3-in-1 Short Story Review: Wailing Well & For the Blood is the Life

Author: MR James

Narrator: Anthony Head
Title: Wailing Well
Genre: Horror, Classic, Paranormal
Format: Audiobook 
Published: January 1, 1928
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

"The Wailing Well" is a 1928 ghost story by M.R. James about a badly behaved Boy Scout named Stanley Judkins who disobeys a warning and enters a haunted field containing a well. Despite being told not to go near the field and its well, Judkins goes there to get water, only to be met with an eerie wail and supernatural terror

Review:

I'm really liking MR James. His stuff is spooky and classy. 

This short tells the story of a badly behaved Boy Scout who never, ever listens to his elders. Well. He is about to discover a horror beyond his imaginations. 

Lovely. Loved it. Spooky and fun. 

Dumb humans being dumb. Gotta love it. 

The narrator brought this story to life. 

5 stars

 

Author: F. Marion Crawford

Narrator: John Telfer
Title: For The Blood Is The Life
Genre: Horror, Classic, Paranormal
Format: Audiobook 
Published: anuary 1, 1911
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

This story tells the classic gothic horror account of a young man in the thrall of a vampire, and...yes, there WILL be blood.

Review:

Something just hits different with these classic horrors. I feel like they are....scarier. Sure, lots of these modern horrors have the blood and the screams. But these oldies are classics for a reason. 

This one follows the story of a man who falls in the thrall of a vampire. He knows what he is doing, but he can't stop himself. 

This was great. I loved seeing this POV. He KNOWS he is enthralled, but he can't stop himself. Night after night. Poor man. 

This wasn't "scary" as some other horrors, but it is creepy and shows the fraility of man. Loved it. 

The narrator did a good job. 

I'll give this 5 stars as well. Why not. I was entertained. 

Author: MR James

Narrator: Peter Coates
Title: An Episode of Cathedral History
Genre: Horror, Classic, Paranormal
Format: Audiobook 
Published: June 10, 1914
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Behind the stone walls of a venerable English cathedral, the past stirs with a presence that should have remained undisturbed.

In this haunting narrative, the mundane slips imperceptibly into the macabre. A scholar's inquiry unlocks a forgotten secret; shadows lengthen; and something long sealed away begins to wake. With James's signature blend of erudition, atmosphere, and mounting unease, this tale draws the listener into a world where ancient relics conceal more than dust, and history is anything but dead.

Review:

A nice way to end the Spooky Season! I'm liking this author so much. He is good!!!

A man's curiosity unlocks a haunting and forgotten secret. Behind the stone walls of an English cathedral, the past should stay undisturbed. 

Another tale of when curiosity kills the cat and MIND YO BUSINESS. LOL. Oh humans. 

But yes, this was creepy and I liked the ending. It did drag a bit in the beginning. I kept losing focus and having to rewind a couple of seconds. But once we got near the end I was absolutely hooked. 

The narrator was lovely and really brought the horror in. 

4 stars from me. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #52 & #53 & #54

Audiobook Review: Pumpkin Spice and Not So Nice by Becky Monson

Author: Becky Monson

Narrator: Stefanie Kay
Title: Pumpkin Spice and Not So Nice
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit 
Format: Audiobook 
Published: September 8, 2022
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

If I were ever to write a memoir, it would be titled, Jenna Peterson’s Guide to Dating Emotionally Unavailable Men. I’m like a professional at it. I’m so good, I can take any dysfunctional man and turn him into Prince Charming, just in time for him to dump me and then go on to marry the next woman he dates. I’m about ready to give up on loving real men and focus on lusting over fictional men in the Turkish dramas I can’t stop devouring.

But then . . . I find a mysterious fifty-dollar bill with a handwritten note on it that was donated to my family’s pumpkin patch by accident. And wouldn’t you know it, the mystery man it belongs to is emotionally unavailable, albeit freakishly attractive. I keep telling myself to walk away, but there’s something about Aidan St. Claire that makes me want to unravel all his secrets. All I know is he sure can heat up the cozy fall nights. I can’t help but think that maybe this time I’ll get to keep Prince Charming for myself.

