DNF: The Medium by CJ Archer

Author: CJ Archer

Title: The Medium

Series: Emily Chambers Spirit Medium Trilogy #1

Genre: Fantasy, YA, Paranormal Romance, Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 261

Published: June 30, 2012

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Seventeen year-old spirit medium Emily Chambers has a problem. Actually, she has several. As if seeing dead people isn't a big enough social disadvantage, she also has to contend with an escaped demon and a handsome ghost with a secret past. And then there's the question of her parentage. Being born an entire year after her father's death (yes, a year) and without the pale skin of other respectable English ladies, Emily is as much a mystery as the dead boy assigned to her.

Jacob Beaufort's spirit has been unable to crossover since his death. It might have something to do with the fact he was murdered. Or it might not. All he knows is, he has been assigned by the Otherworld's administrators to a girl named Emily. A girl who can see and touch him. A girl who released a shape-shifting demon into the mortal realm. Together they must send the demon back before it wreaks havoc on London. It should be a simple assignment, but they soon learn there's nothing simple when a live girl and a dead boy fall in love.

Review:

This won the vote for DNF 2nd Chance. I was excited to give it another chance. It just sounds SO good. 

Whelp....

This just isn't for me, I guess. I got a couple of pages further than when I tossed the towel last time. 

Jacob was nice enough, and he was kinda cool. Emily? Eh. 

I just didn't care enough to push through and see how it all ends. I tried, though, but just not the book for me. 

DNF still. Bummer.

DNF: Highland Gladiator by Kathryn Le Veque

Author: Kathryn Le Veque

Narrator: Brad Wills
Title: Highland Gladiator

Series: Scots and Swords #1

Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published:  August 25, 2020
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible) 

Summary: 

When Lor Careston's quiet Highland village was attacked and burned, he felt helpless against the raiders who destroyed his home. Seeking revenge, but lacking the fighting skills he needs to execute his mission, he sets out to find the Ludus Caledonia―a mysterious fight guild that turns men into warriors.

Lor trains hard, proves himself in the ring, and earns a place with the very clan that decimated his home, having decided to set his plan for revenge in motion from inside the clan. But his plan didn't include Isabail Keith, a fiery lass who prefers broadswords to embroidery and isn't afraid to stand with the warriors of her clan. Lor thought the Keiths were his enemies, but when Isabail is threatened, he'll have to decide what he's willing to risk for the woman who has captured his heart and the clan that has become his home.

Review:

This was another random pick up while looking for something else. Why not?

Lor's village is attacked and burned to the ground. He felt so helpless against the raiders that he set out to learn how to fight. Lor trains hard at the mysterious fight guild. He proves himself in the ring and earns a place with the clan that destroyed his home. He didn't plan that his old love, Isabail, who is part of this clan. Will he put everything he holds on the line for the woman he loves?

Whelp. I gave up. I got to about 30%, and I called it done. I didn't want to read/listen anymore. Nothing truly went wrong, but I zoned out 10 times, and I just didn't care. 

Lor seems like a good enough fella. Isabail seems...okay. I didn't get a chance to learn more about her. 

Maybe I will try this again someday, but today I had to DNF. Bummer, because this had promise, and the narrator sounded good. 

Darn two meh books in a row to end the month. :( 

Oh! One positive....this is the first DNF of 2026! Took 4 months so I'll count that as a win. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #16

Book Review: The Warlord's Captive by Cass Carlton

Author: Cass Carlton

Title: The Warlord’s Captive

Series: Alien Warlord Brides #1

Genre: SciFi, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 316

Published: July 17, 2022

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

A female spaceship captain? That’s me. I shouldn’t have taken my vessel that route. I’m the captain of my ship. I’m the decision maker. Bad decision. I knew it was bad when the warlord appeared on the comms screen and pretty much said he wanted me to warm his bed. Now I’m avoiding pirates, warlords, and a clan war between alien warlords. Oh, and I’m trying to pay a debt off and save my crew’s life.

