Movie Review: Enola Holmes 3 (2026)

Title: Enola Holmes 3

Length: 1h 45m

Released: 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Action/Adventure, Romance
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Detective Enola Holmes heads to Malta, where her aspirations merge in her most complex and dangerous case yet.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Number 3 babbbyyyy!

We are back with Enola and crew. This time they are in Malta, and Enola is about to wed. Gasp. But a kidnapping, murder, and many a mystery land on her shoulders to solve, so the wedding is postponed. 

Like the others, this was fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and neither should the viewer. There is humor and a LOT of fourth wall breaking. 

My biggest issue with the film was the lack of mystery. Yes, it is "there," sure, but the first like 5 mins for sure ruins the mystery. Sure, our fearless detective doesn't know, but we know. I did not like that one bit. Like, come on. 

It was fun to uncover the what and why. Enola was on a clock and 10 steps behind for so long. Plus...fixing what she broke was nice to see. I think he was being a little.....dramatic. But it is what it is. 

Oh! I did like the serious tones near the end. It was nice to keep this from being too campy. 

In the end, I had fun with this. The local was fun, the mission was okay, and there were some nice serious tones attached that helped deepen the story. Yes, yes, I laughed a few times at the funny moments.

3 stars from me. 

3-in-1 Short Story Review: Compulsory, Rapport, & Home by Martha Wells

Author: Martha Wells

Title: Compulsory

Series: The Murderbot Diaries #0.5

Genre: SciFi, Humor, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 8

Published: December 17, 2018

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Murderbot—the sardonic, almost-homicidal, media-loving android created by Martha Wells—has proven to be one of the most popular characters in 21 st century science fiction. Everything that makes this protagonist (it would be wrong to call Murderbot a hero) beloved of fans is on display in Compulsory.

While trying to watch episode 44 of The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon, Murderbot is—again, what is it with humans?—distracted by something that is technically outside its purview. A miner is suddenly in danger following a pointless (to Murderbot’s way of thinking) argument, and the choice is to risk discovery and leap into action, which would require hitting the pause button during a very exciting part of SanctuaryMoon, or to follow orders and stay still.

This is a tougher choice than it seems. But then, when has Murderbot ever been faced with an easy choice?

Review:

I'm finally going back and reading the short stories. Not sure why I skipped them. Maybe because my library didn't have them? Perhaps, per maybe. 

But yes. For this guy, we are at the very beginning. Back to when it all started. 

Murderbot faces a tough decision... follow orders and do nothing, or do something. This decision will change his future forever.

Quick story but a big one. I liked it. It was weird going back, but it was nice seeing the difference of the Murderbot he has become vs when he was just following orders and just a bot. 

Def worth it. Honestly....I say wait to read this until after a couple of the books. The difference was fun to see. Love a good origin story. 

This could've been a hair longer methinks. I would've liked to see more of the origin. 

4 stars. 

Author: Martha Wells

Title: Rapport

Series: The Murderbot Diaries #2.5

Genre: SciFi, Humor, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 34

Published: July 11, 2025

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Perihelion and its crew embark on a dangerous new mission at a corporate-controlled station in the throes of a hostile takeover...

Review:

This was an interesting one. I wasn't sure I really wanted to read this one, but I'm in it to win it with these shorts!

So we are with Perihelion and its crew. We get to see a whole new POV. We get further insight into the Corporates from Iris' perspective.

I was a little nervous because we are not in the mind of Murderbot. I was scared, but I was pleasantly surprised. I did enjoy this lil guy. 

Def read book 1 and book 2 before diving into this one. 

But yes, short and entertaining. I'm glad I didn't skip it. 

4 stars. Not the same without our main ;) 

Author: Martha Wells

Title: Home

Series: The Murderbot Diaries #4.5

Genre: SciFi, Humor, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 19

Published: May 5, 2020

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

This short story is told from the point of view of Dr. Mensah and follows the events in Exit Strategy.

The story picks up with Mensah returning to Preservation Station. While she deals with the bureaucratic and political aftermath, Murderbot is physically recovering and emotionally distancing itself — a typical defense mechanism for it.