Review:

Picked this up because I needed a cute Fall story with pumpkins on the cover.

Here we follow Jenna who has a type.....emotionally unavailable men. She's good at getting them to open up but then they dump her and find their happily ever after. After another wedding invite, she has decided she is done with emotionally unavailable men. But when a mysterious fifty-dollar bill with a handwritten note on it is donated to her family pumpkin patch. Funnily enough, it was an accident and he is emotionally unavailable and he needs help before a big conference. 

This was adorable and cheesy. It was just so sweet. 

This is super clean and it took FOREVER for anything to even remotely happen. I loved watching them become friends but man....it took eons for even a kiss. Like there was only 25 mins left of the audiobook or something before they kissed. I'm here for a slow burn but this was molasses. 

This was for sure like a fall version of the cheesy x-massy Hallmark movies. It was oh-so cheesy. 

I loved the little twist at the end. It all made much more sense. Oh Jenna. You sweet bean. I won't spoil it. 

The narrator was adorable and did a good job. All her guy voices sounded the same, but it was fine. 

But yes. This was cute, but not a lot of spice at all. Super, duper slow, however it was still sweet. I'll give this 3 stars. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #51

- Romance Reading #23 (Pumpkins on the cover)

Book Review: In Rod We Trust by Tom Sawyer

Author: Tom Sawyer

Title: In Rod We Trust

Genre: Fantasy, Anthology, Horror, Short stories

Format: paperback

Pages: 220

Published: June 6, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Bought at Horror convention)

Summary: 

There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. This is a dimension of imagination. In the case of these stories, it is where author Tom Sawyer’s imagination takes flight. Mr. Sawyer, as a popular Michigan horror fiction author of many delights ( From Paradise to Hell, Dark Harbors), pays an ultimate tribute to Rod Serling’s own imagination, which influenced viewers around the world since its inception decades ago with The Twilight Zone TV series. Here, Sawyer continues the tradition seamlessly on these pages. So sit back, relax, and cross over into the sight and sound and of mind which is.....The Twilight Zone.

Review:

I love, love, LOVE the Twilight Zone. Heck, I even join in on the plays sometimes! I stumbled upon this booth at a convention center and I got to meet the author of this little gem. So yes, I grabbed this book to give it a try. Gotta support local authors!!

There are a lot of different short stories in this one so I'll divide and conquer by each short story. 

- The Beggar and the Devil

What a way to start the book! I'm bummed I can't spoil anything, but I had no idea what was going to happen. Lots of twists and turns. That ending? Dang. 5 stars

- Escape Artist

Another fun one with a nice twist at the end. You could kind of see where it was heading but it was good. 4 stars.

- From Forever to Eternity

Creepy and scary! I liked this one a lot too. 5 stars. 

- Time to Pay the Piper

This wasn't my favorite but I still enjoyed it. I feel like there was something missing. I think it needed more time to marinate or maybe something extra. I can't put my thumb on what was missing. 3 stars.

- The Best Laid Plans

This one was hard to read personally. Kuddos to the author for attempting this one but I struggled. 2 stars. 

- Sufletul Mortii

After two shorts that didn't hit right for me, this one came in swinging! I ended up really, really liking this one! Perhaps top 3. 5 stars. 

- Smooth Sailing

Honestly, I had to go back and read this one when I was trying to type up this review. I couldn't remember anything from it. I liked it after re-reading it, but it's doesn't give that same punch as some of the others. 3 stars. 

- Man's Best Friend

This one had me in tears. It was beautiful and great. Top 2. 5 stars. 

- The Ghost of Tom

This one was my #1 pick. I was laughing but also creeped at all at the same time. Loved the ending. *chef kiss* 5 stars. 

- Last Dance at the Stardust Ballroom

Another pretty good one. I did like this one a lot. It was oddly sweet? Is that the word I'm looking for? 4 stars. 

