Audiobook Review: Once a Soldier by Mary Jo Putney

Author: Mary Jo Putney
Narrator: Beverley A. Crick

Title: Once a Soldier
(Rogues Redeemed #1)

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: June 28th 2016
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



As heir to a title and great wealth, Will Masterson should have stayed home and tended his responsibilities. Instead he went to war. Now, after perilous years fighting the French, he intends his current mission to be his last. But all his plans are forgotten when he arrives in the small mountain stronghold of San Gabriel and meets her.

Knowing herself to be too tall, strong, and unconventional to appeal to a man, Athena Markham has always gloried in her independence. But for the first time in her life, she finds a man who might be her match.

Two of a kind, too brave for their own good, Athena and Will vow to do whatever it takes to vanquish San Gabriel's enemies. For neither will back down from death, and only together can they find happiness and a love deeper than any they'd dared imagine...

Forgot how much I like this author. I need to read more! But yes, this was a random find on Audible and I'm glad I picked it up. 

The story follows Athena and Will. Will is an heir to a title and a great wealth, but due to a tragedy, he decided to run off and join the war effort. After years of war, he has one last mission before he can go home to redeem himself and pick up his responsibilities. Athena is too tall and the daughter of a fallen woman so she is living her best life as an independent woman and advisor/protector of a princess. 

It is always a touch risky having a made-up country interacting with real-world things like the Napoleonic War, but it worked her. I want to learn more about this country. I wish it was real! Yummm wine. 

But I liked Will and Athena right away. They were perfect for each other. I felt SO bad for both of them. They went through some big trauma in their pasts. I am so happy Will is a good man even though he is an heir to a title and can easily look past Athena's parentage. They did a lot of talking and getting to know each other. This really fit for them and I wasn't bored for a moment. Sometimes too much talking is boring, but it wasn't for this one. We learned a lot about our characters. 

I also adored our side characters! Murphy and Justin! I am so happy they get to have love too. I liked the princess too. She was adorable.

There was a lot of unbelievable things that did happen. Not 100% historically accurate with how people talk, but it didn't bug me too much. It wasn't annoying or too obvious. Like the princess letting a wine merchant call her by her first name. Or the princess, Athena, Will, and Jusin go alone to have a picnic. Really? Not a single guard? Okay...

The narrator was really good! I hope she reads book 2. 

Overall, this was a fun story. We get to really understand our characters. I loved our characters and I was happy our side characters got to have a HEA too. Some inaccuracies and unbelievable parts, but it didn't completely hinder me enjoying the story. I want to read the next book. I'll give this 3 stars.  

Set during Wartime

Book Review: Gateway to the Moon by Mary Morris

Author: Mary Morris 
Title: Gateway to the Moon
Genre: Historical Fiction & Fiction
Pages: ebook
Will Be Published: April 10th 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)

Entrada de la Luna is the sort of town that ambitious children try to leave behind them. Poor health, broken marriages, and poverty are the norm, and luck is unusual. So when Miguel Torres notices an advertisement for a position looking after two small boys a few towns over, he jumps at the opportunity.

Rachel Rothstein is not the sort of parent Miguel expected to be working for, though. A frustrated artist, Rachel moved her family away from New York looking for a fresh start, but so far New Mexico has not solved any of the problems they brought with them. But Miguel genuinely loves the work and he finds many of the Rothstein family's customs similar to ones he sees in his own community.

Studded throughout this present-day narrative are historical vignettes following the ancestors of Entrada's residents, beginning in fifteenth-century Spain and moving forward to the discovery of America, highlighting the torture, pursuit, and resistance of the Jewish people throughout history, leading to the founding of the enclave that Miguel now calls home. A beautiful novel of shared history, Gateway to the Moon is a moving and memorable portrait of home and community. 

I will admit this was an interesting read with some interesting characters. The story follows some of Entrada's residents past and present. Everyone is tied together by blood. The main character, though, was Miguel and Rachel. Miguel is a teenager who is hired to babysit Rachel's kids. There are other POVs as well.