Review:

Another short where we get to see from someone else's POV. Again...I nearly wanted to skip it but it didn't feel right. 

Here we follow Menash who is returning to the Preservation Station. While she is dealing with the aftermath, Murderbot is physically recovering and emotionally distancing....typical. 

I really enjoyed this one. I actually went back and re-read it. It was entertaining for sure! I like Mensah. 

You need to read the others before this one. There are some references and things you won't understand esp about Murderbot. 

This was my favorite of the shorts. I really liked it. 

5 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #19

Audiobook Review: Platform Decay by Martha Wells

Author: Martha Wells

Narrator: Kevin R. Free

Title: Platform Decay

Series: The Murderbot Diaries #8

Genre: SciFi, Humor, Novella

Format: Audiobook 

Published: May 5, 2026

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

After volunteering to run a rescue mission, Murderbot realizes that it will have to spend significant time with a bunch of humans it doesn't know.

Including human children. Ugh.

This may well call for... eye contact!

Review:

Murderbot is King of the bots!!!!!

Here we go again! Murderbot has volunteered to run a rescue mission. However, there will be a lot of humans that Murderbot will need to spend time with including...human children. 

Awwwwww I forgot how much I loved Murderbot. He is so funny and grumpy. So adorable. 

I think I really needed this!!! Honestly, I've been in a bit of a slump in July. A couple of pretty good 4 stars reads, but mainly 3 and 2s. Not sure why, but I needed this one! Thank you, Murderbot, for being the hero I needed. 

So funny. So intense. So good. 

I did miss ART, but it was nice seeing poor Murderbot with all these humans. Murderbot is a grumpy angel. 

The narrator is perfection. Great voices for all, especially for our main! He is great. I def recommend the audio versions. Sure, the printed word is good, but there is something about this narrator that really just fits and helps the story. 

I may have to go back and read some of the shorts to keep me entertained until the next book releases. I hope we don't have to wait too long for it!!

5 stars from me. 

Def read the other books before this one. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #31

- Library Love #18

 

Blodeuedd's Monday: Bunny by Mona Awad

Series: Bunny (#1)

Format: 375 pages, Paperback

Published: February 6, 2020 by Head of Zeus

Lit fic/borrowed

This was surreal on crack, and I do like weird lit.

Samantha has writer´s block. She is a student and her group is scary. They all just all call each other bunny and hug. Then they invite her, she does hesitate but she goes and shit happens, like what is going on? I can´t tell you either because that means spoilers, but someone mentioned Alice in Wonderland and it fits. It gets surreal, there is weirdness and when you think you know, you do not.

Weird lit is fun. You never know where it is headed. I guess this is under horror, but it is never like SCARY, just wtf am I on?

I liked it a lot.

Samantha Heather Mackey is an outsider in her small, highly selective MFA program at Warren University. In fact, she is utterly repelled by the rest of her fiction writing cohort – a clique of unbearably twee rich girls who call each other 'Bunny'.

But then the Bunnies issue her with an invitation and Samantha finds herself inexplicably drawn to their front door, across the threshold, and down their rabbit hole.

Blending sharp satire with fairytale horror, Bunny is a spellbinding trip of a novel from one of fiction's most original new voices.

Movie Review: Young Washington (2026)

Title: Young Washington

Length: 2h 1m

Released: 2026

Genre: Historical, Biography, War
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Theater

SUMMARY:

A young George Washington faces war, betrayal and impossible choices that will forge a leader.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Oh, Georgie Wash. I was so excited to see this!!!! I had to go see it in theaters. My fellow history nerd friend and I went to see it. And yes, I dragged poor Hubby along. 

We all know the history of George Washington. But how many know his early days? It was not an easy road for him. 

The cast was lovely. I LOVED who they had to play young George. I hope, in a few years, he can play an older George. He really filled those shoes well.

One thing of note I kept whispering to myself was the camera angles, especially in the battle scenes. They felt different but good. There is so much going on, and you feel in the middle of it. I think the camera team did great. 

Some of the dialogue felt a little cliché, but it didn't ruin the story or characters. I loved the foreshadow drops. Made me chuckle.

There was a "special message" at the end...skip it. It didn't add anything extra to the story or whatever. 

