Carole's Monday. The black swan of Paris

Author: Karen Robards

Title: The Black Swan of Paris

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 480

Published: June 30th 2020 

Where I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

Paris, 1944

Celebrated singer Genevieve Dumont is both a star and a smokescreen. An unwilling darling of the Nazis, the chanteuse’s position of privilege allows her to go undetected as an ally to the resistance.

When her estranged mother, Lillian de Rocheford, is captured by Nazis, Genevieve knows it won’t be long before the Gestapo succeeds in torturing information out of Lillian that will derail the upcoming allied invasion. The resistance movement is tasked with silencing her by any means necessary—including assassination. But Genevieve refuses to let her mother become yet one more victim of the war. Reuniting with her long-lost sister, she must find a way to navigate the perilous cross-currents of Occupied France undetected—and in time to save Lillian’s life

Review:

I wanted to read this last year when I first heard about it. Gotta love spies and WWII and sticking it to the Nazis. It's my turn to pick for book club so I decided to make everyone read this one ;) hehehehe.

Celebrated singer Genevieve Dumont is both a star and a smokescreen. She is an unwilling darling of the Nazis, but this gives her access to information to give to the resistance. When her estranged mother, Lillian de Rocheford, is captured by the Nazis for being a spy herself. Genevieve knows she doesn't have long to save her mother before the Gestapo succeeds in getting vital information out of Lillian. The resistance movement is tasked with saving or killing Lillian themselves. Teaming up with her estranged sister they must find a way to save their mother. 

My goodness, I felt so bad for Genevieve. Poor thing has had a bad time. Losing her child....losing her folks.....being forced to smile and flirt with nasty Nazis....and now it is up to her to face her past and save her mom.

We did have a romance here between our heroine and Max. They work together and had a fling a while back, but they find themselves falling for each other again. Honestly, I'm glad the romance didn't take over the story. Our main focus is Genevieve and her mission. I didn't like Max at all until near the end. I couldn't get over how he used her and dragged her into this crappy spy world. He does get better and actually proves himself. 

Now, I did struggle to get into this story. It took me until about chapter 4 or chapter 5 to really get into this. I'll admit I was confused by our characters. Who is who and what was really going on. It was a slow take-off, but once things got going I literally finished in just a couple of sittings then. So be patient with this...it takes a minute. 

I was on the edge of my seat for sure. I had NO idea what was going to happen!! ARE they even going to save Lillian? How? When? Who is going to survive!!?? Gah. I had to read this as fast as possible to find out. 

In the end, it took me a bit to really get into the story. It was a slow take-off, but then I couldn't put it down. I had to know what was going to happen. I enjoyed this and I hope it is made into a movie one day. If you are looking for a good WWII tale with spies and a sprinkle of romance. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Short movie review: Tolkien

The formative years of the orphaned author J.R.R. Tolkien as he finds friendship, love and artistic inspiration among a group of fellow outcasts at school.

Director: Dome Karukoski

Writers: David Gleeson, Stephen Beresford

Stars: Nicholas Hoult, Lily Collins, Colm Meaney

PG-13 | 1h 52min | Biography, Drama, War 

Well this was dreadfully boring. The only reason I watched cos it is Tolkien! I had tow watch.

Recommend.

NO

Good neighbors by Stephanie Burgis

Series: Good Neighbors (#omnibus)

Format: 182 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication: February 2, 2022 by Five Fathoms Press

Cozy fantasy romance

To review

This is four novellas made into a book, and it does work well. It is just like 4 different longer chapters.

It's an 18th century world with magic and monsters , well beings, but some do want to wipe out everything different.

And Mia and her father moves into a little village. She is different and had to leave. Her nearest neighbor is an annoying necromancer (who is also hot.) In the first story they are bickering. Then they have a mission. And then there is also drama at the end with those idiots who do not like different.

Sure things happen fast because they are novellas in the end, but it work because there is not specific time of events.

Mia was cool, she could make anything mechanic, and there is a hidden thing to her too. As for Leander, sure he is a necromancer, but he seems like a decent guy. And this is a romance too so they will grow closer.