The multiple POVs were fun and interesting. However, I started not caring about halfway through. I just wanted to see what would happen next to Rachel and Miguel. Sure I did like seeing Entrada in other eyes and we got to see some secrets and learn more about the good and the bad of the town...but I honestly just really liked those two POVs. 

I felt bad for Miguel. He is just a kid who wants a telescope to view the stars and moon. Rachel was a total spaz, but I did like her. I saw a little of myself in her. She really does need a therapist though...

Lots of secrets and I'm not sure how no one connected the dots sooner or if they flat out ignore the BIG "secret". It was obvious to Rachel who is not the brightest bulb sometimes. I did find it interesting that no one questioned the rituals and why they do them. 

The writing was done well. The author does have a way with words especially with inner thoughts and contemplation. I loved how she made the moon so important to the story. It was subtle but the moon and the town were the connectors in the story. Well done. 

Well...now the ending was....something. It just sort of ended. There really was no conclusion. Lots of unanswered questions. What happened to Rachel and her kids? What happened to Miguel and Elena? So open-ended. I don't mind open-ended depending...but I did want more. Just a little more. 

In the end, this wasn't a bad people story. I enjoyed watching Miguel and Rachel stumble through life. They really were two peas in a pod. The other characters were interesting, but I did just want to read the main story. Good writing and interesting characters. The ending was too open-ended for my liking. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Time for TV Tuesday: The Crown (Season 2)

Recently Finished:

The Crown (Season 2)

Season 1 was pretty good. I enjoyed it and I was dying to get my hands on Season 2. I KNOW what happens next, but I couldn’t wait to watch this interpretation of what happens next. It is always SO fun to compare reality with Hollywood reality. I feel this show has done well so far with the balance of fact and entertainment fact. 

I do love the cast. They do well. I hear rumor they will be replacing everyone with older actors. I will be so sad! They have been a treat. I’ve especially loved the lady who plays the queen herself. Wonderful actress and I hope she does more in the future! 

Phillip is a total asshate and the actor is doing a good job making me be annoyed with him. Phillip gets better for a little while but then when he gets back he becomes an immature brat. Luckily, as we all know, he does become the hubbie the queen needs and deserves. It has taken years, but one scene made me happy. I am still not happy with his treatment to Charles. Poor kid. That episode broke my little heart. He was so bullied and so not happy at that school. I wanted to kick Phillip. The damn security detail was more fatherly to the poor kid. I can see why Charles became what he became…

But anyways, this made me feel more. I felt there was more action and drama then the last one. I really feared for the queen divorcing her hubbie even though I KNOW they don’t. But I was scared. A normal marriage would’ve fallen apart years ago. I’m glad they made it. 
The ending ended well and I would be fine if they did not do another season. Sure, I want to see more, but I felt it ended on a good note. There is more drama ahead but I worry that if they change up the cast to make them older I will not be happy. We shall see….but I am worried. This cast excellent. All of them. No complaints from me. 

OMG! The poor prime ministers. Ugh. I just remembered…they were both so humiliated. Fools though and they should’ve realized they would’ve been tossed under the bus, but you can’t help but feel for them. I especially feel for the one who went to the parody show about him and the other politicians. Yes, it started funny, but then it just got cruel.  Poor guy…between his wife and that….I can see why he seems like a loser and quitter. I would be too. 

What else to say? 

I think my only complaint is the huge time jumps and gaps. I always have to think or look up how long it has been. I wish they would do little “7 months later” or something to indicate how long it has been. The viewer, if not sure of the real history, would be a little confused on why their kids are older now. When the queen and Phillip had a convo about their anniversary I was a little shocked that it has been 10 years!! Umm…mmm. So yes, a little head’s up once in a while would be lovely.

A fun watch. This season was better than the first one I feel. There was a lot of drama within the family and outside of the family. It worked well and made me feel. If they do shake up the cast with older people, I will be worried since I loved this cast so much. I’ll give this season 4 stars. 

