Oliver Loving - Stefan Merill Black

From a celebrated literary talent comes a brilliant, propulsive novel about family, the traumas and secrets that test our deepest bonds, and the stories that hold us together. 

One warm, West Texas November night, a shy boy named Oliver Loving joins his classmates at Bliss County Day School’s annual dance, hoping for a glimpse of the object of his unrequited affections, an enigmatic Junior named Rebekkah Sterling. But as the music plays, a troubled young man sneaks in through the school’s back door. The dire choices this man makes that evening —and the unspoken story he carries— will tear the town of Bliss, Texas apart.

Nearly ten years later, Oliver Loving still lies wordless and paralyzed at Crockett State Assisted Care Facility, the fate of his mind unclear. Orbiting the still point of Oliver’s hospital bed is a family transformed: Oliver’s mother, Eve, who keeps desperate vigil; Oliver’s brother, Charlie, who has fled for New York City only to discover he cannot escape the gravity of his shattered family; Oliver’s father, Jed, who tries to erase his memories with bourbon. And then there is Rebekkah Sterling, Oliver’s teenage love, who left Texas long ago and still refuses to speak about her own part in that tragic night. When a new medical test promises a key to unlock Oliver’s trapped mind, the town’s unanswered questions resurface with new urgency, as Oliver’s doctors and his family fight for a way for Oliver to finally communicate — and so also to tell the truth of what really happened that fateful night.

A moving meditation on the transformative power of grief and love, a slyly affectionate look at the idiosyncrasies of family, and an emotionally-charged page-turner, Oliver Loving is an extraordinarily original novel that ventures into the unknowable and returns with the most fundamental truths.​ 

Paperback, 395 pages
Published March 1 2018 by Atlantic Books
Fiction
For review

My thought:

This book was certainly something that fit in these times. It takes place in the past and in the present. Times that shaped them all.

Oliver is your normal kind of teenager. He has a crush on a girl. He writes poems. His dad is a teacher at his school (and a failed artist), and his mum is well normal. 

And everything else is perfectly normal until that fateful day, the day Oliver is no more.

In the present we learned that Oliver was shot in a school shooting and has been in a coma for 10 years. In the past we move forward to that horrible day. Everything seems so normal until it is not.

10 years after that day the town still mourns. The parents still wonder why. And Oliver lies in his coma. His mother takes a step to see if he still has any brain function left, can he come back?

It's certainly not a happy book. His brother Charlie is sort of lost. His dad gave up. His mum gave in. But at least they learn why, I can spoil that, they will learn why. A total truth. I do not want to make you think the whole book is sad.

It is a book about the how it is today. How parents mourn. How towns change. How people try to move on, but find it so hard. And how one boy is lost in his own mind.

A chilling and sad tale. About life, loss and a mind.

The Marquis and I - Ella Quinn and TMST

Lady Charlotte Carpenter’s brother-in-law has put an infamous brothel owner out of business—yet it is Charlotte who suffers the consequences. Abducted by thugs and held at an inn, she is plotting her escape when she’s suddenly rescued by a dashing gentleman. Only afterward does she realize she’s seen him before—with two courtesans! Unwilling to tarry with such a man, Charlotte makes her second escape. But it is too late to repair her reputation.

A known gossip has spied Charlotte’s movements, and his report is speeding through the rumor mill. Soon, everyone knows that Charlotte spent the night with Constantine, Marquis of Kenilworth. And everyone agrees the only answer is marriage—including Constantine himself, his overjoyed mother—and his mistress! But Charlotte’s abductors aren’t finished with her yet. Now Constantine will do anything to protect the spirited woman he loves and win her heart. 

Kindle Edition, 320 pages
Expected publication: February 27th 2018 by Zebra
The Worthingtons #4
Historical romance
NetGalley

My thoughts:I did not read the previous ones, but it seems a well known brothel owner was taken out of business. That woman is now out for revenge and Charlotte is her means to that end. Because of all that went down in previous books Charlotte is now a champion for women and children. And men with mistresses, well they are not good men in her opinion.

