Book Review: The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

Author: Lauren Willig

Title: The Masque of the Black Tulip

Series: Pink Carnation #2

Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery, Chick Lit 

Format: paperback

Pages: 464

Published: December 1, 2005

Where I got It: My shelf (Some sort of bookstore - it's been so long)

Summary: 

Modern-day graduate student Eloise achieved the academic coup of the century when she unmasked one of history's greatest spies, the Pink Carnation, who saved England from Napoleon. But now she has a million questions about the Carnation's deadly French nemesis, the Black Tulip. And she's pretty sure that her handsome on-again, off-again crush, Colin Selwick, has the answers somewhere in his archives. When she finally comes across an old codebook, Eloise discovers something juicier than she ever imagined: an unlikely pair who were hot on the trail of the Black Tulip and had every intention of stopping him from killing the Pink Carnation and bringing down England. But what they didn't know was that while they were trying to find the Tulip--and stumbling upon something like love--the Black Tulip was watching them....

Review:

It's been YEARS since I read this little gem. I've been struck with the need to re-read this whole series so I'll be chipping away at this over the next few...whatever it takes. I'm so excited. 

We are back at it with Eloise digging for the truth. She unmasked the Pink Carnation and now she has a million questions about the Carnation's deadly French nemesis....the Black Tulip. Colin surely has the answers in his archives. While digging, she uncovers an unlikely pair who were hot on the trail of the Black Tulip. Miles and Henrietta have known each other since childhood. Miles is her brother's best friend and spy partner. She wants to help! But Miles wants her to stay home and out of danger.

Awww Hen and Miles. I adore this couple soooo much. I forgot how much I loved watching them go from friends to lovers. The chemistry was always there, but they never took that step. Mainly in loyalty to Richard, Hen's brother. 

I do like Eloise and Colin's story and POV, but I much prefer our heroes in history. I'm a sucker for historical romance and historical intrigue. Love old school spies. 

This book held up to the test of time! I loved it just as much as I did when I stumbled upon this series in High School! I remember checking this out from the library. I picked up this and the first book and sped through it. Honestly, I think this cemented my love for historical romances AND spy novels. Eeee!

But yes, still fun. A nice mystery. The Black Tulip and Pink Carnation are amazing foes. 

Miles is a hunk. 

Hen is a spitfire. 

You need to read this series. 

5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Hen

Least Favorite Character(s): Mary (I know - I know - but I hate this young version of her. I kept telling myself, "She gets better someday") 

Audiobook Review: One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Justine Eyre

Title: One Dance with a Duke

Series: Stud Club #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: May 25, 2010

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members--yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing "Duke of Midnight." Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobody ever bests the duke--until Lady Amelia d'Orsay tries her luck.

In a moment of desperation, the unconventional beauty claims the duke's dance and unwittingly steals his heart. When Amelia demands that Spencer forgive her scapegrace brother's debts, she never imagines that her game of wits and words will lead to breathless passion and a steamy proposal. Still, Spencer is a man of mystery, perhaps connected to the shocking murder of the Stud Club's founder. Will Amelia lose her heart in this reckless wager or win everlasting love?

Review:

Weeeee Dare!

Here we have Spencer and Amelia. Spencer is a reclusive horse breeder. He never wanted to be Duke, but here we are. He just wants to be left alone with his horses and finally get the prize horse of his dreams but there are a lot of members of the Stud Club he will have to beat in order to get sole position of that horse. In order to keep appearance, he selects on lady for a midnight dance and then he leaves. This has labeled him the "Duke of Midnight". One evening, Lady Amelia catches his interest so he chooses her. Amelia claims the dance with fervor because this will give her the chance to beg him to forgive her brother's debts. Pulling him to the side, alone, she will find herself embroiled in a murder mystery of who killed the founder of the Stud Club. 

Let's do our divide and conquer method for this review (I am lazy today).

The Good

- Loved our characters. They were so perfect for each other. They needed each other to help bring out the best in each other. 

- They were soooo complex! 

- Lots of talking needed to be done. I loved their banter. 

- The resolution between our couple was nice. The resolution between Amelia and her one brother was done so well.

- Awesome side characters! I can't wait to read more!

- The narrator was great as per normal. 

The Bad and the Ugly

- Claudia and her last minute twist at the end. Mmmm. Not a fan. Plus....what does she decide to do? Hopefully we see that in the next book. 

