventure beyond Northanger Abbey; and Jonathan Darcy, the Darcys’ eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem almost relaxed. The unlikely pair must put aside their own poor first impressions and uncover the guilty party—before an innocent person is sentenced to hang.

Review:

Who doesn't love a good Jane Austen retelling mixed with a murder of Mr. Wickham???

Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a party and bringing together distant relatives, old friends, and new acquaintances. We see faces from all over Jane Austen books. Everyone is having a good time until Wickham shows up and crashes the party. He is desperate and his latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. No one is happy to see him and obviously someone is mad enough for murder. Everyone is a suspect and it will be up to Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy to team up and figure out the truth before the constable takes away an innocent person. 

I enjoyed this quite a bit. I liked meeting our old characters and new characters. I loved seeing them interact. However, there were SOOO many characters I had to really concentrate to keep who was who. I've read the books but I still struggled sometimes and had to stop and re-read. 

Jonathan and Juliet are for sure opposites and it was fun watching them work together. Jonathan is so rigged he makes Mr Darcy look like a carefree hippie. Juliet is clever and sweet. 

The mystery was nicely done. I had zero idea who did it, because EVERYONE wanted the swine dead. *spits* 

All-in-all, this is a wonderful book for those that like Jane Austen and mysteries! It was lovely seeing so many faces. It was a little much sometimes and I had issues here and there remembering who was who and how everyone was connected, but I was able to stay with the story and find my footing eventually. I am curious about book 2, but we shall see. Maybe if my library has it. Now a rating??? Mhmmmmm........4 stars. It would be 3, but I feel that the ending twists and turns gave it a little bit of a boost. 

Favorite Character(s): Juliet

Least Favorite Character(s): Wickham of course.  

 Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #18

- Library Love #19

Movie (Documentary) Review: The First American (2016)

Title: The First American

Length: 1h 35m

Released: 2016

Genre: Biography, Documentary
Rating: Not Rated (I would say MAYBE PG)
Where I Got It: Amazon

SUMMARY:

George Washington is central to understanding America's founding. He was the crucial figure in winning the American Revolution, in creating the Constitution, and in establishing the precedents for effective self-government as our first President. George Washington's sense of virtue, his lifelong activity as a citizen, his reverence for the rule of law, and his commitment to establishing the American Republic make him the essential figure for every American to know and study.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I technically watched this July 4th weekend, but I honestly forgot to write this review. I watch so few movies these days. I've been more into my TV shows lately. So yeah - I went back and watched this just so I could remember what I watched. 

Here we dive deep into George Washington and his life and impact on the United States. He was the first president. He was very beloved back then and for some...still beloved today. 

I thought this was very well done overall. I'm happy that the creators kept this bi-partisan and didn't try to push their political parties' agenda. This was about Washington and his impact on this country. Nicely done. 

I'm glad they dug into his pre-Revolution life; his childhood and his young adult life. From the research I've done on the man, his early life is really interesting and really would lead him to victory in the future. He was a complex man and unknown man. He was quiet and reserved. I think the documentary did a good job reflecting that. 

The acting scenes were.....okay. Some bits were really good like the battles. But there were some cringey moments. I'm not sure the person playing Martha was the person to do it. Maybe it was the script? She seemed SO awkward. George was nicely portrayed, but Martha was a bit off. 

This was a nice documentary and I would recommend it to people who would like to learn more. Very informative AND interesting. It wasn't boring at all. I think this would be a nice tape for students. 

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Death at the Drive-In by Angie Fox

Author: Angie Fox

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Title: Death at the Drive-In

Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #13

Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: March 19, 2024

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Verity's quest to save her friend takes her to a long-abandoned part of Sugarland where rockabilly ghosts rule.

Review:

I'm in love with this series and these characters. I'm pretty much caught up now. There is just one more book already published and then after that....I'll have to wait! Gasp!

Verity and her gang are up for a big challenge. They will need to figure out how to save Frankie's girlfriend who was possessed by another ghost. Yes, ghosts can possess other ghost. This will lead them to a long-abandoned part of Sugarland where rockabilly ghosts rule the roost. Trying to save their friend will lead to a cold case that will have to be solved. 

I would recommend reading the other books before this one. Lots and lots of references. 