I’ve had dreams about her. She shouldn’t exist. This shouldn’t be a thing. But it is. She’s mine. My soul has marked her as such. I’m the captain of a warship. I’m a warlord from another planet. A human cannot be my soulmate. So why is fate bringing us together? Why is an antiquated arrangement used by my kind for eons determining that this human female is my mate. I don’t expect to seize her ship while she’s evading an attack.

Now, I’ve got to convince this fiercely independent sexy human that she’s the one. And try to keep her alive at the same time.

Review:

Picked this up to complete a bingo square on my reading challenge, plus, this didn't sound too bad. Love a fated romance. 

Here we have Valeria and Aedyn. Valeria has not only inherited a ship but she has some debts to pay off as well. This is the last run. Right? Enter in Aedyn. He's been having mate dreams that his species gets about their Fated Mate. The universe is so vast, so it is near impossible to find this Fated Mate. He has to ignore the dreams...he has a job to do. 

*wakes up* Oh? It's over. What did I miss? 

Yes, yes, I pushed through reading this because 1) I had hope that it would turn around and 2) I wanted the credit for my reading challenge...and 3) I love torturing myself I guess. 

I wanted to DNF so many times, but I pushed through. I started skimming the last quarter of the book JUST to be done with it. There was no real tension. No chemistry. No excitement. And the spice? Meh. 

All-in-all, this was not the one for me. Sure, SciFi isn't my favorite genre, but there is usually something that grabs me. Sadly, this wasn't for me. 

1 star. 

Reading Challenges

- Reading Romance Challenge #13 (Alien)

DNF: How to Fake It with a Fae by Amy Boyles

Author: Amy Boyles

Title: How to Fake It with a Fae

Series: Seven Suitors for Seven Witches #1

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 372

Published: 25, 2024

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Book lover Addison Thornrose can match you with your next perfect read. Unfortunately, she can’t match herself with a good man. Her latest just dumped her. Worse, she’s learned that unless she marries, and quickly, her family will lose their witch magic—forever.

Feylin, king of the fae, has no interest in romance. In fact, the only thing he’s interested in is getting revenge on the Thornrose family because they ruined his life. So when he learns that they’re holding a Bridgerton style ball to marry off their oldest daughter, Addison, he sees an opportunity for vengeance.

But what Feylin doesn’t expect is to start falling for Addison. And worse, he really doesn’t expect it when ancient fae magic binds him to her so that they can’t be separated.

His solution is to strike a bargain—be in a fake relationship. Just until they can break the spell between them, and just until he can get his revenge.

For Addison, this is a dream come true. She doesn’t want to be pawned off to a line of suitors, and she certainly doesn’t want to be engaged. But between the spine-tingling fake dates and the tension-infused banter, lines begin to blur. And Addison begins to wonder when her heart will stop faking it and her feelings become real.

Review:

Randomly stumbled upon this while looking for something else, so why not? It sounded lovely!

Another DNF. Oh no. 

Feylin was a jerk. 

Addison was annoying. 

Nothing was charming. Nothing was funny. I kept rolling my eyes. 

I just couldn't get to page 150. I had to give up. 

When we do a DNF 2nd Chance I might add this to it. 

DNF for now though. 

DNF: Co-Wrecker by Meghan Quinn

 

Author: Meghan Quinn

Narrator: Dan Stevens

Title: Co-Wrecker 

Series: Binghamton #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Comedy

Format: Audiobook 

Published: March 17, 2017

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

 What do ice cream and Sadie Montgomery have in common? They're both ice cold, but one taste is never enough.

I wanted to be friends — I would have even settled for her seeing me as anything but a nerd — but there was no getting through. So just like any hard-headed, red-blooded man out there, I made up my mind.

I’d make my coworker fall for me.

I’d like to say it was simple, but like every other epic love story, all it took was one drunken night and a lot of naked courage to get the girl. For a moment, at least.

Love with a coworker is never simple, especially since Sadie’s trying to keep us on the low. Not to mention her persistent ex-boyfriend who won’t leave her alone. But I’ve never been good at giving up, and I don’t plan to start now.

The whole thing is a recipe for a rocky road, but I plan to eat the whole gallon, no matter how bad the brain freeze.

Review:

Picked this up because a member of my Twitch community had redeemed a "Pick what Carole reads next" and they said to pick any Meghan Quinn book. I've read one Xmas book in the past (I think it was a short story) so I didn't mind trying another one. I randomly found this on Audible so why not? Free is free babbyyyyyy!

Sadly....I will need to pick a different Meghan Quinn book. There is potential in her writing! It's there I can feel it! However, this was NOT the one for me. 

DNF at about 25% of the book. I just couldn't do it anymore. 

*looks at other reviews on Goodreads* I think I might be in the minority here. Whoops. 

Sadie is a jerk. 

Andrew is a weirdo. 

The scene that really was the downfall for my enjoyment, was the scene when Sadie was training Andrew. RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM, Sadie was all "Yeah I have to train this annoying guy." Like...it wasn't that Andrew just overheard or walked in at an awkward moment. She said it RIGHT in front of him and not even whispering it. WOW. F off Sadie. 

Andrew fell and like motor boated her. Creepy weirdo. 

No thanks. 

Nothing about their behaviors were cute or funny. She needs therapy. He needs to realize he isn't funny or charming. 

DNF for me. 

I will try a different Meghan Quinn book. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #38

2-in-1 DNF: Icebreaker by Hannah Grace & The Dragon Prince of Alaska by Elva Birch

Author: Hannah Grace

Title: Icebreaker

Series: Maple Hills #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, NA, Sports romance

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 464

Published: August 23, 2022

Where I got It: My shelf (Target)

Summary: 

Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. It looks like everything is going according to plan when she gets a full scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills, and lands a place on their competitive figure skating team.

Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins.

Nate’s focus as team captain is on keeping his team on the ice. Which is tricky when a facilities mishap means they are forced to share a rink with the figure skating team—including Anastasia, who clearly can’t stand him.

But when Anastasia’s skating partner faces an uncertain future, she may have to look to Nate to take her shot.

Sparks fly, but Anastasia isn’t worried . . . because she could never like a hockey player, right?

Review:

This was on sale at Target and I had to have it. One, I've been meaning to read this and two, that cover? Ugh. Beautiful. 

Sadly, I just could not get through this. I wish I could since I spent money on it. The characters are meh. The story just didn't grab me. The dialogue? Well....it was.....interesting. 

All the parties!? I get it you're in college and you are young and hot and play sports. OKAY. 

I want to try this again someday because I loooooooooooooooooove the cover so much. Sadly....at this point.....DNF. 

Author: Elva Birch

Title: The Dragon Prince of Alaska

Series: Royal Dragons of Alaska #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Format: ebook

Pages: 262

Published: February 13, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

An unplanned promotion to princess!

Carina was just trying to advance to manager at her accounting firm. Instead, she uncovered the dirty secrets of a giant bank, got framed for murder, and fled the country. Now she’s hiding out in a van with a stray dog in the kingdom of Alaska…

...And a gorgeous park ranger is telling her that she’s his destiny (and also, camping illegally on royal land).

Before she knows it, she’s whisked off to a palace on the arm of a dragon shifter (!) prince and fitted for a crown...because she’s been chosen by an ancient magic spell to be the mate of the next king of Alaska.

As the youngest (and arguably most unsuitable) prince, Toren never thought that he would be tapped to rule, but he knows that Carina is worth the weight of his new duties. Now he’s just got to figure out how to be a king, and even more importantly, how to protect his queen-to-be from old enemies...and new foes who will stop at nothing to see Alaska fall.

Review:

A nice freebie on Amazon that sounded good. Plus...another pretty cover! Cute guy and I love what they did with the aurora borealis! Soooo coooooool!

Another one bites the dust. The story seemed fun enough, but I couldn't get past the writing style. It was so quick. So choppy. So......forced. Maybe if it was a short story I could be more forgiving. 

Maybe I'll put this up for the DNF 2nd chance one day. I do have book 2!

Sadly....I am shutting this one down for now. 

DNF: Handyman by Linda Nichols

Author: Linda Nichols

Title: Handyman

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Christian Fiction

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 270

Published: January 11, 2000

Where I Got It: My shelf (Used bookstore)

Summary: 

Maggie Ivey is about to make the best mistake of her life.

A struggling twenty-six-year-old single mom, Maggie Ivey is just trying to keep it all together. She's got a lecherous boss, a dead-end job, and a worried mother who just wants her to move back home to Georgia. Maggie's prospects look dim, until a friend signs her up for the famous Dr. Jason Golding's 21-Day Overhaul. The first session seems to go perfectly. Dr. Golding is warm, sensitive, and a terrific listener. There's only one The handsome man in Dr. Golding's chair isn't Dr. Golding. In fact, he's not even a therapist; he's Jake Cooper, a contractor hired to remodel the office. But all Maggie knows is that talking to him helps her feel better. And Jake doesn't quite know how to let Maggie in on the secret. Will he eventually confess to his ruse? Will she discover the truth on her own? And the most important question of Can a Handyman fix a broken heart?

Review:

This has been collecting dust for a while so why not finally get in it!

Maggie is a single mom trying to keep it all together. She has a crap job, a lecherous boss, and her mother won't leave her alone. Her prospects are dim....until her friend signs her up for the famous Dr. Jason Golding's 21-Day Overhaul. The first session is fine. However, the doctor isn't a doctor at all....it is a contractor named Jake who accidently got roped into this. Should he tell her the truth? Will she discover it on her own? 

I tried so hardddddddd and got so farrrrr *insert headbanging*!!!!!!!! 

I had to call it. Maggie and Jake seem fine enough but ugh. That is a lie I don't think anyone should get over. 

Boring. Slow.

Meh. Not for me. Maybe for someone else. I could be bitter and have been struggling to find my rhythm in reading this month. 

DNF. 

DNF: The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

Author: Erin Sterling

Narrator: Caitlin Davies

Title: The Ex Hex

Series: The Ex Hex/Graves Glen #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Contemporary, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 28, 2021

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.

That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.

Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.

Review: 

Randomly stumbled upon this at the library while looking for something else. It seemed like the perfect book for the Spooky Season. Magic, witches, romance, and humor. 

Here we follow Vivienne and Rhys. Vivienne and Rhys broke up 9 years ago. During that break up, Vivienne nursed her broken heart like any young witch would with booze, sad music, bubble baths, and a curse. Years have passed and Rhys is back in town for the annual fall festival. However, one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes that maybe, just maybe, her silly Ex Hex may have actually worked. Between a horde of murderous wind-up toys, a ghost, and a talking cat....they have a lot on their hands. 

This started off well enough. I thought Vivi's reason for doing the hex on her ex was a touch trite. Girl....you dated for like a half a second. Sure cry in your tea and your bubble bath, but get over it. I don't think Rhys was the monster and heart breaker she made him out to be. Like sure was he an asshat? Yes. But he wasn't TERRIBLE. He wasn't bad enough to get a hex on him. 

I lost interest after the horde of wind-up toys. Wild right? I fell asleep during the scene. I woke up a few minutes later and didn't bother rewinding. Bad sign right there. I tried listening to another hour and stopped mid-scene and decided I was done. 

DNF for me for now. Maybe it can be revived in our DNF Second Chance in the future. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: DNF

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #51

- Library Love (not counting it towards this challenge)

DNF: It Was All the Cat's Fault by Elizabeth SaFleur

Author: Elizabeth SaFleur

Title: It Was All the Cat's Fault

Series: Meet Cute #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 272

Published: April 5, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Eve can juggle work, school and a fixer-upper house just fine with a little help from YouTube. Well, she could, if her beloved cat, Thor, would stop getting into trouble—like getting stuck behind the walls. Thankfully, plumbers make house calls at ridiculous-o’clock in the morning.

Enter Brent who not only has all the power tools she needs, he looks like the God Thor. A mountain of muscle with movie-star hair, shining green eyes, and a perfectly scruffed, chiseled jaw. Just great. She doesn’t have time for all the lusty neediness rising where it should not be rising.

Eve reminds herself and her weakening knees that she’s a strong, independent woman determined to make it without anyone’s help. But as more renovation and cat-astrophes pile on, she finds her fingers doing the walking to call Brent to her rescue.

And she has to decide if keeping him at arm’s length fits her life plan, or if it’s the biggest miscalculation she’s ever made.

It doesn’t help Thor seems to be in cahoots with Brent when it comes to foisting romance on her.

An opposites attract, smoking hot, mayhem and madness, romantic comedy. Oh, and one very naughty Maine Coon cat.

Review:

Random find when looking for something cute on the Amazon. 

Eve can juggle it all! Well....until if it wasn't for her cat. Thor decides to get stuck behind the walls. Thankfully, plumbers can make house calls. Enter in the plumber...Brent....who seems to have it all. Good looks, handy, and likes animals. There is lust but they don't have time for it. 

This is technically book 2, but I believe book 1 was about a different couple so no loss for me since IDK who they are. 

Now...this started off well enough but....I got to page 80 and I stopped caring. I can't tell you WHY, but it was a struggle reading 20 more pages. I got to 107 and decided I was doneso. Nothing majorly wrong that I can point at and be all, "Ah yes." I just....didn't care. I ended up only liking Thor. 

In the end....DNF for me. Maybe this can have a second chance one day. But not for meeeeee.

DNF: The Sound of Murder by KL Montgomery

Author: KL Montgomery

Title: The Sound of Murder

Series: Musical Murder Mystery #1

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Cozy mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 173

Published: March 24, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

How do you solve a problem like... a murder?

Ruby Ecco has been a chorus girl her whole life. “You have a great voice and such a pretty face, but we don’t have a leading role for someone your size,” is what casting directors have always told her.

But she’s finally landed a nice gig, touring with a traveling theatre troupe. Being in the chorus affords her the opportunity to sightsee in every town they visit....and to shine in a brand-new role when one of her castmates turns up dead.

Can Ruby solve the mystery of what happened to Mother Superior in their production of The Sound of Music? Would someone actually murder a woman who was in town to play a NUN?!

Ruby intends to climb every mountain on her quest to bring the murderer to justice...or else it might be so long, farewell for our favorite chorus girl!

Review:

Picked this up as a freebie over at Amazon. It seemed like the perfect cozy mystery. Music and murder? Oh my! 

Sadly...I couldn't connect. Everything started out fine enough, but I started yawning and I could not give any energy to care. I didn't care who dunnit....I didn't care about our main character. 

Nothing clicked. I gave it a solid 100 pages but I found myself skimming to even make it to my self-imposed rule. The moment I hit 100 I stopped. It was in the middle of a chapter and a convo I believe, but I just sat my phone down (this is an ebook) and went on to greener fields. 

Not for me. Maybe I'll retry one day. 

DNF

Book Review: A Modern Day Persuasion by Kaitlin Saunders

Author: Kaitlin Saunders

Title: A Modern Day Persuasion

Genre: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, & Retelling

Format: ebook

Pages: 258

Published: March 23, 2011

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Nearly eight years ago, Anne’s family, specifically her father, convinced her that she was too young to wed and insinuated that her fiancé Rick was solely interested in her wealth and status. Against her better judgment, Anne agreed to postpone the marriage, only to watch the love of her life walk away, never to be heard from again. Almost a decade later, still single and no longer wealthy, Anne struggles to make a name for herself designing greeting cards. Unable to move on with her life, she finds herself still emotionally bound to the man who disappeared the moment things didn’t go his way. Through a series of serendipitous events, however, Anne is reunited with her old love—just as a new beau enters the scene. Only time will tell if her heart can finally be set free to love again, or if Rick’s initial betrayal will leave her single…forever.

Review:

Been meaning to read this for a while, but you know how it goes. 

This is a modern take on the Austen classic 'Persuasion'. Anne was convinced she was too young and that Rick was not the right man for her. He didn't have money or status of any sort. Her family convinced her to at least postpone getting married, but Rick walked away to never be heard from again. 8 years later, Anne hasn't forgotten Rick, but she has a lot more problems to deal with. Her family's wealth is all but gone and she is struggling to make a name for herself. Through a series of events, Rick is back and is this a chance at love again?

Okay - I did read a lot of reviews and I'm not alone in my feelings here. I should listen to Blodeuedd. She was right when she said avoid it ;) 

1) Yes Anne and Rick you are TOO young to marry. You are 17 years old.........she hasn't even finished High School yet. 

2) Her family didn't tell her to say NO necessarily...just wait a year or two. Let Anne go to college at least. Have a long engagement. But NOOOO Rick walked away like an ass.

3) We discover that one of Anne's favorite books is 'Persuasion' by Jane Austen. Isn't this like breaking the 4th wall or whatever? Names, events, and situations are precisely the same (just different year). So that was weird for me. 

4) This was written very old school. It sounded like maybe 1920s not 2000s. The dialogue was off and not very modern sounding. 

5) Mr Elliot is literally their 2nd cousin and Elizabeth dated him?! And now Mr Elliot wants Anne? I'm sure that is illegal in a lot of places. Too closely related for my liking....*shudders*

SOOO those are my main complaints.

Yeah - sadly this wasn't for me in the end, but I forced myself to finish. I wanted that credit for my reading challenge and I had hoped this would get better. 

All-in-all, I'll give this 1 star. Again...only finished to get the credit and it wasn't very long. 

 

Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading Challenge - #2 (TBR pile over 1 year)

DNF: The Charm School by Susan Wiggs

Author: Susan Wiggs

Title: The Charm School

Series: The Calhoun Chronicles #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 384

Published: April 1, 1999

Where I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

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

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

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

Review:

Randomly saw this while looking for something else in the ebook section at the library. Seemed interesting enough so I grabbed it and downloaded it. 

I got to about page 102. I struggled to even get there, so I did what I normally do....I stepped away for a couple of days and tried to return with fresh eyes and a fresh brain. I I read a page or two and stopped. 

To be honest...I can't really point at WHY I didn't care. Ryan seems like the type I normally drool over and Isadora seems like a fun heroine. However, I just couldn't buy anything or care what was going to happen next. 

Sadly, I am returning this to the library early and unfinished. I have enjoyed this author in the past so I am bummed. However, you can't be charmed by everything.

DNF. 

DNF: The Cure by KJ Kalis

Author: KJ Kalis

Title: The Cure

Series: Kat Beckman #1

Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery

Format: ebook

Pages: 376

Published: January 4, 2020

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Kat Beckman is a survivor. A harrowing IED attack in Afghanistan has left Kat with debilitating PTSD even though everything else in her life seems normal. It’s not something she talks about. Never. The secrets from her time overseas have stayed there. It’s better that way… or at least she thinks so. One day, visiting her hospitalized mother-in-law, a mysterious man approaches her and offers Kat a cure for the cancer that is ravaging Laura’s body and the heart of Kat’s family. But is Kat willing to face her dark memories to save Laura? Kat’s decision drags her into a maze of blackmail, murder and treason that forces her to choose between her love for her family and her loyalty to her country. Whether Kat can depend on the people from her past may control her future… 

Review:

Stumbled upon this and it sounded so interesting.........but sighs......

I think I got a hair over 100 pages of this before I had to toss my hands up in the air and surrender. 

The characters seemed great. The plot seemed soooo interesting. But....sighs. Maybe it was execution? Maybe it was me not fully connecting? I'm not sure. I just couldn't care and I started skimming rather quickly. 

DNF from me. 

Audiobook Review: Return to Shelter Beach by Terence Gray

Author: Terence Gray
Narrator: Julia Mattison, Ali Zayn, Aaron Shedlock, & Full Cast
Title: Return to Shelter Beach

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Novella, Comedy
Published: August 11, 2022
Pages: Audible

Summary: 

Escape to Shelter Beach in this scripted, multicast rom com with an immersive soundscape. Just over the sand dune, a sweet summer romance with a dash of self-discovery awaits.

Grace Boyd is in dire need of a reset after her career—and personal life—go up in flames. When her fans discover that their favorite social media influencer was a teensy bit less than truthful in some of her posts, they couldn’t unfollow her fast enough. With her reputation in shambles, Grace retreats to her hometown on the picturesque island of Shelter Beach to tend bar (and her wounds) at her family’s inn...and strategize her next move.

As summer heats up, Grace is thrown for a sexy loop. She falls headfirst into a flirtation with a dreamy local fisherman (who was once her high school crush), and keeps running into the intriguing, if infuriating, British reporter-turned-author in the beach house next door. Amid snarky exchanges and heartfelt conversations, Grace is challenged in ways she never expected. While she reconnects with her past and explores new love, Grace's carefully curated image begins to fall away, allowing her to discover who she really is—and where she belongs.

Review: 

Wanted to read this because it is a cute cover and oh-so summery! Sighs

Grace becomes an internet sensation. She loses it all when her reputation explodes when people realize she hasn't been fully honest. She retreats to her hometown to strategize her next move. 

This would be a DNF, but I pushed on because I really wanted to be able to count this toward my Audiobook challenge. And I had a teeny tiny bit of hope for this. I am one for self-torture I guess.

HOWEVER, and we can debate, I found myself making the narrator go so fast. I also wasn't paying attention at some parts.............so did I TRULY listen to this? That is subjective I guess ;) At one point I think I even fell asleep for a minute! Or did I black out? Mhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. 

But yes, Grace was simply terrible and unbearable even when she is humbled. Her managers sucked. Her parents were meh. The hometown folk were just barely an eh. Yeah. So not for me AT all. Maybe you will like it more. Luckily it is quick and short.

Challenge(s):

- #28 for Audiobook challenge

DNF - The Dragon Griaule by Lucius Shepard

Author: Lucius Shepard

Title: The Dragon Griaule

Series: Dragon Griaule

Genre: Fantasy, Anthology, Short Stories, SciFi

Format: ebook

Pages: 432 

Published: May 31, 2012

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

More than twenty-five years ago, Lucius Shepard introduced us to a remarkable fictional world, a world separated from our own “by the thinnest margin of possibility.” There, in the mythical Carbonales Valley, Shepard found the setting for “The Man Who Painted the Dragon Griaule,” the classic account of an artist—Meric Cattanay—and his decades long effort to paint—and kill—a dormant, not quite dead dragon measuring 6,000 feet from end to end. The story was nominated for multiple awards and is now recognized as one of its author’s signature accomplishments.

Over the years, Shepard has revisited this world in a number of brilliant, independent narratives that have illuminated the Dragon’s story from a variety of perspectives. This loosely connected series reached a dramatic crossroads in the astonishing novella, “The Taborin Scale”. The Dragon Griaule now gathers all of these hard to find stories into a single generous volume. The capstone of the book—and a particular treat for Shepard fans—is “The Skull,” a new 40,000 word novel that advances the story in unexpected ways, connecting the ongoing saga of an ancient and fabulous beast with the political realities of Central America in the 21st century. Augmented by a group of engaging, highly informative story notes, The Dragon Griaule is an indispensable volume, the work of a master stylist with a powerful—and always unpredictable—imagination.

Review:

Okay - so this was an Amazon freebie I got a few months ago. Decided to finally give this a read. 

This is a collection of shorts that take place in this fictional world. 

Did I miss something? Are there other books? I'm sure there are, but I had no idea going into this bad boy. Got this for free. I get the shorts tied into one another, but I couldn't help feeling like I was missing something. 

I never got hooked. I kept skimming and skimming and skimming. Nothing got me. I believe I got to about 42% or something like that before I shut the ebook and began downloading my next read. Yes, I think I am done. Maybe it is a me thing? Maybe I am the problem? The writing seemed okay, but I just could not get into this no matter how I tried. At one point when I opened the book, it opened up a couple pages before my bookmark and I didn't even realize so I obviously didn't obtain what I had read. Maybe I'll revisit it one day? Mmm.

So yes, DNF. Onto the next.