- I wish we got to see more of the murder mystery aspect. 

- What happened to one of the horses!!!!!!! WHY??? WHY WAS THAT NEEDED FOR THE STORY!?!?!?!?!?! *cries*

Overall

I enjoyed this one overall. Loved the characters. They were written with a lot of depth even our side characters! I loved the majority of the resolutions at the ending. They were done nicely! However, I struggled with a few points as seen above. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Amelia and Spencer

Least Favorite Character(s): Claudia

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #36

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

Author: Claudia Gray

Title: The Murder of Mr. Wickham

Series: Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney #1

Genre: Mystery, Retelling, Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 387

Published: May 3, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

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

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favorite Character(s): Juliet

Least Favorite Character(s): Wickham of course.  

 Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #18

- Library Love #19

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

Title: The First American

Length: 1h 35m

Released: 2016

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

SUMMARY:

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

Trailer

REVIEW:

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Book Review: 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 library

Summary: 

As the ballrooms of 1800s America glitter, romance is afoot...

Boston and Rio de Janeiro, 1851

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:

This was voted for our DNF 2nd Chance challenge. I try to do this challenge twice a year, because sometimes a book (like some people) deserves a second chance. 

Isadora is awkward and a misfit in an accomplished family. She is nothing but a wallflower in the society of Boston. Fate has a funny way of intervening, and she finds herself on a ship bound to Rio de Janeiro as an interpreter. Everything seems golden.....except for the surly and handsome captain. Ryan used to have a good family name, but he walked away to right an old wrong. Isadora is something he wants to avoid so he can keep his secretive and dangerous plan...well...a secret. Attraction and lust have other plans for them though. 

I still don't get what the title means. There is no school. Ryan doesn't do much to teach her. Is it the boat? Is it the sea? Is Isadora self-teaching? Beh. 

Ryan is meh. 

Isadora is meh. 

Their chemistry seems forced and I just can't buy it even at the end. I did enjoy some of their quips though. I actually chuckled a bit.

The locations are the best part of the story! So refreshing, but sadly I still didn't warm up to these two as a couple. 

I managed to get to the end just so I could see the hows and whys. Morbid curiosity I guess.

All-in-all, I DID finish this so I can safely say it is a slight win for the DNF 2nd Chance challenge. However, my opinion barely changed. I'll give it a bonus star for the locations and the quips. 2 stars from me.  

Favorite Character(s): the boat

Least Favorite Character(s): Isadora's family.

 Challenge(s):

- Library love #10

Book Review: The Lily Brand by Sandra Schwab

Author: Sandra Schwab

Title: The Lily Brand

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 310

Published: June 21, 2005

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Forever Marked

Troy Sacheverell, fifth earl of Ravenhurst, was captured in France. He'd gone to fight Napoleon, but what he found was much more sinister. Dragged from prison to an old French manor on the outskirts of civilization, he was purchased by a rich and twisted widow. And more dangerous still was the young woman who claimed him.

Lillian had not chosen to live with Camille, her stepmother, but nobody escaped the Black Widow's web. And on her nineteenth birthday, Lillian became Camille's heir. Her gift was a plaything: a man to end her naiveté, a man perfect in all ways but his stolen freedom. Yet even as Lillian did as she was told, marked that beautiful flesh and branded it with the flower of her name, all she desired was escape. In another place, in another world, she'd desired love. Now, looking into burning blue eyes, she knew there was no place to run. No matter if should she flee, no matter where she might go, she and this man were prisoners of passion, inextricably linked by the lily brand.

And while her heart remained locked in ice, his burnt with hate. Would they ever find true happiness?

Review:

Been meaning to read this book for a long while. I have enjoyed the author's other books but never got my hands. on it. Thank goodness for TBR challenges ;)

Here we follow Troy and Lillian. Troy was captured in France and his luck keeps getting worse when he finds himself as a prisoner in an old French manor on the outskirts of civilization. He was bought by a rich and evil widow who gives him to his stepdaughter. Lillian had not chosen to live with her stepmother but no one escapes the Black Widow's web. However, Lillian is done and plans an escape to get her and Troy out of there. After they seperate, they think they will never see each other again....until they are reunited in England in proper society. 

This was pretty dark at times. The characters went through hell at the hands of the Black Widow. I was hoping that they would see each other as fellow victims, but Troy has a lot of issues so it takes him a while. Trauma ya know. 

