Movie Review: Dracula (2025)

Title: Dracula - A Love Tale

Length: 2h 9m

Released: 2025 (2026 US)

Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Romance
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Apple TV

SUMMARY:

When a 15th-century prince denounces God after the loss of his wife he inherits an eternal curse: he becomes Dracula. Condemned to wander the centuries, he defies fate and death, guided by a single hope - to be reunited with his lost love.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I saw this trailer a while back, and I have been waiting and waiting for it to arrive in the US. When it finally did, I dragged Hubby to the couch to make him watch this with me. I looove a good Dracula film!

Here we have Dracula, who was a prince in the 15th-century. He killed and did many bad things in the name of God. The only thing he asked for was protection for his wife. Well...she was murdered and died in his arms, so he turned his back on God, which in turn God gave him an eternal curse. Condemned to never die and to drink blood for survival. He hopes his beloved will be reincarnated since she was of a pure soul. 400 years later...he has found her and no one will stop him from reclaiming his love. 

What a lovely cast. What a lovely story. I really, really enjoyed it. The guy who played Dracula was amazing. 

This rendition certainly played up the love story and made this more of a romance. Still some horror elements, but certainly more romantic. 

That last scene literally broke me. SOO good. SOO perfect.

No issues for me. Hubby said he liked it, but he thought it had some weird elements. I disagree. I liked the change-ups. 

We have the romance and the horror. We also were given splashes of comedy that made me smile. 

I'll give this 5 stars. I want to watch it again!

Movie Review: Wuthering Heights (2026)

Title: Wuthering Heights

Length: 2h 16m

Released: 2026

Genre: Drama, Romance
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Theater

SUMMARY:

A passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.

Trailer

REVIEW:

When I saw the trailer for the first time months ago, I knew I had to go see this. 'Wuthering Heights' is one of my favorite books to date. I read it every few years. I would read it every year, but it is a tragic read for sure. 

Here we have Cathy and Heathcliff. We all know the story. They are toxic, and their love is destructive. He misunderstands her conversation and leaves. She marries Linton. He comes back rich and ready to either have her or destroy everything. 

I will admit....I was nervous about the casting here. Mainly so our Heathcliff. I've seen this acting, and I like him, but I didn't know if he could pull off the dark side of Heathcliff. The youthful and in love version is doable, but the toxic side? I was nervous. HOWEVER, I was proven wrong. He did a delightful job. I wanted to clap. 

The rest of the cast was lovely. They all did a great job making you hate them and/or feel pity for them. I also loved the kid versions they cast. They actually looked like mini versions of our characters. Lovely. 

So, I went with Hubby and our mutual friend. Hubby barely remembered the last version I made him watch, but our mutual friend had never seen or read the book. After the movie ended, he said, "Man. I started off liking them, but I hated them by the end." I replied, "Yep. They are all terrible, terrible humans. Minus Linton, who didn't deserve any of this." And that is why I love this. They are all so toxic to each other. Maybe if everyone just sat down and talked ALL of this drama could've been avoided. So many hurt feelings. So many betrayals. So dang tragic. 

The aesthetic and music choice was interesting. I was a little unsure at first, but I grew to like it a lot. The colors were bold. 

The ending was different from the book. Which is fine. They cut out a whole part of Heathcliff's schemes, but it isn't the first movie adaptation that has done this. 

I was also really annoyed that they didn't include a huge part of Cathy's monologue describing her love for Heathcliff and Linton. It's classic! It is what all of booknerds wanted to hear! Disappointing!

In the end, I did enjoy this. I can see myself watching this again. It was intense and delightful, but in a dark way. They changed the ending, which didn't bug me too much. My biggest complaint is so minuscule, but I LOVE that whole quote. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

Audiobook Review: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Author: Kendare Blake

Narrator: Amy Landon
Title: Three Dark Crowns

Series: Three Dark Crowns #1

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: September 20, 2016
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

When kingdom come, there will be one.

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born—three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins.

The last queen standing gets the crown.

Review:

First book club book of 2026! Weeeeeee!