Book Review: Barely a Bride by Rebecca Hagan Lee

Author: Rebecca Hagan Lee
Title: Barely a Bride (Free Fellows League #1)
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: ebook
First Published: August 5th 2003
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon freebie)

As a founding member of the Free Fellows League—a group of four gentlemen who signed a pledge to never wed when they were lads—Griffin, Viscount Abernathy, swears that he will put off marrying as long as possible. But when he is suddenly called off to war, he has no choice but to obey his father’s wishes and find a wife… 

Just days later, he marries the lovely Lady Alyssa. For a man committed only to his freedom, she seems a perfect—and perfectly undemanding—bride. Intelligent and self-sufficient, Alyssa craves her independence just as much as Griffin loves his. But as the irresistible attraction between them flourishes with every look and touch, they discover there is something they desire even more than a loveless marriage of convenience—the passion they find in each other’s arms… 

This book pleasantly surpassed my expectations. I was a little unsure thinking this was going to be the same ol' run-of-the-mill HR. Guy doesn't want marriage. Guy wants army life and freedom. Guy meets gal. Gal is independent. They fall in love and marry. Yes, yes, this is an HR and of COURSE, they get their happily ever after. However, it was a lot of work and a lot of time. WHICH I liked. 

Griffin and Alyssa (stupids names - I'll rant about that later) are both super independent people. Griffin is part of a club who thinks marriage is pointless and love is a waste. The only things that matter is their friends and England. However, his father forces him to get married, so he can produce an heir. If doesn't do it he'll use his pull with the War Office to not let him go to war. Alyssa is the youngest daughter who is the last one not married. All she wants is a home of her own so she can pursue her love of gardening. They meet and decide to get married so they can get what they want and little strings attached. Like that pesky thing called love. 

I do get annoyed when people, especially men, hate love and marriage. I don't get it. I get not wanting to marry someone you don't love. SURE! But if you find the one you love marriage is good. So yeah, I thought Griffin and his friends were silly beyond belief with their club and pact. However, I wouldn't be surprised if there were clubs and pacts like this throughout history. Men are silly. But the whole concept was interesting. 

But yes, the romance was a hard earned one. They are married only a couple of days. He goes to war. They fall in love in the letters they exchange - which was super duper cute - and then he comes home physically and mentally hurt. Lots of internal and external battles they have to deal with before they finally get that HEA. Loved it.

Now..... with my one and only issue with the book.....the names in this book annoyed me. Alyssa? Griffin? C'mon. I feel like these names are totally not something in the 19th century. But who am I? Maybe they were being used, but not from my knowledge. Also, some of the language was out of place for the time period.

UGGGGH! MIRANDA AND THE DUKE NEED TO BE TOGETHER NOW! *shakes fist* Ugh I'm so tempted to skip ahead to their book. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were amazing and complex. Their love was hard earned because of external factors and internal factors which were nice. My only issue were with the names and some of the language used but that is minor overall. In the end, I'll give this 5 stars. More like 4.5, but I rounded up since I don't give decimals. 

Book Review: The Lure of the Moonflower by Lauren Willig

Author: Lauren Willig
Title: The Lure of the Moonflower (Pink Carnation Series #12)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Mystery, & Action/Adventure
Pages: 528
First Published: August 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Jack Reid, the British agent known as the Moonflower (formerly the French agent known as the Moonflower), has been stationed in Portugal and is awaiting his new contact. He does not expect to be paired with a woman—especially not the legendary Pink Carnation.

All of Portugal believes that the royal family departed for Brazil just before the French troops marched into Lisbon. Only the English government knows that mad seventy-three-year-old Queen Maria was spirited away by a group of loyalists determined to rally a resistance. But as the French garrison scours the countryside, it’s only a matter of time before she’s found and taken.

It’s up to Jane to find her first and ensure her safety. But she has no knowledge of Portugal or the language. Though she is loath to admit it, she needs the Moonflower. Operating alone has taught her to respect her own limitations. But she knows better than to show weakness around the Moonflower—an agent with a reputation for brilliance, a tendency toward insubordination, and a history of going rogue.