- Mr Handelman's Bicycle

Whoops. Another one I had to re-read to remember the details. But again...I liked what I read. I just think it didn't have the same impact and punch as some of the others. 3 stars though. 

- A Condition of the Skin

Wow. Dang. I have to imagine this was a rough one to write, but dang was it impactful and that last line??? WOW. 5 stars. 

- A Very Fine Specimen

Nice twist at the end. I liked this one too. A nice way to end the whole collection. Symbolic and whatnot. 4 stars. 

Overall

This was a nice collection of stories. I enjoyed the vast majority of them! There were only a couple that I was meh about which is excellent when you have an anthology of shorts like this. If you at all like Twilight Zone or even Black Mirror....I suggest this one. 

After doing complicated math....I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Book Review: The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

Author: Sara Raasch

Title: The Nightmare Before Kissmass

Series: Royals and Romance #1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, LGBT

Format: ebook

Pages: 357

Published: October 8, 2024

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Nicholas “Coal” Claus used to love Christmas. Until his father, the reigning Santa, turned the holiday into a PR façade. Coal will do anything to escape the spectacle, including getting tangled in a drunken, supremely hot make- out session with a beautiful man behind a seedy bar one night.

But the heir to Christmas is soon commanded to do his duty: he will marry his best friend, Iris, the Easter Princess and his brother’s not-so-secret crush. A situation that has disaster written all over it.

Things go from bad to worse when a rival arrives to challenge Coal for the princess’s hand…and Coal comes face-to-face with his mysterious behind-the-bar hottie: Hex, the Prince of Halloween.

It’s a fake competition between two holiday princes who can’t keep their hands off each other over a marriage of convenience that no one wants. And it all leads to one of the sweetest, sexiest, messiest, most delightfully unforgettable love stories of the year.

Review:

I was scrolling through some Halloween books on my Libby app and then I stopped dead when I came across this one. I knew I HAD to read it!! 

Coal used to love Christmas until Santa, his dad, turned it into a PR facade. He wants to escape it and avoid even, but he is the heir to Christmas. However, duty calls and now duty is making him marry his best friend and the love of his brother's life....the Easter Princess. Things get even worse when a rival arrives to challenge Coal for the princess' hand.......the prince of Halloween, Hex. Funnily enough this is the same mystery man that kissed him years ago at some seedy bar. This fake competition between the two holiday princes will lead to a messy, but sexy holiday season. 

This was really amusing. I had a good time following Coal around. He is a hot mess but a hot mess with a big heart. Hex was dark and smexy.

This concept was a lot of fun and I loved how holidays are pretty much like countries. So refreshing and different!!

I enjoyed every bit of this story, but I really cringed at the text exchanges. They were aiming to be funny and modern, but it didn't vibe with me for some reason. Super awkward attempt at humor for me. 

Other than the texting threads, I had a lot of fun. I loved watching the fake engagement competition. I loved the princess. I loved Kris. So fun.

Minus the cringey texts, I would 100% recommend this. It was entertaining and you can't help but root for this adorable couple. 

4 stars from me. 

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #29

- Romance Reading #22 (MC is a royal)

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

 

Series: Kindred's Curse (#1)

Format: 405 pages, Paperback

Published: November 7, 2024 by Headline

Fantasy/library

Wow this one is hard to review. I liked it because it was light and I breezed through it. But the more I think the more I dislike it and wanted to change my rating....

I also assume the library bought this one cos someone has watched booktok, and every booktok book I try is a fail.

The main character is just so dang stupid. Like HELLO, you are obvi one of THEM! Omg, the whole oh she was sick and her eyes changed color...ok so why is she the only person in the world?

I hope people does not tote this as a romantasy. The main character has a bestie, and they have done the deed before, and does it like once. He is a side character of no importance. Because she meets a prince, who is dark and brooding, and lacks personality.

Nothing happens between them except for brooding looks and at the end I am supposed to believe they have feelings for each other?

Oh I changed my mind and rated it a 2 instead. I just do not like the main character at all. I also read that she gets even more stupid so no thank you

All her life, healer Diem Bellator has yearned to escape her tiny village in Emarion, a realm ruled over by cruel demigods known as the Descended. Although her parents have always tried to shield her from their brutality, Diem's world changes forever when her mother goes missing, leading her to uncover a dangerous secret that links her family to the dreaded Descended in ways she never imagined.

The journey to unravel the web of mysteries Diem's mother left behind is long and treacherous, and it soon leads her into the dark domain of those who rule her world: the Descended's royal palace itself.

With the dying king's handsome, enigmatic heir watching her every move, and a ruthless rebel alliance urging her to join the looming civil war, Diem must reevaluate everything she thought she knew to save her loved ones - and finally discover the truth about her world.

Audiobook Review: The Vampyre by John Polidori

Author: John W Polidori
Narrator: BJ Harrison
Title: The Vampyre
Genre: Horror, Classic, Short Story, Paranormal, Fantasy 
Format: Audiobook 
Published: April 1, 1819
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Young, impressionable Aubrey is fascinated by the enigmatic Lord Ruthven, and accompanies him on a tour to Europe. But Aubrey develops a growing distaste for Lord Ruthven’s sinister and grotesque conduct - especially as it concerns human blood.

Review:

Love a good short spooky story for Spooky season. 

Aubrey is fascinated by Lord Ruthven and joins him on a tour to Europe. However, something is wrong and Aubrey is uneasy with Lord Ruthven's grotesque conduct. 

I have to admit something....I struggled to pay attention to this. I nearly fell asleep at one point when I was listening to this and doing some coloring. 

The narrator was familiar to me and he does a great job, but not even his performance could hold my attention. 

Now, the ending was better and it got spooky, but the rest? Eh. 

I'll give this 2 stars. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #50

Book Review: Oscar Wilde by Richard Ellman

Author: Richard Ellman

Title: Oscar Wilde

Genre: Biography, Non-fiction

Format: Paperback

Pages: 736

Published: January 1, 1987

Where I got It: My shelf (Used Book store)

Summary: 

The biography sensitive to the tragic pattern of the story of a great subject: Oscar Wilde - psychologically and sexually complicated, enormously quotable, central to an. alluring cultural world and someone whose life assumed an unbearably dramatic shape.

Review:

I love Oscar Wilde so I picked this up at a used book store in 2022 (I can't remember the name of the place....I know it was a little place). I heard this was a good biography to check out if you are interested in learning more about the man and his works. Technically, Hubby picked this book for me to read. I literally couldn't decide on what physical book to read from my shelf so I had him pick a number and it landed on this one!

But yes, this is a biography about one of the greats....Oscar Wilde. Wilde was complicated and controversial during his time. 

So this was written in the 80s. I wonder how much of it is still true. I feel like there were a couple of notes or observations that I "mmmmed" about especially Wilde's sexuality. It felt too.... oblique. Wilde's sexuality LITERALLY was his downfall in society and I think to properly write a biography we need that deep dive into that part of his life. He was a complicated man and sometimes the book tried to simplify it too much or gloss over things. I should find a more recent biography to compare. 

This was pretty dry. The author tried to make it exciting and etc, but it felt like a textbook for the majority of the time. Which is fine, but it makes it a slow read and I felt like I was preparing for an exam. 

I loved all the added pictures! There were so many I have never seen before especially those pics of his family! :D Love!

We also got some snip bits of letters to and from Oscar. I loved that! I would love a book of just pictures and letters. That would be fun. 

All-in-all, this was extremely informative. I loved the pictures and the snip bits of letters. However, it was extremely dry at points and I feel like there were some important and key things that needed more of a deep dive. However, it was written in the 80s so I think that was a contributor. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. Even with some of my issues, it was a nice read. 

