Book/Play Review: Othello by William Shakespeare

Author: William Shakespeare

Title: Othello

Genre: Classic, Tragedy, Fiction, Play

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 319

Published: 1603

Where I Got It: My shelf (my big bad book of William Shakespeare collection)

Summary: 

In Othello, Shakespeare creates a powerful drama of a marriage that begins with fascination (between the exotic Moor Othello and the Venetian lady Desdemona), with elopement, and with intense mutual devotion and that ends precipitately with jealous rage and violent deaths. He sets this story in the romantic world of the Mediterranean, moving the action from Venice to the island of Cyprus and giving it an even more exotic coloring with stories of Othello's African past. Shakespeare builds so many differences into his hero and heroine—differences of race, of age, of cultural background—that one should not, perhaps, be surprised that the marriage ends disastrously. But most people who see or read the play feel that the love that the play presents between Othello and Desdemona is so strong that it would have overcome all these differences were it not for the words and actions of Othello's standard-bearer, Iago, who hates Othello and sets out to destroy him by destroying his love for Desdemona. As Othello succumbs to Iago's insinuations that Desdemona is unfaithful, fascination—which dominates the early acts of the play—turns to horror, especially for the audience. We are confronted by spectacles of a generous and trusting Othello in the grip of Iago's schemes; of an innocent Desdemona, who has given herself up entirely to her love for Othello only to be subjected to his horrifying verbal and physical assaults, the outcome of Othello's mistaken convictions about her faithlessness.

Review:

Weeeeeeeee! This is one of my favorite plays by good ol' Willy. It's been an age since I read this so it was nice revisiting it. Last time I read this was 2009. But yes, it's been years!

The play follows a diverse set of characters in Venice. Othello and Lady Desdemona elope, Othello gets his dream job, and everything seems perfect. However, Iago is set on destroying everything in Othello's life out of spite and revenge. 

This is a true tragedy and it gets me every time. The characters and the story are flawless in my opinion. I truly think that this is William Shakey's best work. The drama is perfect for the stage. It's over-the-top in spots but it is a lovely nod to Italian plays that are known for being slightly melodramatic. 

And Iago.........he is the perfect villain. I hate him, but I love hating him. He is my favorite villain still to this day. He is a terrible, hateful man, but is he evil? Eh. He truly believes that he is doing the world a favor for destroying Othello. He doesn't do these evil things just for the sake of being bad. He thinks that he is doing everyone a favor, mainly himself. But he is so clever and calculating. Honestly, if he used his skills for ACTUAL good, then he would unstoppable in the world. He is just so blinded by his jealousy and hate, but he doesn't let this fully control him. He is able to trick everyone so wonderfully. *chef kiss* 

Othello and Desdemona. *sighs* You just want them to be happy. They are soooo in love and seem so perfect for each other. However......there is a shadow upon their love. Between society, Othello's insecurities, and Iago in the shadows....they are doomed.

What I love the most (if you've read past reviews you will be able to guess what I'm about to say here) is that everyone is flawed. They are complex and oh-so human. You have no idea what will happen. Othello seems so strong and confident, but he is still insecure and petty. Desdemona and Cassio are both so sweet, but so naive. Iago seems like he could be a great guy if hate didn't blind him. All the characters hide behind theirs masks so well (which ties nicely into the Venetian setting). And society's and time period's failings will take all these flaws and brew something tragic for our characters. 

I could go on and on about how much I love this play by William S!!!! I still need to see this live. I've seen the movie, but never a live rendition of this play. Bucket list!!!! Also, I need to do an audio of this story one day.

But yes, this is (so far) my absolute favorite of William Shakespeare's stuff. I still have a bunch to read but it will be hard to topple this from the top. 

The characters....the setting....the lies....the flaws.....the tragedy. A must-read/see/hear...anyway you can get your hands on it. 

5 stars for sure. 

- Favorite Character(s): Desdemona (bc she is so sweet), Cassio, & Othello

- Least Favorite Character(s): Iago (BUT I love to hate him. Little villain)

Book Review: Midnight in Venice by Meadow Taylor

Author: Meadow Taylor

Title: Midnight in Venice

Series: Olivia Moretti #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 256

Published: August 19, 2014

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Readers met and fell in love with Olivia Moretti in Meadow Taylor’s hugely popular holiday story Christmas in Venice, where Olivia is rescued by a gorgeous Italian cop, Alessandro Rossi, during an airport bomb scare. Now, as the new year begins, her joy at having landed her dream job in Venice’s thriving art world is surpassed only by the realization that she and Alessandro are falling in love—and her surprise that he turns out to be not just the son of a tycoon, but a gifted pianist and former racecar driver who is equally at home in the city’s bejewelled palazzos as patrolling its streets. Olivia can’t believe that her life now includes masked balls, exquisite music, romantic trips to Paris—and true love. But all this is put in jeopardy when a business trip to New York City finds her accused of a crime she didn’t commit—and not even Alessandro believes she’s innocent. Can her new love uncover the truth and keep Olivia’s Italian dream from becoming a nightmare?

A thrilling, passion-filled story set among the dazzling palaces, canals, and piazzas of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Midnight in Venice is perfect for fans of Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, and lovers of contemporary romance everywhere.

Review:

Read book 1 a while back and have been meaning to get started on this one, but life....yeah. LOL. 

Note - you can for sure read this one without book 1 (aka it was a short story). We get to pretty much re-read book 1 so no harm, no foul. 

We follow Olivia and Alessandro. Olivia has landed the job of her dreams and is starting a brand new life in Venice! There is a bomb scare where is rescued by a hunky Italian cop named Alessandro. They think their story ends there, but they can't get over each other and start spending time with each other. Everything seems to be going amazing and life can't get any better. Until this is all put in jeopardy when a business trip to New York City finds Olivia accused of a crime she didn’t commit. Will they be able to prove her innocence? Will their love be able to stand this?

This was wild....ridiculous....fantastical......crazy....but I enjoyed it. With all the wild and unbelievable scenarios, you can't help but follow along and have fun. Yes, I had fun watching this play out.

I wanna go to Venice now!!!!!!  

Alessandro is literally the perfect man to the point it makes me want to puke. He is smart, hunky, a good cop, ex car driver, and son to a tycoon? WHAT IS HIS LIFE? Luckily at the halfway-ish point he does show some flaws that made me happy. He isn't perfect. YAYY! No one wants a perfect character. 

Olivia is very sweet. Annoying at times, but sweet. You can't help but feel for her. She just wants to live her Venice life!  

I'm honestly shocked there isn't a 3rd book. I feel like we have some side characters that deserve some loveeeee. Or we could follow these two more and I would be fine with that. Olivia has great luck one minute and then it flips to the worst of the worst. I could enjoy another one even if it was a short story. Good lord. The wedding day could be madness. 

All-in-all, this was ridiculous to the point of entertaining. I had fun. I didn't take anything too serious. Fun romance in a beautiful city. I'm just glad our hero wasn't too perfect. I would've been mad. He does have a flaw...or two. 

3 stars from me.

- Favorite Character(s): Olivia

- Least Favorite Character(s): Oh man. I can't remember their name but there was a character that I want to boo forever. That is what I get for waiting a day to type this. 

 Challenge(s):

- TBR Challenge (January, New Year, Who Dis?) #1

- Romance Reading Challenge #3 (Non-US/UK setting)

Movie Review: Victoria & Abdul (2017)

Title: Victoria & Abdul

Length: 1 hr, 51 mins

Released: 2017

Genre:  Biography, Drama 
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Queen Victoria strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this for forever. I had it on my To-Watch list for years methinks. I needed something different and...light. So here we go. 

This is the story of Victoria and Abdul. They strike up unlikely friendship. Victoria is queen of the British Empire and Empress of India. Abdul is poor Indian clerk who was selected to present the queen a ceremonial coin. 

This was very sweet. Victoria was so ready to just die. Enter in the adorable and kind Abdul to give her a 2nd wind in life. He was happy to impart some knowledge and become her teacher. Simply loved their innocent friendship. 

Bertie and the majority of the staff were gigantic babies and fools. So jealous. So racist. 

I did end up adoring Mohammed! His speech to Bertie and the others had me cheering. Good on you friend. 

The cast was fantastic. The script great. The story fun.

Oooh that ending. It had me in tears. 

All-in-all, I really adored this movie. I loved learning about Abdul and seeing their friendship grow. Def 100% recommend it. 5 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Charming

Movie Review: A Haunting in Venice (2023)

Title: A Haunting in Venice

Length: 1h 48m

Released: 2023

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

SUMMARY:

In post-World War II Venice, Poirot, now retired and living in his own exile, reluctantly attends a seance. But when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to once again uncover the killer.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Oooo! Another Poirot!! I hope they keep making more. 

It is post-WWII. Poirot is now retired and hiding in Venice. He is forced, to help a friend, by attending a séance to try and debunk this Medium. When one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to uncover the killer. 

Gotta love Poirot! He is a gem. An arrogant gem, but he has really earned to not be humble. However, this case will be one of his toughest. Is the haunting real? Who did the murders? There is a lot on his plate and he is not doing okay. 

What a freakin' amazing cast. This series has done an amazing job of getting some pretty good folks to join. 

Ooo this was spooky and intense. I loved it!!!! Even if there isn't a ghost, that house is creepy AF. *shutters*

The big reveal was good. I had zero idea. I thought I did and I was partially right but the big reveal...damn. You got me there. 

I think what I love about these movies is that you can truly watch them in any order. Sure it is better to watch in order, but you can totally get away with watching them out of order. I do suggest maybe watching #2 before this one, but it's fine. It works!

All-in-all, I really enjoyed this. This would've been amazing to see on the big screen. Damn. 5 stars. Intense, spooky, and fun.  

Re-read: Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn

Author: Kate Quinn

Title: Mistress of Rome

Series: The Empress of Rome #2

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 470 

Published: April 6, 2010

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

First-century Rome: A ruthless emperor watches over all--and fixes his gaze on one young woman...

Thea is a slave girl from Judaea, purchased as a toy for the spiteful heiress Lepida Pollia. Now she has infuriated her mistress by capturing the attention of Rome's newest and most savage gladiator--and though his love brings Thea the first happiness of her life, their affair ends quickly when a jealous Lepida tears them apart.

Remaking herself as a singer for Rome's aristocrats, Thea unwittingly attracts another admirer: the charismatic Emperor of Rome. But the passions of an all-powerful man come with a heavy price, and Thea finds herself fighting for both her soul and her sanity. Many have tried to destroy the Emperor: a vengeful gladiator, an upright senator, a tormented soldier, a Vestal Virgin. But in the end, the life of Domitian lies in the hands of one woman: the Emperor's mistress.

Review:

Awww yayy! Been meaning to re-read this. Thank goodness for Book Club, eh?

Here we have Thea who is a slave girl from Judaea. She was purchased as a toy for the spiteful heiress Lepida. For the first time in her life, she has found love in Rome's newest and most savage gladiator. Her happiness will be caught short when Lepida tears them apart. Thea remakes herself as a singer for Rome's aristocrats. Thea will attract another admirer...the Emperor of Rome. However, his passions will come with a heavy price. 

You can read this without reading the first one but there are some references you will miss. When I first read this series I read this one first and was not lost, however, it was nice re-reading this in the proper order so I could understand some of our older characters a little better. 

UGH this is so dang good. I adore this author and how she brings these characters and this world to life. Fabulous. 

You can't help but love Thea and Arius. 

Booooo Domitian and booooo Lepida! Truly terrible baddies. 

Rome seems like it would be a wild place to live. I would NEVER pick Rome to time travel too. So many vipers and so much death and blood. I always feel so bad for the poor animals forced to fight. Sobs!!!!

This does have some graphic scenes, but the author does a good job not getting TOO descriptive. But lots of blood and fighting...which should be expected with Rome and gladiators being our mains. 

The ending is wonderful and you can stop there. Not too shabby of an ending. I won't spoil anything! BUT if you are like me, you will want to read the next one. 

5 stars. I can't wait to talk about this in book club. It is SO hard not to give away spoilers!!

Book Review: Justina - Daughter of Spartacus by Ryan Lew

Author: Ryan Lew

Title: Justina - Daughter of Spartacus

Series: Justina Saga #1

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 310

Published: November 17, 2017

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon Freebie)

Summary: 

For two thousand years, the rise and fall of Julius Caesar has captivated the world. All know his name. Few know the truth.

Love. Honor. Treachery.

Justina. A name lost to history. A young girl, barely a woman, raised in the Roman elite. When her true identity is discovered, the revelation will send her world spinning and propel her down a path toward her destiny...and Caesar. With enemies and lies encompassing her entire existence, her true past will determine her incredible future and that of the entire Republic.

Power. Secrets. Betrayal.

While Caesar builds his power in Rome, weaving a web of spies and alliances, one young girl's fate is on a collision course with his own. Rome's biggest challenge of the past 20 years came from a man known as Spartacus. Now, his unknown daughter threatens all that Rome has built.

Review:

This was a freebie and I had been craving an Ancient Rome tale. So why not!

Here we follow Justina. Her name was lost to history. She is a young woman raised in the Roman elite circle. When her true identity is discovered, her world is sent spinning and her path leads to Caesar. Her decisions and Caesar's decisions will impact the future of all of Rome. 

For me....this was for sure mixed. I was absolutely hooked and couldn't stop reading! And then, like a speed bump, I slowed down. And then like a stop sign and the police watching me....I stopped. And stopped for a long time. After a few days, I went back and it was a struggle to finish reading. 

I really can't point at what changed. I just wanted to be done. I found myself starting to skim some parts. The characters were diverse and complex which usually get me and make me happy. The story was perilous and dangerous (it IS Rome after all). So what was the problem? Maybe there was just too much going on? But I just know that couldn't find my rhythm that I had at the first 50% of the book. 

But yes, I started out in love and then ended up being meh about this. Not sure I'll read the next. We'll see. 

Rating? Mmmmm *does some complicated math* I'll stamp it with a 2. The last 50% I just couldn't care and just wanted to be done. I feel like this may have been a more me issue. It's me...I am the problem. 

2nd Read: Daughters of Rome by Kate Quinn

Author: Kate Quinn

Title: Daughters of Rome

Series: The Empress of Rome #1

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: Paperback

Pages: 385 

Published: April 1, 2011

Where I Got It: My shelf (Won in a giveaway)

Summary: 

A.D. 69. Nero is dead.

The Roman Empire is up for the taking. With bloodshed spilling out of the palace and into the streets of Rome, chaos has become the status quo. The Year of Four Emperors will change everything—especially the lives of two sisters with a very personal stake in the outcome….

Elegant and ambitious, Cornelia embodies the essence of the perfect Roman wife. She lives to one day see her loyal husband as Emperor. Her sister, Marcella, is more withdrawn, content to witness history rather than make it. Even so, Marcella has her share of distinguished suitors, from a cutthroat contender for the throne to a politician’s son who swears that someday he will be Emperor.

But when a bloody coup turns their world upside down, Cornelia and Marcella—along with their cousins, one a collector of husbands and lovers, the other a horse-mad beauty with no interest in romance—must maneuver carefully just to stay alive. As Cornelia tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered dreams, Marcella discovers a hidden talent for influencing the most powerful men in Rome. In the end, though, there can only be one Emperor … and one Empress.

Review:

First, read this in 2014. Different sources say this is book 1 but some others say it is book 2. I guess it depends on how you look at it. It technically takes place before book 2. However, the book was published second. I picked this for my re-read in Book Club (every three months we all pick a re-read to make the others read - keeps it fresh). I decided on this one first instead of 'Mistress of Rome' because there are some spoilers about people's fate in book 2. I want to pick 'Mistress of Rome' when it is re-read time again (if they all liked it - the jury is still out since we don't meet for a while). 

So....Rome is falling apart from the inside out. We follow Marcella, Cornelia, and two of their cousins as they navigate this fragile world. Emperors are falling by the wayside. Even in peace...things are rocky and anyone can betray anyone. It is a cutthroat time. 

So much chaos!!!! I forgot how crazy things get throughout this year! I can't imagine being in their shoes. Even the peaceful times are so tension-y. 

Back when I first read this I liked Cornelia and Marcella more by the end (even though Marcella made some bad decisions but damn was she dynamic and so complex!!)...this time? I think I liked Lollia more! She was much more complex and layered than I gave her credit for like everyone else. Sure she is air-headed and whatnot but I truly appreciated her more. 

This was good. Very good! I want to read book 2 again asap. 

In the end, this was such a good book. Loved it then. Love it now. Chaotic and has a cast of interesting characters. It is a story you can't put down! 5 stars. 

Book Review: The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre by Natasha Lester

Author: Natasha Lester

Title: The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 432

Published: September 28, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary: 

1943. After spearheading several successful advertising campaigns in New York, PR wizard Alix St Pierre comes to the attention of the US government and finds herself recruited into a fledgling intelligence organisation.

Enlisted as a spy, Alix is sent to Europe where she is tasked with getting close to a Nazi who might be willing to help the Allied forces - but there's also the chance he might be a double agent.

1946. Following the war, Alix moves to Paris to run the Service de la Presse for the yet-to-be-launched House of Christian Dior. But when a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future, Alix realises that only she can right the wrongs of the past and bring him to justice.

The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is a thrilling, sumptuous work of historical fiction told in three timelines: before, during and after WWII. This completely immersive story takes readers from the dangerous, intrigue-filled rooms in Switzerland where elites of both sides mingled and schemed during the war, to the glamorous halls of the House of Dior in the golden age of French fashion and journalism.

Review:

When I first saw this book I was curious about it and then I was asked to read and review it so I was extra excited! 

Here we follow Alix St Pierre. In 1943, after spearheading several successful advertising campaigns in New York, she catches the eye of the US government. She accepts the position in a fledgling intelligence organization. Enlisted as a spy, Alix is sent to Europe where she is tasked with getting close to a Nazi who might be willing to help the Allied forces...but there's is a chance he might be a double agent. 1946, following the war, Alix moves to Paris to run the Service de la Presse for the House of Christian Dior. Her postwar life is going great until a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future. She will need to bring him to justice in order to right the wrongs of the past. 

At first, I was a little worried about the jumping timeline. We see her pre-war, during the war, and post-war. That is a hard narrative to do, but it worked well! Even though she survived the war, there are still mysteries and things in the past she will uncover. The format worked for this story! 

Loveddddd Alix. She was such a strong and independent woman, but with a huge heart. She loves her friends and wants to make the world a better place. Oh! And she is so brave. I don't think I could sign up for the spying world....even though I find it SO interesting and intriguing (I think I would be good at it)....but she was tough but she could also be vulnerable. She is classy...creative...smart...and flawed. She isn't perfect, but that makes me love her even more. 

I could gush over her all day.

Anthony was an interesting character too. Don't want to spoil anything, but he was compelling. 

Oh, Lillie and Bobby!!! My heart!!!!

But yess a great cast of characters (even the big baddie). All complex...all intriguing. 

The story was good too. I had NO idea how she was going to uncover the mysteries or fix things. I did feel that one resolution was....a little too easy at the very end. I think someone (won't name names) should've done more. There needed to be more talking. Lots of hurts...lots of distrust. Don't get me wrong I was happy about WHAT happened ultimately, but I feel like we needed more time. 

The beginning was a little slow which makes sense because there was some build-up but once the ball got rolling I couldn't put this down. SO good.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. Such a great cast of characters especially Alix! She was awesome. The story was enthralling. I did feel there needed more talking and work at the end, but I still was happy with what happened. Again...SO GOOD. I really should read more by this author. She really brought the three different lives and times of Alix to life. 4 stars from me. I highly recommend it for those that like mystery, history, and a splash of romance. 

 

Audiobook Review: Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs

Author: Patricia Briggs

Narrator: Lorelei King & George Newbern

Title: Silence Fallen

Series: Mercy Thompson #10, Mercy Thompson World #14

Genre: UF, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 7, 2017

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Mercy Thompson has found her voice in the werewolf pack. But when Mercy’s bond with the pack—and her mate—is broken, she’ll learn what it truly means to be alone...

 

Attacked and abducted in her home territory, Mercy finds herself in the clutches of the most powerful vampire in the world, taken as a weapon to use against alpha werewolf Adam and the ruler of the Tri-Cities vampires. In coyote form, Mercy escapes—only to find herself without money, without clothing, and alone in the heart of Europe...

 

Unable to contact Adam and the rest of the pack, Mercy has allies to find and enemies to fight, and she needs to figure out which is which. Ancient powers stir, and Mercy must be her agile best to avoid causing a war between vampires and werewolves, and between werewolves and werewolves. And in the heart of the ancient city of Prague, old ghosts rise...

Review:

This series is so addicting. Every time I say I'm going to take a break and focus on something else...I end up starting the next one. I love this world and these characters. 

Poor Mercy has the worse luck. She is attacked and abducted from her home territory while on a quick errand. She finds herself in the clutches of the most powerful vampire in the world. She is taken as a weapon to use against the alpha werewolf and the ruler of the Tri-Cities vampires. Mercy happens to escape but finds herself without money, clothing, and utterly alone in the heart of Europe. Being this far she can't connect with her pack. On the other side, is Adam the alpha werewolf and Mercy's mate. His mate is gone and he can't reach her. Teaming up with some unlikely allies, they fly to Europe to find Mercy and meet face-to-face with a deadly foe. 

This was a different format than the others but it still was fun and worked. Here Adam actually gets some narrative and we get to see things from his POV. We even got to have another narrator step in for Adam's POVs. 

Mercy has the worst luck, but also the best. She is able to escape without much injury.  Buuuuut she has no money or clothing. She can't even fully connect with her pack or mate. She is alone navigating and trying to find her way home or safety. Poor Mercy, but it was nice seeing Mercy on her own in a different setting. It was refreshing. I also loved getting some one-on-one time with Adam. We got to learn a little more about him and see him deal with the baddies.

The ending did drag on a tiny bit. I just wanted everyone to resolve the issue and reunite. 

The duo narrators were a little jarring for me at first. I am so used to Lorelei King being the voice for everyone and I loveeeeeeeeee her narration. The additional one was a male and he was good, but it took a moment to warm up to him voicing Adam's part and a lot of the cast. Different for sure, but I enjoyed the change.

But yes, this was fun! Refreshing in a lot of ways. We got to see more of Adam and see a different setting. The baddie was good and fun. My only issue was that the ending seemed to drag on a tiny bit, but other than that I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Can't wait to read more. 4 stars from me. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #61 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: Murphy's Law for Demons by C.J. Pierce

Author: C.J. Pierce

Title: Murphy's Law for Demons

Genre: Urban Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal

Format: ebook

Pages: 296

Published: March 10th 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (NetGalley)

Summary: 

A Fallen angel and an assassin walk into a bar...

For nearly seventy years, Murphy's had the worst luck any Fallen could ever have. The Collector - a title Murphy never wanted - can't seem to do his job: collect a soul. That's all. One. Soul. And after seventy years, Murphy's not so sure he wants to go back to the Below.

Joy is a practitioner of one of the world's oldest professions. No, not prostitution, although she'd gladly use her body as bait for a target. Murderer-for-hire, assassin, hitwoman - Joy's your lady if the money's right. And if it's someone who really needs killing, she'll even give you a discount.

Brought together by a job and dropped (sans parachutes) into the political machinations of the Above and Below, Murphy and Joy have to decide where their loyalties lie. Something big is coming for them, and the Collector has a job to finish.

Want to make a deal? Don't make it with Murphy!

Review:

I've had this on my shelf for a hot min. It sort of fell on the back-burner. Glad I picked this back up to finish it finally. 

Here we follow Murphy who has had the worst luck any Fallen could ever have for the last seventy years. The Collector is a title Murphy never wanted but was given and he can't seem to get the job done...he needs to collect a soul. Joy is a practitioner of one of the world's oldest professions....assassin. Brought together in a bar by a job and dropped into the political machinations of the Above and Below, Murphy and Joy have to decide where their loyalties lie.

This was so good. I really couldn't put it down! I adored Murphy and Joy and I was so invested in what was going to happen next!! I wasn't sure what was going to happen! 

Oooo this was a fun take on the whole Heaven/Hell and Angel/Demon thing! It was so creative and a fresh breath in the UF and paranormal genre. It was so entertaining. The dynamic between Murphy and Joy was witty and fun and their banter/convos were a joy. 

I do wish this world and the afterlife was a little more fleshed out. I wanted to understand and get more detail. Maybe we'll get another book and we'll get to see more and learn more. I have a lot of questions still. 

In the end, I had a lot of fun with this one! Loved the characters and I loved how creative this story and the world were. I do wish we learned more about this world (Above, Middle, and Below). This seemed to be the top of the iceberg for sure. I would love a sequel! I needed a good book like this one. I had two mehs. Overall, I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Hot and Badgered by Shelly Laurenston

Author: Shelly Laurenston

Narrator: Traci Odom

Title: Hot and Badgered

(Honey Badger Chronicles #1)

Genre: Paranormal Romance, UF, fantasy, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Published:  March 27th 2018

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

It’s not every day that a beautiful naked woman falls out of the sky and lands face-first on grizzly shifter Berg Dunn’s hotel balcony. Definitely they don’t usually hop up and demand his best gun. Berg gives the lady a grizzly-sized t-shirt and his cell phone, too, just on style points. And then she’s gone, taking his XXXL heart with her. By the time he figures out she’s a honey badger shifter, it’s too late.

 

Honey badgers are survivors. Brutal, vicious, ill-tempered survivors. Or maybe Charlie Taylor-MacKilligan is just pissed that her useless father is trying to get them all killed again, and won’t even tell her how. Protecting her little sisters has always been her job, and she’s not about to let some pesky giant grizzly protection specialist with a network of every shifter in Manhattan get in her way. Wait. He’s trying to help? Why would he want to do that? He’s cute enough that she just might let him tag along—that is, if he can keep up . . .

Review:

Seen a few good reviews and this popped up as a recommendation at my library so why not!!

We follow Berg Dunn and Charlie Taylor-MacKilligan. Charlie is half honey badger and they are known for being brutal, vicious, and ill-tempered. This is true, but Charlie is also mad at her useless father who is trying to get her and all her sisters killed....again. Protecting her little sisters has always been her job. When she comes across Berg and nearly gets him hurt or worse....he offers to help them since he is a protection specialist with a network of every shifter in Manhattan.

This was funny. The sisters are a HOT mess for sure. They are the definition of hot mess. They bring chaos with them no matter where they go. Their father is a scoundrel. Poor things. I want them to find happiness and someone to take out that father of theirs. 

Berg was a big-hearted soul. Loved him. 

This was cheesy and ridiculous in some parts, but I liked it. You WON'T be bored. There isn't a calm moment. Which....I do wish we had a couple. 

I did not see the spark between Berg and Charlie. I feel like we needed more solo time between the two. They were always up to something or someone was in the room (ie her sisters). I think that was my only big issue. I didn't see or feel the love/chemistry. Maybe more in the next?

The narrator worked well. I liked it. The voices fit. 

In the end, I enjoyed this. I was laughing and caught up in all the action. There wasn't a dull moment. I do wish Charlie and her boo bear had more time together....alone. I just didn't buy their love/lust. I'll give this 3 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #72 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Let It Be Me by Kate Noble

Author: Kate Noble

Narrator: Alison Larkin

Title: Let It Be Me

(The Blue Raven #5)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  April 2nd 2013

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

London weather is chilly—and the social scene even more so. Luckily, Bridget Forrester is just getting warmed up…

Bridget longs to meet a gentleman who doesn't mention her beautiful sister upon shaking her hand. But since being branded a shrew after a disastrous social season, Bridget knows she's lucky to even have a man come near her. It's enough to make a lady flee the country…

So Bridget heads to Venice for music lessons with the renowned Italian composer Vincenzo Carpenini, with whom she's been corresponding. But not only is Carpenini not expecting her, he doesn't even remember her! His friend, theater owner Oliver Merrick, does, though. And one look into her tantalizing green eyes has him cursing his impulsive letter-writing, which brought her across the continent. Yet before Merrick can apologize, Carpenini has ordered her away.

Little does either man know that they will soon be embroiled in a wager that will require the beautiful Miss Forrester's help—or that there'll be far more at stake in this gamble than money…

Review:

Accidently skipped book 4. This popped up in Audible. Swore I read book 4....maybe not. I don't remember. Hahaha. This does fine as a standalone. I believe book 4 is about Bridget's sister who was the golden child. I'll eventually go back. 

Here we follow Bridget who has long been in her sister's shadow. Her sister was beloved by everyone. She has been now labeled as a shrew after a disastrous social season. To get fresh air, she heads to Venice with her family in hopes for music lessons with the renowned Italian composer Vincenzo Carpenini with whom she has been corresponding. When she arrives at his door, he is not expecting her and doesn't even remember her. His friend and half-brother, Oliver Merrick, does though. He was the one who actually wrote to her and before he can explain anything, Carpenini orders her away. Little does anyone expect that the two men will be embroiled in a wager that require Bridget's help. 

This was a lot of fun!!! I loved how different this was. It was a nice set of pace to jump to Italy and have a couple fall in love over music. Beautiful. 

The beginning did drag for minute while the stage was being set for her to flee across the ocean to Italy, but then I could not stop listening. I had to know what was going to happen next. Yes, yes, we all know Bridget and Oliver fall in lurve, but I was excited to see them fall for each other. It was slow and careful. I was also excited to see her perform at the competition! 

OOOOO that ending was good. Loved it. 

I also loved seeing Bridget as an old lady at the beginning and the end surrounded by her grandbabies. It was a nice touch. 

The narrator is fantastic. She really flourished here with all the different accents and all the different characters running around. Brava!

In the end, I really enjoyed this one. It was a touch slow in the beginning, but after that I was hooked and didn't want to stop listening. I loved this couple and their journey. It was a fresh breath of air for the HR genre. Italy, music....all fun. I'm in love with this series. I need to back track to book 4 eventually. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

 

Challenge(s):
- #69 for Audiobook challenge