Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Tycoon by Joanna Shupe

By: Joanna Shupe

Narrated by: Courtney Patterson, Ryan Stone

Series: Knickerbocker Club, Book 0.5

Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins

Release date: 05-09-23

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance /to review

Audio novella! I was all in, I can do short.

A quick start. Ted is about to board a train, a strange woman grabs him. Play along, play along! But he is rich as f. Women always throw themselves at him. 

Clara saw something bad and sees a chance and hopes the man will play along.

Together at a train for a few days. Sparks fly, but she does not tell him the truth. Which sure, ok she wants to protect him, but no wonder he gets mad and thinks something else at the end.

A bit of drama before that happily ever after.

A short story that works.

Good narration, a male and a female narrator that takes the two povs and it works well.

Standing on the platform at Grand Central Depot, Ted Harper is surprised by a fiery kiss from an undeniably gorgeous damsel in distress. He's certain she's a swindler who's only after his money, but he's never met a woman so passionate and sure of herself. Disarmed, he invites her to spend the journey to St. Louis in his private car—perhaps against his better judgment . . .

Clara Dawson has long known how to take care of herself, but the savvy shop girl is at a loss when she witnesses—and becomes entangled in—a terrible crime. Desperation propels her into a stranger's arms at the train station, but she hadn't expected Ted to offer her the protection she so badly needs—nor did she expect their chemistry to develop more steam than the engine of the train. He's everything she never thought she could have, and she's everything he didn't know he wanted. But as her secrets begin to unfurl, their fledgling romance could be in danger of derailing before they arrive at the next station.

Adam Sandler Movie-Fest

So I randomly went on an Adam Sandler movie-binge. Don't ask me why....I started with '50 First Dates' and went on from there. I didn't realize Hulu had so many of his movies there so I went a lil nuts! 

This is literally my favorite Adam Sandler movie! I love him and I love Drew Barrymore. They are both fantastic in this movie.

Such a great cast along with our two mains.

This is such a cute movie and concept. Henry has commitment issues and has plans to do some research in Alaska so he for sure doesn't want to be held down. Lucy had an accident where she loses her memory when she wakes up the next day. Her family and friends pretend it is the same day over and over to keep her from knowing the truth. She and Henry meet and it seems like love at first sight, but things are not simple and he will have to convince her to fall in love every day and convince her family that he is serious.

This is such a sweet story! It is also filled with humor. I used to watch this ALL.THE.TIME. Great movie for a rainy day. Plus, Hawaii is the setting and I adore it! Def a 5-star watch. 

Title: 50 First Dates

Length: 1 hr & 39 mins

Released: 2004

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Trailer

Top 5 of my faves from Adam Sandler. Another fantastic movie with him and Drew Barrymore. Why didn't they do more???? They are perfect co-stars. 

Set in the 80's....our Wedding Singer is one of the best in the biz, but after his heart is broken he starts to lose himself and his love for weddings. When he meets Julia he can't help but fall for her, but she is unhappily engaged to someone else. Will he be able to win her over and will she have the courage to leave that toxic jerk?

Funny, heartwarming, and super cute. I love that little old lady! She is adorable and I would love for her to be my neighbor or granny! 

My only grape is how annoyingly blind Julia and Julia's mother is to Glenn. Glenn is SO toxic and shitty...and he doesn't try super hard to hide it. Julia's mom is pretty shitty too. It sometimes feels hard to feel bad for Julia. 

Other than that a 4-star watch! Perfect for a rainy and lazy day at home. Laughs and love.

Title: The Wedding Singer

Length: 1 hr & 37 mins

Released: 2004

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Trailer

I remember really liking this one when I was younger. I don't think I like it as much as I did when I was a youth. Maybe because I hated everyone except for Deeds and the folks from his town?

But yes, we have Deeds who is just the sweetest guy and he gets lucky when he inherits a controlling stake in a media conglomerate when his Uncle passes away. Babe (yes that is her name) works for a sleazy media company (much like TMZ) that will do ANYTHING to get the story. She goes undercover to learn about this Deeds fellow and get some dirt. Lo' and behold they fall in love. 

My goodness was everyone crappy. Yes, city and rich folk typically are selfish and power-hungry and New Yorkers can be seen as rude....but omg poor Deeds. When things get revealed (you know they do...of course...so no spoiler), Babe's "apologies" are half-assed. She should've owned up WAYYYYY sooner. Deeds deserved better. 

But yes, this still had the humor and fun times. But I just didn't buy the romance here. Very little chemistry or was I just blinded by loathing of Babe? 

Overall, still worth the watch. It's funny and there is romance. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Title: Mr Deeds

Length: 1 hr & 36 mins

Released: 2002

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Trailer

Okay...I remember barely liking this one in my youth. I would watch it if it was on TV and nothing else was there. Buuuuuut.......I found myself actually adoring this one now that I am older. 

Sonny has been stuck and not wanting to move forward. He could finish his education and be a lawyer, but he is settling. His GF is done and leaves (which you can't really blame her). A kid falls in his lap and he decides to become his Dad and maybe that will win his ex back. Of course - it doesn't and he is now stuck with a kid that is slowly stealing his heart.

Such an unrealistic concept but it oddly works. The court scene was wild and unrealistic but you can't but love it. 

There is a romance here, but it isn't the main part of the story. It is about Sonny and this kid which is nice. I liked the romance, don't get me wrong, but it felt right that the story is mainly about him growing up and taking this kid under his wing. 

But yes, a good watch. I liked it way more than when I was a kid. 4 stars. 

Title: Big Daddy

Length: 1 hr & 33 mins

Released: 1999

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Trailer

Audiobook Review: The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh

Author: Eva Leigh

Narrator: Zara Hampton-Brown

Title: The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes

Series: Last Chance Scoundrels #1

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 367

Published:  February 22, 2022

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

When Kieran Ransome’s latest antics result in a massive scandal, his father issues an ultimatum: find a respectable wife or inherit nothing. But as one of London’s most inveterate scoundrels, Kieran doesn’t know any ladies who fit the bill. Or does he?

Celeste Kilburn is a society darling, beloved by influential members of the ton. But keeping a spotless reputation leaves little room for adventure and she longs to escape her gilded cage, especially with her impending engagement to a stuffy earl. When Kieran—her older brother’s best friend and an irresistibly attractive rogue—begs for her help, Celeste makes a deal: she’ll introduce him to the right social circles if he’ll show her the scandalous side of London.

In between proper teas and garden parties, Kieran escorts Celeste—disguised as “Salome”—to rowdy gaming hells, wild fêtes, and sensual art salons. As they spend more time together, their initial attraction builds to a desperate desire that neither can ignore. But when someone discovers their midnight exploits, Celeste’s freedom and reputation are endangered, and Kieran must save the woman he loves… respectable or not.

Review:

Been meaning to check out something from this author. I feel like I have been seeing books by this author everywhere. So I grabbed this one. Bonus points....it fits a couple of challenges ;)  

We follow Kieran and Celeste. Due to the results of Kieran's latest antics, his father has issued an ultimatum: find a respectable wife or inherit nothing. That seems unattainable since he is London's most inveterate scoundrel and rake. With the help of his friend's sister, Celeste, he will clean up his reputation and find a wife. However, Celeste will only help if he secretly takes her to rowdy gaming halls, wild parties, and sensual art salons. During their day and night exploits, they will realize there is more than lust between them. 

I adored both Kieran and Celeste. Kieran is def a rake and Celeste is great in any circle. Poor things have had some parent issues. Kieran's parents have lost faith in him years ago and think he can't redeem himself. Celeste's Dad came from nothing and he doesn't want to lose good standing. Sure, he wants her to have the best but he has put her in a gilded cage. I felt bad for them and it is so obvious that they are meant for each other. 

Awww I want to skip book 2 and get to book 3. There are two side characters that need a second chance and they won't have it until the third book! Sobs! I do want to read book 2, but sobs the beginning of this made me sad. I want that side couple to find each other again. I did want to smack Celeste's brother....idiot man. He has to really make it up to his ex. 

But yes, you can't help but route for the main characters and side characters. This was fun. There was a tiny bit of external drama, but it was easily resolved. Slightly TOO easy and unrealistic in my opinion. I think I would've liked some more mountains for these guys. 

The narrator was great. I would listen to more by her. Her voices were distinct and fun. 

In the end, I liked the characters, but I think I would've liked a hair more drama or a better resolution. It was way too easily solved. I am curious about the next two in the series though. I adored all characters including the side characters. 3 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):
- #20 for Audiobook challenge

- #14 for Romance Reading Challenge - "Rake" in title

Book Review: Accidental Neighbor by Sharon Woods

Author: Sharon Woods

Title: Accidental Neighbor

Series: The Gentlemen #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 360

Published: August 18, 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (Bookbub)

Summary: 

Thomas will do anything for his daughters. That includes the hard work of rebuilding their lives after his wife’s tragic death a year ago. But unrelenting grief and fear of suffering another loss keeps him from moving forward and embracing the possibility of love again.

Jennifer takes nothing for granted. She knows to get ahead at work; she has to work harder than everyone else and remain focused. Focusing would be a lot easier if Thomas wasn’t so irresistible, and her overprotective father wasn’t so disapproving of the romance.

With his heart and his daughters’ well-being at the forefront of his mind, will Thomas deny himself the opportunity to love again, or will he follow his heart and see where it leads?

Review:

This was a freebie from Bookbub. I really need to start using that site more often! They have such great deals. 

Here we follow Jennifer and Thomas. The two had a one-night stand a while back and it was great but meant nothing. Now, sometime later, Thomas is unknowingly moving in next door. Thomas is a widower who is trying to work hard and support his daughters. He is trying to rebuild their lives after his wife's tragic death a year ago, but he can't imagine finding love again. Jennifer is young and trying to make her way in life. She knows she has to work hard to get ahead at work to get that promotion. Focusing on work would be a lot easier if it wasn't for Thomas being so irresistible. 

The lust was there from page 1, but the love takes a while. Which works. There are a lot of reasons they can't/won't be together. From him still grieving his wife to the big age difference. To professionalism (she works at the daycare where he has his youngest at). Plus, her dad is super meh about Thomas. 

I enjoyed this, but it did seem to drag after the halfway mark. I'll admit I did skim a tiny bit. The last couple of chapters did make up for the draggy-ness though. It made my cold heart melt. Awwwww. 

I felt that her Dad was dumb. Like, chill old man. She is in her 20s and old enough to date a guy who is slightly older. It's not like Thomas was 70 years old and she was 18. Chillax. I felt that was unnecessary drama.  

All-in-all, this was a steamy read for sure. I liked both Jennifer and Thomas and they obv are meant for each other. There is a little section that was so slowwww, but the last couple of chapters helped make it worth it. In the end, I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #13 for Romance Reading Challenge - Non-US author