I would for sure watch this again. The battle, the story. It was entertaining and a reminder that everyone starts somewhere. A leader is not born. A leader is made. 

4 stars from me. 

 

Book Review: Magic Touch by AS Fenichel

Author: A.S. Fenichel

Title: Magic Touch

Series: Witches of Windsor #1

Genre:  Paranormal Romance, Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 301

Published: July 1, 2024

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

ESME

I never dreamed my small curatives shop in Windsor, England would attract the attention of war hero Sir William Meriwether. My feminine heart is aflutter when he enters. But I'm a witch and a healer, and he's a man in pain, so I heal him. Desperate to do him a good service, I stretch my powers to the limit—or perhaps beyond. Somehow, in curing his ailing leg, I unleash powers inside William. At a loss to stop what's begun, I'm forced to seek assistance from the coven I've sworn never to join. I dread the encounter, but for William's sake, I put my family's hatred aside. Getting to spend more time with William is an added enticement.

WILLIAM

I'm mesmerized by Esme O'Dwyer from the moment I lay eyes on her. Despite our different stations in society, I want something more personal than any restorative tea she might offer. As a gentleman, I contain those baser needs, and accept her assistance to ease the pain in my leg. When the alluring witch's touch bestows me with magic of my own, I want no part of it. But the coven's leaders insist magic never make mistakes, and for this to have happened, I must be needed. I've never been one to shy away from duty, and being secluded for training with Esme is magical in more ways than one.

ESME

Trouble is coming to Windsor. The signs are all there. The race is on to train William as a witch before his power is needed, but our growing attraction is as undeniable as the battle that lies ahead.

Review:

Randomly came upon this little guy, so I decided to give it a chance! It sounded pretty good, and I do love witches. ;) Plus, look at that kitty!!!!!!!!!!

Here we have Esme and William. Esme is the local healer and witch. William comes in, and he needs to be healed. However, there is something between them that resonates. When she heals him, she helps unlock powers he never knew he had. There is an attraction, but there is an evil coming to Windsor, and she has to help train him for the upcoming battle. 

This was a nice read. I enjoyed our journey and our little lovebirds. They were very sweet, and the drama was to a minimum. Some internal stuff and the looming battle, of course. 

I liked both our characters, and there was a nice collection of side characters. I am curious about Minerva. I think her book is next. 

Some elements of the plot seemed....weak. Not sure if that is the right word. I don't feel like I understand the world or these powers. Maybe things will be better explained in the next book? Everything felt flowy and loosey goosey...a bit too flowy and loosey goosey for my liking.

Even with that, I still enjoyed the journey and our romance. With the ending....I am curious to see what is next, but I'm not rushing to read it. Maybe if it is free or on Kindle Unlimited. Maybe there is an audio I would enjoy a touch more. 

I'll give this 3 stars.  

Reading Challenges:

- Reading Romance Challenge #18 (Cat on the cover)

Audiobook Review: The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

 

Author: Elle Kennedy

Narrator: Lorelei Avalon & Lee Samuels

Title: The Mistake

Series: Off-Campus #2

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: April 28, 2015

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

He's a player in more ways than one… College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he'll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he's worth a second chance. Now he's going to need to up his game… After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She's not a charity case, and she's not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He'll have to work for it. This time around, she'll be the one in the driver's seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

Review:

Been itching to get to book 2. Originally I was waiting for it to arrive from the library, but I couldn't wait, so I used an Audible credit to get a copy asap. The wait at the library was willllllllllllllld.

We are back at Briar. This time we are with Logan, who is trying to get over his crush anyway he can. Enter in Grace. There is more than a spark between them, and Logan messes up by saying something dumb. He realizes Grace is everything he has ever wanted, so he has to get her back. 

Oh sweet, sweet Logan. You are so sweet but yet so dumb. Bless his lil heart. I'm so glad Grace made him work really hard to get her back, because she deserves the best of the best. Logan IS the best for her, but that work was good for him lolll. 

Ugh Logan's backstory kills me. I feel so bad for him and his brother. :/

That ending scene before the epilogue! Oh, my heart!