As you can see Charlotte has her opinions (and after hearing more about the woman out for revenge then I understand. She was a monster.) As for Charlotte, she is sweet, kind and will never leave anyone in trouble.

Constantine, well honestly he is a really good guy. He comes to her rescue without even knowing her (even if that means she is now ruined and they most marry). Sure he has a  mistress, and he does take a deep look at himself.

He does the chasing. She tries to get out of it. But his kisses are so sweet...obviously.  But there is also a bit of suspense as that woman is still out there and thirsty for revenge.

Sweet with depths of darker things.

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

February 27th: When is your favorite time to read?

I do not have a favorite time anymore. My favorite time is any time I get the chance to read!

And to be honest, I do not know if I ever had a favorite time...maybe in the mornings, lazy Saturday mornings when you did not have to get up.

Lady Be Reckless - Megan Frampton

Lady Olivia refuses to repeat her siblings’ scandalous mistakes. Instead, she will marry the lord rejected by her sister and help with his good works. When he resists, Olivia forms another plan: win his lordship’s admiration by helping his illegitimate best friend find a bride. How difficult can it be to transform the rakish Edward Wolcott into a gentleman? To ignore his virile good looks? To not kiss him in a moment of impulsive madness? Apparently, very difficult indeed.

Edward Wolcott promised his ailing father he would marry well, and it appears Lady Olivia wishes to assist him. The sparkling firebrand intends to smooth his way through London’s ballrooms, parlors, and eligible ladies, while all Edward’s thoughts suddenly revolve around bedrooms . . . and Lady Olivia herself.  Only a scoundrel would seduce the duke’s most dutiful daughter. And only a truly reckless lady would risk everything to be in his arms . . . 

ebook, 384 pages

Expected publication: February 27th 2018 by Avon

Duke's Daughters #2

Historical romance

Edelweiss (I know right! I was approved)

My thoughts:

This was a cute and fun romance. Though I am gonna be honest, I am pretty sure I have read it before...nope, not this book, just one with a totally similar premise. But hey, who cares, it was still fun and amusing.

Olivia wants to save the world. And also to marry Lord Carson since her sister failed to. And she does fancy him so that is good.

Edward is a bastard. The ton does not approve, but luckily his dad is really rich. He is kind and lovely and  why is the ton so evil! His dad loved his mum. His dad has raised him and still they turn their noses.

Olivia decides that Edward is her next project and he lets her (cos she is so cute and fun). Obviously they fall in love. Lord Carson, well he just have to find someone else to marry (though he does not really care.)

It was fun and cute.

Joint Discussion: Gold for Steel

Hello all! Carole and I will be discussing "Gold for Steel" by Charles C. Dixon. I am  in blue and Carole in red.  

Author: Charles C. Dixon

Title: Gold for Steel (The Gates of Kastriel, #1)

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: ebook

Being Published: Sept 2017

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Netgalley)

After a major victory in battle, Dalvin, Marco, and Oremund are becoming local legends. With the growth of their names come a deadly contract with an equally impressive bounty. Though the job seems impossible, the reward for success is too great to turn down. Upon accepting the contract, the trio of sellswords find their loyalty and trust to one another tested and in some ways irreparable. 

Meanwhile, Iman, a foreign priestess is trying to keep herself and her companions safe as they are hunted by a deadly assassin. After crossing paths with the sellswords, she finds herself in desperate need of their help. The secret she and her companions carry may determine the fate for all of the realms. Hunted by a vicious orc, the priestess is unsure how many times she will be able to escape death's grasp. A lost treasure is set to alter the direction of humanity, and she is forced to protect it.

 So….I guess this is what I get when I try and pick a fantasy….lollll

Did you like it? I did not...ahem *coughs* *mutters something about skimming most of it*

I liked bits and pieces of it. There were some good parts...but the rest? SUPER meh.

I wondered since you liked it at first, while I was meh from page 1. I can see that some part could have been good, but it was just so generic. So MEH.