This was an interesting format to the a-typical romance. Which was super refreshing. Things happen (no spoiler) and they are forced to marry, but he hates her. He blames her for what happened to him and she blames herself. It took a LOT of time for them to see sense and find their love. It took time, talking, and friends to help. I loved this.

Awwww the side love story was adorable. I want to see more of them. They were sweet beans for sure. 

But yes. For sure some triggering topics so keep that in mind.

All-in-all, I liked this quite a bit. The beginning was dark for sure. I expected it but I was still like, "WHAT?" but I couldn't stop reading. I had to see how they would find each other and have their HEA. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Lillian and Troy's friends

Least Favorite Character(s): The Black Widow and Troy's cousin. Snakes. 

Challenge(s):

- TBR #4 (Interesting location) 

Book Review: A Rogue's Rules for Seduction by Eva Leigh

Author: Eva Leigh

Title: A Rogue's Rules for Seduction

Series: Last Chance Scoundrels #3

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 355

Published: April 25, 2023

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

After Dominic Kilburn left Lady Willa Ransom at the altar, she vowed never to reveal how badly she was hurt. Following a year abroad, Willa wants to move on with her life, so she accepts an invitation to a house party. She's determined to leave her humiliation behind, as well as the scorching attraction she still feels for the man who jilted her.

When dark secrets from his past surfaced right before his wedding, Dom knew he didn't deserve Willa. So, he bolted. But he still burns for the only woman who ever claimed his heart. To escape the memories of all he lost, Dom heads to a friend's estate on an isolated Scottish isle. Yet one of the other guests is the very woman who haunts his every thought and makes him wish for the impossible.

Thrown together by well-meaning family and friends, Willa and Dom try to resist the fiery pull between them. Soon the line between love and loathing begins to blur, and their attraction explodes. But Dom's past lurks on the edge of their rekindled passion and Willa fears she'll be devastated all over again. Can these star-crossed lovers find their happily ever after, or will everything detonate a second time?

Review:

This is the final book of the series! WAH! It's been a long build and a long time coming. We seen the unraveling of their relationship in like the first chapter of the series. Been excited to see them rekindle their love. 

Dom left Willa at the altar and she didn't know why. She escaped for a year abroad to nurse her bruised heart until the rumors have settled down. On the other side, Dom still loves Willa but the secrets of his past resurfaced right before the wedding so he felt he had no choice but to bolt. They are thrown together by well-meaning family and friends on an isolated estate on the Scottish isle. Can they talk it out and maybe have a second chance at love?

Communication people. I think all of this could've been avoided BUT they were SO immature back then so I'm glad it happened. They needed time to grow up before finding one another again. However, I would be pissed off if I was them being chucked together again. Her brothers drive me insane man. Love them from the past, but I don't think they take a moment to think stuff out. 

We do find out WHY Dom left Willa at the alter and I guess I get it but....again....communication man. I won't spoil anything, but yeah. TBH Willa should've made him beg a bit more. She deserved more and better from everyone. That poor sweet bean. 

Oh. My biggest issue was the repeative scenes and conversations. IF HE CALLS HER A LIONNESS ONE MORE TIME I WILL SCREAM!!!! *eye twitch* And we GET IT. He's a big boy. Muscles galore. Okie. 

Overall, I did enjoy this one. I enjoyed watching the couple talk and rekindle their love. It was a nice second chance even though I feel like Willa needed to make him beg for a scene or two more ;) 3 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): Willa

Least Favorite Character(s): n/a

Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading #13 (Forced Proximity trope)

  

Book Review: Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Author: Charles Frazier

Title: Cold Mountain

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Classic

Format: paperback

Pages: 449

Published: January 1, 1997

Where I got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

Cold Mountain is a novel about a soldier’s perilous journey back to his beloved near the Civil War's end. At once a love story & a harrowing account of one man’s long walk home, Cold Mountain introduces a new talent in American literature.

Based on local history & family stories passed down by Frazier’s great-great-grandfather, Cold Mountain is the tale of a wounded Confederate soldier, Inman, who walks away from the ravages of the war & back home to his prewar sweetheart, Ada. His odyssey thru the devastated landscape of the soon-to-be-defeated South interweaves with Ada’s struggle to revive her father’s farm, with the help of an intrepid young drifter named Ruby. As their long-separated lives begin to converge at the close of the war, Inman & Ada confront the vastly transformed world they’ve been delivered.