Audiobook Review: Hex Around and Find Out by Molly Harper

Author: Molly Harper
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi & Teddy Hamilton
Title: Hex Around and Find Out
Series: Moonshadow Cove #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance, UF, Fantasy, Mystery
Format: Audiobook 
Published: October 2, 2025
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

As the middle sister in a trio of sea witches, Cora Seaworth has spent most of her life hidden away at her family’s magical cottage on Moonshadow Cove. She’s claimed her own corner of the library, cozied up with her favorite novels and a ghost cat named Nicodemus. She’s the deep thinker among her more tempestuous sisters, so she isn’t prepared to be swept up in a real-life romantic adventure in the form of sexy local baker Iggy Galinsky.

Iggy is tired of his reputation as the Island’s unreliable charmer and a man of many talents but no true calling outside his family’s bakery. Sure, it’s mostly true, but it still hurts his feelings. His carefree life gets serious fast when he meets the beautiful, mysterious Cora Seaworth. Before long, they’re working together with Cora’s sisters, various ghosts and the unfathomable creature lurking at the bottom of the cove to defeat an ancient enemy. If they don’t prevail, it’s not just their love that’s at stake, but Starfall Point’s entire magical community.

Review:

Eeek! We are back!!!! This time with the next sibling of the Seaworth family. 

Cora has spent the majority of her life at Moonshadow Cove with her sisters. She spends most days locked in the library amongst the books. Iggy has many talents, but he has no true calling. His reputation on the Island is unreliable and a charmer. Sure, it is true, but he does have a dream but he lacks the confidence to go for it. His carefree life is about to end when he meets Cora and learns her secret. He gets dragged into the magical world and will try and help save Cora and her family from an ancient enemies knocking on their door. Will they save the Cove? Will Iggy grow up enough to be the man Cora needs? Can Cora even trust in love?

Make sure you at least read book 1 of this series. I would say the other series (this is a spin off) is important too, but the author gives us enough background of the other series so just at least read book 1 of this series. 

Awwwww I love this author and I love these narrators. Eeeee. They are the perfect trio. 

Cora is a woman of my own heart. She is my favorite of the sisters methinks. 

The chemistry between Iggy and Cora are immediate, but Cora pushes him away to protect him BUT also to protect herself. He has a bad reputation on the island as a charmer and being unreliable. He disappears without a word for days. She can't bring him into the fold because she can't fully trust him. 

The lust was quick, but it did a little bit for the love to come into play and I was here for it. It was a nice pace. 

I did like getting to know James better. It's sounding like James and the older sister will be the couple in the next book. We shall see. 

Oooo I'm curious if we'll see some sort of resolution with Iggy's twin sister. That girl is an angel and deserves happiness. *fingers crossed*

The narration was lovely as per normal. I can't imagine this series done by anyone else. 

Issues? Mmmmmmmmmmmm the solutions seemed too easy. Hopefully we get some sort of battle or something in the next one. It felt too comfy if that makes sense. I also wasn't a huge fan of Iggy. If I was Cora I would've been hesitant too. BUUUUT I did warm up to him by the end. 

All-in-all, I really liked this one. I can't wait for the next book!

4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Cora

Least Favorite Character(s): Our baddies and Iggy at the beginning

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #49

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Teenage Rebellion

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

10/21/2025 What’s something you rebelled against as a kid?

Rebel? Me? Only a teeny bit. 

I mainly rebelled against wearing my coat or using both straps of my backpack. Why? Who knows. 

Now who has some back pain? MEEEE. Thanks a lot teenage Carole. >_> 

I also rebelled against audiobooks for some reason. I didn't think it was real reading. As an adult I loooooooove audios especially when I'm driving. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: The Voyage Home by Pat Barker

Series: Women of Troy (#3)

Format: 336 pages, Paperback

Published: April 12, 2025 by Penguin

Historical fiction/library

War is horrible, and all women of Troy got to experience the worst. Here we have Ritsa, once a healer now a slave and serving Cassandra. Who is also a slave, but given to Agamemnon. And she knows she will die, and I know she will die. So I just keep waiting for that eventual doom.

But this is Ritsa´s book. We see how crazy Cassandra is, made so by Apollo that ahole. Not to mention after suffering horrific things after the fall of Troy.

There is a a bit on a ship and then the arrive, and the countdown begins. Because they will die....well I did not know about Ritsa so I had hope. She just pushed through. Like everyone else she just thought Cassandra was crazy and not giving prophecies.

A good book. Does make me hate men though.

Continuing the story of the captured Trojan women as they set sail for Mycenae with the victorious Greeks, this new novel centres on the fate of Cassandra -- daughter of King Priam, priestess of Apollo, and a prophet condemned never to be heeded. (When she refuses to have sex with Apollo, after he has kissed her, granting her the gift of true prophecy, he spits in her mouth to make sure she will never be believed.)

Psychologically complex and dangerously driven, Cassandra's arrival in Mycenae will set in motion a bloody train of events, drawing in King Agamemnon, his wife Clytemnestra and daughter Electra. Agamemnon's triumphant return from Troy is far from the celebration he imagined, and the fate of the Trojan women as uncertain as they had feared.

Movie Review: We Have a Ghost (2023)

Title: We Have a Ghost

Length: 2h 6m

Released: 2023

Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Family, Horror
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Finding a ghost named Ernest haunting their new home turns Kevin's family into overnight social media sensations. But when Kevin and Ernest investigate the mystery of Ernest's past, they become a target of the CIA.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this for spooky season since it came out in 2023. Finally sat down and watched it with Hubby. 

Kevin and his family have moved into a new house that needs some work. Lots of surprises await in this slightly run-down house...including a ghost named Ernest. Kevin, his family, and Ernest become overnight social media sensations when a video of Ernest is uploaded to the web. At the same time as juggling success, Ernest doesn't remember who he is and why he is haunting this house, so Kevin decides to help him out. With their growing popularity, the CIA reinstates the ghost department to hunt this ghost down and take him in....for science. 

This was an interesting take on ghosts. It was fun. I don't want to spoil anything about the ghost and his powers/etc. But it was an interesting take. 

This story had humor but it also had some deeper feels going on. I liked it. There was a splash of love between Kevin and the girl next door and that was cute. A little awkward though. 

Speaking of awkward. There were some cringy and awkward scenes like Kevin singing to the ghost. Mm. Or the scene in the motel. Mmm. It didn't ruin the film, but it made me cringe a smidge. 

Awwwww the scene at the end. I actually teared up a teeny, tiny bit. It was beautiful. 

Overall, this was a fun film. Funny and some serious tones thrown in. There were some cringey scenes, but a beautiful ending. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Last Dragon Standing by Rachel Aaron

Author: Rachel Aaron
Narrator: Vikas Adam
Title: Last Dragon Standing
Series: Heartstrikers #5  
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, UF, YA
Format: Audiobook 
Published: March 1, 2018
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Dear Reader,

There is no way to write a blurb for this final book without spoiling all of the others. Suffice it to say, mysteries resolve, dragons war, pigeons abound, and Julius must risk himself in ways he never dreamed possible as Bob’s grand plan finally comes to fruition.

But the Great Seer of the Heartstrikers isn’t the only one whose schemes are nearing completion. The Nameless End is coming, and even the machinations of the world’s most brilliant dragon seer might not be enough to stop it. As the world comes crashing down, it’s up Julius to prove what he’s always known: that seers can be wrong, and Nice Dragons don’t always finish last.

Review:

*sniff* We are at the end. I love this series so much. 

Everything comes together at the end. The future is uncertain. It will be up to Julius and his allies, friends, and family to save the world from the Nameless End. 

Everyone is together and fighting side-by-side. All of Julius' niceness has brought these dragons, humans, and more together. It's honestly beautiful. Even with all the characters the author did a great job not making it confusing or overwhelming. The narrator did a wonderful job too using all the different voices. Beautiful blend that made a great story. 