I ended up doing the audio this time around. Our male voice was great. The female voice? Ehhhhhhh not so much. I did warm up to it, but it took a while

Overall, I really, really enjoyed this one. I liked Grace, and I liked Logan. It was very sweet watching them go from just hooking up to more. I liked watching them grow and learn. I can't WAIT for Dean's story!!!!! 4 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #30

 

Blodeuedd's Monday: The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic

Format: 322 pages, Paperback

Published: September 19, 2023 by Alcove Press

Paranormal/borrowed

The person I borrowed it from dnfed it, people on my friend list had dnfed it, and it was meh, but I wanted to see if the romance would pay out. BOOM! I got hit in the face, wtf happened? The romance part suddenly imploded. Was this not a cozy paranormal romance? Eh..ok?

Nope, now we are all about the curse because this is a family of witches. And oh no, grandma is dying and we are all doomed!

Boom! Bloody hell, that effing romance is back. I hate this romance. It sucked! What the heck was that?!

I honestly do not know what this book was meant to be. Paranormal cozy? Nope changed. Romance? Nope, changed. It was messy and it made me mad at the end.

Yes yes I should have given up, but I wanted to know.

Sadie Revelare has always believed that the curse of four heartbreaks that accompanies her magic would be worth the price. But when her grandmother is diagnosed with cancer with only weeks to live, and her first heartbreak, Jake McNealy, returns to town after a decade, her carefully structured life begins to unravel.

With the news of their grandmother's impending death, Sadie's estranged twin brother Seth returns to town, bringing with him deeply buried family secrets that threaten to tear Sadie's world apart. Their grandmother has been the backbone of the family for generations, and with her death, Sadie isn't sure she'll have the strength to keep the family, and her magic, together.

As feelings for Jake begin to rekindle, and her grandmother growing sicker by the day, Sadie faces the last of her heartbreaks, and she has to decide: is love more important than magic?

Book Review: Ink Trails by Dave and Jack Depmsey

Author: Dave Dempsey & Jack Dempsey

Title: Ink Trails: Michigan's Famous and Forgotten Authors

Genre:  Nonfiction, Biography

Format: Paperback

Pages: 199

Published: August 1, 2012

Where I got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

Long revered as the birthplace of many of the nation’s best-known authors, Michigan has also served as inspiration to countless others. In this entertaining and well-researched book—the first of its kind—the secrets, legends, and myths surrounding some of Michigan’s literary luminaries are explored. Which Michigan poet inspired a state law requiring teachers to assign at least one of his compositions to all students? Which young author emerged from the University of Michigan with a bestselling novel derided by some critics as “vulgar”? And from what Michigan city did Arthur Miller, Robert Frost, and Jane Kenyon draw vital inspiration? The answers to these questions and more are revealed in this rich literary history that highlights the diversity of those whose impact on letters has been indelible and distinctly Michiganian.

Review:

I was given this as a gift, and I was excited! You know I love a good nonfiction once in a while. Helps freshen the palate. 

In this little guy, we go over the histories of some authors who have ties to Michigan. Some born here, some raised here, and some worked here. Some...all three. 

Such a diversity of authors! It was a nice variety.

I learned a lot! There were some familiar names I had zero idea were connected to my home state. There were some names I never even heard of! 

It was a quick read, and it was refreshing for sure. 

The author(s) did a good job not weighing the reader down with dates and too much information. We got enough to get a gist of the author they were talking about. 

But yes. This was a nice and quick read. 

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Book Review: Tea and Alchemy by Sharon Lynn Fisher

Author: Sharon Lynn Fisher

Title: Tea and Alchemy

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Historical

Format: ebook

Pages: 293

Published: January 1, 2026

Where I got It: My shelf (BookBub)

Summary: 

Cornwall, 1854. The people of Roche have always whispered about the recluse in the black granite tower that looms above the moorland. But one young woman is driven to discover the truth behind the old tales.

Her life overshadowed by family tragedy, Mina Penrose escapes her lonely days by working at The Magpie, a cozy tearoom on the village’s edge. Lately she’s been seeing shapes in the sodden leaves that hint at the future. After one such omen, Mina stumbles upon a murdered man on the heath. Villagers immediately suspect Harker Tregarrick, a living, breathing mystery who never ventures beyond the bounds of his centuries-old estate.