Lots of mysteries afoot in this one! Between saving a friend and solving a cold case and defeating corrupt cops and the Irish Mob....Verity and the gang have a lot on their hands!!! It was all fun and all connected and done really, really well. 

Spoiler, not spoiler, I loved seeing Verity and her MIL team up. That was unexpected but mama Virginia doesn't have much going on and I think a part of her heart wants to be loved. Honestly, I think that is why I love this series so much. Not only does Verity and Frankie have character developments, but our sides do too. It feels all so real. 

I was sad that Ellis wasn't really involved here. We get to see him for a few moments before he takes off. Bummer. I missed his lil face. BUT I think this was done on purpose because we got to see more of Frankie and Molly fighting for each other and their love. That was nice to see more of that. I GUESS I can kind of forgive not seeing swoon-worthy Ellis as much. 

OOO. The twist was nice. Seen part of it coming, but the whole thing?? Got me there. 

The narrator was fabulous as per normal. 

All-in-all, I am in love with this series. Love our mains and our sides. I am eager to read the next one! Super fun. Lots of mysteries and ghosties afoot. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Verity 

Least Favorite Character(s): Seamus

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #33

- Cloak & Dagger #17

Book Review: Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Title: Bride

Series: Bride #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 410

Published: February 6, 2024

Where I got It: My shelf (Target)

Summary: 

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again...

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

Review:

This has been on my TBR list since it came out last year. I found this on sale at the store so I gobbled it up. 

Here we follow Misery who is the only daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman. In order to maintain peace between the Weres and the Vampyres, she is offered up as a bride for their new Alpha leader. She agrees because...how could she refuse? If this could form an alliance and could lead to her finding her missing best friend, two birds with one stone....right? Things get complicated as she learns more about the Weres and her husband. How can a Were ever truly love a Vampyre?

This started off really good. I didn't want to stop reading, but then things plateaued a bit. It dragged for a while in the middle BUT it did pick back up in the last third of the book. 

Misery and Lowe are both hard characters to read. I do not think I truly ever warmed up to Lowe by the end. I could appreciate him, but................one part bugged me a bit. Maybe it was the timing of what he said? He just rubbed me the wrong way and I don't think he groveled enough for my liking. Misery is a sweet bean and deserves all the love. 

The cat was hilarious. 

Loved seeing Misery slowly fall in love with not just her husband but with the whole pack. So sweet. 

The TWIST was nice. I had a feeling something was up but I couldn't pinpoint what it was. 

I am curious about book 2 after the conclusion of this one. There is more story and more fallout on the way from the events of this one. Plus.....our next couple seem like they will be a hoot. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this even with the flatlined middle third. It could've JUST been a me problem. The first and last parts made up for it in my opinion. I'll give this 3 stars overall. 

Favorite Character(s): Misery

Least Favorite Character(s): Misery's father

Audiobook Review: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Author: Abby Jimenez

Narrator: Christine Lakin & Zachary Webber

Title: Just for the Summer

Series: Part of Your World #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

Format: Audiobook 

Published: April 2, 2024

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it's now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They'll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work.

Emma hadn't planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka.

It's supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma's toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they're suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected--including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?

Review:

This was picked as something to read by my Twitch community BUT I had my eyes on this one as well since I enjoyed the first two of the series. 

Here we follow Emma and Justin. They both have a wild curse where the person they break up with happens to find their true love shortly after. The two meet on Reddit and decide that maybe, JUST maybe, they can break the curse after they "date" and break up. Emma is a traveling nurse and decides to take her next assignment at the hospital near Justin. This is supposed to be a quick and fake summer fling, but they are catching real feelings for each other. However, they have a lot of baggage that could provide some major hurdles for them. 

You really should read the other two books before this one especially since there is a huge connection that is revealed. I do not want to say TOO much because it is a huge twist! I had zero idea. It really took me aback! I didn't see it coming! But this does okay as a standalone overall, but the connections make it just that more special. 

Loved seeing Justin find love. He was such a nice guy in the last book. He deserves all the happiness life has to offer. My heart broke for him learning about what is happening to his family. I feel for them all...even his mom. Life is never black and white.

Oooooh Emma!!! Her backstory and issues broke my heart. I HATE her mother soooo much! I was literally screaming for Emma to stand up and tell her to go away. Booooo!