Here we follow three sisters. All three are queens and equal heirs to the crown, and all are magical. However, there can only be one queen to rule them all. Mirabella is an elemental. Katharine is a poisoner who can ingest poisons. Arsinoe is a naturalist. This will be a fight to the death on the night of the sisters' 16th birthday. 

How cool is this concept? Def royals meets fantasy meets Hunger Games. Loved the idea and the concept. I wouldn't want to live here, but the powers would be lovely. I guess I would just want to be a civilian. I wouldn't make a good queen. 

The execution of the story was...okay. It was so slow and so dry in the beginning. Yes, we are learning about the sisters and the world and the rules, etc. However, it took forever for anything to really happen. Plus, we had a lot of POVs going on. Not just the queens, but a lot of their friends, etc. Sure, I didn't mind getting a glimpse of the world, but I think I would've liked this more if it were just the queens' POVs. 

Also, I did the audio of this. I wonder if I would've appreciated the multiple POVs if I did the ebook/physical book of it. It would've been easier to follow along. There were a couple of times I was confused about who was saying what. I had to rewind a couple of times. Don't get me wrong, the narrator is good! I have listened to her before, but so many POVs and soooo many characters, it is hard to have a different voice for each person. 

OMG, the end. I need to read book 2. Dayum. 

Oh! There was another scene a few pages back that had me audibly gasp! Holy cannoli batman!

Overall, I did enjoy myself while listening to this. I think I would've liked it more if I did a different format and/or if we have less POVs. I do want to read book 2 because things have HEATED up. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #2

- Library Love #3

Book Review: Wild Scottish Knight by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Title: Wild Scottish Knight

Series: The Enchanted Highlands #1

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Format: ebook

Pages: 316

Published: April 4, 2023

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Opposites attract in this modern-day fairytale when American, Sophie MacKnight, inherits a Scottish castle along with a hot grumpy Scotsman who is tasked with training her to be a magickal knight before the Kelpies wreak havoc on the people of Loren Brae.

The knight was supposed to be a man.

Not me, Sophie MacKnight, a marketing associate from California.

This must be a practical joke that the Scots play on visiting Americans. Because otherwise I’ve inherited a haunted castle in Scotland, along with one irritatingly sexy Scotsman, who would be delighted if I turned tail and ran.

Frankly, I thought I would fly here, sell the heap of bricks, and head back home to a life that I…well, I was comfortable with at the very least. Instead, the people of Loren Brae are in trouble, and it appears that as the new owner of the castle, I’m next in line to reinstate the magickal Order of Caledonia. Which means, first, I have to learn to believe in magick. And secondly, I have to train to become a knight.

And my trainer? None other than Lachlan Campbell, the grumpiest man I’ve ever had the annoyance of meeting. It’s a toss-up who is pricklier, Lachlan, or his kilted Chihuahua, Sir Buster. Not only does Lachlan think that I can’t hack it, but he also resents my claim on his castle.

If only he didn’t look so devastatingly hot in his kilt.

Now, I’m stuck proving myself to him, all while trying to figure out how to help my new friends in Loren Brae.

Sparks fly as our swords meet, and we battle our rising attraction for each other.

Who will win in this (Highland) game of love?

Review:

I adore this author, so I had to check this one out. 

Sophie has inherited a Scottish castle from her beloved uncle. When she arrives, there is alot more than just having a castle to renovate....there are Kelpies out to destroy the village, she is a Knight, she has to learn magic, there are ghosts, and there is a grumpy man who doesn't seem to want her there. 

This was a hoot. I had a lot of fun with our characters and the situation. Poor Sophie. That is a lot to take on, but she needed this adventure. She was stuck in a life she didn't truly want. 

This was def a "light" fantasy, and I appreciated that. I didn't want to get too deep into the weeds of the magical world. Sure, there are real threats and some fights and dramatic moments, but it was cozy in a way. 

One thing that annoyed me was that I struggled with the chemistry between these two until near the end. Maybe he was too grumpy? I loveeeee grumpy, but maybe he was just too closed off for me to buy it. Maybe they were slightly overshadowed because of the chemistry between two side characters. Their banter was on fire. Can we see them finally fall in love? IDK. I just didn't really feel their chemistry at first. 

Other than that, I had a lot of fun with this story. This felt more like a fantasy chick lit tbh. 

4 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce

Author: Kristy Boyce

Narrator: Abigail Reno
Title: Dating and Dragons

Series: Gaming and Romance #2

Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: December 31, 2024
Where I Got It: My shelf (gift)

Summary: 

Quinn Norton is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to making friends. The plan sounds even better when she’s invited into a group that includes Logan Weber, the cute and charming guy she met on her first day of class. But this isn’t your average D&D campaign— this group livestreams their games and enforces strict rules: no phones allowed, and no dating other group members.

Quinn is willing to accept the rules, even if it makes Logan off-limits. And she quickly learns that doing so won’t be a problem, since Logan goes from charismatic to insufferable as soon as she agrees to join. As their bickering—and bantering—intensifies inside and outside the game, Quinn can’t help wondering: Is Logan’s infuriating behavior a smokescreen for hidden feelings? Quinn is risking it all, and the twenty-sided dice are rolling!

Review:

I was given this as a giftie because I had really loved book 1. It was so fun.

Here we have Quinn and Logan. Quinn is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to starting this new life with new friends. This sounds like a perfect plan when she notices that Logan is part of the group. He was nothing but smiles and kindness on her first day. This group has special and strict rules since they live stream their sessions: no phones and no dating other group members. She quickly learns the no-dating rule won't be a problem since Logan went from charming to insufferable as soon as he finds out she is joining the group. As their bickering and bantering intensify, Quinn can't help but wonder....is Logan's jerk behavior a smokescreen to hidden feelings? Would it be worth Quinn finding out?

This can be read as a standalone. This doesn't really tie into the other book. Different group and different school. There are some cameos, but you can read this one without the other one. Bummer, but oh well. 

This was very sweet, and I loved everyone. I especially loved Quinn's granny. She was hilarious and fun! She had me in stitches. I want to be her when I grow up!!!!!

Quinn was sweet. The girl needs some therapy, though. Her last group of friends was TOXIC with a capital T. 

Logan, once you see past the asshole-ness, is very sweet as well. Very charming. No wonder he plays a bard so well. 

There were a couple of little plot "twists" that were added. Sure, I get WHY...drama baby, drama...but it just bogged down the story a bit for my liking. I do not think it was necessary to add more fuel to the angst and pining for these two. Gah. Poor Quinn.

The narrator did a good job. All her teen boy voices were very similar, so you really have to focus and listen. But other than that - I liked her. She did well. 

In the end, I enjoyed this a lot. A nice new group of teens finding love in D&D and finding love at the table. The "live streaming" was a nice element. I hope we see them in the next book. Even a cameo would be nice. 

4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #1

Book Review: The Christmas Stocking by Fern Michaels

Author: Fern Michaels

Title: The Christmas Stocking

Genre: Chick Lit, Short story, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 85

Published: October 27, 2020

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Amy Baran is determined to raise money for a new seniors’ center by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm she remembers from her childhood. Trouble is, Gus Moss has his own ideas about saving the farm his father has neglected. Neither wants to give up, but when attraction turns to romance, they just might have to give in . . .

Review:

Whoops. Meant to type this review a couple of days ago....whoopsies. We'll see how much I remember. 

A nice short story set during Christmas. Amy is determined to raise money for a new seniors' center. She wants to do this by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm from her childhood. Trouble walks in when Gus has his own ideas about saving the farm. It belongs to his family, and his father has neglected it. Neither wants to give up, but something is brewing in the air between them. 

Honestly...I started this before the New Year and right before Christmas, but it fell away, and I forgot about it. And then I got the reminder that the book was due back soon. Eeek. Thank goodness this is a short story!

This was entertaining enough. I like this author, so I thought this would be lovely for the holidays. However, the story and characters felt...overplayed. Maybe I read too many Xmas books lately. Maybe the author just needs more time with the story and the characters to flesh it out a bit? Maybe I am a Grinch with the holidays being over?

So yeaaaaaa....eh. Not bad by any means, it just felt boring. Nothing took me by surprise. 

