Best of May 2018

Happy June!! Here are our Best of's for MAY!

First, favorite movies:

First, Blodeuedd picks..............The Mountain between Us (2017)

"Best movie *crickets* Like maybe The Mountain between us? Again, another month where there were lots of good or ok movies, but nothing amazing"

My pick is...................A Quiet Place (2018)

"I had a couple pretty good choices this month, but I will say this one is the best of May. Unique, scary, and good. Worth the watch!"

Next, Book favorites:

My choice is............Cowboy Bold by Carolyn Brown

"There two really good ones...but I'll have to pick this one. Loved the characters and the story was simple and sweet. And who can say no to cowboys ;)."

Next, Blodeuedd's choice is..............Last Dragon Standing by Rachel Aaron

"Because this is the best series in the world!!!! Of course it gets best of May"

Lastly, best covers:

Here are our picks for best cover...........Blodeuedd's is on the left and Carole's on the right

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging a long while now. The last couple of years the epic duo have been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.

Book Review: Mistress Firebrand by Donna Thorland

Author: Donna Thorland 
Title: Mistress Firebrand (Renegades of the American Revolution)
Genre: Historical Fiction & Romance
Pages: 416
Published: March 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)



British Occupied Manhattan, 1777. American actress Jennifer Leighton has been packing the John Street Theater with her witty comedies, but she longs to escape the provincial circuit for the glamour of the London stage. When the playwright General John Burgoyne visits the city, fresh from a recent success in the capitol, she seizes the opportunity to court his patronage. But her plan is foiled by British intelligence officer Severin Devere. 

Severin’s mission is to keep the pleasure-loving general focused on the war effort…and away from pretty young actresses. But the tables are turned when Severin himself can’t resist Jennifer Leighton…

Months later, Jenny has abandoned her dreams of stage glory and begun writing seditious plays for the Rebels under the pen name “Cornelia,” ridiculing “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne and his army—and undermining the crown’s campaign to take Albany. By the time Severin meets up with Jenny once again, she is on a British hanging list, and Severin is ordered to find her—and deliver her to certain death. Soon, the two are launched on a desperate journey through the wilderness, toward a future shaped by the revolution—and their passion for each other…


This book was so elusive to me! I was meant to read it a while back, but something happened to my copy from NetGalley (not sure to this day) so I missed out on reading it. This was supposed to be available at my library, but it never came in. Finally – after years – this popped up for cheap on Amazon as a used book. So, of course, I grabbed this book in an instant. I got the book in the mail after a delay. Read about half of the book and lost it! HOW? WHY? And then I finally found it and hurried up and finished it up. See? Elusive. 

And let me tell you what…it was worth it. This was sooooooo good. Super good. I would even venture to say almost great. 

The story follows Jenny and Severin. Severin is a seasoned British spy and Jenny is an actress who gets sucked into the world of spies through no real fault of her own. She lands on the side of the Americans. Things happen and things go wrong. Terribly wrong.  

The beginning was the only issue I had with it. It took me a while to really get into the story. I didn’t like Jenny or Severin. Can’t put my finger on WHY. After a few pages and one event that happened, I grew to LOVE them. Jenny is who I would want to be back then if I couldn’t be royalty. Severin was drool-worthy. I couldn’t help picture a very young Jason Momoa (before he got super-duper beefed out) as him. But yes – I grow to love them. 

I had no idea how anything was going to be okay especially when John Andre got involved. It seemed so hopeless! I was legit on the edge of my seat! Such a fun ride. 

I really adore spies and espionage. It was done so well. I also love the American Revolution so the blend was amazing and worked well. 

The cover is so pretty. Sorry random thought there. 

Yes, lots of drama, intrigue, and action in this one. I was worried Jenny and Severin would be torn apart by this bloody war. John Andre is a scary fellow! I wouldn’t want to mess with him especially when comes down to intrigue. 


Overall, this was really good. The beginning was meh and it took me a while to fall in love with our two main characters. Besides that, I really enjoyed this journey. So good. There is romance but there is also action and intrigue mixed in! A very good blend. I recommend this. I’ll give it 4 stars. 

Wednesday Writing Prompt #9

Happy Wednesday everyone! This is a Wednesday prompt that showcases my responses to the writing prompts in this 300 Writing Prompt book. Just something fun to do! Feel free to join in. I may not share every week, but it is fun to share when I do.

 What is the first thing you do when you wake up every morning? Why?

I          - I check my phone. First, I turn off my alarm and from there I check my texts, facebook, email, time hop, twitter, and if I have time snapchat Why? I am a modern girl. Ha! I'm not sure why, but one main reason is that I enjoy laying in bed allowing myself to wake up more. That bed is too comfy!!

                  Write about something you purchased used. 
             - I've purchased many things used. The last thing was a book. I'm still waiting for it to come in the mail (**this was written a few days ago, it has come in the mail since then). I do love used books especially if they are gently used. I love seeing how the pages had been held and loved. Beautiful. Like art. 

           
                 What color do you feel like today?
             - Today? I feel a light-grey blue. I feel calm, accomplished, and relaxed. My mood is pretty zen at the moment. Granted I still have the day to get through and work can change that in a heartbeat. Honestly, I try not to let it impact me, but there are days, moments, and certain peop'le who really push my buttons. 

                 If you were to teach as a career, what would you teach?
             - I would be a history and English teacher. Easy answer. I actually took teaching classes for a couple of years. It was amazing and I LOVED it, but alas, the politics that comes with it was not worth it. The system needs to change before I go back.