This was adorable overall. Some humor. Some smexy scenes. Lots and lots of baggage these two had to shift through. Like the other book the author does have a layer of real life mental health or health issues that she gives her characters. I really love it. Yes, you know they will find their HEA but it just feels so real. The author really does a wonderful job of blending everything together that isn't TOO heavy ALL the time or TOO sweet or TOO ridiculously funny. It is simply perfect.

I enjoyed this a lot. I dare say I loved it. 

The narrators are just the cherry on top! They are perfect and bring the story to life. 

In the end, I adored this book just as much as the others. I love our characters and I loved watching them fall in love. It broke my heart seeing them go through all the issues, but it was worth seeing it so they could get to their HEA. 5 stars from me.  

Favorite Character(s): Justin

Least Favorite Character(s): Amber

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #32

- Library Love #18

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Black Woods Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey

306 pages, Hardcover

Published: February 4, 2025 by Random House

Magical realism/own

I seriously remember writing a review for this one yesterday, but I guess not.

Oh it made me cry at the end, it was just so, I can not say because spoilers. I did not believe I would but that last page. Ack bittersweet.

It is a slow book, but not in a bad way. It is set in Alaska and the pace is just slower. You just live. Her prose is so good and she sets this melancholy mood, and the the need to run away.

The book is about Birdie who lives with her young daughter Emaleen, and Birdie has this urge for more. So she meets a man called Arthur and goes to live with him in the wilderness. In a cabin not fit to live in. Far away from civilization in bear country. But there is freedom there and she craves it.

This is magical realism and she weaves it so well. I believe that would be true.

Oh and the name, seriously how did I not spot it before the end! Makes so much sense.

Well written, and good.

An unforgettable dark fairy tale that asks, Can love save us from ourselves?

Birdie’s keeping it together; of course she is. So she’s a little hungover sometimes, and she has to bring her daughter, Emaleen, to her job waiting tables at an Alaskan roadside lodge, but she’s getting by as a single mother in a tough town. Still, Birdie can remember happier times from her youth, when she was free in the wilds of nature.

Arthur Neilsen, a soft-spoken and scarred recluse who appears in town only at the change of seasons, brings Emaleen back to safety when she gets lost in the woods. Most people avoid him, but to Birdie he represents everything she’s ever longed for. She finds herself falling for Arthur and the land he knows so well. Against the warnings of those who care about them, Birdie and Emaleen move to his isolated cabin in the mountains on the far side of the Wolverine River.

It’s just the three of them in the vast black woods, far from roads, telephones, electricity, and outside contact, but Birdie believes she has come prepared. At first, it’s idyllic, but soon Birdie discovers that Arthur is something much more mysterious and dangerous than she could have imagined, and that like the Alaska wilderness, a fairy tale can be as dark as it is beautiful.

Audiobook Review: The Wrong Witch to Hex With by Molly Harper

Author: Molly Harper

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi &Teddy Hamilton

Title: The Wrong Witch to Hex With

Series: Moonshadow Cove #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Mystery

Format: Audiobook 

Published: May 29, 2025

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

As the youngest of three sea witch sisters, Linney Seaworth lives a secluded existence in her family’s secret cottage on Moonshadow Cove, the far side of Starfall Point. Together, the Seaworths wield magic derived from the surrounding waters to keep the human population safe from paranormal threats. But Linney has always longed for a more adventurous life ... which is exactly what she gets when handsome newcomer Gray Brockhurst shows up on the Island.

Gray just inherited one of Starfall’s oldest ghost tour companies. Even though he’s never believed in ghosts, he’s continuing the family business to honor his late grandfather, who relished in sharing the island’s lore. But Gray is thrown for a loop when a lovely local interrupts his tour and changes his entire world view. Apparently, ghosts are all too real, and he’s been offending them with inaccurate stories during his “performances.”

But soon the Seaworths face a bigger A deadly enemy has been unleashed, and it’s unlike anything they’ve ever encountered. As Linney and Gray work together to stop it, the attraction brewing between them just might be the most powerful magic of all.

Review:

I've been DYING to continue in this world. I enjoyed the original series so I was excited to check out this spin-off. 