As for the end, well everyone is happy for now in their crazy little village. But I would like more from this world because it is really interesting, and those evil guys are still out there.

Cool world, interesting story and romance promised too.

When a grumpy inventor meets her outrageous new neighbor in the big black castle down the road, more than one type of spark will fly! Mia Brandt knows better than to ever again allow her true powers to be discovered. Ever since her last neighbors burned down her workshop in a night of terror and flame, she's been determined to stay solitary, safe, and - to all outside appearances - perfectly respectable...

But Leander Fabian, whose sinister castle looms over her cozy new cottage, has far more dangerous ideas in mind. When he persuades Mia into a reluctant alliance, she finds herself swept into an exhilarating world of midnight balls, interfering countesses, illicit opera house expeditions, necromantic duels, and a whole unnatural community of fellow magic-workers and outcasts, all of whom are facing a terrifying threat.

Luckily, Mia has unnatural powers of her own - but even her unique skills may not be enough to protect her new found family and help her resist the wickedly provoking neighbor who's seen through all of her shields from the beginning.

This novel-length collection includes all four stories and novellas originally published on Stephanie Burgis's Patreon in 2020-2021: Good Neighbors, Deadly Courtesies, Fine Deceptions, and Fierce Company.

Audio review: One true loves

 

Narrated by: Joniece Abbott-Pratt

Series: Happily Ever Afters, Book 2

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Release date: 01-04-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

YA romance

to review

Lenore is an artist, but she is not really sure where her place in the world is. Yes she is going to NYU, but to study what? What does she want to be? And her family is constantly pressuring her. She has to do better, be better, because being black she will never get the same chance as others.

And we als get to see what that pressure does to her, and her brother. Though her kid sister seems to be a genius who will probably thrive under any pressure.

But besides generational pressure there is also romance. And a Mediterranean cruise!

Lenore meets Alex. The perfect boy (according to her parents), and she is so annoyed with him (I did not get why, like give the kid a chance.) So she is annoyed with him, they become friends, and they become more. But can she give him a real chance cos of heartbreaks in the past?  It was a sweet romance, yes every this is true love stuff.

I enjoyed it, it handled a lot, but it handled it well. I also got really curious about the first book where her friend finds her perfect one.

Good narration. She did well with male and female voices and it worked so well.

Lenore Bennett has always been a force. A star artist and style icon at her high school, she’s a master in the subtle art of not giving a...well, you know what. But now that graduation is here, she’s a little less sure. She’s heading to NYU in the fall with a scarlet U (for “undeclared”) written across her chest. Her parents always remind her that Black kids don’t have the luxury of figuring it out as they go - they have to be 110 percent prepared. But it’s a lot of pressure to be her ancestors’ wildest dreams when Lenore’s not even sure what her dreams are yet. When her family embarks on a post-graduation Mediterranean cruise, her friend Tessa is sure Lenore’s in for a whirlwind romance. But Lenore knows that doesn’t happen to girls like her.

Then she meets Alex Lee. After their parents bond over the Cupid Shuffle, she ends up stuck with him for the remainder of the cruise. He’s a hopeless romantic and a golden boy with a 10-year plan. In short, he’s irritating as hell.

But as they get to know each other during the picturesque stops across Europe, Alex may be able to help Lenore find something else she’s been looking for, even if she doesn’t want to admit it to herself: love.

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.

1/25/2022

What do you do when that pesky review makes you work for it?

I do not really have that problem, it is more that oh I should write that review! And then the clock is too much, and I leave it for another day.

I do not overthink my reviews. I write them in my own style. They are my thoughts as they are at that time. But sure if there is a really pesky one I just write, do not stop, do not think. Just write

Carole's Monday: Tea for three

Author: Melissa Crosby

Title: Tea for Three

(Mulberry Lane #1)

Genre: Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 264 

Published: September 12th 2020 

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Three women. Three cups of tea. Three new beginnings.

Sarah Gardner's husband went to sleep one night in November and never woke up. At forty-years-old, the new widow is left to care for their three children, all of whom are under the age of five.

Twenty-five-year-old Filipina, Kate Morgan, thought she had met the man of her dreams during what was a perfect summer vacation. Now married to the handsome American who had swept her off her feet, and over 8000 miles away from home, Kate soon realizes that her mother was right: vacations end and people change.

Louise Delaney couldn’t ask for anything more. At fifty-nine, she had enjoyed almost four decades of blissful marriage to Warren—may his soul rest in peace. But Louise’s seemingly perfect world is upended when she gets a visit from a sixteen-year-old who says she is Warren’s daughter.

Three exceptional women—each of whose hearts are broken into a million pieces—come together in this extraordinary tale of life, love, and true friendship.

Review:

This was a freebie on Amazon that I got last year. Finally decided to give it a read. 

We follow three women who have gone through a lot but they have found each other. They meet up and have some tea and talked about their issues. There is Sarah who's husband went to bed one night and never woke up. At forty she is left alone to care for her three children. We also have twenty-five-year-old Filipina, Kate, who thought she had met the man of her dreams. He married her and brought her home to America, but she soon realizes that he is completely different. Lastly, we have Louise who has been a widow for a few years. They had been married for nearly four decades. However, everything is about to upended when she gets a visits from a sixteen-year-old who says she is Louise's late-husband's daughter.

Am I the only one who struggled with this? *scrolls through Goodreads* It looks like the average is over 4 stars. SOOOO many 5 stars. Eeee. I seem to be in the minority here. 

Okay. I didn't hate this. I did like this, but I did have my struggles. 

My main issue was that I had a hard time really connecting with ANY of the characters. Not that they are bad. I did feel so bad for them and I wanted them happy....but I just couldn't connect.  The POV would change at the end of every chapters...maybe if we got more time with each of the characters? I'm not sure. Don't get me wrong I loved the whole 3 women...3 cups of tea....etc, but I would've loved more time with each character or something. 

Another issue I had was that the story-telling did feel a little repetitive at points. Things would be repeated multiple times. Made me want to skim especially near the end. 

Besides for those two big things...I did enjoy it overall. It was beautiful watching these women become unlikely friends and get each other through these tough times over a nice cup of tea. Of course it gave me a hunkering for drinking tea so I did find myself brewing some tea while reading this in the morning. ;) But yes, it was for sure a good chick lit and would make a great Hallmark or Netflix movie. 

In the end, I had some big issues with this and I found myself wanting to skim here and there. However....I did think this was a beautiful story of friendship and love. Sad things happen but having good friends can make all the difference. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Audio review: His lessons on love

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Release date: 01-25-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

Clarissa and Mars think the worst of each other. She is boring, he is too much. But we all know they will fall helplessly in love.

Mars used to drink too much, but he has gotten better. But then his ex mistress shows up and leaves a baby. Wow, what an ahole. She did not care one but, just left the baby and said she had someone new. Ugh. And he is so unprepared and rushes out to get help.

Which brings us to Clarissa, who just lost her job and behind her stands a bunch of scheming older women. She will help out as the nanny.

Stuck in a house with a cute baby, check!

There is more too, drama with an old enemy, his evil mother shows up, and lots of time for them to fall in love.

I enjoyed it. They had to work for it and he had to let go of some old grudges to be what she needed, and what he wanted to be.

Good narration. Distinct voices and easy to follow along with. It is Eyre after all, she is always great

Lesson number one: A man, even titled and handsome, cannot be careless forever.

The Earl of Marsden - better known as Mars to all - has lived his life by his own rules…until he is presented with a very big problem in a very tiny package - a baby girl, his daughter cast off by his ex-mistress. Mars won’t let his child be cast adrift, except he doesn’t know the first thing about babies.

Panicking, he turns to a woman for help. Not just any woman, but Clarissa Taylor, village spinster, matron-in-training, and Mars’s greatest critic. Still, who better to tend a motherless child than a woman who was abandoned as a babe herself?

Lesson number two: Life always plays the upper hand - especially when it comes to love.

Clarissa desperately wishes to not to be beholden to anyone. She has spent a lifetime being pitied by the village. Her plan is simple - to use what the intolerable earl will pay her to become her own woman. It all sounds so straightforward until the threat of scandal sends her and the one man she can’t abide toward...marriage?

Mars and Clarissa are about to learn the greatest lesson of all - that sparks always fly when the iron is hot.

Audio review: The Kindred by Alechia DOw

Narrated by: Dominique Moore, Amin El Gamal

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Release date: 01-04-22

Publisher: Harlequin Audio

In exchange for an honest review

YA Scifi romance

In a galaxy far far away a kingdom decided to pair up people so their minds connected. Which is disturbing in a way, like someone there 24/7. And almost all fall in love. Again, sure you know each other outside and inside, but almost all? Did they invent the best dating app ever? Sell it! Make some money.

Anyway, Joy is poor, Felix is a Duke. They are kindred, so they do love each other to bits, but have never met in person. Felix is a spoiled brat. Joy is hardworking and optimistic.

Evil space drama! Save Joy!

And Earth?! Rather disappointing, most boring place in the universe. But Felix and Joy likes it, so I guess it is ok then

I liked it, fun, a but of danger and romance. Since they do want to be together, but they are from different worlds. Literally.

Good narration. He really got Felix, that spoiled teenager who thinks he is all that, and well he is all that. A nice variation of voices. Same with the narration of Joy, she did well there.

They blended well

Joy Abara knows her place. A commoner from the lowly planet Hali, she lives a simple life—apart from the notoriety that being Kindred to the nobility’s most infamous playboy brings. Duke Felix Hamdi has a plan. He will exasperate his noble family to the point that they agree to let him choose his own future and finally meet his Kindred face-to-face.

Then the royal family is assassinated, putting Felix next in line for the throne…and accused of the murders. Someone will stop at nothing until he’s dead, which means they’ll target Joy, too. Meeting in person for the first time as they steal a spacecraft and flee amid chaos might not be ideal…and neither is crash-landing on the strange backward planet called Earth. But hiding might just be the perfect way to discover the true strength of the Kindred bo

Audio: The Henna wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

Narrated by: Priya Ayyar

Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins

Release date: 05-12-20

Publisher: Listening Library

YA fiction

To review

One of my audiobooksync books, and since I was out of books I gave it go.

Set in Ireland, which was refreshing for once. Not that we got that much Ireland in the end, lol.

Nishat is Bengali. Attends a Catholic school. And she is gay. So first there is always racial tension, since there are not many poc students. And then the whole school finds out she likes girls. She also has problems at home because muslims are not gay. This book tackles so much, like when there is a contest at school and she decides to do henna, but her Brazilian-Irish crush also decides to do henna. So then we got cultural appropriation too.

If I have to judge something, then maybe it is handling too much. It all works, it's just, instead of anyone learning or accepting things just happen. Her parents barely speak to her, and suddenly they are cool with it. She accepts that her school is a bit racist and homophobic and that is it. I know that that happens, but no one learns a thing. Not that is her job though. But maybe a focus on 2 out of 3 would have given more time for subjects.

Because now we have Nishat falling for Flavia, and maybe there is romance too ;)

All in all, it was a good book that tackled a lot of difficult subjects. I can't say if I have read a single book set in Bangledesh or with Bengali characters. It's always their western neighbors that you read about

Good narration. She did well with different characters and got tone and age very well.

When Nishat comes out to her parents, they say she can be anyone she wants—as long as she isn’t herself. Because Muslim girls aren’t lesbians. Nishat doesn’t want to hide who she is, but she also doesn’t want to lose her relationship with her family. And her life only gets harder once a childhood friend walks back into her life.

Flávia is beautiful and charismatic and Nishat falls for her instantly. But when a school competition invites students to create their own businesses, both Flávia and Nishat choose to do henna, even though Flávia is appropriating Nishat’s culture. Amidst sabotage and school stress, their lives get more tangled—but Nishat can’t quite get rid of her crush on Flávia, and realizes there might be more to her than she realized.

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.

1/18/2022

What have been your most fulfilling blogger/author interactions so far?

Author interaction *crickets*, I honestly do not know. I can not say that anything has stood out beyond other ones. Maybe one day I will have that fulfilling one.

Blogger interaction, but that is easy! All my blogger interactions are fulfilling <3

1/25/2022

What do you do when that pesky review makes you work for it?

Carole's Monday review: Changeling by Yasmine Galenorn

 

Author: Yasmine Galenorn

Title: Changeling

(Otherworld / Sisters of the Moon #2)

Genre: Fantasy, UF, Paranormal Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 304

Published: June 5th 2007

Where I Got It: My shelf (Friend gave me copy)

Summary: 

We're the D'Artigo Sisters: Half-human, half-Faerie, we're savvy--and sexy--operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But our mixed-blood heritage short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Camille is a wicked-good witch whose magic is as unpredictable as the weather. My sister Menolly is a vampire trying to get the hang of being undead. And me? I'm Delilah. When I'm under stress, I transform into a tabby cat--and a series of violent murders is really getting me bent out of shape...

Review:

My friend gave me book 2 a while back. Kept forgetting/running out of time to get started. Finally dusted this off and give it a read!

Camille was book 1 and now we have the next sister named Delilah. These sisters are half-human and half-Faerie. They work for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency and they are good at their jobs except that because of their mixed blood sometimes their talents get short-circuited. Delilah, when she is under stress, transforms into a tabby cat instead of a big cat. When a series of violent murders start happening, they need to get to the bottom of it. 

I adored Delilah. I liked her WAY more than Camille. Not that Camille was a bad egg or anything....I just really liked Delilah. Camille is okay but I get SO annoyed by her. She is so perfect and so hawt and all the men in the world want her. UGH. Annoying. Delilah is much more relatable. Yes, she is a hawtie...but it's not in your face. 

She does have a mini love triangle pop up, but you know one is just lust and the other guy she actually really wants to be with. The Fae do not play by mortal rules though....they usually are not a one-partner-type. Good for them, but UGH I would get annoyed about hoping the men play nice. 

Anyway....the mystery was good. It took me a while to really get into this. Things seemed to drag on and on though. I found myself wanting to skim a couple of times. But once the ball got going, I couldn't stop reading. 

Overall, I did have fun. It was slow sometimes, but I was curious and I liked Delilah a lot. I am interested in book 3 because I want to learn more about Menolly the other sister. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Audio: The highlander's captive by Mary Wine

Narrated by: Timothy Campbell

Series: Highland Rogues, Book 3

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Release date: 01-18-22

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

To review

The concept are usually similar, but i still enjoy them all. And this time around the heroine had it easier, cos some of them are sure made to suffer.

Annis had a crappy marriage, now she wants away cos her inlaws suck. But this is Scotland and they like to steal bride so she gets stolen so to say, and then saved (it's complicated). In comes Rolfe, clan leader, and now with Annis under his protection.

I liked that this clan was welcoming, cos all the evil clans in past books, yikes. Instead this one (ok not everyone!), but most were welcoming. She settled in, tried to figure out her next step, and fell for Rolfe.

I liked them, he wanted her, she wanted to change her own fate, and he liked that.

A nice romance, that brings some drama and adventure

I really like this narrator, and by now I have listened to lots of his Scottish romances and they are always good

Annis is a prize. Born of a royal blood line, the fact that she's illegitimate isn't really important. With her mother gone, her kin barter her and send her off to Scotland, where her husband's family is eager to see her produce heirs to their line with impeccable lineage.

Rolfe Munro is sick unto death of the topic of marriage. His marriage is one everyone seems to have an opinion of. So, when his father offers him the chance to escape the Munro stronghold for a bit, Rolfe happily takes the chore! But he knows it's only a brief respite. Duty is the other currency of the Highlands. He's the son of the laird, and he'll have to settle down or risk leaving the clan in a fight when he dies. Still, he's not ready to steal a bride. Even when his fool cousin takes one and needs rescuing. Rolfe isn't going to get involved beyond making sure his cousin survives. That's his plan. And it's a firm one. At least, until he lays eyes on Annis. Rolfe has seen his share of pretty women.

Annis is different. Her allure is something he can't put into words or ignore, it would seem. By the time he escorts them to his cousin's stronghold, all Rolfe is thinking about is how to steal Annis away.

Audio: Last dragon standing by Rachel Aaron

Narrated by: Vikas Adam

Series: Heartstrikers, Book 5

Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins

Release date: 03-01-18

Publisher: Audible Studios

Urban fantasy

Own

Have you noticed that I did not really have any review books in Decemeber, wink wink

Last time I re-listened I did not have time, I know! So this time around I did them all again!

Alas, this was the end. i am sad to see them go, I loved Julius and the gang. He was the nicest dragon in the universe.

My heart was in my throat a few times too.

Loved it

Best narrator

The Great Seer of the Heartstrikers isn’t the only one whose schemes are nearing completion. The Nameless End is coming, and even the machinations of the world’s most brilliant dragon seer might not be enough to stop it. As the world comes crashing down, it’s up Julius to prove what he’s always known: that seers can be wrong, and Nice Dragons don’t always finish last.

Audio. Five daughters out at once by Jayne Bamber

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Length: 13 hrs and 7 mins

Release date: 12-06-21

Publisher: Jayne Bamber

Austen variation

Own

I do like a fun PP variation, and here I soon realised this would be quite different.

Lady Catherine the Burgh was nice! Yes, I know I was shocked. She had suffered losses and now wanted to take the poor Bennett sisters under her protection as they also had suffered losses.

Mr Collins was still an asshat by the way.

But that is not what was different, no, there is to be a houseparty and suddenly a lot of other Austen men shows up. Mr Ferrars, Henry Tilney, Colonel Brandon among others. And even though this was pride and prejudice so manages to mix in Persuasion, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey for some Gothic mystery, and Mansfield Park. Very well done.

Lots of drama, new love interests, a Darcy that is really shy, a Georgiana who is writing a book, and a mystery.

A fun story since I never knew where it would lead me with all these new people in it. But at least one thing is constant. Lizzy will always get her Darcy in the end.

Stevie Zimmerman was a great narrator. Considering the cast of character she did well with different voices. You always knew where you had everyone. She was a really good fit for this book and made it truly enjoyable.

After the untimely death of their parents, Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters are left to make their own way in the world, and the dubious decision to stay at Longbourn until they are forced out leads to chaos and confrontation two years later, when their cousin Mr. Collins comes to claim his inheritance. Hot on his heels is his noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, a woman consumed by grief of her own after the loss of her husband and daughter in a terrible fire at her estate, Rosings Park. While her nephew Mr. Darcy is shocked by his aunt’s interest in the five orphaned girls, her niece Georgiana thinks it just the thing to soothe the dowager’s low spirits. Moved by the bonds of sorrow and a shared contempt of Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine offers the Bennet sisters her protection and assistance in society – and what better way to help them than to find them all rich husbands?

Much to her chagrin, Lady Catherine is not the only one to meddle in Meryton’s marriage mart – Richard Fitzwilliam joins her, at leisure to make mischief, Charlotte Lucas, now an heiress in her own right, has a secret of her own, and Georgiana Darcy finds herself inspired to write a novel that will document – and change – the lives of her new friends.

Tensions rise between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy as they both bristle at Lady Catherine’s plans – for very different reasons. Misapprehension and misunderstandings abound and plans go awry as the great lady rents Netherfield Park and hosts a horde of single gentlemen in possession of good fortunes, who must be in want of wives. Will the Bennet sisters find love and happiness? What other Austen heroes and rakes might appear in the once dull village of Meryton? Will Darcy and Lizzy overcome the obstacles of their own making?

TMST. Resolutions

 

 

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.

1/11/2022 Resolutions/words of the year - do you do them? What are they for 2022?

Nope, I mean I am sure I have thought of something some years, and then forgotten it the next day. So that would be a no.

Just trying to make to through another year

1/18/2022

What have been your most fulfilling blogger/author interactions so far?

1/25/2022

What do you do when that pesky review makes you work for it?

Carole reviews Harry Potter 20th Anniversary

Film Title: Harry Potter 20th Anniversary- Return to Hogwarts

Length:   1h 42m

Released: 2022

Genre:  TV special, Documentary
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: HBO Max

SUMMARY:

Cast members from all "Harry Potter" films reunite in a retrospective special to celebrate the anniversary of the first film, including interviews and cast conversations

REVIEW:

I wasn't planning on reviewing this. But I also planned on watching it LIVE, but didn't. Breaking all the rules, eh? 

The cast of the Harry Potter movies are back to chat and go behind-the-scenes. A reunion of sorts. 

I am so glad I didn't watch this live. From what I read on Twitter and other sources I guess there had been a couple oopsies. Like putting the wrong name on the wrong person. Yikes!!!

The producers when back and made the fixes before it was placed on HBO max for us non-livers who wanted to watch. I'm glad they made the fixes, but just WOW. They should've double-checked their work FOR sure. 

This really did bring the feels. It was awesome learning about some behind-the-scenes stories and seeing some clips that didn't make it into the films. It was fun learning about personal relationships between the cast. I also loved seeing them talk and just remember the good and the bad times. Like Rupert asked Emma why she thought about leaving the HP films. He had never asked in the past, so he thought to ask then.

I do wish, though, that we had a scene at least where everyone that could sat together at a table and had dinner. I get with COVID, I'm sure some of the actors probably didn't feel comfy, but I would've loved it. We mainly had maybe 2 or 3 together at most. Some solo interviews too. I thought it woulda been nice to see them all around the table like the Wesleys enjoying each other's company and some HP inspired food. Or something. 

Overall, this was a very sweet and fun documentary. I loved seeing all these familiar faces. I grew up next to these guys! It was nice to learn more about the people who played our beloved characters. 

I for sure recommend this. I'll give it 4 stars. 

The Free Bastards by Jonathan French

Series: The Lot Lands (#3)

Format: 539 pages, Paperback

Published: September 23, 2021 by Orbit

Fantasy

Own

I do not have a lot to say. Book 1 was amazing, book 2 was good, but yeah not great. And this one, I could not connect, I could not care, honestly I could not get into the world at all. And no idea why?!

So stuff happens, blah blah. war is coming, and it ended.

I was disappointed, and no idea why it did not work

The Hisparthan armies on the horizon are mighty, bolstered by divine champions, dread sorcerers, and gunpowder. It’s almost more than the half-orc rebellion can hope to repel. But Oats has won impossible fights before. He’s a thriceblood, after all, more orc than man. And he hasn’t forgotten how to kill. He’ll stack the bodies high for his chief and his brethren, if that’s the price of freeing the Lots from human tyranny.

Besides, the invading forces are getting a damned sight more than they bargained for. They’re not facing a handful of half-orc hoofs, but a true army—one forged from all the peoples of the Lots. At its head are Fetching, in full command of the ruinous power that runs through her veins, and Jackal, armed with the blessings of a dead god.

Yet Oats can’t help but find his faith wavering. Once the strongest Bastard, he soon realizes that in this battle, even the strength of a thriceblood is easily conquered. And after a grievous loss strikes, he begins to fear that this war will lead the Lots not to freedom but to ruin.

So when another path to peace beckons, he has no choice but to walk it. Even if it means betting the Lots’ fate, and his own, on the promises of the Bastards’ wiliest adversary—and making a perilous journey into the heart of Hispartha itself.

Audio: A dragon of a different color by Rachel Aaron

Narrated by: Vikas Adam

Series: Heartstrikers, Book 4

Length: 21 hrs and 25 mins

Release date: 09-12-17

Publisher: Audible Studios

Urban fantasy

Own

3rd time listening!

Book 4 done.

Amzing as always, how could it not be!?

Though I did get another book to listen to so book 5 must wait, but do not worry book 5! I will get to you too.

Recommened.

What are you waiting for?!?!?!?!?!?

To save his family from his tyrannical mother, Julius had to step on a lot of tails. That doesn't win a nice dragon many friends, but just when he thinks he's starting to make progress, a new threat arrives. Turns out, things can get worse. Heartstriker hasn't begun to pay for its secrets, and the dragons of China are here to collect. When the Golden Emperor demands his surrender, Julius will have to choose between loyalty to the sister who's always watched over him and preserving the clan he gave everything to protect.

Audio: Lying Mirror by Eve Langlais

Narrated by: Carly Robins

Series: Mist and Mirrors, Book 2

Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins

Release date: 01-04-22

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Fantasy

To review

This is really good, but I do confess confusing at times too. See, Agatha has some years uncounted for so as she is trying to figure it out, I am also trying to figure out how it all comes together. Not to mention that is is not Agatha either. Oh yes, quite the ride.

Agathe lives in a world that is getting overun by the mist, and in the mist there are monsters. But this books shows that who are the monsters really? And whose fault is everything? Everything is not as it seems to be.

With her she has her fellow sisters in arms, and Meric, her lover.

Though one thing that I guessed back in book 1 showed to be true. I can't say I am glad to say I was right. It was quite the shock.

It is such a fun book. Adventure, danger, some love, betrayal and monsters. I am really looking forward to the conclusion.

Great narration. She did a good job with keeping the book alive and making all characters pop

Despite her best efforts, Agathe didn't kill the King, but she did escape with something even more valuable. Stealing back her magic was a good start. Now, she must find a way to save the Kingdom from the rising mist and the threats within. The spells that used to protect are fading fast with deadly consequences.

After more than a century of peace, the monsters have returned to attack the towns and villages, but they're not the only danger. A sickness in the mist mutates everything it touches-except for Agathe. She's special. If only she knew how to use that to her advantage.Who can she ask for help? Who should she believe?

Maric, the King's most valued soldier-and her lover-wants her to return to the Citadel and join forces with the monarch who stole her magic once before. Then there's Zanir, a smooth-tongued liar who taunts her via a mirror. He promises her answers. Demands that she come to him so he can show her the truth. The fact is, both men want to use her, and the wrong choice might mean the end of Agathe-and the Kingdom.

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 are your blogging goals for the new year?

NO STRESS!!!!!

ENJOY :D

C'est la vie

1/11/2022 Resolutions/words of the year - do you do them? What are they for 2022?

1/18/2022 What have been your most fulfilling blogger/author interactions so far?

1/25/2022 What do you do when that pesky review makes you work for it?

Carole's and Blodeuedd's Best of the year Awards

 

Welcome to the BC Awards!!! Blodeuedd and Carole will be presenting awards to their favorites of 2021! 

Best Movie:

Blodeuedd's pick......DUNE

"Best movie of the year is Dune! Omg amazing and beautiful."

Carole's pick.......Fatherhood (2021)

"This has everything. Humor, tears, and joy. A must-watch."

Best Show:

Carole's pick.....Bridgerton (Season 1)

"This wins! I had a lot of shows I fell for this year, but this one takes the cake."

Blodeuedd's pick.....Shadow and Bone (Season 1)

"Who cares about whatever her name was, I can not even remember cos Ben Barnes people, Ben Barnes! OMG"

Best Book Cover:

Blodeuedd's pick.....Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

"Prettiest cover!"

Carole's pick......The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince by Jeffe Kennedy

"Had a lot of goodies....but this is the most stunning methinks."

Best Book:
Blodeuedd's pick...........Circe by Madeline Miller

"Best book of the year goes to Circe by Madeline Miller. I thought I knew Circe, I did not"

Carole's pick........Paris in Ruins by M.K. Tod

"This was a captivating story. It for sure is worth the read!"

Best Re-Read: 

Carole's pick......Persuasion by Jane Austen

"My favorite Austen forever. I loved the audio version just as much! This performance was fantastic!"

Blodeuedd's pick........Nice Dragons Finish Last by Rachel Aaron

"Oops, I am doing it again, but I am re-listening to Heartstrikers by Rachel Aaron, and if I have to choose the best audio I have to go with Vikas Adam!"

And that is the end of the BC Awards. I am excited to see what 2022 has in store for us!!