Movie Reviews: Billy Madison, Murder Mystery, & Just Go With It

Sometimes I just need some silly and fun Adam Sandler movies in my life! I find myself needing a good movie marathon of his movies to lighten my mood. Weeee!

Simply a classic. One of my faves of his! 5 stars!

 

Had to rewatch this one! Still fun after all this time! 5 stars 

I never seen this one before!!! Not sure how this slipped through the cracks. But yes. Cheesy...unbelievable, but a huge laugh. 4 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Wild Irish Dreamer by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: Wild Irish Dreamer

Series: Mystic Cove #8

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook 

Published: July 14, 2020

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

What would happen if dreams came true?

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

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

Review:

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

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

*sighs deeply*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Favorite Character(s): Liam

Least Favorite Character(s): Fi 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #34

Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Genre: Historical Fiction, LGBTQ, Contemporary, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 398

Published: June 13, 2017

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

Review:

Been eyeballing this book for a little bit, but then it was picked for Book Club SO I got the push I needed to read this emerald. 

Here we follow Monique and Evelyn. Evelyn Hugo is and was a Hollywood movie icon. She is aging and wants to tell the truth behind her glamorous and scandalous life. She tracks down Monique who is a nobody writer trying to make her way and now her husband has left her. Monique takes the job to tell Evelyn's story. Write a biography and maybe this will jumpstart her career. By the end of it, Monique will discover and learn so much about Evelyn and herself. She will also learn the tragic way her life intersects with Evelyn's. 

I was literally hooked from page 1. There is something about Monique and Evelyn that is dazzling. I literally stayed up way too long finishing this because I just HAD.TO.KNOW. There is a BIG reveal near the end that just cemented my love for this book. 

What I loved most about this was that Evelyn knew she wasn't a good guy all the time. She knew her flaws and what she was willing to do to get to the top. I love a good complex character like that. She had a heart and she wasn't evil, but she knew what she wanted and she knew how to get it. 

I found the format really interesting. Each section of the book (there are 7) is named after her husband. She had 7 of them and married them all for VASTLY different reasons. I also loved that we learn Evelyn's story as if we were listening to the recording. It is her story in her words. It felt right. 

Now...I shouldn't be surprised she fell in love with a woman. That is part of the whole story and not a spoiler. However, I was surprised by WHO she fell for. That was a bigger shock than the big reveal at the end. And to be frank.................I think she could've done better. That lady was meh and by the end, I did warm up to her a bit, but I didn't like her. I might be in the minority here, but I felt like Evelyn deserved better. But you love who you love I guess. 

I loved Harry. I loved his and Evelyn's friendship. 

The ending....damn. That was good. 

My only "issue" with the book is that I wanted more time with Monique and the aftermath of what she writes. We get to see a clipping of her feature (like an excerpt), but what did she end up doing? I want more. Maybe a sequel. Call it.....'The Seven Books of Monique Grant' and have another person take her story. GAH! That would be fun. 

But yes, I ended up really adoring this book. I feel like this is a good contender for book of the year. It's up against some goodies already, but I really liked this. I wouldn't mind checking out the audio one day. 5 stars from me.

Challenge(s):

- #16 for Romance Reading Challenge - Green dress

Book Review: Madame Fiocca by Suzy Henderson

Author: Suzy Henderson
Title: Madame Fiocca
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: ebook
Pages: 425
Published:  December 13th 2019
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)



A gripping tale of love and espionage in Occupied France, based on true events.

February 1933: When her aunt gifts her two hundred pounds, twenty-year-old Nancy Wake embarks on a world cruise. Afterwards, she becomes a journalist and finds work in Paris. The city is glamorous, brimming with journalists, artists, and refugees.

While travelling across Europe on assignments, she catches the eye of wealthy industrialist Henri Fiocca, and destiny intervenes.

But as clouds of war swarm over Europe, German troops are on the march. Horrified when she witnesses Nazis whipping Jews on Vienna’s streets, Nancy vows to stop them if she ever has the chance.

When Paris falls, an encounter with a British officer draws her into the heart of an escape network. Soon she is caught in a deadly game of espionage.

As the iron fist of the enemy tightens, Nancy and Henri face a heart-breaking decision.

What happens when doing right is the road to ruin?

I couldn't resist this one. First the cover and then the story itself. 

The story follows Nancy Wake who started out as a traveler and journalist. She catches the eye of the wealthy industrialist Henri Fiocca and they eventually marry. As the clouds of war start to swarm over Europe and Paris falls, Nancy finds herself being drawn into the heart of an escape network and plays the deadly game of espionage. 

I had heard of Nancy Wake but I really didn't know much and any real details. I was excited to read this and then do some googling afterward ;) 

Part 1 was okay (a little slow paced - if I am to be honest here), but part 2 was AMAZING. I was hooked and couldn't put this down.I had no idea how this was all going to end. I was so worried about all of Nancy's friends, hubbie, and her little dog. It took all my power not to look at google and find out the answers before finishing this. LOL. 

This was well written and seemed well researched. Lots of details and lots of info. Sometimes it felt a little like a history book here and there. However, I did really like this and I was hooked. I do want to read more by this author! 

I loved Nancy. She is a true hero! I really enjoyed her story and I want to read more/watch about her. Made me tear up a couple of times.

Can I just say how beautiful this cover is??? Lovely!

Overall, I really adored Nancy and her story. She is a real hero! This was well written and it seemed pretty well researched. Made me curious to learn more about Nancy! I'll stamp this with 3 stars.  

Book Review: Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

Author: Judy Blume 
Title: Summer Sisters
Genre: YA, Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit
Pages: 416 
Published: 1998
Where I Got It: My shelf (Gift from a friend)



In the summer of 1977, Victoria Leonard's world changed forever—when Caitlin Somers chose her as a friend. Dazzling, reckless Caitlin welcomed Vix into the heart of her sprawling, eccentric family, opening doors to a world of unimaginable privilege, sweeping her away to vacations on Martha's Vineyard, a magical, wind-blown island where two friends became summer sisters...

Now, years later, Vix is working in New York City. Caitlin is getting married on the Vineyard. And the early magic of their long, complicated friendship has faded. But Caitlin has begged Vix to come to her wedding, to be her maid of honor. And Vix knows that she will go—for the friend whose casual betrayals she remembers all too well. Because Vix wants to understand what happened during that last shattering summer. And, after all these years, she needs to know why her best friend—her summer sister—still has the power to break her heart...

Read this for book club. Which was perfect because a friend gave this to me as a gift a while back.

The story follows Vix/Victoria who's life changed forever when Caitlin Somers chose her to be her friend. Caitlin welcomed Vix into her family and summer vacations to Martha's Vineyard. From there they become friends for life and summer sisters. However, something happened and it broke their friendship apart and they barely talk. Caitlin asks Vix to be her maid of honor . Even with all the betrayals and years of being apart, Vix agrees.

Poor Vix. I feel so bad for her. Caitlin is a terrible, terrible person. I won't go into all examples so I can avoid spoilers, but one thing that really bugged me. Caitlin decided to get married on Vix's birthday and then had the nerve to make a joke about it. *SPOILER ALERT* And you have the nerve to do this AND marry Vix's first boyfriend/love. *SPOILER END* You spoiled, selfish brat.

Okay - so I don't hate Caitlin as much as I throwing insults at her. She has serious problems. I really think the lady needs therapy. However, I can't really forgive her for all the terrible things she did as an adult. Little Caitlin and teenager Caitlin...sure, but adult Caitlin...is terrible to everyone who loves her.

That ending was sad. Super sad. However, it left slightly open-ended and I liked it. It really is good for conversation especially for the book club meeting I had for this book. I go back and forth about my opinion on what happened. But I am leaning towards one way.

This really was a good book. It makes you think and I feel like you connect with someone. I can really relate Vix so I can't really be mad at her for keeping falling into Caitlin's world and stay loyal to her and love her. I feel like we all have a Caitlin in our lives. Someone who we can't stop loving. Maybe a family member or friend. I know I do for sure. This book does make you feel all the emotions and makes you think about yourself.

All-in-all, this is a book worth the read. It makes you feel all the emotions from anger, to sadness, to even happiness. It is also a good book for discussions like book club ;). I shall stamp this with 4 stars.

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

Movie Review: Murder Mystery (2019)

Film Title: Murder Mystery

Length:   1h 37min 
Released:   2019
Genre:    Action, Comedy, Crime 
Rating: PG-13 
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:
A New York cop and his wife go on a European vacation to reinvigorate the spark in their marriage, but end up getting framed and on the run for the death of an elderly billionaire.

TRAILER:

REVIEW:

On the insistence of the lovely Blodeuedd, I got BF to agree and we watched it. And when Blodeuedd is right...she is right. ;)

The story follows Audrey and Nick who have been married a million years and they finally taking that European honeymoon he promised. Well...things go from being great. Meeting a rich man who invites them to go to a party on a yacht. As it would...it explodes in their face and they are faced with murder and being framed for that murder.

This was a good movie for sure. I liked it. It isn't side-ripping funny, but it was a realistic funny. If that makes any sense. A few laughs and you can't help but relate to this couple.

Oooo Luke Evans. You are the best in anything you do ;) 

But the cast was funny and fun and they did well. 

The murder mystery was good. I was not correct at all. Bummer! But good job writers! I was shocked at the end. Shoulda seen that coming! 

This is for sure a good movie for a date or being on the couch with your honey. It was fun and funny and a good mystery. 

Overall, I enjoyed this. No issues. Funny, but not cheesy or unrealistic. It had a good cast and a good murder mystery. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

 

Book Review: The Billionaire's Sham Girlfriend by Leslie North

Author: Leslie North
Title: The Billionaire's Sham Girlfriend
Genre: Romance, Contemporary 
Pages: ebook
Published: November 8th 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)



Gregor Beaumont is in a world of hurt that all the charm in his gorgeous, well-toned body can’t fix. His late grandfather, God rest his soul, wanted to make sure Gregor and his two playboy brothers settle down. He had the brilliant idea of buying up a huge share of the brothers’ engine company and using that as incentive for each brother to find Mrs. Right. Settle down or lose the company to a competitor. Well, that’s just not happening to Gregor, not when life’s so good at the moment. Gregor likes racing fast cars and seducing fast women, and not necessarily in that order. Settle down? Not a chance. Gregor has his own brilliant idea: find some wholesome and desperate girl to pretend to be his girlfriend. No harm. No foul. Unless things start getting a little bit too real.

Kara Alerby knows she’s a sucker for blues eyes and a great smile, so when Gregor comes into her theater wanting to hire her to act the part of his adoring girlfriend, she’s already got her defenses on high alert. But Kara’s a practical girl, and Gregor’s offering a boatload of money that would go a long way toward making her dream of creating a fine arts school for gifted kids a reality. She can ignore his smiles, his charisma, and his kiss-me mouth if it means she’ll get her school. All she has to do is remind herself, every second of every day they’re together, that it’s all make believe—even when it doesn’t always feel that way. 

When Greg’s love of racing puts his life in jeopardy, Kara isn’t ready to watch another person die in front of her like her father did. And Greg isn’t about to stop doing the one thing that makes life worth living. The two are on a collision course, one that could break them apart forever if they don’t change directions… 

Where the heck is my Billionaire??? Ugh. So jealous. 

But yes, Gregor is a rich dude looking for someone to act as his girlfriend and future wife so he can meet the requirements to get his grandad's inheritance. Kara is an improv teacher who dreams of running the drama theater. They meet and Kara agrees to be his fake girlfriend. 

This was a cute, short story. I adored Gregor even though he was a stubborn mule. I even liked Kara. They were cute together and you could see the attraction right away even though they ignored it as much as possible. 

What I really liked was how unbelievable this scenario is, but it felt real. I feel like if this did happen this would happen. Lots of hurdles to overcome especially since Gregor has had nothing but one-night stands and short little romances. It was pretty predictable, but it didn't bug me. 

The grandma was adorable and scary all at the same time. 

I do wish that this was a little longer so we could see these characters grow more. I also would like some more in the epilogue there. 

In the end, this was very enjoyable and it was a quick and hot romance. I am jealous. Why can't I be the fake GF of a rich, hot guy ;) Oh well. I'll give this 4 stars. I wanted more though.