The bookshop of yesterdays by Amy Meyerson

Format: 368 pages, Hardcover

Published: June 12, 2018 by Park Row

Fiction

Library

Miranda inherits a bookstore from her uncle. These days that is just sad, bookstores are not doing well, and this one is one of those. And he also leaves her with a treasure hunt for the past.

So much I would like to discuss but spoilers.

Like, just tell the truth!

Omg, her uncle was an ass!

Damn, I can't say anything more than that. I would have been upset.

I did like it, I wanted the truth of things.

A woman inherits a beloved bookstore and sets forth on a journey of self-discovery in this poignant debut about family, forgiveness and a love of reading.

Miranda Brooks grew up in the stacks of her eccentric Uncle Billy’s bookstore, solving the inventive scavenger hunts he created just for her. But on Miranda’s twelfth birthday, Billy has a mysterious falling-out with her mother and suddenly disappears from Miranda’s life. She doesn’t hear from him again until sixteen years later when she receives unexpected news: Billy has died and left her Prospero Books, which is teetering on bankruptcy—and one final scavenger hunt.

Audio: The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine Heath

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins

Release date: 09-28-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

to review

In the last book the Duke tried to get a wife, and failed (she left him for someone else, but they didn't love each other so no loss.) In this one he places an advert in the paper again to find a wife. And to help him he has his trusted secretary, Penelope.

Obviously, Penelope and King start to suddenly feel like they could be right. But he is a Duke, and she is a secretary.

Oh and there is a secret that she is running from, and usually those can be very lame. Like oh no I stepped on a dress 10 years ago and I am ruined! But this one was good! It was really really bad. So very bad for her. Run to another country bad. For them to be together did seem very unlikely.

Book 3 has a name, and I certainly hope it is about a certain former Duke to be in the shadows. Exciting!

I enjoyed it. They were so good for each other

Good narration. Voices, tone and setting, all blending to a good book. Historical romance is great for audio

Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, is in need of a duchess. However, restoring the dukedom—left in ruins by his father—to its former glory demands all his time, with little room for sentiment. He places an advert encouraging the single ladies of the ton to write why they should be the one chosen, and leaves it to his efficient secretary to select his future wife.

If there exists a more unpleasant task in the world than deciding who is to marry the man you love, Penelope Pettypeace certainly can’t imagine what it might be. Still, she is determined to find the perfect bride for her clueless, yet ruthlessly charming employer.

But when an anonymous note threatens to reveal truths best hidden, Kingsland has no choice but to confront the danger with Penelope at his side. Beguiled by the strong-willed, courageous beauty, he realizes he’s willing to risk everything, including his heart, to keep her safe within his arms. Could it be the duchess he’s hunting for has been in front of him all along?

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.

9/28/2021 Do you read 1 book at a time? or multiple? 

Obviously I read many. Well two, I mean how could I not?! One has to read a print(or ebook), and listen to another. Simple :D

Multiple always, especially since I started with audio. This is the way

Carole's Monday: Wicked Angel by Julia LOndon

Author: Julia London

Narrator: Anne Flosnik

Title: Wicked Angel (The Rogues of Regent Street #2)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: 1999

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Forbidden love is always a scandalous choice....

She raced across the pasture, vaulted a fence, and landed, stunned and breathless, on top of the most handsome man she had ever seen. The bemused stranger stayed to capture the fancy of the brood of orphaned children in her charge, then stole Lauren Hill's heart with a searing kiss as he left. Lauren couldn't tell him she was a widowed countess fallen on hard times. She tried to forget him-until she saw him again at a London ball. The man who haunted her dreams was a duke, out of her class...and he was pledged to another woman.

The ton is ablaze with talk of the ravishing Bavarian countess. Stunned, Alexander Christian, Duke of Sutherland, recognizes Lauren as the country girl who's captured his heart. Duty has forced him to pledge himself to another, to take his proper place in society and in Parliament. He wants one night with his blue-eyed enchantress, but will he be able to walk away from her again, or will he risk it all to be with the woman who fires his blood and makes him think of a . . . Wicked Angel

Review:

This is technically book 2, but you can for sure read this out of order or as as standalone. The previous couple is briefly mentioned here and there and pop up. It has no real impact on the story.

Lauren Hill is now widowed, so she returns back to England to care for her family land and the orphans under her protection. After a certain event with being chased by a hog, she lands on the most handsome man she has ever seen. The man is none other than Alexander who is a Duke. However, they keep their real titles to themselves. He a duke and she a widowed Bavarian countess. After spending some time together they becomes friends and maybe something more after sharing a goodbye kiss. The two meet again in London. He is already betrothed and Lauren needs to find a rich husband to save her land and the orphans. The two realize, though, they are madly in love with each other but they have responsibilities.

I was absolutely hooked from page one. I adored these two together. They seemed so perfect. They had a rare chance to fall for each other without the weight of their titles and their responsibilities. They also didn't kiss or have smexy time until he had to leave and all they shared was a heated kiss. I liked this meeting and getting to know each other. 

However...things - for me - began to corrode when both parties got to London.

Yes. Alexander was engaged already to a really nice girl. Maybe if she was a beyotch or rude or dumb or they were JUST newly engaged or something....I wouldn't have felt bad. However, she was sweet and innocent and they were engaged for like 2 years. She had previously been engaged to his older brother, but the brother died so when he became duke he decided to take her on. Poor girl. I felt SO bad for her. I want her to find love darnit. Yes - it was obvious her and Alexander were NOT right for each other, but she was so sweet. 

And Magnus. OMG. He wanted to help Lauren and I really feel like he liked her. AND SHE JUST RIPS HIS HEART OUT! WAH! Honestly?????? I feel like him and Lauren would've been perfect together. Sighs. He was an angel and he deserves love too. I did some research and he never got a book. GAH! The author did mention in passing in the epilogue he saved a girl? So maybe they fell in love too. Sighs. I'll have to use my own imagination I guess.

Okay...two great people hurt two great people. It happens....but was Alexander great? He was sort of a jerk to his fiancé, to Lauren, to his brother, to his mother....to everyone. Plus.....what was special about him? Okay - he was nice to the orphans and didn't point out Lauren's brother's disability. Sure. Points there. However, all Lauren ever thought about was how hawt he was, how big his hands are, how nice his legs are, and he's a Duke. What truly had her in LOVE with him? He understood her quotes she would randomly say? He was a decent politician and wanted to lower taxes for businesses? I mean...he owns a business so it is self serving for sure. IDK. It all seemed rather shallow when it came to him. Lauren was a nice, pretty, smart, and charitable gal. Too good for Alexander methinks.

I am kinda bummed. I felt like Lauren should've ended up with Magnus in the end. He was a grumpy fella, but he seemed like he had a personality outside of his looks and he was willing to wait for Lauren and even marry her and take the orphans along. Good egg there. 

The narrator was good. I liked her. No issues there. 

In the end, I wish I had liked this more. It started out awesome, but Alexander lost too many points with me. I wanted Lauren to be with someone else. Maybe he will redeem himself if we see him around town in the next one. 2 stars from me. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #64 for Audiobook challenge

Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley

Format; 342 pages, Hardcover

Published: January 5, 2016 by HarperCollins Canada

YA Historical fiction

Own

The Bronte kids juvenilia did feel juvenile. It was a good read for the moment, fast and easy, but at the same time I was not impressed.

The Bronte siblings writes stories, and then actually visit that world.

And fall in love with characters, and mourn lost siblings, and well we never really see anything except their one room and their world that is not fleshed out.

But hey, fast read, I like that. Good for the moment. Though not something I would recommend. I know, weirdly conflicting

Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne. The Brontë siblings have always been inseparable. After all, nothing can bond four siblings quite like life in an isolated parsonage out on the moors. Their vivid imaginations lend them escape from their strict upbringing, actually transporting them into their created worlds: the glittering Verdopolis and the romantic and melancholy Gondal. But at what price? As Branwell begins to slip into madness and the sisters feel their real lives slipping away, they must weigh the cost of their powerful imaginations, even as their characters—the brooding Rogue and dashing Duke of Zamorna—refuse to let them go.

Audio: The Devil's own Duke by Lenora Bell

Narrated by: Beverley A. Crick

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Release date: 09-28-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

Henrietta loves her vineyard, she wants to show everyone how good English wine can be. She is 24, on the shelf (who needs a man when you have wine!)

Ash is a gambler, and he has the biggest con of his life played. Become a Duke!

They fancy each other at once. What, he is to become her father's heir? Heck no! Enemies! So she tries to take him down, but oh how they fancy each other.

I liked Henrietta, cos she was just so wine crazy. Ash on the other hand, well he does play that con, and yes he does start to fall for her (but he still thinks nobility is evil), and it he does have memories so maybe he really is a distant distant distant relation (nothing creepy). But he grew on me, everyone can change.

Nice one, they both knew what they wanted.

A good narrator. Distinct female and male voices. She keeps the banter and emotions going.

Lady Henrietta Prince is far too busy for romance. She’s dedicated her life to turning her family vineyards into a profitable wine venture. But when she shares a kiss at midnight with a handsome stranger, she’s captivated…until he claims to be the distant heir to her father’s earldom.

Ash Ellis is a gambler who lives life on the edge. Now he’s locked his sights on a glittering prize and nothing will stand in his way.

When Henrietta is forced to marry the wickedly seductive scoundrel to keep her beloved vineyards, she vows that Ash will never have her trust, or her love. Even if his kisses are more intoxicating than the finest of wines.

His new bride is certainly beautiful, but biddable? Not so much. Ash will settle for nothing less than Henrietta’s total surrender…but is he the one in danger of losing his heart?

Audio: A lot like Adios by Alexis Daria

 

Narrated by: Seraphine Valentine

Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins

Release date: 09-14-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Contemporary romance

To review

Two former besties who never fully got to explore if they could have been more meet again. And they are both idiots.

Gabriel left and never talked again. Internet people! You can be friends while living far away, especially considering how close they were. But then he ditched his family after a fight too.But I get that, his father had been really hard on him,I thought he forgave too easily.

Michelle then, well she was an idiot too. She got mad at him cos he wanted to leave. He has to follow his own dreams! Not just stay cos you are best friends, and maybe more. But they had been best friends since they were 6, I wish I had friends like that, I would not dump them then.

They meet again, they realise they have the hots for each other. Better scratch that itch. But his life is in LA, and she,well why couldn't she leave? Cos of family? I guess the book teaches, never leave family, they are more important than love. I over analyze. But yes, Michelle does seem rooted in place.

It was a fun one, they deserved their second chance, but they had to work for it.

The narrator was really good. I could feel I was there with them. She was excellent at voices and feeling.

After burning out in her corporate marketing career, Michelle Amato has built a thriving freelance business as a graphic designer. So what if her love life is nonexistent? She’s perfectly fine being the black sheep of her marriage-obsessed Puerto Rican-Italian family. Besides, the only guy who ever made her want happily-ever-after disappeared thirteen years ago.

Gabriel Aguilar left the Bronx at eighteen to escape his parents’ demanding expectations, but it also meant saying goodbye to Michelle, his best friend and longtime crush. Now, he’s the successful co-owner of LA’s hottest celebrity gym, with an investor who insists on opening a New York City location. It’s the last place in the world Gabe wants to go, but when Michelle is unexpectedly brought on board to spearhead the new branding campaign, everything Gabe’s been running from catches up with him.

Michelle is torn between holding Gabe at arm’s length or picking up right where they left off—in her bed. As old feelings resurface while they work to make the new gym location a reality, their reunion takes a sexy turn. Facing mounting pressure from their families—who think they’re dating—and growing uncertainty about their futures, can they resolve their past mistakes, or is it only a matter of time before Gabe says adios again?

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.

Have you ever bought a book just because you fell in love with the cover? And did such book live up to it?

No, I mean yes I have seen awesome covers, but if the blurb sucks and the reviews sucks, I will not buy it.

9/28/2021 Do you read 1 book at a time? or multiple? 

Carole's Monday: Cowboy rebel

Author: Carolyn Brown

Title: Cowboy Rebel

(Longhorn Canyon #4)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Western

Format: ebook

Published: May 28th 2019

Where I Got It: Library

Summary: 

Ever since losing his best friend in a motorcycle accident, Taggart Baker wants to make every moment count. No dare is too dangerous, no adventure too crazy for this cowboy. But after one bad brush with the law, he realizes it's time to ditch his hooligan friends and grow up. Now he's running his own ranch next to the Longhorn Canyon spread in Texas. Still, no one would ever call him tame.

Nikki Grady has worked too hard for her RN license just to throw it away for some reckless cowboy who shows up in her emergency room after a barroom brawl. But she can't help being drawn to Tag's sense of humor and those crystal blue eyes. The more time they spend together, the more she sees his good heart. But just as Tag seems ready to settle down for good, his troubled past comes calling-and this time he won't be able to walk away so easily.

Review:

Forgot about this series until I stumbled upon this while scrolling my library's ebook section. 

We follow Taggart, Tag, and Nikki. Tag was once a rebel but after one bad brush with the law, he finally realized it's time to grow up and ditch his hooligan friends. He also wants to live life to the fullest after his best friend died in a motorcycle accident. Nikki has worked so hard to become an RN and make herself a nice life. She refuses to throw it away for this reckless cowboy. However, she feels drawn to Tag because of his humor and his blue eyes. The more time they spend together, the more she can see his good heart. Things seem to be going good until demons from his old life come calling and puts Nikki in trouble. 

This would be okay as a standalone I think, but I would recommend at a minimum reading the book before this one.

I struggled at the beginning. I liked Nikki and I loved Tag, but it took me a while to really feel the chemistry between them. They are opposites for sure, but it didn't seem legit or feel real at first. However, things changed when he got her a goldfish....and then I was hooked to them and I could see and feel the love!!! Don't ask me why that scene made everything click for me. It's such a little thing, but how freakin' sweet of him! They needed each other!!

Gah! Poor Nikki. She really deserved love! I am so happy a certain twist happened. It melted my lil heart and made me so happy. I won't say WHAT, but I was so happy. Her mother is a piece of work for sure. Yes, yes, the mom had major issues, but she should've gone to a therapist or something. Poor Nikki. And that poor brother of hers who passed. All so sad. 

They both had issues and lots of bad things tossed at them, but I loved them fighting through it together. They were so supportive of each other. It was nice to see them be friends and lovers. What a healthy couple they were! Loved it!

I can't wait to see Hud find love now (Tag's twin) esp after his accident.

Love this series and these cowboys!

In the end, I did struggle at the beginning, but once I was hooked I could not stop reading. I always forget how much I like this author and her work. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):

- #23 for Romance Bingo - "Cowboy" in title. 

The finishing line by Owen Slot

Format: 352 pages, Paperback

Published: March 1, 2004 by Flame

Chic lit, lad lit

Own

This was more like chic-lit, I think they called it lad lit? You know light, funny, and such an easy read.

Will wakes up with a b list celebrity (maybe c list). He is crushing on her.  They try their thing.

He is a divorce lawyer, and his new case will cause friction between him and his friends.

And yes that is the book. Easy read, not much to say. Fun while it lasted. Would I read more by him? Eh, nah, maybe if I found it at the library. It was a good book, but mostly it was good cos I needed something light and fast

They're under starters orders, and they're off... Early favourite Will is first out of the stalls after waking up with Children's TV star Jenny Joffee...only to be overtaken at the first fence by his two best friends: one takes the lead with his audacious engagement to Will's first love; the other is soon neck and neck through his dangerous liaisons with Will's client's ex-wife. Now it's a race to the finishing line. As Will leaps over legal hurdles in his taxing job as a divorce lawyer, he realises the there are a few more ditches before he can reach the final strait. But he isn't sure he wants to win anyway...

Audio: The second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe

 

Narrated by: Lauren Ezzo

Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins

Release date: 08-31-21

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical fiction

To review

I enjoyed the narration  by Lauren, I have not listened to her before but she really nailed the atmosphere of the book. She told it well, and the characters had their own voices and life.

It was a romance, did I believe it? Eh, I mean I am sure Astor was happy to get a pretty young wife. I am sure he cared. As for Madeline, I mean at that age if the richest man in the world!! asks you to marry him, well hell yeah. Go for it. Not to mention he is a warhero, inventor and more. I did like how the author made them fall and deeply care.

A lot of the book take part during that courtship, and even then the press hounded the rich and famous.

Then comes the honeymoon and the end of the honeymoon, Titanic. This part did make me cry. It was just told in such an easy way, even at the end there was a calm. And that made me cry, and certain things.

The after part is not that long, more learning to live again. 

I liked the book, I can't say I knew anything about the Astors before this, and you know a book about a ship going down always will have you in tears.

Madeleine Talmage Force is just 17 when she attracts the attention of John Jacob "Jack" Astor. Madeleine is beautiful, intelligent, and solidly upper-class, but the Astors are in a league apart. Jack's mother was the Mrs. Astor, American royalty and New York's most formidable socialite. Despite their 29-year age difference and the scandal of Jack's recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love - and becomes the press' favorite target.

On their extended honeymoon in Egypt, the newlyweds finally find a measure of peace away from photographers and journalists. Madeleine feels truly alive for the first time - and is happily pregnant. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard an opulent new ocean liner. When the ship hits an iceberg close to midnight on April 14th, there is no immediate panic. The swift, state-of-the-art RMS Titanic seems unsinkable. As Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, he assures her that he'll see her soon in New York....

Four months later, at the Astors' Fifth Avenue mansion, a widowed Madeleine gives birth to their son. In the wake of the disaster, the press has elevated her to the status of virtuous, tragic heroine. But Madeleine's most important decision still lies ahead: whether to accept the role assigned to her or carve out her own remarkable path....

My not so perfect life by Sophie Kinsella

Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary

464 pages, Paperback

Published: July 13, 2017 by Black Swan

Own

Something light, fast and easy was just what I needed!

Katie shows off a perfect London life, but in reality everything sucks and then she looses her job. I liked her, she tried being all insta perfect, she wanted that great job, but London is a tough place.

Then we get a bit of country life, and some hilarious moments.

There is also a maybe guy, but no romance. This is Katie's journey, but yes she will find someone nice at the end, yay.

You know what, nice and easy. I liked it

Everywhere Katie Brenner looks, someone else is living the life she longs for, particularly her boss, Demeter Farlowe. Demeter is brilliant and creative, lives with her perfect family in a posh townhouse, and wears the coolest clothes. Katie's life, meanwhile, is a daily struggle--from her dismal rental to her oddball flatmates to the tense office politics she's trying to negotiate. No wonder Katie takes refuge in not-quite-true Instagram posts, especially as she's desperate to make her dad proud.

Then, just as she's finding her feet--not to mention a possible new romance--the worst happens. Demeter fires Katie. Shattered but determined to stay positive, Katie retreats to her family's farm in Somerset to help them set up a vacation business. London has never seemed so far away--until Demeter unexpectedly turns up as a guest. Secrets are spilled and relationships rejiggered, and as the stakes for Katie's future get higher, she must question her own assumptions about what makes for a truly meaningful life.

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.

When does it become too late to comment on a blog post?

Oh, this one is hard. I would like to say never, but then something commenting 5 years later is weird. BUT, how nice they found my post that much later. Still...weird.

When more than a year has passed? 6 months? Never? I say comment how long you want to

9/21/2021 Have you ever bought a book just because you fell in love with the cover? And did such book live up to it?

9/28/2021 Do you read 1 book at a time? or multiple? 

Carole's Monday. Doom with a view

Author: Kate Kingsbury

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Title: Doom with a View

(Merry Ghost Inn #2)

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy, & fiction    

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 12th 2017

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

With the arrival of six senior reading group members at the Merry Ghost Inn, the long-awaited Grand Opening week has finally begun for Melanie West and her grandmother, Liza. All is well with the Oregon coast-side B&B until Melanie's dog, Max, finds the dead body of one of their guests. Everyone at the inn immediately falls under suspicion, including the innkeepers themselves. Melanie and Liza are not sure who they can trust, and the idea of cohabitating with a murderer is enough to send chills down anyone's spine. To make matters worse, the curmudgeonly town detective wants them to steer clear of the investigation, but doesn't seem too inspired to solve the case in a timely fashion himself. To clear their own names and to avoid the blight on the inn's reputation that yet another dead body will bring, Melanie and Liza dive headlong into the murder investigation. With a little help from their chuckling ghost, Melanie and Liza dodge the detective, tip-toe around their suspicious guests, and still serve up delicious Bed & Breakfast meals on time/

Review:

Yayy book 2! I wanted to wait until closer to Halloween or Oct...but I couldn't resist ;) 

After a rocky start, Liza and Melanie have finally opened their B&B. With the arrival of six senior reading group members, things start out okay...until Melanie's dog finds the dead body of one of the guests. At first, it looks like a heart attack, but soon they realize the guest was murdered. Everyone at the inn immediately falls under suspicion. Melanie and Liza are not sure who they can trust and the idea of cohabitating with a murderer is chilling. To make matters worse, the detective doesn't want their help, but he doesn't seem too inspired to solve the case in a timely fashion. To clear their own names and avoid getting murdered, they dive headlong into solving the case themselves.

I feel so bad for Liza and Mel. All they want to do is run their B&B and find peace. Yet another murder falls....(bad pun on accident)....on their lap. That detective sucks. They need to fire him and find someone else. I don't blame this duo for wanting to clear their names and find the murdered. How scary knowing SOMEONE staying there is a murderer. *shudders*

The mystery was good. The who and they why had me. I really had no solid idea on who and/r why. Kuddos to the author. When all was revealed I kinda felt bad for the murderer. I won't spoil why.

Again, I'm glad that the possible love story doesn't take center stage. However....I want them to get together and they are going SOOOO slow. Yes, yes, it works because both parties have been really hurt by exes, buut stilllllllllllll. LOVE EACH OTEHR DARNIT! They are perfect for each other and I want everyone happy. Even Grandma Liza and that pub owner!

The narrator is good. I like her voices. This was a big cast and all the voices were different. Made it easy!

Overall, I enjoyed this. I'm liking this series. Sadly, I think there is only one more and I know I'm going to be sad. I really hope that everyone gets a HEA. I am getting nervous and I really hope we don't have an open-end. Gah. We shall see. This was just as good as the first. A good mystery and a fun set of characters. 4 stars. 

 

 

Challenge(s):
- #60 for Audiobook challenge

Audio: Mist Rising by Eve Langlais

 

Narrated by: Carly Robins

Series: Mist and Mirrors, Book 1

Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins

Release date: 08-24-21

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Fantasy

To review

Great narration by Carly Robins. She got the feel of the book and she was a joy listening to. I would def listen to her again.

I really enjoyed this. And I keep thinking about what will happen next!? Eeek, I want to know now!

The world building was not the biggest, but, there is no world. There is their land, and the mist around it. The mist filled with monsters. So intriguing. Why, how? When? Is there more? And the main character Agathe knows nothing, so we know nothing. Except that there are monsters in the mist.

As for Agathe, ok that end had me reeling, like what?! WHAT?! But first, we have an older heroine. One that will learn how to fight, cos hello, monsters. Years pass, and I can't spoil, but yes, I mean that ending! I did not see that coming. I wish I could say more,

Oh and she and her fellow sisters of the shield save a baby. One with purple eyes. Those children are collected and sent to the king because they have magic. And again, I am dying to learn more about the king and magic. She desperately wants to find out what happens with the purple eyed ones.

Monster fighting, some passion, tense banter between two who need to get down and dirty. And questions that made me want more and more. Just one chapter more.

I really want that second book now. It was so light and easy, fun and intriguing. Interesting characters and just the right amount of secrecy that made me want more and more.

Oh and nothing like that other pnr series I read by her. That was humour and sex. This was a totally different feel. Fantasy, secrets and magic

Cover. 

It does not give the right feel to be honest, Feels more YA and pnr?

The mist is rising so lock your doors and stay inside, for the monsters have returned.

On a dark and ominous night, at the edge of the Abyss, Agathe rescues a baby from a monster that should have been extinct. Gravely injured in the process, the elderly Agathe is rewarded by having her youth restored.

But that’s only the start of the strangeness. The child she saves is far from ordinary. Belle has a unique and wondrous magic that must not fall into the wrong hands. Like those of the King. Everyone knows the monarch steals those they called the Blessed—those with the purple eyes. Supposedly, they are the only thing standing between the Kingdom and the rising mist.

As far as Agathe is concerned, they’re victims of the King’s lust for power. What is the King really doing with the Blessed and their magic? To discover the truth, Agathe must insert herself into the court of the enemy. Unfortunately, things are worse than they seem.Can Agathe embrace destiny and not only save herself but also the Kingdom?

Splendid by Julia Quinn

Series: The Splendid Trilogy (#1)

Format: 396 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published: August 26, 2003 by Avon

Historical romance

Own

This one had a lot of issues. A really rapey hero

Spoilers cos a lot of WTF. Highlight

Alexander finds her unconscious, better kiss her, and then when her brains are scrambled and she is awake kiss her some more.

Oh, he sees her again. Totally the best moment to stalk her, break into her bedroom, throw her down, kiss her. If she says no, ignore it. Men knows better. And then get upset when she tells you to leave and that she will scream. Women be crazy!

Make even other people comment on how you stalk her.

And if all other things fail, call her a bitch! Because women are sheep and she will love you and marry you. YAY

WTF

He does get better. Because even though he is a stalker, refuses to listen to her, and does not care for consent, this was a 90s book and women there liked to be told what to do and feel. But strangely he does get "better", and seems to fall in love, and not act like a rapist lusting for fresh meat. He does have relapses though.

And Emma had big dreams, but eff it, she marries a lord and forgets what she wanted all her life.

Depressing and creepy

That is until a redheaded American throws herself in front of a carriage to save his young nephew's life. She's everything Alex never thought a woman could be—smart and funny, principled and brave. But she's a servant, completely unsuitable for a highborn duke—unless, perhaps, she's not quite what she seems...

American heiress Emma Dunster might be surrounded by Englishmen, but that doesn't mean she intends to marry one—even if she has agreed to participate in one London Season. When she slipped out of her cousins' home, dressed as a kitchen maid, all she wanted was one last taste of anonymity before her debut. She never dreamed she'd find herself in the arms of a dangerously handsome duke... or that he'd be quite so upset when he discovered her true identity. But true love tends to blossom just when one least expects it, and passion can melt even the most stubborn of hearts

Audio: Breaking Badger by Shelley Laurenston

 

Book 4 in the Honey Badger Chronicles series

Narrated by Charlotte Kane

Tantor Audio

Publication date Aug 31, 2021

Running time 11 hrs 25 min

Paranormal Action

Good narrator, it does take someone great to keep up with this craziness. And lots of people to make stand out on their own.

Though I must confess, the craziness was maybe a bit too much, though at the same time I liked it cos it kept me on my toes, all the time! It never stopped.I like crazy, constant action and all that.

But on the other hand, Mads who is supposed to be the main never got to shine because her teammates, and especially the McGilligans were around all the time. So that it my biggest problem, the main was just as much a side character as the rest. Which means her romance was thrown in at the end. Sad because I want it to develop more and get more time. Sure the tiger hottie was always around so it's not like it was sudden, but more time with them please. Yes the McGilligan sisters are insane and funny, but this was Mads book. Oh and the Mads and Max this while listening fast was confusing ;)

What am I saying is, could have been more about Mads, Mads alone.

Do not start this one if you haven't read the first ones, you will feel like you are being thrown into a war zone and have no idea where you are. Def a series where you start at book 1

I did like it, but damn they be crazy. 

As for the story, trying to reach the play offs, coming across hot tiger brothers. McGilligan sisters are in trouble, and lots more

It’s instinct that drives Finn Malone to rescue a bunch of hard battling honey badgers. The Siberian tiger shifter just can’t bear to see his fellow shifters harmed. But no way can Finn have a houseful of honey badgers when he also has two brothers with no patience. Things just go from bad to worse when the badgers rudely ejected from his home turn out to be the only ones who can help him solve a family tragedy. He’s just not sure he can even get back into the badgers’ good graces. Since badgers lack graces of any kind . . .

Mads knows her teammates aren’t about to forgive the cats that were so rude to them, but moody Finn isn’t so bad. And he’s cute! The badger part of her understands Finn’s burning need to avenge his father’s death—after all, vengeance is her favorite pastime. So Mads sets about helping Finn settle his family’s score, which has its perks, since she gets to avoid her own family drama. Besides, fighting side by side with Finn is her kind of fun—especially when she can get in a hot and heavy snuggle with her very own growling, eye-rolling, and utterly irresistible kitty-cat . . .

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.

9/7/2021  Libraries... do you use yours?

Obviously! Are there people who do not?! Omg, who are these people?

Though sadly I never have time anymore cos it's a 15 min car ride to both. But I and S go to the bookmobile every week, though she is the one getting books ;) The English section in the book mobile is not exactly big so if I want something I request it sent there.

But yes, born and raised to love the library

9/14/2021 When does it become too late to comment on a blog post?

9/21/2021 Have you ever bought a book just because you fell in love with the cover? And did such book live up to it?

9/28/2021 Do you read 1 book at a time? or multiple? 

Carole's Monday. Dead and Breakfast

 

Author: Kate Kingsbury

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Title: Dead and Breakfast

(Merry Ghost Inn #1)

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy, & fiction    

Format: Audiobook

Published: January 10th 2017

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Melanie West is getting her life back on track after a messy divorce when her grandmother, Liza Harris, asks her to open a B&B with her. Together, Liza and Melanie purchase a purportedly haunted mansion on the Oregon coast and jump right into clearing out the cobwebs. But while attempting to remove wallpaper in an upstairs bedroom, the new B&B owners stumble upon a very real skeleton in their closet.

The police suspect the skeleton is that of the wife of the previous owner of the B&B, but no one in town seems to want to say much about her. As the inn owners try to juggle renovations with their own amateur investigations, their grand opening looms closer and closer--and a friendly ghost in their walls starts playing tricks. But it all comes crashing to a halt when a new body is found stabbed to death on the beach below the inn--the victim chillingly close in resemblance to Melanie herself.

It seems someone doesn't appreciate newcomers prying into the small town's past, and now it's up to Melanie and Liza to get to the bottom of these murders to save their business...and their lives.

Review:

This kept popping up as a recommendation for me so I caved and played this. 

We follow Melanie and her grandmother, Liza, who team up and open a B&B. They purchase a reported haunted mansion on the Oregon coast. While clearing out the cobwebs and attempting to remove some wallpaper they discover a very real skeleton in the closet. The police suspect the skeleton is that of the wife of the previous owner, but no one in town wants to say much about her. Things get worse when someone is murdered at the beach near the inn and the victim, oddly, resembles Melanie quite a bit.

Awwww this was fun. I adored Melanie and Liza. I also loved that puppers that they saved. What a great team. 

I loved the blend of the mystery and supernatural. It was fun. The ghost was a character in on its own. A creepy character...but he/she was fun. We think it is a boy, but we do not know anything about this ghost. Liza thinks it's a boy. She even gave this ghost a name. Cute! I hope we learn more about this ghost in the future. I feel like the ghost should've had a bigger role BUT maybe he/she will in future books. 

OOOOO that mystery was good. Totally didn't see that coming! The ended was great!!! BUUUUT it all makes sense thinking back on it. It was right there darnit. So good. OOOOO so good. 

There is a mini love interest for both Melanie and Granny Liza. It made me smile, but I was happy it didn't take over the plot. Curious to see if they end up getting together. That would be cute! Esp the cop. He was hot ;)

The narrator was a lot of fun. Her voices were great and fit really well.

Overall, what a great way to start September/Fall! A fun cozy mystery for fall. I can't wait to read/listen to more. Curious to see them solve more mysteries, learn/see more of the ghost, and maybe Melanie and Liza will find love! I'll give it 4 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #51 for Audiobook challenge

Best of August

 

Happy September everyone!

Here are our best of August!

Best Book of the Month:

Blodeuedd -The Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths

"Best book goes to The Night Hawk by Elly Griffiths. Yay, book 13"

Carole - Persuasion by Jane Austen  & Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs

"I'm doing two this month. One is my fav Jane Austen so OF COURSE it's the best but that is a re-read so that isn't really fair. The other one is Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs! It was so much funnnnn!"

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole - Falling Inn Love (2019)

"Such a cute and cheesy movie. Perfect for a lazy day!"

Blodeuedd - Nada this month

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - The Good Doctor

"I binged 3 seasons of The Good Doctor! Awesome stuff. As for movies, as always, no recall of anything"

Carole - Lucifer

"I am in love with this show so far! We are trying to catch up before the new season starts!"

Best Cover of the Month:

Carole - "For sure the best. Look at the colors and that dress!"

Blodeuedd - "Best cover. Cute"