Here we follow Linney and Gray. Linney is the youngest of her sisters and has been overly protected and sheltered by her older sisters. They live in a secret cottage on Moonshadow Cove which is on the far side of Starfall Point. Together they keep their little haven hidden from the human population and safe from paranormal threats. Linney longs for more. When she sneaks to town, she comes across Starfall Point's newest resident...Gray. After his grandfather's passing, Gray is taking up the mantle and running his Ghost Tour business. Gray doesn't believe in ghosts, but he wants to honor his grandfather and live in Starfall Point. When Linney opens his eyes to the paranormal world. He can't go back. But there is a threat that they will have to work together to uncover and save Starfall Point and Moonshadow Cove. 

I highly recommend reading the original series first. Lots of references are tossed in here. Sure, you could attempt, but I feel like you would missing some key things if you don't read the original first.

Awwww we are back BABY!!! I love this little town. I love the residents. I might be slightly biased because this is set in Michigan. I'm a sucker for books set in my home state. ;)

Linney was adorable and sweet. Gray has a big heart and I hated his family. He deserves ALL the love. *mutters about greedy mfers and terrible people*

I enjoyed following the mystery and learning the secrets. It was fun! The baddie was certainly bad and it is just the beginning. More will follow especially with a certain event at the very end. No spoilers from me!!

Now...I will complain that the romance element seemed slightly neglected here. We rarely got to see our couple fall in love. Sure you can the see the lust, but it just fell flat. We needed more. Maybe a date or two? Things happened so quickly! 

The narrators are amazing. I'm so glad they came back for this spin off! It just wouldn't fee the same without them. 

In the end, I did enjoy this a lot. I do wish we had more romance. It felt rushed and we didn't get to really see these two fall in love. Maybe we'll see it more in the next book? Lots of action. Lots of ghosts. Lots of humor. And there is love there. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

Favorite Character(s): Gray

Least Favorite Character(s): Gray's whole family

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #31

- Cloak & Dagger #16

Book Review: Regeneration by Pat Barker

Author: Pat Barker

Title: Regeneration

Series: Regeneration #1

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 260

Published: May 30, 1991

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

In 1917 Siegfried Sasson, noted poet and decorated war hero, publicly refused to continue serving as a British officer in World War I. His reason: the war was a senseless slaughter. He was officially classified "mentally unsound" and sent to Craiglockhart War Hospital. There a brilliant psychiatrist, Dr. William Rivers, set about restoring Sassoon’s “sanity” and sending him back to the trenches. This novel tells what happened as only a novel can. It is a war saga in which not a shot is fired. It is a story of a battle for a man's mind in which only the reader can decide who is the victor, who the vanquished, and who the victim.

Review:

This has been on TBR list for eoooons. Since High School! *coughs* Many, many years. Eek. So the TBR challenge was perfect to get me to dust this bad boy off and give it a read. 

It is 1917 and Siegfried Sasson refuses to continue fighting in the war. He is a noted poet and decorated war hero, but he is done. He views the war as senseless and just too much death. He is officially classified as "mentally unsound" and sent to the Craiglockhart War Hospital. Dr Rivers is given the task to fix him and get him back to the trenches. They need a man like him to help win the war. 

This started off so, so, so good. I really was enjoying it. This really digs deep into mental issues, war, trauma, morals, taboos of the time (like homosexuality), and so much more. It was deep and we see the war from a different viewpoint.

I had zero idea that this was based off of a real person. Naturally, when I was done reading, I had to do some digging and research on the fella. Very controversial person in his time. I think the author did a great job bringing him to life and giving us a possible look behind the mask. 

I enjoyed it overall. But the last quarter of the book...bored me. That sounds SOOOO bad, but I was ready to be done. Honestly, I think this should've been a novella. Lots and lots and lots of talking. Which I enjoyed, for the most part, but I found myself wanting to skim. It could've been the writing style lost me a bit as well. The flow was jarring and disjointed sometimes. 

All-in-all, I liked this. I'm glad I finally got my hands on this and can remove it from my TBR list. I needed a nice serious novel and this gave me what I wanted. We got some deep dives into many issues of the time and to be fair...we still struggle with some of these issues. It was good even with my issues of the last quarter of the book. I'll stamp  this with 3 stars. 