Frazier reveals insight into human relations with the land & the dangers of solitude. He also shares with the great 19th century novelists a keen observation of a society undergoing change. Cold Mountain recreates a world gone by that speaks to our time.

Review:

One of my absolute favorite books. I felt it was time to revisit it since I haven't picked up this book since 2016.

This story is about WP Inman and Ada Monroe. They find love but due to war he puts on the uniform to fight for North Carolina. He may not believe in the cause, but it would be cowardly to not join. After he is injured horribly, he decides to walk away and go back home. The war is nearly done anyway and he can't take one more moment on the frontline. At the same time as his perilous walk, we also follow Ada. She was born and raised to be a lady. She only knows how to do frivolous tasks, so with her father gone and the money drained because of the war....she is struggling to survive. In walks Ruby who trains Ada to be a farmer.

This book always gets me. It is so tragic. I know how it ends, but I always have hope. Maybe it'll end differently this time!

I always wish that these two have more time together, but that is the tragedy. They are apart for so long, but I wish we had more scenes with them. Sighs. 

The format is always wild to me, but I've grown to look past it. It works for this story for some reason. Maybe I am blinded by love of the story and characters? 

What else to say?

The way the author describes our scenes is beautiful. It is majestic in a way. 

Yes, this is a love story but it is also shows a different side of the war. It really dives into the true human element. War makes monsters of us all. It may start with a noble cause but it can destroy everything and everyone. Along with the war and love element, the book does poke at deep issues at the time like racism, sexism, human rights, society, male/female gender roles, and etc.

All-in-all, this book always leaves me breathless and in tears. Now I have to watch the movie. Sigh. ;) 

5 stars from me of course. 

Favorite Character(s): Inman and Ruby

Least Favorite Character(s): Teague and his crew. 

  

Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading #12 (MC's name starts with 'M')

Audiobook Review: The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Carolyn Morris

Title: The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright

Genre: Historical Romance, Short story, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published:  December 11, 2012

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Miss Eliza Cade is a lady in waiting. And waiting.

Because of a foolish mistake in her youth, she's not allowed "out" in Society until her three older sisters are wed. But while she's trying to be good, she keeps bumping elbows—and, more distressingly, lips—with notorious rake Harry Wright. Every moment she spends with him, she risks complete ruin.

The sensual passions he stirs in her are so wrong . . . but Eliza just can't resist Mr. Wright.

Review:

After a string of not great books...I turned to a Dare story because Dare has never let me down so far. 

Eliza is always waiting. Waiting....and waiting. Due to a foolish mistake in her youth, she is not allowed to take her turn in Society until her three older sisters are wed so as long as she behaves. While she is trying to stay good, she keeps running into Harry Wright who is a rake. She hates him. She must stay away...but she can't resist. 

This was a fun little number. I loved watching their journey over a few years. Yes, years. They obviously are perfect for each other, but she is not allowed out in Society even though she is of age until her sisters are married off. Which! Was utter BS in my opinion. >_> Poor thing. 

Harry is a rake and scoundrel who, on the surface, hasn't done a good thing in his life. I loved that there is more underneath it all and he actually has a heart of gold. Sure he has done some wicked things, but he is sweet to those he actually cares about. What a sweet, but devilish man. 

Yes, Dare has saved me again. Loved this and the length was perfect. No spoiler, because it is a romance, but everyone is happy and in love. Very sweet! That ending was pure perfection. 

Oh! Nearly forgot....the narrator did wonderful. I've listened to her voice before so I was extremely happy to hear her narrate a Dare experience. 

5 stars. Perfect in every way. 

- Favorite Character(s): Eliza and Harry

- Least Favorite Character(s): Eliza's parents

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #15

- Library love #7

Movie Review: Nosferatu (2024)

Title: Nosferatu

Length: 2h 12m

Released: 2024

Genre: Horror, Dark Fantasy
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I've been wanting to see this since I first heard of it being in production. The oldie was a classic so yessss it was about time we get this remake. 

This is the story of a woman who is being haunted by something dark and evil. She's been haunted since she was a child. It disappeared for a while, but now it's back. 

