Book Review: Crouchback by Sarah Woodbury

Author: Sarah Woodbury

Title: Crouchback

Series: The Welsh Guard Mysteries #1

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Format: Ebook

Pages: 331

Published: November 14, 2019

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

April 1284. As a newly widowed lady-in-waiting to the very pregnant Queen Eleanor of England, Catrin never expected to return to Wales again. She was definitely unprepared to be confronted with murder when she got there--or to find herself face-to-face with Rhys, the childhood friend she lost twenty years before. Rhys had never intended to return home either, but a lifetime of war has deposited him right back where he started--impoverished and owing service to Catrin's older brother.

With Wales having fallen irrevocably to England, and fearful of trusting anyone within the English court of King Edward, Catrin and Rhys join forces against the treachery and intrigue rife within the half-built Caernarfon Castle. And when the murderer strikes again, the task before them becomes increasingly clear: catch the killer, certainly, but also protect their people from a future that is becoming more dangerous and uncertain with every day that passes.

Review:

This has been collecting virtual dust on my Kindle shelf for a while. I think this was a freebie I got ages ago....I honestly can't remember. 

But here we follow Catrin and Rhys as they join forces against murder, treachery, and intrigue. The two had been friends years and years ago, but they haven't seen each other in ages. Now that Catrin is back in Wales with the Queen. She will find herself face-to-face with her old childhood friend and a murder that could ruin everything. 

This was an intriguing read. I loved the freshness of the plot and the setting. It was nice! 

The mystery was good. I had zero idea what was going to happen. 

I liked Catrin and Rhys. There is a smidge of romance, but it wasn't at all a main plot point, which I'm glad for. 

Some areas were heavy-handed with info...which I understand...but it did slow the story down a bit.

Other than that, I really enjoyed it, and I'm glad I finally dusted this off to read it! I am curious about book 2...maybe someday ;) 

4 stars from me. 

DNF: The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

Author: Erin Sterling

Narrator: Caitlin Davies

Title: The Ex Hex

Series: The Ex Hex/Graves Glen #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Contemporary, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 28, 2021

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.

That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.

Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.

Review: 

Randomly stumbled upon this at the library while looking for something else. It seemed like the perfect book for the Spooky Season. Magic, witches, romance, and humor. 

Here we follow Vivienne and Rhys. Vivienne and Rhys broke up 9 years ago. During that break up, Vivienne nursed her broken heart like any young witch would with booze, sad music, bubble baths, and a curse. Years have passed and Rhys is back in town for the annual fall festival. However, one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes that maybe, just maybe, her silly Ex Hex may have actually worked. Between a horde of murderous wind-up toys, a ghost, and a talking cat....they have a lot on their hands. 

This started off well enough. I thought Vivi's reason for doing the hex on her ex was a touch trite. Girl....you dated for like a half a second. Sure cry in your tea and your bubble bath, but get over it. I don't think Rhys was the monster and heart breaker she made him out to be. Like sure was he an asshat? Yes. But he wasn't TERRIBLE. He wasn't bad enough to get a hex on him. 

I lost interest after the horde of wind-up toys. Wild right? I fell asleep during the scene. I woke up a few minutes later and didn't bother rewinding. Bad sign right there. I tried listening to another hour and stopped mid-scene and decided I was done. 

DNF for me for now. Maybe it can be revived in our DNF Second Chance in the future. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: DNF

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #51

- Library Love (not counting it towards this challenge)

Book Review: Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson

Author: Julia Gregson

Title: Jasmine Nights

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure

Format: paperback

Pages: 416

Published: June 5, 2012 

Where I Got It: Dollar Tree

Summary: 

At twenty-three, Saba Tarcan knows her only hope of escaping the clamor of Cardiff Bay, Wales, lies in her voice. While traveling Britain, singing for wounded soldiers, Saba meets handsome fighter pilot Dom Benson, recovering from burns after a crash. When Saba auditions to entertain troops in far-off lands, Dom follows her to London. Just as their relationship begins to take root, Saba is sent to sing in Africa, and Dom is assigned a new mission in the Middle East. As Saba explores Cairo’s bazaars, finding friendship among the troupe’s acrobats and dancers, Dom returns to the cockpit once again, both thrilled and terrified to be flying above the desert floor. In spite of great danger, the two resolve to reunite.

When Saba learns that her position makes her uniquely qualified for a secret mission of international importance, she agrees to help the British Secret Service, concealing her role from Dom. Her decision will jeopardize not only her safety but also the love of her life.

Review:

Yet another one I am finally dusting off! I'm trying to complete my TBR reading challenge. I have one left after this and I have beat the challenge! Huzzah!

Here we follow Saba Tarcan. The only way she can escape Wales is with her voice. While traveling Britain to sing and entertain injured soldiers from the war, she meets Dom. Dom is a fighter pilot who was injured in a crash. They hit it off right away and there seems to be a bond there. Just as their relationship seems to be taking off. Saba is sent to sing in Africa and Dom is sent to the Middle East for a mission. They promise that if they both survive they will find each other again. However, Saba's gig gets much more dangerous when she learns that she will be part of a secret mission of international importance...this may jeopardize her safety and possibly the love of her life.

Soooooooooooo I did struggle to get into this at first. I couldn't really connect with the characters or the story. I did kind of like Saba but I was unsure about Dom. Once we got going I grew to really adore Saba. Dom? He seemed okay, but there was something about him that made me feel MEH about him. I didn't like him until the very end.

Once I got through the first few chapters and Saba and Dom were separated to do their own thing (is that bad that I was excited to see Saba go off on her own?), I started enjoying the story more. 

Ooooh! The author really does have a way of bringing the past to life. I loved the settings and the descriptions. I could feel the energy. I could hear the music and taste the food. I felt like I was standing right there! Fantastic. 

The last quarter of the book seemed to deflate for me. The middle 50% was just so good. I couldn't put it down. The last 25% though. Mmm. I did love the last scene...it made my heart jump. However, the rest of the end felt like it was missing something. It just didn't pull together for me like I would hope. For example, the scene with the German, the table singing, and then Sabba's reaction just seemed forced. It was supposed to be a big moment and it felt awkward and missing something. 

Overall, the author really does have a way with words. These different locations came to life. The music, the smells, the food, the feel, the war, the people....fantastic. The beginning and a good chunk of the ending fell a little flat for me. I wish I had liked Dom more too. I did end up warming up to him at the end, but it took too long. Loved Sabba though. Some good, some meh, but I did enjoy some of the ride. 2 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- TBR Reading Challenge (#11)

 

Book Review: A Rogue of Her Own by Grace Burrowes

Author: Grace Burrowes

Title: A Rogue of Her Own

Series: Windham Brides #4

Genre: Historical Romance 

Format: ebook

Pages: 379

Published: March 6, 2018

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

For Miss Charlotte Windham, the best way to maintain her spinsterhood - and her independence - is a teeny, tiny brush with scandal. She chooses wealthy, handsome upstart Lucas Sherbourne as her unwitting accomplice. He's intelligent, logical, and ambitious. What Charlotte doesn't count on is that one kiss will lead them straight to the altar.

Sherbourne has no love for polite society, nor is he keen on being anybody's husband of last resort. He is attracted to Charlotte's boldness, though - and her family's influence. Without a title, he knows he'll never truly be part of their world, even as he and Charlotte inch closer to a marriage that means much more than convenience. But a scheming business partner is about to test that tenuous trust, forcing Sherbourne to make a drastic choice: his wealth or his wife.

Review:

After the last one...I was warned I wouldn't like this one since I was meh about Charlotte too. However, I pushed forward since this is the last book of this series and this part of the family. 

Charlotte wants to maintain her spinsterhood and be free. All she needs is a teeny, tiny brush with scandal. She chooses Lucas Sherbourne to be her unwitting accomplice. However, she doesn't count on that one kiss would lead them to the altar instead. Lucas has no love for polite society since he is "new money" and he isn't keen on the idea of being a husband. However, he finds he can't stay away from Charlotte. She is bold and though. He doesn't seem to mind being her husband. However, a scheming business partner is about to test that trust between them. He will have to make a drastic choice...his wealth or his wife. 

I'm glad I pushed forward and read this one. I actually ended up liking Charlotte quite a bit. Getting to know her and her reasons for how she acts...it all made sense. She has some secrets and a friend who was burned by "love". I'll keep all that a secret ;) But yes. After learning more about her, I grew to adore her. 

I liked Lucas too once I got to know him. He was meh at first and he was sort of a villain in the last book, but I grew to like him too. 

They were married pretty quickly, but the love took a while. They instantly liked each other and there was some lust, but the love and trust were hard-earned and hard-kept. They had to talk and work on it. ESPECIALLY with certain events. 

I honestly do not think I have read these book series in the right order. There are loads of other books about other family members...but I personally didn't feel like I was missing anything. Sure a couple references, but it worked. I do want to read more about the other Windhams.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. It actually ended up being my favorite of these four books! Did NOT expect that at all since Charlotte was just so annoying. I loved watching these two fall in love...and I loved that I grew to adore them. I'll give this 5 stars.  

Challenge(s):

- #25 for Romance Reading Challenge - "Rogue" in the title

(Yayy! This challenge is complete!)

Audiobook Review: No Other Duke Will Do by Grace Burrowes

Author: Grace Burrowes

Narrator: James Langton

Title: No Other Duke Will Do

Series: Windham Brides #3

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: November 7, 2017

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Julian St. David, Duke of Haverford, is barely keeping his head above water in a sea of inherited debts. Though he has a long-term plan to restore the family finances, his sister has a much faster solution: host a house party for London's single young ladies and find Julian a wealthy bride.

Elizabeth Windham has no interest in marriage, but a recent scandal has forced her hand. As much as she'd rather be reading Shakespeare than husband-hunting, she has to admit she's impressed by Julian's protective instincts, broad shoulders, and, of course, his vast library.

As the two spend more time together, their attraction is overwhelming, unexpected... and absolutely impossible. With meddling siblings, the threat of financial ruin, and gossips lurking behind every potted palm, will they find true love or true disaster?

Review:

Been meaning to get started on this one, but I've been busy busy. 

Here we continue with these Windhams. Elizabeth is next. She has no interest in marriage. All she wants to do is read and live her life, but due to a recent scandal, she may have no other choice. Julian St. David, Duke of Haverford, is barely keeping his head above water when he inherits family debits. He has a long-term plan to restore the finances, but his sister has a much faster solution...he should host a party for London's single young ladies and find himself a rich bride. 

There must be something wrong with me????? I like this author a lot. I adore the narrator too. Elizabeth a book nerd and she seems like someone I would like/relate to. Julian is very sweet and a Duke so win-win. They actually talk a lot and get to know each other. There is some drama, but not too much. It all sounds perfect, but....I was bored. Super bored. I found myself just letting this play even if I wasn't in the room. I would go to the kitchen or bathroom and not care to pause or take my phone with me. 

I just wanted this to end. I found myself speeding this up just to finally be done. Sighs. I wanted to DNF, but I couldn't get myself to do that to this author or to the series. I still want to read the next one, so I forced myself forward.

Honestly? I'm not 100% sure why I didn't connect with this and...care. Maybe it was too perfect? I have zero answers. 

The ending epilogue was very sweet though. So that made me smile. 

In the end...this wasn't for me. I was just so bored. I still want to read the next one so I forced myself to push through. It did have good characters and a very sweet ending. Plus the narrator is amazing, but not even he could keep my attention. I'll give this 2 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #41 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: What Happens at Christmas by Evonne Wareham

Author:  Evonne Wareham

Narrator:  David Thorpe

Title: What Happens at Christmas

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Holiday

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 255

Published: December 5th 2017

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Best-selling author Andrew Vitruvius knows that any publicity is good publicity. His agent tells him that often, so it must be true. In the run-up to Christmas, she excels herself - talking him into the craziest scheme yet: getting himself kidnapped, live on TV.

But when the plan goes ahead and Drew is unceremoniously thrown in the back of a van before being dragged to a hut in middle of the Brecon Beacons, it all starts to feel a little bit too real.

Meanwhile, not far away, Lori France and her four-year-old niece Misty are settling in to spend the holidays away after unexpected events leave them without a place to stay. Little do they know they’re about to make a shocking discovery and experience a Christmas they’re not likely to forget …

Review:

Been eyeballing this for a while and wanted to save it for Xmas time buuuuuuut I wanted to listen to it now ;)

The story follows best-selling author Andrew Vitruvius and wannabe author Lori France. Andrew has always been told any publicity is good publicity so he decides to join her crazy scheme of him being kidnapped on live TV. But things go off-script when he is for real kidnapped and wakes up in a hut chained to a wall. Meanwhile, not too far away, Lori and her four-year-old niece are settling in to spend the holidays after unexpected events leave them without a place to stay. Thank goodness for friends. Little do they know they will uncover a chained-up celebrity and have a Christmas no one will ever forget. 

This was for sure a different take on a romance, a xmas book, and a mystery. I couldn't resist this one!

I'll admit...I struggled to get into this at first. It took me a minute to really give a hoot about Andrew. I only care about Lori and Misty. I only started caring about Andrew when he was chained up. He had some really good character development then and then I cared about him and was interested in his POV. 

This was so unrealistic to the point it was believable. Idiot for agreeing to do the kidnapping, to begin with. SMH. But he trusted his agent's opinion. 

Now...I will say I do not buy that they fell in love so quickly. They were together for what....maybe like 5 days....a solid week? Sure I get the lust and the caring about each other....but I didn't buy that they would be angsty for each other when he had to leave. Maybe looking fondly back on the time they spent and wishing they had more time...sure....but angsty longing? Mmm....they had two kisses. I just didn't buy it for them. 

I am glad that the author made them deal with their life issues and personal issues first before they could have their HEA finally. Especially for Andrew. He had a lot of things to deal with before hunting down Lori and starting a relationship. Between his traumatic past and his traumatic experience and finding the kidnapper....boy is busy. 

The narrator did well. I swear I have heard his voice before...but I went through his list of works on Audible and I didn't recognize anything. Maybe he just sounds like someone? Who knows. Butt yes - he did well. His little girl voice made me cringe, but all the other voices were good and luckily Misty isn't around for long. 

Overall, I enjoyed this. It took me a minute to really get into the story, but I enjoyed the ride. Sure...it was unrealistic in a lot of ways, but it was fun and a different take on a HR xmas tale. I'm glad I didn't wait to listen to it. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #23 for Audiobook challenge

- #16 for Romance Bingo - Xmas setting

Book Review: The Catherine Howard Conspiracy by Alexandra Walsh

Author:  Alexandra Walsh 
Title: The Catherine Howard Conspiracy
(The Marquess House Trilogy #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, What-If
Pages: ebook
Published:  March 28th 2019 
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)



What secrets were covered up at the court of Henry VIII …? 


Whitehall Palace, England, 1539 

When Catherine Howard arrives at the court of King Henry VIII to be a maid of honour in the household of the new queen, Anne of Cleves, she has no idea of the fate that awaits her. 

Catching the king’s fancy, she finds herself caught up in her uncle’s ambition to get a Howard heir to the throne. 

Terrified by the ageing king after the fate that befell her cousin, Anne Boleyn, Catherine begins to fear for her life… 


Pembrokeshire, Wales, 2018 

Dr Perdita Rivers receives news of the death of her estranged grandmother, renowned Tudor historian Mary Fitzroy. 

Mary inexplicably cut all contact with Perdita and her twin sister, Piper, but she has left them Marquess House, her vast estate in Pembrokeshire. 

Perdita sets out to unravel their grandmother’s motives for abandoning them, and is drawn into the mystery of an ancient document in the archives of Marquess House, a collection of letters and diaries claiming the records of Catherine Howard’s execution were falsified… 

You all know my love for what-if and mystery tales! This was right up my alley so I couldn't deny it!

The story follows Perdita in 2018 and Catherine Howard in the 1500s. Perdita and her twin thought that they were cut off from their granny but after their granny dies they realize they are left the Marquess House and all of her money. After moving in, Perdita sets out to uncover the motive for the granny abandoning them. This leads to a darker and more intriguing mystery...did Catherine Howard really die?

I did really enjoy both POVs. I am always inclined to like the historical one a touch more and it was true in this one. Catherine Howard isn't given much love since she wasn't queen long. Her and poor Anne of Cleves are pretty much ignored in the wife series of Henry. *laughs at own joke*. Do I believe Catherine had an affair? I wouldn't blame her in the slightest! However, she was not dumb. I don't think she really did...c'mon the man already murdered one wife and it was your cousin! One would have to be daft for sure. That is why I always questioned the whole thing personally. But again...he was old and gross...can't blame a lass for wanting love!

This tale was a huge what-if. WHAT if Catherine's death was faked? How? Why? And by who? Certainly not by good ol' Henry. *grumbles about insanity and murder* 

Now...I agree that Henry had the temper of a wild man, especially in his later years. Do I think he was physically abusive? Maybe...but I don't think he really was. The author really wanted to make sure you hated this man. It is nice and refreshing to see him in this light. Really filling in those bad guy shoes. Some people weren't a fan of this...but I think it fit and it was refreshing. It was also refreshing to see Catherine Howard differently. She wasn't some dumb little girl. She had a brain and I liked it. It was different. 

I did enjoy the mystery and the what-if-ness. SO unlikely for 100 reasons, but that is why I liked it. History is written by the winners. We will never, ever truly know. 

My only issue was the explanations of certain things. I know it is a what-if, but I felt they were a little weak in explanations. 

Also, I wanted more in the ending! YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME LIKE THIS AUTHOR!!! NOO! 

Overall, I did like this book. It was refreshing and I was glued from page one. I read it in a couple of sittings because I had to know what was going to happen next! I like that the author took risks with the characters and the story twists. All-in-all, not a bad what-if tale! I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Book Review: The Siren's Curse by Angharad Thompson Rees

Author: Angharad Thompson Rees
Title: The Siren's Curse
Genre: Short Story, Fantasy, Thriller
Pages: ebook
Published: September 27th 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)



A shipwreck, a siren's curse, and a hopelessness as vast as the ocean.

"You think you know the story. You've heard it before, from sailors who regale the tales in ale-made stupors. Do not believe them, for if they live to tell the tale they fail to tell you one important thing—the truth.

Whether you believe me or not is none of my concern. I ask you only to listen..."

Discover the devastating truth of the siren's curse in a haunting, chilling, and lyrical tale of woe.

A random freebie I found on Amazon. I wanted something quick and different. This fit the bill!

The story follows siblings who are stranded on an island after their boat was wrecked. They are the only survivors and it has been days and they are losing hope. Things happen and Benedict gets a good face-to-face with the siren of the sea.

I felt for Benedict. He really blamed himself and he regrets leaving shore.

I do not want to spoil anything, but the ending was good. I loved the twist and it really makes sense. It also is scary. *shudders* The ocean is a scary beast. Beautiful, but scary indeed. 

Honestly, I really wanted this to be longer. I wanted more story to learn about our characters and get more of a glimpse into the truth of the siren. 

Plus I adore that cover!

If you are looking for a really good short story, this is the one for you. Super quick, but makes you think and feel.  I'll give this 5 stars even though I felt like it could've been longer. 

Book Review: Three Men and a Maybe by Katey Lovell

Author: Katey Lovell
Title: Three Men and a Maybe
Genre: Short Story and Romance
Pages: ebook
Published: December 9th 2016
I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

It’s the age-old saying. You wait all day for a bus, and then three come along at once. But proposals? That’s just ridiculous. And yet, on New Year’s Eve, as the countdown finishes and the whole pub erupts in celebrations, Cerys finds herself staring at her ex-fiancé, Ricky. Who just so happens to be kneeling on the floor, ring in hand, asking her to marry him. Again.

And if that weren’t enough, hot barman Angelo, and longtime friend Huw also decide to pop the question. At the exact same time.

Three men, two real contenders, but just one choice. What on earth will she do?




What an insanely cute story that was! I read it in one sitting and I want more! MORE I SAY MORE! *shakes fist*. 

The story follows Cerys (can someone please tell me how on Earth this is pronounced?!) who is all depressed on New Year’s Eve due to her lack of a love life. She agreed to be the DD so her pals could drink. Bless your heart Cerys lol. When midnight strikes, she gets hit with three men who take a knee to propose. D: Look you Cerys…I can’t even get one *grumbles about dumb BF*. But yes, three men from all different points of her life who all want her. 

First there is Ricky who is a blooming idiot. They broke up a while back because of his idiocy. 

Second is Huw (and again…please pronounce this name for me) who has been Cerys friend since High School and was her first. 

Third is her current fling Angelo who is just a guy she made out with who works at the bar a week previous. 

Who shall she choose? Or does she deny all? It was so fun to guess especially after reading little snipbits of their pasts. 

For me? I would be picking Huw. He was a darling and has been at her side for years. You can’t trust Ricky the Idiot and you can’t trust Angelo either. No brainer, but I also have never had three proposals dropped on my lap at the same time. Too much pressure for sure!! Be alone or pick one of them. Mmmm

This was all very cheesy and SO unlikely. 

The ending was cute and I loved it until it just ended. No epilogue? No to be continued? No! You can’t do this to me! *shakes fist* Ugh. So frustrating. It felt so unfinished. It was left open-ended and that works in some stories, but with ones such as these I need a conclusion! And no, she does make a decision (I can’t say what or who), but it was made but I want know if her decision was the right one. WAH!

I should read more by this author for sure. This was a good Holiday read even though we still have some time before Xmas and the New Year. I recommend it for sure. I’ll give this 4 stars. 

Movie Review: Leap Year (2010)

Film Title: Leap Year
Length: 1 hr and 40 Mins
Released: 2010
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: On Netflix


SUMMARY:
Anna Brady plans to travel to Dublin, Ireland to propose marriage to her boyfriend Jeremy on Leap Day, because, according to Irish tradition, a man who receives a marriage proposal on a leap day must accept it.

TRAILER:

REVIEW:
I've been meaning to watch this for a while now, because I like Amy Adams, love Ireland, and adore romantic comedies. What could go wrong? 

Well...I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it like I thought I would. 

The beginning made my eye twitch. The acting was sub-par and the character building was left to be desired. Sure the Irish stud was a stud. I nearly gave up, but I kept on going. It did get a hair better at a certain point. I feel like the actors got on track and the plot was filled out more. 

Ireland was beautiful...of course.

This had a few laughs especially poor Anna's bad luck. Poor girl. I especially felt bad for her at the very beginning when her bf Jeremy seemed to be proposing and gave her earrings instead. But I really think she was an idiot thinking she had to go to Ireland and propose to him on Leap Year. Why couldn't she just propose to him in the States? It is modern day and not uncommon for women to ask the menfolk now. BUT I get she wanted to be romantic and etc. 

The ending was the best part. I loved how everything worked out and it was cute and super romantic. 

In the end, I enjoyed the journey, but I didn't love it. A very rocky beginning, but by the end it was better. Out of five stars, I'll give this 3 stars.