Until the day after the murder, when the handsome and compelling recluse visits The Magpie…leading to a meeting that will change both their fates. Captivated by a man around whom danger and rumors of death swirl, Mina has never felt more alive. Can she uncover Harker’s heartbreaking history—and the truth about the murder—before tragedy strikes again?

Review:

Randomly saw this on BookBub, so why not! Love, I had zero idea that this would be a vampire tale!

Here we have Mina, who loves working at The Magpie. It allows her to escape her lonely existence after tragedy. However, she's been seeing shapes in the tea that scare her. After one omen, she stumbles upon a body. Everyone starts expecting Harker even though he never ventures beyond the bounds of his estate. The day after the murder, Harker shows up at the Magpie and will change their lives forever. 

I was shocked that we had vampires here LOL. The summary never really went over this. Did I miss something in the summary? I'm not mad, but I was shocked. 

This started off slow, and I never really and truly settled into the story. What is wrong with me? This has everything. Historical, vamps, tea, a mystery! I just couldn't connect.

The story was interesting enough that I kept reading. There were little sparks that kept me intrigued enough to keep pushing, but I just felt meh at the end. Didn't hate it or love it. Just meh.

Mina was okay, and Harker was eh. 

Again....am I the problem? Two books in a row I just couldn't connect with. I need a refresh, I think. 

In the end, that was just alright. I felt meh by the end, but I didn't hate it. It kept my interest enough to finish the book. I'll stamp this with 2. 

Book Review: The Petticoat Letters by Kelly Lyman

Author: Kelly Lyman

Title: The Petticoat Letters

Series: Rebels of the Revolution #1

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 346

Published: November 5, 2017

Where I got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

At the outbreak of the Revolutionary war, Nora Bishop’s home is burned to the ground—along with her dreams, plans and all her family members except one. At 20-years-old and still unmarried, she moves to Manhattan to live with her Loyalist uncle, hoping to find her brother who has joined the Patriot cause against her late family’s wishes. But, battle breaks out and she finds herself at the mercy of one American ranger, Alex Foster, who is the only person in a position to bring her to safety.

Her growing feelings toward Alex and his passion for freedom help her reevaluate her stance on the case for independence and makes her question her loyalties further. When she is asked to spy for the rebels, she agrees. But can she partake in the act of treason and do what is asked of her when the sadistic Captain William Roth seems to watch her every move and threatens the life of her brother who has been captured? And how can she grow closer to Alex when the war threatens to tear them apart?

Review:

This seemed like the perfect read for America's 250! It's been a hot min since I read an HR or HF set during the American Revolution. 

Here we have Nora, who pretty much lost it all at the start of the war. Her family home was burned to the ground, and only she and her brother survived. However, the war took her brother away too when he decided to fight with the Rebels. Nora is unwed and living with her loyalist family. She soon finds herself at the mercy of the Rebels and Alex. While in his company, she starts to see what the Rebels see...and maybe there is something between her and Alex. 

This had an extremely slow start. It took me a couple of tries to push through. I was tempted to toss in the white flag of defeat and move on. After my second attempt, I was hooked. There was a scene that made me want more. No spoilers from me!!

But yes, this gets intense in a few spots. War is hell and all. So some triggers for sure. 

Can I be honest? I didn't like Alex or Nora by the end. I started out liking Nora, and then I lost respect for her. Alex? I was always meh, but he annoyed me after a scene. I still kept reading because I was more curious about the war and etc. That was fun! A part of me wishes this wasn't a romance. SHOCKED faces I see, but yes....not all things should be romances. Yes, there can be some love, but this would've fared better as just historical fiction, methinks. 

Don't get me started on the big baddie. He was literally a caricature of a British redcoat baddie. Mmmmmm, but he was scary so I will give him that. 

All-in-all, I was entertained. I liked the spying and war and etc. The romance was meh because I didn't care for our mains. And the baddie was scary, but he was your A-typical redcoat baddie. I'll give this 3 stars. It would be a 2, but I think some of the scenes deserve a little more love, and maybe I'm being overly kind. 

 

Reading Challenges:

- Reading Romance Challenge #17 (Non-Regency)

Cast that Book: Seatmate by Cara Bastone

A weekly meme that showcases my "cast" of a book if it were to become a movie or TV show. Anyone can join!

Loved the whole series! I wish there will be more! 

Just a reminder, if you would to join in on the fun you can cast the same book or a different one.

Rules (aka self-imposed...you don't have to follow them)

- A recent book I read

- Only books that I gave a 4 or 5 stars

- Casting the main cast and maybe some of the side characters

- Sky is the limit

Book:

Gwen- Emily Carey

Sam - Daniel Radcliffe

B's Monday Review: Slewfoot by Brom

Format: 305 pages, Paperback

Published: April 25, 2023 by Tor Nightfire

Horror/borrowed

Oh you know what is coming, 1600s, the colonies. Men thinking they know better. Men saying women should do this and that, but not other things.

And here comes Abitha, struggling with her husband on their farm. His brother being a total ahole. A guy pointing fingers in town and group mentality. Abitha does speak her mind, she works hard, she forgets to be prim and proper.

And then she is alone, and vulnerable. And that brother really wants her farm. But something is in the woods, something that was wakened. Something angry....

It was never like eeek, horror! Mostly it made me angry at men at the end and I might have cheered at some things cos men suck.

I liked it. But ugh, puritans sucked!

Connecticut, 1666: An ancient spirit awakens in a dark wood. The wildfolk call him Father, slayer, protector.

The colonists call him Slewfoot, demon, devil.

To Abitha, a recently widowed outcast, alone and vulnerable in her pious village, he is the only one she can turn to for help.

Together, they ignite a battle between pagan and Puritan – one that threatens to destroy the entire village, leaving nothing but ashes and bloodshed in their wake.

This terrifying tale of bewitchery features more than two dozen of Brom’s haunting full-color paintings and brilliant endpapers, fully immersing readers in this wild and unforgiving world.

Book Review: The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman

Author: Matt Dinniman

Title: The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook

Series: Dungeon Crawler Carl #3

Genre: SciFi, Fantasy, Comedy

Format: ebook

Pages: 544

Published: March 19, 2021

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Welcome to the Gun Show!

The top 10 list is populated. The sponsorship program is open. The difficulty is ramping up. The first three floors were nothing compared to what Carl and Donut now face.

The Iron Tangle. An impossibly complicated subway system built out of the world's subterranean railway systems, all combined and then tied together into a knot. Up is down. Down is up. Close is far. The cars are filled with monsters, the railway stations are less than safe, and the exit is always just a few stops away.

But there is hope. For the first time, the crawlers are all working together. The loot is better than ever. And the secret to unraveling it all may be hidden in the pages of a seemingly useless book.

Welcome, crawlers. Welcome to the fourth floor of the dungeon.

Review:

Finally got a chance to get into this. However, I'm bummed that my library didn't have the audio version of this one. SIGHS. Ebook is fine and all, and I'll take what I can get. 

We are back with Carl and Donut. The top 10 list is populated. The sponsorship is open. And the difficulty is ramping up. They will face an impossibly complicated subway system, all knotted up and filled with monsters. Even with these odds, there is a spark of hope......crawlers are working together to solve the puzzles and find good loot. 

Oh Carl. Oh Donut. This was a mess but fun and chaotic. 

There were some tedious moments, but it didn't bug me too much. I powered through them because I needed to know what was going to happen next.

I don't want to spoil anything, but yes, lots of trains and lots of monster mobs. Lots of crawlers. I loved seeing them start to work together. Honestly.....they need to all work together. F these TV people. 

The ending has me screaming. I can't wait to get started on book 4!

As you seen above, I did the book version of this book. I enjoyed it, but I missed Donut screaming in my ear. I may have to cave and buy the audio or use my Audible credits. Sighs. 

Overall, this was chaotic and messy and fun. Some tedious moments, but worth pushing through. Def read the other books first. 4 stars from me. 