Dark. Extremely dark. There are no glittery vamps here. This vamp is evil and will kill anything and everything. He's been locked up but his powers can still reach far and wide. What a scary dude. 

The acting was PHENOMENAL! Our vamp was certainly scary and creepy. Our heroine and hubby you rooted for and wanted to win. You want everyone to live, but you know they won't especially when he arrives (no spoiler here). 

This isn't a jump-scare. Sure a couple of moments might make you jump, but the horror was creepiness and feeling uncomfortable. Loved it. I get tired of scary movies relying on jump-scares and blood/gore. Sure we have it here, but that is not what makes this horror-filled. There is such a sense of unease and you know something is bubbling to the surface. The location and tones they used for the film made it even more dark. Such a beautiful job!

Honestly, I barely remember the original. I watched it when I was in High School....I should track down the original and re-watch it. From what I recall, this did a good job sticking with the heart of the story.

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this film. It was beautifully done and it stuck with me. Great acting. Great script. Great feel to the film. 5 stars. 

Book Review: The Widow of Pale Harbor by Hester Fox

Author: Hester Fox

Title: The Widow of Pale Harbor

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 352

Published:  September 17, 2019

Where I got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

Maine, 1846. Gabriel Stone is desperate to escape the ghosts that haunt him in Massachusetts after his wife's death, so he moves to Pale Harbor, Maine, where there is a vacancy for a new minister. Gideon and his late wife had always dreamed of building their own church, and Pale Harbor is the perfect opportunity.

But not all is as it seems in the sleepy town of Pale Harbor. Strange, unsettling things have been happening, and the townspeople know that only one person can be responsible: Sophronia Carver, a widow who lives with a spinster maid in the decaying Castle Carver on the edge of town. Sophronia is a recluse, rumored to be a witch who killed her husband.

When Gabriel meets her, he knows the charming, beautiful woman cannot be guilty of anything. Together, Gabriel and Sophronia realize that the mysterious events have one thing in common: they all contain an element from the wildly popular stories of Mr. Edgar Allan Poe. And when the events escalate to murder, Gabriel and Sophronia must find the real killer, before it's too late for them both.

Review:

This was given to me as a gift and I've been sitting on this for a moment, but I finally brought it out.

Gabriel is desperate to start a new life after the death of his wife. He moves to the sleepy town of Pale Harbor, but nothing is as it seems. There has been strange and unsettling things happening and the townspeople are starting to blame Sophronia Carver. She is a widow who lives with a spinster maid on the edge of town. She has become a recluse after the death of her husband, but everyone thinks she killed him and is a witch. Gabriel meets her and realizes she couldn't do what everyone is accusing her of. Will Gabriel and Sophronia discover who the real killer is before it is too late?

I really loved the intertwining of Edgar Allan Poe's works. The mysterious events all have some element from the popular stories. That was a lot of fun. A nice edition to this mystery!

Which! I had my suspects, but I wasn't sure about whodunit and why. The ending was fantastic! Lots of red herrings and lots of suspicious people. Lots of finger pointing too. Poor Sophy.

Now.....I do have a complaint (which seems silly coming from a Romance-lover), but the romance element was overdone. It seemed to dominate the story sometimes. A splash too much for my liking when reading a mystery. I figured there would be some. Two lonely widows...alone in the world...of course. However, it took over the plot sometimes and I would forget I was reading a mystery/thriller for a moment.

Other than that, I did enjoy the story. The mystery was top notch and the extra little elements was a nice touch. I would suggest this for Historical mystery lovers. Just note there is a lot of romance about. 3 stars overall from me. 

- Favorite Character(s): Sophy and Tom

- Least Favorite Character(s): Helen

 

Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #1

Movie Review: Enola Holmes 2 (2022)

Title: Enola Holmes 2

Length: 2h 9m

Released: 2022

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

SUMMARY:

Now a detective-for-hire, Enola Holmes takes on her first official case to find a missing girl as the sparks of a dangerous conspiracy ignite a mystery that requires the help of friends - and Sherlock himself - to unravel.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Finally decided to turn this on. I'm so bad at watching movies. LOL

Enola is back at it! She gets her first official case to find a missing girl. This sparks a dangerous conspiracy. She will have to learn to turn to her allies for help...which includes her brother. This will take everything they have to unravel the conspiracies and mysteries. 

Honestly - I didn't know there was a book series. Eee. Whoops. I should read those someday. 

But yes, I enjoyed movie 1 and I enjoyed this one too. I'm actually really excited for movie 3 which is slated to come out in late 2025. The ending has me itching to see what is next!!

The cast is great. The mystery was fun. Now...I did guess who the big baddie was after a small clue. Yayy! I was right. But how deep it went and some of the twists? I was shocked a certain character was actually good. Oooo. No spoilers from me!

Am I a grouchy old lady?? Enola talking to the camera annoys me still. I hate when movies do this unless it has a good reason for it. WHO is she talking to??????? I get it when it is 'The Office' and it is a camera crew for a documentary....but is she talking to her imaginary friend? I don't really get it and I loath those bits. 

Other than that, I still enjoyed myself. I love Sherlock. I love mysteries. It was a blast. 

In the end, 4 stars is what I'll stamp it. 

 

Audiobook Review: Lord Dashwood Missed Out by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Narrator: Eva Kaminsky

Title: Lord Dashwood Missed Out

Series: Spindle Cove #4.5

Genre: Historical Romance, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published:  December 8, 2015

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A snowstorm hath no fury like a spinster scorned!

Miss Elinora Browning grew up yearning for the handsome, intelligent lord-next-door…but he left England without a word of farewell. One night, inspired by a bit too much sherry, Nora poured out her heartbreak on paper. Lord Dashwood Missed Out was a love letter to every young lady who’d been overlooked by gentlemen—and an instant bestseller. Now she’s on her way to speak in Spindle Cove when snowy weather delays her coach. She’s forced to wait out the storm with the worst possible companion: Lord Dashwood himself.

And he finally seems to have noticed her.

George Travers, Lord Dashwood, has traveled the globe as a cartographer. He returned to England with the goal of marrying and creating an heir--only to find his reputation shredded by an audacious, vexingly attractive bluestocking and her poison pen. Lord Dashwood Missed Out, his arse. Since Nora Browning seems to believe he overlooked the passion of a lifetime, Dash challenges her to prove it.

She has one night.

Review:

Another Dare? Yes please!

Here we have Nora who had her heart broken by Lord Dashwood. She had thought they were at least friends, but he took off without even a goodbye. After a little bit too much to drink she spilled her heart out on paper. That piece became a love letter and a best seller to every young lady who’d been overlooked by gentlemen. George Travers, Lord Dashwood, has traveled the world as a cartographer. One his return to England to take his responsibilities and find a wife...realizes that his reputation was ruined by this piece of literature. On her way to Spindle Cove to do a reading, the two find themselves forced together to hide from bad weather. He challenges Nora to prove that he had missed out. 

Bad weather, hurt feelings, and a passion they can't deny any longer??? Sign me up. This was bound to be fun. 

They talked a lot and I appreciated it. There was a lot to wade through. Lots of past to untangle between these two. They were both young and dumb. I'm glad they were forced together to talk. This leads to passion. They were meant for each other but it took years and a whole cold night for them to figure it out. 

There is the classic humor, but it didn't overtake the story. Dare is so good at that! 

I was amused with the side characters running around trying to find Nora, but I did feel that we spent a little too much time with them. Yes, yes, I love them but I wanted more of Nora and George. Maybe dig more into their relationship as kids or more steamy scenes would've been fun. 

The narrator did a good job. I enjoyed her voices for both genders. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. It was fun and a classic Dare. I do wish we had a little less of the side characters and their shenanigans. Don't get me wrong....I enjoyed their bits, but I felt like it was too much. I wanted more time with Nora and George weeding through and finding their love. At the end, I will stamp this with 4 stars.  

- Favorite Character(s): Nora & George

- Least Favorite Character(s): The thugs I guess?

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #5

- Library Love #3

Book Review: Once Upon a Winter's Eve by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Title: Once Upon a Winter's Eve

Series: Spindle Cove #1.5

Genre: Historical Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Published:  November 15, 2011

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Some wallflowers bloom at night...

A Spindle Cove Novella

Violet Winterbottom is a quiet girl. She speaks six languages, but seldom raises her voice. She endured bitter heartbreak in perfect silence. The gentlemen aren't beating down her door.

Until the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball, when a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet's feet. His coarse attire and near-criminal good looks would put any sensible young lady on her guard. He's wet, chilled, bleeding, and speaking in an unfamiliar tongue.

Only Violet understands him. And she knows he's not what he seems.

She has one night to draw forth the secrets of this dangerously handsome rogue. Is he a smuggler? A fugitive? An enemy spy? She needs answers by sunrise, but her captive would rather seduce than confess. To learn his secrets, Violet must reveal hers—and open herself to adventure, passion, and the unthinkable... Love.

Warning: The heroine packs a pistol, the hero curses in multiple languages, and together they steam up a cold winter’s night.

Review:

This was free on Amazon so I grabbed it! Last time I read this was last year and I had borrowed it from the library. I enjoyed this one so much last time and I'm a book goblin so I wanted it for my shelf. 

Violet had a terrible heartbreak and she is licking her wounds at the Spindle Cove. She is enjoying her quiet life until a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at her feet. She is the only who speaks his language so she is recruited to get info out of him. He isn't what he seems and she will get the answers out of him one way or another. 

Weeeee love Dare! And I really have been enjoying this series. I think I only have a book or two left and I'm sad to say goodbye to the Spindle Cove!

Love Violet. She deserves all the happiness in the world. She is too sweet for her own good. 

I hope to see more of this couple, but I doubt it. I would love to see more of their love flourish. 

All-in-all, I still adored this little short. I'll keep my original rating of 5 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Violet

- Least Favorite Character(s): no one

 

Book Review: Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare

Author: Tessa Dare

Title: Any Duchess Will Do

Series: Spindle Cove #4

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 389

Published: May 28, 2013

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

What's a duke to do, when the girl who's perfectly wrong becomes the woman he can't live without?

Griffin York, the Duke of Halford, has no desire to wed this season--or any season--but his diabolical mother abducts him to "Spinster Cove" and insists he select a bride from the ladies in residence. Griff decides to teach her a lesson that will end the marriage debate forever. He chooses the serving girl.

Overworked and struggling, Pauline Simms doesn't dream about dukes. All she wants is to hang up her barmaid apron and open a bookshop. That dream becomes a possibility when an arrogant, sinfully attractive duke offers her a small fortune for a week's employment. Her duties are simple: submit to his mother's "duchess training"... and fail miserably.

But in London, Pauline isn't a miserable failure. She's a brave, quick-witted, beguiling failure--a woman who ignites Griff's desire and soothes the darkness in his soul. Keeping Pauline by his side won't be easy. Even if Society could accept a serving girl duchess--can a roguish duke convince a serving girl to trust him with her heart?

Review:

Why are Dare books so much fun???

Back at Spindle Cove! Griff, a duke, as zero desire to marry. None. Zip. But his mom has other plans and she abducts him and takes him to Spindle Cove and insists he select a bride...any bride. In order to teach her a lesson, he selects the serving girl. That girl is Pauline who is overworked and struggling. She has a dream to open a bookshop and that dream becomes a possibility when the duke offers her a small fortune for a week's employment. Her job? Do the duchess training and fail. Embarrass herself. However, she proves to be anything but a miserable failure. She's everything Griff has ever wanted. 

Alongside the serious tones and steamy scenes....Dare adds a nice helping of humor. I was certainly creased!!! Hilarious. 

Pauline is a gem and Griff was fun. I had zero remembrance of him from a past book until his friend's wife reminded us. I was not a fan of him then (super duper gross Rake), but we weren't supposed to like him then. He's mended his ways and wants to live right. Love a good redemption arch! 

But yes, they were perfect for each other and I adored their interactions. 

I really had no idea what was going to happen. Yes, I knew they would find love and be happy (it is a romance after all), but I really had no idea how things would get fixed. There are a LOT of hurdles for them.

The side story of Griff's friend, Delacre, who's goal was to "keep Griff unmarried" because they made a pact at 19 was annoying. Go away. I get protecting him because he is a friend and you love him, but because of a PACT to sabotage at ALL costs? Ew. Not a fan of that whole thing. 

All-in-all, this was amusing. I enjoyed our couple. Lots of hurdles but it was worth it. This had a lot of steam when it finally happened, funny moments, and an adorable couple. I wasn't amused of the whole "Pact" thing, but I guess we needed a baddie of sorts? I'll give this 4 stars at the end of the day. 

  

- Favorite Character(s): Griff, Pauline, & oddly enough...the Dowager Duchess

- Least Favorite Character(s): Mr Simms (F him) and Delacre