2 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Library Love #1 

Book Review: The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

Author: Sara Raasch

Title: The Nightmare Before Kissmass

Series: Royals and Romance #1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, LGBT

Format: ebook

Pages: 357

Published: October 8, 2024

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Nicholas “Coal” Claus used to love Christmas. Until his father, the reigning Santa, turned the holiday into a PR façade. Coal will do anything to escape the spectacle, including getting tangled in a drunken, supremely hot make- out session with a beautiful man behind a seedy bar one night.

But the heir to Christmas is soon commanded to do his duty: he will marry his best friend, Iris, the Easter Princess and his brother’s not-so-secret crush. A situation that has disaster written all over it.

Things go from bad to worse when a rival arrives to challenge Coal for the princess’s hand…and Coal comes face-to-face with his mysterious behind-the-bar hottie: Hex, the Prince of Halloween.

It’s a fake competition between two holiday princes who can’t keep their hands off each other over a marriage of convenience that no one wants. And it all leads to one of the sweetest, sexiest, messiest, most delightfully unforgettable love stories of the year.

Review:

I was scrolling through some Halloween books on my Libby app and then I stopped dead when I came across this one. I knew I HAD to read it!! 

Coal used to love Christmas until Santa, his dad, turned it into a PR facade. He wants to escape it and avoid even, but he is the heir to Christmas. However, duty calls and now duty is making him marry his best friend and the love of his brother's life....the Easter Princess. Things get even worse when a rival arrives to challenge Coal for the princess' hand.......the prince of Halloween, Hex. Funnily enough this is the same mystery man that kissed him years ago at some seedy bar. This fake competition between the two holiday princes will lead to a messy, but sexy holiday season. 

This was really amusing. I had a good time following Coal around. He is a hot mess but a hot mess with a big heart. Hex was dark and smexy.

This concept was a lot of fun and I loved how holidays are pretty much like countries. So refreshing and different!!

I enjoyed every bit of this story, but I really cringed at the text exchanges. They were aiming to be funny and modern, but it didn't vibe with me for some reason. Super awkward attempt at humor for me. 

Other than the texting threads, I had a lot of fun. I loved watching the fake engagement competition. I loved the princess. I loved Kris. So fun.

Minus the cringey texts, I would 100% recommend this. It was entertaining and you can't help but root for this adorable couple. 

4 stars from me. 

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #29

- Romance Reading #22 (MC is a royal)

Book Review: Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

Author: Kristen Ciccarelli

Title: Heartless Hunter

Series: The Crimson Moth #1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, YA

Format: ebook

Pages: 411

Published: February 20, 2024

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

On the night Rune’s life changed forever, blood ran in the streets. Now, in the aftermath of a devastating revolution, witches have been diminished from powerful rulers to outcasts ruthlessly hunted due to their waning magic, and Rune must hide what she is.

Spending her days pretending to be nothing more than a vapid young socialite, Rune spends her nights as the Crimson Moth, a witch vigilante who rescues her kind from being purged. When a rescue goes wrong, she decides to throw the witch hunters off her scent and gain the intel she desperately needs by courting the handsome Gideon Sharpe - a notorious and unforgiving witch hunter loyal to the revolution - who she can't help but find herself falling for.

Gideon loathes the decadence and superficiality Rune represents, but when he learns the Crimson Moth has been using Rune’s merchant ships to smuggle renegade witches out of the republic, he inserts himself into her social circles by pretending to court her right back. He soon realizes that beneath her beauty and shallow façade, is someone fiercely intelligent and tender who feels like his perfect match. Except, what if she’s the very villain he’s been hunting?

Review:

This is the next pick for book club! 

Here we follow Rune and Gideon. Everyone's lives changed dramatically after the revolution. The witches have been removed from power and have been turned into hunted outcasts. Rune must hide who she is and what she does so she can stay alive and save as many witches as she can from being executed. She spends her days as a spoiled and vapid socialite. She needs intel and the best way to do that is by courting Gideon who is the country's best witch hunter and her best friend's brother. After learning that Rune's own ship had witches it on it, Gideon suspects her of being a witch so he starts courting her back to investigate.

I LOVED the concept of this one. So very French Revolution-like. Very fresh and cool. I also loved the concept of the witches in this world. 