 Challenge(s):

- TBR (Back in My Day) #7

2-in-1 Short Story Reviews: The Key Ingredient and The Inn at Blue Hollow Falls

Author: Susan Wiggs

Title: The Key Ingredient

Series: Switchback, Vermont #0.5

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short story, Novella, Chick Lit

Format: ebook

Pages: 49

Published: June 14, 2016

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Every great love story has a beginning. Annie Rush’s started at a food cart in a vibrant city park. Annie, then a film student, came across a ruggedly handsome, charismatic chef serving up gourmet street food to an ever-growing clientele lining up for his creations. Together, Annie and Martin Harlow conceived The Key Ingredient, a cooking show featuring Martin as the star while Annie handles production.

As they travel to Annie’s Vermont hometown to film their pilot episode, she realizes that she might want to create more than television magic with Martin. But does he feel the same way? The weather is miserable, their shoot is a disaster, and the maple syrup just isn’t flowing. While Annie tries to cling to her vision for their show, she can’t help but wonder if she could be as unlucky in work as she is in love. Is she always destined to stay behind the scenes?

Just as some recipes only come together at the last minute with the addition of a key ingredient, sometimes a single moment can change everything—turning Annie’s life into a cornucopia of good fortune, the feast of her dreams.

Review:

Been itching for some quick stories. So I grabbed this one because of the author and title. I didn't even read the summary. Weeeee. 

Here we follow Annie who is a film student. She meets the rugged and handsome chief named Martin. Together they decide to create a show and they go to Vermont to film the pilot episode. Everything seems to be against them. And now Annie is starting to get feelings for Martin, but she isn't sure he feels the same. However, a single moment can change everything. 

Look at that cover! Nommmmmmy!

As much as I wanted to like this....I just didn't. I didn't connect with any of our mains. I didn't dislike this short, but I just flat out didn't care. I read every page, but I felt like I was zoning out throughout the whole story. 

Annie and Martin wasn't bad or anything. I just...........didn't buy their chemistry. 

I'm curious about book since we get to see more of their journey but I'm not sure. Maybe if I get a fully flushed out story about Annie and Martin I'll care more? Maybe? Mmm. 

All-in-all, I wish I liked this more. But...just not for me. The cover is cute and the writing isn't bad! I like this author! 2 stars.  

 

Favorite Character(s): no one

Least Favorite Character(s): myself for not liking this lol

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #16

Author: Donna Kauffman

Title: The Inn at Blue Hollow Falls

Series: Blue Hollow Falls #1.5

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story, Novella, Chick Lit

Format: ebook

Pages: 122

Published: October 31, 2017

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Stevie is thrilled to help her best friend Sunny launch her new greenhouse business in Blue Hollow Falls. Not only does it give her a chance to visit the quaint location, but it's a welcome distraction from Stevie's recent bad luck with men. Just one since Sunny's home is under renovation, Stevie must stay at the local inn, whose amenities feature hunky innkeeper, Noah Tyler.

Noah may be as tempting as her grandmother's famous sweet potato pie, but city-girl Stevie isn't sticking around—and she doesn't do flings. Yet when Noah's chef gets stranded in a Christmas Eve snowstorm, Stevie can't resist pitching in and serving up some of her family's favorite recipes. The magic of a Blue Ridge Christmas is already rekindling Stevie's holiday spirit and making her wonder what else she might...

Review:

Seen this one too on the library app and I realized...I want more Xmas joy. July has been kicking my ass. 

Here we follow Stevie. She is happy to help out her friend launch her new greenhouse business. Not only will this give Stevie a chance to see a small town, but she needs the distraction from her cruddy dating life. Since her friend's house is under renovation, Stevie is forced to stay at the local inn. Noah is the inkeeper and she can't keep her eyes to herself. When Noah's chef gets stranded because of a storm, Stevie steps up to help. 

Didn't realize it was part of a series, because again...I just dove into this without even reading the summary. It worked as a standalone though so I'm happy with that. 

This was cute and cozy and it made me want to go to that inn for Xmas!

Stevie was cute. 

Noah? *fans self*

I do wish this was longer. I wanted more time with the couple. Things happened quickly. 

I may have to go back and read book 1. That is Sunny's story I believe. 

All-in-all, this was cute and cozy and Christmas-y. It was nice. I feel like this would've done well as a full length story. I wanted more of Stevie and Noah. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

Favorite Character(s): Noah

Least Favorite Character(s): no one I can think of deserved this title. 

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #17