Best of 2021

Best of 2021

Top 5: No particular order

Best fantasy: Spin the dawn by Elizabeth Lim

 Most disturbing: Tender is the flesh by Augustina Bazterrica

Best paranormal romance: Last guard by Nalini Singh

Best historical fiction: Circe by Madeline Miller

Best mystery: The night hawk by Elly Griffiths

Best series was obviously Heartstrikers by Rachel Aaron, I listened to it for a 3rd time. No time for book 5 though as the year is ending.

Stats

 * I have read 143 books, which is 1 more book than last year

* I read 7 books with the word Duke in the title (and 4 more with Duke in the series title)

* I listened to 85 audiobooks, and read 68 books

My biggest  genres this year

                *22 books  fantasy

                *35  historical romance

                * 17  contemporary romance

                * 15 fiction

                * 13 as historical fiction

                * 4 Jane Austen variations

                * 4 fantasy romance

Audio Challenge Check in 2021

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Grab your earbuds and join hosts Caffeinated Reviewer and That’s What I’m Talking About for the 2021 Audiobook Challenge! Choose your level and rock your ears off!

Use hashtag #2021AudiobookChallenge on social media to alert others of your listens and progress!

And here is my list for the year :D I reached my goal of 75, yay. I even  managed 85!

85. A dragon of a different color by Rachel Aaron

84. No good dragon goes unpunished by Rachel Aaron

83. Lying Mirror by Eva Langlais

82. A lot like Christmas by Jennifer Snow

81. Orphans of the tide by Struan Murray

80. One good dragon deserves another by Rachel Aaron

79. Shadows son by Jon Sprunk

78. Nice dragons finish last by Rachel Aaron

77.  After dark with the Duke by Julie Anne Long

76. They went left by Monica Hesse

75. The Christmas bookshop by Jenny Colgan

74. Miss Eliza's English kitchen by Annabell Abbs

73. Holly jolly cowboy by Jessica Clare

72. The unexpected Miss Bennet by Patrice Sarath

71, Under the mistletoe by Sue Moorcroft

70. The Christmas dress by Courtney Cole

69. The lady gets lucky by Joanna Shupe

'68. Duke, actually by Jenny Holiday

67. Everything within and in between by Nikki Barthelmess

'66. Save a horse, ride a viscount by Valerie Bowman

65. Sasha Masha by Agnes Borinsky

64. The perfume garden by Kate Lord Brown

63. Cheers to the Duke by Sally McKenzie

62.It started with a dog by Julia London

61. Mistletoe Xmas by Eloisa James

60. The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine Heath

59. The devil's own Duke by Lenora Bell

58. A lot like Adios by Alexis Daria

57. The second Mrs Astor by Shana Abe

56. Mist rising by Eve Langlais

55. Breaking Badger by Shelly Laurenston

54. When you wish upon a Duke by Charis Michaels

53. True love cowboy by Donna Grant

52 Bombshell by Sarah McLean

51 The scoundrel's daughter by Anne Gracie

50 The highlander's Irish bride by Vanessa Kelly

49 Devil in disguise by Lisa Kleypas

48.If you, then me by Yvonne Woon

47. It happened one summer by Tessa Bailey

46. A wallflower Xmas by Lisa Kleypas

45. An unexpected peril by Deanna Raybourne

44. The wrong Marquess by Vivienne Lorret

43. A Scot to the heart by Caroline Linden

42. The girl least likely by Katy Loutzenhiser

41. The highlanders destiny

40. Last guard by Nalini Singh

Scandal in spring by Lisa Kleypas

Devil in winter Lisa Kleypas

Unravel the dusk by Elizabeth Lim

just last night by Mhairi McFarlane

The wolf and the woodsman by Ava Reid

Hang the moon by Ava Bellefleur

Where the rhythm takes you by Sarah Dass

Glitter gets everywhere by Yvette Clark

how to find a princess by Alyssa Cole

In search of us by Ava Dellaira

Spin the dawn by Elizabeth Lim

A cowboy kind of love by Donna Grant

A wicked bargain with the duke by Megan Frampton

It happened one autumn by Lisa Kleypas

Her first desire by Cathy Maxwell'

Scoundrel of my heart by Lorraine Heath

Love of a cowboy by Jennifer Ryan

Secrets of a summer night by Lisa Kleypas

The bone maker by Sarah beth durst

Tech me by Olivia Dade

The bachelor cowboy by Jessica Clare

Kisses and scandal by Shana Galen

Flirting with forever by Cara Bastone

The girl from the channel islands by Jenny lecoat

The highlanders excellent adventure by Shana Galen

Hit me with your best scot by Suzanne Enoch

vacation hell by Eva Langlais

The dream guy next door by Lauren Blakley

One fine fae by Molly Harper

Girl on line by Faith Gardner

Hells revenge by Eva Langlais

Love in the afternoon by Lisa Kleypas

Snowballs in hell by Eve Langlais

Lucifers daughter by Eve Langlais

The valet who loved me by Valerie Bowman

The heiress gets a duke by Harper st george

Married by morning by Lisa Kleypas

How to catch a queen by Alyssa Cole

1. Duke looks like a groomsman by Valerie Bowman

Challenge Details

Runs January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021. You can join at any time.

The goal is to find a new love for audios or to outdo yourself by listening to more audios in 2021 than you did in 2020.

Books must be in audio format (CD, MP3, etc.)

ANY genres count.

Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.

You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads, Facebook, LibraryThing, etc.

If you’re a blogger grab the button and do a quick post about the challenge to help spread the word. If you’re not a blogger you can help by posting on Facebook or Tweet about the challenge.

Updates plus a giveaway will be posted twice during the year. The first update will be July 2, 2021, and the last update will take place on December 30, 2021.

Levels

Newbie (I’ll give it a try) 1-5

Weekend Warrior (I’m getting the hang of this) 5-10

Stenographer (can listen while multitasking) 10-15

Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20

Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you) 20-30

My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted) 30+

Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+

Over-Achiever (Power Listener) 75+

The 100 Club (Audiobook Addict) 100+

Fire of the frost Anthology

 

Series: Kingmaker Chronicles (#..5), Bonds of Magic (#3.5)

Format 368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published: December 22, 2021 by ‎ Brightlynx Publishing

Fantasy romance

To review

Winter stories perfect for this time of the year. Some fantasy romance, some uf, a good mix of things, and it made me interested in reading more

Of Fate and Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Hero dropped into a strange new modern world. I did feel sorry for the guy, I haven't read the series he is in but aww, poo guy even if he did a stupid thing. But he comes here instead to save the day. And consequences are set for her scifi series, yes i do want to try that one now

The King of Hel by Grace Draven

When is Draven not good?! Yes, a sad story in a way. Two best friends, one is married off to a king in a distant country. But before that her best friends fall for the same king. I liked the way it happened. She respects her friend, nothing happen, but there will still be a happy ending

Familiar Winter Magic by Jeffe Kennedy

This ends with a happy for now but still evil cliffie. Because even though people are safe now, in this cruel world, what about in a week? But answers will be had in the following book and I need to know cos these two characters, aww my heart

A Wynter Fyre by Darynda Jones

Ok, so it did have a nice twist at the end. But spoiler time the rape beginning, where the hero shows up and kind of just continues. And consent can't be given cos magic. It felt badly handled. So flippantly. Not my story. Had the beginning not been there it had been good but now the story was just filled with rapists

From Darynda Jones, a standalone novella set in a world where vampyres are hunted for sport. The only thing standing between them and total annihilation is Winter, a warrior bred to save them from extinction. Forbidden to fall in love, Winter cares only about her oaths… until she meets the devilish prince of the underworld.

Amanda Bouchet transports The Kingmaker Chronicles to modern-day New York City. An exiled warrior finds himself in the Big Apple just before the holidays. On a vital mission for Athena, he meets an imperiled French teacher from Connecticut, and soon they’re knee-deep in inexplicable phenomena.

Grace Draven brings a novella-length expansion of a stand-alone short story in which a cursed mage-king from a frozen kingdom is obligated to marry a woman of high-ranking nobility but meets his soulmate in a lowly scribe.

From Jeffe Kennedy comes a standalone novella in the Dark Wizard world, where an ancient holiday is resurrected and clandestine lovers find the courage to pursue forbidden joy.

Audio: No good dragon goes unpunished by Rachel Aaron

Narrated by: Vikas Adam

Series: Heartstrikers, Book 3

Length: 18 hrs and 51 mins

Release date: 09-13-16

Publisher: Audible Studios

Urban fantasy

Own

When you start the series you can not stop, and that is why I finished book 3 for the third time. I do not grow tired. It is as exciting every time.

Amazing narration!!!!!!!

<3 Julius

When Julius overthrew his mother and took control of his clan, he thought he was doing right by everyone. But sharing power isn't part of any proper dragon's vocabulary, and with one seat still open on the new ruling council, all of Heartstriker is ready to do whatever it takes to get their claws on it, including killing the Nice Dragon who got them into this mess in the first place.

To keep his clan together and his skin intact, Julius is going to have to find a way to make his bloodthirsty siblings play fair. But there's more going on in Heartstriker Mountain than politics. Every family has its secrets, but the skeletons in Bethesda's closet are dragon sized, and with Algonquin's war looming over them all, breaking his clan wide open might just be the only hope Julius has of saving it.

Carole reviews: What I carry

 

Author: What I Carry

Narrator: Reba Buhr

Title: Jennifer Longo

Genre: YA, Romance, Realistic Fiction, & contemporary

Format: Audiobook

Published: January 21st 2020

Where I got It: Borrow from Library

Summary: 

Growing up in foster care, Muir has lived in many houses. And if she's learned one thing, it is to Pack. Light.

Carry only what fits in a suitcase.

Toothbrush? Yes.

Socks? Yes.

Emotional attachment to friends? foster families? a boyfriend? Nope!

There's no room for any additional baggage.

Muir has just one year left before she ages out of the system. One year before she's free. One year to avoid anything--or anyone--that could get in her way.

Then she meets Francine. And Kira. And Sean.

And everything changes.

Review:

Oh the holidays have me so busy!! I should've written down my thoughts right away. Mmmm. So I did read this for book club. It was picked by another member. I didn't really know what this was about until I actually started. 

We follow Muir who grew up in foster care. She is so close to freedom...her 18th birthday. One last house and one last school. She has always been reluctant to the idea of being adopted and only carries a few objects. However...this house can change everything. Maybe actually have some friends and a foster mom who will love her? 

I really enjoyed this. I loved watching Muir slowly let down her walls and accept love and find her happiness. Poor thing went through a lot especially when we find out about her mom and then her first foster family. Grrr to her mom. And bigger grrrr to that foster family. No wonder WHY she had such animosity to adoption and strong walls of distrust. Of course, it took some special people and lots of love. 

Muir's love of nature made me happy. The scenes during the hikes or just even scenes talking about facts....made me happy. Made me want to go out and walk. I love nature hikes! 

Oh! I loved the social issues addressed here. Not only adoption, but we touched on what the US did to the Japanese back during WWII and how that still is something families are dealing with today. We deal with bullying and racism as well. It all made sense and seemed to fit in well with our overall plot and character stories. 

Loved Kira and I loved seeing her become the bestie Muir needed, but I also loved watching Kira grow and deal with her own and her family issues.

There is romance here, but it didn't dominate the story which made me happy. It took a while for the two to really trust each other (esp Muir's fear of love) and I'm glad there. He was adorable and so dang patient. What a good kid. 

This wasn't all about feelings and it wasn't all dark and moody....which there are times and scenes of course...but I loved the happy and silly moments. I loved the calm moments like Muir cuddling with that puppy!! Adorable. It was much needed and it made me extra happy seeing Muir find these moments of peace with her friends and foster mom. 

I started reading this but switched to audio when it became available at the library so I was able to get a taste of both. I think I liked both equally from what I read (about 35% give or take) so you can't go wrong! The narrator was great and did well with the different voices. 

Honestly, there are a lot of talking points here that I can't wait to discuss at book club, but I'll stop while I'm ahead! This is a great book for book clubs. I highly recommend it. I'll stamp this with 5. 

Challenge(s):
- #84 for Audiobook challenge

Xmas Movies

It felt very English. Can't say it was good or bad. Dysfunctional family named Christmas is spending xmas together and then their father shows up.

This happened to be on so I watched it. Widower falls for nanny who shows them what xmas is about. Sweet as they are

Did it need a second movie? Not really, but it is a xmas movie on netflix so of course I watched. Drama as they go to the big city. Does he want country life back now? Sweet

Srsly, did this woman never watch Catfish?! It was a good one, but yeah, the lies, the lies

Cute and fun. Though what happened to the guy he was dating? What about that poor guy?!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Carole's Xmas review: The best worst Christmas

Author: Kate Forster

Narrator: Amy Landon

Title: The Best Worst Christmas

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, holidays

Format: Audiobook

Published: December 1st 2021 

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

Lily is back from Australia for the first time in seven years to spend Christmas at her mum’s house in a small, gossipy English village. To her surprise, she returns to find that her mother is dating the man next door, who also happens to be the father of her ex-boyfriend Tom. Tom, who broke Lily’s heart all those years ago. Tom, the real reason Lily fled to the other side of the world and stayed there. Tom, who is also home for Christmas and right there, next door.

In what is shaping up to be the worst Christmas ever, somehow Lily and Tom have to try to get along and play happy families, but living with the man who she is clearly not over is proving to be difficult, and tensions are high. Add in some drunken caroling, a reindeer bite, a potent Christmas pudding and some meddling parents and Lily’s trip home will turn her entire life upside down.

Review:

Jen was the one who got me to listen to this! Plus it's a freebie on Audible so why not ;) 

We follow Lily who is back from Australia for the first time in 7 years. She is going to spend the holidays with her mom in their small English village. To her surprise and horror....her mom is dating the man next door who happens to be the father of Tom....her ex. This ex had broken Lily's heart many years ago. Tom is the real reason why she fled to the other side of the world and tried to make a new life for herself. Now...she is stuck with him through the holidays. This is shaping up to be the worst Christmas ever. The two will try to get along and maybe there will be a miracle.

This was a lot of fun. Poor, poor Lily. I would be LIVID at my mom. HOW CAN YOU DO THAT!? UGH.

However, it was good for Lily and Tom to hash it out. It ended bad. Like super bad. The two really needed to talk even if it is just to move on. They have both been holding onto grudges and hatred. How can you live your life with that? So it was a good thing. But UGH darnit parents. 

I enjoyed watching Lily and Tom hash it out. It was fun watching them fall in love. It did take FOREVER, but it was worth the wait when they finally decided to give it a second chance. I do get nervous with second chance romances...but this was perfect. They talked it out. Vented their feelings and mended the hurts. Loved it!

Plus I love this little village. Small and everyone in everyone's business. So cute!

The scene with the reindeer had me in tears laughing. Yes, yes, there is a lot of humor here too. 

There was ONE reveal that had me seriously mad. Sure, I get it, but I was super annoyed. I didn't think it was needed. 

The narrator was good. Perfect voices. All different even the men had slight differences. 

In the end, this is a quick, fun Xmas romance. My only beef was the one reveal near the end. Not needed. I'll give this 4 stars though!

Challenge(s):
- #86 for Audiobook challenge

Audio: A lot like Chistmas by Jennifer Snow

 

Narrated by: Charlotte Claremont

Series: Blue Moon Bay, Book 2

Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins

Release date: 12-14-21

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance

to review

Jessica is tired making wedding cakes for exes, and damn that last bride did her dirty. Jessica wants to find someone nice, and keep him.

Mitch is busy, and suffering some trauma since his last mission with doctors without borders. He has to spend xmas with his family, and he wants to get back to work quickly (and also doesn't want to go because of trauma.)

They meet, they hit it off. But yes there is that thing that he only has a few weeks before going back. There is also this silly issue of him being to old for him. She is 29 and behold, he is 39. Yes I do not see the problem.

But it was cute, they liked each other fast, they want more, but she has her entire life there, and he can't stand still.

A good holiday romance. 

Good narration, she set the mood well, and had good voices for all. I felt right at home.

For Jessica Connolly, there is no better place than her coastal hometown of Blue Moon Bay. She has a wonderful family, supportive best friends, and a successful bakery on Main Street. Unfortunately, every time she designs one of her ex-boyfriends' wedding cakes, she's reminded just how unlucky she is with love...and that she's a good luck charm for men to find their happily ever after. With someone else. The minute they break up. So she's decided to be done with love.

Dr. Mitch Jameson is more comfortable traveling the world with Doctors Without Borders than staying in one place. He just needs to survive the holidays in his small hometown before he can leave again. The beautiful, intriguing bakery owner with an aversion to dating might be just who he needs to occupy his restless heart.

From sipping hot chocolates at the local festival of lights to early morning dessert deliveries, Jessica and Mitch rediscover the spirit of the holidays. But when the 25 days of Christmas are over, will their romance be over, too?

TMST

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. 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. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

What reading challenges (if any) are you planning to participate in 2022?

Well, there is always the Goodreads one, but it 's not like I keep track there if I reach my goal. I always put one I know I will make

I am doing the audiobook challenge again, cos wohoo audiobooks!!!!

And I haven't discussed it with Carole, but I hope we can do a bingo this year too. I am still trying to cross all my boxes this year. Some were just too hard

12/28/2021 End of Year/Holiday What are your favorite books/audiobooks that you read in 2021

Movie Discussion: The Princess Switch 3

 

This month we decided to discuss The Princess Switch 3

I am in red and Carole is in green.

Title: The Princess Switch 3
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Family

Released: 2021
Rating: TV-PG

Length: 1h 46 m

To watch the trailer, click HERE.

DISCUSSION:

**BE WARNED - THERE ARE SOME MINI SPOILERS**

Oooooo these movies make me smile. I hope there is a fourth someday ;) 

As long as they do not find a 4th lookalike I am all in.

Yess they will need a 4th character who looks like her. It would be messy…..but I would love it. 

Lol, no, it is so weird!

Secret twin? LOLLL Estranged sister one of them didn’t know about. Half-sister…so many options. They will someday have a whole army of lookalikes!!! 

They can rule the world! But we already have the evil one, the normal one, the preppy one, maybe we can get the hippie one.

Yes they need a hippie one or something. That would be fun. I’m so happy that this series has so much room for more storylines.

We need to secure Copy nr3s total happiness first. Marriage, oh and babies all around. That always brings drama.

I am very, very surprised that they have not added babies yet! Very shocking. I was getting ready for an announcement in this one…especially for the Queen. I was hoping one of them was going to announce a royal baby!! 

Def, Princess Switch, royal babies coming next. And their kids will look alike!

Oooo! That would be fun. They could skip a few years and do the kids being teens and falling in love. Maybe one of them will get with the kid from the other movie Xmas prince series.

I like it. I really like it. This is the way forward.

A good way to blend the movies. The families all go to Scotland and meet at that Xmas Castle!!!

Loving it. They better start mixing these stories together. It would be so much fun

They seem to be setting something up for sure. Esp after watching the Castle for Xmas movie. So maybe we’ll get our wish in some way! Blend all the cheesy movies together! I would jump for joy!!

It would be a Christmas Movie Extravaganza!

100%! 

BTW can I just say how much I adored the romance in here? I didn’t think these two would work well since she was SO annoying and over-the-top and he is so chill….but they were perfect for each other. 

They really are perfect, and that is why I need another movie. I want to make sure they stay like that. 

Agreed. They waited so long to be together and I think they still have some issues that are lingering. Plus I feel like they have a lot to offer the crown. He can be the head of security and she can be a spy or something. 

That would work. So, a fun cheesy movie. Crazy plot, they never know what royal/noble means, but I enjoy it so much.

Eee ya - the titles and what they call each other always have me twitching, but it is a fantasy land so they can do and call the royalty whatever they want. 

Yes, and these weird very English countries.

Very weird. And no security at all. That is why they need that guy. LOL he would’ve never let that relic get stolen. 

Yes! How does that even happen!? No wonder they were all peeing their pants. They need to step it up

Agreed. The church needs to think twice about trusting one of these tiny countries in the future! 

Seriously Vatican peeps! What are you all thinking?! Hmm, I guess that means they are a roman catholic country. Since we never know where these countries are.

Right?? Is it wrong that I want some sort of map? I want to see where these countries are lol!

We want maps! I am saying between France and Italy, a  parcel of tiny Alp countries ;) Oh but they did show a map of A prince for xmas and that was like half of Eastern Europe, A Superpower that country

A superpower with no security at all for the royals or castle(s). 

Lol, also the country exists of a castle in the middle of nowhere. A tiny capital in the Alps. Oh and an airport!

Oh! Yes they all have their own personal airports like 2 mins away from the castle. Gotta love it!

The end? A movie series worth watching

The end! A movie great for the holidays and wrapping gifts.

Audio book challenge 2022 sign-up

 

Hosted by Jen and Kimberley

Challenge details

Runs January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022. You can join at any time.

The goal is to find a new love for audios or to outdo yourself by listening to more audios in 2022 than you did in 2021.

Books must be in audio format (CD, MP3, etc.)

ANY genres count.

Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.

You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads, Facebook, LibraryThing, etc.

If you’re a blogger grab the button and do a quick post about the challenge to help spread the word. If you’re not a blogger you can help by posting on Facebook or Tweet about the challenge.

Updates plus a giveaway will be posted twice during the year. The first update will be July 2, 2022, and the last update will take place on December 30, 2022.

Achievement levels

Newbie (I’ll give it a try) 1-5

Weekend Warrior (I’m getting the hang of this) 5-10

Stenographer (can listen while multitasking) 10-15

Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20

Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you) 20-30

My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted) 30+

Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+

Over-Achiever (Power Listener) 75+

The 100 Club (Audiobook Elite) 100+

-----------------------------------------

I am doing 75+ again and hope I can make it :D

Audio: Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray

Narrated by: Georgina Campbell, Lucian Msamati

Series: Orphans of the Tide, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs

Release date: Dec 14th 2021

Publisher: Harper Audio

I chose this cos it was MG and once in a while I try one of those. But to be honest, what made this MG and not YA? I have no idea. The age of the character? I fear I must have missed it cos I had no age for her. She could have been 12, she could have been 20. She lived alone, worked as an inventor/fixing things. She had left the orphanage. Her best friend seemed to work there. Yes I saw her more as 18. But my bad for not hearing it.

So, for me listening it never had any sort of MG feel to it.

A world with only one city left standing. The gods drowned, the world drowned. The enemy comes and takes over humans and burst out and causes mayhem. Priests rule, whale lords rule. The sea gives and takes. Fear is always near, when will the Enemy return?

And a boy is washed ashore in a whale. WITCH HUNT BEGINS

Ugh those inquisitors, like maybe talk to someone before you burn him at the stake!`

Ellie and Seth makes a good team...eventually. Hiding, running, trying to figure who he is, and what the enemy is.

I am intrigued about the background, how the world drowned, how the gods did, but maybe in future books.

I liked it, I guess what made it more MG than YA is "nicer" and not violent. Oh who knows. It would work for any age group.

Good narration. Since I did not know ages, it all worked out. She left it rather open too

When a mysterious boy washes in with the tide, the citizens believe he's the Enemy - the god who drowned the world - come again to cause untold chaos. Only Ellie, a fearless young inventor living in a workshop crammed with curiosities, believes he's innocent.

But the Enemy can take possession of any human body and the ruthless Inquisition are determined to destroy it forever

To save the boy, Ellie must prove who he really is - even if that means revealing her own dangerous secret . . .

Audio. Shadow's Son by Jon Sprunk

Narrated by: full cast, Richard Rohan, Thomas Keegan, Karen Novack, Elizabeth Jernigan, Bruce Alan Rauscher, Joe Brack, James Konicek, Danny Gavigan, James Keegan, Alyssa Wilmoth, Mort Shelby

Series: Shadow, Book 1

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Release date: 10-30-20

Publisher: GraphicAudio

Fantasy

Own

2nd read(listen)

I won an audiobook aaaages ago when I had just read this series. And now I finally found time to listen, and good so, cos so much time had gone by that I had forgotten what would happen.

The audio was really good. It was my first time listening to a full cast book with sounds and music. It really was a movie in your head.

And now I kind of want to listen to more but alas I only have the print books.

Great story and narration

In the holy city of Othir, treachery and corruption lurk at the end of every street, just the place for a freelance assassin with no loyalties and a few scruples. Caim makes his living on the edge of a blade, but when a routine job goes south, he is thrust into the middle of an insidious plot. Pitted against crooked lawmen, rival killers and sorcery from the Other Side, his only allies are Josephine, the socialite daughter of his last target, and Kit, a guardian spirit no one else can see. In this fight for his life, Caim only trusts his knives and his instincts, but they won't be enough when his quest for justice leads him from Othir's hazardous back alleys to its shining corridors of power. To unmask a conspiracy at the heart of the empire, he must claim his birthright as the Shadow's Son...

Audio: One good dragon deserves another by Rachel Aaron

Heartstrikers, Book 2

Narrated by: Vikas Adam

Length: 18 hrs and 35 mins

Release date: 10-13-15

Urban fantasy

Own

3rd time listening:

I still love this series.

Julius is the best!

If you have not read it then you have to do so now.

OH and LISTEN. Audio is key

After barely escaping the machinations of his terrifying mother, two all knowing seers, and countless bloodthirsty siblings, the last thing Julius wants to see is another dragon. Unfortunately for him, the only thing more dangerous than being a useless Heartstriker is being a useful one, and now that he’s got an in with the Three Sisters, Julius has become a key pawn in Bethesda the Heartstriker’s gamble to put her clan on top.

Refusal to play along with his mother’s plans means death, but there’s more going on than even Bethesda knows, and with Estella back in the game with a vengeance, Heartstriker futures disappearing, and Algonquin’s dragon hunter closing in, the stakes are higher than even a seer can calculate. But when his most powerful family members start dropping like flies, it falls to Julius to defend the clan that never respected him and prove that, sometimes, the world’s worst dragon is the best one to have on your side.

TMST

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. 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. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

12/14/2021 What's the hardest part about blogging for you? 

It really depends. 

*Sometimes the hardest is getting those reviews written. 

*Sometimes it is the doubt that why do I even do this? So much time, does anyone out there even read this? Yes, doubt

*And there are all new mediums, insta, tiktok, should I do it all? Should I care?

*But in the end,hey, I am good with my routines. Sure these days I do not read and listen as much, and might be a week behind on commenting. But I love finding new books and talking books. If it is hard, then it is worth it

12/14/2021 What's the hardest part about blogging for you? 

12/21/2021 End of Year/Holiday What reading challenges (if any) are you planning to participate in 2022?

12/28/2021 End of Year/Holiday What are your favorite books/audiobooks that you read in 2021

Carole's Monday: Mistletoe Christmas

Author: Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna MacGregor, Erica Ridley

Narrator: Susan Duerden

Title: Mistletoe Christmas - An Anthology

Genre: Historical Romance, Anthologies, Novella, Short Stories, & holiday

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 28th 2021

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

The Duke of Greystoke’s Christmas Revelry is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto… not to mention scandals leading to the marriage licenses he hands out like confetti.

But not everyone welcomes a visit from Cupid.

Lady Cressida, the duke’s daughter, is too busy managing the entertainments—and besides, her own father has called her dowdy. Her cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire, is directing Cinderella and has no interest in marriage. Lady Caroline Whitmore is already (unhappily) married; the fact that she and her estranged husband have to pretend to be together just makes her dread the party all the more.  But not as much as Miss Louisa Harcourt, whose mother bluntly tells her that this is her last chance to escape the horrors of being an old maid.

A house party so large, that mothers lose track of their charges, leads to a delightful, seductive quartet of stories that you will savor for the Season!

Review:

What a set of authors to all get-together! So exciting!

We have four stories here. All four are connected together because of the Duke of Greystoke's Christmas Revery. This Revery is famous throughout the British Isles for its plays, dancing, magical grotto, scandals, and even sometimes love.

 - A Mistletoe Kiss by Eloisa James

Here we follow Lady Cressida who is the Duke's daughter. Secretly she has been the brains and the planner behind these parties for the last few years. She is nearly and firmly placed on the shelf because she has been told all her life, by her pops, that she is dowdy and unmarriageable. No one sees her until Elias does. I was with Cressida and I struggled to believe Elias sudden interest. They have known each other for years...and now he is all "I LOVE HER". M'kay. BUT he does prove it and earns it. I liked this one a lot. 

- Wishing Under the Mistletoe by Christi Caldwell

Now we have Lady Cressida's cousin, Lady Isabelle Wilkshire. She walked away from the only man she ever loved years previous because they were almost engaged for 3 years and he had been pretty much ignoring her because of his work. WHICH I totally get both sides of the story. I get why she said eff it and leave....she did give him a chance, but she should've just been honest. I get why he was working so hard. He was a nobody who snagged her a rich lady...he wanted to be able to support her and keep her comfy. Years later they are paired together to direct the play. Of course....talking....making up....and finally loving each other again. Loved this second chance romance! 

- Compromise Under the Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor

Next, we have Lady Caroline Whitmore who is unhappily married. The two have to pretend to be happy and in love in order for Caro to get her trust money. So yesss another second chance romance. This one was good too. It was nice seeing them finally open up and talk. They had the lust part down...but the communication was sadly lacking. They didn't know how to be open with each other. His parents were not happy and she was all alone and no one had cared about her. It was so nice seeing them go from pretending to actually loving each other again. I loved how he tried so hard to win her back. Adorable. 

- Mischief & Mistletoe by Erica Ridley

Lastly, we have Miss Louisa Harcourt. This is her last chance to find a match before she is firmly placed on the shelf in the eyes of the ton. Thanks to the gossip columns....she has struggled to find a match. Ewan was what she needed. She can be herself and be happy....but I hated his secret. Hated it. I really feel like he needed to do more for her to forgive him. This was my least favorite, but I still enjoyed it overall. 

Overall

These were all really good. Even my least favorite was still enjoyable. I loved what brought all these people together. What a great idea! I would love to see more stories of love being formed here in the future. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #83 for Audiobook challenge