I am so sad to be at the end of the series again, but it was great reading this again. I honestly forgot some of the details so it was nice revisiting and seeing how they did it. 

Awww Justin. I wish we had more of him but there were so many faces running around. I hope we get a short story or something with Justin finding a HEA ;)

Bob!!! 

Julius you nice bean you!!!

Chelsea!! Squeeee. 

Amazing narration as per normal. 

This is a must-read series for sure. 

5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Justin

Least Favorite Character(s): The Nameless End of course. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #48

Book Review: Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh

Author: Nalini Singh

Title: Heart of Obsidian

Series: Psy-Changeling #12

Genre: PNR, UF, SciFi

Format: ebook

Pages: 368

Published: June 4, 2013

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A dangerous, volatile rebel, hands stained blood red.

A woman whose very existence has been erased.

A love story so dark, it may shatter the world itself.

A deadly price that must be paid.

The day of reckoning is here.

Review:

I am making some headway in this series! Yayy!

We follow Kaleb and Sahara. Sahara has been locked up and tortured for years. On the other side, Kaleb has been looking all over the world for her. Can she even be saved? Can he bring back Sahara and untangle her mind? 

This was pretty darn dark at times. Poor Sahara. She went through SO much. Also, poor Kaleb. He has a lot going on. 

Can they save each other? Eeee I had no idea what was going to happen the entire time. I was anxious for them both and honestly...for the whole world of the Psy. Things are changing and breaking. 

I'm so glad I took a mini break from the series. I was struggling, but they rekindled my love of the series. Yayy! Sometimes a break and a good story can fix all the doubt. 

But yes, a LOT happening in this one and lots and lots of spoilers. Trying to stay as vague as possible. 

The ending has me itching for the next book. 

5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Kaleb

Least Favorite Character(s): The Council

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #28

- TBR #10 (Here Be Monsters)

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Knock Knock, Open Wide by Neil Sharpson

By: Neil Sharpson

Narrated by: Aoife McMahon

Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins

Release date: 10-07-25 by Tantor Media

Horror/to review

This started of very disturbing, then the dust settles in the middle and then it gets dusturbing again. And I had no idea what was actually out there.

It starts off with Etain finding a body being eaten by creepy dogs and then going to a creepy farm, and dark stuff happens. Like whaaaat?!

Fast forward 20 years. Etain is an alcoholic, and her daughter Betty starts college. Now it is calmer and not disturbing. Betty meets a girl falls in love. But how to explain her alcoholic mother, and her twin who disappeared long ago....*eerie sound*

Now what is going on? No idea! But it seems to have something to do with a kid´s show that has been on tv for ages, and there is something hiding in a box but they never show what.

And little by little we learn more creepy things, and Betty is starting to freak out.

Creepy, and unsettling. Like what is haunting Ireland?! I even got a tiny nightmare, lol, I am such a lightweight!

Great narration in my opinion. Accents, the creepy feeling, the horror and fear all worked so well.

Driving home late one night, Etain Larkin finds a corpse on a pitch-black country road deep in the Irish countryside. She takes the corpse to a remote farmhouse. So begins a night of unspeakable horror that will take her to the very brink of sanity.

She will never speak of it again.

Two decades later, Betty Fitzpatrick, newly arrived at college in Dublin, has already fallen in love with the drama society, and the beautiful but troubled Ashling Mallen. As their relationship blossoms, Ashling goes to great lengths to keep Betty away from her family, especially her alcoholic mother, Etain.

Gradually, Betty learns her lover's terrifying family history, and Ashling's secret obsession. Ashling has become convinced that the horrors inflicted on her family are connected to a seemingly innocent children's TV show. Everyone in Ireland watched this show in their youth, but Ash soon discovers that no one remembers it quite the same way. And only Ashling seems to remember its a small black goat puppet who lives in a box and only comes out if you don't behave. They say he's never come out.

Almost never.

When the door between the known and unknown opens, it can never close again.