The beginning was really good. Okay - not really good, just good. It felt like there would be hope...but it fell apart about 30% or so. I skimmed a bit. Got intrigued again...did more skimming. A slimmer of hope popped up and then back to skimming until the epilogue. WHICH was the best part of the book

I agree, the epilogue i did not skim. It seemed interesting, but it all depends on how the author plays it. If he makes the next one dark...you know what, then nope, just nope. DO not go grimdark after this fluffy little meh book. That does not work. But I still certainly do not want to read more.

This was fluffy, but he seemed to try and make it not fluffy. I felt off while reading it. I don’t know how to explain it. But I want the next book  to be dark. That was a dark ending and how on Earth is the character (not spoiling) going to be saved? They don’t even know where this character is or that this character is even alive. Sooooooo….I feel like it should be dark at least for a little bit until OF COURSE they save this character from this crappy fate. We don’t even have to read the next one to know that all will end up well in the end. LOL

It’s like, hmm, show don’t tell? I felt like he wanted a lot so he tried in a few places to tell things, but they felt SO out of places that I just rolled my eyes at certain times. And he did not show us enough either, or made me care.

As for the dark bits, as long as he does not go too dark. Because I feel he would mess it up. After what I have reading this one. Using that thing if you know what I mean, as a mean of pushing a story forward, it can fail miserably.

True, true. Going THIS dark is a gamble and you have to do it right for it to work well. Which...he would have issues I feel. He did alright with the lighter bits. When it came to the darker points of the story it seemed like copy and paste from other stories and books.

I agree and sure hope he does not go there….

LOL, we are talking about the next one cos there is nothing to discuss here. Oh that is bad!

Ok ok, how did you like the characters?

We are discussing the next book and we will prolly never read it...ha! But the characters? I only liked Iman and that kid. I didn’t really LIKE them. I more so enjoyed their stories the best. I wanted to see if they could stay away from the evil assassin Orc.

Omg that Orc *eyeroll*

I did not care for Iman, that woman had zero personality. SHe was  pretty, that is all I know.

The kid was good.

As for the men….*blank stare* They killed a griffin, yup, oh and one had a tragic backstory and I would rather have read that book.

Really? I feel Iman had some personality. Not much but I feel there is hope for her. And yes, the men. I didn’t really care at all. I never connected with them. I think the biggest issue was that there was no time spent learning about the characters. We just jumped right into the world and into the story. There was zero build-up. I think that was the main issue.

I never even knew what the big deal was, I think we should have known that earlier for me to care. Do not be mysterious. Make us like them instead.

And sure maybe a smidge of personality, but mostly he just said she was pretty

I agree. The beginning had promise. I felt there was something stirring there, but then it just went flat. I just wanted them to kill that Orc and get where they had to go and be over with.

 This book took us nowhere! Oh and there is some war coming? No idea, did not care, skimmed past it. Something about a city *yawn* What was that even about? It felt like he wanted to tell another story

I can’t even remember much. There needed more time for us to understand the world and this possible war. Maybe more time on the importance of getting to the city. Why did they need to go there? Would the kid be safe? I felt confused.

Yeah, what was about with staying there when they needed to go somewhere else…*shakes head*

I am bummed I didn’t like this as much as I wanted to. It went well for me and then fell apart. Sighs.

I get the feeling

…….

OH MY GOODNESS. I thought you weren’t done with the sentence….hahahahaha

HaHa. Sorry I was done.  

Also, I had SO write it for me, trying to feed Baby S. I do not think he is getting the feel of me through

Hahaha too funny. But yes. A super bummer of a book. Maybe I should leave it to you to pick the next fantasy book we read. XD

Eeeek, but we suck at it! We should just read the new Pierce Brown book. As for fantasy, scaaary stuff

I do really want to read the next Pierce Brown book.

I have it from the library ;) Just no time to read it

No time either...IDK if it is at my library yet….hmmmmm

BUT anything else about this one? I have nothing else. Some good parts, but overshadowed by the bad parts for me. Read at your own peril.

LOL.  Yes read at your own peril

I will think of something for next month

Good luck m’am. HAHAHA

THE END

Super cranky baby tonight. Night!

THE END. Give baby hugs from me!!

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging a long while now. The last couple of years the epic duo have been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.

Insurgency - Michelle Diener

The tiny moon of Cepi is on a countdown to destruction, and while Nyha Bartali has been persuaded to take her four wards for a final look at the archaeological wonder, now she's eager to leave. The only problem is, someone has other plans--plans to exploit Nyha and her girls' status as the betrayed orphans of the Verdant String in order to give them time to steal Cepi's secrets.

Nyha and her wards' value as survivors of the destruction of Halatia means it would be political suicide for any leader of the Verdant String to endanger them again--something the hostage-takers know very well. What the hostage-takers don't know is that Nyha and her girls have more help than they realize.

Mak Carep knows his team's presence on Cepi is the last flex of Arkhor's muscle before the moon is blown to bits. Arkhor has interfered on Cepi since it discovered the ruins four hundred years ago, but sometimes, interference can have unexpected consequences. When Nyha and her girls are taken hostage, Mak and the rest of his special forces team are the only ones who have any hope of rescuing them, and they're ready and willing to do what Arkhor does best . . . Interfere.

Insurgency (Insurgency is a 45,000 word short novel set in the Verdant String series)

The Parnian city of Var is under siege. Buildings are being targeted by insurgents whose only aim seems to be destruction. Nick Bartega is part of the Protection Unit team investigating the explosions, but with no discernible pattern, and no one taking responsibility, he and his colleagues have hit a blank wall.

That is until his neighbor, Tila, is caught up in the first real mistake the insurgents have made. Cornered, forced to take Tila's whole office hostage, the insurgents are surrounded and out of options, until they use Tila as their shield.

Tila sees herself as Parnian first, Halatian second, but her dark blue hair, and the strong emotions her very existence provokes in others means the insurgents see her as the perfect hostage. No one on Par wants to give the order that might catch her in the crossfire. They'd rather let the insurgents get away.

But Nick, and his commander, Drake, see the first glimpse of a pattern in the insurgents behavior. Not that long ago, Halatians were used as hostages in another incident on the tiny moon of Cepi, and the parallels are hard to ignore. So is this attack on Var an isolated incident, or is there a bigger conspiracy at play?

Whatever the truth, Nick isn't prepared to leave Tila in the insurgents hands. And he's prepared to break any rule, and disregard any order to do it. 

Kindle Edition, 264 pages
Published January 14th 2018 by Eclipse
Sci.fi, romance
Review

My thoughts:
This is just a review of Insurgency, Interference was not for me at this time. I could not get into it

Bad guys are blowing things up and taking hostages. And honestly when I learned why, well, yes I understood, even if it was the wrong way doing it.

Tila is from a planet that is no more (now that seems like quite the story, and a sad one.) Also the whole origin of everyone, I totally want that too.

But, I was talking about Tila...ok blue hair, Halatian of birth, now like everyone else. Presently in danger.

Nick, "cop", then one who will deal with the danger she is in

Neighbors, falling in love. The end. Interesting beginning

Not another bad date - Rachel Gibson

Adele Harris can't even begin to answer that question. She's had so many lousy dates that she's sure she's cursed. Why else would every man she goes out with suddenly act like he's lost his mind--and his manners? Adele thought life couldn't get any more confusing . . . until she learns the marriage of her seemingly Miss Perfect sister is on the rocks. So she goes back to their hometown to give her a shoulder to cry on, only to run smack into Zach Zemaitis . . . the one who got away.

Zach, a former pro star, knows all about football. As for the other two, well, he's doing his best. But when Adele comes charging back into his life--still all lush curves and beautiful, big blue eyes--he wonders if his best is good enough. After all, he did her wrong. Can a woman with her track record ever really believe that he's serious this time . . . or is he destined to be another bad date?

My thoughts:
Adele and Zach used to date, then they broke up and honestly, the reason why?! Why do you doom yourself to a life of miserable? Honor, ok. Sure, do the honorable thing and spend a life in misery, I am sure that makes every happy. So yes I did not like the reason they broke up. It was honorable, but in the end so stupid.

Adele and Zach meet again. He is a widower with a kid. He used to be a professional football player. He is a total hunk. While Adele is there to care for her sister and niece. And NOT meet him again.

But meet they do. She wants nothing to do with him. He thinks she is still hot.

There was a ghost too, I did not care for that aspect. It was weird.

They talk, they flirt, slowly things start to happen. It was light and funny. Though he did act like an ass at times. I get you got issues man but sheesh!

Conclusion:
Cute

Cover
looks cheap

Paperback, 384 pages
Published May 27th 2008 by Avon
Writer Friends #4
Contemporary romance
Own

Audio. The most eligible highlander in Scotland - Michele Sinclair

Conan McTiernay will leave the joys of wedlock to his happily married brothers. He's too busy mapping out Scotland to protect her borders from English invasion . . . until he's dispatched to escort a cloistered Highland lass safely back to his family's castle. A FOREVER LOVE Mhairi Mayboill has embarked on her journey facing an impossible choice: Marry or take the vows of a nun. But she cherishes her freedom too much to be tied to any man. Yet this arrogant Highlander with his spirited ways and piercing eyes awakens more than desire. For two people who want nothing of love but have everything in common, emotions soon forge an unforeseen bond. But happiness is never simple for a McTiernay, and more surprises lie ahead . . . 

Audio CD, 11 h 23 min
Expected publication: February 20th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published January 30th 2018)
The McTiernays #7
Historical romance

For review

My thoughts:

Oh these two sure were alike, they were so right for each other, but they would sure butt heads before that.

Conan will never marry. He is honest (brutally) and people may respect him, but he is not liked. Poor Conan, but I understood since yes he speaks his mind, he is smart and other people can just go to England for all that he care.

Mhairi is smart, but she does differ from Conan. She is sweet, friendly and makes everyone at ease.

Their first meeting made me laugh. She thought he was just another buffoon, he thought she was a nun.

The way to love is long, months! People try to match make. They fall into a friendship, they fall out of if it. They are just too similar and they can sure hold a grudge. Oh they were bloody perfect for each other. It was so amusing seeing them fall in love and people trying to meddle

THe ending had a brutal epilogue. I get that they want to build for the next couple, but this was the worlds biggest cliffie and for a romance I was not amused. I listened with my mouth hanging open. OMG, I must know what happen, my heart is in my throat.

Narrator Anne Flosnik

I liked her and I listened easily to her different voices, male and female. Her Gaelic was slow, which I get, duh. 

I liked it.

Audio: The Dead House - Dawn Kurtagich

Over two decades have passed since the fire at Elmbridge High, an inferno that took the lives of five teenagers. Not much was known about the events leading up to the tragedy - only that one student, Carly Johnson, vanished without a trace...

...until a diary is found hidden in the ruins.

But the diary, badly scorched, does not belong to Carly Johnson. It belongs to Kaitlyn Johnson, a girl who shouldn't exist Who was Kaitlyn? Why did she come out only at night? What is her connection to Carly?

The case has been reopened. Police records are being reexamined: psychiatric reports, video footage, text messages, e-mails. And the diary.

The diary that paints a much more sinister version of events than was ever made publicly known. 

Audiobook 11 h
Published September 15th 2015 by Little, Brown Young Readers
Horror YA
Own

My thoughts:

Ohhhh this was creepy! If it had been in print I am sure I would not have found it so, but in audio it actually made me scared and not many manage that (I can only think of 1). The audio (which I sometimes listened to while baby S was still asleep, bad idea, I was all omg what if something is in this dark room!) Right the audio was great and spooky.

Even now I do not know what happened. Carly was crazy, sorry! She had whatever now it was called, she is Carly during the day, and Kaitlyn at night. But she has always been like that. Though Doctor Lansing thinks she created Kaitlyn to deal with the aftermath of her parents death.

Kaitlyn hears voices and does now sleep. Kaitlyn is the one whose diary we read. We never get the days or Carly.

The book is told in diary form, police reports and doctor-patient tapes, and it does work really well in audio. Throw in some spooky music that had me wondering first wtf I was hearing. I thought I was loosing it like her.

But there is something sinister going on also. Dark powers at play. But then again who knows. Kaitlyn IS hearing a dark voice in her head after all. She SHOULD be at the mental hospital. She should accept help. But then her disorder makes her not trust anyone.

And darker it got. And the Dead House *shivers*. Ugh, that was creepy.

I could never imagine how it would feel to have a split personality like this. Poor girl.

Gotta give it a 4 for its creepiness (I have become nicer with my reviews, dang, now that means everything up to now is all wrong. There should be more 4s spread around. Oh well.)

Conclusion:
Def listen to it and feel the creepiness.

Charlotte Parry (Narrator), Christian Coulson (Narrator)

I really liked Charlotte. She did great with the voices and making Carly and Kaitlyn different. And showing the madness like she did.

CHristian did police reports and news clippings. Very good

TMST: Reading time

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

 February 20th: How do you find time to read?

It used to be, anywhere and everywhere, and anytime. Now, ha! At first when Baby S was little it was when she slept on me. I read a lot back then. Then she started to say no to those 6 hours feedings/naps.

That is when I started to read less and listen more. At one time I was on a 4 walk sched, that turned into a 3 walk sched, that now is a 2 walk schedule and I usually send SO on that last one. But anyway that is when I listen! I talk a 1 hour walk with her and listen. I also listen to 1.8 speed since omg, slow, can NOT do slow. Which means I get almost 2 hours like that ;)

Then there are mornings when I wake and do not want to disturb her and I just listen to a book for 2 hours. Or like when I had trouble falling asleep if she woke me in the night. Audio!

Reading I get when she is sleeping outside.

So that is when I find time to read :)

 This is where I get my audio time (well not today cos I was taking pics and SO was with me)

 The two that cut down on my reading time

Audio: Runaway Groom - Lauren Layne

Gage Barrett’s reputation as a ladies’ man has been greatly exaggerated, but none of that matters after a drunken bet lands him on Jilted, a reality TV show that matches runaway grooms with wannabe brides. Now he’s stuck at a Hawaiian resort with nineteen women competing to drag him back to the altar—and one contestant who’s even more miserable than he is. Gage has no idea how feisty, independent Ellie Wright wound up in the cast, but it’s obvious she hates his guts. And if there’s one thing Gage likes, it’s a challenge. . . .

Ellie can’t believe she let her best friend talk her into exchanging her dignity for a glorified bikini contest. Still, she could use the exposure—her business is struggling—and she’ll probably be one of the first to get eliminated anyway. But Gage isn’t the shallow jerk Ellie anticipated—and he’s in no rush to send her home. As stolen kisses turn into secret trysts, she finds herself losing track of what’s real and what’s for the camera. With the wedding finale looming, this runaway groom is tempting Ellie to start believing in storybook endings. 

Audio CD, 7 pages
Expected publication: February 20th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published January 30th 2018)
I Do, I Don't #2
Contemporary romance
For review

My thoughts:

Just like book 1 things are not what they seem. Sure, Gage left women at the altar, but there are reason. And those things he wanted at the end, awww, my heart broke.

Gage lost a bet and is now the star of Jilted. He is also a famous movie star. A LOT of women want to be on Jilted for a chance to marry him. And sure, I liked how he did not just leave (cos he sure did not like the idea of this show), he did not want to be that guy who always leaves.

Ellie is so not like the other contestants, and is doing this for the free PR for her company. She is honest, does not give a fig, and is just so normal you know.

He finds her refreshing.

She likes him when she sees the real him.

But this is a reality show! Who wants that! Not her.

I mouthed OMG as I listened and walk and put on my silly grin. SO many times. I  should find a new way to rate audiobooks, because I find myself more and more wanting to rate them differently. The narration was so splendid, and as always, I just know I enjoyed this so much more than I would have reading it.

Totally cute, Totally fun. A joy listening to. You know it's good when there is 1 h left and I just haaaave to finish it.

Amy Melissa Bentley and Rudy Sandas

Alternatating POVS.

I found myself thinking in her voice. LOL. She got me.

I also like his voice a lot, he was Gage.

Sample

Carole's Sunday Review: Sixth Prime

Author: Dan O'Brien

Title: Sixth Prime (The Prime Saga Book 1)

Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Pages: ebook

Published: Feb 2014

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

A war brews as a galaxy struggles to maintain a peace treaty signed in haste. The Commonwealth boasts sprawling cities built upon slums. The Sovereignty has placed the yoke of industry upon its citizens. Sixteen men and women are connected in a way they cannot yet understand. A murder of a prominent artist begins a chain of events that will ultimately determine the fate of the universe. 

Only thirteen will remain. 

In the end, there can be only one Prime. 

Are you a Prime? 

It's been a little bit since I've read a Sci-Fi. It is a genre I enjoy, but for some reason, I stray from it. This was a nice one to read after a long stretch. 

I enjoyed the characters and the world. I really liked Jane, Lorelei, and the Prisoner the most. I was hooked on their stories from the moment they popped onto the page. Everyone else? Just meh. They were just okay and I didn't hate following them, but I really wanted to see what would happen next with those three more. 

Honestly, I do feel like there were too many characters at some points. I would've been fine with those three and maybe one other. I don't really feel I could focus and connect as much as I wanted to because there was a lot of jumping around. That really is my only issue. At this rate, they will drop like flies so I won't have to worry much for very long. Haha. 

The Darkness scared me! But it intrigued me at the same time. I feel like we will see more of it in the future. I hope so!

I want to learn more about this world! This author surely did build a good world! It was introduced slowly as we went along so we avoided knowledge-overload. There are a lot of questions I have running in my head though. I am curious to see what is next and I hope all my questions are answered in the next book! I especially want to learn more about what it means to be a Prime. Why is it SO important? WHO will be the one Prime? I am a little anxious to see the fates of the remaining people. 

A good opening book in this series and this world. If you like Sci-Fi and people stories you will like this. I wonder what is next! I'll give this 3 stars. Looking forward to what is next! I am liking this world.  

Movie Night: Safe Haven

Hello everyone! This month Caroleand I are reviewing, Safe Haven. 

I am red and Carole in purple.

Title:  Safe Haven
Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller 
Running Time: 1 hr and 55 mins
Rating: PG-13
Released: 2013

A young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her.

TRAILER: 

DISCUSSION: 

When Carole sent over a few suggestions I picked this one and did not expect much. Whaat? It sounded so B. But seriously, I was hooked at once. Good choice C!

Yayy! I am glad this worked out well. Much better than the book this movie ;)

You have read it?

One of the few Sparks that I haven’t read. I didn’t realize it even was one until after we picked it. Hahaha I do want to read it now. Have you read it?

Nope, I do not do Sparks, all movies I have watched end in heartbreak. So no way I am reading that. But this was not like those.

Yes, Sparks does have a way on making things sad, but the ending is always hopeful. There was a lot of hope here and even though there was sad moments, I knew they would pull through!

I actually never thought it sad. Ha, and you know I cry and tear up a lot!

It was a soft sad...if that makes sense. Hahaha. But yes, the ending made me tear up. SOOOOO GOOD! I didn’t cry but I didn’t get misty eyed in a good way.

I really liked the ending and did not see it coming. It was yes bittersweet, so I get it.

Bittersweet indeed. I had a feeling he would throw a twist. Wasn’t sure what it would be, but it was good. Wish we could say without spoiling it!!

I thought the twist was the other twist, which I so saw coming.