 

Reading Challenges:

- Library Love #17

Audiobook Review: How It Ends by Rachel Howzell Hall

Author: Rachel Howzell Hall

Narrator: Joniece Abbott-Pratt

Title: How It Ends

Genre: Mystery/Thriler, Contemporary, Novella

Format: Audiobook 

Published: March 25, 2021

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Marti Greenwood has just moved into a brand-new home after a bitter divorce from her husband Emery, and while she’s still not quite done with him—of course, some of her most cherished possessions are nowhere to be found once she unpacks her things—a fresh start in a beautiful LA neighborhood is exactly what she needs.

But days after her arrival, Marti is attacked in her home. She's found shaken and beaten, and her neighbors immediately call the police. She never saw the face of her attacker, so there is little to go on as detectives open an investigation—but Marti will do whatever it takes to find her assailant.

Review:

Randomly found this little one, so why not? I needed something short and something thriller-y. 

Here, we follow Marti, who has just moved into a new home after a bitter divorce from her husband, Emery. She wants to be done with him, but he took some of her most cherished possessions. Days after she moved in, Marti is attacked and left shaken and beaten. She never saw the face of her attacker, and her ex has a strong alibi. There is little to go on, and the detectives have pretty much given up. Marti will do whatever it takes to find her assailant so she can finally have peace. 

This was a quick listen, and I was thankful. I needed something quick. 

Poor Marti.. I just want her to be happy and safe. 

Her ex is an ass. 

The one neighbor is a creep. 

Her one friend pissed me off. 

The mystery/thriller was intense but slightly predictable. HOWEVER, the resolution was great. It was good. I literally smiled. *clap*

Narration was good. She did a fine job overall. A lot of the women's voices sounded a bit familiar, so you have to pay attention.

All-in-all, this was good and intense. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #29

 

Audiobook Review: Seatmate by Cara Bastone

Author: Cara Bastone

Narrator: Amanda Ronconi, Zachary Webber, & cast

Title: Seatmate

Series: Love Lines #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella

Format: Audiobook 

Published: March 24, 2022

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

I have exactly 5 hours and 10 minutes to get from Boston to New York City or the professional opportunity of a lifetime disappears. My only travel option? The second to last seat on a discount bus. Across from the bathroom. Wearing last night’s clothes (don’t ask). All worth it if I can make it in time.

My nerves almost get the best of me, but then there he is, sitting down in the seat next to me. Tall. Friendly smile. Bright indigo streak in his brown hair. The perfect distraction. Turns out he’s on his way to reconnect with an old flame. The one who got away. We can both make it on time - just barely - if the traffic keeps flowing.

Playing road-trip games, avoiding calls from his mother, and effortless conversation keeps us from clockwatching...until the bus breaks down. And my seatmate turns into my copilot as we wrangle a ride in a car three decades old. And hit all the traffic. And oh, Lord, the detours. And somehow I end up careening cross-town on the handlebars of a Citi Bike carrying a box of kittens. (Yeah, don’t ask.)

He’s my hero every step of the way...and I might be falling for him. But what happens when we reach our final destination? Could my seatmate really be my soul mate?

Review:

Yayy book 3.

Here we follow Gwen and Sam. They are just two strangers who sit next to each other on a long bus ride. Instead of sitting in silence, they end up chatting and enjoying themselves. Playing road-trip games, avoiding calls from Sam's mom, and clockwatching. Everything is going great until the bus breaks down. They both have to get to town asap, so they work together to get there. Could these seatmates be soul mates?

This is slightly tied into the other books. They mention a character from book 1, but otherwise this would do okay as a standalone. I'm a sucker for this series, so I highly encourage reading the other two books first. 

I do wish that we had more of a connection with the other characters. Maybe see them in the epilogue? 

This was adorable, and I liked it. I loved their conversations and their journey. Our mains are so sweet and so perfect for each other. The chemistry was there from the moment they said hi. I wish we had more....heat. Like a splash more. Maybe an accidental kiss or something. But it's supposed to be clean, so I get it.

Loved the full cast of narrators here. They were all perfect, and I'm a sucker for Amanda Ronconi!!! She is just so good. 

Overall, I enjoyed this, and I loved the series. I hope we get another book. Maybe this couple will pop up in the next one. But yes, 100% recommend all three books. 4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #28