Movie Review: The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026)

Title: The Devil Wears Prada 2

Length: 1h 59m

Released: 2026

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Hulu

SUMMARY:

Andy Sachs reunites with Miranda Priestly as they navigate their careers amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Finally sat down to watch this. I was nervous because I know movie sequels (especially lately) can be 50/50. 

We are back with Andy! She reunites with Miranda as they navigate their careers with magazine publishing declines. The world is changing, and they need to change with it. Can they save the company and their jobs?

Aww, it was nice seeing everyone back together. It feels like yesterday since the first movie came out. 

The cast was lovely, and I loved some of our new characters. They were nice additions. 

The story? It was just alright. Kinda boring and easily solved. We still had some of the humor and amazing fashion, but I wish they did more with the story and the ending. 

This felt...softer? Not sure how else to describe it. 

But yes. This was nice, and it was lovely seeing our characters. The story was lacking a bit, and it was too easy a journey for them. 3 stars from me. 

Book Review: The Coming of Mr. Quin by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Title: The Coming of Mr. Quin

Series: Harley Quin #1

Genre: Short story, Mystery, Classic

Format: ebook

Pages: 100

Published: March 1, 1923

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

It's dark and cold, with snow drifts everywhere, when Mr. Harley Quin appears at the door of Royston Hall stating that his car has broken down.

Once inside, he finds a small party celebrating the new year. Quin remarks that he knew the previous owner of Royston Hall. He then launches into the tragic tale of the former occupants leading to a dramatic change in the perceptions of the current inhabitants. But has Mr. Quin's revelation come too late?

Review:

Eee another AG down! Not sure why, but I've been craving her work lately.

Here we are with a group of friends, and it is New Year's when a weird man named Mr. Harley Quin shows up at the door. His car has broken down, and his driver is trying to fix it. He comes in and launches into a tragic tale of the former occupants of this house. 

This was def a different format of storytelling. I liked it for the most part. You can tell that this was testing the waters with this new character. Her writing here felt almost hesitant. Not sure why, but that's how it felt to me.

This wasn't my favorite of her works, but I am curious to learn more about this Harley Quin character. He seems interesting enough. Different and odd, but likeable. 

The ending felt a bit rushed for my liking. 

Overall, I enjoyed this little short mystery. I am curious to read more in the series. 3 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #35

Audiobook Review: A Married Little Christmas by Abby Jimenez

Author: Abby Jimenez
Narrator: Anthony Palmini, Patti Murin, Grayson Owens, Mollie Stark, Christine Lakin, & Zachary Webber

Title: A Married Little Christmas

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Anthology, Short Stories, Novella
Format: Audiobook

Published: October 20, 2026
Where I Got It: Library


Summary: 

Tis the season to fall in love in this three brilliant novellas from #1New York Times bestselling author of The Night We Met. Anna thought only the food would be a disaster at her Christmas dinner--until her high school ex shows up and they quickly have to hatch a fake-dating scheme to save face with their families. For Matty, the idea of sitting in a diner all day dressed as a zombie Santa after losing a bet has zero appeal. But his cute and funny server might just make him change his mind. And finally, will Lauren be able to convince her best friend that getting married after a three-day relationship is absolutely ridiculous? Or will the town called Little Christmas pull her in with its happily-ever-after magic once she meets the best man?

Review:

Awww, I adore this author, so I was excited to see this available at my library. 

This one has three short stories about love and Christmas. 

Sweater Weather - Anna and Jeremy

This was a 2nd chance that didn't piss me off. I felt they had a real conversation to get over the past "wrongs". The reason why they broke up in their youth was not bad. It was just misunderstandings and young, dumb kids being...well....young and dumb. 

I liked Anna and Jeremy. I loved their families. I especially loved Jeremy's spicy granny. Very fun and cute. 

The narrators did great.

5 stars. 

Stealing Christmas - Rhiannon and Matty

This was a weird take on a forced proximity romance, and I liked it. Poor Matty lost a bet and has to sit at the restaurant from open to close in a zombie Santa outfit. Weird. Embarrassing. Check and check. Rhiannon is the poor waitress who has to serve him, and she will be there from open to close. They talk. They laugh. They work together. And they track down her cat from an ex who stole it.

The banter. The chatting. The obvious perfection between these two was lovely. And that last scene before the epilogue was lovely. Awwww. PLUS Matty is Jeremy's brother, and we get to see a cameo of that spicy granny. Weeeee. 

Great narrators again!

5 stars. 

A Married Little Christmas - Lauren and William

Two people who do not believe in love are brought together because their respective BFFs are getting married after only knowing each other for 3 days. They work together to try and convince their friends not to do it. But will the magic of the Christmas town warm the heart of these two?

Awww, I liked Lauren and William a lot. They were grumpy and anti-love people. They both had been burned BAD by their exes, so it makes sense. I loved watching them meet and become allies and then friends and then more. It was so very warm and cheery. Sooooo Hallmark ;) 

Great narrators for this one too!

5 stars. 

Overall

What a fun collection for the holidays. Def 100% recommend. All three were great. I loved all the couples for different reasons. It was done well. 

5 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #49

- Library Love #34

Book Review: A Christmas Tragedy by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Title: A Christmas Tragedy

Series: Miss Marple #SS 10

Genre: Short story, Mystery, Classic

Format: ebook

Pages: 38

Published: January 1, 1930

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

At a health resort, Miss Marple becomes suspicious that a man she meets is planning on murdering his wife. It's the Keston Spa Hydro just prior to Christmas where she sees a husband and wife couple, the Sanders, and senses that there's something wrong. Is she becoming desensitized to murder and crime? Or is there something to her concern?

Review:

I've really been eating up some Agatha Christie lately! Her stuff has just been tickling my fancy lately. 

Here we are again with Miss Maple. While at a health resort, Miss Marple becomes suspicious that a man she is meeting murdered his wife. Something is wrong, but she can't tell if there is actually something or not. 

Awww, I'm really like Miss Marple. She is a fun character. I love Hercule, but I am loving Marple too. 

This was a nice little gem. It's nearly Christmas, and Marple just knows something is wrong... but is there? 

Of course there is lol, but I liked watching Marple get to the conclusion. 

Def a nice short and fun read.

Great ending. 

5 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #34

B's Monday Review: The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison

Series: The Cemeteries of Amalo (#1), The Chronicles of Osreth (#2)

Format: 320 pages, Paperback

Published: July 22, 2021 by Solaris

Fantasy/own

This was a standalone sequel to book 1, which I honestly do not remember much of anymore.

Thara Celehar is a witness for the dead and is in a new city. An unknown dead person is found, and he is the one that solves the mystery of who she is, and then who killed her. While solving that mystery he also witnesses for someone else. There are small sidequests while working out the main story.

It was all told in this calm manner. I enjoyed reading about Celehar, and I would love to dive into this world again.

Enjoyable murder mystery set in a fantasy world.

When the young half-goblin emperor Maia sought to learn who had killed his father and half-brothers, he turned to an obscure resident of his Court, a Prelate of Ulis and a Witness for the Dead. Thara Celehar found the truth, though it did him no good to discover it. He lost his place as a retainer of his cousin the former Empress, and made far too many enemies among the many factions vying for power in the new Court. The favor of the Emperor is a dangerous coin.

Now Celehar lives in the city of Amalo, far from the Court though not exactly in exile. He has not escaped from politics, but his position gives him the ability to serve the common people of the city, which is his preference. He lives modestly, but his decency and fundamental honesty will not permit him to live quietly. As a Witness for the Dead, he can, sometimes, speak to the recently dead: see the last thing they saw, know the last thought they had, experience the last thing they felt. it is his duty to use that ability to resolve disputes, to ascertain the intent of the dead, to find the killers of the murdered.

Celehar's skills now lead him out of the quiet and into a morass of treachery, murder, and injustice. No matter his own background with the imperial house, Celehar will stand with the commoners, and possibly find a light in the darkness.

Audiobook Review: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Narrator: Caitlin Davies

Title: The Spellshop

Series: Spellshop #1

Genre: Fantasy, Cozy, Romance
Format: Audiobook

Published: July 9, 2024
Where I Got It: Library


Summary: 

Kiela has always had trouble dealing with people. Thankfully, as a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, she and her assistant, Caz—a magically sentient spider plant—have spent the last decade sequestered among the empire’s most precious spellbooks, preserving their magic for the city’s elite.

When a revolution begins and the library goes up in flames, she and Caz flee with all the spellbooks they can carry and head to a remote island Kiela never thought she’d see again: her childhood home. Taking refuge there, Kiela discovers, much to her dismay, a nosy—and very handsome—neighbor who can’t take a hint and keeps showing up day after day to make sure she’s fed and to help fix up her new home.

In need of income, Kiela identifies something that even the bakery in town doesn’t have: jam. With the help of an old recipe book her parents left her and a bit of illegal magic, her cottage garden is soon covered in ripe berries.

But magic can do more than make life a little sweeter, so Kiela risks the consequences of using unsanctioned spells and opens the island’s first-ever and much needed secret spellshop.

Review:

Been itching to check this one out. Love a good cozy. Plus, I've been wanting some fantasy. 

Here we follow Kiela, who has lived a quiet life as a librarian. Her only friend has been her assistant and plant, Caz. Revolution breaks out, and they are forced to flee. Taking some books with her, she finds herself in her childhood home. Needing an income, she starts selling jam and a bit of illegal magic. She tries to keep her books and magic a secret, but it is hard with the nosy townsfolk and her handsome neighbor. 

This was a fun lil guy. Fantasy and cozy with just enough drama to keep it interesting. Kiela is just wants to be left alone with her books and Caz. But moving back to the small town of her youth...well...that isn't an option. 

There is a splash of romance here, but it wasn't the whole thing, and that made me happy. I liked seeing Kiela find friends, peace, and a place to call her own. 

I do want to learn more about this revolution tbf. It could make for a good not cozy read. 

Mmmmm what else? 

OH! That cover???? LOVE. 

Oh. The narrator did a good job. I liked her voices overall. Some were a little too similar that there was a time or two I had to backtrack because I lost who said what. But she did well!

Overall, this was a nice cozy listen. Loved the fantasy elements. The romance, cozy, and drama were well balanced. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #48

- Library Love #33

Book Review: The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

Author: Gillian Flynn

Title: The Grownup

Genre: Short story, Thriller, Horror, Mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 64

Published: June 17, 2014

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A canny young woman is struggling to survive by perpetrating various levels of mostly harmless fraud. On a rainy April morning, she is reading auras at Spiritual Palms when Susan Burke walks in. A keen observer of human behavior, our unnamed narrator immediately diagnoses beautiful, rich Susan as an unhappy woman eager to give her lovely life a drama injection. However, when the "psychic" visits the eerie Victorian home that has been the source of Susan’s terror and grief, she realizes she may not have to pretend to believe in ghosts anymore. Miles, Susan’s teenage stepson, doesn’t help matters with his disturbing manner and grisly imagination.

Review:

I've read a book or two by this author, so why not? I ran out of time for October, but November counts. 

We follow the story of a young woman who is just trying to survive. She is good at reading people, so she has been able to do decent. She is hired by Susan, whose home has been her source of terror and grief. 

This was a weird story for sure. Dark and just plain weird. BUUUUT I did enjoy the journey. 

The ending? That was.....something. I still can't decide if I like it or not. Mmmmm. Might do a re-read one day. 

But yes, this was a nice sprinkle for the spooky season. Weird and dark. 

4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #32

Book Review: The Prince by Kiera Cass

Author: Kiera Cass

Title: The Prince

Series: The Selection #0.5

Genre: YA, Dystopia, Romance, Short story

Format: ebook

Pages: 64

Published: March 5, 2013

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Before thirty-five girls were chosen to compete in the Selection...

Before Aspen broke America's heart...

There was another girl in Prince Maxon's life...

Review:

I've meant to read this series for eons now, but I just never did, and I honestly forgot about it until I saw this short. 

This is a snipbit of Aspen's story as the Selection was about to begin. He'll soon be meeting 35 women, and he will have to pick one to be his wife. 

Gah. Now I wanna read book 1 asap. I was contemplating waiting until 2027 just in case it matches a reading challenge or something. Eeeee.

I want to see the drama unfold. I want to learn more about our prince and this America chick who is obviously going to be the one he falls for. So obvious. 

But yes. This was a nice enough of a sip. A lil taste if you will.

4 stars.

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #31

Best of October

Adios October!!! Helllllooooooo November!

Here are our faves for last month.

Best Book of the Month:

Blodeuedd - The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison

"Interesting fantasy murder mystery."

Carole -  Dracula by Bram Stoker (2026)

"The story is always good, but the voice acting in this version was just soooo good."

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole -  Obsession (2025)

"So messed up but you can't look away!"

Blodeuedd - Vaiana (2026)

"I went to see Vaiana with my kid. If you want to know why it's not called Moana in Europe google at your own risk..."

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Haunted Hotel (s2), The Rookie (s7), Below (2026), & Ghosts (s5)

"Binged Rookie s7. I watched Below, creepy! And haunted Hotel s2 cos it's the season. And Ghost s5!!!" 

Carole - Rutherford Falls (s1-2)

"Such a fun show! I am soooo bummed it was canceled after season 2."

Best Cover of the Month:

B's pick

C's pick

Movie Review: Obsession (2025)

Title: Obsession

Length: 1h 49min

Released: 2025

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

After breaking the mysterious "One Wish Willow" to win his crush's heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Dang it. I wanted this to post on Halloween. Grrrrrr.

I haven't been watching a lot of movies lately. I've been reading a lot tho. BUUUUT I did watch this. 

Here we have a group of coworkers/friends. Bear has been in love with Nikki for...a while. He just can't get himself to tell her. Out of fun and slight desperation, he makes a wish for her to be obsessed with him. Weellllll it comes true, but not really what he had in mind. There is a sinister price to be paid. 

This movie....wow. Soooooo messed up but soooooooo good. I couldn't look away. 

It is def a movie that will stay with me for a long time. Wow. Just....wow. 

If I were doing a one word summary/reaction this year, "wow" would be what I would use for this movie. 

Not for the faint of heart. 

Honestly, that ending was great. Fitting and scary. Lovely. 

There is one scene that haunts me still. *shudders*

4 stars from me. 

Audiobook Review: Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper

Author: Lana Harper
Narrator: Jeremy Carlisle Parker

Title: Payback's a Witch

Series: The Witches of Thistle Grove #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, LGBT
Format: Audiobook

Published: October 5, 2021
Where I Got It: Library


Summary: 

Emmy Harlow is a witch but not a very powerful one—in part because she hasn't been home to the magical town of Thistle Grove in years. Her self-imposed exile has a lot to do with a complicated family history and a desire to forge her own way in the world, and only the very tiniest bit to do with Gareth Blackmoore, heir to the most powerful magical family in town and casual breaker of hearts and destroyer of dreams.

But when a spellcasting tournament that her family serves as arbiters for approaches, it turns out the pull of tradition (or the truly impressive parental guilt trip that comes with it) is strong enough to bring Emmy back. She's determined to do her familial duty; spend some quality time with her best friend, Linden Thorn; and get back to her real life in Chicago.

On her first night home, Emmy runs into Talia Avramov—an all-around badass adept in the darker magical arts—who is fresh off a bad breakup . . . with Gareth Blackmoore. Talia had let herself be charmed, only to discover that Gareth was also seeing Linden—unbeknownst to either of them. And now she and Linden want revenge. Only one question stands: Is Emmy in?

But most concerning of all: Why can't she stop thinking about the terrifyingly competent, devastatingly gorgeous, wickedly charming Talia Avramov?

Review:

Thanks to Libby (my library app), I found this little gem. I was digging and looking for a paranormal romance with an LGBTQ+ couple. I felt like it would be a good way to end the spooky season! Witches and love...oh my. 

Here we follow Emmy, who is back home in Thistle Grove. She has been gone for a long time, but with reason. She wants to forge her own life and leave behind the town she grew up in. However, she has to come back for the spellcasting tournament that her family serves as arbiters for. Through tradition and rules....it is her turn to take the lead. She plans to do her duty and spend time with her family and friends. Nothing more. Her life in Chicago is waiting for her. However, on her first night back, she runs into Talia. It comes out that they all have had their hearts broken by Gareth. What is the best way to get revenge? Work together so his family doesn't win the Thistle Grove tournament. 

This was a pure delight. I loved this whole Tucker Must Die meets magic was so fun.

I loved the town. How fun! 

The tournament was a lovely touch. 

I liked Emmy, but I didn't fully understand her not wanting to come back to town, especially because their magic pretty much disappears if they don't stay in town. Sure, I get going away for college and away from the asshole who broke her heart....but it felt....overdramatic to punish the whole town, her family, and her best friend. I feel like Emmy was kinda cruel for this. Don't get me wrong. I did like Emmy, but her decisions had rubbed me the wrong way.

Talia was very sweet in a dark way. Emmy and her balanced each other well. 

Spoiler, not spoiler, there is a fight between the two of them, and they make up. I felt like....it needed more time for them to talk it out. There were a LOT of hurtful things said. 

But I loved the ending. It was lovely. I love this town, and this couple was cute. I might check out book 2 if it is at the library. 

In the end, I'll give this 3 stars.  

 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #47

- Library Love #30

- Reading Romance Challenge #23 (LGBTQ+)

Book Review: A Christmas Abduction by Madeline Hunter

Author: Madeline Hunter

Title: A Christmas Abduction

Genre: Historical Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 123

Published: September 26, 2023

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Caroline Dunham has a bone to pick with notorious rake Adam Prescott, Baron Thornhill—and a creative plan to insure his undivided attention. It involves an ambush of sorts, and a pistol. Yet even the best laid plans have a way of backfiring . . .

 

Once in close quarters, face to face with Adam’s unexpected chivalry, Caroline is taken aback by her own susceptibility to his charms. Yet the more determined she is to avoid falling under his spell, the less of a devil he appears to be. And fate has another surprise in store—one that may leave both their hearts captive for a long time to come 

Review:

Hehehehe. I know Spooky Season is still in session, but this caught my eye, and I wanted to read it. Oopsies Poopsies. 

Here we follow Caroline and Adam. Caroline has a bone to pick with Adam the RAKE. She has a creative plan to ensure his undivided attention. However, the best laid plans sometimes can go awry. Adam is actually nice and a gentleman....she is taken aback by how charming he is. She will deny herself falling for him until Fate has one more surprise in store. 

This was a charming little number. The banter was fun. The situations had me chuckling even though it was unbelievable.  

The big reveal was....meh. 

But overall, this was a cute little number that would be perfect for the holidays. 

I'll give this 3 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #29

Book Review: Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Title: Threshing Day

Series: The Empyrean #3.5

Genre: Fantasy, Novella, Short Stories

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 204

Published: September 29, 2026

Where I got It: My shelf (Barnes and Noble)

Summary: 

Welcome to Threshing Day, the brutal, high-stakes trial where would-be riders at Basgiath War College fight to earn the bond of a dragon or die trying. Amid ruthless competition and dragon fire, these thirteen cadets must survive a battlefield where desperate rivals will do anything to gain an advantage and dragons decide one’s ultimate fate―and where a single choice can forge a rider…or destroy them.

Xaden Riorson, the powerful leader. Rhiannon Matthias, the clever friend. Dain Aetos, the dutiful rule-follower. Liam Mairi, the kindhearted protector. Ridoc Gamlyn, the jokester. Sawyer Henrick, the underdog. Garrick Tavis, the dependable aide. Imogen Cardulo, the impulsive fighter. Bodhi Durran, the second-in-command. Mira Sorrengail, the fearless rider. Brennan Sorrengail, the brilliant tactician. Aaric Graycastle, the restless royal. Sloane Mairi, the determined sister.

On Threshing Day, there’s only one rule: don’t die.

Review:

I've been delaying this one a bit. Trying to save it for when I really need it. When is the next full book coming out? Goodness knows. I'm itching for it! This one really helped the itch. 

Here we have a collection of Threshing Day stories from some of our favorite characters. 

This was so fun. I loved watching a lot of faves meet and connect with their dragons. It was lovely. 

Sadly, the ending left me itching. What a good way to end this with that last story!! I want more. 

So good. So fun. Loved getting that one-on-one time with some other characters. 

5 stars. 

Book Review: One Last Job by Anise Starre

Author: Anise Starre

Title: One Last Job

Series: Flights and Feelings

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: Ebook

Pages: 382

Published: July 7, 2023

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Working late never felt so good.

When Amber Wyatt gets the opportunity to project manage a lucrative contract with The August Room, an exclusive and glamorous private members’ club, she can’t wait to get started. That is until she meets handsome managing director. Finn Hawthorne seemingly has no respect for her work, continuously undermines her and, worst of all, has the uncanny ability to charm everyone else he meets.

But launching The August Room is Finn's baby and he needs it to go well. With whispers of nepotism he needs to prove himself. Which explains why he can’t stand Amber. Not only is she charging him a small fortune, she keeps dismissing his ideas and, worst of all, she’s drop-dead gorgeous and seemingly immune to his charms.

Forced to work together to meet the tight launch day deadline, sparks begin to fly, and the fine line between business and pleasure starts to blur.

What was supposed to be a career-defining project leaves them both wanting more, but will they take it, or will this one last job destroy everything they've built?

Review:

Randomly stumbled upon this one while looking for something else and this seemed fabulous. 

Here we have Finn and Amber. They are forced to work together to meet a tight launch date. When together...it seems they are too different, but they will soon learn they are perfect for each other. 

I'm going to do a divide and conquer review again. My poor brain hurts today. 

The Good

- Loved these two! Finn and Amber were great. Loved their banter

- I liked how this naturally happened. Yes, they were forced together but it took time and it felt right. 

- This is part of a series, but it didn't feel like it. It felt like a nice standalone. Sure, there might've been cameos, but I didn't notice

- The ending was lovely and was perfect. 

The Bad and the Ugly

- I don't really have any issues. ;)

Conclusion

Great read. I would def read more by this author and maybe more in this series. 5 stars from me. 

Blodeuedd's Monday: The Shuddering by Ania Ahlborn

Format: 283 pages, Paperback

Published: June 18, 2013 by 47North

Horror/borrowed

It started sort of slow. A group of friends heading to a remote luxury cabin. Lots of talking. Two siblings, their friend, his new girlfriend. Blah blah. BOOOM!!!!

Then it got scary, It started to build. See it was not scary as others on that mountain died, but then it got close, and then it was too late. Wtf was out there! First shadows, then showing to be creepy humanlike beings that hunt the house that they now can not leave.

And it gets bloodier, and gore, and omg I am not going up a mountain or into the woods in winter. That is some scary stuff out there!

Also the end, omg, omg, omg.

SO yeah ended up liking it.

They only come when it snows, and nobody ever gets away.

A group of close friends gathers at a secluded cabin in the wintry mountains of Colorado for a final holiday hurrah. Instead, it may be their last stand. First a massive blizzard leaves them marooned. Then the more chilling realization: something is lurking in the woods, watching them, waiting...

Now a weekend of family, friends, and fun has turned into a test of love and loyalty in the face of inhuman horrors. The only hope for those huddled inside is to fight—tooth and nail, bullet and blade—for their lives. Otherwise, they'll end up like the monsters' other victims: bright pools of blood on glittering snow, screams lost in the vast mountains.