Oooo that one twist I so saw coming. Psycho!!!! Poor Erin.

I do like a good psycho, haha

I did have a little laugh at one part….all she did was offer to make coffee and he snapped. LOL! What if she did something really bad? What would he have done then?

If you are psycho you are psycho. Demons everywhere

Yep. Complete cra-cra he was. Made the story good! I was really worried for Erin.

It did remind me of another movie that I shall not mention since then they get it….

[SPOILER ALERT]That Julia Roberts movie, Enemy something Ooooh. Umm…’Sleeping with the Enemy’. It did remind me of that a little bit, but the ending with the fire and whatnot made it stand out a bit.

END OF SPOILER] Plus...I like Alex WAY more than that guy in the other film.

Thanks! And honestly, good movie, romance, cute guy, twist. All good things

Alex was a hottie and he was a good Dad. That little girl was a adorable and a matchmaker. All good things! No real complaints honestly.

A good solid choice.

One bad thing about a good movie or book is that it is so hard to discuss without giving away major spoilers! I do have a question...would you have believed Katie’s story at first?

Hell no!

Same. I would of freaked out and possibly not gone after her. If you were Katie would you have tried telling Alex sooner or kept it a secret?

I know it would be hard, but she should have told him. It was dangerous

Agreed. He has two kids to worry about, so he really deserved to be aware. Honestly, she should’ve told Rhett so everyone would have been on the lookout for the crazy man.

But ..I get it, still, kids! She should have said something.

I’m sure Maddie, the boss, Alex, and Rhett would’ve believed her right off the bat.

Nah, they would have to investigate. And then that would have been bad. But then again why not believe. See they would have before that pic showed up. Tricky.

Yes, maybe investigate but there was no file on her because crazy McGee created that photo just to get to her. Crazy McGee would’ve been suspended or something and they could’ve had cops watching out for him. Plus, Alex could protect her and the kiddos.

True, but he was crazy, and had fingers everywhere. I am getting tired and nothing to say, trying to make bread while Baby eats things I need

Yep. Same. I asked all my questions! A good movie especially with Valentine’s Day around the bend.

For once I can recommend it. Sure, it’s not an amazing movie! But it is worth watching cos it never goes bad.

Agreed! Your turn next!

I shall take a look, or we can just do the one that is taking me ages to finish since Baby is too active in the mornings when I watch. Zookeeper’s wife?

Been meaning to watch it! So why not! I’ll have to see if I have access to it first :D

Oh and I saw the Guernsey trailer, have you read the book. Omg wanna watch that movie

I’ll have to watch the trailer. I haven’t read the book.

Such a good book! Anyway. THE END lol

The end! Until next time!!

Olympus Bound - Jordanna Max Brodsky

Summer in New York: a golden hour on the city streets, but a dark time for Selene. She's lost her home and the man she loves.

A cult hungry for ancient power has kidnapped her father and targeted her friends. To save them, Selene must face the past she's been running from: a past that stretches back millennia, to when the faithful called her Huntress. Moon Goddess. Artemis. 

With the pantheon at her side, Selene must journey back to the seat of her immortal power: from the streets of Rome and the temples of Athens, to the heights of Mount Olympus itself.

Kindle Edition, 544 pages
Published February 13th 2018 by Orbit
Olympus Bound #3
Urban fantasy
NG

MY thoughts:

Review I was disappointed. The first book was amazing, the second one good (but no where near amazing), and now this was only ok.

Theo was a mess. Honestly, loser. Sorry but he was not fun, he was not sexy, he just felt like a total loser.

Selene was not kick-ass either. She kept making mistakes and seems her alone is dull. Only together they work.

Not that they worked together now either....

The other Gods were dull too.

It should have ended faster

I forget, are there other goods? Why Only Greek? Cos then just go to like India and take over a role there. Why complain about Christianity all the time when they can go to yes India then and find a new Godrole whatever.

Honestly considering how bored I was and how I skimmed cos the book never end. Ok is too nice.

Very disappointing