As much as I enjoyed the concept of the story, I struggled a bit with this one. Mainly for the fact I hated Gideon and Rune. I ended up adoring Alex though and thought she'd be better off with him, but who am I?

Gideon is an ass. Sure he has his whole reason for wanting witches dead. I get it, but damn that one scene! Grrrr.

Rune...she was an idiot. How did she survive this long? And she was a meanie. 

Alex was a sweet bean! He didn't deserve a mean friend like Rune and a mean brother like Gideon. 

There was a glimmer of hope when Gideon and Rune seemed to get along and had that one scene together. BUT it was quickly and utterly destroyed. The romance wasn't strong at all. All hate. I feel like we needed more scenes with them being in love. 

And that ending? Sure I am a touch curious to see what happens next but I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO mad right now so we'll have to see. GAH! *goes to chuck book but then realizes it is an ebook and is on my cell phone and my poor cell phone doesn't deserve being chucked*

Honestly, I think if this was just a fantasy and not labeled as a romance I would've liked it better. I was expecting more romancing in this booked labeled as a romance. Yes, yes, this is a enemies-to-lovers but there was no real "TO". The moment they are both in love with each other was just a blink. And how do we come back from an ending like the ending that just happened?

I am super curious to see how the others of book club liked this book.

On one hand, I loved the story and the concept and the world. Super cool and fresh. On the other hand, though, the romance was a hard fail for me. The characters are assholes (not sweet Alex) and how on Earth do they find love after the conclusion of the this story? I might read book 2 someday. 

Rating? Oh lordie I have been dreading this moment..................................................I'll be nice and give it a 3. ONLY for the fact that if I pretend this isn't a romance it was a fun story. I loved the world and the witches. Plus Alex was a gem and deserved better. 

Favorite Character(s): Alex

Least Favorite Character(s): everyone else

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #27

Book Review: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Author: Onyx Storm

Title: Rebecca Yarros

Series: The Empyrean #3

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 544

Published: January 21, 2025

Where I got It: Borrowed friend's copy

Summary: 

After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty. Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath.

Review:

Been holding off on reading this because I KNOW the next book is not released yet and I just knew that this ending was probably going to piss me off again and then leave me needing answers. Sighs. I finally caved and started this bad boy. 

We pick up where we left off. Violet and her friends need to figure out how to stop the wards from failing and find allies for this upcoming war. The trip will take them to unfamiliar lands and test all of their wit, luck, and strength. They need an army, power, and most importantly....magic. However, there is a secret that she must keep that threatens everyone she loves. 

The beginning couple of chapters was intense and great and fun. Things came to a screeching halt for a while though. It dragged and dragged and dragged. If I hear Violet say how hot Xaden is ONE more time I will screaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam. We get it Violet. He's a hunk and you love him. I honestly feel like some of this was filler that could've been trimmed down a bit. Don't get it twisted...I loved the talking bits and the political intrigue. That is always entertaining. However, there for sure some filler parts. It felt like the author just wanted to add extra pages to make this bigger. 

Andarna! You sweet, sweet bean of a dragon. I love her so much. 

The ending. Well. TWIST! AND CLIFFIE! GAH! Dang author got me again. I literally flipped the last page a couple of times looking for more. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

All-in-all, I did enjoy this continuation. I worry for everyone and especially Xaden after the conclusion of this one. The cliffie is intense and we do not have another book yet. GAH! I can't wait! I truly hope the author does some good editing though. There was SO much filler in this one. SOOOOO much. It dragged the plot down at some points. We don't need 500+ pages. It's rare that a story needs that much. I think we could've shaved about 50 pages and it would've helped the plot and story. 

Ignoring my annoyance with the filler scenes, I liked this book. I hope the series stays this good or gets better. 

I struggled with a rating. I think 3.5 would be perfect, but Goodreads doesn't have decimals. So after some complicated mathage I decided to land on 3. MAINLY for the fact the other two were better by a margin.

3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Andarna

Least Favorite Character(s): No spoilers....but there was a group of dragons that needed to be kicked. PLUS our big baddie of this one.

Movie/Play Review: Frozen (2025)

Title: Frozen - Broadway Musical

Length: 1h 51m

Released: 2025

Genre: Musical, Play, Family, Adventure, Romance
Rating: TV-PG
Where I Got It: Disney+

SUMMARY:

Queen Elsa's hidden powers plunge Arendelle into an eternal winter and her sister Anna sets out to find her and save the kingdom. As the storm rages on, both sisters must learn that only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Awww I hope we get more Broadway musicals on these streaming apps. I love plays! I love broadway! Eeeeee. 

This is a stage adaptation of the popular movie 'Frozen'. When Elsa is made queen her powers plunge Arendelle into an eternal winter. It is up to her sister, Anna, to save her and the kingdom. 

This was fun. I really enjoyed it! The cast was lovely. We got some additional songs which were entertaining! The costumes? BEAUTIFUL. 

OMG the scene with Elsa changing her dress? That was awesome! I literally gasped!!!!!

I did have to chuckle at how they did Olaf. The actor was perfect and funny, but when they would lean down and talk to Olaf....it looked like they were talking to his crotch. I couldn't help but chuckle. I feel like they should've made Olaf a little taller or something. (See pic below) But it didn't make or break the play. I still enjoyed his performance. 

But this was lovely and I really enjoyed it. I'm so happy they put this on the screen for us all to enjoy. I hope we get more of these. Yes, it is always better to see these live but it's still fun to watch on the screen. 

I'll give this 5 stars. 

 

Audiobook Review: Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Narrator: Em Eldridge

Title: Accomplice to the Villain

Series: Assistant to the Villain #3

Genre: Fantasy, Humor, Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: August 5, 2025

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

REWARD OFFERED: Apprentice to The Villain wanted for treason (light), magical property damage (alleged), and one incident involving a weaponized scone (accurate). Frequently seen with a grumpy frog (crowned, judgmental). Answers to “Evie” or “Stop that.”

Evie Sage didn’t mean to become the right-hand woman to the kingdom’s most terrifying villain. One minute, she was applying for an entry-level position that promised “light paperwork and occasional beheadings,” and the next, she was knee-deep in magical mayhem, murder plots, and an entirely inappropriate crush on her brooding, sharp-jawed, walking disaster of a boss.

Now, with a magical prophecy unraveling, assassins showing up in the break room, and a suspicious amount of frogs wearing crowns, Evie has to figure out how to survive her job without setting the kingdom on fire—or her dignity, which is hanging by a very sarcastic thread.

Being evil-adjacent was never part of the five-year plan. But then again…neither was falling for The Villain.

A magical office comedy with grumpy bosses, snarky frogs, and definitely-not-feelings.

Review:

After the conclusion of the last book, I knew I HAD to continue forth when this was released...I had to. The moment I got this from the library I started reading. 

We continue from where we left off with one big difference. No longer is Evie just an assistant....she is now an accomplice to the Villain. She didn't MEAN to become the right-hand woman to the kingdon's most terrifying villain, but that is just how the cookie crumbles. They are all knee-deep in magical mayhem, saving the world of magic, murder plots, a traitor, love, and paperwork. 

So I read the ebooks of the first two books so it was interesting to get my hands on the audio version of this. I really enjoyed her voices! I enjoyed the ebook and the audio so you know it is a good story and good writing when both are acceptable formats. 

Now...I didn't like this AS much as the other two books. Don't get me wrong, I still was entertained and enjoyed the story. I do feel like this was weighed down by side characters. 

Woah, what? I can hear you asking, "Carole...don't you love a good side character?" I do!!! And I was excited to learn more about the other members of the crew HOWEVER, I felt like we spent TOO much time with them and their romances. Omg everyone is sleeping with everyone in this office. Love the drama, but it was TOO much even for me. 

Other than that, I enjoyed it. Lots of chaos. Lots of magic. Lots of humor. Lots of chemistry. Lots of entertaiment to be had. I honestly feel like there is something for everyone in these books. The romance doesn't really too over too much. The fantasy isn't too heavy. The humor isn't overboard. It's nice. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. Not as much as book 1 or 2, but I still liked it. I want a little (teeny bit) bit less of the crew and focus more on our two mains for the next book. 3 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): Evie and the frog

Least Favorite Character(s): Evie's parents

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #39

- Library Love #25

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

Author: Claudia Gray

Title: The Murder of Mr. Wickham

Series: Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney #1

Genre: Mystery, Retelling, Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 387

Published: May 3, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

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

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favorite Character(s): Juliet

Least Favorite Character(s): Wickham of course.  

 Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #18

- Library Love #19

Audiobook Review: Death at the Drive-In by Angie Fox

Author: Angie Fox

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Title: Death at the Drive-In

Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #13

Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: March 19, 2024

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Verity's quest to save her friend takes her to a long-abandoned part of Sugarland where rockabilly ghosts rule.

Review:

I'm in love with this series and these characters. I'm pretty much caught up now. There is just one more book already published and then after that....I'll have to wait! Gasp!

Verity and her gang are up for a big challenge. They will need to figure out how to save Frankie's girlfriend who was possessed by another ghost. Yes, ghosts can possess other ghost. This will lead them to a long-abandoned part of Sugarland where rockabilly ghosts rule the roost. Trying to save their friend will lead to a cold case that will have to be solved. 

I would recommend reading the other books before this one. Lots and lots of references. 

Lots of mysteries afoot in this one! Between saving a friend and solving a cold case and defeating corrupt cops and the Irish Mob....Verity and the gang have a lot on their hands!!! It was all fun and all connected and done really, really well. 

Spoiler, not spoiler, I loved seeing Verity and her MIL team up. That was unexpected but mama Virginia doesn't have much going on and I think a part of her heart wants to be loved. Honestly, I think that is why I love this series so much. Not only does Verity and Frankie have character developments, but our sides do too. It feels all so real. 

I was sad that Ellis wasn't really involved here. We get to see him for a few moments before he takes off. Bummer. I missed his lil face. BUT I think this was done on purpose because we got to see more of Frankie and Molly fighting for each other and their love. That was nice to see more of that. I GUESS I can kind of forgive not seeing swoon-worthy Ellis as much. 

OOO. The twist was nice. Seen part of it coming, but the whole thing?? Got me there. 

The narrator was fabulous as per normal. 

All-in-all, I am in love with this series. Love our mains and our sides. I am eager to read the next one! Super fun. Lots of mysteries and ghosties afoot. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Verity 

Least Favorite Character(s): Seamus

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #33

- Cloak & Dagger #17

Book Review: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore

Author: Laurie Gilmore

Title: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store

Series: Dream Harbor #2

Genre: Romance, Cozy Mystery

Format: paperback

Pages: 384

Published: August 29, 2024

Where I got It: My shelf (Xmas gift)

Summary: 

When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can't understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues… she just need someone to help her out.

Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he's been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help!

Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells…

Review:

Weee! Back in this little town!

Here we follow Hazel and Noah. The two couldn't be more different. Hazel is a nearly 30 year-old book store owner who never does anything reckless or fun. Noah who is in his mid 20s and does countless reckless stuff. He doesn't want responsibility because he doesn't think he is smart enough. The two join forces to solve the clues left in books at Hazel's shop. Who doesn't love a fun scavenger hunt!!

These two were adorable. Noah is helping her out of her shell and she is helping him realize he is much more than fun-time-one-night-stand guy. They were simply perfect for each other and you can tell they fell hard, but they are not good at sharing their emotions. Adorable beans. 

The scavenger hunt was sweet, but I wanted more. More clues. More adventures. I sometimes forgot what they were up to lol. 

Annie....>_> ugh. She is getting a book eventually, but I was not impressed with her in this one. She just rubbed me the wrong way and I just wanted Hazel to SCREAM at her. GAH. 

But yes, overall, I enjoyed this much more than book one. I did want more clues for the scavenger hunt, but oh well. Hazel and Noah are such sweeties and I loved watching them come together. This town is adorable. I can't wait to start the next one. 4 stars from me. 

 

Favorite Character(s): Hazel

Least Favorite Character(s): Annie 

 Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading #19 (Food on cover - cinnamon rolls in the window)

- Cloak & Dagger #15