Well...this is the end of a wonderful series. It was a long series, so I cannot complain because everything must come to end eventually. There is nothing worse then a series that drags on and on and on. Leave it on a good note and Lauren Willig certainly did. This was an excellent book to end the series on. However, I am still sad! I want more! :(

This is Jane's story. She has been the woman behind the scenes making all the other books even possible. I love Jane and I am glad we got to see behind the mask. She is a hero, but she still is human. She carried the torch of the Pink Carnation spy-ring. If anyone deserved a HEA this lady certainly did. She has done so much for every character and for England. I am so MAD at her parents. >_> They need a kick in the romp for what they did to her.

Oooooh Jack...you rogue you *swoons*. 

I am glad he got an HEA as well. Even though he was a turncoat - you can hardly blame him. Why fight for a country that looks down on you and calls you scum because you are of mixed race? However, Jane did make a good point. She fights for a country that looks down on her for being a woman, but she still loves England and has hope that things will get better. Touche Jane! 

Honesty time....I got about halfway and set the book down and walked away. I didn't pick it back up for a couple of days....why? BECAUSE I DON'T WANT THIS WORLD TO GO AWAY! I love all the characters and I want more. Its so extremely sad.

And yes...I will even miss Eloise and Collin storyline. I still do not like Collin, but he did earn a brownie point for making a Doctor Who reference and that made me happy. I have never been a huge fan of the contemporary storyline, but I will even miss that. 

The ending...was fantastic. A perfect way to end everything in both the past and the contemporary storyline. Eloise and Collin finally met in the middle and are happy. Jane is no longer alone and can have her cake and eat it too. Perfect, but I did tear up. Pathetic, I know. My emotions though get the best of me sometimes.

In the end, the last book of the series was good. It had a perfect ending and it made me happy. Personally, I would like more. However, ending with the founder of the Pink Carnation spy-ring is perfect. She certainly did deserve so much. Jack *swoons* was made for her. I am glad Jack has found something to fight for. I highly recommend this series to those that like some espionage mixed with romance. Even the contemporary storyline has its moments. I am so proud of where the series went and how every book enchanted me. Along with this series and other books, Lauren Willig has certainly enchanted me as well, I adore her writing style and I am excited to see what she has in store for us. Well....I think I shall stamp this book with 5 stars. 

Book Review: The Virgin of the Wind Rose by Glen Craney

Author: Glen Craney
Title: The Virgin of the Wind Rose
Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Thriller, Mystery, & Action/adventure
Pages: ebook
First Published: 2014
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

While investigating the murder of an American missionary in Ethiopia, rookie State Department lawyer Jaqueline Quartermane becomes obsessed with a magical word square found inside an underground church guarding the tomb of the biblical Adam.

Drawn into a web of esoteric intrigue, she and a roguish antiquities thief named Elymas must race an elusive and taunting mastermind to find the one relic needed to resurrect Solomon's Temple. A trail of cabalistic clues leads them to the catacombs of Rome, the crypt below Chartres Cathedral, a Masonic shaft in Nova Scotia, a Portuguese shipwreck off Sumatra, and the caverns under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Intertwined with this modern mystery-thriller, a parallel duel is waged:

The year is 1452. One of the most secretive societies in history, Portugal's Order of Christ, is led by a reclusive visionary, Prince Henry the Navigator. He and his medieval version of NASA merged with the CIA scheme to foil their archenemies, the Inquisitor Torquemada and Queen Isabella of Castile, who plan to bring back Christ for the Last Judgment by ridding the world of Jews, heretics, and unbelievers.

Separated by half a millennium, two conspiracies to usher in the Tribulations promised by the Book of Revelation dovetail in this fast-paced thriller to expose the world's most explosive secret: The true identity of Christopher Columbus and the explorer's connection to those now trying to spark the End of Days.

The first four chapters had me really worried. There was so much going on and I was unsure how I felt. The POV jumped around so much and the language was so stiff, that I had a hard time connecting to the story. However, I am one to never give up.

Once things settled down a bit and the language loosened up and I was able to get a grasp of what was going on this was entertaining. I actually really got into the story and was not sure what the outcome was going to be. There were multiple mysteries/conspiracies running around that were all connected somehow. I really wanted to figure out the connection between the past POV in the 1400s/1500s and the present day POV. I had a theory and I was close-ish.

As I mentioned the writing style at first was extremely stiff, but once the action really took off then the writing loosened up. It flowed nicely and it was a quick read. Yes, there is a lot of information pouring out at some points, but due to the language used it was easy to grasp and keep going. I worry about historical mysteries and thriller novels, because it can be overwhelming sometimes and rather boring I'll admit. However, the author kept my attention and kept me hooked to the story. 

UGGGGHHHHHH the ending! Not a fan. Not happy. It's a cliffhanger and I hated the fate of one of the characters. PLEASE FIX IT! I just grew to like that character. :( SO SAD. SO TRAGIC. I cannot say, but UGH the feels.

DO NOT TRUST ANYONE! No one and nothing is as it seems. Messed with my brain! It was good that it kept me on my toes. 

In the end, this had a rough start for me, but it got better. I'm weary of thrillers and mysteries, but the author made it easy to grasp and it flowed nice and quick. I managed to get this done in a matter of a couple days. I HAD TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED NEXT! The ending made me mad and sad, but I am curious to see what happens next. PLEASE, PLEASE FIX IT!! 

Well, I recommend this to those that like historical mysteries mixed with modern espionage. In the end, I shall stamp this with 3 stars. 

Book Review: The Secrets of Casanova by Greg Michaels

Author: Greg Michaels
Title: The Secrets of Casanova
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, and Adventure
Pages: ebook
First Published: October 19th, 2013 
Where I Got It: Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion. 

"Paris of 1755 is bloated with opportunity. That’s the way Jacques Casanova, an unredeemed adventurer with an ever-surging appetite for pleasure, needs it. But times, men, and gods are changing—and Jacques’ luck is fading. When he is thrust to the center of a profound mystery, he doesn't ask if vice or virtue leads him onward. “After all,” he declares, “a man who asks himself too many questions is an unhappy man.” But as Jacques’ challenges mount, what questions will he ask? What price must he pay to uncover a treasure of inestimable value? Loosely based on Casanova’s life of intrigue, danger, and passion, The Secret's of Casanova will keep you burning the midnight oil."

Like earlier stated, I was given this book for my honest and unbiased opinion. 

Ooooooooooooooooooh Casanova! WHAT A ROGUE! However, one can resist his charms even in a book. Greg Michaels truly did his homework on Mr. Casanova. I feel this is the closet representation of the man (from what I know and believe) that I know of. The movie did an okay job, but this book really painted the man wonderfully. Yes, he was a gambler and a lover, but he was also smart. He was a philosopher and technically had a degree in being a lawyer. He was also and foremost and adventurer. 

The adventure that we are taken on was exciting and I was addicted! I needed to know what the next clue was and even though I had a deep foreboding (which would be come true twice over) about what was going to happen, I still plummeted forward, because I needed to know just as badly as Casanova did. The ending did make me mad, BUUUUT I seen it coming. I also understand the symbolism and WHY the author ended it the way he did. Still though...I was not a happy camper and it was a small let down (at least for me...one might see it differently).

The beginning was a little slow, but it was indeed the calm before the storm. Enjoy the slowness, because after a couple of chapters things EXPLODE and the adventure begins. I'm glad the author didn't just jump into the adventure. 

Poor Dominique...can't say much, but I truly connected with her and I felt bad....sighs.

In the end, this was a fun and exciting book. Even though the ending was a small let down for me (personally), I see the wisness and the symbolism behind it. The beginning was a little slow, but it was necessary and I liked it. I recommend this to those who like their historical fiction mixed with some mystery and adventure. I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Casanova and Dominique 
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Petrine and Quentin