Movie Review: Beauty and the Beast (2014)

Title: Beauty and the Beast

Length: 1h 52m

Released: 2014

Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Thriller, Historical Fantasy
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Watched at friend's house (I think it was Hulu)

SUMMARY:

An unexpected romance blooms after the the youngest daughter of a merchant who has fallen on hard times offers herself to the mysterious beast to which her father has become indebted.

Trailer

REVIEW:

My friend suggested this as we were having a girl's night. Love B&B so yesssss. Plus made by the French? Okaaaayyyyy!

The story is as old as time, but with some different twists and turns. The youngest daughter of a indebted merchant sacrifices herself to the beast in order to spare her father. There is magic and mystery and Belle is determined to solve it. Little does she know she will fall in love with the beast. 

I would love to go back and re-watch this in the original French. We did the dubbed version and it was fine, but I really do prefer watching foreign films in the original language. But yes, the dubbed was fine. 

The twists and changes to the story were...great. I loved it. The "witch" is not at all what you think. I won't spoil anything because it is the big reveal on how and why he was turned into a beast. I honestly teared up. He wasn't a horrible man, but I get why he and his friends got got. 

OMG the little creature things were adorable!!!! I won't spoil what they are. BUT THOSE BIG OL' EYES! Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

My only real issue was the lack of romance. She hated him and hated him and there was barely any warmth or even friendship. And then suddenly she is in love? The beast and I were both shocked at her declaration of love. Oh? Really? Could've fooled me. 

I hate Belle's siblings especially her one dumb brother. Idiot. BUT they really did get what they deserved and it helped them get better. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to change your ways. Look at the beast. Tale as old as time for sure. 

This was a gorgeous movie. Fun changes and I loved the ending. It was so very sweet. I wished we had some more warm moments from Belle though. She was just so mean and cold for so long.

I'll give this 4 stars. Def worth the watch. I want to watch this again in French though.

Audiobook Review: Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Narrator: Nina Yndis, Maxim Reston

Title: Hot for Slayer

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Short Story

Format: Audiobook 

Published: September 23, 2025

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

When a vampire slayer loses all his memories, the only person who can help him is the vampire he’s tried to kill for centuries in this unforgettable short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.

When Aethelthryth—“Ethel” to her modern-day Manhattan neighbors—finds her sworn nemesis Lazlo Enyedi with no memory of who or what they are, an ancient hunt becomes an unexpected chance at forbidden passion. He’s crashing on her couch, solving her sudoku puzzles, and looking at her like she’s his eternal flame (minus the whole bursting-into-ashes part). As his memories slowly return, Ethel realizes she might be in danger of losing more than just her head…

Review:

I seen this and immediately added it to my library. That cover. That summary. WEEEEE perfect for Spooky Season. 

Okay...so we have Ethel who is a vampire. She has been hunted by Lazlo forever. His job is to slay her. However, he loses his memory and Ethel takes pity and takes care of him. Ethel has a very good chance of losing her heart or more possibly her head if he kills her. 

This was super entertaining!!! I was hooked from page 1. A vamp and a slayer? PAH-LEASE that is what my brain was wired for from a young age (*finger guns at childhood memories of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer*). This time we have a lady Vamp and a male Slayer. The chemistry was off the charts right from the gecko. 

Ethel is a sweet bean who just wants a quiet life. She only drinks the blood of bad corporate folk. Good for her. 

Lazlo has had a lot of chances to take her out, but...something always "saves" her. Mmm sus. 

I loved that Ethel took in Lazlo after he had an accident and lost all his memories. She could've just left him or killed him, BUT she has a big moral compass and she took him in. Adorbs. 

I loved watching them talk and then more. Cuties. 

The reveal was adorable. 

The narrators did a great job. Their American accents were.....alright. Not their cup of tea I don't think, but it was passable and didn't ruin the story for me. 

I'll give this 5 stars. Just soooo adorable. 

Favorite Character(s): Ethel

Least Favorite Character(s): The bad vamp

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #47