Movie Review: Red, White, & Royal Blue (2023)

Title: Red, White, & Royal Blue

Length: 1h 58m

Released: 2023

Genre: Romantic Comedy, What If
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Amazon Prime

SUMMARY:

When the feud between the son of the American President and Britain's prince threatens to drive a wedge in U.S./British relations, the two are forced into a staged truce that sparks something deeper.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this since it was first announced! I adored the book and this cast looks so good. Finally got myself to sit down and watch it. 

There is a feud between the sons of the President of the US and Britain's prince. This feud hits an all-time high at a wedding and now it is a worry that this feud could drive a wedge in UK/US relations. PR steps in and decides that they need to become besties. However, this forced proximity sparks something deeper and much more controvesal. 

This was so much fun. It made me feel nostalgic for the book!! I may have to re-read it ;) 

Amazing cast. They were great. Can Umma be the next president? I loved her in this role. 

Such a fun story! I loved seeing these two go from enemies to lovers.Adoooorabllleeee!!!!

Yes, there is comedy, but there are some serious tones that I felt like they did a good job going over...especially for our prince. His grandfather, the King, knows his secret but in order to protect him and the Crown...he has made Henry keep it a deep, DEEP secret. I just want to squeeze Henry!! I get where the King is coming from though. This is unprecedent and he's scared. He doesn't think the British people will accept Henry if he were to come out as gay. If this was real life....I can see the fear. 

It's been a while since I read the book, but I felt like this movie did a good job respresenting it. I'll have to re-read it and see I guess....for research ;)

But yesssssssss I loved this movie. I can see myself watching it again when I need background noise. 

5 stars from me. 

Book Review: Harvest Dance by Jennifer Faye

Author: Jennifer Faye

Title: Harvest Dance

Series: Bluestar Island #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 350

Published: October 5, 2021

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

A single dad, who's in over his head, and an event planner running from her past, are drawn together on charming Bluestar Island by a determined six-year-old and her escape-artist goat.

Event planner, Charlotte "Aster" Smith, has fled the only life she has ever known. The situation has left her questioning her own judgment as she cautiously tries to create a new life for herself on Bluestar Island. Taking the job of event coordinator for the small town is a step in the right direction. The only problem is it's currently a part-time position, but the mayor suggests with additional funding the position could transform into a full-time job. In the meantime, she needs a second job in order to stay financially afloat.

Farmer and single father, Sam Bell, is struggling to keep his aging farm from going bankrupt while raising his young daughter. And now that his daughter's babysitter is heading off to college, he needs help. So when he finds Aster is in need of work, he thinks his problems are solved. But things aren't always what they seem. And he can't help wondering what Aster is keeping from him.

In the lingering rays of a Bluestar Island sunset, Sam and Aster find themselves dancing upon the sand. As they help each other heal, the possibility of a future together becomes tangible. But will the ghosts from their pasts extinguish this budding romance?

Review:

I read book 1 a while back and I was itching to read this one, but I was saving this one for the beginning of fall. Welllll it is September so it counts. ;) 

Here we follow Sam and Aster. Sam is a single dad who is trying his hardest to raise his kid and keep up on his farm. When his babysitter takes off for college, he needs to hire someone else. Enter in Aster. Aster fled the only life she has ever known and is trying to create a new life for herself on Bluestar Island. New life, fresh start, but she is keeping her past a secret just in case. She is trying to stay afloat finacially. The job she took is only part-time for now while they wait for the funding to be approved for full-time. Aster needs another part time job, so she accepts the babysitting job from Sam. They fall for each other, but is this going to last? Or will their pasts stop them from falling in love?

This was very sweet with a little bit of darkness. I think the author did a lovely job of balancing the story out. It was never overly sweet where you get a cavity, but it wasn't all doom and gloom. 

Poor Aster was in an abusive relationship. She was forced to flee when the justice system let her down time and time again (not a shocker). She is even going by her middle name to really start over. 

Sam and his kiddo were sweet. I loved his farm! Especially the goat!! 

The chemistry was pretty much there from the moment they met, but it was a slowburn due to their baggage from the past. It felt right for them especially after he hired her.

But yes, this was a nice sweet book. The trauma was done well and it felt natural. 

The middle had a couple of slow parts that I tried my hardest not to skim, but it was worth it for the rest of the story. 

Very sweet. I can't wait to read book 3.

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): The goat!!!!

Least Favorite Character(s): Oz

 Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading #21 (MC works on a Farm)

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") 

Book Review: Wicked Mafia Prince by Annika Martin

Author: Annika Martin

Title: Wicked Mafia Prince

Series: Dangerous Royals #2

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, 

Format: ebook

Pages: 317

Published: July 26, 2016

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Who is the nun who never shows her face?

Ever since killing the love of his life, the beautiful and fierce mafia assassin named Tanechka, Viktor has lived in utter torment.

Now, years later, he comes upon a nun who will never show her face.

Viktor is sure this is Tanechka herself — that she has improbably, impossibly survived. Is it obsession? A figment of a guilty conscience? Or is this their second chance?

Review:

Read book 1 a long time ago and I remember really liking it. I honestly forgot about this series. Life man....always getting in the way and my old lady brain just forgets. 

Here we have Viktor and Tanechka. They were in love and happy, but Viktor had to do the unthinkable when it came out that she was an assassin and traitor. After killing her, he lived his life in misery until years later,  there is a nun who never shows her face. Is this her? It has to be so he will do what he can to get her back and help her remember who she is. 

I struggled with this especially with the amnesia parts and Viktor trying to make her turn away from her religion. Plus I couldn't forgive him for trying to kill her years ago. I don't think, if I was Tanechka, would trust him again. I can get he did what he did, but as her....no. Sorry. If there is a seed of doubt again would you try and kill me again?

Nah fam. 

This one just wasn't for me. I didn't buy the romance at all. 

The mystery and suspense was fun. But yeah. No. 

I'll give this 2 stars. Like I said there were a couple of bits that were good. 

Favorite Character(s): no one

Least Favorite Character(s): Viktor and our main baddie

 Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #24

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

Book Review: Bananapants by Penny Reid

Author: Penny Reid

Title: Bananapants

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Humor

Format: ebook

Pages: 392

Published: August 6, 2024

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Estranged childhood friends unexpectedly reunite under bizarre circumstances and bicker their way to love in this bonkers romantic comedy.

Ava Archer misses her best childhood friend most especially during the month of April. Ask any tax attorney, it's a lonely, grueling time of year. Luckily, Ava has just received a surprising and delectably absurd offer from her posh doppelgänger at work. She must pretend to be the aforementioned posh co-worker for one night at an extremely fancy party; a party so fancy, there exists absolutely no chance anyone will recognize her or suspect her ruse...

Desmond (Des) Sullivan is a thief. And not the heart-of-gold kind. He’s the steal-from-the-rich-and-give-to-the-also-rich-so-he-can-get-paid kind. He does, however, have one firm rule never steal what the target can’t afford to lose. After a brutal falling out with his father, Desmond hasn’t returned to Chicago in over ten years. But when a good friend is swindled and something priceless is stolen, Desmond must return home, both as himself and his thieving alter ego. Infiltrate a dangerous secret society of the world's most elite billionaires while leveraging his estranged father’s resources and not blowing his cover? Sure. No problem. Or it wouldn’t be a problem if Ava Archer hadn’t just walked into the room, wearing a ridiculous wig, speaking with a preposterous accent, and pretending (badly) to be someone she’s not.

Review:

I've had my eye on this since it released last year. I like Penny Reid and this seemed like a fun read!

Here we have Ava and Des. The two were childhood friends, but became estranged and stopped talking. Des is trying to infiltrate a dangerous secret society with the world's most elite billionaires. However, when Ava walks in the room with a bad wig and a bad accent.....he has to intervene. Ava was doing just fine pretending to be her posh co-worker. She still doesn't fully understand why her co-worker needs her to do this, but they look a like and Ava needs this. The reunite under these weird circumstances that will lead to adventure and love. If they don't bicker each other to death.

At first...I really enjoyed this. I was loving the banter and bickering. You could tell they cared about each other, but the past has a funny way of messing up the present. 

Also, I loved that we dealt with mental health in such a good way. It never felt like too much and it felt real. 

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut.....after page 100 (ish)....I just....was done. I skimmed my way through the remaining book. I just couldn't care. What is wrong with me??? Everything was set up nice. A good plot and some good characters. But it just didn't connect for me. 

Am I the problem? This is 2 books in a row that I yawned my way to the end. 

Am I in a slump?

Oh no. 

This just wasn't the book for me. 

2 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): eh

Least Favorite Character(s): meh

 Challenge(s):

- TBR #8 (Do the Hustle)

Book Review: Once Removed by Margaret Watson

Author: Margaret Watson

Title: Once Removed

Series: Blackhawk Security #2

Genre: Romantic suspense, Western

Format: ebook

Pages: 271 

Published: January 15, 2021

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

When Lainey becomes trapped in a burning building with her almost-divorced husband’s body, Brody rescues her just in time. And when she realizes the killer is now after her, she takes refuge at Brody’s Montana ranch.

Lainey and Brody have been fighting their attraction for years. But as the barriers between them fall, Lainey rescues Phoebe, a runaway teen, from the compound where her husband died. Now they’re forced to focus on Phoebe and an invisible threat.

Whoever murdered her husband has eyes on Lainey. Will their fragile new family survive a desperate predator? Can they protect Phoebe, identify the killer and find their happily ever after?

Review:

Picked this up as a freebie since it fit for a couple of reading challenges. I didn't realize it was part of a series, but it was fine without reading the first one. 

Here we follow Lainey and Brody. Lainey is trapped in a burning building with her almost-divorced husband's body. Brody rescues her just in time. They realize that there is a killer after her so Brody lets Lainey take refuge at his ranch until they can find the killer. They have been friends for a very long time. There has been an attraction over the years, but they never acted on them. But as the barriers start falling between them, they rescue a runaway teen that came from the same compund her husband died. Now they have more at stake to find the threat. 

This started out SO strong. I was enjoying the chemistry and the mystery. So suspensful all around. How will they cross that line into love AND who is this killer? It was so good. 

However....things fell apart about halfway. 

It just lost all steam for me. I literally felt myself trying to skim. I was over it. I can't even fully point at what made me start feeling meh about everything. Lainey and Brody were fine enough. Phoebe was okay. The romance sizzled out for me. I didn't feel their chemistry anymore. I just wanted the killer to be caught so I could be done. 

Eh.

Great start. Meh finish. 

2 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): No one

Least Favorite Character(s): The killer I guess?

 Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #21

- Romance Reading #20 (Romantic suspense)

Movie Review: Happy Gilmore 2 (2025)

Title: Happy Gilmore 2

Length: 1h 54m

Released: 2025

Genre: Comedy, Sports
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Revisit Happy Gilmore's golf career after his win in the Tour Championship.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Growing up 'Happy Gilmore' was a regular movie we would watch. Honestly, we were big Adam Sandler fans in my household. I was nervous when this was announced and then put on Netflix...

Here we follow Happy who had an amazing career until...it fell apart after tragedy struck. He is stuck and can't find his footing. His kids are now grown and his daughter has a chance to go to a famous ballet school in Paris. However, he's not golfing anymore and the money is gone. He will have to pick himself up by his untied boots and golf again. 

I was terrified to watch this. So many reboots and years later sequels crashed and burned. I wasn't sure if my little heart could handle it. With Netflix freezing on this and not letting me scroll to something else....I clicked "watch" and watched with my breath held. 

And I was blown away.

I actually enjoyed this immensely!!!!

WHAT?

Yes! This was a lovely sequel. Funny with big heart. I loved seeing some old faces pop up. I was giggling and forgetting that I am a women in my 30s. I felt like a kid and teen again. It was classic Sandler writing!!!

I loved the twists and turns with characters. There is one character I didn't expect to be a good guy after all they did (no spoiler). I loved that! Even baddies can get redeemed. 

The ending was sweet (with one last laugh) and gives us hope that there could be a 3rd film BUT it could end here and be fine. Love that. 

Issues? Mmmm nothing really. Maybe a couple of jokes didn't hit like it should and there were some characterizations that felt a little 2D. Like ALL his sons are all little rage monsters. I would've liked more depth in his sons. Maybe one could've been more like the daughter? I adored them because you could tell they all loved each other and especially their dad.

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. It was funny and had heart. I wanted more depth with some of the characters. Some felt hollow. BUUUUT the twists and turns were fun. We got to see some characters from the past pop up. Lots of fighting, lots of golfing, and lots of humor. 4 stars from me. 

Book Review: The Situationship by Abby Jimenez

Author: Abby Jimenez

Title: The Situationship

Series: Part of Your World #3.5

Genre: Romance, Short Story, Novella, Comedy

Format: ebook

Pages: 37

Published: September 24, 2024

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Travel nurse Maddy doesn't have time for a relationship, not even with the ruggedly handsome farmer who she feels a spark of attraction to.

Doug is a walking green flag. After a run in with Maddy thanks to the Wakan town mascot, Kevin Bacon the pig, he can't help but feel the spark too.

Even though she doesn't plan on staying in Minnesota forever, Maddy believes she and Doug can still have a fling… or maybe they’ll just find themselves in a situationship. 

Review:

After the conclusion of the last book I had to read this little novella. 

Maddy doesn't want or have time for a relationship. She doesn't plan on staying in Minnesota forever...just long enough to make sure her friend is settled. However, she meets Doug who is a ruggedly handsome farmer who is the owner of the town's mascot....Keving Bacon the pig. There is a spark there and they can't help themselves. 

After the ending of the last book (as I mentioned), I had to read this. I had to know how and why these two people fell in love. Out of all the characters in all of the books, I didn't think these two would fall for each other. So unlikely! So opposite! So....of course they fell in love. What is wrong with me? It's like I've never read a romance ;)

But yes, it was a funny and fun meet-cute. I love Kevin Bacon. I didn't think I would like this coupling, but I ended up falling in love with them. 

This needed more. I wanted more. But it worked fine with the length. Maybe we'll see them in future books. 

Short and cute. I actually read this twice because I liked it. I'll give it 5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Kevin Bacon the pig

Least Favorite Character(s): no one 

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #22

Book Review: Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

Author: Chloe Walsh

Title: Binding 13

Series: Boys of Tommen #1

Genre: YA Romance, Contemporary, Sports

Format: ebook

Pages: 626

Published: July 18, 2018

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

He wants to save her. She wants to hide. She's damaged. He's determined. Fate brought them together. Love binds them. Johnny Kavanagh has everything going for him. On the rugby pitch, he's a force to be reckoned with, even plagued with a hidden injury. Everyone knows he's heading straight for the top—but that means there's no room for mistakes or distractions. Not even the shy new girl at Tommen College, the one with the sad eyes and hidden bruises. He needs to stay focused, keep his cool, and not let anything get in the way of the bigger picture.  Except before he knows it, this lonely girl has become his only picture. Life has never been easy for Shannon Lynch. Bullied and tortured, she arrives at Tommen College mid-way through the school year praying for a fresh start and desperate to shake off the demons that plague her. But when she meets the notorious Johnny Kavanagh on her first day, her plans to keep a low profile are at serious risk. As they fall into a complicated friendship and grapple with their undeniable chemistry, hidden pain and complicated secrets threaten to be their undoing—but Johnny won't give up on Shannon. No matter what it might cost them both.

Review:

This was a picked by a member of my community over on my Twitch account (Carole_Rae). 

Here we follow Shannon and Johnny. Shannon has not had the best go of it. She was relentlessly bullied at her school, her dad is terrible, and her mom is working so much. She finally convinces her mom to let her go to the private school just to have a fresh start and reconnect with old friends. Her plan is to keep a low profile and just get through school. However, when she meets Johnny all her plans are destroyed. They fall into a complicated friendship and deny any sort of chemistry. Johnny wants more but he'll take what he can get...for now. 

This was really, really, really long. I enjoyed the story for what it was but man....it needed some trimming. Some scenes felt like they were NEVER going to end. Some scenes didn't seem to help the plot move forward at all. Honestly, just shaving 50-100 pages would've helped the story immensely.

Nooooow don't get it twisted...I love a good slow burn. I love watching people deny their feelings and then finally overcome themselves and just be together. It's great! But man the slow burn here sometimes felt like watching paint dry. However, I will say that when I felt like giving up some scenes would happen and I would be hooked again. The author did a good job keeping you reading even with the slowness. 

The characters also helped keep my attention. They were sweet kids who deserved happiness. I just wanted them to be in love though. Shannon especially needs solid love man. I can't believe the bullying she witnessed. It was ASSAULT in many cases. Yes, I was bullied in school but MAN. 

Nice side characters too. I loved Shannon's one brother. He was an angel. 

All-in-all, I did like the story and characters. But the length was too much. It really killed some of the story for me. I think a nice edit was needed. Maybe 50 or 100 pages could've been shaved off. The flow would get so slowed down that I felt like we were wadding in a puddle. I'll give this 3 stars overall. The characters and some scenes really did help me stay attached to the story. 

Favorite Character(s): Shannon and Johnny

Least Favorite Character(s): Too many people to count. So many mean people

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #21

Re-listen: Wild Irish Christmas by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: Wild Irish Christmas

Series: Mystic Cove #9

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Novella

Format: Audiobook 

Published: December 18, 2020

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Lily Walden finds herself inexplicably drawn to the small village of Grace’s Cove where she retreats to heal from a broken relationship as the lonely Christmas holiday looms. Escaping each evening into dreams more vivid than life, Lily nurtures a secret desire to write the fairy tales she lives each night. If only the fae prince of her dreams could rescue her from her haunted past.

Prince Callum, head of a secret faction of Fae protectors, is desperate to find his fated mate as each night she sings their lovesong to him in his dreams. One fateful night, he takes to the seas to find her, only to land catastrophically at the shores of an enchanted cove.

With Prince Callum near death, only Lily can save him in time, forever sealing their fated bond – but first, she must bring herself to believe in her own fairy tale…

Review:

We're back babbbyyy! I decided to have a relisten to this one because....I couldn't remember anything that happened. It's been so long. 

Here we have Prince Callum of the Fae and Lily the human. After an abusive relationship, she needs to break free. She runs to Grace's Cove. She doesn't know why, but it calls for her name. This could be the escape she needs to heal and write her little fantasy stories that she dreams about. Little does she know that her dreams have been real and Callum is real and has been looking for her. He finally gets the clue he needs to find her, but he is attacked and near death until Lily saves him. 

Again....I loved this as much as I did the first time. It's so sweet and they are adorable. Lily deserves all the love the world can give her. Callum is adorable and sweet and perfect. 

I loved seeing old faces along at the pub. This is a cross-over with another of the author's works so that is fun. I read book of that other series...I should push forward and read more once I catch up with this one. Soooo many books....so little time. 

But yes. Still just as sweet as the first time I read it. I wanted more though. I just really loved these characters. 

The narrator? Still amazing. Still perfect for this series. 

5 stars still from me.

Favorite Character(s): Lily and Callum

Least Favorite Character(s): Lily's ex

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #35

Audiobook Review: Wild Irish Dreamer by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: Wild Irish Dreamer

Series: Mystic Cove #8

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook 

Published: July 14, 2020

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

What would happen if dreams came true?

It's said that the world is made of dreamers. Which is a lovely thought and all, except for when those dreams come with a foretelling of the future. In order to find out what she really wants, Fiona MacAuliffe has spent her life running from who she truly is. Determined to ignore her gifts in order to make her own way in the world, Fi long ago said goodbye to her family's pub in Grace's Cove and set off to follow her heart.

Little does she know that it is her heart that will betray her when she returns home.

Review:

Man. Coming back to this series is like coming back home. For some reason I took a LONG break from this series. In 2021 (eek), I accidently skipped this and read book 9. It's nice coming back. 

We are back in the cove. Here we have Fiona (Fi) and Liam. They both have the wanderlust and they keep on meeting randomly. Or is it the universe giving them chance after chance? Fi doesn't want to be held down by her small town, her powers, or a man. She doesn't want the white picket fence life. She wants to be free and explore every corner of the world and be surprised by it. Love? That isn't a dream to her....or is it? 

*sighs deeply*

Fi. Fi oh Fi oh Fi. Idiot girl. I wanted to kick her. I get she has some issues trusting men outside of her group because of her ex. However, Liam is friends of friends and was saved by Grace in the past so he believes in magic. Plus he's SUCH a good guy. He shows it over and over and over. But Fi is so "I don't need a man! They'll hold me down!" So the universe gives her a man that has the same wanderlust and would travel the world too, but nooooOoooOOOooooo still not good enough. >_> 

Plus her hating her powers? Sure...I get it...don't abuse your powers and use them for bad. Keep your walls up and etc, but she flat out ignores the signs her dreams tries to give her. Like near the end with a certain situation (no spoilers from me). 

Don't get me wrong Fi is a nice girl, but she's an absolute moron. I still loved this book and it was nice seeing Fi FINALLY grow up. It took the entire book but she finally does it. Bless Liam for his patience. He has his own demons and terrible ex trauma to deal with, but he's willing to try but Fi keeps leading him on. 

Again...I liked this book a lot but Fi drove me to insanity. 

I can't wait to read book 10 (I may re-read book 9 since it has been so long and I read out of order by mistake). I hope we can see more of Fi and Liam enjoying each other. It took forever for them to become a couple. I want to see them be in love. 

The narrator is a gem. I can't imagine ANYONE else reading these books. 

In the end, I had some big issues with Fi. Yes, I love good conflict and internal (and external) issues standing in the way, but man, she really was a rough character to understand and in some moments...like. I'll give this 3 stars overall.  

Favorite Character(s): Liam

Least Favorite Character(s): Fi 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #34

Audiobook Review: A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

Author: T. Kingfisher

Narrator: Mary Robinette Kowal

Title: A House With Good Bones

Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery

Format: Audiobook 

Published: March 28, 2023

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

"Mom seems off."

Her brother's words echo in Sam Montgomery's ear as she turns onto the quiet North Carolina street where their mother lives alone.

She brushes the thought away as she climbs the front steps. Sam's excited for this rare extended visit, and looking forward to nights with just the two of them, drinking boxed wine, watching murder mystery shows, and guessing who the killer is long before the characters figure it out.

But stepping inside, she quickly realizes home isn’t what it used to be. Gone is the warm, cluttered charm her mom is known for; now the walls are painted a sterile white. Her mom jumps at the smallest noises and looks over her shoulder even when she’s the only person in the room. And when Sam steps out back to clear her head, she finds a jar of teeth hidden beneath the magazine-worthy rose bushes, and vultures are circling the garden from above.

To find out what’s got her mom so frightened in her own home, Sam will go digging for the truth. But some secrets are better left buried.

Review:

I picked this for book club! I've really been meaning to read more by this author. So far I've only read one a while back, so it was time. Seen this and it seemed like a nice pick. 

Sam is temporarily moving back in with her mother. Her brother's words scare her a bit, but it just can't be true that their mother is "off". Or is her brother being overdramatic? She'll have to see for herself. When she steps in, the house seems to be transported back in time. The once vibrant house, is now back to the sterile white walls and questionable decor that her grandmother used to have. Her mother is jumpy and way too skinny. Something is wrong and Sam will figure it out. 

Creepy. SOOO creepy. The last...quarter of the book had me glued! I couldn't stop listening and I kept mumbling, "WHAT THE F?" Wild. Loved it.

The "answer" seemed so simple. The answer was literally written on the wall, but the further you go the more complex and weird it gets. It was awesome. One scene? A thing of absolute nightmares and I loved every second of it.

I do wish we had more of a solid ending. Like....what? Sure, the unknown is scary and we are supposed to be a little scared for them, but I wanted to see more. Maybe a future book? 

The narrator was alright. Sometimes she was a little jovial for Sam. Sure, Sam is kind of jovial, but it seemed too much. Her guy voices were...eh. Poor Phil sounded so weird. 

Overall, I did like this. It makes me want more from the author. Wild story that got crazy good. I wanted more from the end and the narrator was just alright, but I ate up every second of this. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Gail (spell?) and our vulture buddy

Least Favorite Character(s): The grandmother

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #34

- Cloak & Dagger #19

- Library Love #20